former_vbg

Yes, actually most doctors require this. It's to make sure that your esophagus is healthy. I had one done and was found to have Grade C Esophagus. It's an inflammation of your esophagus. You can have inflammation there and not even know it. They typically won't do surgery unless there is no signs of inflammation, it will create other complications. I had to delay my surgery for 3 months, get rechecked and fortunately it was resolved but he would not have done surgery until it was completely cleared up.

The video shows "to go"

The point people are making with what you are referring to ugliness is that he came here looking for advice/ support, but all he really seems to want is a "free pass" that what he is doing to his body so soon out from surgery. For the most part people on this forum do not respond kindly to people who show such total disregard in this manner. His egotistical responses about being a medical student, refusing to acknowledge his responsibility in this process just makes it pretty clear he has no clue what he signed up for in having this surgery. It's a real shame, it really is.

I found this brochure online for that park. It doesn't list a physical address so I still have no clue where this is at, but thought I would share this anyways. I will try and call the # listed when I have time and maybe someone can tell me over the phone where this is at. http://www.lenexa.co...of_brochure.pdf Just now see in the bottom right corner they do have an address.... Black Hoof Park 9053 Monticello Road Lenexa, KS 66220

Some people do still report being hungry after surgery. Now, whether that is their head hunger talking, I don't know. The thing is if they don't figure out the difference between head hunger and read hunger, it's a moot point because they may not be likely to stick to the plan and eat stuff they shouldn't. Personally, from listening/ reading hundreds of posts over the past 2 years, it would seem to me that besides someone figuring out the difference between head hunger and real hunger is the technique used by the surgeon. I know there is a lot of differing opinions about whether the size of the bougie used really matters- but I really think it does. And, then to take that a step further... some surgeons sew a good way out from the bougie because they are afraid of the hour glass syndrome that they think might cause complications/ blockage. At the end of the day, (and I know you know this), people who have the surgery must make a commitment to a lifestyle change- period. It is a life saving operation, but it's still just a tool.

Family drama always SUCKS! I am so sorry you had to go through this, but it sounds like you are moving through this and still focused. It will get better. It's amazing how deaths in the families can bring out the worst in people. Although I would prefer to have a family that I am close to, the fact that I'm not, makes me so glad that I don't live close to them. Sometimes we just have to do what is best for us. Hang in there!

May I ask what you think of their healthcare in general? I only ask because at some point I would like to move abroad and S.America is one place I have considered. Good luck on your journey!

I'm just on the other side of the border (MO), can I come? I'm not exactly sure where where that is, but I'm about 30 min S. of O.P.

I haven't read through all the posts here, just now saw this thread actually.... NONE of my family know I had surgery. The closest relative lives 8 hours away and I did go back and see a few family members last Fall, they saw I had lost a fair amt of weight. I think I was weighing around 190 then... I am not all that close to my family and many of them are just so quick to make judgmental / critical statements about things they know nothing about. I have told a few close friends that I knew I would be able to count on for their support and this has worked well for me. There is only the HR person at work that took my paperwork that knows I had the surgery and that is it. When people compliment me on my weight loss and then ask the inevitable question, "how did you do it", I simply tell them that I cut out sugar and processed foods and focused on dense protein and vegetables. I am not lying. I am simply omitting that I had surgery to help me stay on that eating track. It's quite frankly none of their business. Yes, some would probably be very supportive if I told them about the surgery, but I am just not interested in taking the chance of backroom conversations that I would likely hear bits and pieces through the rumor mill. I'm there to do a job, that's what they pay me to do. It is a personal decision. But, I am also very private about everything in my life. I barely have a FB account only because a few friends insisted. I don't even use my real last name. Anyways, good luck with whatever you decide to do.

I researched ALL of the surgeries as I personally believe everyone should so they are making an informed decision. Yes, the OH site is another good place to read and see what people's experiences are. It's a very large site simply because there are dedicated threads for ALL of the different WLS. There are more surgeries being done than just the sleeve, band and DS.... just that the others are either still experimental, modifications of the main three or just have not had the same type of success as the other three and so are not well known. I also didn't want the complications of life long blood panels and such. Also, while the DS does tend to make it easier to choose less than healthy foods, it is also still a tool. I know a couple people who have actually regained weight on the DS surgery. It always amazes me when people have surgery and just assume they don't have any accountability afterwards. Good luck with your research. I applaud you for doing it, many do not.

Thank you for sharing that. I kind of suspected that I will feel differently in a year or more about my loose skin. I also need to do some things myself to help tone. I know that won't be the cure all, but it might help some. I also like the idea that I could save myself money by waiting this time out.

