apw0

Hi Kelly...When I had my EGD, my doc also did a biopsy, because he said that I had an "inflammation" at the base of my esophagus. He just wanted to make sure that everything was ok. It turned out to be something called Barrett's esphagous. I was sleeved on 4/4, and at that time, my doc said that it's nothing serious, but I do have to keep an eye on it, and that I would need to have an EGD each year for the rest of my life. And like the other posters, most of the population has a hiatel hernia, so try not to be overly concerned. I hope this helps. Annette

Personally, I think it's the fear of the unknown. I'm sure that part of it is that they are worried about you, but the other part is that people have a hard time with change. They are used to you being the "heavy one", and that's about to change. They will be way outside of their comfort level, and it's difficult for them to handle. My insignificant other was very angry when he found out that I was getting VSG instead of the lapband. He didn't speak to me for several days. I reminded him that I have supported all of his boy-yoing schemes whether I felt that he was right or wrong, because it was important to him. So after about a week, he told me that I had his full support, because it's more important for me to be healthy. Hopefully you're family will come around. Won't it be funny when they see you next time, to see the look on their faces. They will be like !! You handled them so well, and I think that I will have to take a page from your book, and if the nay-sayers rear their heads again, I will tell them the same thing. Hang in there, and don't lose your focus.

Try the Atkins Advantage pre mixed Protein shakes. They have 15g Protein, and they are pretty tasty.

I'm on Day2 of my 5day liquid diet. I'm not really 'hungry', because I'm doing lots of protein. But I do miss the crunch of something. One good thing out of all of this, is that I now know what 'head hunger' is. So if/when it happens after my surgery on Monday, I will be able to recognize it. I walked into whole foods yesterday, and decided that I was going to cancel my surgery, because I really wanted to just eat! Well, I got myself together, and realized that it was just the food aromas beckoning to me, and that's how I got this way in the first place. I just came out with my puree soups and almond milk. I also mix a sugar free carnation breakfast, with a scoop of vanilla whey protein, a cup of 1% milk, some ice cubes, and a tsp of almond or vanilla extract. I blend it all up, and it's quite yummy. So I can honestly say that I'm not hungry, but I miss food. I thought I had gotten it all out of my system, because I completed my bucket list Monday night. But as I tell myself every single hour.....this is a means to an end, and the beginning of a brand new life. That's the only thing that's going to get me through the next 3 days. And I'm so thankful that it's only 5 days, and not 10 days, or even 2 weeks. And I'm also thankful that I don't have to do a bowel prep the day before.

I was very excited to see this thread. So thank you ATL girl!! I will be getting sleeved on 4/4, and I'm also the primary cook for my family. Remember growing up, there was always that one house that everyone went to for parties, and good food and drink, and just an all around good time? Well, that house is my house. I can't tell you how many phone calls I've gotten, wondering how my surgery was "going to affect them". I would love to say that it won't be a problem still doing all of the cooking and hosting the parties, but from what I've heard, my sense of smell may not be the same, and I may not be able to tolerate some of those former aromas. Nevertheless, I look forward to hearing about everyone's journey, so I can learn from all of you. Annette

You aren't alone. I did the same thing, but I called it a 'Bucket List', rather than a farewell tour. On Saturday, we got a pizza from this pizzeria in doylestown, PA, which happens to be the best pizza I have ever put in my mouth. And then yesterday, I made a Red Velvet cake from scratch, and tonight, my entire family went to golden corral for dinner. So as of tonight, my bucket list is complete, and I start my pre-op liquid diet on Wednesday, for my surgery next Monday. We've been home for at least 2 hours, and I am still stuffed! But you know what??? I'm completey done. I will never be this weight again, and I will never be this unhealthy again. So in actuality, I can say that Wednesday will actually be the first day of the rest of my life. When I graduated high school, I gave one of the graduation speeches, and that was the title of my speech. I didn't know then, how prophetic that speech would be, some 34 years later. Wednesday will not only be the first day of the rest of my life, but Wednesday, I start LIVING!! Pizza from my favorite pizzeria: 12.76 Dinner with the family at an all u can eat buffet: 62.22 Knowing that I'll be able to ride bikes with my grandkids this summer: ABSOLUTELY PRICELESS!!

I too, have an issue with the protein, and I haven't even had my surgery yet! But today, I stumbled on a concoction that I didn't gag on. I got the vanilla flavored whey protein from CVS, and I had a chocolate, no sugar added Carnation instant breakfast. I took the carnation, added a scoop of the protein powder, added 1 cup of skim milk, 3 ice cubes, and 1/2 tsp of instant coffee. I blended it all together in my magic bullet, and I really enjoyed it. You may also want to try different different flavorings, like vanilla extract, or banana extract, or whatever flavor you like. I'm sure it's difficult, but as everyone else has said, you need to try as hard as you can, to get your protein in, and not become dehydrated. All the best to you, and please keep us posted. Hang in there!!

