toomuchrose

Hi, I'm at the beginning of this process. So far I've watched 1 informational video from a local surgeon and read a little on the internet, and that's about all I know. After finding this site today, I followed a link to the vertical sleeve site, and was confused and dismayed to see so many people there complaining about the Lap band and claiming that the VS was the better way to go. The only thing I'm sure of is that I'm not interested in the RNY. Since I live in a city known for medical expertise, I think I can rely on the surgical practice I picked; they're experienced. I filled out a questionaire and someone from the office called and gave me the option of attending classes at their hospital or having my PCP monitor my six month pre-surgical efforts. I picked my PCP because it's cheaper and easier to reach, but now I'm worried that she doesn't have enough expertise about WLS.I need to spend some time going over this board and the VB board, also, to get a feel for the experiences of other people.
It's the beginning of a long and confusing journey, but one that I hope will lead to a better life.

Update:
It's now the end of April 2014 and my surgery is scheduled for May 20. My insurance required five months of eating 1400 calories, recording everything I ate and turning in a food diary at monthy weigh ins. I decided to do this at my surgeon's practice at the hospital instead of my PCP and it worked out well. I met with a nutritionist each month who reviewed my diary and gave me advice.
I had a ton of pre-op tests, upper and lower GI, cardiac, blood work, etc. and was pleased an surprised to find that everything is really good despite my age and weight. My main problem is severe arthritis. i have bone spurs and stenosis on my spine and severe sciatica on the left. My right leg is very weak due to a surgical mishap; Seven years ago a surgeon crushed my sciatic nerve during hip replacement and I wear a brace. Most of the time I use a wheelcahir, so my exercise has been very limited. But the good news is I'm not diabetic, and I have no heart problems. I have low cholesterol. My main reason for having surgery is that I hope that with less pressure on my spine, I might have less pain and be able to walk more.