meghuffman

I have decided to have VSG. I have got the funds and have attended seminar, where I talked with the doctor. I have scheduled my initial appointment with him next Tuesday, 6/7/11. I know that I will have to attend a nutrition class and support group and will have to probably have a psychological evaluation. He might send me for a sleep study since I, more than likely, have Sleep Apnea. According to what I took from the seminar, these are the criteria I have to meet before I can have the surgery. So I'm really just beginning my journey. Anyone from the South who has had this or is willing to "buddy up" will be greatly appreciated! Meg

I attended a Seminar with Dr. Lee Schmit on May 21, 2011. I have my initial consultation with him on Tuesday, June 7. Has anyone used him for their surgery? I think he was the first surgeon in Alabama to perform this surgery and between him and his partner, they have done more than anyone else in the State. He seems great and I have heard nothing but good things about him. But, I'd like to talk to someone specifically who used him. Anyone?

I'm glad you discussed your faith because as someone who has always been a worrier, surgery is never something I have feared (this will be my 4th surgery, not counting other procedures for which I've been put to sleep) . My faith is that when it is my time to go, it is my time to go- whether I'm on the operating table or in my recliner. My surgery is Friday and if that is the day the Lord is going to call me Home, then even if I cancel the surgery, I will go another way. Having said that, I will tell you that I don't think any of us have gone through this and not worried about something. I've had several hiccups with pre-surgery things. I have never once thought that was a reason to cancel my surgery. Instead, I have realized that it have given me more patience and more strength, both of which will be blessings to have after surgery. Continue to pray and God will lead you to what He wants you to do. AND STOP READING ONLINE SURGERY HORROR STORIES! haha Much luck. I'll send up a prayer for you.

I am a smoker and have been for 20 years. I know that the surgeon I'm using requires that I stop smoking for the month prior to surgery and the month afterwards to aid in the healing process. I was wondering if any other smokers have had to meet this requirement and how hard it was for you to stop. Please don't reply only to tell me how bad smoking is for me. I know everything there is to know regarding how bad smoking is for my health. This is a choice I've made throughout the past 20 years of my life and I become extremely offended when I feel that I'm being judged for this habit. So, unless you can provide constructive support and/or advice related to my stopping smoking, please do not reply to this post. Thanks

Don't expect the E-cig the be like smoking the real thing because it's not! LOL It's bigger than a regular cigarette and because it's porcelein- or whatever it's made of, it doesn't "rest" between your fingers like a cigarette. It slips unless you hold it between your fingers below your knuckles, close to your hand. And you can tell they tried to make it taste like smoke, but it tastes like sweet smoke. It took me a couple of days before I could stand it, but I don't use it alot- the gum works better for me- and when I do use it, I play with it by twirling it around instead of holding it like a real cigarette. I do catch myself "flicking" it after I take a drag off of it and even "flicked" it out of my vehicle window when I first used it. LOL! My windows were down because it's hot down here and I was trying to get some of the heat out of my vehicle. Window cracked, "cig" in my hand, Habits are hard to break! Good luck!

Congratulations! I've never tried to quit before this and I'm hoping and praying that the cravings won't return after surgery. I've done pretty good especially since I had never tried to quit before and really didn't know what to expect. Keep up the good work!

Well, I've stopped, but am still using E-cigarette and Nicorette gum when I get a craving. If Nicotine is the problem, then I don't know what I'm gonna do. My surgery is this Friday, so I'm gonna try hard not to chew anymore gum or use E-cig between now and then. I was talking with my cousin who's a Nurse. She said that surgeons know when they have a smoker in the ER. When they remove the Intibation tube, the smoker will cough up gunk. My thing is this- I've smoked for 21 years. I'm still coughing up stuff so I'll bet that I'll do that after surgery even though I've quit smoking. I worry so much about what other people think. It's bothering me that my surgeon may think that I'm still smoking even though I'm not. I've been told not to worry about that, but I do. Even though the surgery will be over by the time I start coughing, it still bothers me that he may think that I'm still a smoker. Am I worrying to much about things that shouldn't matter? I've never been scared to have surgery and I'm really not worried about any complications. I have faith that my Surgeon knows what he's doing and whatever God has in His plan is what is going to happen. But I don't like to be fussed at or to be made to feel that I've done something wrong.

