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imsoglad56, Did you or your husband have hair loss? That is a big concern for me.

Hi! I am using Dr. Victor Gonzalez in Dallas. He and his staff are very caring and knowledgable. I am getting my EGC Friday and being cleared by cardiologist today. I have scheduled surgery for Nov. 17. I live in west Texas, about 5 hours away. My insurance does not have an in network Dr. closer than Dallas so I had to go to the Dallas area. I did a lot of research and calling Drs. in the area and decided on Dr. Gonzalez. I really like him Each doctor usually has a seminar you need to attend. I attended his, and he actually did it himself, him and an expert on nutrition. I really learned a lot. I actually was dead set on lap band, but after speaking to someone there that had had lap band, and hearing how great the sleeve has been, I decided to get the sleeve. Let me know if I can answer anything else for you. My email address is midlandrhonda@gmail.com

Shustar, what insurance company are you with? I am with Aetna and it sounds similar to yours. Lots of hoops to jump through. I wanted to have surgery in Mexico and he ABSOLUTELY said no way!!!!!! That was the end of that. He would not even research it or anything. He says their standards are not as high as the U.S. and it is too risky and I am not going there. Period. I was really bummed because I am paying about $8000 out of pocket.

I had mine last week and I showed no sins of sleep apnea. I didn't snore and blood oxygen level didn't drop below 91. I slept on my stomach mostly. Interesting because I feel sure I have it. My neurologists thinks I have it.

Thank you for the responses! I have the fine print from Aetna (not in writing but great idea). Have also talked with coordinator at doctors office. I know she knows what she is doing, but I want to make double sure. It's scary leaving it up to others . I am doing the three month pre surgery thing and I'm a little concerned about the supervised exercise program. Dr office told me the nutritionist qualifies for that, nutritionist says she's not. I am exercising and know what to do, just concerned about "supervised exercise program". Also, does she qualify for "behavior modification"? Dr office says she does. I guess I need to just trust them.

Dr Gonzalez is doing mine. They have been wonderful. He does his own seminars and actually has a personality haha. I live in midland. My wonderful insurance has no in network providers closer than Dallas ( 5 hours away)

i do not live in dallas but am getting surgery there. i was curious who did yours.

I am planning on surgery in early December. I have to get a sleep study and endoscopy. I also have to get cleared by a cardiologist. On my first and only appointment so far, he examined my stomach.... Felt around and lightly mashed. No big deal. We talked quite a bit. He asked what questions I had and I asked my questions and he answered. I told him I wanted lap band. He did not try to talk me out of it. It was at his seminar that I changed my mind to sleeve. It was a very positive and exciting time.

I didn't realize that happened during pre op diet. Good to know!!

HA!!!! I was just thru Gainesville yesterday! I live in midland and we went to winstar. I am using victor Gonzalez in Dallas. why have so many doctors said no? Because of your insurance? I really like him and his staff. Give them a try.

Good for you!!! Congrats on your weight loss! I am glad you decided to go through with it. Thanks for the info about the 3 week stall. At least I will know it is normal if it happens to me:)

OMG! Did you say HRT? You had to stop that 8 weeks prior?????? Lord help me and every person I come into contact with if I have to stop my hormones!!!!! My surgeon has not told me of this. I hope he never does!!!! :):)

WOW! That is incredible!!!!!! Way to go girl and keep up the good work!!

My surgeon had a 3 hour seminar we were required to attend. I am so glad I did because I learned so very much. He actually gave the seminar himself. I would look into that, and attend both if applicable and see from there. I kind of feel like you. I have had my consultation and am in my 3 month 'pre surgery insurance stuff' to lose some weight and get in better shape for surgery. I am about to start trying Protein shakes and see which ones and what recipes I really like. That is something you can start doing. I am also slowly weening off of cokes. Well, I havent had a coke in a week so I guess I have weened off of those. I plan to have surgery in early December and about early November I will start weening off of all caffeine altogether, as that is a requirement from my doctor. I will also really limit my sugar intake. I do not want to be any more miserable than necessary when I do the 2 week pre op diet. Also, find out what both of their pre and post op diets and requirements are, like a sleep study and an endoscopy. Good luck!!

I havent had my surgery yet, but I just know you are going to lose!!!! I just know it! Every single person is different. Try to be patient!!!! Hang in there!

Anniel2015 how are you doing today?

I dread that very much!!!! Remember, it is temporary!!! YOU CAN DO THIS!!!!

I am really concerned about that when it is time for me to do it. I plan on weening off of caffeine slowly to avoid the headaches.

I have been dead set on surgery for the past 3 months. Then, yesterday, I had a coke and Cookies and was really disappointed in myself. I had this overwhelming urge to eat them! I am in my 3 month 'insurance approval' time, where I am supposed to be losing weight and working out and getting in better shape for surgery. I really started questioning whether I could handle not eating like I like to. I am wondering if I am really strong enough to go through with this. Seems food is my 'go to guy'. I am just discouraged. I need encouragement!!!!!!!

Thank you so much. That is what I needed to hear. I have made up for it! Yesterday, we had birthday cake which is my very favorite in the world. I did not have any!!!!! I also passed up a coke this morning. I am very proud of myself . You will be hearing from me Jessica . Have you had surgery? Will you tell me your story?

Are you using insurance? If so, have you checked into the details to see what requirements they have?

Great question LadiSani! I was wondering the same thing!

i guess i have been really lucky. everyone i have told has been really supportive, either that, or we just discuss it. No one has given me that crazy look. I guess they know me well enough; when I am set on something no one can change my mind.

I think it is normal for a lot of people to feel like that going into any kind of surgery. You will do great!!!! Look at the wonderful benefits!!! Hang in there!!!

I am so sorry!!! Geez, you must be miserable. I havent had surgery yet, but I have heard from several people that they felt wonderful the whole time and never got nauseated or threw up. That is what I am counting on for me, hahahaha. You will be able to handle it!!!