UTGal99

Thank you all for your comments. I had a LONG talk with my PCP this morning and am feeling much better about considering VSG. I have to agree with my doctor - the risk of not doing anything far outweighs any risk from the surgery. Yes, there is a possibility of complications but you just roll with the punches. I think to myself - if I had cancer, I would do what I need to do to take care of it. I have a weight problem and need to do what I need to do to take care of that too! Looking forward to a more in depth conversation when meeting with surgeon soon.

I have read a few comments about hair loss with the gastric sleeve. Is this common? If so, why? When? How long? Can you prevent it? What kind of hair loss are we talking (a few strands here and there or handfuls?)

Hi there! I am considering having the VSG procedure done and was curious as to what a typical meal looks like once starting to eat solids? Also, would love to hear a sample day from someone who is at least 6-12 months out. Also, any advice or experiences (good, bad or ugly) you have had? Thanks!

This REALLY scares me! I don't want to have big clumps of hair missing and have to resort to wearing a wig. I'm not really sure being sleeved is worth it for that consequence. I'm just not wiling to wear a wig! Anybody had no hairloss or very minimal?

Anyone have any tips on ensuring insurance approval? I meet all the criteria but have oftened wondered if during the monthly check ups with your doctor you are brutally honest and say "no, I haven't worked out like I should?" if that will affect approval. Does the insurance company say..."this person hasn't done what they have been asked to do." Or should I just go and tell my doctor exactly what they want to hear..."oh yeah, doing exactly what is asked of me....all day,....everyday." Which we all know is not true but I have tried to lose weight for YEARS and now I am just going through the motions to get approved. Thoughts, suggestions?

So, can you just go to Sonic and buy there ice? Really???

What is "Sonic Ice?"

I am pre-op and strongly considering the sleeve too. I have never heard any horror stories from post-op sleeve patients. I am hoping that a few of the veterans (if you will) can talk about the benefits, negatives, etc. Good Luck to you and keep us posted.

Way to go - you do look awesome! Keep up the great work.

My concern is if the pre-op diet is causing so many issues what is going to happen after the surgery? I am a pre-op patient too - so very curious to hear what others say,,,

I LOVE my Ninja - it is AWESOME! And it makes fabulous ice cream (basically frozen strawberries, 1/2 cup milk and 1 packet of splenda) - delicious! And it makes ALOT - I usually freeze 2/3 of it!

You do look amazing! I look at it this way - at least your down 15 and not up 15! Keep up the great work. Looking forward to more pics/updates on your progress. Take care!

So, what exactly does the Medic Alert bracelet need to say on it?

Just out of curiosity - why the medic alert bracelet? Is there issues with post VSG patients longterm that paramedics, etc would need to be notified???

Is this a concern post-op? Are medications not safe after being sleeved? Just trying to gather as much information as possible as I am strongly considering having a VSG. Thanks!

Great job - congrats! Those are perfectly legitimate NSV's in my opinion. WooHoo for you! Keep up the great work!

Very encouraging, Brian! You are such an inspiration to us all. I have not been "sleeved" yet but am seriously considering surgery and meet with the surgeon in the next few weeks. What would you say are the hardest parts? The best parts? Complications? Recovery time? Normal meal size, etc? I hate to bombard you but so would like to hear it all from someone who is 2 years out and living a normal life again? Thank you!

I'm pre-op too and would love to hear how it goes for you. I want to hear the good, the bad and ugly too. Also, any tips and successes are welcome too! Good Luck to you!

According to Cigna they only require 3 months of consecutive PCP check-ins - so with that said, I started documenting with my doctor in May - does the visit in May count as #1 or does the visit in June start as #1 as May started the process and first check in was May? So, will May, June and July visit suffice? Or will they look at it as you started working with your PCP in May - first visit June, second visit July, third visit August. Make sense?

How long after the insurance approval and appointment with surgeon does it take for surgery to happen (on average)? Anyone know???

Thank you, SleeveDreamer! That is exactly what I was looking to understand. What a fabulous response. So glad you have had successful results and I am hoping for the same.

That is great! Congrats!

Hi there! I am considering having a vertical sleeve gastrectomy done. What is the good, bad and ugly to this procedure? Be brutally honest, I want and need to hear it! Also, what does a normal meal look like (when you start eating solids)? Any comments are welcome! Thank you!

Drain tube? Do they send you home with a drain tube from the vertical sleeve procedure? And if so, what is it draining? And, what does it drain into? And last but certainly not least, how long does it stay in?