aqua24

Shelterdog64 has offered very sound advice. I haven't posted much on this site because honest sound advice is not appreciated. People jump all over those who try to help others with this sound advice. It seems to have become accepted to bully those advisors. This has intimidated me from seeking out the assistance that I need or providing advice. Being a medical professional is not an indicator of superior communication skills. There are many people offering questionable advice while claiming to be medical professionals. My program is run by someone who is a hardcore straight shooter. Many people don't like her...her job isn't to be liked. Her job is to ensure people are knowledgeable and prepared for their surgery. After surgery, her job is to provide support and ensure success. She doesn't pull punches but it is because people did something drastic and need to be successful and stay safe. You may not like the advice but it doesn't mean the person was inappropriate. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

I think it is great that you brought up the topic and shared your experience. Our program has stressed to us that there is an extremely high rate of alcoholism after wls. They said people who rarely drank before are being admitted to inpatient treatment programs with 1-3 months of their first drink after wls. It is an important topic to discuss. Thanks for sharing. I wish you all the best. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

You are definitely an inspiration! I started at the same weight but I am only a couple months out. I am inspired by you to work harder to make my dream goal of 130. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

I went through Kaiser Richmond and due to my high bmi at the start (60) I was offered my choice of sleeve, bypass or DS but told they don't do DS there but would refer me if I wanted it. I wanted/had the sleeve though so I didn't get any additional information regarding the DS. I don't know what their cutoff is regarding bmi and DS but it may not be a battle. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

@"bubbz333". I took the whole 4 weeks off they offered. I wasn't sure what to expect given everyone has a different experience. I didn't want to burn through so much sick time but I am glad I did. I had a very smooth recovery but it gave me the opportunity to transition and focus on me without work stress. I knew with my job they would push me too far too fast. But at two weeks I had no pain or soreness. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

I bought them on Amazon. They have different brands and sizes. I tried an abdominal band but I have a short torso and it was uncomfortable. I had an easy recovery but having a loose tummy wasn't working, spanx provided the perfect t support. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

I used generic spanx and it worked really well. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

I went to mass at 2 weeks post op and I didn't have a problem. It almost dissolves on its own if you suck on it a little bit. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

I am also a lurker, taking it all in trying to learn as much as possible. It took me years to gather the courage to have wls. The day the program called to schedule my orientation I panicked; but I came here and saw the 6 month surgiversary post by Dub and it reminded me why I needed to do this. I am very grateful to all of you veterans that share your wisdom and are here to not only motivate people but help keep them on a solid path so they don't fall into their addictive behaviors again. Honestly, for me a taco at 3 weeks would be a gateway food for me. I would find a way to continue to get in more and more foods that would sabotage my success. I am 13 days post op and down 68 lbs since my orientation 4 1/2 months ago. After coming here and reading many of the posts, I am very grateful that I have such a strict and structured program. If people think any of the posts I have seen from you guys are mean...they should try and get through my program. They don't mess around and they would definitely call you out for trying to eat certain foods. But it is to ensure our success, health and safety. I have followed it 100% since surgery because I did something extreme by having this surgery and I want to be successful (and I am afraid of hurting myself by eating the wrong foods). There are too many people that sabotage unintentionally. We wouldn't be here if there weren't enablers. Sometimes someone handing us the hard truth is what we need. Sometimes the person who has our best interest at heart is the one telling us that a taco isn't the best choice at this stage. I hope all of you veterans continue to post because there are so many of us that you are helping. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

How much you have to lose is up to your dr. I had 10% of my total weight but that may also have been because I have a lot of weight to lose compared to many people. My dr determined what he thought would be necessary to help my surgery go smoother and lower risk. I lost 20lbs more than required...because I continued to lose after making goal and there was time between my appt with case manager and surgery. Some people were surprised I continued to lose weight during that time frame. I look at it this way-your goal is to get the weight off and the sooner the better. Starting now and improving habits will help you do better after surgery. I found the pre-op diet easy to follow and I rarely got hungry. When they go over it in orientation it won't sound like enough food but it is...in fact I never ate a full meal as they had listed. I dropped 55 lbs in 4 months in their diet. I think you will do fine. If you struggle at all, mention concerns in support group and everyone will offer advice and help. I had hit a plateau just before making goal and it was suggested I try a denser Protein...bam, the weight came off. I can't tell you what they would recommend but I would think that any weight you lose now will help make a safer surgery and easier transition later. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

I forgot...I think the nutritionist is going out on maternity leave in the next few weeks so the case manager was going to handle some of her appts. They may be a little short staffed over the next few months...but I am not positive about that. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

