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I tell everybody and anybody that I am having weight loss surgery. I've had all sorts of comments and some almost insulting but I really don't much care. If people have a problem with it .. that is their problem, not mine. When they start trying to give advice, I politely ask them if they are a doctor or a nurse and when they say no .. I usually just say, well lets leave it to the medical people .. they know what their talking about. Just another polite way of saying, get out of my face ... LOL Best of Luck ... do what you have to do. John

I have consulted with my doctor, my nutritionist and many others who have had WLS and I'm so confused about a goal weight. I'm 62 years young, 5'9" tall and 300 lbs. Some people say as you get older you should set a bit of a higher goal weight because you lose some weight as you age (when the heck is that going to start ) Is there any sort of set standard? I know this will sound rather foolish, but I'm so worried that I will not reach goal because I have made an unreasonable expectation of myself. John

Thanks for the info shiftling ... I will definately look into it as my surgery time gets closer. My scope will be done in Mid July and then I am "good to go", as they say.

This may seem like a silly question but one thing I do worry about post-surgery is the flab hanging around as the weight is lost. I'm over 60 and have been large most of my life. I have other physical limitations which interfere with exercise. I know as I lose the weight I will be more active but I'm not crazy enough to believe that the skin will tighten up. Others have said, go for plastic surgery ... well here in British Columbia, that is not paid for on insurance ... it's considered cosmetic. Living on a limited (disability) income it is cost prohibitive. I would certainly like to hear others comments or experiences living with the loose skin. John

I am so happy for you. You stood your ground and your mom came around. You have to remember that her first reaction of course is a control thing .... parents tend to do that. When my son comes to me (he's 46) and tells me he is going to do something I might not approve of ... my first reaction is "who died and left you in charge" ... LOL Anyway ... now you can get on with the task at hand .. the worst part is over. All the best to you.

I'm wishing you all the best in telling your mom. It usually turns out to be not as bad as you think it will be. Just remember, your doing this for you, the support would be great but if that doesn't come the end result will convince them you did the right thing. I'm one of these people who just blurts things out and let the chips fall where they may. I told my family I was going to do it and although I was doing it for me, their support would be nice ... if not, it is their problem not mine. I tell anyone and everyone who will listen. Some of my family support me and some don't but hey, I'm happy I made the decision and that's all that counts. John

Sounds like you on your way ... congrats on all the good tests results. Does help to make you feel better about everything. We're practically neighbours .. I just live up in Victoria. I don't know about you .. but we are having one heck of wind storm this morning. Think they even cancelled the Clipper to Seattle. Have a good one. John

I often wonder about that as well. I've always told people I would rather be fat and happy than skinny and miserable I'm guessing it depends on the individual, their recovery, weight loss and their overall personality. Some people seem naturally happy. On the other hand .. I have heard of marital problems following WLS, husbands in particular. They tend to love their partner but get worried, sometimes suspicious and generally a little paranoid about what this is going to do to their spouse and even if they'll leave them once they've found their "new self". Personally, I think if the marriage is a good one and they are going through the process supporting one another .. this shouldn't be an issue. Blessings John

I have been seeing the specialist on a regular basis for almost two years now and was only considering the RNY ... that was until I came across the sleeve. After much prayer and alot of soul searching I decided that the Sleeve is a much better fit for me. I live in Canada so if you stay in Canada private pay is not an option ... only the band in not covered by medical so you can private pay that. There are long waiting lists because there is a lack of surgeons who do this type of surgery. Post op plastic surgery is a pay as you go because it is considered cosmetic and no Provincial Health Care will pay for it. Anyway ... to make a long story short ... My Doc will be seeing me on April 15th to discuss the lap band and because I will be considered on an Urgent basis (age and cancer) I hope to have the surgery sometime within the next six months. We shall see what we shall see. In the meantime, I am just absorbing as much information as I can. I have about 2 pages of questions I'm going to ask him. One thing about him is that he will take all the time you need to talk even if others have to wait. He has a great track record and has been around for a number of years. People from all over Canada come to him. Thanks to all ... you've got so much information and the support is fantastic here. John

I haven't found any problems here yet but I'm also a member of obesity help.com . The more information the better. John

TaRel ... sounds like you are doing great. Positive attitude is everything. Keep up the good work and I look forward to more postings from you. I can hardly believe losing 20 lbs in that time. All the best. John