After my initial consultation, I was scheduling everything I needed to do on the way home from the surgeon's office. I got 3 appointments scheduled for the same day and have had a couple of other appointments scheduled pretty quickly. All of that has come and gone. I'm waiting for my sleep study, which isn't scheduled until July 25. I'll have to wear CPAP for 2 weeks after that and then attend a Nutritional class and Pre-op appointment with surgeon (hopefully I can do both the same day since they're out of town) then go on Pre-op diet for another 2 weeks. When I first decided to have this done and went to my initial consultation, I was thinking that I'd have this done at the end of July (I'm private pay, so I didn't have to go for months trying to meet insurance criteria). Since I found out about the sleep study, I've been assuming my surgery would be the end of August, but now the excitement is going away, giving me too much time to think. I got my loan from the bank and picked up that check last Saturday. Now, I'm waiting on July 25. I'm trying to take this time to eat anything that I know I'll miss- not eating more than usual, but eating at different places that won't be possible for a LONG time after the surgery and won't be healthy EVER after the surgery. I'm going to Memphis this weekend (yes, I'm an Elvis fan). When I get back, I'm going to start changing my eating habits. Having this long of time to do that may be easier to do a little at a time rather than giving up everything at one time. I'm also trying to take this time to think about things I'm going to change after my surgery. This is certainly more of an emotional thing than anything else for me. I know this is not going to solve all my problems. But I know that this is a tool and I need to learn how to use it. Right? I guess I'm just rambling here. Just trying to come up with a way to not lose the excitement I have had about the surgery. Is anybody else out there going through anything similar?

Thanks, y'all. I was very hungry this morning, but I ate yogurt and have been drinking Water. I was even able come in the den while my family was finishing their lunch. I'm determined to do this. I keep thinking, "Only 4 more days of this". Tomorrow will be crazy at work, which I like because the day goes by so much faster. I'll have things to keep me busy the other 2 1/2 days I'll be at work this week, so I'm trying to think of how fast this week will go by. I can't believe it's here. Once today, I thought, "Do I want to do this and stop eating the things that I have loved all these years?" The answer is YES. To know that I'll eventually be able to eat some of the things I love takes away some of the panic that comes from thinking I'll never be able to eat "normal" again. It's all about portion control and that will be the most important thing when the time comes that I will be able to eat "normal" again. I'm also excited to think that when that time comes, I may not even want those things because my taste and needs will have changed. I'm going to concentrate on doing what I'm supposed to do for my sleeve to heal and move through each stage how I'm supposed to. I'm also excited to know that my hunger will be gone after surgery so that while I'm still eating (or drinking) full liquid, soft foods, etc., will be easier. Thanks for y'alls support and for the insight to what I will facing this time next week. I'll keep y'all posted.

I haven't forgotten y'all. I've just had so much going on that I rarely get on the computer anymore. Less than one week to surgery. It will be Friday, 9/2/11. I started the pre-op diet yesterday and although I've done ok, I'm hungry. I was also really weepy earlier in the day and couldn't figure out why. I know that emotions will be all over the place, but didn't imagine this soon. Bryn, I too, took the past couple of months to enjoy things that I know I won't be able to eat for a long time, if ever. The only thing I didn't get that I said I would was Krispy Kreme donuts- with the light on! We don't have one here, so I was just never anywhere that sells them when I thought about it. I talked with my mother today and we talked about how this week is preparing my body for surgery and my mind for eating after the surgery. I'm not worried about after the surgery because I'm assuming I won't be hungry! That'll make not eating alot easier. My stepdaughters are here this weekend. And everytime they and my husband have eaten, I've gone to the bedroom. No sense in making it harder on me or tempting myself, right? I can't believe it's almost here. I'm trying not to expect anything so that I won't be disappointed if it doesn't happen. If it does, then that's more reason to be ecstatic. Such as, people keep asking me when I'll start losing and how much I should lose within the first month, etc. Although I've read that the average loss in a month is about 25 pounds, I'm not getting my hopes up that will happen. I know we are all different and I can't, and won't, base my weight loss on others' successes. I also have severe back problems. Most people are saying that I should be able to get off pain meds and have no more pain after I lose the weight. Because the back problems began when I was 140 pounds, again, I'm not getting my hopes up that losing weight will "cure" my problem or even allow me to decrease my meds. I'm sure this stomach I'm toting around isn't helping with back pain and losing 100 pounds will, I'm sure, help. But I don't expect a cure. If I lose 25 pounds the first month, great. If my back gets better, terrific. But I don't like to be disappointed. Does that make sense? Love to all!

