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My surgeons assistance is forwarding the issue to the bariatric center. She has been a god sent and she has been fighting for me a lot. As for my department, the person in human resources that job is to fight the insurance company is a tool. She finds ways to keep us from having stuff like this. It is a appointed position.

Does your doctor have a nurse coordinator or nutritionist who participates in patient education? It must be terribly frustrating to be operating with so little real information about what is expected of you! At first glance, two things leap out at me about your posted meal plan. First, there are an awful lot of carbs if your doctor's told you no carbs. And secondly, you're taking in a larger volume than I would think a good idea for a new pouch. (You really don't want to dilate it by overstretching at this point.) I understand that you are hungry. Hunger is part an parcel of the period after banding when you do not yet have restriction; it may persist for several months as saline is added to your band. That means that, in the meantime, you have to really carefully monitor what you eat---because your band won't be telling you to stop. Journaling at a site like Fitday can help a great deal. It will let you know whether you're getting enough Protein, the right number of calories, too much carb, and so on. Weighing and measuring portions is a good idea. Of course, it helps if you have guidelines from your doctor about what to aim for! (Did he at least tell you how many grams of protein to aim for? Recommend a good bariatric Multivitamin? Specify a volume of food you should not exceed at each meal?) In the absence of more specific information, I would say that a pretty standard maximum volume of food to eat at each meal is 1 cup. I would focus on lean protein and nonstarchy veggies---and I would avoid foods like fries, which offer little nutritional benefit. I know it's frustrating to feel as though you're on a diet, but it is the last time you will be hungry in the name of weight loss. And it's a great time to practice the behaviors that you'll need once you do reach restriction. (I so wish that everyone had a doctor as good as mine, with an eating plan that produces great results. It's hard, during bandster hell---but seeing great results makes it so much easier!)

It sounds like you've been hit with a lot of "worst case" scenarios. It is true - the average person only loses 50% of their excess weight with lap band. But are you average? Doesn't sound like it to me. I'm not average; I've already lost about 63% and am only 5 months post-op. I had 80 lbs of excess weight, and have lost about 53 lbs so far. The divorce statistics are scary. With the normal rate being over 50%, and (don't quote me exactly on this, I read it online) the divorce rate for post-bariatric surgery patients is 80%. It is a very intimidating number. But why do you love your husband, and why does he love you? Do you only love him because you're overweight? If so, then you may be in trouble. If you love him because he's your best friend, your better half, or your everything, you'll be just fine. Just like with any marriage, when change is happening, communication is key. As for the skin - - this is where I think lap band has the advantage. The weight loss is not rapid in most cases. Slower weight loss helps with the loose skin. I will admit, my stomach is not fantastic to look at...skin isn't hanging but it's not tight. But I earned that!! It's no longer filled with fat cells. It's empty! That's weight lost. I'm proud of my sagging skin Second thoughts are normal, as are third, fourth, and fifth (coming from the girl who was ready to dial up the surgeon 12 hours before surgery and bail). As for foods, there are some that I can't eat. pizza crust is one that will get me stuck on the first bite. Does my body need pizza though? No. The food my body needs for fuel goes down just fine. Can I still sneak a bite of pizza and chew chew chew when I have an enormous craving? Yes. For me, as soon as the weight started coming off, my life transformed from living to eat, to eating to live. I want to be good to my body, and know that my food choices and exercise is the best thing I can do for that. Sorry if it seems like I'm rambling, and these are just my own personal feelings/experiences, but I wish you all of the luck and success in the world.

