BigServ

I have so many questions as my date is approaching, I have a major vice, I love Beer. i feel it is a deal breaker issue. has anyone tried to have beer?

I just had my meeting to discuss the pre-op diet, what the surgery will prevent me from having forever, B12 shots for the rest of my life. protein shakes for the rest of my life. I am feeling extremely discouraged. I am not sure i want to go through with this

Awesome I am glad to know i can still have a beer, just have 4oz and cold is good enough for me

Well thank you all for your advise and information. I realize this state of mind i have entered is what is giving trouble. My addiction to junk food has really come more into light in the past five days then it ever has. I am not even scared about the surgery its self, it is more about the life style i live and wether i would run into regret. but I have seen nothing but happiness regarding this procedure. Today is my last day for solids, i will be going on pre-op diet going forward. any advise towards that?

The psych evaluation shouldn't be a concern as long you touched on the main subject, weight. did he ask the following questions and did you answer with with the response they are looking for: how do you feel the weight has affected your life? It inhibits me from living my life to its full and happy potential Do you feel that your weight has affected your ability to be happy? Yes Do you feel that you weight prevents you from exceeding at work? Yes Do you feel that if you lost the weight you will gain back you confidence, thus improving your quality of life? Yes Do you feel you will be able to cope with the loss of eating addiction? Yes Has the weight have any affect on your family? (individual response based off your family dynamic) They just want to make sure that the weight has emotionally affected you and the it hits on the key major factors personal mental health, Family, and your career. If you answered similar you passed I hope that helps

Thank you I feel better! You guys are awesome!0

I just wanted to follow up, I got approved yesterday. It has been a little confusing, because I feel nervous rather than happy. but, I am sure that is normal. I know my life is going to change in a big positive way and i am happy about that . I am looking up how I can start a video blog. so i will provide the link once it is up. Thank you for those who answered my questions and have provided positive encouragement. I start the prep op diet on September 22nd.

I haven't had the sleeve done yet still in the process, but, i thought the same which is why i didn't want to go this route originally. Then I thought how many times i sacrificed my well being, my happiness, my overall quality of life for food. So I began to tell everyone about what i was doing, facing my decision head on, That way i will began accepting the simple truth... I getting surgery to cure my disease, to save my life. Unfortunately you cant stop people from judging, but sometimes life can be funny, those who judge now will one day be looking for you for support when they choose the same path

I have seen some concerns regarding heartburn/acid reflux/ GERD after surgery but i have not seen whether or not this is a permanent side affect. The forum has plenty f info on how to relieve the pain by diet modification and meds but does it go away on its own? Thanks Serv

What my concerns are prolonged heartburn can cause "Barrett's esophagus" which is a esophageal cancer. I read that the valve in the esphagus is destroyed after surgery I cant find a documentation that states the valve regenerates the same as the part of the stomach the produces ghrelin (Hormone that give you hunger pain) regenerates after time

Wow...constant heartburn is not good has any of your doctors suggested if it will go away or that simply something you have to live with?

Just got word last Friday from Aetna that they declined the procedure, and that my Doctor has already made an appeal as of last week when he was informed. The reason was lack of documentation regarding 6 month doctor monitored diet plan. I consulted with Dr Gonzalez staff and they informed me that they request a p2p meeting with Dr Gonzalez to justify the medical need for the procedure. I have to say I felt destroyed all weekend. I began I diet plan in the mean time to help with my total weight loss. Any one go through the same issue?

My story is not any different than the majority of people out there with this affliction. I have also tried several different diets and failed. Once when I was in college I followed a diet that I pieced together that worked, I dropped 120lbs in 9-10 months. I was doing well, but after an accident I had a set back and found my self in a downward spiral that led me to gain all of it back and more. As I became older I found it harder and harder to get back on track. Life started to really kick in and I began to make compromises against my well being. I would make excuses for myself regarding right eating choices and physical inactivity. I would make last minute decisions to begin a drastic life style change, work at it for a month or two, fail, and then obsess about my inability to commit. I am fully aware that this state of mind is the real dark passenger, and some have the ability to overcome that obstacle and succeed. I have personally have struggled in this aspect, so I sought treatment from a nutritionist for guidance. The nutritionist recommended that I do the gastric sleeve procedure. She advocated that the procedure was the best fit to attain my goal of a healthy and happy life. I had never considered doing any kind of weight surgery. I felt it was too risky. I began to consider several factors in my life and realized that the nutritionist’s advice was sound. I spent several days researching and going through forums and YouTube posts, and finally I made my decision and met with Dr Anthony Gonzalez. I had convinced myself that the Lap-Band was the best option for me but after speaking with Dr Gonzalez he recommended the sleeve, he told me to do some further research but in the interim I would need to complete some requirements, so I did just that. During my time I found that the sleeve was safer and people seem to be very happy with the sleeve. I also found some individuals that had gone with the Lap-Band but then converted to the sleeve. Four Months later I have completed all my requirements and I am waiting approval from my insurance provider. I all goes well I will have achieved a healthy weight, be happier with myself, and look very good for my wedding day early next year.