ElseeG

We had a phone consult, and I liked him very much. He took the most thorough medical history of anyone I’ve apoken with. Im just wondering what the post-op services are like. For example, if you stall, donthey help you figure out the issue? I’m from out of town, so I wouldn’t be able to make use of on-site services. Thanks!

Cheryl_gut, did you get a sense of what Dr. Dirk’s patient support team was like? I spoke with him today and liked him very much. I’m just wondering how they are about providing post op support. I know you may not be able to answer, since you transferred.

It’s good to hear that. Glad it worked for you! My weight shot yo when I went on lithium. I always had a hard time losing, but it became impossible on Lithium. Just impossible. Hoping the sleeve works.

Gee. I’m so sorry about that! Sounds miserable. Made me nauseous the first few times, but after that, I was fine. I feel nice and stable with it. i just hope I’m not going through all this trouble for nothing, given that I’m taking it.

I spoke with a surgeon today who said he couldn’t estimate how much weight I would lose since I take lithium, which makes sense. Has anyone had experience with this?

Ah, that’s right.

Ah. I’m self pay, unfortunately. I hope you’re having a great recovery!

Thanks! Why were you transferred?

I’m finding that this process is stirring up old or latent issues surrounding family dynamics and relationships, as well as the obvious age old pains and scars resulting from dealing with a lifetime of this. Did others find this as well?

Thank you for sharing that. In my case, we had to clear our plates and my family thought it was cute that I was pudgy. My nickname translates into “fat ass”. I was 5. Then when I got a little older (ie middle school/high school) they thought it was no longer cute and had me wear girdles and wrapped my middle in Saran Wrap to sweat off the fat. Nah, nonissues to work through there...!

Thank you! For me it’s been getting a giant fruit smoothie in the afternoon. After all it’s fruit, right? All of which turns into sugar. So, after gaining more weight I dropped that. Then there’s the pantry at work where they leave leftover platters from meetings...just a bibble. Ok, maybe two. And don’t get me started on nighttime eating i know I need to break these habits. But by the time I do, the weight is on and then I can’t get it off. This surgery is costing a small fortune, so I better stick with it! Seriously, I just can’t contibie at this rate. I can’t. I’m tryibg to follow a post surgery diet in the weeks leading up to surgery. I even made protein balls last night....next step...dropping wine!!!

Ok...here’s a devil’s advocate question...then why is this surgery preferable to regular crash dieting? im asking myself all sorts of questions before taking the plunge...

Thanks, All. Regaining is my new fear. I’m not a daytime grazer. My problem area is when I walk in the door from work. Instead of sitting down for an actual meal, I pick and pick and pick. I know I need to stop that. I’m going to try having a late afternoon snack like a yogurt or protein bar to keep from being so hungry when I walk in the door. I agree...it’s so easy to say, “I’ll get back on track tomorrow.” Another habit to stop. And the list continues...!

Did you have trouble finding a local surgeon if you went out of town for your surgery?

I know. And honestly, it was only because someone on this board was kind enough to share the name of their surgeon. A random act of kindness that is changing my life.

Thanks, Everybody!!! I’m elated!!!!

That’s great! I need to stick around a few days, I guess since I’m traveling.

I’m in NJ. How long will you stay in MI post-surgery, if you know yet? Are you finding a local doctor? I guess a 2 hour drive isn’t that bad.

DR that is such phenomenal news. One step closer! Please keep us posted! Are you going from out of state? I am.

Thanks, KatKatLady. I had pretty much given up on it, so I'm pretty elated right now.

Hi Stacy 160. Thank you SO MUCH! I called Pleatman’s office, and the patient coordinator, Kerry, was great. She was on the phone with me for an hour discussing everything about surgery and diet. She said Dr.Pleatman would call me on friday. He didn’t, so I hope to speak with him next week. I’m aiming for a late March surgery...in time for my 50th. I cant thank you enough for sharing his name. $11,200, I can do. $29k was unthinkable. ElseeG

Hi Losebig, This is incredibly helpful. Thanks!

Hi. Has anyone had any experience with any of these doctors?

Hi DRoseman. This is great. Thanks. I spoke with their office manager today, and she was in the phone with me for a full hour. She was fantastic. I’m speaking with Dr. Pleatman later today.

OMG really??? I'll be on this first thing tomorrow so a simple hiatal hernia got it covered????