Can I just say something without the risk of people jumping down my throat? People post over and over about the dangers of Mexico, but until you've gone to one of these border cities you really have no idea what you're talking about. I just returned from my surgery in TJ 3 days ago. NOT ONCE did I feel afraid or threatened in any manner, and myself and some of the other bariatric patients took a walk 5 blocks down the road to the shopping mall and spent a few hours there shopping without a guide...and surprise! I felt just as safe there as I do walking around my suburban neighborhood in the midwest. In any larger city there's going to be crime, that's just a fact of life. But that's because ALL cities have good and bad areas. It isn't like you're going down there to score drugs or get involved in a life of crime, so the odds of people coming after you are incredibly low. In fact, did anyone ever stop to think about the fact that only the bad stuff is put onto the news? I found the people of Tijuana to be wonderful and extremely helpful. If I had to make the choice again whether or not to go to Mexico, I would do it in a heartbeat. I feel like threads like this one scare people who are pre-op and make them unnecessarily nervous prior to having a rather invasive surgery. So please, if you're just basing your opinions on what "you've heard," try to put yourselves in the position of people heading across the border to get the surgery that will likely save their lives. I know I was terrified prior to crossing the border, primarily from things I heard on this forum from people who had in fact, NEVER crossed into Mexico via car, or visited a border city period. Just my two cents.

