ladiJ

I think there is a difference between telling friends, family and the world..ie coworkers, neighbors etc.."the world" does not have to be told anything at this point that you don't want to share. As for family and specifically those closest to you, you have to be sure and secure in your own decision and then I would say My doctor and I have decided the vertical gastric sleeve is the best option for my continued health at this time" so I am starting the process..if she says you could lose it on your own, its dangerous blah blah..I would just repeat, "well my doctor and I disagree with you and I really need your understanding and support even if I do not have your agreement" Thanks (mom or fill in blank) I knew I could depend on you. Lather, rinse, repeat as needed. I had this conversation with a loved one already

First off gratz on the 100 lb loss!!!!!!!!! I hope to join you on the loser bench. I do not blame you for being upset, I think your doc needs to work on his bedside manner. He should have congratulated you and then spent the time explaining his thought process to you. I am not a doctor but I feel pretty sure his thinking is along these lines.. The sleeve use to be done as a step one procedure for people who had very high BMI, it was thought you could not lose enough with the sleeve to have it be a stand alone. The thinking on this has changed some and with newer techniques and better management it is working well on its own for many people. However the honeymoon phase, meaning the period when you lose the most, the easiest is the first 6 months, then it gets harder. your doctor probably just wants to make sure you lose as much as you can while you still have the most restriction.

Wow you have really had a terrible time of it. leaks don't happen very often but none of that matters when it happens to you. I wanted to tell you I am sending prayers and thoughts of comfort and healing your way. I have not had a stent but I can tell you that I have read at least 10 leaks with stent stories (I am a realist) and they ALL say the most miserable was with the stent. Once it was out they felt much better. So I am sure light is at the end of the tunnel.

I am so going to try this!

wee!!!!!!!!!!!!! you will be sleeved before you know it, I look forward to reading of your success.

Hmm I don't know about out of country Dr either. I would ask him and if not, is your Primary care doctor aware you are having surgery?? or a psychiatrist or Nurse Practitioner...basically anyone else who may be able to legally sign?

and the phlebotomist had a bypass two years ago and her father a sleeve a year ago with my same surgeon. She said neither of them regret it and her husband is also going to have the sleeve..she looks great by the way!!!!!! I was so happy to hear it. That is why I am so thankful for those of you who post on this site. Knowledge is power!

Well this is day 2 of my quest to not only not gain weight before surgery (or my doc will not schedule) but to also follow a low cal, low carb eating plan. I have done really well so far today, just had a great scoop of chicken salad which I ate with slices of cucumber. I used the cucumber just as if it were crackers....yum! Today seems easier than yesterday was. I also went to my pcp today and I completed all required pre-op testing except for the ultrasound. Soonest appt is the end of the month but at least I will end Sept knowing everything is done and just waiting to be submitted for authorization.

Sending prayers and positive thoughts out to you and yours. Don't be afraid to allow others to help when they can, its a blessing for them.

well I made it through day one..ate more calories than I wanted, 1400 and too high in fat grams but stayed below 50 carb grams. I am going to get the hang of this.

I am pre op and trying to watch my carbs (which of course I love) This morning I tried a low carb tortilla with my egg and salsa and it was really good. Will I be able to eat a low carb tortilla after surgery or is it one of those things like bread and pasta which swell up and are uncomfortable for the first 6 months or so?????

thanks for the support and advice all! I started today, I am tracking my food, goal is 1000 calories a day, less than 70 grams of carbs and no junk food. Soda is not an issue. I switched my green tea to decaf, I am giving up my night time coffee (I usually drink 20 oz in am and 20 oz in the eve) going to wait a week and then start weaning myself off the morning coffee..sheesh I have drank that for over 30 years..i am sure just switching the tea and giving up the night time fix is going to mean headaches for a few days...i am so glad I already stopped smoking a few years ago. I can do this, I must do this, I will do this!

Gratz on your sleeve, wishing you a speedy recovery!

I can gain no weight before surgery. I know that should not be an issue, but every since I started this process, with the classes 6 months ago, I have had tons of stress at work, life etc...and I have gained 25 lbs. It seems like every week I gain a pound or two, lose it the next week and then regain it. MY body is playing tricks on me, it does not handle stress well and I am an emotional eater.This concept is new to me as I just always thought I was overweight because I loved food. I am so worried that I or my body will sabotage the process, especially since when I started this process I was convinced I would not have surgery, now after learning all about it I am convinced this is the tool I need to finally be successful. today I start watching my carbs, eating protein and exercising..........weight yesterday at surgeon's office 255.6

