andrea1124

I also have to add that I did complete the orientation process but did not follow through with the other appointments because I had not been able to talk to anyone personally who had VSG done. I live in a rural area. Since then I've been able to and am seriously leaning toward getting on with the program.

Hi Everyone: Could someone please explain the difference between VSG and VSP? My insurance will cover because of underlying health condition (sleep apnea, for one) but the hoops that one has to jump through for both my bariatric practice and the insurance take so long that it seems like it would be just as easy to go to Mexico and pay out of pocket. Not that I have that kind of money lying around but I'm just so tired of lugging around this weight. If anyone could explain the difference between the two procedures, I'd really appreaciate the info! Thanks! Andrea

Thanks from me, too, for your post. It sure helps me. I'm very early on in the process and on certain days I just can't wait to get to surgery and on other days, I'm filled with trepidation. Your story really helps. This surgery is fairly knew and there is not a lot of information out there about people who are "years" out from being sleeved. I appreciate hearing from someone who is more than a year out. Thanks again and congratulations on your accomplishment!

I've only shared with two of my friends. I casually mentioned weight loss surgery to my oldest daughter, 29, who made a not very supportive remark so I've not talked about it to her again nor my younger daughter, 25. The two friends I've shared with are very supportive, although I think one is less convinced about the idea than the other but she has been very positive with me about it. My husband is extremely supportive. I will not share with the rest of my family or daughters that I've decided to have VSG until I have to. My parents will not be supportive. My sister will support me but will not understand why I'm doing it. A bit of background: My mother is 4'11" and has weighed any where between 90 and 110 pounds her entire life and my sister is built the same way at 5'. My oldest daughter is a bit taller than they are but is also very slim. None of them understand about losing and gaining over and over and have not had weight issues their entire lives. My younger daughter has a tendency to carry more weight but nothing like her momma. I remember being in 5th grade and asking my mother why I had to wear Danskin outfits (Danskin was a brand new stretchy fabric) and not other kinds of clothes and she told me that if I didn't weigh so much I wouldn't have to. Sigh. I need this tool. I know I can lose weight. I've done it time and time again. I cannot keep it off. I need a tool to help me help myself. It's nobody's business but mine but I do not plan to share that I'm having this surgery with anyone that I do not absolutely have to, especially if I get the impression that they will less than supportive. I only want positive people around me for this journey.

Hello Everyone: I'm in the early stages of this process. Can't wait to be sleeved. The weight loss clinic that I'm using is very strict and once I reach a certain point, if I gain ANY weight, they will postpone my surgery. Right now, I'm eating like I'll never eat again and have to really work on getting that under control. I know that is my head playing games with me and I have to take charge. I would like to lose 70 pounds to put me at 140. My PCP would like to see me at 150. We'll see what the nutritionist says. Hopefully I'll meet with her within a couple of weeks. I'm 5'3" and would love to think maybe I could get to 130 but time will tell. It would be a healthy weight for my height and body type. I'm so ready to stop living to eat and start eating healthy to live. Good luck to all.

I just came on the Forum to post this type of thread. I haven't even met with my surgeon yet but know she is very strict and that I'm supposed to already be cutting back and cutting out soda and caffeine. I'm so addicted to Dt. Mountain Dew (ya, I know, I know). I don't drink coffee or tea and love carbonated drinks. My eating is out of control because my head is telling me that I'll never have this stuff again. I've got to wrap my head around the fact that I'm going to be thinner, have more energy and feel so much better. Not to mention look better. I'm really struggling with the changes that will be coming my way but another part of my head is telling me I'm so ready to make these changes. Stupid brain. Different parts at war with each other...lol. I'm hoping after getting my sleeve, I really CAN'T tolerate fried foods. That, to me, would be a blessing. In the meantime, I've got to rein myself in but figuring out how to do that is very hard. My promise to myself is that on Tuesday (hubby is still on vacation with me on Monday) I'm going to cut portion sizes and limit my soda intake. I normally have 3 cans of Diet Dew by 10 am and then I'm done for the day and switch to Diet Coke. My plan is on Tuesday, 2 cans of Diet Dew and no Diet Coke. Trying to avoid caffeine headaches. I've already upped my water intake so hopefully I can get on the right track. Sorry this is so long, I'm just freaking out a bit too! Take care everyone and if you are still reading, thanks for listening...lol. Andrea

Thanks Tiff! I haven't checked that site but I will. I'm committed to the sleeve but just trying to be thorough! This site has been phenomenal for information. One thing I just discovered is that some people have an upper GI the day after surgery. Is that the norm and don't you have to drink a bunch of stuff before an upper GI? Just wondering how that would be done with such a tiny stomach and a day after surgery. Maybe there is another way to do it? Thanks for the input! Can't wait to "be sleeved!" Andrea

I'm very interested in having VSG surgery. I realize it is quite new and am trying to connect with people who are a few years out from their surgery to see how they are doing. Maybe this thread would be better posted elsewhere but I wasn't sure where to post it. Is anyone 5 years out from surgery or even 3 or 4? I'm sure there are people who have had this surgery that many years ago but maybe they aren't on the forum anymore. I've started through all the pro-op hoops and hope to have a surgery date within a couple of months (fingers crossed!). Any feedback I could get would be greatly appreciated. Congratulations to all of you who have made the journey through surgery and I cannot wait to join you! Thanks! Andrea:biggrin0:

Dear June 22 Divas: Good luck to each one of you. I'm so very new at this process but have decided that the sleeve gastrectomy is the surgery I want to have done. Like others, I've lost and gained so many times that I need to either just live the way I am or do something prermanently. I look forward to checking back here and following you and cheering you on when you are post-op! Take a deep breath, relax as best you can and wishes for a speedy recovery! I'm waiting for the day you can tell me the same thing! Andrea