Babysteppin

Lentils are a big part of Indian dishes and curries. They are awesome that way, and have a ton of flavor! Google anything with the Indian word "Daal" in the recipe name.

I'm still pre-surgery, but I'm choosing VSG over the Gastric Bypass. GB concerns me because of the malabsorption of vitamins/nutrients. While there are definitely ways to manage it and be healthy, I'd still be afraid of becoming chronically deficient or anemic despite those efforts. Also, I learned that there is a lifetime possiblity of having obstructions or twisting of the small intestine because of the rerouting. (While it's not a super high probability, it's still there.) One more thing I didn't like was that if doctors ever need to do scans or ultrasounds, it is harder for them to actually 'see' what's going on in your GI tract because of the rerouting and the new criss-crossed shape of the intestines. As you can begin to tell - I'm a bit of a worrier! hehe. But to me, the sleeve is a happy medium between the Band & GB, so I'm going to go with it. Either way, you gotta figure that some surgery is better than no surgery, right? Good luck with whatever path you choose!

That's wonderful! I know...way-back-when, I remember getting rid of the clothes was like getting rid of 'more layers' of myself. Just the same as with the quick weight loss, it can be a little scary! But mostly happy, excited feelings for you I hope Congrats

1) Cross my legs before I die! 2) Go horseback riding and not feel like I'm committing animal abuse. 3) Travel often, and ride on a plane without giving the 'seatbelt issue' a second thought. 4) Go jetskiing, waahoo! 5) Visit Central America and zipline with the monkeys.

Thank you for sharing, Makemyownluck. I'm also 32 years old, and I have to say that your story and motivations sound EXACTLY the same as mine. I'm also pre-surgery, and just went through an all-day info seminar at the hospital today. Yesterday I was still unsure whether to move ahead with surgery. A couple of years ago I managed to lose over 160lbs without WLS...so I've been totally playing mind games with myself for a year now, saying "Maybe I can do it again, and maybe I'll keep all of it off this time."...'maybe this'...and 'maybe that'....'but what if this, and that'. But between all the new things I learned about WLS today, and the biological drivers of obesity..., and all the great info and support from this forum - I know in my heart that it's the right choice for me. I don't want to live in a world of "maybe's" and "what if's" anymore...time for me to walk through the fear, and take action! Good luck in whatever path you choose Readyfourchg...and keep asking lots of questions like this one until you know what's right for you!!

Good luck tomorrow! But...with many prayers being sent your way, you won't NEED luck Consider your seat claimed!

Wow, your thoughts & concerns are EXACTLY the same ones I'm having! I'm pre-surgery, and trying to use visualizations and 'mantras' to keep me going in this process too. I guess what I really want to say is - Just know that you're not alone in these hopes and fears. And thank you for making ME feel that I'm not so alone either

Thank you SO much everyone. This has turned into such a wonderful thread. I am so grateful to everyone that's shared their experiences & advice, and those who may continue to share after this post. I cannot say what a huuuge help it's been, and continues to be! I'm finding that medical research is essential to making an informed decision...but learning about others' true life experiences (both the 'highs' and the 'lows') is absolutely vital!! I am like a sponge right now, soaking all of your wonderful posts in!! Thank you

Haven't had the surgery yet, but I can sympathize with what reflux is all about. I know that propping your pillows up a little more at night can sometimes help. My doctor said it's actually best if you can prop the head of your bed up by a few inches...but I've never been able to figure out how to do that! lol

Wow, looking at it this way makes a lot of sense. I'm pre-surgery, and one of my "anti-surgery mantras" has been the idea that it might be altering my body in too drastic of a way. But I never thought about the fact that what I'm currently doing to my body is pretty darn drastic in and of itself. Thanks for the fresh perspective

I'm enrolled at Mt. Auburn too...but still pre-surgery, so I'm wondering the same thing. So far I haven't found anyone on the forums who's had surgery through them. It's so hard to know if you're picking the right place. I mean, it's not like buying a car where you get to take a 'test drive' first! But when thinking of the aftercare, support groups, and follow up appointments...Mt. Auburn would be more conveniently located for me, and it'd make me more likely to keep going back (as opposed to going into the city). Just a thought. Not much help from me, but in any case it looks like we're in the same boat

Jasleeve - I'm sorry that the procedure & recovery time was such an ordeal (to say the least!). I am glad you are doing much better now, and feeling well. I really appreciate you sharing your story, because it's helping to me learn about some of the potential complications that could happen. I'm totally a pro's & con's list maker when it comes to making big decisions....so thank you for your perspective!!

omg...WHAT is going to happen with Deb?? I've been waiting months to find out!! lol

Thank you SO much everyone. I wasn't sure if anyone would respond...but you are all so wonderful It is reassuring to notice in your replies that the positive things seem to be outweighing the negative. And I also really appreciate your honesty about some of the 'not-so-flowery' things too I'm learning from doctors, and now you guys - that it really is a total 180-degree lifestyle change, and that the surgery is a physical tool to help support you in some of those changes. The rest would be up to ME, I guess! At one point in my life I managed to lose 165lbs through diet and exercise...but man, it feels virtually impossible to do that all over again...let alone maintain it without the help of WLS. I'm seeing a Psychiatrist for the initial evaluation in a couple of weeks, and then going to an all day "Immersion Day" program at the hospital, where I'll be inundated with information. I've been considering WLS for over a year now, so I hope I'll be closer to a decision after going through these appointments. Besides the physical adjustments to surgery itself, I think one of my biggest fears is the 'mourning of food', like someone here mentioned. Sounds silly, but I realize that food and I have been having a lifelong love affair! Man, what a nasty divorce it might be...hehe. But one way or another, it needs to happen. Thanks again for all your support