doggz109

Congrats! Wow...only 11 days off from work? I hope you have a desk/non active job.

It won't work unless YOU WORK IT. I haven't had my surgery yet, but from what I have read it is all about your attitude, commitment, and resolve. This isn't some magic pill that is going to just take weight off for you. It will probably be harder and more of an emotional/physical journey than ANY diet you have ever "tried". If you don't work it.....you likely will fail. It is all up to you and how you respond to the challenge. I think you can do it and we all believe in you!

Naw....more like amazing how slow insurance companies are?

Corn and peas are off limits likely because they aren't even veggies. Corn is a grain and peas are a legume.

This is basically going to be your diet after surgery as well.....better get used to it.

Got my referral to the surgeon today. I went in to see my PCP (and I had never met her before) since my old doctor left about 2 months ago. She was very nice and after talking to her she said that I was actually a prime candidate and would refer me no problem. She actually said that someone in my condition (approx 200 pounds overweight) was sort of "past the point" of normal diet/exercise. I know there are people out there who have done it.....but I pretty much agree with her. Anyways.....first step done and now just need to wait for the official referral in the mail and call the surgeon. I guess I can check off the first step! On a side note....I'm so glad I went in to see her because my blood pressure was REALLY bad. It's been in the 130/90 range for the past few years....something to keep an eye on but not horrible ya know.....well today it was 151/112!!!!! She immediately put me on a blood pressure med + diuretic. Kinda scary but I guess it is needed. Anyways - just thought I would share.

I believe this to be true. It is very difficult to ADD muscle while losing weight....but adequate Protein intake and rest is the key. To be honest though.....most fat guys/women have TONS of muscle built up under their fat stores. It's the byproduct of our bodies having to carry/support so much weight. Losing some of that muscle mass is inevitable since you won't need it at your new weight....however if you take in adequate nutrition and work out you can reduce the muscle loss and end up pretty nice as the fat slowly goes away.

Have faith in God, your surgeon, and your decision. Remember......everyone dies sometime...if its your time to go then its your time. Better than living a life of pain, depression, and disability. Don't be scared!

Do you have any co-morbidities? This isnt' for your insurance company per se....I think its federal guidelines. You must have a BMI over 40 or over 35 with 2 co-morbidities (high blood pressure, diabetes, etc). I think this is pretty standard for most places - I've seen it every place I've gone. It's just to get the surgery done....not even to qualify for insurance. I would say your options are either going to be self pay somewhere or gain weight. Sorry.

You don't have to tell your boss a damn thing. It's truly none of her business why you were out - other than you had a medical condition....here is your doctors note....so be it. If she doesn't understand that....have her talk to HR or your lawyer. She actually violated your rights by sending out an email to everyone saying you were having a medical procedure done. That was between you, her, and HR.

Yep.....totally screwed. Just kidding! You have nothing to worry about. The whole point of the preop diet is to shrink your liver and make it easier to hold back. It's not going to get your surgery canceled. BUT....do take it seriously from here on out. They aren't doing it to be mean....it is being done so that the surgery is SAFER for you and there is less liver hanging around that might get NICKED or CUT. It's for your own safety in surgery that they want this done.

Awesome tip! Thank you so much.

Since we can no longer gulp liquids....any tips on getting down those big pills......like Fish Oil or what not? I always needed a big gulp of water to get those suckers down....have always had issues swallowing big things. (mind outta the gutter people).

If something as insignificant as a catheter is keeping you from getting a life saving surgery.....then you flat out aren't ready to have surgery then. Re-evaluate what you really want. Seriously......there are much more important things to be concerned about with this surgery. And this is coming from a fellow guy.

Ohhh ok. Thanks for the replies.....didn't know it was that much cheaper there. I can understand that without insurance that might be your only choice. Thanks for the info!

Wait.....people actually go to Mexico for surgery??????? What is the benefit of that?

Hi everyone, I am researching various WLS and I do have a question/concern. I currently weigh around 370 lbs at a height of 5'10" (53.1 BMI). I used to weigh around 230 ten years ago and have dieted may way up to this weight - as I'm sure many of you can relate. Anyways - I see tons of people on here that have lost lots of weight....but most people are around 80-100 pounds weight loss. I don't see many with 100+ weight loss - there are a few but not many. My goal weight is around 168-170 (BMI of 24). Would a VSG be the best surgery for me? I really like the fact that it doesn't cause malabsorption and is restrictive only. It also seems to have fewer complications. I also have usually taken anti imflammatories for my gout and I would be able to continue to do so with the sleeve, but not RNY. I guess I am just worried that sleeve will be a great tool to help me get down to say 260-250....but will kinda stop working and leave me flat there. If I am going to have surgery I am going all the way baby....if I set a goal I want to reach it. Any comments or encouragement would be helpful - especially from those that have lost large amts of weight. Thanks! EDIT: I am 32 years old and quite active - so I do plan to exercise and be more active as the weight comes off if that makes any difference for potential weight loss.

I have to say that I took browsed this site and thought it was pretty funny. I will say this.......they use scare tactics and trot out 1-2 examples of a "horror" story for each type of surgery EXCEPT lap band. I personally think this website is set up to promote the lap band and scare people into getting that instead of the sleeve. Which sucks since my research has shown more problems, side effects, and less weight loss with the lap band. It sure does have some powerful advertising behind it though. Easier to market a "product".....not so much a procedure.