VerticalSleeveTalk Newsletter Hey Sleevers!Welcome to summer! We hope you’re looking forward to some well-deserved rest and relaxation, to an exciting vacation or to some extra time with friends and family. VerticalSleeveTalk.com is the happening place to be this summer, and we’re always delighted with the kindness, insights and chatter that our members bring to create this welcoming community! Here are the contents of this month’s newsletter: Sleever Poll: Where Are You in Your Weight Loss Journey? Member Spotlight: Meet M2G! Summer Weight Loss: Tips to Help You Stay Focused! Weight Loss Surgery Safety: Hydration in Summer Things are heating up at VerticalSleeveTalk.com, so don’t miss a moment! Enjoy the newsletter, then head on over to the boards to talk about it – and whatever else is on your mind! Thousands of members are online, so come join the fun. Sincerely, Alex Brecher Founder VerticalSleeveTalk.com Sleever Poll: Where Are You in Your Weight Loss Journey? One of the great things about our community is that our members are all in different stages of their weight loss journeys. So, we’re curious – where are you in your journey? I’m still exploring my options for weight loss. I don’t know if weight loss surgery is right for me. I’m definitely going for bariatric surgery, but am not yet sure which type. I’m going for the sleeve and have set my surgery date (or am trying to get one set). I got my surgery already and am busy losing weight. I am within 15 pounds of goal weight or am already maintaining it! I am not a weight loss surgery patient, but am on VerticalSleeveTalk.com to support someone who is. Other. Choose your answer and tell us more on the discussion boards using this link! Member Spotlight: Meet M2G! This month, our Member Spotlight is on M2G from Colorado. This busy print graphic artist and student struggled with her weight for 15 years with yo-yo dieting. She didn’t have high cholesterol or blood pressure, but got the sleeve because she was “sick and tired of being fat.” Still hesistant to share her starting weight, this 5’6” woman says she was closer to 300 pounds than 250. Her surgery was in July 2010 and she is at a comfortable, non-obese weight! She’s also proud of her husband who’s approaching his two-year sleeve anniversary! M2G says that the biggest difference in her life has been how she feels about herself. She also appreciates the freedom that she has from not being “weighed down.” Now, she’s able to “do normal things” like climbing stairs and tying her shoes without thinking about them. Her great moments come from “not worrying about weight limits!!” She can go do whatever she wants now, such as sledding, going to Water and amusement parks and playing with her kids on the trampoline in the back yard. She also loves knowing that the clothes in her closet fit and look good, and that she doesn’t have to shop in the plus size section of the store. M2G is proud of her husband for getting off of his blood pressure medications after his surgery. The daily grind has been one of M2G’s greatest challenges. She says that hearing people say that “this surgery isn’t a magic bullet” is one thing, while actually living the challenge is something else. She had to learn to make the best decisions for her weight and health instead of trying to justify a cookie or some cheesecake. M2G says that from the beginning, she was grateful for the information she could get from VerticalSleeveTalk.com. Her surgeon was great but relatively new – M2G was only his 15th sleeve patient! As she says, “the forum was a lifesaver. Virtually “meeting” others who had been sleeved, and not only lived to tell about it but who also shared their experiences was so comforting.” She used it for reassurance that her symptoms were normal and also to get recipes and product ideas. Now, she takes comfort in knowing that the forums are always here if she needs them. Her advice for others is that “the sleeve is a tool; use it wisely.” She suggests underfilling the sleeve rather than risking overfilling it. Nearly three years post-surgery, M2G still eats only 1,100 to 1,200 calories per day. She also reminds other sleevers that the journey “has no destination.” You always need to mindful of your diet, and the sleeve will help. M2G, thanks for making time in your busy schedule to be in our Member Spotlight! Congratulations on looking great and on leading a healthier life with your husband! Do you like learning more about our members? Help us keep the Member Spotlight feature going strong by nominating a member on our Member Spotlight forum. You can also nominate yourself! If you’re shy and don’t want to post on the forum, just send Alex Brecher a private message that you want to be in the spotlight. Thanks! Summer Weight Loss: Tips to Help You Stay Focused! You can get off track with your weight loss if you lose focus during the long, hot days of summer. This year’s New Year’s resolutions feel like ancient history; the city streets are emptier because children are out of school and people are out of town on vacation; and in June, the summer ahead seems limitless. Don’t let the long, hot days of summer interfere with your weight loss. Here are a few tips to keep you on track. Set your goals. Make them specific and realistic, and work towards achieving them every day. Pick one or more events to “get in shape for,” and think about them as you’re sticking to your diet. An upcoming wedding, family reunion, vacation or summer party can keep you motivated. Stay positive. We can all feel a little bit down when it’s just too hot, but keep your eyes on the prize. Remind yourself to just take it a day at a time, and think how proud you’ll be at the end of summer when you’ve stuck to your diet. Reward yourself. An ice cream social isn’t the thing after weight loss surgery….but a trip to the beach can keep you cool. Pack a healthy lunch and hang out all day. Walking on the sand is a great workout! Go shopping. The air-conditioned mall lets you walk and window shop. It’s a great time to pick out your dream outfits so you can stay motivated to lose enough weight to fit into them! Don’t fight the heat – beat it! If it’s too hot, don’t exercise outside at high noon. Instead, keep to the cool hours of the early morning or late evening and drink plenty of water. You can also avoid the intense heat by going to the air-conditioned gym, working out at home or walking laps at the mall. Go swimming. Many public pools open in summer, so use the opportunity to try a new activity if you’re not a regular swimmer the rest of the year. Walk or jog in the pool, swim laps or take a water aerobics class. Freeze diet iced tea, lemonade made with a sugar substitute (such as Splenda) or a low-calorie diet juice drink (such as diet Snapple) in ice cube trays. When you get a craving for something cold and sweet, don’t go for the ice cream. Instead, grab an ice cube and save hundreds of calories. Prepare your Protein ahead of time. It’s too hot to cook or bake frequently. Instead, make enough grilled chicken breast, hard-boiled eggs, and lean ground turkey for several servings. Refrigerate or freeze your protein so it’s available whenever you need it without needing to turn on the oven or stove. If you follow these tips and stick to your bariatric surgery diet, you’ll see results by the end of summer. Let 2013 be a summer to proudly remember because you did everything you could to lose weight and get healthy! Weight Loss Surgery Safety: Hydration in Summer Everyone’s at risk for dehydration in the summer, but weight loss surgery can present an extra threat. Drinking can make you feel nauseous or too full. After surgery, you can’t have sugary treats like sweet tea or iced mochas, or carbonated soft drinks. Some patients even find that water doesn’t taste good anymore after surgery. So how can you stay hydrated? Try ice water. Jazz up your water with lemon, lime, or mint leaves. Try chilled diet iced tea. Try shaved ice with sugar-free syrup. Make low-calorie cold coffee drinks with sugar substitute instead of sugar. Drink sugar-free Kool-Aid, Crystal Light or another low-calorie fruit drink. Keep a water bottle with you all the time so you automatically sip on it between meals. Drink extra before and after workouts, and sip regularly as you’re sweating. Let your weight loss surgery motivate you to stay healthily hydrated this summer! When you get enough to drink, you have more energy and are less hungry. That’s what we have for this month’s newsletter! We hope it was motivating and helpful. Don’t forget that we’re always happy to hear member feedback, so feel free to contact us! If you ever want to look through the old newsletters, you can check them out, too. Thanks as always for your support! Take care of yourself and each other. Sincerely, Alex ============================================================== If you no longer wish to receive this newsletter, you may unsubscribe by going to your Control Panel and clicking on the Newsletters tab, or clicking on the following link: {unsubscribe}

