malia247

Thanks for the help, much appreciated.. The chewables help, just had a sugar- free Popsicle and didn't feel so bad... Slowly testing out what my stomach can tolerate... Thinking of have g broth or sf Jello. Any suggestions given I'm 3 days post op? Just got discharged today...

How many gas-x chewables do you take at a time. I am 3 days post op and having horrible gas pains. Thanks in advance.

My surgery is quickly approaching and scheduled for Monday, August 26th, 2013. Admittedly I'm feeling nervous but mostly excited, because of the opportunities this transformation will bring. I am 4'11.5 and weigh 205 with a BMI of 40/41. Tomorrow marks the last day of a two-week pre-op diet, which consisted of 3 Protein shakes (bariatric advantage) and a sensible meal (lean protein, veggies, fruit, whole grain and fat). So excited for the journey and recognize the potential risks and challenges that lie ahead, but I know the benefits of losing weight are worth whatever obstacles i might face along the way post-op. my surgeon is Dr. George Mueller at Sharp Memorial and really trying to prep myself emotionally, mentally, physically and spiritually. So, if you are in San Diego or just someone willing to help guide me through this process, let me know. I look forward to having support from fellow sleeves! Thank you in advance for your help and I look forward to hearing from you!! Wish me luck!!

Thanks for the support and vote of confidence! You excited about your surgery?

Approved and scheduled for August 26th yay! Excited, scared, nervous, anxious... Am I the only one that feels this way?! How are all of you feeling? Let me know, best of luck to all of you as we embark on our journey to better health and well-being:)

So my insurance denied me back in July 2012 because the hospital I'm going through for the VSG is not a Center of Excellence (COE) The hospital finally got certified as a COE in September 2012 so I'm thinking e a getting closer. Great news right? Wrong! Now the insurance is having the hospital go through a contracts process which was only supposed to take a few weeks. So I spoke to the hospital this past week and they won't be finalized with the contracts process until late January or early February 2013. By then I would have waited 7-8 months since the initial consultation. The hodpita did say that they are working with the "blue" insurances to see if they'd be willing to pre-authorize a few patients including me pending COE finalizations prior to the January/February date. Crossing fingers the insurance pre-approves those of us waiting patiently. I'm so anxious to get this procedure done. My quality of life is awful and I live with a great deal of joint pain due to my obesity. I pray the insurance will expedite the process. If not, I'll continue to wait but it's getting frustrating. Thanks for listening....

So I checked another hospital in my area and inquired about getting surgery done potentially at their bariatric center. Unfortunately their advice was to just stick it out at the existing hospital as their schedule is such that by the time I attend orientation, meet with surgeon, etc., etc., the surgery date will be the same as where I'm at, end of January, early February. I have to say it's frustrating but I keep thinking maybe this is God's will and I'm just meant to have the VSG in early 2013? I mean after all it is a major surgery and maybe this is how it's supposed to be? Either way, I am staying patient and praying the surgery comes as soon as it is meant to. I'll keep y'all posted. Started the process June 6, 2012 and counting. Wish me luck, prayers welcome as well:)

Wow that's great news! I think I'll call another hospital to see how soon they can help. I just hope they don't make me go through the process again but it looks like you had luck so hopefully I can too;) thanks for the great advice!! Glad you were able to get it expedited. Take care!!

Thanks for the responses. There certainly are hospitals that are COE, but then I would have to start the consultation process over again. My PCP is at this particular hospital and I fear it'll take just as long to start the process over at a COE hospital than to just stick it out with the existing hospital. Arrgh! I have waited this long and I'm praying the approval occurs soon. I pray the Lord makes it happen but if not, perhaps this is how it's supposed to be. I've waited this long and if I need to wait a few more, I look at it as God feels it's not time for mecto go through this journey yet. Anyways, thanks so much for the thoughtful responses and support. Keep me in your prayers and hope for a great outcome. Crossing fingers I hear that the hospital gets a pre-approval soon....

Omg totally long and REAL emotional since the Pschiatrist used "tough love" approach snd said "this is life-saving surgery!" I wept like a baby but it was a great wake-up call. It wad 4-hours long so yes really long lol! I go back July 18 to ensure I can lose at least 5 lbs. And show I'm committed. I'm so there but I'm glad they want to test me out. Real excited about the process so far! How are you doing?

I've attended several bariatric orientations in San Diego and still contemplating weight loss surgery. I am scared of the thought of having a device in my system but having a big portion of my stomach cut is even more scary as once it's gone I can't get it back. I'm new on the forum and have been a mater dieter since college. I'm 42, 4'11 and a half and weigh 225lbs. I have lots of joint pain, hip arthritis and Achilles tendonitis and have a hard time walking without much pain. I have mild sleep apnea and asthma with a BMI of 43. My doctor referred me to receive a consultation and I am scheduled to see the team of bariatric personnel which includes a dietician, psychologist and the surgeon. I am really struggling with whether to get the lap band or sleeve? I'm leaning toward the sleeve as exercise is limited to non weight bearing exercises due to joint issues and I am not sure if the band will work better fir me than the sleeve? My family, friends and spouse are scared for me to get any surgery but they are encouraging the band because in their minds it's the least invasive. My mother doesnt want me to do surgery and prefers i try one more attempt at a liquid diet or trying it on my own. I just know i'm miserable and need to do something. I was leaning towards the sleeve but hate the idea of my organs being removed and can't get it back. My spouse is just very svated for me and fears i'll have to take vitamins the rest of my life. Honestly weight loss surgery is scary period! But my quality of life is suffering and I know trying to do weight loss on my own has not been successful. Any advice for me on what I should do? Any help or advice is greatly appreciated.

Thanks for the info! I'm going through UCSD also and have my consultation next week. I'm Really looking forward to it but still deciding between the band and sleeve. Thanks for the info. and congrats on your weight loss....

Where in san Diego did you get your surgery? Which dr? I'm considering the band or sleeve and curious how things are going for you. Thanks for any information and advice you can give, it's greatly appreciated.

I've attended orientations through Pacific Bariatric, Sharp memorial bariatric and UCSD. During my consultation next week, I'm sure they will assist with my decision between lap band or the sleeve. I just want what will work for me and gives me the greates success in weight loss. Thanks all that commented. I appreciate your support and advice.

Thanks everyone for your support and advice. Yes it's a very big decision and i will allow the bariatric team to provide me with the best options that fit me best. I'm really looking forward to getting to my goal of losing 80-90 lbs. and know it will take some work. Thanks again all for sharing your personal lap band stories. I'm keeping open to the band and/or sleeve so I'll keep praying and researching what's best. Best wishes to all of you!!!

Thanks everyone for your support and advice. Yes it's a very big decision and i will allow the bariatric team to provide me with the best options that fit me best. I'm really looking forward to getting to my goal of losing 80-90 lbs. and know it will take some work. Thanks again all for sharing your personal lap band stories. I'm keeping open to the band and/or sleeve so I'll keep praying and researching what's best. Best wishes to all of you!!!

Thanks everyone for your support and advice. Yes it's a very big decision and i will allow the bariatric team to provide me with the best options that fit me best. I'm really looking forward to getting to my goal of losing 80-90 lbs. and know it will take some work. Thanks again all for sharing your personal lap band stories. I'm keeping open to the band and/or sleeve so I'll keep praying and researching what's best. Best wishes to all of you!!!

Thanks for the support and vote of confidence! My consultation is scheduled for June 6 do let me know how things go for you!