GEAUX SAINTS

Personally, I find that my overweight friends and family think it's "ridiculous" that I'm doing this. On the other hand, my thin friends and family are all for it. I understand that I'm not THAT big. I'm a lap-band conversion. I kept my weight off for 8 years and then began having problems with the band itself. In 2011 we had to stop using it. As a result, I have gained 40+ pounds. If I continue to gain 10 pounds a year, I'll be in BIG trouble a couple of years!!! I don't care what anyone else says...it's a done deal, or it will be in a couple of weeks!

Thanks everyone!!!

@@Katie, I know more people who have gained all their weight back, and more, after bypass then by sleeve! Plus, I would also not want to be on supplements for the rest of my life!!! Just a thought!

Week after next, I'm thinking!

I haven't had my surgery yet,next week, fingers crossed, but I do have my Protein powder!!! My son is 3 years out and has tried them all. He finally found a good one; Optimum Nutrition 100% whey Gold Standard, Rocky Road, 5 pound (got ours online). He suggested 1-2 scoops to 2-4oz of very cold Water, which is exactly what I did. Get a small shaker bottle and get after it. It's really good!

Haven't had surgery yet, but at my age, I never trust them anyway!!!

I am having my surgery in the Metairie surgery center. I can't remember the name of it, but it's next to the Galleria. You can ask at his office on your next visit...sorry! I don't believe he does surgery at regular hospitals anymore but don't quote me on that; I might be wrong. Let me know if you have more questions!

I'm from Slidell but have lived in Mississippi since Katrina. I've had 2 surgeries in their Slidell location. I'm not a fan, only because my husband couldn't come back and wait with me. I've also had surgery at the Mandeville facility, which I was happy with. This time I'm going to the Metairie facility. I've never, personally, had surgery there, but Dr. Lavin did my son's sleeve there. His wife & I were both allowed to be with him prior to and after surgery. As many times that I surgery, Dr. Lavin visited with me before and after, answering any questions I had. I hope I answered all your questions. Hopefully others will chime in with their experiences. It will be much easier to make an informed decision.

Funny you should ask!!! Tom Lavin is my surgeon. In fact, he's sleeving me in the next couple of weeks. Just waiting for scheduling to call me with the date. He also did my lap-band in 2002. I did very well with the band and kept the weight off for 8 years, until the band itself started giving me problems (not a surgery problem, but an equipment problem). Four surgeries later and we had to stop using it. As a result, I've put on about 40 pounds since 2011. Dr. Lavin is a pioneer in the field of bariatric surgery. He would be my ONLY choice! I hope this has helped you with your decision. Good luck in your journey!

My son had his sleeve 3 years ago. After buying and trying hundreds of dollars worth, he finally found one he liked. Optimum Nutrition 100% Whey, Gold Standard, Rocky Road, 5 pound. I haven't had my surgery yet (hopefully next week), but I do have my Protein powder! I bought a shaker bottle & Jason instructed me to add a scoop or 2 to the bottle, add 2-4 ounces of COLD Water & shake. You can add a couple of ice cubes if you prefer it colder. He said, "the thicker the better"! I tried it & it's good!!! He said not to waste my money on others, he already did! So I'm not!!! Good luck to you in your weight loss experience!!!

Thanks everyone! I DO feel better, still anxious, but much better! My son, who was sleeved 3 years ago, said the same thing, sunflowerchild! He said we'll be laughing about it in a month. I can't wait! OMG, mrs kaje, I can't even imagine! Bless your heart!!! I'll be praying for your strength & patience! BLERDgirl, what a horrible experience. I'm so glad everything turned out alright for you! Thanks again & good luck to everyone during this process! We are all very fortunate to be able to do this!!!

My son's BMI was too low, as well. His GP lowered his height on his chart by one inch, which put him at 40 BMI. I don't know if your doc would be willing to do this, but it's worth a shot!

I'm thinking she meant 2/12/15! I hope so, anyway!

This is a must see!!! Thank you so much!!!!

I am 58, 59 next month. Everyone says I look much younger than I actually am. The first pic is 15 years ago, before my lap band. The other pic is a couple of months ago. I'm having a sleeve in the next week or so, due to complications with the band.

The reason for the "no red dye" is because it might be perceived as a bleed after surgery.

I'm so glad to see someone on her with a relatively s small amount to loose. I'll be having surgery sometime this month (waiting for labs). I weigh 180 and want to get to around 136.

OMG, you're too skinny; you need to gain some weight back!

Morbidly Obese is just the clinical term.

Anybody from the northshore of New Orleans; Covington, Mandeville, Slidell???

Yeah, they laugh @ me...I'm the nonconformist!!!!

Lynn tyre, I think we laugh more than anything @ these luncheons!!! It makes for an interesting afternoon! Can't wait to meet you!!!