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Nothing could be more gut busting and artery hardening than deep fried butter (It's a real thing. I never had it, nor will I probably ever).

If members of your congregation are judgmental, then maybe they missed the "Judge not, unless thee be judged" (I tried to paraphrase it the best I think it is stated) saying that is written in the New Testament.

Your dog finally comes by begging at the dinner table, because there are leftover scraps now.

When you go to a restaurant, they hand you a menu and ask "What would you like to order?". You now say "I'll have (the name of a single entree) please" instead of pointing to the cover of the menu and saying "Yes, I'll have all of that, please".

Q) "Sleeve vs gastric bypass". A) Yes. I am not being sarcastic. This is a personal choice that needs to be researched heavily (pun intended). There are many factors involved, the amount of weight a person needs to lose, health conditions (such as GERD, diabetes, etc.), family history of diseases and weighing out the risks. Continue to research the two surgeries. I had a large 3-ring notebook where I compare the Roux-en-y, VSG & lap band surgeries; I ruled out the lap band surgery early on. I found studies and published papers from major research hospitals, JAMA, ASMBS and respected surgeons to help me make my decision. After reviewing all of the pros and cons of each surgery, I discussed it with my surgeon. He agreed that for ME with MY medical history, the VSG was the right choice. I did find that the Roux-en-y procedure was more effective in long term weight loss (2+ years) and the effectiveness on lowering type-2 diabetes and other comorbidities were equal or better and there was a risk of developing GERD with the VSG and 80% of the stomach being removed, but the malabsorption, slightly higher risk of complications, etc., was not worth the additional risk. Also, I liked the body losing most of the Ghrelin hormone with the VSG. The VSG is a newer procedure than the bypass for weight loss, but the longer term studies are starting to show the differences in excess weight loss may not be as much in the long term as originally thought (even though the percentage wasn't great to begin with). The surgery type is a personal choice and it should be discussed with your surgeon. Just make sure you are well informed when you discuss this. Congratulations on your decision to have WLS. Remember, regardless of the surgery, it is only a tool. It is up to all of us to make sure we use it properly. Either surgery will be ineffective if we go back to our old ways.

I don't think you need any study or anything about stretching the stomach drinking carbonation - it just doesn't make sense if you know anything about anatomy. I was told by my surgeon that it would be pretty uncomfortable and that is why he recommends against. What I can tell you is that drinking carbonated beverages with my band adjusted (tight) was uncomfortable and I didn't do it for that reason. I guess than the (lower esophageal sphincter? or whatever that valve is at the top of the stomach could hold back that much pressure without it coming out as, in less technical terms "a burp"? Also, the portion of the stomach that remains for a VSG is less vulnerable to stretching. Your surgeon said it could be uncomfortable, not that he knows from first hand knowledge it would stretch the stomach. That is why I mentioned "... in moderation (when it is safe to) at a reasonable rate...". In your medical experience, can you elaborate on "it just doesn't make sense if you know anything about anatomy. "?

I told people who commented on my weight loss about my VSG. I was not going to lie if someone asked me if I had VSG or make up a story of why I was out of work during the recovery period. You can always tell people the truth that you: 1. Are on a medically supervised diet. 2. Eat less. 3. Make intelligent food choices now. 4. Exercise. And not mention you had WLS.

Can anyone cite a well documented and controlled scientific study with enough samples that has very high confidence and a small error that is supported by medical societies (AMA, ASMBS) or even published in JAMA, that substantiate the statement that drinking sugar free carbonated beverages in moderation (when it is safe to) at a reasonable rate will stretch a VSG stomach? Thanks. Granted Water is a better choice for a liquid than all of the additives and artificial sweeteners in diet soda, some diet sodas can be acidic and they could also contain caffeine, both of these can lead to an irritated stomach. I keep reading conflicting reports regarding this topic. I like to base decisions upon research not conjecture.

CIGNA denied me too, I received the letter the letter on a weekend 2 weeks before the scheduled surgery on the basis of I was not on a medically supervised diet for at least 3 months and my PCP did not state it was medically necessary, even though she did submit the paperwork stating it was. They were paying for all of the pre-op medical services including meeting with a nutritionist 3 times (~5 months since the first visit, at that point). Phone calls from my surgeon & PCP's office squared it away. I have had other medical providers, for me, CIGNA has been the worse so far for denying claims.