I have Empire BCBS/PA. I didn't necessarily get approval from them. My doc's office said that they are authorized to do the sleeve as an outpatient procedure, but more often than not, the patients stay at least overnight. If I make the decision to stay overnight, they told me that the oweness is on the hospital to get the approval. I don't know if that really helps, but I thought I would share.

It could possibly be a ceroma. I had the same situation in my incision, after I had my hysterectomy. Definitely call your surgeon as soon as possible.

That is absolutely incredible news. Congratulations to you and your family. I wish you a happy and healthy pregnancy. Smooches to you!

How are you feeling, and more importantly, how much weight have you lost since your surgery?

I received a call on 1/27, from Toni from the Bariatric institute, and she asked me which surgery did I want to have. She said that she needed it, so that she could submit it to my insurance. I told her that I wanted the sleeve. She said ok, and she would probably give me a call early the next week. Well, the very next day she called me, and she said that since they can do the surgery as 'outpatient', that they didn't need to get a pre-cert. She went on to say that even though 99.9% of the patients stay overnight, once I have my surgery, it will be on the hospital to get the authorization for me to stay overnight. Long story short, my surgery date has been scheduled for 4/4/2011. I'm a little concerned about it being so far out. Granted, I could use the time to gather information, and get into a support group. BUT....I don't want to have to wait 2 months. I supposed I really shouldn't complain. My first appt was on 12/17, and in less than 4 months, I have a surgery date scheduled. I'm going to see if I can get it moved up, but we shall see. I am also scheduled to have my final Pre-Op visit, on 3/14/2011. I will also have to attend some sort of Pre-Op class, that same day. Apparently my daughter has called all of her friends, and they plan to have a huge 'Pre Surgery' party for me, mid March. She plans on having all of my favorite foods, and we are just going to eat, and drink, and party like it's 1999. I'm also a huge baker, and the cook in the family, so I'm sure there will be lots of carbs around. I used to wear this cat suit in another lifetime, and I could never quite bring myself to throw it away. How about she plans on the cat suit being the guest of honor? When she was younger, many of her male friends used to come to our house, just to see me in this cat suit. And my boyfriend used to lose his mind when I put it on. Everyone is very excited about the prospect of seeing me in this cat suit again. I'm scared, and nervous, and I've changed my mind at least 1000 times. But without a doubt, I know that this is probably the best thing that I can do for myself, so I have to concentrate on that. I'm mad as hell at myself, because I started smoking again. I had quit for 4 MONTHS!!! I don't know what I was thinking! So now, I have to start all over again. Of course, I'm not smoking as much as I was, but even 1 is too many. So it's back to the drawing board. But trust me.....by the end of February, I'll be smoke free once again. I'm determined to get 100% healthy in 2011. I did find out that I'm pre-diabetic, and my doc tells me that once I have the surgery, that will no longer be an issue. And of course, I will no longer be on high blood pressure or cholesterol meds anymore. What I'm really looking forward to, believe it or not, is buying new panties. Oh....and being able to ride a bike with my beautiful grand kids. They would love that, and so would I. I bought this beautiful pair of shoes about 4 months ago. They have a 4" heel. Sadly, they are still in the box, because I just can't wear them. I refuse to send them back, because by the end of the summer, it's my plan to be able to rock those puppies. I guess that's about it for now. My daughter and her children live with me, so I need to go clean the kitchen from dinner, and help Mia with her homework. We're about to get this huge ice storm, so my daughter went to the grocery store, so we wouldn't have to worry about not having enough food. Plus, my grandson has bronchitis, so he will be home tomorrow. I feel kind of bad for him, because he's a big boy, and loves his mom mom's cooking. It's going to be a very rude awakening for him, when the menu changes. He's getting to be a very big boy, and he's only 11, so this change will definitely benefit him. I'm going to start incorporating the changes slowly, so hopefully, he won't notice. I want him to be healthy also. So it's going to be a win/win situation.

Hi Camille.....I am so sorry that I didn't see your post before today. I must say, I've been wrapped up in my own little world. Well, we didn't have the party, and that's ok. To be honest, I really wasn't looking forward to it. I have always been a very confident woman when it came to my appearance. Since I have gained all of this weight, I'm not happy at all, and the less people that see me, the better. So how are you doing? Did you actually get a date yet?

So I went to my pre surgery appt yesterday, and they also require you to attend a surgical/nutrition class. (They also have you take a test at the end of it. hmmmm) I'm listening to the NP, and she's going over everything that will happen during surgery, and your first nite at the hosp. She talked about the central line, and the tube that will go down your nose and into your stomach, and all of these things will be with you when you wake up. She also talked about the possibility of having two drains, and how they will be sutured in, and you will probably go home with them, and they will be removed at your 1 week post op visit. I don't know if I'm having a case of nerves, but I just feel like the VSG is a lot more invasive than I realized. I think I'm having the 'what if's' again. Am I just getting cold feet? I'm really starting to feel like I want to just back out of the whole thing. I feel like I'm being a big baby, and I just need to stop it, and get it together. Or maybe I'm just concentrating on the worst case scenario. I'm starting to think that maybe this is a case of just too much information.

