Shakti

hi green - (hope you don't mind the abbreviation - lol!) Thank you so much for your support. I know this is the right thing for me. I haven't told too many people. I hate judgements and we all know this is not the easy way out! I expect it to be hard work but it will be so worth it. I initially saw Dr Floch looking to do the lap band, but he said that it would not do anything to help my diabetes. And the band seems to have fallen out of favor, while at one time it was the answer for people who didn't want the gastric bypass. The more I researched the sleeve the more it resonated with me. I think now it is the most used bariatric procedure. In addition to diabetes I also have high cholesteral, high blood pressure, sleep apnea, all the good stuff. i am so looking forward to getting this weight off!! Putting all of the life-sustaining and medical issues aside, being overweight in Greenwich Connecticut is so NOT easy. I am not from this town originally, and I'm sure you know what I am talking about!

Hi ezbeinggreen! I live in Cos Cob, and my surgeon is Neil Floch. As I mentioned, this decision comes after years of debate, until I finally admitted to myself that 'diet and exercise' was never going to be a good solution. I also did much research in the ff county area, and his practice came up again and again as one with an excellent reputation. I liked Dr Floch so much from the start but was terrified of the surgery. In the process of my pre-op work-up he discovered gallstones, and so a month ago I had my gb out, and it went really well. He was so skilled and compassionate that I had no choice but to put my fears aside. My insurance will not cover any bariatric surgery (i'm getting the sleeve) but with my high weight and co-morbidities I know this surgery will save my life. I've had no choice but to finance it. I got the same quotes you did - for Norwalk Hospital, the sleeve is $16,000. ouch! If you have an option of a reputable surgeon in Florida for much less, I would definitely explore it!

Date is Monday August 24. I begin pre-op diet Wednesday 8/12. My surgeon requires 10 days of Protein shakes and then 2 days of liquids only. I have a choice of Optifast shakes and bars, or Bariatric Advantage powder mix (much cheaper) Convenience is a big thing for me so I'm thinking Opti, but any thoughts on that or flavor preferences?

Just had my very last 'work-up' appointment this past Wednesday - upper endoscopy. Scheduled for surgery August 24th! I can't actually believe I'm doing this. Been on my mind for years and took the jump this past May. I am very ready but...I don't know how I am going to get through 2 weeks of liquid diet, since I never seemed to be able to stick to anything for too long. But I know there is no choice in this matter. Anyone know of any good books, readings, advice on how to manage this? (I have Alex's 'big book')

I met with my nutritionist today. I only needed one appoinment as I am self-pay. All I have left now is the endoscopy, a week from today. I am hoping for an August surgery. Office will not schedule surgery until everything is complete, in this case the endoscopy. I am a self-pay because my Aetna plan does not include bariatric benefits, so the numerous appointments have nothing to do with insurance and everything to do with my very highly regarded and cautious doctor, to make sure everything is safe and normal before proceeding. I've been 'dieting' since the age of 12 so this can't happen soon enough!

yes, it is the same surgeon. From what I hear sleeve and gallbladder are typically done together, but he has been doing this for a long time and he told me that he finds this the better way to proceed. The surgeries need to be done a month apart. Gallbladder is outpatient. Also I researched long and hard, and he is my go-to guy in terms of reputation, experience, skill, safety record and bedside manner. So I can't see looking elsewhere. Just wondered what others experiences were.

I have basically spent the last month on-line researching everything about bariatric surgery. I finally made my choice (sleeve) found a terrific doctor in whom I have confidence, and moved ahead with pre-op clearance testing. I just found out that I have gallstones and my doc recommends that taking it out is a good idea,as large weight loss can lead to more of them. However, he believes it to be safer to take it out first, followed by the sleeve about a month later. On many forums I see that there are patients who have it removed at the same time as the sleeve. Anyone been through this?

I met with the surgeon today. Hands down he recommended the sleeve. Doesn't hardly even do lapbands anymore. He actually suggested that I could consider the 'big 1' (as I call the roux-n-y) since I am diabetic and my A1C has been in the range of 7. However that is too drastic for me - so he is comfortable with doing the sleeve. I need to lose about 150 lbs. Even I was shocked to see those numbers! Hope to get medical clearance and a date before too long!

I'm so happy I found this forum - thank you to all for your caring responses. It is a huge help and I must admit I felt kind of lonely when I finally made my decision to have surgery, as I know so many people who think it's a cop-out and all I need is diet and willpower. If that were the case would have already been successful at losing! I look forward to being armed with more information once I meet with the surgeon next Friday.

I think I am most fearful of the anesthesia (never had anything stronger than childbirth epidurals or 'twilight') But it seems one needs a general in both cases. My surgeon does both procedures and the decision is mine, but his staff did explain that the band procedure is becoming less common. I am spending an inordinate amount on the internet researching this - meeting with him again on Friday 5/22 and would love to feel more confident and have a clear picture by that time!