Kassie B.

I'm having the most frustrating time trying to find local support groups as required as part of my pre-op process (and I desperately WANT a long-term support group in place before I go ahead)... my surgeon's office, located in Bethesda, has a list of 3 or 4 support groups in that area, but that's a bit of a commute for me (not a long one, mind you, but in DC area traffic, I want to stroke out every time I have to drive there. LOL)... I'm having to go back and forth for these appointments, so it'd be nice to have a nice, relaxing support group locally. I found info for one online, but I e-mailed the lady and she said they stopped having it when they lost their location, and everywhere else is exclusive to their own patients... not a general support group. So, does anyone have any ideas? My worst case scenario is that I'll just go to one of these others on the surgeon's list. No huge deal... I'd just rather stay closer to home with this one, given that most meetings are in the evenings...

I'm at the very beginning of my journey to a possible VSG. My husband is active duty Army and we have Tricare Prime insurance. The Tricare website says that they cover gastric bypass, gastric stapling and gastroplasty to include vertical banded gastroplasty and laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding (Lap-Band surgery). Would I be correct in assuming that VSG would be the same as vertical banded gastroplasty or gastric stapling?? I have yet to contact my PCM and discuss referral options in my area, so I'm literally at the VERY BEGINNING, but I thought this would be a good place to start asking questions. Thanks in advance!

I am thrilled... my nutritionist gave me some recipes for ways to choke down the protein shake, and the first one I tried is MONEY. OMG, it's so good... so I thought I'd share... 2 Tbsp creamy peanut butter 1/4 c. powdered milk/powdered soy protein 1 packet sugar substitute 2 ice cubes 1/2 soft banana (I used a whole small frozen banana) 1/2 c. water Blend until smooth. YUM YUM YUM.

I, too, have yet to be sleeved, but I've heard and read a lot about relationship issues after WLS. My husband and I don't have the most solid of relationships... there have been many instances of "virtual unfaithfulness" (as in, chatting with other women) and there are DEFINITELY trust issues there. We have sought therapy, which was merely frustrating for us both... we're both such prideful, stubborn people that we can't even agree to disagree. LOL! BUT, he does support me getting this surgery... he knows that it's what I need to be happy and healthy... and if we make it on the outside of it all, we make it.

I love reading everyone's responses to this... great topic! I haven't been sleeved yet, but I've been considering it (or some other form of WLS) for 10 or so years... I have known a lot of people who've gotten one form of it or another, and had great success... but ultimately, I've always been afraid. Before I learned about VSG, I was simply too afraid. I didn't want the "gut rerouting" of bypass, and didn't want a foreign object in my body with the band... so I've always wussed out. Also, I think I was kind of waiting for a doctor to just mention it for me... I wasn't aware that they often wouldn't recommend anything of the sort... BUT... a plethora of things finally came together, making me realize that this IS for me... 1. My daughter, who is on her way to overweight, was diagnosed with a thyroid condition, but not severe enough for medication. The doctor said to me, "You know, you could BOTH benefit from diet and exercise." 2. My son (who is 4) said, "Mom, you have a big ole butt!" followed shortly by, "I love your two stomachs" (referring to my dual rolls. Ugh) 3. My grandmother, who was always heavy, died last year after battling heart disease and ultimately kidney failure... while her weight didn't CAUSE her heart condition, it certainly didn't HELP it... and while she was 82 when she passed away, I refuse to battle MY ENTIRE LIFE like she had to... 4. I have high blood pressure. I'm pre-diabetic. I can't breathe when I exert myself hardcore... no sleep apnea, thank heavens, but... I could see it going that way. SO, here I am... in the pre-op stages of the good ole sleeve. I'm learning so much from all of you, and thank everyone for sharing their experiences!

I'm not sleeved yet, but I live SORTA in the vicinity (Frederick)...

I'm with everyone else... ALSO, I think you SHOULD continue to go... I mean, yes, you're putting money in the pocket of a virtual hypocrite, but... BUT... you'll be shoving it IN HER FACE that not only was it a great decision for you, but you'll look AMAZING... strut your stuff, girl. Be snobby and rude to HER every time you see her... it'll feel amazing, I bet.

