DrmBig4Evr

You are awesome, I got 4 also, they come in a case of 12! Thanks for the info

I would get a 2nd opinion too. I've heard the opposite, start with sleeve then have revision to GB if needed.

I find that article and study interesting, but isn't it also true for non-bariatric patients? I just think its funny how they looked at it from that point of view, but I generally know it is true in general.

Stay strong and hang in there until I'm in my preop starting Friday and be there for me when my mind is going crazy! You can do this!

That is a wonderful idea. I will do that. I have a business trip to Miami tomorrow into Thursday, maybe I'll hit South Beach!

They are typically easy to find, but you can also have her look for Gaviscon, Digel, or Papaya extract

I'm scheduled the 8th in Dallas! Good luck to you!

I got mine today!! March 8th! So excited!

I'm Kathryn, originally from Chicago but live in Dallas, divorced (really never married, long story), 2 boys. I don't have time to think about what I enjoy or like to do because between work and raising my boys and taking care of my home, those are my hobbies Glad you are here and welcome. We are here when you need us. I am on here daily so always available. I will be sleeved March 8th!

Good luck!!

I have definitely thought about it, but I have no idea when I have my surgery yet so I no clue when I start my preop. I wil find out tomorrow and let you know. Its always great when you can Let go and Let God during Lent. Good luck to you!

It sounds to me like you should really research the surgery from reputable websites. if you go on a sleeve forum or a band forum you will get a biased opinion. Also, you will see some not so good experiences. Each person is different and if weight loss surgery is something you have been told about as an option I would start by researching first. It had never crossed my mind until my doctor suggested it to me two years ago. I realize you have been to the seminars and may have been educated on it, but even those seminars have fact with biased opinion as they want to do your surgery. When researching the sleeve specifically I looked at the National Institute of Health's website, Mayo Clinic, etc. I even went to Dr. Oz's website as he had a simple video on there that gave statistics and I watched to see who sponsored it and if the information he presented slanted the information and I don't think it did. This is where I saw the breakdown of average weight loss success and sustainability. Sleeve is around 55-60% excess weight loss after 5 years if I remember correctly. As for the risks, there are always risks, but we are willing to take those risks as the benefits for us outweigh them. Some people on this forum had diabetes or couldn't have children due to their weight. Since having the surgery they are no longer on medications and are having children. Its definitely an individual decision and it has to be your own and not your doctors.

Well, it does sound like you have comorbidities, but don't go to the doc for them. Your knee sounds to me like an issue for you. I am 35 BMI and with my back problems and osteoarthritis I have no problems having this surgery. I bounce around at times. I've been close to 40 and I know if I let this go any longer I will be over it. Each person is individual, but you aren't the only person with a BMI on here that is lower than 40.

I guess that depends on what you mean. If you mean for insurance that is individual to your specific plan and it is defined in the documents. For example, mine was over 40 BMI or 35 with one comorbidity on a list of items. If you do a BMI calculator they will tell you your range and category. "Overweight', "Obese I, II, etc."

I know EXACTLY how you feel! Congrats! We have made the decision to LIVE A QUALITY LIFE! So excited for you!!

I decided on wls when I realized that the more I dieted, the more my weight shot back up. It was a losing battle and I am not a loser. When I fell a second time 2 years ago I was told that I either needed to lose weight and stregthen my core or have another back surgery, at the time only in my 20s. That was it, I made the decision to look into this and not give up. I knew deep down over the years there was less and less that I could do. People stopped recognizing me and my sons friends made comments. I've struggled my entire life with my weight. I was miserable, but when i was told by my doctor lose weight or surgery, it was an easy choice. I will refer you to another thread on this site called something like what I will not miss about being overweight. That speaks to why everyone has decided this as an option. You can use the search function for it. Best of luck in your decision!

The insurance requires a surgery date (some dummy dates, others use real ones), surgeon, type of surgery, etc., the facilities set the dates within a month to expedite the approval process. Initially 2 years ago I had a date, but I was denied and that date meant nothing. This year I have no idea what they submitted to my insurance and I have been approved. I still don't have a surgery date because my doctor likes to see his patients first and educate them on the procedure and then set the date. I will not know my date until I see him Tuesday. No worries for you that you don't have one.

What I will say to you is this...I am still struggling with this question. I will not lie about it, but initially I said that this is my time to focus on myself and its on a need to know basis. However, I did contact someone I barely know, but we have discussed her WLS in the past when I found out about it and I wanted to learn more. She is an excellent mentor and has agreed to be a resource for me. Her response this week to me on this very question is this: She regrets not letting people know up front. If she had to do it all over again, she would not scream it from the mountain tops, but at least inform those around her about it. She said that the hardest thing was having people notice her weight loss and begin to talk about her behind her back, she said that her friends she "confided" in didn't keep it a secret and everyone found out, but not on her terms. I am still processing what she said to me because I can see both sides. Right now, while I'm going through it, and the pre-op, surgery, etc. I will not say anything, after it is done, they can't say anything because what is done is done and I KNOW it was MY decision.

Stay focused, stay positive! You have several reasons for having this surgery, keep something with you at ALL times, photos of yourself pre op, photos of your kids, whatever motivates you! You can do this!

Don't dwell on it! Keep moving forward, can't change the past, look toward the future!

Yes I do know where that is! Ok, definitely, the next week is kind of crazy, but maybe the last week of February??

I live right by that Market Street! I know exactly where you are! That is awesome! We should definitely meet up! I am still pre-op, I get my date next Tuesday when I meet Dr. Marsden.

I'm in Allen, let me know which one is better! Thanks so much!