Cabingirl

That's flat scary! I don't want to be redundant to others, but why would you want to eat a can of Beans? I appreciate the Protein, but how you managed to get that down is pretty durned interesting. I'll jump on the bandwagon of "talk to someone in charge" -- nearly every surgeon has some requirements and guidelines for preparing and eating following surgery. A can o' whole beans is NOT on the list.

If you're anatomy or physical condition warrants it, it is not that unusual, particularly among individuals with a very high BMI, a very short neck, and/or severe sleep apnea. The dangers of anesthesia among this population deserves to be treated with respect. If you are concerned about this, the only person to have the conversation with is your surgeon. Ask him/her if he is aware of the anesthesiologist's preference, ask him if he is used to working regularly with this anesthesiologist, how frequently has he seen this done in his surgeries. Your surgeon is the "captain of the ship," and your safety and comfort is his/her utmost concern. If he says he prefers it based on anesthesiologist's recommendation, then know that you will be made very comfortable and while you will be "awake" you will likely be "pleasantly confused," and will not be bothered by this. I encourage you to speak with your surgeon. What the rest of us think or have personally experienced will not give you the confidence you need.

Great descriptions of my experience from fellow posters. Work hard to meet your doctor's Protein goal daily and you will reduce the extent of your hair loss. Believe me, your weight loss will wow everyone, they won't be looking at your head!

Probably. What did the doctor tell you that you could lift?

If it is puking blood, go to ER, request brain surgery and then they can help you with PB

I would absolutely do it again - just much sooner. Nothing's easy, neither is this, but I am physically much healthier and mentally as well.

That's excellent progress! I understand about backing off -- the board has changed since it morphed into the bigger board. Sadly, some of the really excellent people on the old board have dropped off.

uh, yeah... colonics are typically delivered rectally, and unless you have very unique plumbing, the liquid doesn't travel up into your stomach. Colon(ic) - get it? Seriously, if you haven't done it for years you may want to rethink why you would be doing it now. Of course, if you are really serious, that's a question for your physician.

I'd encourage you to choose a Bariatric Center of Excellence in a great hospital -- they will be part of a first class hospital and know how to manage many co-morbidities. Your hypertension shouldn't be an issue, but you want to have a great surgeon working with a great anesthesiologist to bring you through with no worries.

Just think, you'll truly be ready for so much more this time round! I was tasked with losing 10 lbs in four weeks before my surgery, and only had to do a liquid diet for 3 days prior. I didn't get quite as far as you did 4 years ago, but I was down to my last visit with the surgeon and ready to set a date. At the time, I was set on the band, but like you, I thought I needed to give myself one more chance without the surgery. I tried, but the only weight I lost between that time and my surgery was the 13 pounds I lost before my sleeve. This time, I was determined to have either a sleeve or bypass (depending in large part on what the surgeon recommended). I was able to cross my legs for the first time about 8 weeks ago, and I actually have been able to sit in one of those awful amphitheater seats that have the desk you move to put over your lap - and I could actually put the desk down and use it a few weeks ago. I've had a lot of little but lovely things like that which I'm making every effort to remember and cherish -- you will too. Good luck.

You're losing at a steady pace, and the slower weight loss allows your body, and especially your skin, to adapt better than it would if you'd dropped 90-100 pounds in 5 months. Enjoy this journey!

I am blessed with insurance that pays for bariatric surgery. I only considered a Bariatric Center of Excellence because these accredited centers meet the latest and most effective evidence-based medicine specific to bariatric surgery. Typically, these centers have a bariatric-focused gastroenterologist(s) on board -- this has been invaluable to me. I had chronic GERD with a number of complications, the problem has been lessened but still has to be managed. I had a great surgeon, but the gastroenterologist has been essential to my care. He is on top of my care, including managing particular challenges I have with certain vitamins. Bariatric Center of Excellence hospitals are equipped to properly care for bariatric patients, and the nurses are specifically trained in the needs of the bariatric patient.

RJ - you are mightily blessed! Alive and well, and able to do all that your trainer is asking you to do. It's so good to hear how you are improving every day. Well done.

Definitely give it a rest -- I learned that here. I was likely 12-14 weeks out before I could tolerate coffee again. I enjoy it as much now as I ever did.

Good on you! That's super. Keep us posted on this.