I will what I want

That's a great explanation Kindle, thanks.

Thanks Kindle! I'll check with my medical Team and also do some research (love me some science!) nothing is ever 100% so I can imagine still getting them even with meds. Best to you and so happy to see you on BP and doing so well :-). Shellie

Ugh. I am so not excited by surgery. I suppose it's normal for an almost 50 year old to not be looking forward to this...I've had several surgeries and even when they go 100% it's still hard. I think I need an attitude adjustment! Anyway, I'm not doing this to be excited, I'm doing it for better health so surgery it is and I'll follow my surgeons plan 100%!! I'm hoping after this weight is off I'll feel excited! Anyone else feel this way?

Are there preventative measures one can take to lower the risk of gallbladder problems. I'm scheduled for Aug 25th and I HATE pain and surgery...so I would like to avoid it problems if It is possible. Thanks! Shellie

I think you might get some response if you post a new thread with this question on the vsg main area.

That in and of itself is a red flag.

Hoary! Tell me about your excitement....

Good luck on your journey!

I took the bodhisattva vows in 1991 with the Dali Lama. I've been practicing for a long time as well.

Lol... I was so excited to see you jump in I didn't read through the whole thread. My bad. :-)

I All - I have links to two research studies that folks here on BP will find interesting. Where do they go? I thought there was a forum for research. But now I can't find it...it's been hot here in sunny Mountain View, Ca (full disclosure : it's only been 80 degrees) and my mind is melting (I'm a weather wimp). For now Here is a link to a study that looks at the metabolic advantages of three major WLS: band, vsg and RnY. Super interesting: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3410227/

Hey Cowgirl. I posted the article both times - you are so welcome! I have always wanted the sleeve so I read the article from the perspective of what am I getting in addition to restriction? I had a fear that if all one got was restriction it wasn't going to be enough. I was thrilled when I read about the metabolic advantages of the vsg and RnY. I truthfully didn't pay much attention to the band science because it wasn't a good fit for me. I know some people do well with the band - it just wasn't for me. And if you combine this study with the vsg study about bile acid increase directly turning on the genetic switch for weight loss ... I'm sold. Also, the other responder noted the study was vague on the band. I'm not surprised; these studies are being done because everyone is looking for New weight loss drugs. Thanks!

Thanks for posting this! You are gorgeous...I am 5 weeks away and terrified and not a bit excited. Your encouragement helps!

I am August 25th, 9am in Mountain View, Ca. I feel like a fish out of water though. Unlike most people, I am not excited...at all. I just want to fast forward 6 months, past the surgery and to the results. I HATE surgery. I have had great surgeons (back surgery and c-section) and no major complications, so no bad experiences - It's just that surgery is so hard. I'm not excited about giving up food as a comfort - I just know I must! Anyone else feel this way? I have a case of the blahs. I also have Shingles right now so that might be clouding my perspective.

I so sorry this happen to you. You are brave to step out into this thread. The good news is it's over and done and hopefully you can heal from this experience sooner rather than later. We have all been victimized in our life - and people will often attack the victim rather than face their own vulnerability. Thanks for taking a stand for victims everywhere and telling your story.

You are brave Alex.

I was approved for WLS yesterday and while I am relived and ready...I am not excited or inspired. I think I'm not excited because I can't visualize what life will be like not obese. I intellectually know my life will improve...it's my heart that's doubtful. I also know from the small windows I've had of "normal" weight that life doesn't get magically perfect. (Life still happens, the car breaks down and people die...etcetera ). I feel like this is normal for an almost 50 year old wife and mother who has been through a lot. (Really, I'm not being dramatic...I've been through it) I also have a sense that my outcome will be better, or at least more fun, if I could get inspired. And I know *I AM RESPONSIBLE for generating my own inspiration.* So in that spirit, I am asking for support from this community for ideas, stories, suggestions - whatever you've got - that inspires you now or did pre-op that you can share with me and perhaps others who are experiencing the same. For example, I got some clothes out of storage that I bought in Italy (15 years and 80 pounds ago) and that helped a little. What say you, Sages of WLS? What inspires you?

Thanks everyone! This helps me a lot with both specific actions I can take and my thinking in general. I am afraid to make plans and think about how great things can be because I've had a lot of set-backs in recent years - many - if not most - directly or indirectly related to my weight and health. I so appreciate that there are folks who not only understand but can also put into words what I'm experiencing. Thanks a million!

I have twin 7 year olds. Omg so much work and yes you do rock!

Nope. Didn't offend me - what you are pointing to is that a person is responsible for their actions - inspired or not. I totally get that AND I'd like to generate some excitement and inspiration - from a place of being 100% responsible for my experience. I have young girls, so being healthy is one if my motivators.

Wow! I agree this man has made a mistake and after paying back his debt to society should be able to continue forward as a productive citizen. It will be up to the licensing board to determine what happens with his medical license. In the meantime, even if he is allowed to continue practicing, there is a distinct possibility that he will be very stressed out and pre-occupied. And I don't want a stressed out, preoccupied surgeon, performing my WLS! Good luck to you! Let is know how it goes for you - Shellie

Check out this published study for a comparison of RnY, vsg and the band, including metabolic resetting. It helped me make my choice with confidence. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3410227/

Do you know what bmi your surgeon used to calculate your excess weight? Sometimes they use a bmi at the low end of normal. In my case my surgeon used 21 I think which puts me 100 pounds overweight. Losing 70% of my excess weight would then put me into the high end of normal which is fine by me. I get your fear - and was much relieved when I looked into the numbers. Also, many people do get to 100% excess weight loss, my program mentioned about 20 percent. And even if you were to end up at a bmi that is a little overweight - I would guess that would still be awesome in the long run? Best of luck to you! - Shellie

Wow! I have Hashimoto's and it would be a dream come true for it to get better! I so hope that is the result you get. I will be happy just to have the excess weight off so my joints don't hurt from the added burden. Bodies are complex and given that studies are just starting to show how VSG actually works through resetting metabolism ... Rather than the restriction they have always assumed....anything is possible. Sending you healing vibes for a complete recovery! Please keep is updated! Best - Shellie

RJ- I hardly know what to say - 8 weeks with a drain and so many complications. I so wish we were friends irl so I could offer you some love and kindness in person. I was thinking about how unfair this is that you are setting the record for complications and I guess the reality is that you just have to do what you are doing...which is to get through it. You are brave and your lack of bitterness inspires me. 25 years ago I had complications from a routine pelvic exam and afterward could not have sex for about 10 years. It was one of those "this never happens" situations that no one could figure out, much less fix (I know that might be tmi but it truly changed the course of my life....) I bring this up because I totally get being a medical outlier. It's terrifying and isolating. I am sending you love and healing energy. If you ever want or need an encouraging word from someone who went through medical hell of a different sort, please PM me and I'll heap some love on you. K? -Shellie