Lydia PR

I'm scheduled for the mini gastric sleeve procedure with Dr. Todd McCarty in Dallas in February. His approach involves using the Natural Orifice Trans-endoluminal Endoscopic Surgery ( NOTES) that basically involves a scope through a tube down your throat and a small incision around your belly button. The portion of the stomach is removed through the tube in your throat. The amount of stomach removed is a bit less than typical gastric sleeve surgery and this is designed for people with a lower BMI than typical sleeve surgery. It is supposed to have an easier recovery and less post-op pain, but with the same results as traditional gastric sleeve surgery. Has anyone had this type of procedure? Also, I'm not telling anyone but a couple of friends (pre-surgery). Is it possible to keep this a secret if you won't be seeing any of them for 2 weeks after your surgery?

I'm scheduled for the mini gastric sleeve with Dr Todd McCarty in February - see my previous post about details if you want. I've mentioned that I've been thinking about this to several friends and 1 family member but many of them don't support the idea. I've been told 'just diet' (I've been on every diet there is), you're not that heavy, just increase your exercise (beyond the 3 times a week that I do a 1 hour aerobics class). Most of you have likely heard all of the amateur advice as well. So other than a couple of supportive friends, I'm not telling anyone else about my surgery before it's done. Any advice?

Thank you for that suggestion. I'm going to tell a sister whom I trust.

what will you do if later on you have any problems or other medical issues and they need to know you had sleeve? That's the best reply and I hadn't thought about that. I'm happy with telling them after it is done.

I really don't want to be talked out of it with remarks about how I should just embrace who I am. The SO other is just a boyfriend and we're not in a committed, life-long relationship. My family is very judgmental and I wouldn't be getting support from them one way or the other.

My wishful thinking is that I can get to a pre-surgery weight and would be happy with 30 more pounds - even though 35-40 would be ideal. My total weight loss should be about 40-50 pounds - which is a significant amount on someone 5'1". I really am not looking to be judged by someone who doesn't know my struggle or my history. I'm medically qualified for the surgery.

Thank you Laurie. I won't mind telling people after it is done. But the lack of support from several people has me hesitant to tell anyone before surgery. Given my good health, I think everything will go smoothly. Also, my boyfriend is in the medical field and I don't think he is going to like the idea. But I'm doing this for me, not him.