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My date is October 10th I am super excited! I started my pre-op diet a few days ago and thrilled to be looseing this weight forever!

I am meeting with a surgeon at the MGH Weight Center, Dr. Ozanan Meireles. Does anyone in the Boston area know anything about him? I just want to make sure that I am getting a good doctor.

For me, it has been so many little things all adding together already to make me not regret my decision for even a single second. My life has been changing in so many ways. I just had new bloodwork done about two weeks ago and for the first time in many many years, almost all of my numbers are within normal range. Even my cholesterol is down to 166. Holy cow, i havent seen anything below about 200 since I was in my 20's. I have been feeling good enough to start doing more activities around the house. I am finally doing all of the cooking again, helping with the routine house cleaning. Going out shopping with my Mom where I am doing the driving. Able to move around more to spend time with my wonderful husband and loving family, chasing after my beloved nieces. I am still in a great deal of pain because of the severity of my hip issue but it has reduced a good bit since my weight loss and that is truly something to be thankful for. And my little lifts also come from people who have not seen me in awhile and they exclaim how good I am looking. All of hubbys co workers who he keeps updated with my weight loss, some family and every time any of my Doctors see me at visits. It never fails to put me in a great mood when I see any of them and does wonders for my ego. lol,

My biggest challenge is not caving in and eating something bad for me. Knowing that this may be the last time I can eat solids for a while after surgery has certainly been mind blogging. I have been craving bad foods! It's hard not to cave in. We just have to remember this is to help us with our weight and our diabetes

The only thing I'd be concerned about is that 50 lbs is not much to lose. I'd ask the surgeon to give you at least a 40f so you will have a better shot at being able to stop the weightloss after you hit50-60 lbs lost. If he gives you a 32, it might be a lot harder to stop the weightloss when you want to. That's just my opinion, and some people say bougie size has very little to do with it, but mine's a 40 and I've lost a lot of weight, never thrown up, never had problems with any food, etc. I love that I'm able to eat anything, just a lot less of it. I'm almost 5 months out and losing steadily. A good example of what I can eat is what I ate yesterday. 1/2 cup of oatmeal with 7 cashews and 10 frozen blueberries 2 string cheese 1/3 of a mango 2 ozs of rice/vermicelli/scrambled eggs/chicken breast 1/4 cup of greek yogurt 1/2 cup of endive/mashedpotatoes/bacon/nutmeg/vinegar mush with 1 cheese souffle (Admittedly this meal took me about an hour to eat but I knew I needed to try to get dinner in because I have a kidney infection so I had been sipping white beer and cranberry juice all day. Man it's hard to drink beer after VSG.) Then before bed I had 5 saltines with light gouda cheese. I thought after all that I'd show a gain on the scale (the beer and cranberry juice alone was 700 calories) but I actually lost another 2 lbs. I dunno, maybe bougie size doesn't matter that much, but I know I can eat enough healthy food with a 40f whereas some people I've read that have a 32 can't get in much more than 1/4-1/2 cup of food at a time. If I only had 50 lbs to lose, I'd be scared it wouldn't stop. I have a few friends that are 20-30 lbs below goal and try very hard to gain weight. We're all different, so it's hard to say, but I do know that a 40 allows me to get in proper nutrition (my 4/5 month bloodwork was excellent!) and still lose weight. Additionally, if for some reason a 40 is too big and you have trouble maintaining, you can have additional surgery to convert to a bypass or switch, but if you get a 32 and can't stop losing, what can you do? Nothing except get used to weighing 110 lbs. Just my opinion. I do think the sleeve is an AMAZING tool, but for someone who has only 50 lbs to lose, it's a risk that your body might get down way below goal before it matures/heals enough to allow you to stop.

For the last years I have been struggling with diets. I gain the pounds in a few days that takes me weeks to loose . I'm tired of doing diets that don't work. I'm 50 pounds overweight and considering doing a VSG. Do you think is a good idea? I'm scared of the surgery scars. How bad are the scars? Someone can send me a picture to have an idea of how the scars would look.