Yea!!!!!! It feels like progress, I have made it through the 6 months of mandatory classes, psych eval etc.......before i could see the surgeon. He said I am a candidate for the sleeve. I need my labs, chest xray, ekg and ultrasound. All of these have to be done through my pcp. I have an appointment with him friday, The surgeon said maybe 6 weeks, or beginning of Nov. I told him I have to have surgery in Oct because of my work schedule. He said maybe end of OCT depends on how quickly I can get everything else done so they can submit to insurance and then wait.. The biggie, I can gain no weight before surgery. I know that should not be an issue, but every since I started this process, with the classes 6 months ago, I have had tons of stress at work, life etc...and I have gained 25 lbs. It seems like every week I gain a pound or two, lose it the next week and then regain it. MY body is playing tricks on me, it does not handle stress well and I am an emotional eater.This concept is new to me as I just always thought I was overweight because I loved food. I am so worried that I or my body will sabotage the process, especially since when I started this process I was convinced I would not have surgery, now after learning all about it I am convinced this is the tool I need to finally be successful. So please wish me strength, as today I start watching my carbs, eating Protein and exercising..........I have not come this far to blow it.......

I am sending a prayer your way, I can only imagine how frustrating for you.

It seems like every doctor is different, or perhaps it depends on people's starting weights, labs etc.. To be perfectly safe you should call your doctor's office. If they just gave you general guidelines....I saw my doctor yesterday and it was..gain NO weight before surgery. No sodas, cakes, pastries,cookies,candy,crackers,pretzels,popcorn, grapes, rice, potatoes and white bread. Limit carbs, eat protein, start a non joint stressing exercise..ie walking, swimming, water aerobics..4 days before surgery no red meat,no pork and no lettuce. Day before full liquids.

just received the info from my doc yesterday. 1) Calcium if citrate take 1500mg divided into 2 or 3 doses...... if carbonate take 2000 mg do not take within 2 hours of your multi Vitamin 2)Chewable Muti vitamin 3)Vitamin B Complex 1 pill every 2 or 3 days 4) Vitamin C start now 1000 mg day divided into smaller doses 5)B-12 sublingual, Crystalline form 350-500mcg daily for first 2 months after surgery and then as decided by doctor after labs 6) Biotin 1000mcg a dose and up to 3 doses a day for hair loss (check your daily Multivitamin and if it includes Biotin subtract from 3000 mcg dose) 7) zinc 15-30 mg a day *****can be toxic so must check daily vitamin first to see if its already included******

Hello fellow nurses, I have been a nurse for 14 years, 51 years old, don't have a date yet, hoping for Oct but plan on taking 6 weeks off. My job doesn't offer light duty, have to be able to run to codes etc..I don't bounce back as easily at my age and weight so I wanted to make sure I was recovered before returning. Also I am a bit concerned about being able to manage my fluid and nutritional needs in the beginning. Our unit has really cracked down on any fluids or foods at the stations. I already have a nurses bladder, can hold it for a shift if needed but don't think my revised tunny but will be up to the challenge.

Yesterday I had my first consultation with my surgeon. I have completed the required classes, nutritionist appointments, psych evaluation, seminar and support group attendance. He said I was a candidate for the sleeve..Wee!!!!!!!!!!!!! I am happy, excited, nervous, at times ambivalent but also determined. I now must obtain the required labs, ekg, chest xray and ultrasound of gallbladder. Once I have finished all that and it is received in his office they will submit for insurance approval. My insurance is through an *** and I met their requirements as far as the classes etc so I do not think there should be any issues. I feel a bit under the gun as due to work requirements I really need to have my surgery in Oct. I spoke with him about this and he said its possible I may been able to have surgery at end of Oct.

you are looking great, you must be so happy and feel so good!!!!!!!

I don't blame you for being upset you were totally justified. Not because you expect the world to change for you. we all know it is up to us as individuals but because you have a "friendly coworker relationship with these females" You asked and they agreed. It is normal to expect people we are on good terms with to be understanding and follow through with their agreements. Luckily I don't have this issue as the company not only provides an appropriate place to eat lunch and take breaks but you are actually not allowed to eat at your desk/station. Of course we are not allowed to smack people upside the head who are rude or ungracious so I think you handled it appropriately.

oh thank you for clarifying, I was really hoping she was relating a memory and had recovered. I am so sorry your going through this and hope and pray the doctors will find the answer for you.

Thank you so much for sharing your story. I am sending out prayers of comfort and healing. I wish I could say your story was unbelievable but being a nurse myself I see and understand the multiple mistakes and lack of follow through in the health care industry on a daily basis. I notice you said you had surgery in 2008. What is your current health status today?

ah thank you, I tried not to drink tonight with dinner, i think that will be a challenging rule for me so am trying to get used to it now