pcindy

All I'm going to say is, as a nurse who has taken care of plenty of bypass patients, I'd rather die of morbid obesity than have a bypass. That's what I think of the surgery and it's track record of complications.

Your friend sounds just adorable... :l I'd tell him that if he makes any more comments, you'll slap him with your loose "elephant skin," and then stomp on him!

I have the fat pad/dowager's hump, too. So did my obese mother. So does my sister when she's heavy. When I lost 85lbs (years ago), it went away. Fat is fat. When you lose weight, it will diminish along with everything else. :001_rolleyes:

Thanks, everybody for the comments and reassurance. I look forward to hearing more.

I'm into my 2nd week of "liquid" pre-op diet and going insane. Whigging out on my (thank God, ever-supportive) husband, and wondering if I should go ahead with my VSG (scheduled for June 29th). I feel so conflicted and have no one to relate to about it. My husband has no doubts about it and everyone in this Forum seems so rah-rah and gung-ho... am I alone??? As my huz reminds me, I haven't been able to conquer this issue on my own, but the tales I read about having difficulty with getting enough Protein in and severe restriction scare me. People who are a few years out are writing about still being able to only take little bites here and there and dinner taking 3 hrs to get through. I asked my surgeon if he would use a larger bougie than a 32, and he won't. I wish there was a less radical middle ground and not so all-or-nothing. I'm okay with losing my weight more slowly. I definately don't want the band and am still planning on going through with it (not many other options) but as my surgery date gets closer, I'm freaking out. Is NO ONE out there conflicted (even if you're commited) about having this surgery?:biggrin0:

Hi Lou. I read your story and you've really been through the ringer. I know I wouldn't be able to afford this surgery out-of-pocket, but 6 sleeves does not make for a good experience level. I know that a lot of people on this site go far away (Mexico etc...) for their surgeries. I would not want to be so far away from my surgeon. I'm lucky to have an experienced local surgeon who accepts my insurance- a sort of trifecta. It appears that you may need to give up one of those 3 things- insurance coverage, proximity, or experience. That's a really tough call that I don't envy. One thought is this: ask your surgeon who trained him in VSG, and ask if that doctor would be willing to be present in the OR. Also, ask your surgeon detailed questions about his technique, such as: size of bougie, method of closure (my bariatric practice has had zero instances of leaks b/c they over-sew the staple line, and then glue on top of that), etc... Ask if you can talk with other patients (do they run an ongoing support group?). Ask if they do a pre-op liquid diet (a responsible and conservative approach that reduces liver size and density, and evaluates patient ability and commitment to following critical liquid post-op diet). It's nice to have a surgeon with a good long successful track record in a procedure, but on the other hand, he's doesn't sound new at all to bariatric surgery, and VSG is less complicated than bypass. Just don't be afraid to ask ask ask. It's your body and your right. Good luck with this tough decision and hang in there!

Any experiences welcome!

Hi Kevin, No advice, but I'm scheduled for June 29th, too. I think to be scared is normal (to not be scared would be crazy). This site has provided me with a lot of good information and reassurance. Hang in there. We'll send eachother good long-distance vibes that day! :001_cool:

No worries with the seeds and skin?

You too, Stephanie. My husband points out that at least with all of this testing, we are getting our pre-existing health issues detected and addressed. Keep me posted!

For the first time, I planted tomato plants. They are almost as tall as me (although not many tomatoes yet). I've been so excited to eat my own tomatoes this summer, but now I don't know if I can. How soon post-op can I eat them? Anyone?

THANK YOU! I love sushi too and figure I'll be doing mostly sashimi after my VSG. Great website!

LOL! My husband is european and his parents just visited us. It drives us CRAZY that the waitstaff do that here in the US! They pull your plate away here while you're still chewing and ask you if you want something more, or just the check. It's an awful american thing. In Europe, they also don't bring the check until you ask for it; you don't feel like you're being rushed out the door.

I lost 85lbs 10 years ago (with the help of OA) and went down 1 1/2 shoe sizes due to my feet being less pudgy! I can't wait for that again. Thanks for everyone's comments- the ability to enjoy a regular meal (and restaurants) was a concern for me too! You guys are very reassuring for us newbies...

Just got a call from my doctor telling me that my upper GI barium swallow yesterday, revealed a duodenal polyp. I have to get an endoscopy to evaluate it before they will go through with my VSG. I'm not particularly worried about it (although I'll feel better when they TELL me that it's ok), but I am concerned that I'll have to have my VSG date pushed back. I've been on this frigging liquid diet for 6 frigging days and I have 2 more weeks to go and don't want to start all over again. I just want to get it over with. I'm conflicted enough about getting this surgery (still feel like I ought to be able to do it on my own- yeah, I know). It's just discouraging. Thanks for listening! :biggrin0:

A little P.S. The really bottom line (in my opinion), is that your VSG is no one's business but your own, and you don't have to tell anyone anything (including a lie) if you don't want to. Your employer is legally prohibited from asking you about your health (you only need to tell them when asking for time off that it is for medical reasons). If you chose to keep mum and only tell the circle of people in your life in whom you trust, that is your perogative. Keep your head held high either way, and good luck!

