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My resources come strictly from BP and RealSelf and educating myself through other websites. Reading the experiences of other members helps me to know what to expect, if any, when I get my WLS. As far as a surgeon goes, I just went with who my PCP referred me to and after looking him up, he's a great doctor; great reviews. I don't think I'll join any support groups outside of online communities simply because I get loads of information and motivation here.

Status updates are back!

My sleep cycle was all jacked up for the first week once I was back at home. I had a prolonged stay at the hospital due to some complications so the continual wake-up calls every 2-3 hours for 6 days wrecked me. For the first few days at home I would wake up at 2 a.m. and then just be up from then on. I didn't do anything special to get back on track. Just took my body some time to get back to normal, but it did after a few days. It can be frustrating but it'll get better!

Yes!! Definitely feels like I'm pregnant again. Super cautious getting up and sitting down. Stomach very bloated. Had surgery 2/17

After about a week my swelling went down

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.

At this point, this app is my primary source of info. I no longer attend support group meetings as the subject matter became redundant after a few years.

To break my stall, I upped my calorie intake. I was actually eating ice cream and still losing weight.

I noticed the same thing.....

Congrats that is wonderful can't wait to be in your spot having surgery