People keep telling me ... "It took a life time to put it on ... and it will not come off overnight. Maybe .. and I'm not expert, you should take a look at the type of clothing your wearing ... could it be that it is not as slimming as it could be. I know that often times people will wear a size or so to big because they are not yet used to their "smaller" self! Personally .... I think 30 lbs is fantastic. Slow and steady wins the race. Again, personally, I hope I don't lose it too fast. The more steady pace I can take the more chance I have of keeping it off by learning the process. All the best to you, hang in there. John

I shave my head regulary so losing hair would not be an issue with me however all these pills your talking about scare me. I had throat cancer and pills do not go down well with me and I was told with the Sleeve that all you needed was the Protein and a really good multi-Vitamin? John

PNW ... I sure hope my doctor knows what the meaning is before he gets me on the table .. LOL John

Could you clarify something for me? Are we talking about acid indigestion or are we talking acid reflux? I'm only guessing here but it sounds like acid indigestion. I already take Pariet for acid reflux but if antacids are being taken to curb hunger pains then I'm assuming it is like acid indigestion type? Thanks John

I haven't even had my first appointment with the specialist yet and I'm already in a panic. I need and want to lose the weight but I'm in a total panic about what it will be like following the surgery. Part of that panic stems from the fact that I am a Benedictine Monk and most of my ministry revolves around our First Nation Elders Communities and "Feast's ... Feast's and more Feast's." I'm not worried about things like insurance and after care insurance as I'm Canadian and it's all covered. They can't turn you down if the doctor decides it is to be done. I guess I'm fortunate in that way. I'm just totally afraid that I'm going to screw things up ... !!! BTW ... has anyone tried this new clear Iso Pure protien supplement drink. It says it has no sugar but does have calories and is recommended for weight loss surgery? Anyway ... thanks for listening to my rantings. John

Congratulations ... you look 20 years younger. John

Congrats Bob. Good luck at the race. I've not had surgery yet but looking forward to it. I will never be able to run a race no matter how much weight I lose, I have a fused left lage, but I am going to shoot for walking in the Run/Walk for Prostate Cancer in 2011. Take care and keep up the good work. John

I know that friends and family are well meaning in their objections but let's face it .. when push comes to shove this is a time when you have to be selfish and say, I have to do what I have to do for me. Be sure to thank them for their concern but point out, this is a medical matter between you and your doctor. If you trust your doctor then that is all that counts. Chin up and hang in there John

Steve .. you posted 4 days out on the 26th so it looks like today may be your day. Thinking about you. thinoneday ... I don't think it has anything to do woth competancy, it only makes common sense to me. The smaller the liver the less you have to work around and thus the less risk of something going wrong. Just about everyone you talk to tells you that you will need to go on a pre-op diet ... all those doctors can't be wrong or incompetent!

Thanks Sabrina ... greatly appreciated. Tiff .... you made a good point about setting up mini-goals. I'm thinking that might be a good idea. I'm one of these people that sets the bar to high and in doing so, I set myself up for failure which of course is not a good thing. To be honest with you ... I'm much more comfortable setting up monthly goals instead of long term. I have belonged to TOPS now for about a year and found this way works better for me. I haven't lost a lot but that is not unusual for me but I did manage a couple of pounds a month. But then came Christmas and then came New Years. Christmas for me as always been a major pig out festival. I start eating around the end of Novemeber and work my way through New Year ... usually putting back on everything I've taken off. I will have a long discussion with my doc about my ideal weight but will take it slow and easy ... after all they say, slow and easy wins the race. I have no intention of going back to my old grumpy self after the surgery. Thanks again. John

How does one go about figuring out a weight loss goal weight? I've gone to many places on the internet that give so many different answers! Is it you that sets the goal or is it the Doctor? I'm almost 62 years young, 5' 9" tall and weigh in at about 297 lbs right now. People have told me it is whatever you feel you would be comfortable at. I can't remember a time when I was not overweight so I don't know what comfortable is! Anyway ... if you have an suggestions feel free to comment. You folks are the greatest and I'm feeling so good about this whole process. Blessings John

My doctor requires 2 weeks of clear Fluid and Protein shakes prior to surgery. My understanding is that it is to shrink the liver as it can get in the way. Apparently it has to be moved to do the surgery and the smaller it is, the better the field of view is. John

Thanks so much for the Vlog ... I will be follwing your progress. As a pre-op I'm sure it will be very encouraging. John

Viola, Congratulations. NO HUNGER ... I can't even imagine that. All the best to you. John