jerri

Finally found someone else that is seeing Dr. Blackstone. Did you have your sleeve? I am scheduled for March 8th and really would like to talk to someone that has had the surgery with her. She does things quite different than the surgeons of the people on this board. Hope you get this.

Well....I'm from Arizona and I'm in the medical field. I'm a registered health information technician. Does that count?

March 8th for me with Dr. Robin Blackstone. Can't wait.

Hi - this is interesting for me because my Dr. starts us on regular food after 1 week. But, after reading everyone's posts here, I may take it a little slower than the Dr. says. Maybe you should consider mushing stuff up for a little while? I don't know. I haven't had my surgery yet. I have it on the 8th but my Dr. says that she prefers us to start eating real food asap. Only 1 week on clear liquids and then on with the real stuff. We are told small bites and to chew, chew, chew, chew, etc.

1. Shopping in regular department stores in regular departments buying real clothes I like not just because they fit. 2. Not taking a hand full of pills because I'm unhealthy 3. Walking without pain 4. Self-esteem (having it) 5. Playing on the floor with my grandkids

These ARE great. I am reading them and adding them to my list as well. Now my list is really long! LOL

Through my pre-op with my Dr. She seems to think I will really have an easy time of it. I hope she is right. She even said that I may not need a drain! Yeah. Because my BMI is just 36 with slight hypertension and a little reflux, she feels that this chose of the VSG is a perfect choice and is glad that insurance has approved me before my BMI was higher and co-morbidites were worse which makes the surgery harder on the Dr. and the patient. I'm again more excited than apprehensive. But, I did find out who my nonsupportive, negative person was. She is saying what a huge mistake this is and how I don't need this I just need to exercise more and eat like her (a vegan). I really went off on her telling how a restrictive diet was an impossibility when you needed to lose almost 100 lbs. It's very sad how people think they know what is best for you! Oh well. Reading these boards prepared me for this.

I was reading over the dietary information given to me on my first visit. Dr. Blackstone doesn't do a special post-op diet like I've been reading about in this forum. Her information says that there is not blending or baby food diet after surgery. I will be eating regular food within 1 week after surgery. Has anyone had this diet with their doctor? Can it be done, really?

Wow, so in less than 2 months you've lost 30 lbs? When I think about April (a month after surgery) and being down as little as like 15 lbs, I cannot believe that will happen to me. After you've spent your whole adult life heavy and strictly dieting only to lose maybe (if I'm lucky) five lbs in a month, it's just really hard to grasp all these stories about losing so much weight! I'm so excited about it.

Well, I assume she cuts it but, thanks. That's a good question I will ask her today at pre-op. I've never heard of folding it..... do you have more info on this? What is this, "folding" surgery called? It wouldn't be an "....ectomy". Maybe Gastrotomy? But, no... it is called vertical sleeve gastrectomy which means removal.

Yah - I live in Arizona. I cannot even imagine being cold!

Thanks everyone. She doesn't use staples but rather stitches laproscopically. Not sure if that makes a difference. The Scottsdale hospital did a study showing that there were more complications with staples so she stopped using them. Also, she's rated the best bariatric surgeon in Arizona. Everyone I know uses her. I have my pre-op appt tomorrow. I intend to get more info about post-op diet while there. But, believe me, I will heed your advice here because you have all been through it. If it hurts to put it in my tummy, I ain't doin it!

Make that list now. You know the list of all the things that will be better, more fun, more healthy, etc, etc, etc, Keep reading it all the way to surgery. I'm typing mine up in a large font and posting it somewhere in my hospital room where I can see it every time I open my eyes.

I too have to do that on March 7th. Not looking forward to THAT at all. I naively thought I would be able to go to class the night before my surgery. Hah! I'll me running to the bathroom full force by evening. Well, Bottoms Up, to a new beginning!

I'm scheduled for March 8, 2011 now and would love to hear experiences with the Scottsdale Bariatric Hospital and Dr. Blackstone. I read somewhere that Dr. Blackstone offers a massage on the 2nd day post-op. Does she still do this?

Hi - I was trying to connect with people from Phoenix. Did either of you have your surgery? I am scheduled with Dr. Blackstone in Scottdale for March 8th. Would like to hear how it is going for you.

Oh man - I am loving reading these. I am 3 weeks away from having my surgery and it's so good to know what to expect. I got to the bottom and was all bummed that there weren't more. I'm really craving for knowledge of the "after life". LOL. More people post to this, please.

Woah - two months out and already half way to goal? That's impressive. Thanks for telling me you didn't have any issues. I usually get through surgeries pretty good but I'm not a youngster and as I get older it gets a little harder to recover.

Hi Mellisa: I am scheduled for March 8th and am a little apprehensive. Aren't you? Well - as far as insurance goes.... I have to say, apparently, United is the Bomb. I've had two friends get turned down from their insurance companies. One is about the same as me (36 BMI and 2 co-morbidities) and one is at 38 BMI with 2 CM. Both have a different insurance than I do. It doesn't seem fair though that by "luck" of having the right insurance, we get to go on with the surgery. Honestly, I was quite surprised when I was approved but also very thankful. I read an article recently about insurance companies taking a second look and revisiting their requirements. Can't wait to hear about your experience. Write as soon as you can after so I can read it before I go in.

Thank you for this hilarious and informing step-by-step journey. I am set for March 8th and, although I know it will be a little difficult at first, I'm quite sure it will be worth it.