Hello everyone!!! I'm pleasantly surprised at all the love you all have shown me. I decided to give an update since im still receiving massive love. Turns out I not only received a below standards of care surgery, I had an underlying issue that I wouldn't have known about without the weight loss. It would have eventually killed me had I not been having such pain. No, not appendicitis. I had to have dilatations 4x by a wonderful dr that I have since fallen head over heels for!!! He single handedly guided me in the right direction while my mother nursed me back to life. I was in icu completely grey,devoid of color. I actually had an mri/ ultra sound done with and without contrast that revealed the main culprit of my pain. I had a 6hr major surgery on Nov8 and I return to work this Thursday, needless to say, I feel fantastic aside the long flabby breasts, i'm not doing anymore surgeries im done. I can eat everything forbidden period, my current bariatric dr is #1 in this area and has erased all of what the previous dr whom performed the surgery on me has said about what to eat and not to eat. Now it's not "you can't eat it", but more of what "you should and shouldn't eat". Im constantly hungry which i'm ok with because i'm eating super fancy healthy foods that i'm preparing from a cook book my mother bought me. Since I cook for us both she's lost 24lbs in a month and a half. Im down from 475lbs to holding at 171lbs,2wks prior i climbed up to 179, but back at 171lbs. I'm doing extremely well now. I thank all of you for your well wishes and positive light!!❤❤❤

Stratusphere, I personally am going to Mexico. I am self pay and have no insurance and that's what worked out the best for me. Actually I think even if I had insurance I would still go to Dr. Aceves. However, I have experience with Dr. Trace Curry in Cinncinnati area of Ohio... His practice is a Bariatric Surgery Center of Excellence. I always received compassionate thorough care from his staff when I went there for aftercare of my lapband issues. http://www.thebanddoctor.com/default/about-our-practice is the link to his website...and I see he now does VSG as well. Best of luck!

And another one: Sleeve gastrectomy and type 2 diabetes mellitus: a systematic review. Gill RS, Birch DW, Shi X, Sharma AM, Karmali S. Source Department of Surgery, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. shahzeerkarmali@hotmail.com Abstract BACKGROUND: Existing evidence has suggested that bariatric surgery produces sustainable weight loss and remission or cure of type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM). Laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) has garnered considerable interest as a low morbidity bariatric surgical procedure that leads to effective weight loss and control of co-morbid disease. The objective of the present study was to systematically review the effect of LSG on type 2 DM. METHODS: An electronic data search of MEDLINE, PubMed, Embase, Scopus, Dare, Clinical Evidence, TRIP, Health Technology Database, Conference abstracts, clinical trials, and the Cochrane Library database was completed. The search terms used included LSG, vertical gastrectomy, bariatric surgery, metabolic surgery, and diabetes (DM), type 2 DM, or co-morbidities. All human studies, not limited to those in the English language, that had been reported from 2000 to April 2010 were included. RESULTS: After an initial screen of 3621 titles, 289 abstracts were reviewed, and 28 studies met the inclusion criteria and the full report was assessed. One study was excluded after a careful assessment because the investigators had combined LSG with ileal interposition. A total of 27 studies and 673 patients were analyzed. The baseline mean body mass index for the 673 patients was 47.4 kg/m(2) (range 31.0-53.5). The mean percentage of excess weight loss was 47.3% (range 6.3-74.6%), with a mean follow-up of 13.1 months (range 3-36). DM had resolved in 66.2% of the patients, improved in 26.9%, and remained stable in 13.1%. The mean decrease in blood glucose and hemoglobin A1c after sleeve gastrectomy was -88.2 mg/dL and -1.7%, respectively. CONCLUSION: Most patients with type 2 DM experienced resolution or improvement in DM markers after LSG. LSG might play an important role as a metabolic therapy for patients with type 2 DM. Copyright © 2010 American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