Not that it isn't a little challenging for a few weeks of having enough to eat but being on a liquid, then a puree, then a soft Protein, etc. post WLS diet. Given the following facts, there are worse scenarios. These facts should put things into perspective. 805 million people in the world do not have enough to eat. This number is down more than 100 million over the last decade, and 209 million lower than in 1990–92. Source: FAO, The State of food Insecurity in the World 2014 One in every nine people on our planet go to bed hungry each night. FAO,The State of Food Insecurity in the World 2014 Hunger kills more people each year than AIDS, malaria and tuberculosis combined. Source: FAO, The State of Food Insecurity in the World 2014 66 million primary school-age children attend classes hungry across the developing world, with 23 million in Africa alone. Source: WFP, Two Minutes to Learn About School Meals 2012 That Protein shake or strained Soup, doesn't taste that bad now, does it?

I like to use the "Willy Wonka" analogy of "I got a golden ticket" that some people believe they get once they have the surgery. That is, they can eat whatever they want in whatever quantities they can. Don't get me wrong, sweets or a slice of pizza, etc. on occasion can be ok (it is up to the individual, this surgery is not a diet) but not all the time and not 3 high caloric, nutritionally unbalanced meals a day -although we do need to shift the nutritional pyramid around a little to get our Protein in. I have read about people who totally disregard any medical advice and start to eat all foods a week or two after having WLS (even 1-2 days after)! There are chemical/hormonal changes to the body after the procedure (such as lower Ghrelin production for the VSG), but he procedures are primarily restrictive, with some malabsorption depending upon the procedure. It is meant as a tool and should be treated as such. Just as with a power tool, if you don't use it properly, maintain it and use it how it was designed for, you won't get the results you want. A lifestyle change is required if this surgical tool is going to be successful long term.

She may not be a good example for a diet. I heard of a video that she starred in where she stuffed too much in her mouth. (Sorry, I digressed ).

So what you are saying when you say "I am making supper" is really "I am making supper (reservations)"?

They have a frequent buyers club card. Each time you buy one of those meals, they stamp your card. Collect 20 stamps and you get a 5% discount on your WLS procedure.

LOL. If they convict you of "apple murder", you could always "a-peel" the verdict.

It's the going to the fridge for some leftover Chinese food afterwards, that is a killer. Hmmmmm. That explains a lot why Popeye's forearms were so big, he must have not had a partner.

I received a letter from CIGNA on a Saturday, the surgery was 2 weeks from that Monday, stating they would not cover the surgery due to my PCP did not document that I need the surgery and I did not go through a medically supervised diet for at least 3 months. I contacted my PCP and surgeon. I had them resubmit the same information that was already submitted and "Abra-Cadabra" it is now suddenly approved. The funny thing is they were paying for a nutritionist and a bariatric doctor & bariatric nurses, blood work, gastro-esophageal testing, blood work, etc. at the hospital for 5 months at that point. Get a copy of the medical plan and have your PCP and surgeon be your advocates to fight for why this is medically necessary -comorbidities and a high BMI are strong tools to sell this point. Good luck.

I feel bad for that company. Their name was a bad, unforeseen choice. It is very unfortunate for them the disease "AIDS" is pronounced the same way. I believe one of their slogans was something to the effect: "Ayds helps you lose weight". (This was not meant to be making fun of the deadly disease or people who have it)

Ride the Boston Tea Party ride late at night, you can get a few runs in that way. If there is nobody else on line, they will let you stay on, or just step out and get back on. Granted it is a lot less refreshing to be splashed with cool Water at night.

You need to set your priorities before you have the surgery. Post surgery questions: Can you NEVER drink again? No. Can you ever go out and have a great time with friends? Yes. Can you enjoy having appetizers or eating at restaurants? Yes. The only caveat regarding the drinking and food is to do so in moderation; also planning on bringing home 1/2 your meal from the restaurant for another night (not too shabby, 2 great meals for the price of one). You can still enjoy partying and having fun, just do so in moderation the way thin people do. By the way, your "friends", if they truly are, will support, encourage and help you with your decision to have WLS. Good luck. You will make the correct decision when you are ready.

"Well screw Arnold"? That's not a bad thing if your wife was pretending you were him.