I'm telling everyone the truth. People (even some of my collegues in the medical profession) are clueless, and sometimes insensitive. Their questions are sometimes probing and inappropriate. Sometimes their (unsolicited) advice is maddening. But sad fact is, a lot of the general public still think that fat people are stupid and lazy and lacking in self-control. Oh well. It's the last bastion of sanctioned prejudice. Can't change it overnight. But, I'm still opening myself up to the comments of these often-annoying people because I'm determined not to lie as if I'm ashamed of myself. If people respond inappropriately, usually a cocked eyebrow (if held long enough) eventually shuts them up. Sigh. C'?st la vie. This is my truth, and I don't give a sh*t what any one else thinks of it. On the flip side, with some people in my life, I reserve the right to simply not tell them anything either way. If they ask, I can just smile, shrug, and tell them to have a nice day.

Take 'em all out. They are potential sources of bacteria/infection. They can get lost. If you swell post-op, they can get stuck. Oral piercings can become potential airway obstructions so they WILL make you take those out. Nurses cannot wear artificial nails because study after study shows that they are filthy- major breeding grounds for bacteria. Nail polish less so, but not advisable, and colored nail polish interferes with pulse-oximetry (the probe they put on your finger tip to assess your oxygenation level). Bottom line, go in as naked as the day you were born, put all jewelry in a safe place (you can put it all back in afterward), and minimize the risks that can be minimized.

I posted this thread in the Success Stories section by accident. :confused1: This is where I meant to post it: Hi everyone! I see a lot of questions on this site about pre-op diets. I thought I'd post mine, just as a guide for those who aren't prescribed one, but think they might need or want one. Good luck to everyone. Pre-op liquid Diet It is recommended by your surgeon and dietitian to follow a low calorie, low fat, low sugar and high Protein liquid diet for ___ days prior to undergoing bariatric surgery. The purpose of the liquid diet is to reduce the size of the liver, reduce the risk of bleeding during the surgery and to show commitment to the program. Below are the nutritional guidelines for the pre-op liquid diet. You will need to measure your intake and keep a food journal. Depending on which items you choose to consume throughout the day, your intake should be approximately 1000 calories and 60-80 grams of protein. You will be expected to lose 5 lbs per week on this plan. The nutritional guidelines are as follows: UNLIMITED SECTION: These liquids can be taken in any amount since they do not contain sugar. 1. sugar free or diet beverages such as Crystal Light (Great Value @ Walmart), Sugar Free Kool-Aid, Sugar Free Tang, Diet Snapple, FUZE, Powerade Zero, Diet V8 Splash, Propel, Fruit 2 O, coffee, Tea and Water. 2. Low Sodium broth Soups (chicken, vegetable, beef- tomato Soup is not a broth soup). It needs to be a clear liquid and can NOT contain bit and pieces of meats, tofu, noodles or vegetables. Each 8 oz serving shouldn?t be more than 140 mg of sodium. Bullion cubes are not acceptable as they are too high in sodium. 3. Sugar Free Jell-O and Sugar Free Popsicles LIMITED SECTION: Please do NOT consume more than the maximum # of servings listed in each category for each day you are on the diet: 1. Juice: Limit intake to 2 cups or 16 oz per day. Fruit Juice(apple, orange, cranberry, grape, and grapefruit),Gatorade, G2, Vitamin Water, Life Water, Snapple, Powerade, Low Sodium V-8 juice and V-8 fusion ? limit intake to 2 cups or 16 oz per day. 2. Limit to 3 servings per day: ? cup of Regular Jell-O, Popsicles or NO ADDED SUGAR Fudgesicles. 3. Limit to 3 servings per day: 1 cup (8 oz) of milk (skim, 1%, Lactaid, Almond, or Soy), 6 oz of LIGHT or Greek Yogurt (no more than 110 calories and 12 grams of sugar/serving), ? cup of SUGAR FREE Jell-O pudding, ? cup of FAT FREE or LOW FAT Cottage cheese 4. Protein Shakes: Limit to 2 servings per day: The following are approved protein shakes: Muscle Milk LIGHT (costco, Target, GNC and major grocery chains), Pure Protein shakes (Trader Joe?s), Premier Protein Shakes (Costco), NO ADDED SUGAR Carnation Instant Breakfast (Target), EAS 100% whey Protein (Walmart), Isopure (GNC or The Vitamin Shoppe), Zero Carb Isopure (GNC or The Vitamin Shoppe), Body Fortress Protein Shots (Walmart), Body Choice Liquid Protein Shots (Costco). *** DO NOT BUY SLIM FAST, ENSURE OR BOOST ? these drinks are high in calories and sugars. If you chose a brand that?s not listed above please check the nutrition label first and make sure it meets the following criteria: less than or equal to 160 calories, less than or equal to 6 grams of fat, 15+ grams of protein and less than or equal to 6 grams of sugar. ***For those that are lactose intolerant please choose the following: Isopure, Zero Carb Isopure, Body Fortress Protein Shots or Body Choice Protein Shots. ***For those patients with diabetes, we recommend that you consume 15 grams of carbohydrates every 1-2 hrs. Be sure to monitor your blood sugars and contact your doctor if necessary. If your blood sugar is >150 mg, spread out your sugar sweetened liquids over a 3 hr period.

