christin

I have a BMI of 35 and no comorbidities and I have been approved as a self pay for VSG. I only discussed the lap band and VSG with my surgeon. His opinion is that people like me should have the opportunity to pursue the surgery before health issues appear. He did mention that doctors have to document decisions outside the NIH guidelines. I didn't really understand all that, but it must be a liability issue.

Oh great.... something else to look forward to. :pout:

I have been weaning myself off carbonated drinks before surgery. One thing I really love as an alternative to water is Blackberry Pomegranate Lipton Iced Green Tea. They come in the individual packets similar to Crystal Light and have zero calories. They have only a mild sweetness and no aftertaste.

Awesome for you! Great Thanksgiving gift to yourself!

This is very true. Still pre-op, but total emotional eater here. I have a similar tactic to the above that seems to work with me. I tell myself that I can have that ice cream in "10 more minutes". Usually if I give it another 10 minutes, organize a drawer, make a phone call, etc. the urge will pass. I read somewhere that we literally have to create new neural pathways in our brain to break addictions. So every time you react differently to the urge to eat, you begin to build new pathways. Also... on the weekends when I am not working, I try to take a quick afternoon nap right about the time I start craving all kinds of food. I never wake up with the cravings and I am always happy if I resisted the urge.

I am still pre-op, but when I am having trouble sleeping I take Melatonin. You can experiment to see which amount works for you. I take one to get me to sleep and 2 when I can sleep in (because it will knock me out for 10-12 hrs!) I have used Benadryl and Tylenol PM also in the past, but the Melatonin doesn't leave me feeling groggy in the morning.

Reading the posts of all the ones who are telling is making me feel like a chicken for not telling.... :leaving:

:cheer2:

So excited for you! Best of luck in recovery! :thumbsup:

I am a single mom of a teenage girl and I shared it with her because I will be leaving town and can't imagine not sharing it anyway since we are very open with each other. I don't plan on sharing it with anyone else. I have also decided to use vacation time at work instead of medical PDO because I don't want have to discuss any kind of medical procedure with my boss causing questions. I personally just feel it is nobody's business and I am generally a private person anyway. I have so much medical leave saved up that it makes me frustrated not to use it, but I am a horrible liar and don't think I can pull it off without just saying I am going out of town for the week which is technically true.

I do too. That seems to indicate that my high school weight of 120-125 is actually a realistic goal at 5'5". I feel almost intimidated to hope for reaching that, but it would be awesome.

I threw up everywhere in the recovery room after gall bladder surgery a few years back. lol I will definitely be asking for any anti-nausea meds possible.

Yay! :high5:

I would consider myself a huge success if I lose the same amount as you! You are doing great and don't let those comments attach to you. Keep up the good work! And threads like this remind me why I am not telling anyone about my surgery! :fear:

I told my teenage daughter. I don't think I could have gotten around that. She was very supportive and that surprised me. I don't plan on telling anyone else initially. I may feel like opening up about it later, but I guess I am just a private person. Sorry your sisters disappointed you. I bet they will come around once they know you are ok and happy!

Best of luck with the surgery! Let us know how it goes!

I can't wait to see my collar bones again! I used to love those things... :bounce:

Great attitude!

I am happy to keep reading posts like Denise's that mention a change in taste for sweets, etc. I am really hoping that the surgery will give my stomach a clean slate to eat correctly. I tend to stress eat myself which feels similar to a binge. I feel horrible afterwards and want to stop that destructive behavior.

Hope it all goes well!

I had a stone in the bile duct too. I passed out from the pain! Surgery was simple with a quick recovery though.

I look forward to the possibility of not thinking about food or fat or dieting constantly. The freedom that will come from that means more to me than any of the other things that will come with it. This vicious cycle of losing and gaining has literally become torture.

Hope all went well and your recovery is quick and painless!

Me too I have my initial consultation on Oct. 6th, so I am reading and reading!

I was just thinking this same thing driving home from the mall. I telecommute so I don't usually have to worry about work clothes, but I have a conference coming up in a week. I had to go shopping and I just wanted to cry. So tired of buying fat clothes. I wish this surgery was over yesterday. I have my consultation at the end of the month, but will have to wait until January for various reasons. I am just ready to start my new life. I have been researching and thinking for almost a year too, so I hear ya!