Boofster

My boss, although wonderful, says he won't even get LASIK because he won't let anyone come near his eyes. I can only imagine his reaction if I tell him I'm having a good part of my stomach removed. LOL

GORGEOUS!!!

Have fun!

Whos ur surgeon??? Mine is Dr Abkin... My surgery will be done in Edison

I have Dr. Bertha. I've heard wonderful things about Abkin. I will have the surgery at Morristown Memorial. Tentative date is Nov. 19. Excited!!

I will keep my fingers crossed for you. Google and You Tube for VSG and all the different name variations for the surgery and see the many before and afters. The results are astounding and, to me, inspiring, Yes, it is going to take a strong commitment. Yes, there are people that have had some issues, but that is true with every surgery (or product, mechanic, dentist, etc.). For me, I feel like there is finally light at the end of the tunnel, and I am hopeful for the first time in a long time. I only hope that you and your wife find that too, whatever you may choose.

Hospitals have really big generators. Which by the way are already sold out all over Jersey...

I agree it's definitely going to take some major lifestyle changes but it will be so worth it in the end! And hi to you and all the folks down there - I am in NNJ now but originally from the area you are in now. I miss it down there. Going to Fredo's in Freehold for a function soon.

Tentative date of Nov. 19 in NNJ. PSYCHED!

My pre-op class is scheduled for Nov. 6. My surgery is tentatively scheduled for Nov. 19 at Morristown. Just waiting on letter of necessity from my PCP and then everything will be submitted to insurance for approval.

Gigi - I am actually going to Advanced Laparoscopic Surgeons in Florham Park. I think you are with Advanced Larparoscopic Associates in Paramus.

Hey, Geminidrive - I am going Dr. Bertha too! He's great.

You are right I guess. But then after I return the focus is on me with the expectation to see how I am doing with weight loss, and whether the surgery "worked." Maybe it's a chick thing?

I think that sounds good in theory, but for my situation I know that email would make it half way across the company in record time. While I am not a private person really, I don't wish to give everyone fodder for gossip this one time.

Keep us posted on everything!

I go to Ross.... a LOT. I keep dropping sizes, quickly. I know I should be happy, but it's rather frustrating sometimes too (i.e. having pants with the tags on them and they fall off of me... who would have ever thought that would happen????).

But in all honesty, smaller sizes still amaze me. I'm in a size 6 (from 18 originally) as of this past weekend. 5-7 more lbs and I bet I can get into a 4. Holy cow!

WOW!! That is a dream for sure. I'll be happy with an 8! (18-20 now)

I think no matter what you do, there will be either a bit of judgment or jealousy or both. It's just human nature, unfortunately.

I work for a big company having do with the medical field. There is a very healthy culture around here. I am laying the trail for gallbladder issues/surgery here so that when I tell them I am having surgery there will be no great surprise. There is a woman here in another department who had the band (which wound up slipping and she was very ill) and then the bypass. The tongues were sure wagging when she was out of work (I would never have that kind of surgery, look what can happen, etc.). So, I am opting to pass it off as another surgery and then if questions come later after when the weight comes off (God willing) I can choose to tell who I want. I did confide in the girl who had the WLS and she has been a great resource and friend.

The moment that I decided was when I was spending a week at the beach with my kids this summer and saw myself head-on in a mirror sitting on a chair in a cover-up. I was shocked to see I resembled Jabba the Hut - just kind of all spread out on the bottom with belly and rolls galore. I wondered how on earth did I let myself get like this. That was the "click" for me. One month later, after researching like a madman, I went to a seminar at my surgeon's office. The rest is history! There IS light at the end of the tunnel!!

So what are you all doing for new clothes now that you are smaller and looking fabulous? I am tentatively scheduled for surgery Nov. 19, and have started collecting clothes in smaller sizes. I know it may be putting the cart before the horse but I wanted to have some things ready ahead of time (I am a planner by nature). I have not bought retail, just in case I hit a snag for some reason - it's been mostly tag/garage sales and consignment shops. I've gotten some amazing deals. Just wanted to get some ideas from folks that have been there about where they got their new duds. Always looking for ideas.

AWESOME! Thanks for the inspiration.

Oh and to actually answer your question - sorry - it was a full knockout. Out completely. The anesthesia made me feel a bit out of it for a couple hours. Took a nice nap afterward when I got home (a rare thing with two active kids).

The procedure itself doesn't take more than 10-15 minutes I believe. The prep/recovery took a bit longer - I was there from about 8:30 to 11:00 a.m.

I met with the gastro last night and he took a history and explained the procedure.

Today I went to the surgery center and filled out paperwork, put on a lovely gown, cap and booties, gave a urine sample, got an IV inserted/had BP and sugar checked, waited in holding, talked to nurse, anesthesiologist and doctor who confirmed medical history, had procedure, and went to recovery. After endoscopy, met with the doctor who gave me a report with lost of pics and said everything was normal. Met with nurse who gave aftercare instructions (no driving for 24 hours, eat normal diet, etc.) and had some Water. Got dressed and went home (had car service to and from the procedure).

It went smoothly and everything was explained to me in detail and I was fully prepared by the staff. They were pleasant and the facility was excellent. So all in all, a good experience. I am sure you will be fine!

I think it is pretty much standard - my gastro said they just want to make sure there aren't any surprises/issues before they do the surgery. I even came home with two pages of pictures. Pretty cool.

I had my endoscopy (or EGD) today. It wasn't bad. Got the IV and was completely out for the procedure. Woke up in the recovery/holding area. All went well - no issues. No sore or scratchy throat after, but felt a bit loopy and tired for a good part of the day after. Took a nap when I got home. Oh, and my anesthesiologist was hot, so that was a bonus.

My gastro said the same thing.