I meant to post this in the Pre-Op section... oops!

Hi everyone! I see a lot of questions on this site about pre-op diets. I thought I'd post mine, just as a guide for those who aren't prescribed one, but think they might need or want one. Good luck to everyone. :confused1: Pre-op Liquid Diet It is recommended by your surgeon and dietitian to follow a low calorie, low fat, low sugar and high protein liquid diet for ___ days prior to undergoing bariatric surgery. The purpose of the liquid diet is to reduce the size of the liver, reduce the risk of bleeding during the surgery and to show commitment to the program. Below are the nutritional guidelines for the pre-op liquid diet. You will need to measure your intake and keep a food journal. Depending on which items you choose to consume throughout the day, your intake should be approximately 1000 calories and 60-80 grams of protein. You will be expected to lose 5 lbs per week on this plan. The nutritional guidelines are as follows: UNLIMITED SECTION: These liquids can be taken in any amount since they do not contain sugar. 1. Sugar free or diet beverages such as Crystal Light (Great Value @ Walmart), Sugar Free Kool-Aid, Sugar Free Tang, Diet Snapple, FUZE, Powerade Zero, Diet V8 Splash, Propel, Fruit 2 O, Coffee, Tea and Water. 2. Low Sodium Broth Soups (chicken, vegetable, beef- tomato soup is not a broth soup). It needs to be a clear liquid and can NOT contain bit and pieces of meats, tofu, noodles or vegetables. Each 8 oz serving shouldn?t be more than 140 mg of sodium. Bullion cubes are not acceptable as they are too high in sodium. 3. Sugar Free Jell-O and Sugar Free Popsicles LIMITED SECTION: Please do NOT consume more than the maximum # of servings listed in each category for each day you are on the diet: 1. Juice: Limit intake to 2 cups or 16 oz per day. Fruit Juice(apple, orange, cranberry, grape, and grapefruit),Gatorade, G2, Vitamin Water, Life Water, Snapple, Powerade, Low Sodium V-8 Juice and V-8 Fusion ? limit intake to 2 cups or 16 oz per day. 2. Limit to 3 servings per day: ? cup of Regular Jell-O, Popsicles or NO ADDED SUGAR Fudgesicles. 3. Limit to 3 servings per day: 1 cup (8 oz) of milk (skim, 1%, Lactaid, Almond, or Soy), 6 oz of LIGHT or Greek Yogurt (no more than 110 calories and 12 grams of sugar/serving), ? cup of SUGAR FREE Jell-O pudding, ? cup of FAT FREE or LOW FAT Cottage Cheese 4. Protein Shakes: Limit to 2 servings per day: The following are approved protein shakes: Muscle Milk LIGHT (Costco, Target, GNC and major grocery chains), Pure Protein Shakes (Trader Joe?s), Premier Protein Shakes (Costco), NO ADDED SUGAR Carnation Instant Breakfast (Target), EAS 100% Whey Protein (Walmart), Isopure (GNC or The Vitamin Shoppe), Zero Carb Isopure (GNC or The Vitamin Shoppe), Body Fortress Protein Shots (Walmart), Body Choice Liquid Protein Shots (Costco). *** DO NOT BUY SLIM FAST, ENSURE OR BOOST ? these drinks are high in calories and sugars. If you chose a brand that?s not listed above please check the nutrition label first and make sure it meets the following criteria: less than or equal to 160 calories, less than or equal to 6 grams of fat, 15+ grams of protein and less than or equal to 6 grams of sugar. ***For those that are lactose intolerant please choose the following: Isopure, Zero Carb Isopure, Body Fortress Protein Shots or Body Choice Protein Shots. ***For those patients with diabetes, we recommend that you consume 15 grams of carbohydrates every 1-2 hrs. Be sure to monitor your blood sugars and contact your doctor if necessary. If your blood sugar is >150 mg, spread out your sugar sweetened liquids over a 3 hr period.

Thanks for the reassuring posts, everyone. I'm getting my sleeve in 2 weeks and the closer it gets the more I'm going to be sh*ting a brick. I'm an RN and know way too much about all the little details and possibilities and hope I won't be the world's worst patient! I hope the pre-op coctail is a double!!

Dear RDABGA: I'm getting my VSG in 2 weeks. I've never had any other weightloss surgery (although as a nurse, I've worked with a lot of post-op gastric bypass patients). I wouldn't have been open to a gastric bypass in a million years, and was turned off to the band for exactly the reasons you've described. I made the decision to have a VSG because for me, it feels like the last stagecoach out of Dodge for me- the last chance to be healthy and normal while still relatively young, last chance to get pregnant and have a family, etc... I really just wanted to say how brave I think you are, and to thank you for sharing your story here. I wish you all the best with your outcome; you really deserve it. Please keep us all posted.