Brother J

I'm 57, had a heart attack 3 years ago then devloped atrial fibrillation. My cardiologist encouraged my surgery and I chose an excellent hospital, surgeon and anesthesiologist. Have done very well but my blood pressure hasnt improved much yet but I havent reached my goal of 300 lb loss. My diabetes has sure improved and every pound I lose takes a load off my heart. I would encourage anyone with multiple health problems considering surgery to work through their specialists because it takes a team to safely do surgery. Needless to say, I was not a candidate for foreign surgery.

Wellbutrin is a good antidepressant. It is indicated for depression. If depression is causing a decreased sex drive it may help. It doesnt have the common decresed sexual side effects of the class of antidepresants called SSRIs.

I've found Atkins to be very tasty and less expensive than others for the nutrition. I like the premixed forb convenience as well as the Cookies and bars. Check out the Atkins website. Also, they are fairly easy to find at Walgreens and grocery stores.

I would be careful in choosing Alli. We need some fats for general functioning and to prevent gallstone formation that may occur with low calorie fat-restrictive diets and rapid weight loss. You do not want essential fats bound to Alli for the reasons above.

Diva~ super lexcellent links. These calorie bombs are lethal!

Commercially prepared smoothies are a carb trap.

Plenty of sagging with this 57 y/o but I'm of the "super obese" group and definetly will need panus removal due to repeated infections. My face is wrinkle~free so far but I expect that will change. I have so many problems caused by my obesity and feel so much better I can handle wrinkles. I still can't weigh myself on a regular scale so I don't weigh myself very much. I'm so glad I had surgery and am happy so many younger people are having surgery before their health is ruined. Hooray fo us 50's.

Not only is chewing to mush important in early post op time, it is part of behavioral treatment for what got me into this mess. As a chronic volume feeder who washed down with lots of Fluid, this is the hardest behavior for me to change 3 months out. I really have to concentrate on slowing down and chewing thorougly and continuosly struggle with this. Lots to learn and a long way to go.

I took pills, a lot of them the day after surgery. I just spread them out. I use insulin only and have cut my Lantus long-acting by 2/3rds and rarely use short acting. No matter what, I watch my blood sugars closely. I can't exercise much but if you can, your medication need should decrease as you ramp up.

The local GNC doesn't keep a good supply so I buy it online. With their discount card, it is convenient and worth the price of the card. Check out their Web site.

Foreign surgery is a cost-effective option and quality should be excellent as thats all they do. I have a lot of medical complication from my obesity and wanted doctors I know involved with my care so foreign surgery was not a prudent option for me.

Lucky you. Your surgeon fee likely includes the surgical assistant's fee as well. overall, your surgery cost at least $4000 less than mine. again, lucky you.

the $16,500 I am paying covers everything including Anesthesia

DONT FORGET ANESTHESIA FEES. MINE WERE $4000.

I take a lot of medication. I never crushed them even the day after surgery. I did have to spread them out though I dont have to anymore.

Self pay as well. Be sure to bargain hard with the hospital. Your surgeon may have a package price. Lots of extra costs. Labs, xray and EKG interpretation.

Prune juice also works.

Rosenburg

I have had a heart attack, heart failure, and atrial fibrilation (controlled). I have been stable awhile and my cardiologist was a proponent for my surgery. As I have said before, I waited too long for surgery and I damaged myself pretty severely but due to VSG, I have hope that I can have meaninful weight loss and better health.

Some medicines should not be crushed-check with your pharmacist. I take 8 meds/vitamins every morning and 6 every evening. I have never crushed them including right after surgery. I space them out and give them a chance to disolve before eating. They do fill me up for awhile.

My biggest fear was anesthesia and it was the biggest risk as well. My basic problem is I didn't want to lose control and anesthesia was the big humbler for me. I chose a good hospital, surgeon, and anesthesia team. I was fearful but resigned to saving my life. I waited 10 years too long for surgery and have many health problems as a result. I kept praying, "Jesus, I trust in you."

Tried phentermine in past with poor results. Made me irritable and couldn't sleep. Can be addictive and not for people with hypertension.

Good suggestions all. Don't forget good old prune juice if you don't need something everyday. A little high in carbs and I like the taste. You can buy small cans and keep a few if needed.

Yes, he said he wanted my liver to be as small as possible because he had to work around it. High Protein, low carb diets tend to get rid of excess Water and presumably, this includes the liver as well. So I tried. In the end, there are many different pre and post op diets depending on surgeon which is confusing and raises questions as we read these postings.

When my surgeon told me to do liquids and shakes only for 2 weeks preop, I knew I wouldn't be able to do it perfectly and I didn't. No complications from surgery so my liver wasn't enlarged. I really need VSG to help me and now I have to make the behavioral changes and I feel I can succeed! Keep on trying.