Aodhanmom

Hi everyone! I went to my consultation appointment with the NP Oct 3, PCP for sign off Oct 14, and nutrition consult Oct 8. Originally I wanted a sleeve, but the NP talked me into a RNY. I was told that I have 1 more nutrition class scheduled Oct 31 and a psych consult Nov 8 to complete before I schedule an appointment with my surgeon. I’m surprised that an endoscopy and sleep consult were not included in the pre-requisites to the meeting with the surgeon. I don’t have sleep problems and I don’t have GERD, so I’m wondering if requirements have changed... or will the doctor order these things when I meet with him in November. Anyone have any idea what I should expect?

Good luck! You will do great!

I’m a VCU girl myself. But I won’t hold that against you! Lol!

Hi! I initially wanted to have the sleeve, but... the NP convinced me to choose a RNY because of 2 things: 1. A LOT of people who never had reflux develop reflux with the sleeve & gastric erosion of the esophagus is not a good thing, Proton Pump Inhibitors are not healthy to be taking long term for other reasons... but you will prob be on them long term 2. With me she said I have metabolic syndrome and more weight loss would be beneficial for me in the long run for preventing diabetes- I have “pre-diabetes” now. For comparison to you... I’m 5’5” and 334 pounds at my consult appt. Also through my own research, over time as the percentage of sleeve surgeries went up, so did the number of WLS revisions. And I know correlation is not causation, but my guess is a lot of those sleeves were revised to RNYs. She did tell me that it was my choice. So do your research and ask your Dr questions as needed. Good luck!

Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard whey protein powder is the best tasting to me. It’s not too sweet, and it has lactase added for those of us who don’t tolerate whey very well. It’s on Amazon, GNC with many flavors & I have seen it at Kroger, Costco, & Whole Foods in limited flavors.

So, I have been busting my hump getting all the appointments completed before the middle of November in hopes of getting a December date. My surgeon/ insurance wants 1 nutritionist consult, 1 group nutrition class, a psych consult, & a letter of clearance for the surgery from my PCP. After all that I can set an appointment with the surgeon. Not sure if he will give me a date then or what... but, I’m ready!

Follow your nutritionist’s guidance! You can do it and you will succeed! Keep your eye on the prize.

Yeah, I’m debating on whether to tell my in-laws or not because they are so judgmental about my weight, my job, my home...well pretty much everything. My husband, my kids, my parents, & my coworkers support my WLS decision. So the in-laws can say what they will, it probably won’t be positive, but whatever... the surgery is for me not them.

Hi! Just curious... how did the surgery go?

Riding roller coasters, not worrying about fitting in the seats on air planes, & shopping for clothes in the misses section of Kohl’s, Macy’s, etc. Also, being able to walk up a flight of stairs without feeling winded.

I had my consult today and the same thing happened to me! I wanted the sleeve but the NP changed my mind. She said that 10% of people who got the sleeve, who never had GERD prior, developed GERD after. Also she told me due to my PCOS, high cholesterol, & hypertension along with my BMI of 54 the RNY would be beneficial. I have amazing insurance and only need 2 nutritionist visits & a psych consult then I can have the surgery! Good luck on your journey and keep us posted on your progress!

37 yo from Richmond, VA. Just starting the process. I sat through the seminar, & I have a consultation with the NP this week. So nervous!

Hi everyone! I’m new here. I am going to Dr Carmody’s office in Richmond, Virginia this week for my initial consultation. I am thinking of getting the gastric sleeve surgery. I’m so nervous! I have been obese my entire life. I really gained weight when I was pregnant with my 2nd son and never lost the pregnancy weight. That was 11 years ago! I considered the surgery 8 years ago, went to the seminar, visited the nutritionist, had the EGD... but I decided against it because I didn’t have the money at the time. A few questions for you all. 1. Did you work on weight loss before your consultation? I’m afraid that I will have a tougher time losing the prescribed weight before surgery if I’m working hard on weight loss now. 2. How long did you stay in the hospital after your gastric sleeve surgery? 3. Does your weight loss team offer support groups? If so are they worthwhile?