ginabee38

I'd probably have a short fuse too...the day before surgery and you can't eat to ease anxiety. I don't know if you do that also, but I think I would have a problem with that. Good luck to you...when you're feeling up to it post-op, I'd like to hear how you're doing. Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G900A using the BariatricPal App

I've done almost same thing! Luckily, the man chose not to enter after seeing my sandals under the wall of the stall...I just thought they wanted to come in for cleaning. I didn't realize I was in the men's room until I noticed the urinals as I watched my hands! My friends still love this story...it's a big joke in my group (I've also had a previous wrong bathroom moment in the past). Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G900A using the BariatricPal App

Hello everyone! I was thinking about starting an LGBT thread, but figured I'd do a search first, and here you are! I'm from Long Island, NY. I can't believe they blocked the word "q*eer" ... ridiculous. Anyway, I thought it would also be nice to have a group of other LGBT people to share my journey. My wife had Lap-Band surgery about 8 years ago, before we were married and separated. She has had a decent share of issues with vomiting, but I think more due to her unresolved eating disorder (bulimia). I think if she didn't have so many issues, I might have done Lap-band years ago. I'm glad I didn't, because the sleeve seems much more my speed. I like the idea that there's nothing left in my body (except stitches) and my organs don't get rearranged. As someone who often eats past full, but don't typically go on super-binges, I think the sleeve will really help me if I follow the guidelines. On June 8th, I went for my 1st consult, jumped through many hoops to get clearances and information together and finally got a 2nd consult where I was finally able to get on the schedule! So, I am now scheduled for December 23, 2 days before Christmas. I hope I only have to stay 1 night (I think that's the usual stay), as I don't want to miss Christmas Eve (more of a big celebration in my family ). I can't do it earlier because of my work schedule. Hopefully I will feel well enough to work. I still need to be approved for surgery, so my fingers are crossed! Looking forward to sharing our journeys! Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G900A using the BariatricPal App

I feel a bit like this too! I started my journey to get sleeved in early June (my first consult with my surgeon was June 8) and I rushed to get all the pre-op clearances done in time so I could have the surgery at the end of August. Unfortunately, I ran out of time. Now I have to wait until December, around the holidays (12/23/16 projected surgery date) due to my work schedule. These days, I am worrying most about complications, as my surgery is only 2 days before Christmas, and I don't want to burden my family (probably just excessive worrying). Also, now that I finally got a date, it's a bit surreal. Still, I'm not backing down. I am holding my breath waiting for insurance approval, especially because my coverage may change after the new year and I've nearly met my deductible, so I don't want to have to start all over with that. Such a strange journey! Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G900A using the BariatricPal App

Hello! So exciting! How are you feeling? Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G900A using the BariatricPal App

I'm in Bay Shore. ..that's pretty close. Glad to hear you've heard good things about Dr. Atwa. That's comforting. Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G900A using the BariatricPal App

I've heard good things about him and the coordinator of bariatric surgery when I went to a bariatric support group at St. Catherine's of Siena (Smithtown, I believe, in NY). Going to a support group was one of the pre-pre-op hoops I had to jump through. Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G900A using the BariatricPal App

Exactly. I scan or measure and log EVERYTHING on My Fitness Pal. I'm so bad at tracking. I've done it with Weight Watchers on and off. I find it challenging to be accountable for eating things I should probably avoid, so I don't always put it in or just stop tracking. I worry that I'm going to fail at losing any significant weight because of this, especially months and years down the line. I think I will be more compliant early on because I will be scared of hurting my insides and causing complications. I don't see myself as being perfect and eating everything perfect, in the long run...I just want to eat like a normal, average weight person. I understand the importance of some degree of denial, but I don't want to live life depriving myself. That's most likely the perfect reason why I am still "morbidly obese" (about 46-47 BMI). I'm curious as to whether my thoughts and feelings may change after surgery. Any thoughts on this? Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G900A using the BariatricPal App

Hi...Does anyone have Dr. Atwa? I'm just wondering how surgery was for you. He seems like a very good surgeon. Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G900A using the BariatricPal App

I don't have any personal experience, but I have heard a lot of positive feedback from the VSG You Tube community. I don't remember the exact people, but if I remember, I'll post. I learned a lot about the whole VSG process from watching a variety of channels on You Tube. Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G900A using the BariatricPal App

That does make sense...eating less in the evening. So it seems like lunch was the last meal that you replaced. That is a good idea. Maybe I will try to start thst after Thanksgiving...my surgery is not scheduled until Dec 23. Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G900A using the BariatricPal App

Interesting! Definitely planning ahead. Which meal did you start replacing first? Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G900A using the BariatricPal App

I don't necessarily agree with steering toward the recommendation of your surgeon, especially if you had a particular surgery in mind. I think it's very important to know the ins and outs of each surgery. I want to get a Vertical Sleeve, but my surgeon suggested RNY due to my diabetes (type 2, non-insulin, so far). He said the rate of improvement for VSG on diabetes is about 65-70%, but the RNY has a higher rate of improvement (80, 85%?) of A1C (a popular diabetes test). For me, I know I do not want to rearrange my internal organs. I know that by losing a significant amount of weight, that I will most likely improve my A1C. I know vitamins will be extremely important, but I don't want to have to depend on them to the point that I will be extremely malnourished if I forget to take them. It's important to listen to your surgeon's suggestions and why he/she feels that you could benefit from one surgery over anothr. Read, research and make the best choice for you. Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G900A using the BariatricPal App

Ooops! *people, not peiple!* Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G900A using the BariatricPal App

I started going through the hoops with her several years ago, but I just wasn't ready. I'm glad to find some Long Island and city peiple too! It's great te hear about people all over the country, but it feels comforting to have some familiar places show up too! I will be watching your journey as well. Dr. Mehta came very highly recommended by a mother of one of my students years back. If I was ready, I probably would have stayed with her. Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G900A using the BariatricPal App

Please keep me posted on how it goes. How is the liquid diet going for you? Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G900A using the BariatricPal App

That's great...I'm so excited for you! How does it feel, now that it's so close? Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G900A using the BariatricPal App

That's great! December seems far away, but I'm sure it will be here before we know it! Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G900A using the BariatricPal App

Two people in my life had Lap-Band. One of them had it revised to a sleeve. The other person, (who is my wife, but we're separated) I saw struggle with the Lap -Band in the presence of a significant eating disorder, including bulimia. She has managed the bulimia to some extent and has kept off about 60 lbs. Seeing her struggle has been one of the reasons I put off surgery for so long. Another reason was that I didn't want any thing "permanently" left in my body (yes, I know it can be removed through surgery). I also knew I didn't want to have my organs and intestines rearranged through bypass surgery, so I stalled...for a few years. Neither felt right. Recently, at the end of May/ early June, I came across an article on Gastric Sleeve and felt this would be the best surgery for me. Everyone's needs and wants are different, but I just wanted to share my experience, so far. Also, my surgeon (Dr. Atwa, East Setauket, NY) said that he removes more Lap-Bands than he puts in. I think him and the other doctors no longer do the lap band. Good luck on your journeys, whatever surgery you choose. Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G900A using the BariatricPal App

Where did you find a binder? I'm still quite round. I bought one in the past, but it was way too small. I'm going to assume here that others have had difficulty finding an abdominal binder that fit well. I have animals and I work with small children...hoping it will help! Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G900A using the BariatricPal App