Inside2Out

Congrats on your weight loss!!! Dr. Ganta has performed around 100 VSGs and does 3-4 per week.

I love Dr. Ganta at AIBL in Austin! :thumbup: I am 7 weeks post-op now and ::knocking on wood:: have not had any complications. I was a self-pay, so if your Mom's insurance denies it Dr. Ganta has a lower cost than most I checked into. My husband also really liked Dr. Ganta and my husband doesn't care for doctors, so that's really saying something. He has a nutritionist, and fitness (couselor) on staff. Plus, they have their monthly support groups on-site. If you, or your Mom, have any other questions about their facility that I can answer I'd be happy to. :blushing:

I am 4 weeks post-op now. I have lost a total of 31 lbs (including pre-op diet). I am slightly concerned because I have not lost anything in the last week. Then, this morning I got on the scale and have gained 0.8 lbs. Is this normal??? I know you're not necessarily going to lose weight every single day, but the fact it's been a week and then I gained...scares me a bit. Any feedback would be appreciated.

I thought I would be able to eat purees as well (was definitely one of the things I was really looking forward to). However, I found out I'm supposed to stay away from fruit because of all of the sugar. I'm having trouble drinking all of the water I'm supposed to, so I was hoping I would be able to get some different liquids in me. Thanks for the help, I'll have to keep looking.

I have made it through my 2 weeks post-operative diet! Tomorrow I start the full liquid phase. I need help with food ideas. I know I can have almost any kind of protien and soup, as long as I puree them. Other than soups does anyone have any full liquid suggestions?

I am now drain free as well! It feels great to have it out. Having the drain in was not painful for me, but was uncomfortable. My movement was restricted; I was unable to reach above my head comfortably. I guess where your drain is positioned is up to each surgeon. The drain was located on my left rib cage. The most uncomfortable part for me was that the drain was putting some pressure on my ribs. I slept on my side (in my bed) for the first time since my surgery. Yay!...no more recliner nights. :cursing:

I had my surgery this last Monday and the drain will be in 7-10 days. My first post-op appointment is scheduled for this next Wednesday. I know my surgeon will be removing the drain then and I wonder how it feels to have it removed. When my husband empties my drain now it gives me a queezy feeling. Is there any pain involved in the removal of the drain? Also, do you feel better after the drain has been removed?

Thanks, Midwest Girl!!! I appreciate any help. My surgery is scheduled for 03/29/10 :scared0:, so I'll be starting as much strength training as possible tomorrow. I'd like to see if I can firm up any of my existing skin in the next four weeks. :thumbup:

Midwestgirl, If you can share...what are the exercises you're doing? Have they helped so far (I know you're not that far out yet)?

I've heard that too, but I'm not sure how much control I will have on my weight loss after the surgery. I would love to be able to lose the weight slow enough so that my skin will bounce back on its own. But if the weight loss is as quick as I'm assuming it will be, this is why I was wondering if there is anything else out there that can help skin.

Has anyone found anything that will help with excess skin? I know it's inevitable and will happen, but I've seen some people that have SO much loose skin and I fear that's the way I will be because my body is the way it is. Are there any excercises that have been found that may help with the skin issue pre- and post- surgery? Lotions, vitamins, etc....?

TXAGGIEMOM - My surgeon will be Dr. Sashidhar V. Ganta with Austin Institute of Bariatrics and Laproscopy.

I have Blue Cross Blue Sheild of Texas and WLS is excluded. The insurance company stated they would NOT cover ANY complications post-op, regardless of what they are. I, too, have to cross my fingers and hope for the best. Otherwise, I will be stuck with a HUGE bill...and I do mean HUGE!!! Good luck to you.