Cabingirl

Sleeved Aug 15 -- I typically have one scrambled egg for breakfast.

My surgeon and I agreed the sleeve was the right choice for me, however, my insurance company typically doesn't approve the sleeve for those with a BMI <41. He did agree in our initial appointment to ask this be reconsidered -- as it turned out, the endoscopy and barium X-rays confirmed my horrible GERD. My stomach was pretty trashed and I had a huge paraesophageal hernia that required surgery to remove. No way was I going to do anything as dramatic as a bypass with that diagnosis. Because I was losing so much of my stomach the sleeve was a simple approval by them. If your surgeon believes as you do that the sleeve is a wise choice, he should be willing to write the letter to the insurance company requesting reconsideration.

I'm assuming you haven't been sleeved yet -- medical research in the last several years has proven little difference in weight lost and maintained between the two surgeries. Others have given some of the negatives of the bypass, but one area in which it is superior is for those individuals with multiple co- morbidities, especially the type I diabetic (that is not to say that many sleevers don't experience dramatic reductions, just that so far, the bypass is proven to improve/ eliminate diabetes drugs in compliant patients.

If you really want to know, ask your doctor his typical practice -- your physician controls discharge time for a patient who has no issues (extreme nausea, fever, etc.) . The hospital or insurance co. May have guidelines but he/she is the captain of the ship...

I turned 64 a few days prior to my surgery in August. I'm a working professional. I am sure it was the right decision for me. I weighed 283 lbs at my first pre- surgery appointment and 235 currently. At my 6-week appointment I was able to eliminate my blood pressure meds (mild hypertension). Originally my BMI didn't qualify me for the sleeve,b only the RNY, which I didn't want. My surgeon worked with the insurance company to have the sleeve approved. My only recommendation as a concession to age and/or co-morbidities is to ensure you are with a well regarded bariatric team with excellent outcomes with extensive VSG experience. I had a seriously messed up esophagus and stomach due to GERD, and the bariatric focused gastroenterologist has been a HUGE part of my recovery.

I lost a goodly amount of hair following two surgeries (repairing open arm and lap gall bladder). Fortunately, my hair was very thick and healthy and it never looked like I'd lost habit -- as I've aged my hair is thinner and has receded a bit. With complications following VSG I spent 7 days in the ICU and 4 of those days in a medically induced coma -- I'm resolved to losing a goodly amount of hair as a result. I've cut my shoulder length hair to minimize the "stringy hair" look, and while I haven't worn a wig before, I'll find an attractive one to go with my shrinking self.

I have had horrific GERD that, due to a physical anomaly, couldn't be relieved with the surgery. I ate Prilosec and Prevacid before surgery (Zantac never worked for me). My bariatric GI recently prescribed two Pepcid max 20 mg (this is OTC) before bed, and I frequently take one additional in the day. This works well for me 95% of the time and, as I as said, I have debilitating GERD.

That's awful, I hope you told your surgeon precisely what you experienced and insist on it being discussed with the anesthesiologist. This is a serious practice issue for the anesthesiologist. If you are not satisfied and wish to pursue, contact the hospital's risk management department to express your concern. Be sure that it becomes a permanent flag on your medical record and always tell the person administering the anesthetic well before the surgery (you can ask for an early consultation). Nearly all hospitals are equipped with special monitoring devices on anesthesiology equipment and patient hookups that detect the level of the anesthetic -- ask if your hospital had that equipment (don't go back if the don't), and if they do, why it didn't work.

Since there will be toasting, you need something in your hand ...Ask the bartender to fix a still water with a twist of lime or lemon for you

I'm new to the 60's group ( though I'm 64 - I'll introduce myself tomorrow when I it's a bit easier on my laptop. Congratulations on the surgery and your progress. I have a "kind of" similar trip planned with a girlfriend to Las Vegas for a basketball tournament. She was with me for my surgery (VSG on Aug 15) and is fully in the know about my requirements. We've targeted restaurants with soups that appeal to me (egg drop, etc.), appies like shrimp cocktail, or a "clean" meatball, or an entree that where.the beef, chicken or fish isn't smothered in stuff I can't eat. Luckily wraps are so popular now, too. It seems like from the buffet you can choose similarly without sending out unwanted radar signals, and who says you have to eat it what's on your plate? That may be best part of buffets since plates are ditched quickly when people are going back and forth. Cheese, shrimp, your fave meat that isn't transformed thru frying, a few veggies, a salad that may include cottage cheese ... You'll have a grand time with no worry about questions or expectations (except "why do you look so good?!"

Almond milk is quite low in protein with little nutritional value

I'm scheduled for the 15th - excited and terrified (I have a very large type 3 hiatal hernia that will be repaired first, then what's left of my tummy will be sleeved). I just found out that my BFF is flying cross country to be with me and my fam for the surgery, and I'm so excited.