Britgal

Hi Geno, I also can eat alot more now and have to really watch it. A couple of times I ate too much and was really hurting. I tend to forget I even had the surgery some days so it's always a challenge.....but overall it was well worth it. I get all my one year labs done in a few weeks so shall see how they look. I'm actually below goal now so maintaining is the key. You sound like you are doing very well. Keep us updated.

Started the Kaiser Options program June 2011 and lost 17 lbs pre-op. Since Surgery (November 2011), I have lost 73 pounds for a grand total of 90 pounds.

It all depends on what Kaiser coverage you have.

My friend had Dr. Casillas as her surgeon and she said he was excellent.

Very interesting reading about everyone here having Acid issue post VSG surgery. I had surgery on November 28, 2011. About 6 weeks postop I started losing my voice and had this thick (mucous) feeling in my throat that wouldn't clear when I coughed. I called my Surgeon's office who put me on Protonix once a day. I then visited my regular doctor who referred me to a Head and Neck Specialist. I was given a test where they put a small scope through your nose and into your throat. I gagged becaused I couldn't swallow and passed out!!! Needless to day I was diagnosed (tentatively) with Laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR). Per the Specialists instructions, I've bought a pillow wedge to raise my head at night while I sleep, a cool mist humidifier and have increased my Protonix (PPI) to twice a day. I still have had not relief. So it looks like I will be referred to a Gastroenterologist. Everyone who has acid issues on here, please keep us posted so we can all help each other get through this. Take care......more to follow!!!!!!!

I was sleeved November 28th. Including a little postop loss, I've lost just over 50 lbs. Everything was going great until I developed terrible GERD (laryngoesophageal reflux) 6 weeks postop. I lose my voice all the time and have a thick feeling in my throat. I'm on Protonix twice a day to see if this will help but so far no change. Anyone else having any problems?

I had a two night stay and felt I needed it. The first 24 hours you can't have anything by mouth so it was good having the hospital staff be at your beck and call as needed. I also had a Hiatal Hernia repair so had some pain. The second night was so much better and I was ready to go home the next day.

Yes, I can't wait until I can have Starbucks again......I was hooked on the Caramel Frapp Light, Decaf, with 2 scoops of protein prior to surgery. I'm just over a week post op and looking forward to having this treat maybe in a couple of weeks.

Hi Laura, I had surgery the same day as you...and yes.....my stomach gurgles alot. So I'm assuming this is part of the healing process. Keep us updated on how you are doing. I'm feeling great.....just a little tired.

Okay, I'm another Banana Babe updating everyone. I'm 4 days post op and feeling pretty good. I had a Hiatal Hernia repair the same time as my sleeve. Just get very tired. I'm drinking Premier Protein, Isopure, Crystal Light with unflavord Unjury powder, water, s/f pudding, Cranberry juice and strained Cream of Wheat......medicine cup size servings of all the above. I tried 3 types of broth and had to throw them out...the smell and salty taste made me want to throw up. Any other suggestions for thinned soups?

I'm just over 3 days post-op and cannot bear any type of broth. I tried the unjury and it was way too salty tasting. Then I tried some Trader Joes chicken Broth, then Beef Broth, and Better than Bullion....hated them all!!!!! So I'm sticking with Premier Protein shakes, Isopure and Water for now. Interesting how our tastes change after surgery!!!!

My understanding is that if you were approved at a higher weight, then there should be no problem. I'm also a Lightweight and am having surgery Monday and had the same concerns as you but it should be your starting weight that counts. Good luck and keep us updated.

Yes, I bought the Kiwi one. It's good but doesn't dissolve completely.

I really enjoy your blog. Keep posting your updates. I'm having VSG in a week!!!! I'm the same age as you!!!!!! Take care.

My surgery is November 28th!!!!! Good luck to all November banana babes!!!!

I finished my Options classes on September 19th, had my Doctor's Talk on October 5th, Nutrition class on October 11th, appointment with Surgeon on November 4th and my surgery date is November 28th. So I'm all set for Fountain Valley. Anyone else having their surgery there?

Thanks Foxbins. I really appreciate your feedback!!!

Hi, it's great to hear from others with lower BMI's. I fought to qualify for Weight Loss Surgery. My personal doctor saw that I have osteoarthritis and high cholesterol and felt the surgery would be beneficial. I finally qualified at a BMI of 35.9. Part of my pre-op requrement is to attend a 12 week Options class (Kaiser) and lose 10% of your starting weight. My problem is if I lose that or more I will be way below the qualifying BMI and who knows, the surgeon could turn me down (I think)!!!! Anyways, I would really like to hear how your surgical consults went being that you are all "Lightweights" like myself. My goal (after surgery) would be to reach 115 lbs which is what I was in 2002 (so I've been there). I am 5'1" and my starting weight was 196 lbs. I've so far lost 13 lbs so now I'm at 183 lbs. Looking forward to hearing all your journeys. Thanks.

It's good to hear from others with lower BMI's who have had or are scheduled for VSG. I started this journey with my Primary Care Doctor's blessing. She has helped me jump over numerous obstacles to be approved and move forward with this WLS. I'm halfway through a 12 week Options class and then will be referred to a surgeon. I have around 65-70 lbs to lose. I have osteoarthritis, RA and high cholesterol etc. I've been off and on diets since the age of 12 and know that VSG is the tool I need to help me get back down to a healthier weight. Being overweight is miserable...whether it be 50, 60, 70, 100, 150+ or more. It's wonderful hearing all your stories. Keep them coming.

Great job....I'm the same age as you so it's so comforting to see how well you are doing. I plan to have my surgery in a few months. I have to attend 12 weeks of classes first!!!!! Really enjoyed your videos. Keep us updated.

That's exactly what happened to me. My BMI is just over 35. My PCP is also very supportive. I had my orientation class last week and now I'm waiting to be scheduled for the 12 week class Keep us updated. Are you in So. Cal?.

So wonderful to find others in their 50's on the same journey!!!! I will be 57 in June. Looking forward to hearing how everything goes for you. I'm just starting out. I'm waiting to get dates for my 12 week Options Class. PK

Hello everyone, I am so happy to have found this website!!!!! I finally got approval to attend the 12 week Options class for the Lap Band. I will be jumping on here regularly to follow everyone's journey as well as posting my progress. For now I'm just at the beginning.....scared but excited!!!! PK