Yeah, I know where Calera is. I come through there sometimes on my way to Birmingham. If you don't mind my asking, how much have you lost, how did you feel immediately after surgery, how long did it take you to feel "normal" again, what is your diet like now? I know this is alot of questions, but with my surgery in less than a week, these are the things I'm wanting to know now. Oh, and how often do you see him for post-op? Thanks, Meg

I started this forum and never replied back to it! SO SORRY! I wish I'd have kept checking it, but got busy with everything and forgot I posted this. BTW, I'm in Selma, Alabama. Ashley, I would like to know why you were thinking of changing surgeons and what you finally decided. I'm having surgery on Friday, the 2nd of September. I have faith in him as a surgeon and think he knows what he's doing with regards to this surgery, but I've picked up on a couple of things that have bothered me and would like to know what made you want to find someone else. Meg

My surgery is next Friday-9/2/11. I, too, am going through things I didn't expect to happen this soon. I've stopped smoking, which has not been easy. And I started my liquid pre-diet yesterday. I have been really weepy the past two days and didn't expect to be. My sister-in-law had the bypass several years ago and she was supposed to be coming over today to help me clean my house from top to bottom because I want to return from surgery to a clean, fresh house. She's in bed with a terrible sinus infection, so she can't come over, which I understand. But I was hoping that I could spend some time with her today because she is the only person that I"m close to that lives close enough to spend time with that can understand what I'm going through. I was hungry last night and I also really wanted a cigarette, but I didn't give in to either craving. I have been chewing Nicorette gum and using an E-cigarette. I also drank a glass of spicy V8, which curbed the craving of being hungry. I completely understand what you're going through. These forums have really helped when I have gotten down or had questions. Just keep your head up. The time for your surgery will be before you know it. I'm trying really hard to look toward the future and trying to remember that these things will go away. This time next month, I'm hoping that most everything will be routine for me. Good luck. You're in my prayers! Meg

I like your #2. Both me and my ex-wife in-law have put on weight, but I'm bigger than she is . She's so mean and I know she has made comments about my weight (because she's perfect, no matter what

I don't know HOW I forgot the one about sweating. I can be shopping in a store and break out in a horrendous sweat, where the back of my head looks and feels like someone has sprayed me with a Water hose. I have been asked in a Wal-mart bathroom (as I was sopping the sweat from my head with a paper towel) "Is it raining again?" I said, "No. I'm just sweating". It's SO embarrassing. My family wakes up in the mornings, thinking it's winter because my house is so cold!

Great idea! And the pedi thing is def a thing that I can relate to. If I was to start a list right now, these would be the things I wouldn't miss or would be glad to be able to do: 1) I want to be able to shop in the "regular" sizes and find clothes that are cute and trendy instead of "maw maw" clothes that I find in the Plus size section (which, by the way, in most stores has about 1/10 of the clothes to choose from). 2) I want to be able to walk past a store window or full length mirror and not see my "all gut and no butt" figure. 3) I want to shop for and wear bathing suits again. 4) I want to go in public (or to my hometown) and not be embarrassed at the way I look. Also, not have to be uncomfortable when people no longer recognize me. 5) I want to have my picture made again- especially at Christmas. This past year was the first year since my husband and I have been married (10 years next month) that we didn't have a picture made as a couple and with his children, as a family. 6) I want to have more energy and feel better. 7) I want to wear a pair of jeans that fit, tuck in a shirt, and wear a belt. 8) I want to wear my hair in any style- without trying to find one that "compliments" my double chin. 9) I want to wear sexy lingerie for my husband again. 10) I want my boobs to stick out further than my belly. 11) I'll be happy to save money on food. 12) I want to feel sexy. I'm sure I'll think of plenty more. These were just the first 12 to come to mind.

i haven't had my sleeve surgery yet, but I've had 3 surgeries throughout my life. For me, day 3 is ALWAYS THE WORST! Being tired, drugged up on pain meds (which cause me to get into a funk), and hurting from the surgery hits me EVERY TIME ON DAY 3. After that day, I start perking up. With some surgeries, that perking has been slow. And I know that with the sleeve surgery, I will be going through a major mourning period because I love food. Day 4 may be your "bad day". Just remember that you've been put to sleep (which make some people feel yucky for days), your body is going through major changes, and so is your mind. Like someone else said, think about the weight you're gonna lose. For me, I'll be thinking about Christmas pictures, which we take every year and this past year, I wouldn't have any taken of me with my family. Think of something that you have not been doing because of your weight and how you'll be able to do it soon! Good luck. You're in my prayers!

