McButterpants

True story about soft drinks unrelated to the confessional part of this thread...When I went to the information session about VSG, the doctor said he had had the VSG surgery. He was sipping on a diet Coke during the seminar when he shows a slide about forbidden foods and it mentioned soft drinks. I thought that was ironic.

You inspire me with your stories! Congrats on your successes!

Hi guys. I'm pre-op (working on a 11/14/13 surgery date), but prepping now for post-op diet. I love coffee - I love coffee like a smoker loves smoking. I like having a cup of coffee when I'm in a meeting, reading a book or the morning paper. I love taking a piping hot coffee with me when I'm on a road trip. I can remember drinking coffee when I was a child - like 7 years old. So, in summary - I'm a coffee addict. So, I've been thinking about the post surgery diet and if there's a way I can drink coffee at some point and still enjoy it sans cream and sugar or honey (my favorite). I tried mixing it with a unjury vanilla shake this morning and it's OK - I could get used to it. Was wondering what my fellow coffee lovers out there do after surgery and they are back on "regular" foods. Any suggestions or recipes would be appreciated! Thanks and have a great day.

Thanks for the question - my PB2 just arrived minutes ago! Can't wait to see some great recipes!

I have a 14 year old son and he's one of the main reasons I am doing this. I am pre-op - hoping for a 11/14/13 surgery date. I go thru states where I am scared out of my mind. There are other times I can't wait to get it done. It's all a process. The unknown is scary. But for me the "known" of what my life is going to be like without the surgery is scary, too - I don't want to have to inject myself because I am diabetic, I don't want to have knee replacement surgery due to the damage created by the weight, etc. So, I'm committed to my decision to do this and realize, I'm going to be a little psycho in the meantime. Best of luck to you. Stay strong. McButterpants

OK - just venting here... Back story - I'm self pay, so I need to travel away from home to get the surgery done. My local doctor said three weeks ago he totally supports that I may need to go elsewhere and understands why I would need to do that. I met the requirements for the local doc to perform sugary - met with him, social worker and nutritionist. We were a go for the surgery with him until it all came to a halt when the insurance declined the pre-op approval. So, I called the office on Monday needing one form to be filled out - it's a Surgical Clearance for Bariatric Surgery form required by the Vegas doc. It's a form that has my name, DOB and boxes for Low Risk, Moderate Risk, or High Risk. HE REFUSES TO SIGN THE FORM. When I started this and expressed concerns to the local doctor about local support after I returned home, he looked me in the eye and said, "Yes, we will support you 100%." I'm starting to second guess that support. I know I'm going to run into this kind of stuff, however, it's scary enough to me that I'm going down this path, now I fear I'm not going to have that post surgery support that I believe I'm going to need (specifically that post-op Nutritionist and periodic follow ups). Like I said, just venting - feeling scared, feeling angry, feeling a little jacked up. Thanks for listening! McButterpants

Sorry - I wasn't clear...it's not a pre-approval form, it's a Surgical Clearance form to be filled out by my local doc. It's just a form that says "Hey, I need some labs performed and what is your opinion for this patient, low risk, moderate risk, high risk" That's basically it.

My doctor outlawed all gum, it's actually in my pre-op paperwork - IF you swallow it, it could lead to troubles.

Good luck and safe travels! Keep us posted on how things go! (My ticker says 48 days...I know what you mean. Some days I think it's a lifetime away, others I think "OMG - it's too soon!"

I'm shooting for November 14th in Las Vegas. I'm self pay, so no battles with insurance company. All my paperwork is in, I'm just waiting to hear back from the patient coordinator. Keeping my fingers crossed!

Thanks everyone for sharing! I am so inspired by your before and after pics! Keep 'em coming. It makes me look forward to posting my own before and after's...of course I am one of those people that avoids a camera, so I'll have to make a point of doing a "before" Thanks again! You all look wonderful. McButterpants

OMG - I didn't know you can see who looks at your profile. I'm a total stalker, too!!!!!! LOL

Welcome to the forum! Congrats on starting your journey. I, too, am new to the forum and found this a great place to gather information, network and get some great support from others that have gone thru exactly what we're about to do. Good luck to you. I wish you much success in your journey. Hey, PowderKey42, I'm shooting for an 11/14/13 date, too!

Congrats! This is exciting news for you. Best of luck.

Hi there. Pushing towards a 11/14/13 surgery date. I have filled out my paperwork and need one more form signed by my local doctor. Waiting to hear back from the patient coordinator - it's only been a day since I've had communication with her, but I want to lock in that date. I'm prepping myself for that date. Looking forward to hearing from other November sleevers as it gets closer! Have a great night. McButterpants

Beautiful! Thanks for sharing and congrats!

Hi there. I have been roaming around the site for a few weeks and am a crossroads of sorts. Here are the basics: 1. I'm doing self-pay due to insurance declining me. 2. Local hospital is about $31K for gastric sleeve and they aren't a Center of Excellence 3. I have talked to Dr. Umbach's office at Blossombariatrics - pricing is good, but that isn't my main concern, I want to make sure the procedure is done correctly, not cheaply. I was pretty sure about Dr. Umbach until I read a couple of bad reviews on a couple of sites. Granted there were about 120 good reviews, but the 4 bad ones caught my eye. So, I'm sending this out to anyone that will answer: 1. Any personal experiences with this doctor? 2. How did you decide which surgeon? Thanks in advance. I look forward to your replies! McButterpants

Many thanks for your input guys! It's much appreciated. I'm "penciled in" with Dr. Umbach for 11/14/13 - still need to finalize paperwork and all that, but we're working towards that date. Thanks again and I wish you all continued success!

I have told my hubby, parents and will tell my son as the time gets closer. At this time, I don't plan on telling anyone else. I'm a very private person and just think it's better that way for my situation. I live in a small town where everyone knows your business. Do what's right for you - follow your gut feeling.

I'm pre-op (hoping to have surgery on 11/14/13). I can tell you what I'm doing... I have ordered samples from Unjury (not yet arrived). I'm looking forward to trying the Chicken Soup for a savory component. You can also go to mybariatricpantry.com and they have a sample section that will allow you to order smaller sizes to try out prior to surgery. I've also gone into Natural Grocers and our local drugstore to find single serving shakes to see if they are even in the ballpark. In total, I think I've spent about $75 on samples just to prepare. I probably won't order any more unless I find the stuff I have on the way so repugnant. I hope this helps. I wish you luck in your decision making process. This is a big leap of faith and your fears and concerns are certainly normal.