SC~Amanda

I think you are right....this is why my doctor advocates food addicits recovery groups to post op patients b/c we used food for so many other reasons than nutrition.

Not sure if this is in the rules or not, but I ate a spoon of all natural/no sugar added smooth peanut butter when I was felt weak.

I would say yes $2000 max out of pocket plus your $300 deductible. My hospital bill alone (no surgeon or anesthesia) before insurance paid was $49,000 My max out of pocket was $3000 and $750 deductible so in total it will be $3750.00

"I think that my whole paranoia about stretching out my stomach is that is isn't something that I can visibly see and control" Hello! I am about 6 weeks out so a little less than you but I would have to say there is a way to see and control how much you are eating and that would be to measure your food. Measuring is the only why to get an accurate calorie/protein count...eye balling never works unless you are VERY experienced in measurements. I really like these 1 cup prep bowls from pampered chef. They have the measuring lines on the side and each has it's own lid so you can measure & store anything. My surgeon said I should never eat more than 1 cup at a sitting; I can not get nearly that much yet but eventually maybe....http://www.pamperedchef.com/ordering/prod_details.tpc?prodId=9792&catId=123&parentCatId=123&outletSubCat=

I am scheduled to have my VSG June 13th. After many many months of consideration I have decided the VSG is the most safe and best option for me. I understand your concerns about the cutting but to me you are going to be cut regardless of which surgery you choose. With the band there is a strong chance you will need a revision surgery sometime in your banded life....I want to have one surgery and that is it....not go in knowing I will have to have my band replaced, fixed, or removed later in life. The plication is such a new procedure I do feel comfortable with it. A surgeon posted this in the plication forum in March...i was really alarmed by it and decided I would not have this done weather i got the band or not. Gastrectomies have been preformed for well over 50 years. I understand the fear of the cutting and removing of the stomach...I have dealt with that and feel this is the best choice with the best results. Good Luck with you decision.

Just ordered it! Great idea! I am looking into the nectar Naturals as well...they are not included in this variety pack but are sweetened with stevia instead of aspartame or sucralose. Thanks!

I would shave your legs :-) On my first appointment I was not expecting much, but they wanted to do an EKG which required putting some leads on my legs which I had not shaven that day. Generally, he will discuss the surgery options...see what your thoughts are...discuss your medical history, weight, any gastric issues you may have. The office should have told you if they were going to do blood work or any other tests. Really shouldn't be a big deal...just an opportunity for you and the surgeon to meet and learn more about each other...bring questions!

There is a forum for plication....I had considered this becuase my surgeon said it was a new procedure but when I started reading all the complications witht he band I became concerned...then I read this post and decided against the plication altogether:

Lookin' Good !

I had a call from my insurance saying I was approved within 2 days. I got a letter in the mail about 3 days after that.....However, it took my surgeon's office 5 weeks to get all the paperwork together and submit it to insurance....

You have an awesome surgeon! Good Luck!

What size bougie did your surgeon use? I am not sleeved yet but this seems drastically different from most people's experience.

I just subsribed to you! I started a channel about 4 weeks ago. www.youtube.com/amandaveggievsg Good Luck! I will be watching to see how everything goes :-)

here is the band to sleeve forum: http://www.verticalsleevetalk.com/forum/13-band-to-sleeve-revisions/

This first 45-60 mins is spent sitting and talking with the therapist about your history with food, family, mental health issues, etc. ; the next 60-90 mins is spent taking physiological tests that are 300+ questions. I had 2 tests one was 400 the other was 150 I think….that was what took the longest.

hello all! I am just waiting from my insurance to approve my sleeve and wondering yalls opinions.... My surgeon uses a 34 bougie; I currently have GERD due to H.Pylori which I am being treated for (should be gone in about 2 weeks). I am wondering what the general consensus is on acid reflux with a size 34 stomach. My doc said the small the stomach the greater the likelihood of acid reflux so he thinks 34 is a good mid point... Any thoughts?

good luck!

I have not been sleeved yet; but I have completed all my requirements just waiting on an approval from insurance. My doctor's office Southeast Bariatrics has a general WLS support group the 2nd Monday of even month in the evenings, but I have not found a sleeve only support group in Charlotte area....maybe we should form one? :-) Who is your surgeon?

I hope to be sleeved or banded soon. Where are you in SC?

hello! I am scheduled to see a surgeon for the first time a week from today. I am concerned about my H. Pylori. I was diagnosed and treated for it when I was 8 or 9 years old. I have not been treated again but I do still have frequent acid reflux (2-3 times a week). Has anyone else been diagnosed with H. Pylori had the surgery? What has post-op been like? Thanks! Amanda

I did ask the surgeon during the seminar but he just said we could talk one on one and generally there is an increased risk for ulcers. I will post a follow-up once I speak witht he surgeon on Wednesday. thanks for all the comments so far. Amanda

i am completely new to VSG but from what I have read you are not supposed to drink soda. Please explain :-) Thanks!