I am 54 years old, mother of two grown daughters, grandmother of 5 grandsons and 1 special needs granddaughter. My weight problems started around the age of 30, after I quit partying. At first I just gained a few pounds here and there. I yo-yo dieted for years. I tried Herbal Life, Weight Watchers, and Jenny Craig. I walked miles, and I got a gym membership. I lost, I quit, I gained it all back and more. I had a hysterectomy in 2007, and my hormones and metabolism went nuts. At my heaviest, I was 283. My husband said if I reached 300, he would leave. I think I wanted him to since there has been no intimacy, or affection for that matter, for well over two years. With no partner, no friends, and the responsibility of caring for my 92 year old mom on my own, I really didn't care anymore. I had high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and sleep apnea. I was borderline diabetic. 3 of 4 of my siblings are diabetic and there was prior history of diabetes and heart disease in the family. One day I received a phone call from a bariatric nurse from my insurance company. She and I talked about all the co-morbidities, and she suggested I look into bariatric surgery. I went to a seminar, and the journey began. I had gone to Jenny Craig for 9 months, so I had satisfied the diet part. I went through all the tests and was scheduled for the vertical sleeve to be done on July 31st. I drove myself to the hospital that morning, had the surgery and spent the next two days being sick and alone. I had no visitors, no phone calls. My husband was working out of state, my mom was at home alone. I called her when I wasn't throwing up. My daughter picked me up and gave me a ride home in my car. She has 3 kids of her own and doesn't really have the time or inclination to stop by to check to see if my mom or I need her help in any way. She calls if she wants me to do something for her. I am 6 weeks out today. I'm not sure how much I've lost, but I think it's a little over 35 pounds. I overate at breakfast, so I've felt pretty sick for the past couple hours. I knew half way through I was full, but forced it, took bites that were too big, and didn't chew long enough. I don't often do this, so I deserve to be suffering now. Physically, I think I'm doing alright. Emotionally, I am sad a lot. I often wish I could have lost the weight and kept it off with diet and exercise. I know in my heart, it would never have stayed off because I lack willpower and the desire to be healthy. I figure if no one cares, why should I. I'm working on my feelings. I'm hoping when more of the weight comes off, I will feel better about everything. So that's the story. Please don't be too critical of me. Good luck to each of you as you go through your sleeve journey.

I'm surprised your surgeon didn't put you on calcium citrate + D3 post-op. That seems to be pretty common practice for bariatric patients. I would definitely add D3, especially because it's winter. As for iron, pretty much any multivitamin should at least get you your daily recommended dose. Have you had bloodwork done recently?

@@3bzmom I do not have BMI of 40 and the only co morbidity I had was sleep apnea..but I was approved. I think the psychological report from the Bariatric therapist had a lot to do with me getting approved...we all jump through the hoops and hope it's enough...

Gosh hope you are well enough to get out of hospital tomorrow! Is the infection related to your surgery? Did you have the plastic pipes for breathing exercise​ to strengthen your lungs after bariatric surgery?

Hate is a strong word. Kids can make you crazy at times but there is no greater love than the love of a child. Yes, they hate you from age 15-25, but after that, it's another renewed, kinder, stronger, more appreciative love that comes back to you. Don't knock it until you try it. I too had just dogs for ten years before a child, there is absolutely no comparison.

It might be beneficial to you to locate an informational seminar in your area and attend. Due to your neurological issues you would likely still need to have a consult with a bariatric surgeon but WLS would help you to lose weight with minimal exercise. It would just be a question as to whether or not your condition makes you a good candidate for surgery. As to the decision for bypass vs sleeve, currently the sleeve is so popular that for many it's just a matter of preference. For me I didn't want to reroute my internal organs and I was not thrilled at the idea of dumping syndrome. I also had not issues with heartburn or reflux prior to surgery so the sleeve was a better fit for me. I don't think one is better than the other. A good friend of mine had bypass. She is doing well and is very pleased with her results. She was even one of the lucky few to not have issues with loose skin.

