GypsyQueen

I have severe arthritis in my fingers. Like big, swollen joints where the bones have fused. Just sucky osteoarthritis, not RA, but I nearly walked away thinking I would never be able to live without NSAIDs. Weight coming off will help most arthritis issues, but not mine... I've spent the last two months seeing if I can cope and it's not as terrible as I thought. Tylenol is allowed and I am using voltaran (sp) gel (prescription). Take your time until summer to see if your pain can be controlled. Best of luck!

That was really interesting.

Dr. Kim in Celebration. I've just finished my pre op diet and checklist, waiting on insurance approval. Many on his staff have had bariatric surgery, so they know from experience, so that is reassuring.

Wear boots that go above my ankles!

Sorry. I didn't think it posted the first time!

Psych told me Thursday (I'm still pre op) that not only can you be legally drunk on just 4oz., but statistically, 30% of WLS patients become alcoholics. It replaces our beloved food as the new coping mechanism. That is very scary and a word to the wise... So please be careful!

I met with nut and psych Thursday (still pre op) and the topic of alcohol was discussed both places. Nut said after 1year, red wine in small amounts occasionally was okay. I told her I wasn't much of a drinker now, just an occasional glass of wine, so that was great and totally doable. Psych asked again how I felt about it and I repeated my unconcern for it. She proceeded to say not only is it high calorie, and can affect weight loss, but due to the size of our new stomach 4 oz. will put us over the legal limit, plus the starling statistic that followed. 30% of WLS PATIENTS BECOME ALCOHOLICS. I was stunned. It becomes the new coping mechanism, instead of our beloved food. Those who never drank before are at risk, and those that did, even more so. So please be careful!

Lake County. Dr. Kim @ Celebration.

Thank you! Waiting for surgery date and good to hear.

I cannot wait to be able to squat! And I can't believe I'm saying that!

Just an interesting observation...I am friends with a group of about a dozen ladies, most of which are plus size. Only one or two is supportive of me considering the WLS, but it's interesting how everyone has gone on a diet since I've started my pre op diet. Afraid to be left behind or inspired? I'm not sure.

Thanks for the replies! I've lost 25 lbs so far on my 3 mo. preop (yay!), but I'm getting a lot of remarks about why I would get the surgery. I'm standing firm on going forward because no matter how easily it seems I lose the weight, I have never been able to keep it off. I've only lived here 6 years, and have always lead the charge on overindulgence. SO, now they look at me like my head is spinning around as I drink Water and decline garlic cheese fries. Go figure! I don't want to be all in anyone's face about it, but felt the need to get opinions on surgery (uninformed, though they are) from my gals. I'm smiling and cheering them on, cause hey, that will make hanging out if we're all "dieting" together, that much easier. On the other hand, my sister-in-law has talked about WLS FOR YEARS (she does not have insurance coverage and tries get rich quick schemes to raise the $). When I spoke to her about it, she cried and begged me not to do it without her. Ugh! I'm in the zone and forging ahead. See the nut next week for final (preop diet) visit, then I guess back to doc we start discussing surgery dates.

Hi all, I've been web researching and a blog voyeur for a couple months and it seems like GVS is the best choice, but my hoop jumping will come to an end in a few more weeks and then it will be hard decision time. (Dr. Kim @ Celebration in FL). I spent the day going through all of the old photos that need to be scanned to digital, and saw myself morph many times to different sizes. I know I will be successful in the first couple years like most of you, but wondering who the "old timers" are and how have things stayed the same or changed several years post surgery. I know it's newer in US, but is pretty standard in other parts of the world. That non-reversible thing makes me ask... Thank you!