Caliblonde

Good for you!

Yikes. I'm so sorry, I'll keep my fingers crossed that you are still able to have surgery.

Thanks everyone! I know it's all relative and depends upon how each person is doing individually, but it's good to have a ballpark range. I was just wondering if 2 weeks was a realistic goal to set for myself as long as I'm doing well with eating and pain.

So true. I wish I would have said something. I was so shocked that I went completely blank.

Quick vent: I was at the grocery store with a friend of mine and we were getting something to take home for dinner. I was waiting on her and an elderly man walked up to me. He said "Haven't you ever heard of salad? Try eating some." I was completely speechless. Wasn't sure what to do or say so I just walked away and waited for my friend somewhere else. Why do people feel that they can say things like this to others? Is it just poor manners or a sense of entitlement? I would NEVER in a million years walk up to someone and comment on their appearance or habits.

I agree with pumpkin, you have to trust your doctors and listen to what they have to say, also do your research and ultimately make the most informed and appropriate decision for you. As far a losing 100 lbs before you can have the surgery...I'm not a doctor but that sounds just a tad excessive to me. I would probably talk to the doctor about that again. Good luck!

My surgeon told me that the weight loss is almost identical for the bypass and the sleeve. I think "statistically" there is a couple percentage points difference, so he calculated it out and it was something like a 17 lb difference which is a drop in the bucket for me. He told me that the sleeve was a MUCH safer surgery for me due to my weight, and the weight loss will be almost identical. That added to the fact that you will be hard pressed to stretch out the sleeve certainly made it the best option for me. Good luck with whatever decision you make!

Yikes! I remember when I first started this process, the leader of my class said that if they found out that anyone had done anything like that person did we would be kicked out of the program.

Hello and welcome. Congratulations on your success thus far! I haven't had surgery yet, so can't speak to the question about stretching your sleeve, but I know that there are tons of people who can!

I'm getting it done at Pacific Bariatric in San Diego. My surgeon is Dr. Taller. The way he said it to me was as a suggestion, but when I talked to his nurse she made it sound like it was a requirement. Also, I know that I won't be having surgery until at least April, so I figured I had time to lose the weight so I wasn't stressing too much about it until I got the nurse's phone call.

I just got a call from my surgeon's office and they wanted to know my current weight because the doctor asked me to try to lose 10 more pounds before surgery. I have lost 2 more pounds since my pre-op appointment, but I'm afraid they are going to tell me that I can't have surgery now because I haven't lost 10. This has totally sent me into a tailspin because I need this surgery!!!! Any words of wisdom?

I haven't gotten a surgery date yet, waiting to hear back. I will absolutely keep you posted!! You keep me posted as well, I want to hear how well you're continuing to do

Wow, 53 pounds in 5 months! Congratulations!!! That's over 10 pounds a month lost. It's pretty easy to get discouraged when you see others losing faster than you, and I think that is a struggle for many people both pre and post surgery. I'm sure that I'll be doing the same thing after my surgery. I'm currently trying to lose 10 more pounds before surgery and I keep yo-yoing, it's totally frustrating, but I do notice that with almost 30 pounds off I can move more, my clothes are fitting a little bit better, and I'm not as tired all the time. Try to stay focused on the positive things that you can do now that you couldn't do before. From the pre-surgery side, I think you're doing fantastic!!

Thank you! That's very helpful. I'm going to have to find some good samples. I'm currently liking the premier Protein shakes from costco, but I have talked to a few people who couldn't stand them after surgery. We'll see...

Thanks, that's helpful. I had my gallbladder out two years ago and was out of work for 2 weeks. I'm thinking that it's going to be similar for this.

This may not be the appropriate place for this question, but here goes. When I went to the orientation, we were told that the recovery period was anywhere from 2 to 8 weeks and that we could take off up to 8 weeks of work. I'm looking at the upper limit and kind of freaking out because I can only afford to take off 2 maybe 3 weeks at the most. What was your recovery time and how long before you were back to work? Thanks

This is a fantastic thread! What are some things to have at home after surgery? My husband is already asking me what I am going to need and I'm not sure what to tell him.

I'm turning 31 this year. Totally cracking up at the comments about fashion trends coming back. I was just talking about plaid coming back the other day. I remember begging my mom to buy me a plaid shirt when I was a senior in high school. Oh the memories...

I was told by the Kaiser physician who saw me before starting my weight loss classes that I was going to "have" to have a RNY. I explained to him that I had major concerns regarding having to take vitamins for the rest of my life, dumping, etc. etc. etc. He told me that I was going to have to come up with a "really good argument" for having the sleeve when I spoke to the surgeon. After that meeting I was scared that the RNY was going to be my only option since apparently I didn't have a "good enough" reason for wanting the sleeve. Then met with the surgeon who agreed with me and told me that in his professional opinion the sleeve was the best surgery for me. He explained why and everything. I wanted to cry I was so excited. I am so happy with my decision and absolutely cannot wait for my surgery!

Hi to all the Californians! I'm currently living in Rancho Santa Margarita, CA (in Orange County). Anyone know of some good support groups in OC? I went to one at Kaiser but wasn't happy with it, I would like to see what else is out there. Thanks

Dr. Taller is my surgeon as well. I haven't gotten my date yet though. So excited for you!

I'm having trouble giving up the carbonation. I drink Caffeine Free Diet Coke all the time and have to give it up before surgery. I'm trying to replace it with decaf iced tea, water, Crystal Light, but it's not the same. I am hopeful that after surgery I won't want it anymore... it sounds like from most people's experiences it won't be an issue.

Another thing you might want to try is changing masks. I got two masks, one is smaller and the other a little bigger. I was using the smaller one and woke up with the worst facial pain, and marks that wouldn't go away for hours. Last night I swapped it for the bigger mask and woke up this morning feeling so much better! Maybe something for you to look into. Let me know how it goes!

Congratulations, hearing stories like yours make me even more excited for my upcoming surgery! I can't wait to see your pictures

Congratulations! I haven't had my surgery yet, but hearing about your amazing weight loss is very inspiring. I'm very interested to learn about what other people are doing for protein. Thanks for posting about the nectar sampler, I'm going to try to order it next week!