I was hoping my insurance would pay. If I had to pay for a trip to mexico from the east coast I mind as well pay in country. My sister had bypass and I do billing for bariatric surgeons so I am aware of the complications. I am scheduled for the seminar tomorrow. I hope I have a better idea what i want tomorrow.

Does your doc recommend any Vitamins? My plan listed Centrum chewables, Flintstones Complete, the Bariatric Advantage Multis. I tried the Opurity chewables and couldn't handle them so I went to the Flintstones. I feel like I'm 8 again, but I can easily get my two in per day. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

Hi. I will answer what I can. 1. I don't drink coffee, but I do drink tea. I had to change to decaf because of reflux, but that has not been a problem. I could have it pre and post op. 2. My sleeve was my 12th surgery, and was the least painful of all. I was on pain meds for two days, and that was it. There was some discomfort to be sure, but tolerable. By the end of the first week I was bored. Think of the surgery this way: They give you a nice nap, and when you wake up you have a new lease on life and are free to re-invent yourself. The spot that hurt the most was the largest incision (which by any standard was still a small incision which they closed with surgical glue and a steri-strip). That is the one they took the remnant of my big ol' stomach through. I slept in my lift recliner for a couple of nights so that I would not pull on it getting in and out of bed. I did not have the shoulder gas pain that some people get. 3. I was allowed to do all the walking I could tolerate, but was told not to lift anything more than five pounds for six weeks. I am retired but I know that if I were still working, the fatigue and recovery from serious surgery would have flattened me. Coming off of ten days of liquids pre-op and 2 1/2 weeks of full lliquids post-op left me pretty much wiped out. When I started soft foods, I started to feel much more alert and mobile. 4. I took waaaaay too much stuff to the hospital for a two day stay. You can bring pretty much what you want to entertain yourself, but I mostly slept off the anesthetic. Don't take anything you will miss if it is stolen. 5. food... I am blessed to have a Mediterranean chef in the house, but if my food prep was entirely up to me on a lazy day, I would be batch cooking in the crock pot. The more you prepare your own food, the more control you have over it's content. Unless you are totally unteachable, this is a good time to learn how to cook from scratch. You can go a long way with a Foreman grill. Grilled meats are easy. Canned veggies are better than no veggies. There is not much work to boiling eggs or cutting off a piece of cheese. Since fruit is the peach and not peach pie, there is zero prep there. 6. Reading material.....if you mean concerning learning about bariatric surgery and recovery, look under the Resources tab at the top of this page. Congratulations on the decision you have made, and I wish you the best.

I am not in charge of his scheduling but I have just about no doubt you can get the date you want in Nov this far in advance. He is very warm and caring and so is his staff. All but one spoke English and she (new employee) was going to school to learn English. I had NO pain whatsoever. You will be up and walking before you leave the clinic! Every word Bariatric Pal says in the their info turned out to be true.

It really depends on what is required by your insurance. For a person new to the process, my insurance requires that you attend a seminar, meet with the surgeon, have a psych eval, physical, pre surgery nutritional counseling, liquid diet, and then after the surgery something like 12 months of phone nutritional counseling that is pre-paid prior to surgery. I'm waiting to see exactly if I have to start the whole process over (it was actually pretty easy and quick), or if since I was a lap band patient and had it removed if I can just start from the consult and be good to go from there. Definitely talk to your insurance company though. Research Medicare bariatric surgery guidelines - I've found that most insurance companies base their guidelines off of that. The more you know, the better prepared you'll be Good luck! disclaimer: I work for the insurance company that also provides my coverage, so I have access to all of our guidelines and requirements