I received my call within a day or two from my pcp referral but I did have to wait a couple months for the orientation. It was hard for me because it took me years to be willing to do the surgery and once I decided I wanted it -I had to wait. I don't know what to recommend regarding losing weight now versus waiting until orientation. They will weigh you at that time and consider that your starting weight. I didn't receive my pre-op goal weight until two weeks later at my surgeons appt. I know some people were able to fast track a bit. I am not sure what qualifies you to do that unless they just asked. Some people had to drive further so they were able to schedule appts on the same day rather than waiting. Again, not really sure about all of that. It seemed to me as long as you were working hard and doing all they asked and not really a concern for them-they seemed to work hard to get you through. Actually for me I think it was exactly 4 months from orientation to surgery date. But I was nervous too so it was ok with me. I also worked hard to keep losing weight even past my pre-op goal weight. They really liked that. My goal is to get the weight off so I wasn't going to stop just at their goal. They said it made my surgery go much smoother. I haven't heard anything bad about any of the Drs. I had mostaedi who was absolutely wonderful. Very nice man. They told us in orientation they always have two surgeons in the room. I don't know for sure but baggs was doing surgery that day too so it may have been both of them. No matter what I have complete faith in my dr. And again, can't say enough nice things about the staff after the surgery. People were over the top nice and helpful. I know everyone has their own experiences but I really hope you guys have as nice an experience as I did. I really believe their strict program helps ensure success. They want you off caffeine, stop alcohol (I would recommend now because they will ask). No smoking, etc. really get in touch with why you overeat. Pay attention to when you are hunger versus bored etc. They will go over everything in orientation. Your binder is your lifeline and you are required to bring it to every meeting etc. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

I completely understand. So my process was...after my pcp gave me a referrer all the Bariatric dept called me and I was scheduled for an orientation. They provided binders, weighed us and went over the program in general, a dr spoke briefly and a nutritionist gave the pre-op (which will one day be the rest of your life) diet. At the end half the people were given an appt with a surgeon and the other half for the psych eval. I think it was 2-3 weeks later for me to have appt with surgeon. He went over general info to see which surgery would be best, etc. I was then given an appt a few weeks later for the psych. Follow the rules and show up early-they don't mess around! I filled out questionaires and answered all his questions about my life etc. then he discussed surgery and changes and what to expect and prepare for. After that I needed to just meet the goal weight loss set by my surgeon. Once I did that I had an appt with Liz, the program manager. She then gave me a surgery date. She also scheduled me for the preop classes. There were two classes back to back on the same day followed by a preop physical. Two weeks later I had the surgery. Their preop diet works well, you just have to follow it. They are strict that once you meet your preop goal weight set by the dr that you never go over that weight. They will cancel or reschedule appts and surgery if you don't follow their rules. It seems extreme but I have found they are very nice and supportive. They also highly recommend you attend support groups. They have two per month in Richmond and two per month in Vacaville. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

I just had surgery there on Monday. Wonderful experience. As was mentioned previously, they are strict but after reading posts from people in other programs I understand that they want to make sure you will succeed. Do exactly what they tell you! They will not let you move forward unless you meet their requirements. That's being said-they are very supportive. I had to lose 32 lbs but by surgery I had lost almost 55. It took 4 months from orientation. To surgery but it could have been sooner if it weren't for my schedule. As for the actual surgery experience...couldn't have asked for things to go better. Staff were amazing, i only had a little nausea just after surgery and no gas pains. I was more than ready to go the next morning. If you have any questions feel free to ask. I had the same problem trying to find information so I am more than happy to help. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

I had surgery on 9/12 and other than some nausea for a few hours after surgery, I have felt great. No gas pains, just a sore belly. broth was wonderful after surgery. I haven't had any problems sipping other than nervous to take bigger sips to help me get all my fluids in for the day. I am praying things stay this smooth. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

I had sleeve surgery yesterday. Slight nausea for a couple hours after surgery; otherwise a little soreness in my belly and that's it. Slight tightness in chest from gas but it went away fast. No problems walking. Just got home and I feel really good. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

Sept 12 Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

I had my appointment and received a surgery date -sept 12. How has your recovery been going? Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

Is your pain from the gas still or something else? Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

There are some people that go to all of the groups. The one this Wednesday Dr Z is going to discuss the importance of sleep. It's hard for me to go to Richmond groups so I will probably stick with VV. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

Vacaville Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

Went to support group and found it very beneficial. Most of the people were pre-op but the post-op people provided a lot of valuable information, as did Liz who was the moderator. Really glad I went. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

Glad your surgery went well. Sorry to hear about the discomfort-hopefully it will go away soon. People seem to say the first few days are difficult but maybe by the weekend you will feel better. I'm glad you are being positive about the surgery even with the discomfort. It shows you will do well. I worry about pills because I have a hard time now...can't imagine how it will be after the surgery. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

@ CNOEL3: congrats!!! Now you will definitely be healed by fall. Best of luck to you. If you are willing to share, keep us posted as to your experience. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

Thanks for the information. I need to attend the group but I am on-call the first and third weeks. I may try to go to VV one and hope I have phone service. That sucks about BC. I should probably make an appointment as well. I got off BC a few years ago and have been happier without it. Shots sound like better option to me too. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App