docbree

Both my aunt and my father waited too long on gall bladder surgery and ended up with ruptured gall bladders. The recovery was much more dangerous, longer and painful than mine was. I scheduled laparascopic surgery as soon as possible after my trip to the ER - and it was outpatient. For the relatives I mentioned, they were hospitalized for 4 and 6 days, respectively, and had open surgery instead of laparascopic. Good job firing your PCP!

Congrats skinny woman!

LOL, and thanks for the great advice! I really think she will come around when she sees she can't talk me out of it

I am so sorry for your loss, AussieLady.

Lipstick Lady - Thanks for making me laugh so hard I cried

Unbelievable - so inspiring! Congratulations and thanks for posting these photos.

Sannah - thank you so much for checking in! Every time I see someone has responded to this thread I wonder how you are doing. It sounds like you're better - but still having a hard time. I pray everything goes well with your endoscopy and that you continue to improve - but more quickly.

I know, I was just trying to let you know that even if the unthinkable happened and you did lose your entire stomach, you'd still be ok.

I agree that VGS surgery shoudl not increase the risk of cancer of the stomach, but it would be possible (although extremely rare) to get cancer in the remaining part. My great-aunt had stomach cancer decades ago and had to have her entire stomach removed. So, really, you could be in the same boat after stomach cancer treatment with or without the VGS surgery before-hand. She did very well for 40+ years without her stomach and passed away from unrelated issues a few years ago. She was basically the same as a VGS person and never had problems with her weight (even though everyone else in her family is obese). Please try not to worry - you won't get stomach cancer.

Thank you all for some much needed levity! /[wacko]/

I don't see a book by that name under Cynthia Alexander on Amazon, but there is one my Margaret Furtado - is that the one you're talking about? Do you like the recipes?

That is great news! I am so happy to hear that and I appreciate the feedback so much. I was going to use a surgeon in Dallas, but I felt a little like a number and I wanted someone closer to home (Midlothian). I hope I can get a surgery date in June.

Yes - that made perfect sense, thanks! And thanks for the capsule info.

I am still pre-op, but... I totally agree with AmandaRae and PdxMan. Before I came to this site about 5 months ago, I knew 2 people who had had the procedure and they told me how absolutely wonderful it was. My idea going into my research was that I would be exactly the same, except I would lose the cravings and be unable to overeat. I never thought about hair loss, possible leaks, possible worsening GERD, not being able to drink before and after eating, anemia, constipation... etc etc. In my case, this is a life or death issue. I will be going into this with my eyes wide open, fully knowing the ramifications and that this is absolutely a drastic, permanent change I will be making. I also know that I could end up liking my appearance even less than I do now (at least in the short run - with the flabby skin and hair loss)- but that is not the point. The first surgeon I went to NEVER mentioned any of the possible complications, how my life would change, anything at all except - "let's get this scheduled." I think much of the blame lies with (a few) bariatric surgeons. For people who are jumping on the bandwagon because they see all those amazing, gigantic roadside advertisements with before and after photos... the motivation may be primarily appearance. If that's the case, and adequate research and soul-searching is not done ahead of time, I'm sure the "what have I done" syndrome could come as a rude shock (the "WTF" moment). I thank God for the people on this site and their honest feedback and information.

Thank you all so much for the feedback. I have been on them all, too I have been stable on 40mg Prozac for over ten years now - so I'm just going to stick with it. What do you do after the surgery during the liquid/chewable medications only phase? (Sorry, can't figure out how to multi-quote)

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When are you scheduled? Where does he do the procedure - Baylor Waxahachie? Do you go to the support groups? Sorry to ask so many questions.

I am going to my consultation with Dr Graham in Waxahachie next week.

Today I had a surgery consultation. I was really impressed with the surgeon and her staff - but I have a feeling she may not clear me. She is concerned about some of my health issues (that could get worse with VGS) and history of depression. I am supposed to go to several doctors to get evaluations on various things, and of course, the psych eval. I feel like this surgery is my only hope for becoming healthy - now it feels like it might be slipping away. I really trust this doctor - and if she says surgery isn't a good idea - I will listen to her. I'm feeling overwhelmed - I need to make appointments with 3 doctors, start a low carb, caffeine free diet, the list goes on... If I can't get the energy together to fulfill these prerequisites, I know don't stand a chance at succeeding in the long term. I'm trying to stay enthusiastic and positive about the process... Thanks in advance for feedback

Thank you! It really means a lot to me