I meant to reply to you sooner about this. That totally sucks that someone would tell you that you are just in "too good a place" to date. What does he want, someone who is totally depressed and not sure of what they want???? Hang in there, the right one will come along when you least expect it. That's usually how it works for me. I'm currently corresponding with someone from eHarmony. I have no idea what he looks like and he hasn't seen my picture either, but we did discuss our relative health just recently. I went ahead and told him that I had bariatric surgery and that it was lapband. Today I went in for another fill and told him about that as well. So far he hasn't made any comments but I have no idea what is going through his mind. But he is still communicating, so that's a good sign for now. So, smile and put this guy behind you. He's not worthy of someone who's in "too good a place." pic

Today my mom and I went on a small day trip to a nearby city. It was fun. I had my official last meal. We went to Texas steakhouse. In the morning I will start my liquid diet. My doctor only asks that we go on a liquid diet 2-3 days before the surgery. However, after hearing that everyone else is going on a liquid diet sometimes several weeks in advance, I have become a little nervous. My surgery will be Monday August the 1st. I am excited and nervous and scared all at once. I am missing my ex-boyfriend even more these days. He had promised to be with me during my surgery and take care of me. I really wanted him to be there for me. …Giant piece of crap. Anyhow, my mom gave me this great bariatric surgery recipe pamphlet. It has several different kinds of protein shakes that can be made with chocolate and vanilla protein powder. I am pretty excited about that. She also gave me several diet and exercise books to read during my recovery. She bought me a big green exercise ball. Mom has been very supportive these days. My step dad isn’t too thrilled about the idea. After reading about it mom was considering VSG herself. She is 260 and diabetic. My step dad now has her convinced that she is too old. She plans to be with me while I am in the hospital for three days. She will drive me the two hours back home. I am thankful for her help. I am hoping my step dad might reconsider once he sees how awesome I do. (also hoping that I do actually DO AWESOME). I worry about my mom. A quiet stillness has settled in over me. I have to work 2 days this coming week- then I will be off Wed to attend the Dietitians education class and register at the hospital. Thursday I took off to finish up some of the little things I have left to do before surgery…and Friday is my preop appointment. This time next week- I will be packed and waiting to leave for my surgery. I cannot wait until this is over. I am hoping that once I have had the surgery I will be so focused on what I need to do- that I won’t miss my ex so much.

The rationale for the 1 year (or longer) wait that some surgeons impose is to help preserve liver health - being obese (or worse), our livers are not in the best of shape to begin with (which is why some surgeons impose the pre-op diet, to help improve the liver condition since they are working in such close proximity to it when doing the sleeve) and then it gets seriously taxed in its role im metaboliziing all the fat that we are losing. With all that going on, it doesn't need any more stress from handling the alcohol. My doc's rule is no alcohol during the entire weight loss period (and reinforced in the psych eval as to whether one can give it up for 18 months, give or take - whatever it takes to get the weight off.) My surgeon also specialized in biliopancreatic transplants, so needless to say he's a bit anal about liver care. I also tend to listen to him on such things as he has a better perspective on the issue than most bariatric surgeons. Take it for what you will - we're all adults here.

I am a Pinterest Freak! Oh wait, this is not Pinterest Anonymous.... I found the greatest information today. Search Bariatric meals on Pinterest and you will find more recipes than you can shake a stick at! Some look so yummy I might have to try them before I have my surgery.

I am 34 pounds down with about 60 to go, but the tummy rash on my thighs has already been a problem. I'm a total researcher, so......I put in some calls to some local plastic surgeons recommended by the "American Society of Bariatric Plastic Surgeons". Each said to wait until about 30 pounds from goal for your first consultation. The articles by plastic surgeons that I have read on WLS Magazine website say the same thing and recommend at least 3-5 consultations (should be free) with different surgeons and most will make you wait 3-5 months for surgery to see where your weight stabilizes. My bariatric surgeon has someone he recommends, as well. On a side note, all the articles I read recommend taking someone with you to all consultations who can ask questions with you to be sure no question goes unanswered. My best friend can't wait !! Personally, my plan is to go over the holidays this December for my consultations and maybe surgery for Summer 2010 when I can take 6 weeks off to recover.