PonyUp

Debly and All--I can't agree more with your posts on narrowing it down to several top Mexican Surgeons and the point that they have had much more experience with the surgery than most American Surgeons is a valid point. Originally, I was going with Dr. Ortiz, then Dr. Kelly then I finally settled on Dr. Aceves. They are all good and all capable!

I am on the 10th too! I have read and researched but I am not sure if I am mentally ready...I hope so, I have read enough that I would think I would not be surprised by anything. Time will tell! Good luck and happy recovery!

I just happened to see that you ride and I posted a few weeks ago about how soon would I be able to ride and how long etc...only one response that was not real helpful. So, how soon did you ride and was saddling at all painful? What about your total time of riding and type of riding? 5 weeks from my surgery I have an event I am Chairman of and I might have to be in the saddle for five hours or so....so I am worried. Please give me all of your details of transitioning. The worst part is I am not telling ANYONE, so it's going to be hard to work around.

Okay, so I have been lurking around on the boards for about three months...researched, researched, etc. (however, I still am finding out little things). I realize my pre-surgery jitters are normal for many. I realize the majority of us have issues with poor eating, exercise habits, and depression and that is why we became obese. I realize this is not a magic bullet and that I will have to learn to incorporate better eating habits (types of food and portion control), along with working out AND creating a support system for the eating,working out and for general mental health (handling everyday life stressors). What I am not sure "I get" is the usage over and over of as WLS being "a tool". Because ALL OF THE ABOVE "things we need to do" are all things we needed to do BEFORE deciding to get the surgery to lose weight. So, when WLS is said to be used as "a tool"does that mean because the first three months it somewhat forces you to have very low calorie intake and hopefully gives your body and mind time to work on readjusting and working on better habits? Please explain.

Lbeauty--Thanks for your input...I will most likely find an Over Eaters Anonymous and a WLS support group

Good point, frumpynomore--I so fear my demons but hope that the initial weight loss will help motivate me. I have felt so unmotivated and defeated for so long. Also, I am definitely going to have to find a support group!

I will initially be "walking my horse" for exercise, since he needs it too. I am on the countdown to being sleeved...

In summary from reading these and other articles (my conclusion—please draw your own, I am not an expert and still awaiting to be sleeved!). I am having a bit of pre-surgery jitters, so re-researching to be clear I am making the right choice for me, for the right reasons and my expectations of self and surgery are realistic. The long term percentage rate of dieters regaining most or all weight back does seem to be much higher (up to 95%) than those that actually have bariatric surgery . HOWEVER, WITH THAT SAID, SOME STUDIES SAY UP TO 5% OF BARIATRIC PATIENTS GAIN IT ALL BACK. 2-3 years after surgery 80% of patients regain 5-10 pounds and approximately another 20% keep creeping up (unclear how much and if you look at other stats it appears most of them most get a handle on it). I am having pre-surgery (April 10, 2012) jitters and was having moments of wanting to back out but the stats seem to favor using the tool of surgery, but it is obvious bariatric surgery is no magic wand and one still has to ; PORTION CONTROL (YOU WILL EVENTUALLY BE ABLE TO EAT ENOUGH TO REGAIN WEIGHT—IF NOT CAREFUL!) EATING THE RIGHT FOODS EXERCISE SUPPORT SYSTEMS (FOR BOTH EATING & WORKING OUT HABITS AND OVERALL MENTAL HEALTH support for dealing with the daily stressors in life!) Dieters-Weight Gain Stats http://magazine.ucla.edu/exclusives/dieting_no-go/ http://www.livestrong.com/article/438395-the-percentage-of-people-who-regain-weight-after-rapid-weight-loss-risks/ http://www.lvrj.com/health/weight-loss-hard-to-maintain-121986554.html Weight Gain Stats for Gastric Surgery Patients; http://www.livestrong.com/article/407343-a-regain-after-weight-loss-surgery/ http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1856611/ (very medical stat type of doc) http://livingafterwls.blogspot.com/2011/05/understanding-weight-gain-after-weight.html (a blog discussing stats but not referencing…so okay article) http://abcnews.go.com/Health/Fitness/story?id=4444057&page=1#.T3syJ_mUUq4 (a good and concise article) http://www.bariatric-surgery-source.com/weight-gain-after-gastric-bypass.html (Excellent article on regain stats, how not to regain, what other tools needed for success)

Via WEB MD... Gallstones commonly occur with rapid weight loss. Up to 50% of people will develop gallstones after gastric bypass surgery and these are usually harmless. However, gallstones can cause nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain, requiring surgery. About 15% to 25% people require gallbladder removal after gastric bypass surgery. Okay, so I will just have my surgery and see what happens!

okay, now i have to research stats on gallbladder removal! thanks Wheetsin for giving me something to start on. The problem is I do not have medical insurance and now I am wondering if I should just get it taken out while I have my WLS!

Thanks for your point and example!

Love the dolphin pic..I would so love to do that someday! Thanks...there is probably more hard core research available, but a lot of it you have to pay for.

Oh my gosh...so I have my surgery on April 10th and I am just now finding out that I most likely will have gall bladder trouble as a result of this surgery? Freaking out...someone please clarify!

