Smoggy

I'm with you Yolisse- I am one of a large staff group where I work and gossip is UTTERLY rife on a good day. I have decided that this is my private business and I don't need the judgement, second - guessing, the zillion explanation nonsense to ignorant people or the skewed judgement that with certain people will surely follow. I have told a very small number of people. 6 close friends who are scattered around the world and sworn to zip it, my Godmother and my brother. That is IT and that is how it will stay. My Dad and stepmom don't even know ....

Go girl! You can do it!

So I have a consultation on Saturday with the surgeon that I am hoping will be able to do my sleeve. Where I live there are no pre-op workshops or info-sessions and not a lot of support afterwards really. I have kept in touch with a great support group of sleever friends whose brains I will be picking soon but I also wondered if any of you have advice, tips etc for burning questions I should really ask my surgeon. I will be self-pay ( insurance pays for zilch for me) and I am hoping he can do it at the very beginning of July when I have time off work. What info do you think I'll need to be aware of apart from the basics like what emergency medical backup he has, pricing, what he will do in the case of complications, and what his pre and post op diet, exercise and recovery recommendations are. Any thoughts peeps? I am a little nervous so my brain has left the building.

Thanks NJsharon! Sadly they don't do financing...*sigh* The bougie question and stitches/staples are good ones... adding to my list!

YAY! Cool- how awesome is that. WELL DONE - We've all been cheering for you!

WOW what good news desertmom! I look forward to hearing all about it hopefully at the weekend. Glad the fiber change is working out for you. Keep on keeping on!

Hi there melissamae99 and welcome! I am also planning surgery, and have been researching for ages. I know keeping it off is the key, and the sleeve is simply a tool. Many sleevers have failed through thinking the sleeve will do everything for them -and so for me, I am seeing a psychologist to get to the bottom of my "head hunger" so I am armed with all the tools at my disposal to take it off and keep it off. I am so sorry your OH is not supportive. Surely you deserve the benefit of the doubt, this is a powerful and serious route to take and it seems he is mentally setting you up for failure no matter what you do. Perhaps he is not as invested in your WL as you think. Some friends and family are enablers and it suits them that we remain obese for whatever reasons. I may be completely off base here but if you are serious enough to consider surgery and he is not against it for fear of complications, encouragement is the least you can ask. I am so doggone stubborn that in your situation I we'd be on they warpath now to PROVE him wrong! How's that for an extra bit of motivation! Good luck and I do hope he sees the light. Xx

I thought this article was very interesting and wanted to share it here . Protein while we recover from surgery and beyond. "As soon as you drop below your ideal weight, you get into a group of people who are malnourished," and not well in general, de la Cruz-Munoz said. People in this population may not have adequate levels of protein in their bodies to properly heal in areas that have been operated on, he said"

Wow, what an amazing success- well done you! Fantastic inspiration for us pre-sleevers! I wish you well in your continued journey.

That's me! I don't have an exact date yet but am planning on early July.

Cool- and a BIG well done on your WL!! How are your energy levels? I'm okay- not planning on having surgery until July, but am seeing a counsellor about my food issues and triggers and bit by bit getting organised for July.

I did the C25K about a year ago and loved it . Had some health issues since then which mean I am back to square one... However... I digress, it was a lot of fun. I remember week 3 being a b**ch and some of the music during the odd week was not so fabulous but it was wonderful to have the mix of music at the right rhythym and a guided timed programme all done already for you that you don't have to really think about. Jam in those earphones and head outside- you won't regret it!

Hey Tamou and Desert Mom- good luck with the walking- and measure yourselves! That'll be a great way to track loss.... Wish I could join you at Marina walk...

Hang in there Desert Mom! xox

I've heard good things about Dr Abdulsalman Al Taie who is Dubai based, and have met some people who have had successful ops with him. Anyone want to chime in about him and their experience or let us know about any other surgeons in this area?

Yup me too - trying to get to the blogs and can't find them ...

I voted for you too - hope you win it!

Congrats Nadz, hope it is all going well! Who was your doctor?

Why don't you try copying and pasting some of the entries you have been inspired by, both the positive and negative experiences so he gets a balanced look at it all. Also show him the stats about how the VSG has less complications. Even better- how about meeting up with some "sleevers" with him? I was hovering a little about making a decision at first and then recently met up with some amazing ladies who have been through the surgery. They didn't sugar coat the negative things and were totally up front about problems they faced as well as their personal victories. Just seeing them looking so healthy and happy in the flesh and hearing that they did it in spite of fear and pain etc and don't regret it for a moment was an epiphany. You know who you are, ladies- thank-you!

Wonderful, thanks for sharing your celebration! Well done.

Good luck and congratulations, you've reached the turning point! I wish you a smooth-sailing experience. Do let us all know how you get on.

Goodness me- if we all took a vote I think we'd all vote that Ron is an utter idiot, and I do hope your friend's Mom sees that too! He can't be clocking up many brownie points with your friend either.... You are going to come up against people like this all the time, some battles we win, some we lose but the main thing is to get back on the horse. Which you have done with grace- WELL DONE for recognising the battle for what it is and better luck next time with making a healthy choice. We can't be perfect all the time, and you are doing just GREAT!