Caliblonde

I'm turning 31 this year. Totally cracking up at the comments about fashion trends coming back. I was just talking about plaid coming back the other day. I remember begging my mom to buy me a plaid shirt when I was a senior in high school. Oh the memories...

I was told by the Kaiser physician who saw me before starting my weight loss classes that I was going to "have" to have a RNY. I explained to him that I had major concerns regarding having to take vitamins for the rest of my life, dumping, etc. etc. etc. He told me that I was going to have to come up with a "really good argument" for having the sleeve when I spoke to the surgeon. After that meeting I was scared that the RNY was going to be my only option since apparently I didn't have a "good enough" reason for wanting the sleeve. Then met with the surgeon who agreed with me and told me that in his professional opinion the sleeve was the best surgery for me. He explained why and everything. I wanted to cry I was so excited. I am so happy with my decision and absolutely cannot wait for my surgery!

Hi to all the Californians! I'm currently living in Rancho Santa Margarita, CA (in Orange County). Anyone know of some good support groups in OC? I went to one at Kaiser but wasn't happy with it, I would like to see what else is out there. Thanks

Dr. Taller is my surgeon as well. I haven't gotten my date yet though. So excited for you!

I'm having trouble giving up the carbonation. I drink Caffeine Free Diet Coke all the time and have to give it up before surgery. I'm trying to replace it with decaf iced tea, water, Crystal Light, but it's not the same. I am hopeful that after surgery I won't want it anymore... it sounds like from most people's experiences it won't be an issue.

Another thing you might want to try is changing masks. I got two masks, one is smaller and the other a little bigger. I was using the smaller one and woke up with the worst facial pain, and marks that wouldn't go away for hours. Last night I swapped it for the bigger mask and woke up this morning feeling so much better! Maybe something for you to look into. Let me know how it goes!

Congratulations, hearing stories like yours make me even more excited for my upcoming surgery! I can't wait to see your pictures

Congratulations! I haven't had my surgery yet, but hearing about your amazing weight loss is very inspiring. I'm very interested to learn about what other people are doing for protein. Thanks for posting about the nectar sampler, I'm going to try to order it next week!

I just started using my cpap two nights ago. I am very curious to hear the answers to your questions. I think I can answer #3...for me the sweet smell is fabric softener, but I'm not sure why it's so overwhelming right after I take the mask off.

So sorry to hear about your insurance problems. If I were you I would talk to you primary care physician and/or your insurance company. As for the office that said they don't take your insurance anymore, maybe you could work something out with the insurance company that they will reimburse you for the costs or something since they were the ones who told you to go to that surgical group. Don't give up! Good luck!!!

I have to get my cpap on Thursday. I have borderline-moderate sleep apnea and have to use the cpap for 2 months prior to surgery. I'm sort of anxious about it, I found that I slept better with the machine, but don't want to need it at the same time. Can't wait until I don't need it anymore! How do you know when you're ready to get rid of it?

Hi Everyone, I am 30 years old and am preparing for the gastric sleeve surgery. I just had my pre-op appointments today and am waiting for a surgery date. The surgeon told me that they are scheduling for March, 2011. It's been such a long journey already! I started this process in January 2010 after thinking about having wt. loss surgery for several years. It wasn't something that I initially wanted to do, but the glaring reality of the situation is that I can not lose the weight without help. At my highest weight I weighed 444 pounds. Since going through the Options classes through Kaiser, I have lost 26 pounds! My current goal is to be under 400 pounds before my surgery date. I was very excited to find this forum, it's going to be so helpful to hear from other people who have had the gastric sleeve. Here's to a very happy New Year filled with new adventures!

Thank you so much for all of your kind words. I know this site will be a fantastic source of support!