Hey. I know that each surgeon has their own Pre-op Diet, but can anyone give me an idea of what that diet includes? I'm hoping to go to my Nutritional class (the last thing I'll have to do prior to surgery) on July 6th or 20th and know that I'll get Dr. Schmitt's specific diet at that time. But, I was just wondering what is generally in that diet.

I live in Alabama, so heat is nothing new for me. But this sweating is. Like you, I have low thyroid and don't know if it's related to that or some of my meds. But I sweat ALL OF THE TIME! I've even had a woman in Walmart ask me if it was raining because I was in the bathroom wiping the back of my head with a paper towel. My hair is short, but I've recently had the back of it shaved close to my head, thinking people at least wouldn't be able to see the sweat if my hair was gone (this is really the only place I sweat). At work, I have a fan on my desk, but if the air conditioner is not at 70 degrees or below, I burn up. I'm backed up on some filing, but when I go in that room (which is hot to everybody), I pour sweat. I'm a Social Worker who is the Family Planning worker at the Health Department. By the time I get home from work, you'd think I was a consruction worker- makeup off my face and my hair looks like I just woke up. It's embarrassing! Trying on clothes makes me pour and I'm always embarrassed to have to go the counter to pay because by then, I'm soaked. I, too, hope that this surgery helps with this. I freeze my family in the house because I stay hot! Thing is, I used to never sweat and would have to be given Water and sports drinks in school since my body wouldn't cool down by sweating. I guess I'm making up for lost time!

Please don't tell me that's what happens. I already have the "all gut and no butt" syndrome. I can't lose much more in my rear!

So far, my schedule looks like this: Wednesday, 6-15-11: consult for sleep Study at 10:15 (in B'ham) Saturday, 6-18-11: Support group in Birmingham at 1:00 Tuesday, 6-22-11: bloodwork with GP at 8:30 (in Selma) psych evaluation at 2:00 (in Selma) appointment with GP to clear me for surgery at 3:15 (in Selma) The Sleep Study unit is going to put me on "the cancellation" list so I can, hopefully, have that done soon. After that, I'll have nothing more than the Nutrition class and the pre-op visit with my surgeon, which I'm planning to schedule for the same day. The Nutrition classes are held on Wednesdays, and the dates available in July are the 6th and 20th. I'm hoping that I can get everything done in time for my appointment to be on the 20th (and certainly the 6th, if possible). I'm trying to plan as many things as I can in one day to keep from taking any more time off from work than I have to. As I was looking at my "schedule" today, I thought, "this is a lot of time off", but it's really only a day and a half. I'll go back to work after the sleep study consult since Birmingham is only an hour and a half from where I work. I can be back at the office after lunch and work half a day. I'm also thinking of going in after my bloodwork is done and leaving at lunch, so I can get in a couple of hours, at least. If I have my surgery at the end of July, I'll only have 65 hours of accrued leave time. That doesn't count the time I'll be taking off for these appointments. So, I don't want to use any more than I have to. Thanks for letting me "talk" all of this out.

Thanks to everybody for your support and your honesty. I have a friend who had bypass 6 years ago and she smoked like a chimney before her surgery and never quit. She healed fine. I, too, have had 3 surgeries since I've smoked- the first was a tonsillectomy and the last surgery was for my sinuses. All the ENT told me was that the surgery wouldn't help my sinuses 100% if I didn't quit. I used to work at a residential treatment facility and they used to test the boys for nicotine after their home passes. It went through my mind that the surgeons office could do a urine test to check for nicotine, but I didn't really think a Surgeon would do that! I could've lied about several things today. I could've gotten out of the Psych Eval by saying that I don't take anything for depression or anxiety. I also could've gotten out of the sleep study by saying that I have no symptoms. But, I was honest because I didn't want a lie to keep me from having a trusting relationship with my Surgeon. I can't believe that kellyw74 was treated like that because she smokes. I think that's a type of descrimination. I was messaging someone the other day about this and I just get so tired of being treated like a second class citizen because I smoke. I know people who don't smoke get offended when others do. But I get offended when people get drunk and obnoxious. I get offended when people make out in public. And as a Christian, I get extremely offended when people blaspheme God. But I bet people who do these things weren't told they had to stop their behaviors in order to have this surgery. I was going to be referred to a new Endocrinologist, but he wouldn't accept patients who smoke. I know Pulmonologists who treat smokers, but an Endocrinologist woudn't? I know that smoking is a terribly unhealthy habit. But doctors should take the time to educate- not preach at, fuss at, or refuse to treat those who smoke. Again, thank y'all for the support. And thanks for letting me get up on my soapbox and vent for the night!

