BABEwiththePOWER

It seems like there's a good amount of time before people get back to their normal selves... am I crazy to think I can recover with a 3 year old and 5 month old to take care of all day???

Hi everyone, I'm still in the process of getting insurance approval, and have appts on the books to consult with 2 different surgeons...so I'm on my way to making this happen. During this process, I've been doing a lot of self-reflection, and therapy, etc. and I'm trying to cover all my bases emotionally. I know that the surgery will lead to weight loss, one way or the other. However, I also know that I will have to follow a strict diet and exercise program post-op to see results. So, the question is, why can't I do that now? Without going through surgery? I've been on dozens of diets and lost hundreds of pounds...and gained back hundreds more. I'm tired of the cycle, and I look at my mom and aunts, and even younger sister, and see all the things I don't want my life to look like. I'm young, I'm only 31, but I have 2 kids now, and I want to be an active, healthy mom for them, and a hot, sexy me for me. I'm so over this whole "fat" thing, and it has never felt like the inner me matches the outer me. Really, I know for sure that at some point on the other end of this (post-op), I will say to myself "what the f@#* did I do?!" and "why couldn't you have done this without cutting yourself open" ... So the question is, did anyone else feel this way? And how did you get past it? I know that even if you could snap your fingers and have a lean, skinny physique, that doesn't fix the mental/emotional piece of how you got there in the first place, and how you couldn't fix it on your own without extreme intervention (surgery). So, once I'm hit with that issue post-op, I'm not sure what I'm going to do with it. All I can venture to guess is, that from a more confident place (having lost weight and feeling better about my physical self), I'll be in a better position to deal with the emotional stuff that may come up? Believe me, I'm perfectly clear on how I got here, emotionally, physically, genetically, etc. But I struggle with the question of "why can't I fix this myself?" why do I need surgery as my catalyst? Any insights you may have are GREATLY appreciated. Thanks, E

Thanks so much for all your thoughtful responses. I'm just trying to figure out what my "problem" actually is. I don't believe it's volume, i believe it's bad choices and bad timing. Right now, I am lucky if i have anything to eat before 1pm...I know I know, that's insane and really bad for me. Then, when I eat, I'm usually desperate and make bad choices (drive thru, carbs, etc) I usually have a pretty good dinner if I cook, but if I don't have time to cook or we're out all day, etc... then it's takeout. I don't really eat alot, i just sometimes eat poor food choices. I'm not sure if the sleeve will cure that issue. The other issue I have is exercise. I don't do it. The logistics of getting to the gym or going for a walk with 2 kids is just past the point of conceivable for me. It's not really hard, it's just hard enough that I don't do it. How will that change after VSG? Argh. I'm lost.

I'm still in the beginning stages of this journey, but I've met with my surgeon at a round table info meeting, and I've been reading through these forums when i can...and I've decided it's definitely what i want to do. I just have a few specific questions re: food post op- 1. What (if any) alcohol consumption is allowed? Will i ever be able to go wine tasting again? Or have a martini on a night out? 2. Are carbonated bevs allowed? I'm a fan of diet soda, but i coukd live without it if need be...just curious. 3. Are there any other "never again" foods/drinks post op? Thanks for your help

Agreed. I am very grateful to be in a place where this is an option for me. I'm sure dr Cirangle will be great...and who knows, maybe i'll benefit from a "no-nonsense" approach good luck with dr jossart, I've heard great things about him too!

I'm still working out the insurance angle...but I can self-pay if need be. The hidden fees are lame, but at least that doesn't speak to his surgical abilities I've gone on yelp and health grades.com and it seems there are a couple of bad experiences, but for the most part, people are happy. About his sometimes lackluster bedside manner, One woman put it well by saying "I'm not going to a surgeon to hold my hand, I go to him to save my life" ---well said I think.

Ok, i just checked back on this string, and now I'm panicked! I met dr cirangle a couple weeks ago and thought he was nice, and very knowledgable...but now I'm freaked by the comments on here! Why is he so terrible? Has anyone had a bad expience with him personally? Maybe illl add another post...

Thanks for the info! I'm on an iPad, so i think I'm on the "mobile" version of the site, and don't have a search box for some reason ill get on my laptop and go through all the archives on the topic. Thanks again!

I'm seriously considering the VSG surgery, but my son is only 3 months old, and I plan to nurse at least until 1year. Is this even possible after surgery? With the small caloric intake, how does it work out? I really don't want to put off the surgery if and when I make the decision to do so, but obviously, the health of my son is more important than anything...so if I have to wait, I guess i will... Has anyone else breastfed right after surgery? And while we're on this topic, has anyone gone through pregnancy after surgery? Thanks

I have looked into Dr rabkin in SF, and am attending a meeting for dr cirangle tomorrow. Both were recommended by patients. Dr Rabkin (paclap.com) is more about the DS procedure, but also performs revisions and sleeves. Dr Cirangle (lapsf.com) seems to be on of the pioneers of the sleeve surgery...his name came up in studies I've read. I haven't hears of the Dr you mentioned- are you kaiser?

I'm considering this surgery after researching all the bariatric surgery options. It seems it has the least amount of side effects, a great initial weight loss, and a decent long term weight loss. It all sounds really great, but I need to hear the "dark side" of it all, before I make the decision. I need to know the worst of the worst before I move forward with this plan. A little about me, I'm 31, 5'10", 280lbs. my BMI is 40. I've just had my second child 4 months ago, and my post-baby weight is the same as my pre-baby weight...which, as it happens, is the weight I've been for the last 6 years. I've always been an athletically built girl...never super skinny...but at my best shape, I was a size 10 and weighed 170. I also didn't have 2 kids, a husband, and a career, so it was a little easier to take care of myself. Weight problems run in the family; my mom and younger sister are both morbidly obese, as are all the women on my mom's side of the family. No one really sticks to a diet or exercise program, they just like to complain and blame their lots in life on their weight. I'd like to break the cycle while I'm still young, and can enjoy an active lifestyle with my family, etc. I feel like the surgery could give me the boost I need to lead a healthy, active, confident lifestyle I so desperately want. BUT, I'm concerned about the post-op world I'll live in. Here are some questions I have: 1. since you can't eat much, is your energy really low? I have to take care of 2 kids, so low energy is not too appealing 2. will you ALWAYS only be able to eat small amounts? Or, will your stomach stretch back to normal size eventually? 3. once you get past the first few weeks of liquid and soft foods, what dietary restrictions are there in your normal, day-to-day life? 4. I've heard you can throw up if you eat too much, what other physical side-effects can I expect post-op? 5. any regrets??? Thanks in advance for all your feedback. Some days I think this is the best idea ever, and other days, I think I'm crazy to consider it... just looking for answers either way at this point.