Looking good!

Congrats on getting this far, and Godspeed on the remainder of your journey! I'm like you... I've been considering some form of weight loss surgery or another for the last 10 years... now, I'm finally on my way!

Congratulations!! I don't ever remember being in a size 12, although I'm sure I was as a kid... you're an inspiration!

I, too, have PCOS, but have yet to be sleeved... since PCOS is usually caused by weight, I am not surprised that WLS will improve or cure it altogether... I wish you luck! I've been through the ringer in the mommy department, but am so grateful and blessed with two children... there is a bright spot!

How scary! Please know she's in my thoughts and prayers! I hope some of the more experienced people here can offer you some actual support/guidance... Good luck to you all!

You look fantastic! Great job, and keep it up!

Thanks, everyone... I'm not eating a lot of lettuce, so I know it's not that... I had read that some people react to an abrupt change in diet (adding a lot of protein suddenly) could cause tummy uproars, but was of the impression it'd be constipation like you guys have said, not the other... I spoke with my PCM today about it and she said that everyone's different, but to give it a week or two and see if it persists... I've been fine yesterday and today, so... here's hoping I've already adjusted. Thanks for all the input!

I am doing so well eating properly, but off and on for the last few days, I've had diarrhea... stomach cramps and loose stools... Immodium doesn't touch 'em. I've been taking Vitamins, eating fruits & veggies, too, & staying hydrated, but I was just wondering if it's the change to such high Protein eating... I'm sure I'll adjust, but I figured I'd ask the pros.

I am like you, but I've recently discovered Crystal Light "hunger satisfaction" (strawberry-banana) flavor... I've been pleasantly surprised in how non-munchie I feel!

The bariatric program I'm going with here in Bethesda requires 3 nutrition appointments prior to surgery, and I got the 1st out of the way yesterday. I've lost a total of 6 pounds since starting the diet a week ago, which is entirely encouraging... I'm 35 pounds down from the dreaded "highest weight ever"... I'm really stoked and motivated...

Good luck!

I joined this group some time ago, as I was in the thinking phase of deciding on VSG... and now, I'm doing it! I still have quite a way to go, but things are now happening so fast in the pre-op phase (sleep study, GI, nutrition, exercise therapist, etc.) all in the next few weeks, so I'm anxious to see how quickly I'll get a surgery date, but I KNOW to expect some lag... All-told, though, I'm doing great. I'm already doing the pre-op diet as recommended & have established an exercise routine, and have lost 20 pounds in the last 4 months. I'm pretty stoked! Anyway, just wanted to say hi & I'll definitely be around more often now that we're getting to that point!

Thank you, everyone. We don't have an MTF right here where I am, but there should be some rather nearby as Dawn suggested. If there's a wait, that'd be just my luck. Rita, I'll call you in a few days... or early next week.

I'm new here! My name is Kassie. I'm a 33 year old housewife and mother. I've been overweight most of my life, and have been considering different forms of WLS over the years, but have never had the courage to finally step up and ask a doctor's advice. Yes, I've been labeled morbidly obese. Yes, they've told me to lose weight to improve my overall health and eliminate my high BP and pre-diabetes. Never, however, have they recommended WLS. That's been a bit frustrating... part of me wishes one would just recommend it. I think I could maneuver through the journey easier that way! The fact is, I've known lots of people that have undergone WLS and had great success. Unfortunately, my parents have known a few that have not done so well... they've known a few that have died or gamed the system and gotten surgery without real necessity... so the stigma of those few failure stories have haunted my parents. Yes, I'm a grown woman... but I also care an awful lot about what they'll think. I live in Maryland now and they're in Texas, so I could conceivably "hide" the fact that I got the surgery, but... I'm a weenie. I don't like lying. I look forward to the information and encouragement offered here, and appreciate any and all advice you can bestow upon me!

Thank you so much, guys, for your words of encouragement! I know with the right information, my parents will get on board... they just worry, I know, and knowing that this *isn't* gastric bypass and *isn't* lap-band just might send them over the edge. I'm compiling my data now!! I plan to speak with my PCM soon.