Was shocked when I saw the scale this morning- dropped 2# overnight. That's in addition to what I had already lost. Amazed, happy, ecstatic, all those adverbs!! This has been an especially stressful week with work and I think that is actually why I had such a large weight loss this week. I was recently moved under a new boss who has a history of having issues working with women, particularly direct reports. The last two women quit while working for her because of the problems. I fear I may have the same fate in the future.... Not a good way to lose weight, but I'm not going to let her drive me to my old way of dealing with stress!! Current weight: 124 Labor Day Goal and Final Goal weight: 120

Thank you, I do feel great! It's weird how I have to keep re-adjusting my mind with clothes and so many other things. Being ok with wearing form fitting stuff is nice just not something I'm used to. Thank goodness for spanx

As already mentioned, the type of carbs is very important. I might be one of those people might refer to as a "carbaphobe", but it has worked for me. Throughout my entire journey, I have really zeroed in on keeping my carbs as low as possible. Some days zero, others 10 to 15, but never higher than 30. That being said I have gone off track a time or two, but overall that is what I did. Oh, and as for milk- I can't drink it anymore. I've become somewhat lactose intolerant. I can handle some things, but something like milk I can't handle anymore.

I'm assuming your insurance is through your employer and that means that your employer gets to customize the plan. Often if you find you have less coverage than someone else with the same insurance company its because your company wanted to cut costs and that might be an area they chose to do so. Find out from the insurance company what they do or don't cover using the CPT code given above and then you should be able to get a straight answer.

Well, for the surgeons who care, they know. And, if they are strict about it, then, I would say there is a huge chance they would sew you back up and not do the surgery. You have to think about it this way. Some surgeons may see it as increasing their odds of liability for malpractice or surgical complications if this is something they believe firmly in. If you were supposed to be on the all liquid diet and don't follow it at all, they are going to know. Why take the chance? I was fortunate that my Dr. didn't have a pre-op diet.

Just remember we are here for you.

Having this surgery is the tool that will help you control your portion sizes and if you will stick to your Dr.'s eating plan which is typically HIGH protein, veggies w/some fruits- you will do just fine. This doesn't mean you can't have a treat once in awhile, or that you might not get off track. But, the key is for you to be committed to the lifestyle change. Understand what will be expected of you and you will do just fine.

Just a word of caution- not saying it applies in all cases, but check with your Dr. for your situation. When I was preparing for surgery, I had an endocscopy done as most people do. I had had heartburn off and on for years, but I'm really stubborn about taking medicine because I have such a gag reflex issue with pills. Well, when they did the endoscopy, it was found that I had Grade C Esophogitus (sp?) on a scale of A to D with D being the worst. It was because i was ignoring that heart burn feeling I was experiencing all that time. The surgeon wouldn't do surgery until it was healed. The issue aside from delaying my surgery was that it could have turned into cancer of the esophogus if it hadn't been caught. So, my point is that be careful about choosing not to take your PPI if you are still experiencing heart burn. Fortunately I was prescribed a dissolvable PPI tablet and I take it as needed which ends up being about every 2 to 3 days. Just food for thought.

I share some of the same challenges in terms of being single and feeling like being a hypocrite. I also have another perspective I wanted to share that I think you might want to think about. I had a different WLS 15 years ago, the gastric banded gastroplasty. I actually did pretty well, and about the 160# mark I met someone. I was in my late 20's and although I had dated some prior to that, it had been many years at that point since I had been in a serious relationship. I got immediately sucked in by all the feelings a person experiences when they have the attention of another person paying attention to you. I was feeling great with my transformation and all the attention I was getting. Here is the problem. He wasn't really all that overweight, a potbelly, but he had horrible eating habits. A few months into the relationship I did tell him I had had WLS, and expressed that I really needed to start eating better. I was constantly tempted around foods that were not going to help me stay on track. It wasn't that he wasn't supportive of ME doing it, but he had no intentions of changing his ways which in a way I guess isn't totally out of line. It would have been nice if he would have taken some steps to improve his eating habits while we were together, but he didn't seem all that affected by his poor lifestyle choices. Moral of the story, I ended up regaining about 30# in that relationship that lasted about 2 years. I'm not blaming him, but I'm just going to say that being around someone who doesn't share your same healthy lifestyle habits is like drinking in front of an alcoholic everyday. That's pretty tough, ESPECIALLY when someone is still trying to get to goal or even at maintenance. I have tried some online dating at this point, and although I'm not now due to my busy schedule- because of that experience I just mentioned, one of my criterias when dating is that it isn't about what they look like as much as their lifestyle habits. Ok, so logic says if they aren't at a healthy weight then their eating/ exercise habits may not be great which is quite possible but not always. I will not get in another relationship where the other person does not already practice healthy lifestyle choices. That doesn't mean I expect or even want someone who is a gym rat- that doesn't appeal to me either. Think about what you need to support you in your life goals and this should include your desire to reach or maintain your goal weight. It's not hypocritical in my opinion to turn down being in a relationship with someone who is overweight because I'm not turning them down because of their weight but because I don't think they are healthy for me. I hear periodically of situations where people start dating and they become motivated by that other person to become healthier as well. They have to want to do it for themselves or it won't last, but I guess I'm just saying don't be afraid to set your own standards and stick to them. I also concur with the others about just dating to have fun. You can find a way to slide into the conversation that you haven't been dating in awhile and just want to meet a bunch of people right now so that he knows up front that you aren't interested in getting serious. This way if he asks you out again, he won't automatically assume it has as much to do with his looks as it might be that you are out "shopping" around. Have fun with it!! I wanted to add one last thing here. I ended up regaining a bunch more later on, but because I had already regained approximately 30#, I got into a really bad pattern that I wasn't able to stop. Don't let this happen to you!

