ArcusX

I got the news yesterday that my gallbladder ultrasound found at least one gallstone. The news was delivered by my PCP and he had indicated that without "gallbladder attacks," it's probably not a big deal. I happened to have my Nut#3 the same day, yesterday, and when I inquired, she said that the doctor would remove the gallbladder. It sounded like an automatic "gallstones = removal." I'm thinking the logic is the risk of needing a second surgery (second anesthesia, etc.) outweighs the risk of the preemptive strike of removing the gallbladder. I had found another post about removal AFTER having had WLS, but I was curious to get some feedback who are in the same boat as me: doctor took it out DURING your VSG. What were your experiences?

I just got the follow-up on my gallbladder ultrasound, and they said I had gallstones. Happened to have my Nut#3 the same day, so while I was there I asked about it. I was told that the doctor would remove it as part of the VSG. Seeing the posts above, it seems maybe the benefit of only being under anesthesia once outweighs the 10% risk of needing it done later.

Scotty, I'm sure I'm not telling you anything you don't already know. Alcohol is empty calories that after the sleeve are hard to justify. I'm not clear on any sort of physical damage you may be doing. Is that what it will take for you to quit? Like Desertmom, i'm not judging. I like to partake myself - usually just on weekends. I'm in the pre-op phase, and I did pretty well the first 6-weeks or so, but I had a couple of bottles of wine at thanksgiving and again last weekend. I'm keeping it more-or-less in check, and I know I'll miss it in the months following surgery. Back to my question above.. I guess that's the sort of thing you'll have to ask yourself: what will it take to want to quit? Damage to your body? To a relationship? Losing a job? DUI? Then ask if that's what you want to go through. Many people won't make the change until they hit the proverbial "Rock Bottom." You either need to decide you don't want to hit rock bottom, or wait for it to happen. Good luck to you, man. And we don't want to hear you complaining about a stall! lol

A 7 week long stall. That must have been tough, mentally.

LOL My only concern now is going to be sleeping without it. I don't like it, don't get me wrong, But I find it's harder for me to get to sleep without it on. I think my brain just knows that when the CPAP is on, it sucks, so go the F to sleep!

Good info!

This made me laugh so hard. Sucks I'm at work!! Gotta try it out!!

Sounds like you have a GREAT support system going!!

As I understand it, carbonation will be your biggest issue. My neighbor, 3-years after sleeve, still cannot drink a beer without it foaming up on him, making him throw up. So he sips high-end tequila with whiskey stones.

6 weeks is good!! I hope to be so lucky!

I was thinking that, obviously, I'll still have the sleep apnea the days and even weeks after surgery. If I always wear the mask, how will I know when it's gone, if it goes, short of doing another sleep study? Sleep on the couch and have the kids tell you?

That's really weird. I'd want my money back.

I just had mine last night. Here's how it went: First, she asked normal stuff like my age, was I married, and did I have kids. She asked about my early childhood (like 6-12); what was it like, was I happy, lonely, etc. That was followed by later childhood (13-18) with the same stuff. Eventually, we made it to the weight: how did it start, how long have you been fat (not in those words, but you get it). What do you want to weigh? What happens if you don't get there? Do you know what your diet will be like? Do you know the risks? What are they? Do you have support? They're looking to see if you have depression or anxiety issues that could be a problem for your success, not to mention your mental health. Really strait forward stuff, I think. What worries me for you, ilmkids, is that you're worried. My advice to you - or to anyone considering this major change in their lives - be honest. A smart person who just wants a pass will be able to just tell them what they want to hear. Don't do that. I think that there's a good reason the insurance companies require this as a step in the process. I frequently see people on here that have serious doubts. I'm not talking nervousness - I think you'd be irrational if you weren't nervous - but people having really serous doubts before this, and I think, "maybe this isn't for you." I'm sure it isn't for everyone. If you are honest both with yourself, and with the shrink, they will give you the proper recommendation. If it's really not for you, you should know about it from someone who is totally impartial. If you get the pass, then you should feel better going into the operation. I hope this helps. Good luck! Edit: BTW: It cost me $90. $40 for the specialist co-pay, and $50 for the report. Is the report part normal?

I was thinking this morning about a product I use most every day and how it's just the best in its class. It's not much - just a shave cream - but it's the BEST EVER. I shave my head now-a-days, and when I started, I switched from an electric razor to a blade and cream. The shave cream is far superior to anything I had used in the past. I bought a bottle for a coworker of mine for his birthday, because I was so sure he'd like it. Now he's a big fan too. It's called Billy Jealousy Hydroplane Super Slick Shave Cream. If you use a razor, you owe it to yourself to try it. I go against the grain with it on my neck with no irritation, and I rarely get nicks now. If you shave your head too, I definitely recommend the Schick Xtreme 3 disposable razor. The difference is, it's mounted on the edges, and flexes in the middle, so you get a concaved blade that conforms to the roundness of your skull, so you get better coverage, as opposed to a strait razor on a round surface. What products do you love and recommend for men?

Welcome, you Scottish, Californian who uses the words "recon" and "Huzzah" all in one post! Congrats on the pre-surgery loss and good luck, moving forward!

Why does this stuff have to be so... unpronounceable.??

Tear it up, Chad!! Slightly off topic: Took a trip to Vegas for our 14 year anniversary in August. I hadn't bought cologne since our honeymoon; she complains or comments (like, "Who are you wearing that for??") or both if I wore it. At her suggestion and choice, we bought some Creed Aventus. Every time I've worn it since, she complains... like it smells different than it did in the store. I don't think it does, and I don't get it. Thoughts?

Funny on the kids menu. Just think, "Leftovers!!" I use a "prong" type training collar on my Lab when I walk her. I probably wouldn't have ever considered it, but I had taken her to to a training boot camp, and that's what they had to use for her. When it's on, she's an absolute angel, and I don't really even have to "use" it. Rarely do I have to give her a correction, and when I do, it's not a big one. My wife and my MIL refuse to use it because they're afraid of how it looks, but like I said, just being on at this point, makes all the difference in the world! http://www.amazon.co...ils_o08_s02_i01 Oh, and what OTR said about relationships and your nose! You're a pretty girl and I'm sure you'll figure it out just fine!

Cigna PPO. This is a little more than "just a test." I get why they charge; there's a lot that happens, even if you're not aware of it. Off the top of my head: admitting nurse gastro dr. anastheseologist other nurse IV drug that knocks you out instruments & prep procedure room I'm sure all that stuff adds up. So, my (20%) part was $606, which means the whole thing to insurance as around $3,030. I can see that being the cost...

Finally had my follow-up yesterday: Reflux is rated "A" - or - "Mild" Polyps were benign. Only one more hurdle, and that's psych today!

Sorry to hear, but as problems go, this isn't the biggest one you could have encountered. Keep your head up... don't let it discourage you. Keep doing everything you've been doing. Good luck!

Apparently, you spelled those words correctly! LOL Good luck!

Hey M. Will you share?: How are you doing in terms of excess skin? It doesn't really look like it's a problem. Was there anything in particular you did to help mitigate it?

Thighmaster? Maybe lunges and squats?

And there's the key to this whole thing. It's easy - EASY to lose weight for a few months. The hard part is keeping it off. And that's the difference with this surgery. It's not going to be so easy to fall back into your old habits as it has been before. I don't know. I hate to sit here and say go for it. It may not be right for you - only you can make that decision. You, not your family. Not your friends. Support is here when you need it. Have you done the psych evaluation that most insurance companies require?