dancingqueene

@ Babbs I've done a lot of research and I agree w/ you as well, but I'm fearful I won't lose as much and that I will 'hit a wall' so to speak as a lage amount of others I see and have read have hit. I've read more journals, books, meetigs, etc than I care to mention lol I know a deep part of me emotionally wants the weight to come off faster to keep me more motivated and that is what scares me w/ the sleeve- that I won't see the results as much. How has your experience been?

I've been researching for a little big time on this and have 3 surgeons go through the pro/cons of each. The sleeve- you tend to lose slower & less overall as a norm. It's a 50/50 shot with a plateau/ wall that many experience and I've read on here. There are a lot of pros and until last week it was my number 1 choice. I've been digging deeper & deeper ( and I love to research) and although bypass seems more invasive in the long run its not. You do lose more and faster as the norm! I've had to honestly sit and look at the statistics carefully and weigh each. I've read so much I know I'm informed well to make my own choice but I'd talk to others doctors to get another opinion

What made you choose sleeve vs bypass RNY? I've been going back & forth. My surgeon and I have talked long & hard on this!! I've been researching like crazy and have to decide soon bc surgery should be in Oct!! I'm exactly the same size as you also!! 5'4"-5'5" approx 226 pounds!!

Thank you so much for the link!!! Very helpful!!

My surgeon's office suggests multiple powders. EAS is very reasonable and sugar free (sold at WalMart) If you add PB2 to that is really helps! I've used the premade shakes but if you make it I'm sure it can even taste better!

I was thinking to use the unflavored powder and add it unsweetened vanilla almond milk w/ PB2. Has anyone tried the unflavored?

I have been weighing option for surgery for a long time now. I'm one to do a LOT of research before making any decisions although I knew I would do a bypass surgery of some sort. Did anyone else weight heavily on the sleeve vs RNY before making a final decision? I have surgery this fall and I have to make a final decision by the end of Aug. I have several friends who have had the RNY but I don't know anyone personally who has had the sleeve.

I can completely understand where you are at. I've been trying for this surgery for 5+ years now and am on my final lap as well. I have 2 more 'weigh ins' before my surgery date and I fear the same thing!! Insurance looks at different things in regards to 'supervised weight loss'. For example- mine states the same thing but in reality I only had to have 6 consecutive 'weigh ins' rather than seeing the dietician for 6 months. I'm bracing myself for Sept when I have my last 'weigh in' that insuracne will the come back and do the same thing. Take a deep breathe (easier said than done). I have learned over the past 5 years that things happen for a reason. Have you read the book "Practical Advice for Lifetime Maintenance After Bariatric Surgery" by Pamela Harrelson? I highly suggest it as a pre-and post surgery book. One of the most enlighteing read for 5.99$. Her journey is amazing - she had the surgery 2x!!! As I am preparing and stressing myself I am takign the times to read up even more. I was planning the 'sleeve' rather than the bypass but I have changed my mind and will go the ruen-y route instead. I wish you the best!!

I'm getting ready to have my surgery in the fall and have done extensive research (for more than 4 years now). I came across a book that I feel has been the best pre/post surgery book. For us food addicts/bing eaters, and those of us who think this surgery will be our 'magic pill' this has truly helped me make the best decision....'Practical Advice for Life Maintence after Bariatric Surgery" by Pamela Harrelson. Her story and journey is a reality check and has truly helped me. It's only available in eReader print and it's only 5.99$. She also has a forum on this site as well. I highly suggest this read...super easy read, great ideas, and puts the future into perspective!!

I can relate through my mother's story although a bit differently. My mom was heavier as a teen/ young woman. Growing up in an Italian home and being a depressed child she ate as comfort. Once leaving home she became obsessed w/ losing the weight. Since that time - 48 years ago my mom has been bone thin to the borderline of anorexia and still sees herself as the fat teen as she looks in the mirror each day. She's gorgeous, looks 45 rather than 67 but can't see her rail thin body. She works out hours a day and friends & family comment on her looking Ill. I'm getting ready to have the sleeve surgery and pray I don't react as she does. Take measurements , monthly pictures, and don't keeping looking back. Regardless of how much weight you lose stay focused on being healthier and knowing where your headed. Chin up...????

They also have rice like products such as risotto a well!!

I've been reseatching all types of baraitric surgery for years. I was denied 2x before but it looks like 3rd time is a charm. I purchased this book last weekend. Very thorough, especually if you haven't done a ton of reseach! Easy to read and understand and well written! I'm still deciding b/t this and traditional roun-en-y but I definately leaning toward the sleeve!!!

Not sure if this will help but I found an amazing protein pasta called Ciao Proto Pasta. 30 grams of protein and only 11 carbs. I googled it but they also have other brands that are the same nutriotionally. Amazon carries it and a few other sites. The pasta come preportioned and is inexpensive! I'm presurgey yet but I can hardly finish a portion now b/c it's so dense. Great alterinative to the others I've tried.

I wish you the very best. I am entering the last phase. I have only a few pounds to go and hopefully will then know for sure! I havebeen reseaching for almost a year and decided to fiinally just DO IT last fal!! Enjoy the journey to better health and happiness!! I am a service coordinator for children w/ severe medical and developmental needs and I used to be a special ed teacher so I understand needing to be there for your son!! Tara

I was so happy to see your post when I logged on this morning!! I too, have a lower BM I(33.3) but I feel very passionate about fighting for this surgery. I have been in the support group since Oct and fighting with insurance, etc ever since. I have gained almost 70 pounds over the past 6 years and it won't budge. I have recently been diagnosed w/ a blood clotting disorder which significantly increases by heart attack/stroke risk. But when paired w/ my weight gain I am even at greater risk!! So... I had the MD write another justification letter so now I am waiting again from insurance!! There are some amazing books out there they go through all the pros/cons, list hepful tips, websites, etc I have found it to be inspiration to attend the local support groups out hospital has. Its one of the best programs I have researched and I have done a A LOT!!! I wish you all the very best...keep us all posted!!

I am new to this particular forum all together, but am excited to start this journey. I have completed all the pre-surgical requirements and now I am waiting for insurance approval! Praying it comes through. Although I am not considered the 'typical' surgical candidate I find some of the pre-surgery meetings negative but I am pushing through. I have gained about 60+ pounds up/down over the past 8 years and have not been able to get it off. I am ready for this journey and to regain my life and self esteem back!!! I have a great network of support from friends so I know I can do it!!

I have just completed our local presurgical counseling program. It offers a strict but incredible program. I am not waiting to hear on insurance approval. I have been researching the band for about 8 months now and I'm excited to start this journey. I was so happy to find this online talk forum!