I am having the pre-operation jitters (April 10th), so it's always helpful to see someone's journey-thanks for sharing. Your pics are great and I can't agree more with other comments on your pictues...look younger. I am hoping I do not have severe mood swings, lack of energy or too much hair loss...which seem to be some of the standard negatives (I know I will have a bit of each, but i just hope none are on the severe end of the scale).

I am traveling alone to Mexico and although I am traveling with my small carry-on only, I am worried about getting it up to the overhead bin...I would think they would help me if I ask. Also, what about walking a long ways in the airport to catch another flight...I do have plenty of layover time, so I guess I could walk it just fine, but hopefully, if I need a ride on a cart I can get help. Thanks for input.

I am on the countdown to my sleeve, April 10th and starting to have the pre-sleeve jitters! Asking questions of myself like...Do I really know all the ins and outs of the operation and long term effect on my life (health wise)? Do I have realistic expectations (to have most weight off within a year?) Will I really use this tool to my benefit or will I be weak and undisciplined (like what got me here in the first place)? I keep thinking that even twenty pounds lost will feel so much better and allow me a bit more energy and desire to workout (starting immediately with walking). Well, thanks for sharing you post, it helps in these times! Also, I have not told anyone but my husband (and only because I had to!). He is clueless also, but when I announced to him my decision I also stated I could not bare any negativity because this was a hard enough decision as is...he has said very little, but he is concerned.

Thanks for sharing...I hope to lose 75-80 pounds in a years time! I am on the countdown to my sleeve, April 10th and starting to have the pre-sleeve jitters! Asking questions of myself like...Do I really know all the ins and outs of the operation and long term effect on my life (health wise)? Do I have realistic expectations (to have most weight off within a year?) Will I really use this tool to my benefit or will I be weak and undisciplined (like what got me here in the first place)? I keep thinking that even twenty pounds lost will feel so much better and allow me a bit more energy and desire to workout (starting immediately with walking). Well, thanks for sharing you post, it helps in these times!

I am on the countdown to my sleeve, April 10th and starting to have the pre-sleeve jitters! Asking questions of myself like...Do I really know all the ins and outs of the operation and long term effect on my life (health wise)? Do I have realistic expectations (to have most weight off within a year?) Will I really use this tool to my benefit or will I be weak and undisciplined (like what got me here in the first place)? I keep thinking that even twenty pounds lost will feel so much better and allow me a bit more energy and desire to workout (starting immediately with walking). Well, thanks for sharing you post, it helps in these times! (I have done extensive research as I am sure you all have too, so I am actually pretty confidant in knowing the basics to expect...but I wonder if there is just one thing I'm going to wish I would of known before the sleeve!)

Thanks Terre Polite, I am on the countdown to my sleeve, April 10th and starting to have the pre-sleeve jitters! Asking questions of myself like...Do I really know all the ins and outs of the operation and long term effect on my life (health wise)? Do I have realistic expectations (to have most weight off within a year?) Will I really use this tool to my benefit or will I be weak and undisciplined (like what got me here in the first place)? I keep thinking that even twenty pounds lost will feel so much better and allow me a bit more energy and desire to workout (starting immediately with walking). Well, thanks for sharing you post, it helps in these times! www.fiftynotfat.com

I hope I too am not too disappointed at weightloss results. I am 35.5 BMI and I am getting sleeved April 10th. I realize a loss is a loss, but because this forces us to drink our meals for weeks on end before mashed food, before solids...one would think you would lose more. I mean, if I now ate the way I am going to have to in the beginning after surgery than I most likely would lose at least two pounds a week for several weeks without the surgery. It's been several years but I did do something similar and lost twenty pounds in one month. I am older and I am sure my hormones and metabolism are different now...but I might be in a poor state if I too lose at a slow rate. HOWEVER, WITH THAT SAID (NOW BACK TO YOU...WELL SORTA). I HAVE HEARD THAT SOME PEOPLE JUST START OUT SLOWER AND THEN GAIN MOMENTUM IN WEIGHT LOSS. Also, there are going to be the every now and then stalls. ALSO, ANOTHER THING ABOUT BEING SLOWER IT SEEMS IT WOULD BE HEALTHIER IN THE LONG RUN RATHER THAN SOME DRASTIC WEIGHT LOSS. I have talked with my doctor and pretty much decided I wanted a 40f sleeve vs the standard 34f, because some things I have read it sounds a little healthier in the long run (lose slower, but often less need for acid reflux medicine)...but who knows there is so much info out there!

How exciting for you...I get sleeved on April 10th by Dr. Aceves in Mexacali. Glad you are doing so well!

Also...think about it 21 pounds in 4 weeks is a great amount of weight loss! Wish you the best...I will be sleeved April 10th!

Oh my gosh that is crazy amount of weight loss in a short period of time--great for you! If I could lose an average of ten pounds a month for the next 8 months I would be happy!

April 10th, Dr. Aceves in Mexico! Thank goodness for this forum and others, I learned so much and besides the normal apprehensions I feel good about the decision. Also, I am not telling ANYONE (other than hubby and only because I had to!) so I really appreciate this site and support of fellow sleevers! I keep thinking how good the first twenty pounds off will feel..or I am at least hopeful of!

Pookeyism--That's funny...I have extra to spare under my chin too and do plan on having it fixed in a year from now! I might even consider fat transfer to my butt. We'll see...I still have yet to have the surgery! (April 10th!).