So, I belong to a couple of Bypass and Sleeve groups on Facebook, and have recently been reading posts written by quite a few people who have had complications. Typically, I am grateful to hear about the complications because I want to go into this knowing everything I possibly can. However, one this weekend has sent me over the edge. The person had surgery (sleeve) a couple days ago and is still in hospital. She is regretting having the surgery and her post was absolutely heart wrenching. Since reading that post and possibly the accumulation of reading ALL the posts, all I want to do is eat. Thinking about it, I realized that it's some sort of subconscious sabotage; I have to lose 25 pounds before I can have surgery (I have lost five), and if I don't lose the rest, the consequence is not having surgery. I don't even know what to do or to think. I'm in severe pain because of stenosis and sciatica in my low back and legs and haven't been sleeping really well. While losing weight won't cure this, but it will help a lot, so I needed to lose weight, and for long-term success, it looks like having surgery is my best option. Honestly, I just want to curl up in a little ball right now. Help.

The DS is sometimes done as a two-step procedure for patients not healthy enough to undergo the longer combined procedure (time under anesthesia is particularly critical for those in marginal health,) with the sleeve part done first and then the intestinal rerouting (the "switch" part) after they have lost enough weight to withstand the second surgery. It was noted that some lost enough weight on just the sleeve part to not need the second switch procedure, so it started being offered, and optimized, as a stand alone procedure. The VSG's relation to the DS is one reason why I have a preference for using DS surgeons for VSG's when possible, as they have longer experience in crafting them than the surgeons who have more recently added the VSG to their RNY and band practices.

Hello fellow/soon to be sleevers I have never joined one of these sites, I have been looking at the site as a none member since I discovered it last week when I was 3 days post sleeve, the first day I went on it I couldnt belive how informative it was and I could so identify with a lot of what other people were going through, I was on the site till 2 in the morning the first day I was on the site. Any how something about me, I have steadily put weight on over the last thirty years and at one time I could diet and lose most of the weight but the weight would never stay off. I suppose it was yoyo dieting but the closer I got to 50 years of age I think the string got stuck I would lose less weight then put it back on plus alot more at my heaviest I was 20 and a half stone or 287 lb for my American friends. Life was getting unbearable I was becoming quite down about my weight and loosing any confidence I had. In December 2009 I went to my Doctor and told him how I was feeling, he really listened to me but because he knew how the NHS worked (I couldnt afford to self finance the surgery), he said I would need to prove that I was serious about loosing the weight this way and I most exhaust all other avenues, I had already taken Xenical twice previously so he started me on Reductil, an appetite supressant, I was given a months supply and I took it with apprehension as I knew of the side effects but I was so desperate to lose the weight. I went to get a further presciption and discovered it had been banned in the UK that week. The doctor then referred me to an exercise and diet programme which was a 2 year programme but it was the pathway I needed to be on to get the surgery. I'm a qualified nurse so I do know what I should be doing and what I should or should not be eating but doing the right thing is another thing, however the programme got me back to the gym and my new found love of zumba. I was seen by a dietition who kept on trying to change my mind about the surgery,a bit of a devils advocate, when she was convinced I was serious she referred me to a psychologist who I saw once and she and the dietition made a report and sent it to my local PCT, who would then decide either to fund or not to fund the surgeryon the NHS it was then a waiting game. At last I got the letter I was sent by the PCT in June 2011 to a private Consultant Mr Decadt at the Spire Regency Hospital, Maccelsfield about an hours drive from my home, thank god for sat nav, I was so excited. He agreed to do the surgery but it would have to go back to the PCT to ensure they agreed with the funding,I made lots of phone calls to the hospital and to the PCT followed to see what was happening I suddenly got a phone call on the 27th September to arrange two pre-op appointments before the op date on the 17th of October I couldnt stop smiling I was so excited. And I remained excited right up untill the op. I am now 10 days post sleeve and the scale is steadily going down and I am feeling great though I am very easily tired. I know its early days but I dont think I will ever regret the decision I made to have this surgery. I have three Grandchildren, three year old triplets, the light of my life I want to be able to keep up with them and to be there when they have their children and I feel I have a better chance of that happening. Hope to be talking to many of you in the future Maureen

