funinthesun00

Iggy, Consider yourself invited to my big 100! Sounds like you will still be around then too! Too bad you aren't in charge of my insurance. There is an exclusion for wls, but I wouldn't qualify anyway. I am going to Alvarez. I feel really good about him as a surgeon. I searched everywhere for negative reviews, but I couldn't find any. I have talked on the phone with a couple of people that used him and met in person with one. All only have glowing things to say. I know there are certainly no guaruntees, but it puts me a little more at ease. Don't want to get even more off topic. Good luck to the OP!

I'll be thinking of you! Keep us posted. I am scheduled with Alvarez on 1/18. Good luck!!

Iggy, First, I want to let you know I have read your story and I am so sorry about what you have gone through. I truly feel for you. No one should have to endure what you have, especially with a young child who obviously needs you so much. I can completely understand why you feel the way you do aboout this surgery for "lower" bmi people with no co-morbidities. My bmi will likely be 32 or 33 by the time of surgery on January 18th (any prayers for me are appreciated ). However, my bmi had gotten up to 37.5 just this summer. I am short at 5'2" and I found myself at 205 lbs. In the spring of 2012 I seemed to have been holding study between 190-195, so I was shocked and discouraged to be in the 200s. I am currently at 180. I have been working very hard to lose weight on my own since September. I just want to let you know my story. Like most of us on here, I have stuggled with my weight for a very long time (25+ years) -- all of my adult life and some of my childhood. From what I have read of your story, your weight battle was relatively new. In the last 10 years I have lost a significant amount of weight three times only to put it all back on and more. I really try to keep it off, but over time, I lose the intensity I had when losing and it rapidly creeps back on. It is like I'm in denial during these times. When reading your story, I was envious of the longevity your family has. I am not so lucky. My father died at 69. He was short and built just like me. He also did lots of yo-yo dieting. He was obese, but i don't think he was morbidly obese. He had lots of heart problems. I have no memory of my aunt ever being able to walk. I only remember her being bound to a scooter because of her obesity. She passed away in her early 70s. I even had a cousin who passed away in her 50s of cancer who happened to be morbidly obese. My weight was/is really starting to scare me. I had avoided going to the doctor becuase I didn't want to hear that I was pre-diabetic or that I had high blood pressure or high cholesteral. I avoided the doctor for over 3 years. Finally, I went weighing in at 199 and I couldn't believe it -- I had a clean bill of health. All of my lab work came back good. My doctor did tell me my bmi and talked about the importance of losing some weight. I honestly felt like I had dodged a bullet. I think that maybe the fact that I get lots of exercise really helped! It's funny because I would be lying to you if I said I didn't want to look good in skinny jeans. Of course I am excited about the prospect of looking better in (and out of) clothes. However, this is NOT my primary motivation. 10 years ago, it would have been, but my focus has really shifted from that time. My husband (who's family's longevity is similar to yours) and I have actually discussed the fact that he is likely to out live me. He is at a healthy weight. I want more than anything to be around and know my own grandchildren -- something my own father wasn't able to do. Also, my mother, who is very protective of me, is actually for me doing this. She confided in me that whenever I am dieting she is really nervous because I always end up heavier than when I started. She is a very conservative person and I was shocked that she is supporting me in doing this. She never had a weight problem until she was in her 40s and warned me that losing weight and keeping it off is more difficult the older you get. I am in my early 40s. Anyway, that is a glimpse of my reasoning for having this surgery. It's funny because I agree with you, that this surgery shouldn't be done just for cosmetic reasons. I also think if you haven't really attempted losing on your own, this surgery is very premature. About 5 years ago, I was seriously considering the lapband, but I kept reading about all the complications resulting from it and ultimately decided against it. I know there are risks to this surgery. Your story makes that very clear. This decision has not been an easy one for me, but I truly feel it is the right decision for me, even though my bmi is "low" at this point in time. I am very thankful that this surgery is an option for me. Thank you for continuing to share your story. I think it is important that people understand the good and bad of this surgery. Everyone needs to be aware of the risks. I am so glad your are doing better now!

I am thinking you meant January 2013? There is a thread for January sleevers. You will find a lot of us there. My surgery is scheduled for 1/18/2013

I have seen those videos. That dr. Makes me nervous.

I just downloaded it on my iPhone! Looks like a great app! Thanks so much!

I am 5'2" and my highest weight was 205. Current weight is 179. Surgery scheduled on 1/18/13.

I am 5'2" and 179. Surgery is scheduled with dr. Alvarez on 1/18/13. I am a serial yo yo dieter, but I am more up than down. My highest weight was just a few months ago at 205. My bmi was 37.5. I rarely am at the same weight for a month. I am either gaining or losing. I am very worried about maintenance! I have battled this for 20+ years. Enough is enough!

