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Imported foods sold in this country (United States) have to pass the same federal (USDA and/or FDA) regulations as food produced here. You really have nothing to fear. Tell the dogs that who have gotten sick and died from the imported Chinsese ingredients in their treats. Strawman argument. Foods for animals do not undergo the same rigorous certifications as those meant to be consumed by humans.

I used to shop there a lot when they were called Casual Male and their prices were more reasonable. They decided to try and move upmarket, and increased their prices to match. I stopped shopping there at that point. It just wasn't affordable any more. A shame really, us men of generous size already have a limited selection of clothing retailers.

I wasn't required to lose any weight before surgery approval. I started the process on October 31, 2014 at 529lbs. My pre-op diet (four weeks) started on Feb. 5, 2015 and I was 517lbs. My surgery was done on March 5, 2015 and I was 480lbs, making a 37lb weight loss in four weeks. Today, a week and a half later I am 467lbs, for a total of 62lbs since starting this journey.

I am 35 years old, and I had the sleeve done on March 5th. When I went in to the program (October 31, 2014), my weight was 529lbs. When I started the four week pre-op diet (Feb. 5, 2015), I was 517. On surgery day I was 480 and today, a week and a half later I am 467. An astonishing loss in a relatively short period of time, and is (according to my surgeon) not the norm. I am thrilled, though. I have had zero complications. No nausea, no vomiting, no cramping and most of all, no pain. I was completely off of the narcotic pain killers within 36 hours of surgery, and have been able to take in every last bit of liquids and Protein that my surgeon requests. I consider myself very fortunate that I have had no difficulty compared to others. I firmly believe that recovery is 20% physical and 80% mental, or at least it has been for me. If you get in to the mindset that VSG is a tool that you will be able to use to get healthy and to lead a much longer, fuller life, then you will not only be able to do it, but to succeed. VSG has been one of the best decisions I have ever made. Good luck to you.

Imported foods sold in this country (United States) have to pass the same federal (USDA and/or FDA) regulations as food produced here. You really have nothing to fear.

Bought those same ones this weekend. They are pretty tasty, too! Thanks for the tip on the meat sticks, I'll be checking those out.

Hey everyone. I know everyone has a different story, and combined with the way different insurances work, the time tables can be wildly different. This thread is more of a curiosity than anything else. My initial visit was at an information session/class. I knew going in that I wanted to have the surgery, I just wasn't sure which type. After the class I met with the surgeon and he answered all my questions and I chose to have VSG. That was October 31, 2014. Since then I have done three nutritionist visits and completed the psych evaluation. I learned this past Tuesday (January 27) that my insurance company (Medica) has approved me for surgery. My scheduled date is March 5, 2015. That means I've gone from thinking about it to confirmed in three months! It will be roughly four months from start of journey to surgery. Has anyone else been fortunate enough for it to go so quickly? I hope so, the waiting part is torture!

Hi Karen. I am in a very similar time table to you. My first visit was the end of October and I had completed everything required and my team sent of my information packed on January 13. On January 27 I learned that I had been approved and the approval is valid until September 19th. I chose March 5th as my surgery date, and I start my four week pre-op diet on February 5th! Of course every situation is different so your wait may be shorter or longer. Hopefully the former! Good luck to you.

My surgeon's office called me today and let me know they received authorization from my health insurance. They asked me when I would like the surgery, and since I have to do a four week diet, I said ASAP. I see my primary on the 5th of Feb. to go over any medications changes I should do on the diet, and I start the diet same day. Fortunately I am able to use any Meal Replacement powder/shake as long as it meets their requirements of 150-200cal and at least 10g of Protein per serving. Surgery day is March 5! I really wasn't nervous until now.

Count me as a member of the 500+ Club. I'm still pretty early in the process, but I already know who will be my surgeon and what procedure I'm going to have (sleeve). I'm somewhat nervous, but very optimistic as well.