I worry with you off the birth control one they are hormones and you have just stopped these hormones and it will play with your mind. Next getting pregnant now will stop your weight loss and add to what you are now....keep thst in mind. Also get your doctor to get you on anti-depressants and maybe anxity meds also this will help tons..set your elf up for success and you will do it you have a long road before you are on a paved road but hand in there this works and you will grow as a person as you body gets smaller...we are here for you

Went for my cardio eval a month ago and the cardiologist found something questionable on the EKG. Followed up with an echocardiogram, which eliminated questions in EKG and had good results. Then, he recommended a nuclear stress test, due to my family history and weight. That was a 2-day process and I was a little nervous about them finding something. My brother, who is in great physical condition, had a blockage at my age (surprised everyone given his slender physique and good eating habits) and needed a stent. Luckily, I received my results today and they are normal. Also, he said he's clearing me for surgery. Now, only one Nut visit left before submitting to insurance. Getting frighteningly close to actually going through with this. Hopefully I won't chicken out ...

Thanks for the encouragement. I'm not known for my patience! I was hoping for even a pound or two down just to give me that extra bit of hope. I feel tired all the time and I know my body is lacking in something to keep me alert, but I don't know what to do. I'm taking vitamins, B supplements, calcium and I'm very hydrated. I would think that my body would be content and was to get rid of some more fat, but alas it does not. I guess it's hard to evict a long time resident. I suppose I need to focus on my mid range goal of another 25 pounds by Christmas Day when we leave for a week of skiing and I have to fit into a new pair of ski pants that I bought a size too small. That is my main focus. My old ski pants aren't flattering, the new ones make my ass look good! Now if they'd just fit around my waist. Perspective- keep everything in perspective. I think I'll go out and get a manicure and go shopping today. I'm treating myself for the past two weeks that I have done well. I did lose 11 pounds after all. Better than gaining.

I had my Lap Band Surgery in 2001, initially lost 30 kilos. Gained back 20kilos back. I had a lot of trouble with band being too tight and suffered with vomiting. After a few years now developed bowel leakage for which I am having tests done for. It has been very uncomfortable and I now have to eliminate certain foods from my diet.

So you have had around 6 drinks a day plus snacks if needed? How big are these drinks? Have you had your procedure? Did you lose alot of weight on liquid diet?

Welcome! Don't fret about gaining a bit of water weight post op, just keep doing what you're doing and the pounds will slowly follow. You are in the healing phase after all, not the weight loss phase. Start getting a bit of exercise in and drink lots of water and the weight loss will be slow but steady. Good luck on your journey,

I hoping my band date will be the end of April. Dr. wants me on 1st stage of South Beach until my next consult. I can't even do one day! I think I'm telling myself that every day is my last meal. Fortunately I'm not gaining, and exercising 3-4 days a week, but every day I start on track and by the time the kids come home from school, something sends me to the pantry. Have others gone through this in the weeks before banding? I would like to get a running start before surgery HELP!

