altagirl

I have done medifast several times. I know many people who have been very successful with Medifast -even through maintenance. I have never been able to make it to the maintenance phase. I am using Medifast for my pre-op diet. I think Medifast is great but it is not for everyone -

I keep going through "sticker shock" as well. I think about all the things I can do with the $$ for my daughter. It is very hard for me to do something for myself - and when I mention my weight to friends they say "you are not that overweight" This is true compared to most people we know have WLS. I dress in a way that disguises my weight well but I am a complete apple and am pre-diabetic. I guess I don't have much to offer except I can relate to what you are feeling.

COngratulations! That was quick!

I have been wondering this same thing. I am scheduled for surgery on 9/10. My starting BMI will be around 32 (less if I lose more than what I have projected) - my goal is to be around 20-22 BMI within a year. I will need to lose between 60 & 70 pounds. I go back and forth between feeling excited and scared about the entire process. I really don't want to fail - I have already cut all diet sodas and most sugar out of my diet. I start my pre-op diet in 2 weeks and will post updates about losing with a lower BMI.

You look great - You are very lucky to have such a supportive (and creative) husband. The video was fabulous.

This was my question, too. A leak is my second biggest fear - the first being dying during surgery. Best of luck that this is the end of your problems.

It is a bacteria that is most commonly seen in pts who have a history of extended antibiotic use. Some people are more prone to get it than others. I work on a medicine unit and on any given day we have at least 3 pts with c.diff so it is not necessarily from bad practices just unfortunate. Hope this alleviates the worries that it might be related to having surgery in Mexico.

My surgery is on Sept 10. I am going to OCC with Dr Ortiz. I am planning on being out of work for one week & then going back part time for 2 weeks. I am really hoping it works out! I am terrified of the surgery but feel like it is the best option before I gain more weight. Thanks for info on Volckman - I work at the U & know a few people who had RNY with him. He is very nice but in general I think you are better to go with more experience. Tinakay I am looking forward to updates- I will let you know how things go inMexico!

I didn't think Volckmann did the sleeve? I am doing self pay in Mexico since I have a lower BMI and won't qualify for surgery in US.

I am scheduled with Dr Ortiz on Sept 10 - I CAN'T WAIT!

Medifast has been ok for me - I have never gotten to that "not hungry" stage that everyone talks about even when I have been in ketosis. I have always gained the weight back because I have never been able to successfully complete the transition phase. I am stuck at 185ish and have been for 2 years or so. I am 41 and pre-diabetic so I feel like this is my last option.

My surgery date is Sept 10th. I have done Medifast at least 3 times in the past 5 years. I hope the time flies - it is all I think about!

I am not telling anyone. I am a "lightweight" and when I was throwing the idea around the negativity was unbelievable. I am really tired of advice from anyone and everyone. I had a uterine artery embolization 2 years ago (which was elective) and the comments and advice on how I should have handled things from everyone was almost too much to deal with. Whatever you decide - I will be here to let you be yourself!

I am in a similar situation. I will be having my surgery with Dr Ortiz. I went with him because of him being named as one of the top 15 bariatric surgeons by Newsweek and his facility is center of excellence, and if I am honest, because he was on Oprah. I don't know how much any of this means but that is why I picked him - I actually did not seriously look at other options. I had a BMI of 35 but have started a modified pre-op diet and am already down to a 33.1 BMI. I have called and he will do the surgery as long as I am above 28. I am not scheduled until Sept 10. I have always had trouble with weight and have a strong family history of diabetes. I am pre-diabetic and, like you, if my number went up my insurance would have paid for surgery because of co-morbidity. It is harder than you think to get you A1c up and with BCBS you would still have to do the 6 months supervised diet, etc, etc. I did not want to wait that long - plus it would take 3 months of really overeating and eating alot of carbs to get the A1c up - and no guarantee because right now your pancreas/cells/insulin are compensating. Why would you want to get to the point of so much damage? I thought about it but when it came down to it I would have the surgery tomorrow if I could get the time off work. I am going by myself and I am not telling anyone that I am having this surgery done. I am taking a week off work and then returning part time mornings for the following 2 weeks. I have had surgery a few times before and have an idea of what I can handle. I also have a desk job. To me, it is worth the money. I am considering how much money I will save in the long run if I am healthier. I am only 5'3" so just a little weight on me really shows, and I am a total apple! I am not sure if I answered all of your questions. I do think wherever you decide to go, there will be many other people having the surgery so you will have plenty of support. I was stressed about going myself but I have already reached out to someone from this board who will be with the same doctor on the same day.

I just started a new job a few weeks ago, so I understand where you are coming from. I am scheduled to have surgery on Sept 10th - my plan is to take one full week off and then work the next 2 weeks half days. I really hope it works out!

I just scheduled my surgery for Sept 10 with Dr Ortiz. I was reading through all of the paperwork and noticed he requires everyone to get an endoscopy between 6 months post surgery and 1 year post surgery. I don't know why but the thoughts of this are sending me over the edge. I suddenly had second thoughts - I don't know if I can handle an endoscopy. Also I suppose this means I am going to have to tell my doctor here that i am having the surgery so he can schedule it when the time comes. Thoughts - is it really that bad? I am 5'2" and weigh 192. I know I need this surgery because I have tried everything from weight watchers to medifast. This endoscopy is making me very fearful.

Thank you! Thank you! I wonder if my fear has to do with committing to the surgery and not really the endoscopy. I will take it one day at a time and worry about that procedure when I have to. I am going to have to move on - I have paid my deposit and will have surgery on the 10th of Sept. I just arranged all of my babysitting and time off work, so it is a "go"! question for you experienced sleevers - Is it realistic for me to plan taking the week of surgery off and then going back to work half days for 2 additional weeks? I am a nurse but have a desk job - don't do any patient care.