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I had my surgery over six years ago, but the resources I utilized are all still relevant for anyone having WLS today. The only exception is probably how I chose my surgeon. At the time, VSG was still considered experimental in the US and my insurance would not cover it. My daughter is a gastroenterologist and did not want me to get a Lapband or bypass because of the complications she sees. As an RN myself, I wasn't too keen on either of those procedures, either. She consulted with colleagues in the bariatric community and they recommended VSG with Dr. Ariel Ortiz in TJ. Made for an easy decision, was a great experience and I had an easy, pain free recovery. After surgery, my main support came through emails with my surgeon, my daughter, my friends, husband, local bariatric support groups and a therapist. I was the only VSG patient in the support groups for a long time, but for the most part the struggles are the same no matter what surgery you have. My friends and DH helped smooth the way and My therapist was instrumental in my long term success since most obesity issues are psychological, not physical. i saw my therapist for about 3 years and attended group support for 5+ years. Due to personality incompatibilities within the group I quit attending and turned to online forums like this one only recently. Glad I had "real life" support when I was a newbie, but the online community provides me a rather interesting touchstone to the bariatric world at this point.

Day 8 post op. Am doing well but today I have been snapping at everyone. Not hungry but want to taste food and devour everything. Hubby is making egg fried rice with prawns and some lovely fish on side for him and my son and I feel so angry that I cant have it. I am having a lovely glass of milk which I love but today I just want food in my mouth. My daughter is out to dinner and when I asked her where she is going she said she is actually scared to tell me lol. Hopefully tomorrow I wake up in better mood Mandi xx

Captain, you know that was not a good decision, so don't dwell on it, instead let it be an opportunity to have you refocus on the process. Remember, surgery is not meant to be a miracle cure, but rather is a tool to help you change your lifestyle. All the preparing has brought you to this point, but the journey continues. Over the next year, you should be concentrated in maintaining and creating healthy eating habits. Find alternative healthy solutions and start with those. Have a discussion about this with your Nut and Psych as well as your doc. You may also see if there are any sleeve support groups in your area. You can do this!

Kiki, I had to weight two months also for insurance. Visited with my doctor he told me to maintain for two month. I was close to being a diabetic, father passed away of heart problems, 3 half sibling were diabetics and none over weight. My doctors convinced my insurance that it was best to have surgery. 1 year out this month. Lost 100 lbs, jogging 4 miles a day, passed my goal weight and feeling wonderful. Best thing I ever did. Outlaw hope you are doing well. Know you can get thru this and will be better for it!!! Keep up the good work. Kikib85 keep us posted.

Persuasion is my favorite too.

I used to chew gum all the time. However, I was definitely advised against it on my post-op plan. For me, I made some lifestyle changes in conjunction with the surgery. I figured the risk of swallowing gum and causing problems with my surgery (and the time energy and money invested )was not worth the temporary pleasure benefit of chewing a stick of gum. Because of that I'm OK with not chewing gum and can have a happy life without it by focusing on other things. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

I don't know, but I tell EVERYONE about my surgery. I told family. Friends. Coworkers. I tell literal strangers on the street about my surgery, if weight loss or exercise comes up in conversation. I obviously am not ashamed of it, or my need for it, and I think it's really important to tell people about it so it's something heard about in regular conversation -- so that it becomes normalized, and not stigmatized.

I had the band put in 2010 in illinois.. I had issues within 2 years port pain nerve pain upy neck severe reflux. 11/22/16 this awesome Dr.down here in San Antonio took my band out and sleeved me all at the same time. I am 3 months out and I have lost 75 pounds. Your pain isn't bad at all and you will feel awesome

Me as well, not sure what it will be Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App