Last week I posted how I went in for surgery and the Dr. cancelled on me because I gained a couple pounds. Ok, that really sucked and I'm trying not to think about it too much and keep on with my program until I get a new date. That being said, I am starting a new job on monday. I am a Registered Nurse and work for one of the large health systems in the area. I currently work on a telemetry floor (heart monitors) and I accepted a new position at a different hospital in the PACU ( post-anesthesia unit), and this unit is also linked to the pre-op unit as well. I will be trained on both. My problem is that I realize now that this is the same hospital that my surgeon uses for his patients. I am overthinking this too much, I know. But I am worried. I am afraid of working there and getting to know people, and then in a couple weeks having surgery there and they will know (I've kept it a secret from most people I know except family). I am worried about seeing my surgeon there. I just feel weird about it. I also will feel awkward with the patients of my surgeon since they are going through the surgeries and I'm not (yet). I am happy for everyone who takes control and has the surgery and leads a happier life. But I am still mopey about being delayed. I had originally worked it out so I would finish my current job, and have surgery, then start over in the new place. I do believe everything happens for a reason, but I'm still struggling. I feel so off-balance. Everything seems off and I can't shake it.

Go to get another fill. Have a 14 CC band with 9cc's in so far. Don't know if I will get a fill.... we will see. Wish me luck. I will let you know weight results! Hope it's good!

Thank you very much for the tips, I can not lay in bed unless I'm sleeping so I will be walking the halls as soon as I awake from surgery and able to stand, this person loves the term COWBOY UP it was our battle cry when I served in the Army and that training will help give me the motivation. Congratulations on your weight loss and your support ... Peace my friend

Lol true, I know it would be best to help lose some of the weight before surgery. Just thinking of everyone who was to encounter me lol, already grouchy from quitting smoking & the stress of surgery, don't wanna bite anyone's head off from being on liquids only, was gonna save that for after surgery ;p

Hello everyone! I am new to posting to the site but been following it for a few weeks now. I'm just starting the process, went to my first information session last Thursday and going to another one Tuesday as I'm trying to decide between two different clinics. I've been overweight my whole life but have tried to stay active. Now that I'm 40 that has gotten alot more difficult with alot of joint pain and just being tired all the time. I (so far) have been fortunate enough to not have developed many health issues, just sleep apnea. I completed a half marathon last year and had plans to do many more races as it was so enjoyable. Unfortunately I have gained more weight since then and it has gotten too uncomfortable to exercise for long at a time. That was what made me finally decide to move forward. All of you sharing your stories gave me a more realistic view of the surgery and made me feel like I could make it through this. Luckily, my insurance covers the surgery but I have to jump though some hoops. I have to follow a 3 month diet plan and join a gym for 3 months but not too bad. I still have to get my doc refer me and I see him next Friday. Here's hoping all goes well and in 4 or 5 months I am able to say "I'm a sleever!"

Although adequate water intake is important regardless of your weight, water is more essential after surgery and while you are rapidly losing weight. There's a lot of chemistry that goes on in your cells and organs, without enough water some of these by products will crystalize so you are prone to gall stones and kidney stones. You are also going through lots of changes as you lose weight, your body is making adjustments and needs plenty of water to keep up, flush out toxins, protect you from constipation, healthy skin, keep proteins soluable, and I'm sure many more good reasons. I think the doctors realize it's going to be difficult, at least in the early stages, to drink enough water so they emphasize it to encourage good hydration for healing from surgery and reduce the chances of complications. Sounds like your doing well though, keep it up.

I really like this article about ideal body weight...NOT using the old BMI mess http://www.builtlean.com/2010/05/04/ideal-body-weight-formula-how-to-calculate-your-ideal-weight/

I am between 5'5" and 5'6" and my goal weight is 140, which is still in the high BMI range for me. I would like to be around 25% body fat. Last time I got my body fat checked in a hydrostatic weighing system I was around 58% body fat. I am more concerned about body fat/size than weight. I would be totally ok with weighing 170 but being a 6. I have a super biker friend who is like that. Muscle weighs more!

don't focus on a number necessarily. Those numbers were decided on by an insurance company, not a doctor. Yes, its important to be within a normal BMI range, but everyone's body is different. More muscle is going to up your weight but give you a lower bmi than if the mass you had was fat. You should be healthy and comfortable with your body.