New York City NYC metro area LGBT members supporting each other's VSG journey

[Geminitraveler 2]

Looking to find others going through or having gone through VSG and who:

1) are gay

2) who live in my area

3) who want to support each other in this journey with socialization and friendship

It is just going to be so weird not going out to dinner as a form of social fun or drink when I go out to a club.

Between my weight and severe sleep apnea this surgery is a matter of life and death but the adjustment is going to be tough .

I feel like I may be in a new world with new friends

[mparkersmith 72]

Best of luck to you on your journey! It will be sooooo worth it!

[Kennedy310 33]

Hey Geminitraveler. Congratulations on your decision! It is life-changing for sure.

I am a little over three months post-surgery (Gastric sleeve on 3/29/13).

I am in the NYC area & am happy to share my experiences thus far & lend any support!

[Geminitraveler 2]

Thanks so much!!!!!

I am just finishing my pre operative testing.

My fingers are crossed for an early September or late August surgery date.

I have a cruise planned November 1 with no way out. It is paid for and my mom's 70th birthday

Could you imagine a cruise 6 weeks after your surgery?

I looked at the post opt diet and think I can do it on a cruise.

What do you think?

[Kennedy310 33]

Awesome. Good luck with the testing and getting the surgery date set. I had ridiculous insurance/surgery coordinator issues that made it an ordeal. I remember what a great relief it was to finally have it all set up.

And yes, I think at 6 weeks I could imagine a cruise. The 6 week mark was when my doctor's strict post-op diet ended. That's probably the earliest I could imagine it because that's the point where I was just starting to integrate some new foods into my diet.

My advice would be to try and stay with foods you know your new digestive system can tolerate based on what you will have eaten before you're on the cruise. Maybe save any really new foods for when you're safe on land again.

[Geminitraveler 2]

Good points!

I am going to be extra cautious. The whole idea of this surgery blows my mind.

The vision in the back of my mind is going to be of a teeny tiny raw swollen stomach pouch red being held together by frail staples. I'm going to be almost afraid of swalloging anything for a while.

No way I am going to risk trouble. As long as I can walk around I think I will be fine. I have been on so many cruises and tender fish is always available and they usually will oblige any request.

How long did it end up taking from your last medical consult visit to the date of surgery approval?

[SuperKen 231]

Hello I live in Stamford, CT. I was sleeved on October 14, 2013 with Dr. Marc Bessler. This site has been incredible. I would love to have local support as well.

[michael1220 0]

_{Hi Everyone! I am new to this forum and I have my initial consult next week with Surgeon! I am looking for local support as well, especially from "family." I live in Naugatuck, CT.}

Apath--How are you doing post-op?

[SuperKen 231]

_{Hi Everyone! I am new to this forum and I have my initial consult next week with Surgeon! I am looking for local support as well' date=' especially from "family." I live in Naugatuck, CT. [/sub'] Apath--How are you doing post-op?}

_{It was tough up to 3 days post op, but it got better each day. Tomorrow Monday 10/27/13 will be 2 weeks post op I'm doing great!}

[michael1220 0]

Fantastic! So glad your doing well! I am trying to gather as much information as I can during this process. I am looking forward to the change.

This will be my 1st surgery so I am freaking out a bit about the idea of going under the knife!

[SuperKen 231]

Fantastic! So glad your doing well! I am trying to gather as much information as I can during this process. I am looking forward to the change. This will be my 1st surgery so I am freaking out a bit about the idea of going under the knife!

I had a surgery in January of 2011 in which I had a bad reaction to the anesthesia, so I decided a few months before surgery that I would do cardio every day to get myself in the best cardiovascular condition to deal with the anesthesia. I came through the surgery with no complications. Walk walk walk everyday. Start off with 5 mins a day then increase as you improve.

[michael1220 0]

This will be my first surgery EVER. I am hoping that I have my health in my favor as I am a "healthy" person minus my weight. Doctor took a ton of labs a couple months ago and said that if he did not see my in his office, we would think I would be of healthy weight since everything checks out.

That being said, I know that if I continue down this road, it will lead to some serious complications and health issues so I am trying to be as proactive as I can.