I might suggest for those of you who say you are able to eat more than 2 to 4 ounces at a time, especially if you are early out from your surgery is that you try to focus on eating DENSE Protein. That would include broiled chicken, tuna (very little mayo to mix it), steak, salmon, fish, etc... Try not to add sauces or other things that sneak in calories or carbs. Yes, it will make it "slide" down easier, but that's the point. If it slides down easier it is not going to keep you as full as long. You will then be less likely to eat stuff you shouldn't. Find some dense protein you like and try to make those things your first menu item.

I soooo feel your agony. I am struggling with the same issues. I have never even tried a bathing suit because of that. Batwings for arms, saddle bags for upper thighs, a droopy apron on my tummy. Yeah, putting on the spanx and nobody even knows, but I know. I don't know whether plastics will ever be in my future without robbing my 401k which may happen someday, but in the meantime I have to deal with the damage I have done with the roller coaster of dieting I have done over the years. Gain weight, lose it and then gain it back plus interest, gain weight, lose it, etc.... You will have a better day tomorrow!

Well, as of this morning just 7# til I hit my final goal ladies and gents! It's been weird but every # loss after 130# has just been surreal. I don't ever even remember seeing the scale in this series of numbers. It probably happened sometime in 6th or 7th grade. I steered clear of the scale for the most part as a kid. It would just make me more depressed and then I would go eat more. Pretty stupid, I know... I so love being thin!!! I so love wearing size 3/4 jeans, or 5/6 depending on the maker, size 8 petite business suits. Now where is that magic wand to make the loose skin disappear. *** KAZAMM **** LOL!!!

A word of caution though. Your insurance carrier will have a contracted rate for services that you receive which will help you, but I'm just going to share my experience so at least you have the information. I had my surgery down in Dallas, 2 overnights in the hospital, no complications whatsoever... Just the hospital bill alone sent to Aetna was a bit more than $83,000... that doesn't include the surgeon's bill, anisthesiologist, meds, bloodwork and all kinds of other misc. other things they came up with. The contracted rate with Aetna meant that my ins. company ended up paying I think it was right around $52K or $53K to the hospital bill. I don't recall about the others off hand. I used IN NETWORK hospital and doctors too. Now, if you have a maximum yearly out of pocket which you should, then once you hit that, it doesn't matter whether your surgery costs $1 MILLION dollars, BUT.... you need to sit down and write out a bunch of questions about this and call your insurance company. Document who you talked to, when you talked them, time, etc... I realize you are young, but no time like the present to realize the importance of CYA (cover your @ss). Ask the customer service rep for documentation either to be mailed to you or online links on their site that clearly outlines your responsibilities for payment. Have the CPT code (someone else might know it here) when you call so that you can be as specific as possible. I just hate to see you end up getting bills for several thousand dollars after the fact and then its too late to do anything about it. That would be a crushing experience!

You have some incredible life stressors fighting you right now. Coming here and posting what you have shows that you have hit a low for you that you want to change. Even though this is anonymous in the sense that we could talk about things so personal that there may be some friends we wouldn't even share this with, it still takes courage to admit it to ourselves that we need to sit up and take notice at what is going on. You might look into those resources that were suggested for elder care or the grandkids. I know that you enjoy being a part of their upbringing and that you feel you owe it to your mother for the things you do, but think about it this way. If you are burning the candle at both ends, who are you really helping in the long run? I know, you are probably saying, "somebody has to do it and if I don't, it won't get done". I totally understand. I periodically go through similar challenges in my own life. As for making time for you, just do your best to think how you can get some time for you. Can your daughter help with your mother since you are babysitting her kids? Try to find a way to put down your pride to ask for help and realize you can't do it all forever and it is affecting your health. I would think that if you had a family meeting with your mother and daughter to talk about how you can work through this that they would support you. Only you are the best judge of that. I just hate to see you suffer. I do have a question for you. If you eat dense Protein like broiled chicken, salmon, beef, etc (not in sauces), do you feel like you still have restriction? I only ask this because if you can to find a way to get back to dense protein first, veggies second and it can fill you that this might be able to help you from snacking. Working from home FT, and feeding young kids certainly presents its only challenges. I hope that some of the advice here can offer not just support for you, but maybe some ideas to help you find a way to put yourself first just once in awhile. Take care of yourself!