Riley

Should have added: I was 244 day of surgery, am 5'9, was in hospital two nights. I had zero stomach pain and feel totally recovered. I also had a hiatal hernia repaired and am a former bander. I've noticed that some doctors are okay with yogurt as part of the "liquid" phase but my doctor didn't say I could have it. I am dying for a FAGE yogurt as I have been consuming one container of 2% per day for a few years. As soon as I am able - I will be back to what I think is a fabulous combo: I put several containers of FAGE in a food processor along with organic carrots, organic almonds, garlic clove, a bit of salt. I have no idea why I love this so much but I do. I'd eat 4 of them a day if I could afford to. I have (or was having) it every day first thing in the a.m. and it gave me multiple hits of good things: antioxidants, Fiber, Protein. Just my little tip. Hang in there everyone - I think the very worst of it is behind us (waiting for surgery).

Hi - I was also sleeved on 1/5/16 - by Gregg Jossart in San Francisco. I'm doing ok but am really looking forward to mushy food! How about you?

Hmm, gotta change the profile. I am 51 not 52 - BIG DIFFERENCE ha ha

Hi, I'm scheduled for next week, Thursday, 2/8, at California Pacific Medical Center (SF). My surgeon will be Gregg Jossart, MD of Laparoscopic Associates of San Francisco (www.lapsf.com) This is a long time coming, and I am glad I am finally on my way. In 2000, I was determined to have gastric bypass thru Albert Wetter, MD (San Mateo, CA). Went through all the paperwork, testing, etc. - my insurer Cigna denied coverage. I promptly appealed the decision and promtly lost. Went on Meridia, lost 50 lbs. in 1 year but of course gained it back. In Feb. 2006, I returned to Dr. Wetter's office, met with him again, was told Cigna would cover lap band if I met criteria (six monthly visits to primary physican in addition to all the other tests, etc.) More $ for duplicative tests, etc. orginally done in 2000. In Oct. 2006, I contacted Dr. Wetter's office and told them I was still worried Cigna would end up not covering, and asked them to schedule me for first available surgery date - that I decided I wanted to self pay. I was urged to wait until the time all paperwork would be submitted to Cigna and was reassured that Cigna would cover. So, of couse, after 10 months of waiting, Dr. Wetter's office submitted paperwork to Cigna on Jan. 3rd, which Cigna promptly rejected the very next day. Apparently my employer has a specific exclusion for all weight loss surgeries - something that his office could have determined if they had simply made inquiries to Cigna (they had my ins. information since my first appt. on Feb. 10, 2006). Although I was confident of Dr. Wetter's skill, and his office manager acknowledged their office had "failed" me - I was so irritated by his incompetent office staff that I took my business elsewhere - to Dr. Jossart. I am very impressed with LAPSF because of their extremely efficient office, system and responsiveness. They were immediately upfront and precise about what the costs were, the availability of the surgeon(s). I received a response from the office one day after contacting them by email. I was scheduled for an appointment the next week. It's been a great experience dealing with them thus far. So - that's my story up to this point. I guess all I have to add is that I am very much looking forward to the challenges in the next few weeks/months/years and am confident all will go as it should. I've been carrying the extra weight for about the past 20 years and am very ready to trade it all in for more energy, better health, better wardrobe.