If the band slipped when you had it before, why would you do it again? You have the best testimony for the sleeve, and that is your best friend. From what I have heard and seen, most people that have the sleeve, are incredibly happy with the results, and their only regret is that they didn't do it sooner. Talk to your friend, and you may want to seek out a support group. That will really be helpful to you.

Thank you all so much for your support and encouragement, and especially for keeping me grounded. I may need a bit of medication right before the surgery too, but I do feel much better about it. I've had a host of surgeries in my adult life, and each time, I had to be opened up. Comparatively speaking, this will be a walk in the park. I also went to a support group meeting last night, and they said the same things that everyone has been saying here. So.....here I go!! I've got 18 days before my surgery, and then I'll be on the loser's bench! YEA!!!!! So thanks again everyone. And I'm so glad to have all of you be part of my journey.

April 4th for me. I start my Pre-Op diet of all liquids on 3/30.

I need to chime in too. My brother called me the other day, and he was concerned that I would stop cooking wonderful meals for him!! He said that he knew that he was being totally selfish, but it was still a concern. But the absolute worst has been my significant other. He's very, very angry with me, because I told him several months ago that I was getting the lap band. I purposely didn't tell him that I was getting the sleeve, but he overheard me telling my daughter. He absolutely flipped!! I tried to reassure him that I've done all the research, and that I just didn't feel safe with the band, and that this was better for me because it was permanent, and I wouldn't have to worry about having a revision done if it didn't work out. Needless to say, he didn't want to hear that. I already have my own fears and insecurities about this surgery, and now I'm really starting to doubt my decision, as you are. The bottom line is that you are the one that needs to make this decision. Not your mother, or your brother, know what it's like to be inside of your body. Nor can you live your life for them. YOU have to do what makes YOU comfortable, not what makes others comfortable. Sometimes you just need to tune out others in your head, and go with what your heart tells you. I wish you all the best, and please keep us posted!! Smooches!

I just looked at the calendar, and I realized that in exactly 4 weeks, I will be getting sleeved. I know it's the best thing for me, BUT.... Yes, I've changed my mind about 177 times just in the past month alone. I know I'm doing the best thing for myself. I have so much pain in my back, that I have trouble just walking around the house. So getting this weight off, and getting this pressure off of my back, is a #1 priority. But still, I'm so nervous, and I'm finding that I play the 'WHAT IF" game with myself. You know...what if I don't make it through the surgery? What if I develop a leak? What if there is some other horrible thing that happens? I guess really, the list goes on and on. Cheryl P. gave me some really great suggestions about cleaning out my cabinets of all things that I can't eat after the surgery, and replacing them with low fat, no fat foods. That was helpful, because it psyched me up a bit. But I am still so nervous, and yes, frightened. My pre-surgery appt is next Monday, and I just hope that in a moment of weakness, I don't tell the doc to just forget the whole thing. Has anyone else felt this way before surgery? I guess right now, I just need someone to tell me that it's going to be ok, and that I should put on my big girl panties, and just do it, and stop being a big baby.

Oh, it doesn't hurt at all. The most painful thing is getting the IV started. That's the part that I hate the most. And yes, they give you some awesome drugs to induce the "twilight sleep". They gave me the propofol. I'm not saying that what Michael Jackson did was right, but after my endoscopy, let's just say that I have a better understanding. You'll be fine, and try not to worry about it. They don't like you having anything to eat or drink, so you probably won't want to schedule it late in the day. Going the entire day without eating and especially drinking, would probably be very difficult. Let me know how you make out.

So my surgery is scheduled for April 4. How long can I expect to be out of work? I was thinking 2 weeks, but I wasn't sure. I will also be having a hernia repair. Fortunately I work from home, but since my job is so stressful, I wanted to be able to give myself as much time as was needed, to concentrate on healing, and getting to know my new tummy. Is 2 weeks about the norm?

Hi Honey.....did anyone ever respond to you? I have been going to the Abington Bariatric institute, and if you're still interested, I would be happy to share my experience with you. Annette

Do you think 1 week was really enough for you? It's funny, people think that working from home is easy. I'm sure you can relate to the fact that it's anything but! Since you aren't right there in the office, you tend to work harder. And since it's always there, you tend to work longer. I'm a Systems analyst, so stress is the norm, and not the exception. Everyone wants their stuff fixed NOW, NOW NOW! I have enough time, so I'm not worried about that. And I can supplement my FMLA with sick time. I just want to make certain that I give myself enough time. Nothing worse than going back to work, and having to go out again. Thanks so much for your response. Two weeks it is!

I have Empire BCBS, and like Nikkirose, my doc's office made it sound like they didn't actually need 'pre-approval' either. Because it can be done on an outpatient basis, no pre-cert was needed. And if I decide to stay overnight in the hospital, or if the doc makes that decision, then it will be up to the hospital to get the approval for that. I thought that most BCBS plans worked about the same in every state? It seems odd to me that BCBS in PA will cover it, but another state won't. Hmmmmm. Maybe you could go to their website and see what you can find on coverage for Bariatric surgery.