Thanks for the advice. I work for the Health Department as a Social Worker and you're right. They do have options to help people stop smoking. Sad thing is, I would've not thought about that unless you mentioned it! I talked to my the Surgeon today about it and he was very supportive. My smoking is not a "deal breaker", but he explained the reasons why I needed to quit in relation to the surgery. He suggested the "electric cigarette" which gives you nicotine, but does not have the carbon monoxide and other harsh chemicals. It even lets you blow steam like you're blowing smoke! That may be the route I need to go because it is such a habit for me. Thanks again for the response and advice.

I had my initial consult with Dr. Schmitt and everything went well. He talked to me about my smoking and encouraged me to quit, but didn't say that it was deal breaker. I definitely want to take this opportunity to quit, but I feel better knowing that if I slip, my surgery won't be cancelled. I have to do the following: psych eval, sleep study, support group, letter from GP saying I can go through with surgery; blood work, nutrition class; pre-op appointment with surgeon, surgery. My surgeon is in Birmingham (about an hour and a half away from home). On the way home, I called and scheduled my Psych Eval, which will be Thursday at 4:00 pm. I also left a message at the local hospital for someone to call me back to schedule my sleep study. I then left a message for my GP's nurse, telling her that I need a letter from doctor saying I can go through with surgery and need bloodwork. I asked that she call me back and let me know if I have to make an appointment with doctor, or if he will just type up the letter and let me come by and get labwork done. I'm planning to go to the Support Group on 6/18/11 since they are only held once a month. I don't wanna wait until the end of July to go, since I can't schedule my Nutrition group or pre-op appointment until after everything else has been completed. I asked how long this process would take and was told that if I have Sleep Apnea, it will be "at least" a month and a half. She said if I didn't have Sleep Apnea, it could be sooner. I'm not really sure why the month and a half if I have Sleep Apnea. If I go ahead and have the sleep study within the next week or so and have to be on C-PAP for two weeks (which I've heard can happen) prior to surgery, I could still get that done before a month and a half. I don't know. I'm just gonna try to get everything done ASAP. He didn't talk to me about the pre-op diet, but the paperwork had information about it. I'm assuming that he will go into more detail during my pre-op visit. Well, it's been a day. I had a car wreck 3 1/2 years ago and am still waiting for Workman's Comp to get me medical attention for a shoulder injury. Since I see a pain management doctor for my back, he's been trying to give me some relief in my shoulder. This morning (before heading to Birmingham), I got an injection into the front of my neck. It wasn't pleasant at all and since then, my right arm has felt really week. So, I'm gonna quit typing for now. I appreciate all the prayers and support. I'm hoping that if I have to make an appointment with GP, I can do so this Thursday before Psych Evaluation so I won't have to take off from work another day. I'll keep everyone posted!

My insurance company won't pay for the Sleeve and won't pay for me to have any type of weight loss surgery. One of the criteria is that you had to have had a BMI of >35 with co-morbids or BMI of >40 for the past three years. I don't meet this criteria, so I'm paying for it out-of-pocket. At first, I was kind of upset. But, since they don't pay for the Sleeve, I'm glad that I don't meet their criteria for other types of surgeries. That way, I was able to choose what surgery I wanted instead of having to settle for one just because insurance paid for it. I seriously was considering gastric bypass, but when I attended the Seminar, I knew the Sleeve was for me. It's a good thing I changed my mind- and did so before I found out the cost, which lets me know that I'm making the right decision. But, the Sleeve is $14,000 and the gastric bypass is $26,000! The hospital used by my surgeon has raised the cost by $10,000! Which if I was really set on the Sleeve, I would have gone somewhere else. But, no. I only have to meet my surgeon's criteria.