prsist1869

I had my surgery and it went well. I had the sleeve, he repaired two hernias and ALL is well. I believe with a good surgeon, they can perform this surgery with no issues.

Tiff, thanks for asking this question. I have quite a bit of scar tissue/adhesions and I have disclosed all surgeries to my doctor. However, mine are ALL over my belly. Every time they do something in there, it creates a lot of scar tissue and I know everything is probably fused together; however, I believe my surgeon will be able to go in and take care of all of it, soooo hopefully neither one of us will have any worries.

Depending on the area in which you live, you may be able to buy work clothes, suits and shoes at Goodwill. There are also consignment shops, but that may be more expensive. Also, if you'll look for sales on your city's FB page, you may also be able to find really good deals. My mother in law had a lot of Ann Taylor, Donna Karen, etc. suits she put on the city FB page - she was practically giving them away, just to clean out her closet.

I think it's terrific that you're not nervous. Sounds to me as though you've wrapped your mind completely around this and are embracing your decision without any stress. Good luck to you and I'm sure you'll do really well!

You look terrific! Your entire demeanor has changed along with your body - you totally rock!!

Absolutely beautiful! Love your post and love that you're so very happy! You're an inspiration.

That is AWESOME Big YAY for you!!!

I had one surgeon tell me no nsaids for a year. I've had another center tell me no nsaids ever. I think the primary concern is due to ulcers in the belly. With RNY you cannot have a scope done to check for ulcers, with VSG you can. I only have one kidney so I generally stay away from nsaids anyway. I'd check with your doctor and check with a GI doctor - just to be sure.

It's an intensely personal decision. I didn't tell my family or friends because it's not about them, it's about me. It's about me being better, feeling better and looking better. This will affect every aspect of my life and I'm damn well worth it. I don't know if I'll be one of the lucky ones who have little or no complications, but in the long run, anything I do for myself to live is worth it. I don't want to die and if I don't do this (for me), I'll either die from co-morbidities or wind up in and out of the hospital with one illness after another. Bottom line - you have to decide what it is you want for your life. Not what your family or friends want for you. What's going to make you happy? Healthy? Confident? Content? This is all about you - no one else. It's not just about losing weight. That's my wooden nickels worth Take care and I hope you find peace whatever you choose to do.

You look amazing! Congratulations on your success and happiness - it's beaming out of you

Terrific! Cannot wait to be where you are right now!! Congrats.

Mstrosec, it's good to know you've not had any issues. I don't think I will either. I have always been very careful and hypersensitive with regard to nsaids and like products - I don't use them. Since VSG won't allow you to take them, it's not going to be a problem. Every creatnin clearance test I've had has come back well within the limits. I read about Protein and what's considered toxic - what we're required to eat/consume is not at a high enough level to be considered toxic. I just hope the doctor is not as unreasonable as the nurse seemed. However, if I have to get a letter from a nephrologist, I'll do so. I may do it anyway, just to be safe (ItsMe2033). Thank you guys again for your insight - I'm sure I'll ask more questions.

I spoke with the nurse at the WLS Center and she said because I only have one kidney, I may not be able to have WLS. When I asked why, she said because I'll be required to consume 60-80g Protein per day and the kidney functions as a filter for protein. I know this, however, I was told by my nephrologist years ago that we only needed 1/2 kidney to survive. Has anyone else had this issue? Thanks. I really need this procedure and I don't want the fact I donated a kidney to prohibit me from being healthy.

I went in for my surgical consult on September 10th after completing ALL their requirements and my insurance requirement. My surgeon told me I couldn't do RNY, but could do VSG. My insurance won't approve VSG yet. So, I've gone to another surgeon with a Military Treatment Facility and I meet with him on October 2nd to find out if I can even do VSG. They said maybe not because I donated a kidney in 1986. OMG I am so frustrated!!! I just want to be healthy and doesn't seem as though anyone is willing to help.

Thank you all for your encouraging words and insight. I am going to speak with the surgeon on October 2nd. I will explain to him that I eat a lot of protein now and am, in fact, following their pre-surgery diet. Everything I've read indicates that as long as the kidney is healthy and I haven't had any issues I should be fine. Also, as long as I take all the vitamins required, get the fluids needed, I should do really well. I think with most people who've had kidney issues, this could be a huge factor i.e. kidney stones, infection, UTIs, etc. I've NEVER had those issues and my labs have all come out well, so ... I don't see the problem. Hopefully, when I speak with the surgeon, he'll be on board. The other surgeon I consulted, who is part of a 'Center of Excellence' didn't have an issue with my only having one kidney. From everything my nephrologist said over 20 years ago when I had the surgery, most people can function with 1/2 a kidney. We'll see what happens.