DanaInNewOrleans

LOL... Yeah, I guess 20oz can do a lot damage. 20oz of Haagen Dazs or a Bloomin Onion would be a disaster! Ok, I get it. 15% is better than 35%....

No, you're right. I don't want to wait. Life is series of trade offs and this is just another one with a huge up side! I think what I'm also worried about is how labored everything seems to be after the surgery....eating/not eating enough protein/don't drink this or that/drink enough water/eat this but not that.....although some people seem to have a bigger commotion than others. Mostly I just hope to forget about food-- eat when I need to. I keep hearing about "mushy" foods-- ick! I'm hoping to be able to eat mostly everything just in much much smaller portions. Is this realistic?

I forgot to mention that my gut ( no pun intended!) tells me that having 30% of my stomach is healthier than 10% and still gives me the significant restriction.

Do you guys know if there are any docs that answer questions on this forum? I really want to ask if it would be possible for me to say to my surgeon, hey I'd like to leave 30-35% of my stomach. Can he make a subjective empirical decision or is this an absolute "follow the pack" surgery?

Thanks so much for all the info everyone. If I was given a choice I think I would choose to have a little more stomach left. One of my concerns is that I will never be able to enjoy a meal with my husband or have Christmas/Thanksgiving dinner like everyone else. Of course I know that everything is a trade off. But again, having 30% instead 15% of my stomach just seems more "sane" and more reasonable for a lifetime of restriction.

Yes, I'm seeing Dr. Lavin with Surgical Specialists( the office on the Northshore) for the first time this week. I'd really to see if see if there is any way the 4 month waiting period can be waived or reduced.

I'm sure there is a good reason that 80% - 90% of the stomach is removed but would it be possible to decide ok, maybe this person would do better long term with only 60-70% removed? It just seems like there would still be great results without be sooo restrictive for a lifetime. Anyone know if this is possible? Can you ask that more stomach be left? Thanks! Dana

Hi Everyone, Just wondering if any of you have heard of an insurance waiving the pre-surgery 4 month supervised diet? I've been doing Weight Watchers online for months and was wondering if insurance would possibly count that as a valid attempt. I had also lost 160lbs 10 years ago ( no surgery -- just low carb) but I have gained 60lbs back and I'm just devastated. My first appointment with my surgeon ( Dr. Lavin) is next week. The office has already verified my insurance and I am covered at a 100%. Thanks for any insight! Dana