I am working hard to lose now. I have lost 26 lbs since the end if September. I can't lose more than 10 lbs or the dr. won't do the surgery. I have cut back on working out so much and I'm going to relax, but not go crazy, over the holidays. I will probably go to a couple of my favorite restaurants before surgery, but again, I am not wanting to add more work to do after surgery so I don't plan on going hog wild. I would still like to lose 5 more pounds before my surgery date, January 18th.

I am pre-sleeve, but I am also a "convenience" eater. I don't really cook and only prepare really easy things. I go through the drive thru a lot--even when dieting. I will get a mcchicken with no mayo or an oatmeal or subway, Taco Bell fresco items, etc. I also do a lot of healthy choice types of meals. This really worries me. I don't ever see myself wanting to spend a lot of time or energy preparing food. My husband is a great cook and is 100% supportive of me and I know he will make wonderful Soups for me in the liquid stages. He will also cook a lot of lean meats and veggies. He travels a lot though, and he's not always around to be my personal chef. Like the OP was saying, I'd like to eat healthy and not just low calorie. I can totally see myself living on Protein Shakes and bars. Anyone else? Any suggestions for easy things that will meet Protein requirements?

I had a little freak out moment right before sending in my deposit. My surgery date is 1/18 and I know I am doing the right thing. Still, I will be glad when it's over.

I would maybe start a new post with the correct title. I am scheduled with Alvarez in 1/18/13. I feel very comfortable with my choice of doctors. I think it is really important for you to feel good about whoever you choose. Good luck to you.

Why can't we still have that? I only drink 1 cup a day. I will be cutting out most carbs, but I wasn't planning on cutting out the coffee with creamer (except for the first month or two).

All I want is a complication free surgery on january 18th! Of course, I am most looking forward to the positive effects of that surgery. :-). The boots are on my list as well! Maybe next year!!

I am scheduled to have surgery in January so I have been all over YouTube and this site trying to learn as much as possible about vsg. Anyway, I subscribe to dr.alvarez's channel, endobariatric. There is a new video of a lady who had the surgery in April 2008. As I'm sure most of you know, there isn't too much out there on people that far out from surgery. I thought I'd let everyone here know about it.

I have noticed on some YouTube videos as well as on this site that people have had to have their gallbladder removed a few months after surgery? Does anyone know why?

I can't believe you are only 3 months out! I know from your ticker you aren't, but I would've believed it if you said you are at goal -- especially the pic of you in the closet. I hope to be as successful as you! Great job!

It's good to hear that you are doing well. I know the first few days are the roughest. It will just get better from here!

How is your recovery going? We'd love an update. I hope you are doing well!!

How was the drive to Eagle Pass? I'm so excited for you. I will be in your shoes in 7 weeks. I am getting sleeved on a Friday too. I hope you rest well tonight! Good luck tomorrow!

Good luck to you! You will do great! Please keep us posted!

First off, you have to be comfortable with whatever you decide. That being said, your situation is a no-brainer to me. I am the same height as you. 216 lbs is a lot of weight for us short girls to carry. I am not trying to be mean, but you are severely obese. You need to lose weight to just be "obese" and a lot more weight to be "overweight". If you are already having health problems and your insurance covers it, I would have done the surgery yesterday. My high weight was around 205 (maybe a few pounds more because I wouldn't weigh myself much at that time, because it was too depressing). Since September, I have been trying to lose on my own. This is not my first rodeo with dieting. The cycle I have been in for the last 20 years is to diet then re-gain but I don't just regain, I regain plus add a 5-15 lbs. I have lost 24 lbs on my own so far and I still plan to have this surgery in January. I will be paying out of pocket. I don't have any co-morbidities yet, but my family history of obesity and obesity related illnesses does not look good for me. I want to change what would most likely be my fate if I don't have this done. I want to be happy and live the life I want. I am hopeful that this surgery will help me do that. Again, the last thing I want to do is talk you into having this done. This has to be your decision and you have to feel comfortable with it. You have to live with it and be ready to make the changes associated with taking such a drastic measure. This surgery is drastic, there is no doubt about that. It is exactly what I need.

Funny. I think I have a reverse body image problem. I put in my height and weight and think "oh my gosh, am I really that fat?" Lol!

I have a bit of an odd one. It's called mybodygallery.com. You can put it your height and a weight (the weight you want to be) and body type and it shows you pictures of people that meet that criteria. I have no idea how I will look at certain weights since it has been so long since I have been there. Anyway, it is kind of a fun thing to look at.

This is great! Thanks for posting!