junebug38

Had the EGD and it was a piece of cake. My sister went with me for moral support and helped keep me calm.

I am now one month into my 3 month required (by insurance) program. Last week, I had a ton of blood drawn, two ultrasounds, and an at home sleep study. This Friday, I have the endoscopy. I am super nervous about the endoscopy. After much thought, I think it's not the procedure itself but the concern that they will find something that might jeopardize having surgery. I actually feel this way about all the tests, but especially the EGD. Has anyone else felt this way? I know they are trying to make sure everything will go well with the surgery. I just really don't want to have anything else wrong with me! I feel like I'm already on too many medications. I know it's dumb, but I guess ignorance is bliss!

My CF box used to have us do stretches from mobilitywod.com. You can probably search there for some good ideas. I would also talk to your coach as it doesn't seem like you are certain it is your hamstrings. They may be able to help you isolate what is wrong and give additional ideas on stretching. Best of luck!

Best of luck to you

I am by far the fattest in my family. My dad and brother have never been overweight a day in their lives. My mom has been overweight, but probably 180 max. Her frame is a lot smaller than mine, but she's definitely not obese. All my friends are thin, same with co-workers. I pretty much always feel (am) the fattest in the room. Can't wait for that to go away!!!

I did t watch the videos...but I am assuming she is mentally ill!!

I haven't had the surgery yet, but there is a list someone compiled on what to bring to the hospital. It's in the pre-surgery forum.

I'm planning to go alone - I'm even taking a taxi to and from the hospital. I also live alone. I asked the doctor if I needed someone to stay with me after, and he said I'd be fine on my own. I had my gallbladder out 5 years ago and I hated having my parents around in the hospital before the surgery. It would probably would have been nice to have them there after, but they weren't there and left me waiting at the hospital for two hours when the nurses were trying to get me out.

That's awesome, congratulations! I can't wait to do stuff like that once I lose some weight!

Best of luck! Let us know how it goes!

I asked similar questions of the surgeon and bariatric internist I saw. They both told me that at one year, RNY has slightly higher weight loss, but that long term they are equal. I also asked both if they thought I'd be more suited to one or the other. They both really like the sleeve. The internist told me that if she needed WLS, that she would pick the sleeve for herself. She also said that if I really liked sweets she would recommend RNY over the sleeve because dumping syndrome would be helpful to keep that in check. Also that they might recommend it over the sleeve if I were diabetic, because they said people often go into remission with diabites within days with RNY. Although that wasn't a reason to exclude the sleeve, as it also goes away, but may take a little longer.

I'm so sorry. I don't have any experience with this or advice, but I was just curious if they think it's related to the surgery? Or was it just a coincedence?

It's called Get out of your mind & into your life by Steven C. Hayes. I can't vouch for it yet, as I haven't received my copy... http://www.amazon.com/dp/1572244259/ref=pe_175190_21431760_M3T1_ST1_dp_5

I'm so sorry for your loss...I can't imagine the stress and sorrow you are dealing with right now.

I really struggle with this too. The funny thing is that if anyone else were to say something negative to me, I wouldn't put up with it for one second!! I feel like I am successful in every other aspect of my life, but am a giant failure with my weight. And of course, then that makes me insecure. Anyway, years ago, someone told me about a book that's supposed to help with negative self talk, and I actually ordered it from amazon last weekend. I figured before the surgery would be a good time to start working on it. I should get it next week....I'll let you know what I think about it!

I don't have any kids, but I have been thinking along those lines, just in case. I don't even have a will, and I'm not planning to tell my parents about the surgery (I'm 38). But heavin forbid something happens, I'd hate for them to have to figure it all out.

I don't plan on telling my boss anything. If it comes down that there is a scheduling issue between vacation and my surgery date, I will probably tell her I'm having a medical procedure. I think that will make her more lenient about the time off. I doubt she would press any further, but I'd probably just say its not something I want to discuss if she did. Hopefully the co-workers you've told will respect your privacy and not discuss with your boss. But even if they did, I don't think here is anything wrong with you not telling her.

Best of luck, and let us know how it goes! Just do your best to relax. You've already thought it through and know its the right decision for you. Pretty soon you'll be on the road to recovery and a new you!!

I'd also try getting some exercise, if you're not already. Getting moving gets things moving!

I'd call the doctor's (or even nutritionist?) office and see what they say. I'm sure they deal with it all the time and could recommend something that wouldn't compromise the surgery.

I asked my surgeon about he leak test and he said he doesn't do them because anyone with a leak always shows symptoms. He said they used to do them, but never found a leak with the test that they couldn't already predict based on the symptoms. I think he said they always present with fever, extra abdominal pain, high pulse....

I asked my surgeon about catheters and drains and he said he normally doesn't use either. They have you up and walking around the same day, so I think he would only put in a catheter if for some reason you were not up that day. I'm still pre-surgery, so hoping that's true!!

So many things! To not always be the fattest person in the room To be able to travel internationally again and not immediately stand out as the "fat American" (or have people point, laugh, make rude comments) To shop and buy regular sized clothes To go on dates with successful men that don't have fat fetishes (and find someone to marry!) To learn to scuba dive! To not be afraid of breaking a folding chair, fit in a seat, etc. To really live and not let my weight hold me back!!

I started off looking into the band because I know someone who has it and loves it. After reading up on it, I decided I'd be better off with the sleeve for the following reasons: - faster weight loss -no foreign body - I have a lot more to lose than my friend did (she lost about 50; I need to lose closer to 150!) - feels like a permanent solution (I don't want more than one surgery!) I spoke to both the surgeon and the bariatric internist and they both thought the sleeve would be better for me. They always say that the band and RNY are reversible, but I asked about it and they both said you would gain all the weight back if they did....so what's the point in that?

Thank you for all the responses....it helps! I can definitely use some of those ideas!