dhrguru

I'm kind if like you, but it took me 5 years to finally decide I was ready. In retrospect, I certainly wasn't ready then. Learn all you need, talk to your bariatric team, you'll know if this time is the right time!

Insurance and the surgeons practice typically dictates that.

For me, I had my consult 3/4, did my pre ops thru March, followed up with the surgeon on 4/8 and was sent for insurance approval that day. Insurance approved me within an hour. My surgery is 4/28.

Glad to hear you're doing well. Keep at it!

I just started my 2 weeks liquid diet and my surgery is April 23rd. Question? My friend had bypass done in February and she told me that was ate hard boiled egg whites (no yolk) throughout the 2 week liquid diet. She said her surgery was fine and the doctor said everything looked good. Has anyone else tried egg whites or other alternatives?

My nut told me today some egg whites were allowable, but not every day.

Congrats!!! My time from consult to approval was equally short.

Hi! Like you, as I started on this journey I als changed my eating habits. I honestly can;t tell if I'm retaining Water or not.

Whats been working for me is this; each week I introduced a new change as follows:

1st I cut out all sugared beverage-- no soda, juice, etc.

2nd I increased my Protein. I realized must of my calories were coming from carbs. I added turkey sausage with Breakfast, a boiled egg for a snack etc.

3rd I limited my carbs to one per meal; regardless of the grams of carbs. So I ate a sandwich with only one slice of bread-- not other carbs. Or, at dinner if it was spaghetti, I could have the meat sauce and noodles, but no texas toast. (Or the sauce with the texas toast only.)

4th I started Protein shakes in places of Snacks.

5th I started Protein Shakes to replace 1 meal.

My process from consultation to surgery approval was short (a little over a month...) so this leads me right into the pre-op diet. The gradual ease into a new change a week REALLY helped me.

Read posts and pick out what would work for you and your lifestyle then be consistent with it. You got this!

Hi! While I can't answer your specific question as I haven't had surgery yet, I just wanted to say hi and offer virtual support, I'm having surgery on 4/28.

My hubby is taking off surgery day and the following day, but will go back to work after that. Sounds like your wife will be home for that; and I think that's the most important.

I have no memory of being at my goal weight in my adult life. Lowest adult weight I can recall is 250. My goal is 175. This will be a entirely new realm for me!

Had my second visit with the surgeon today. All my pre-op requirements are clear, and there submitting me for pre certification! Tentative surgery date of 4/28.

And I lost 6#'s!!

Woot! Woot!

Updated-- Insurance approved! Surgery is set for 4/28/15!!!

Had my second visit with the surgeon today. All my pre-op requirements are clear, and there submitting me for pre certification! Tentative surgery date of 4/28.

And I lost 6#'s!!

Woot! Woot!

Did he give you an idea of what you should lose, and did he give you a diet plan? When is your surgery scheduled? If you absolutely HAVE to lose weight before you see him again, why not try using the Protein shakes as Meal Replacements until that time? You could kind of do a pre-op diet to show your intentions are good, and that you are serious about this. Many go on pre-op diets, anyway, so this would show you know what you need to do. Good luck to you!

He didn't give a set #, but said anything from 5 to 20 #'s. I have been using portion shakes in place of Snacks, I guess I could replace a meal as well to kick it up a notch.

Thanks!

If we could loose weight, why then would we need surgery??

Amen... I just worry that my surgeon won't see it that way...

I had my first consult appointment on 3/4, doc suggested in lose some weight to aid in the operation going smoothly. I set in my mind to lose 5#'s by my next visit (4/8). Sure I lost it and gained and lost.... This has been the story of my life for the past year or so... Two steps forward, two steps back. At (rare) moments I get delusional convincing myself I can do this without surgery..then the blaring reality enters.

I'm still proud of my effort, and the changes I've put in place; they are what I'll need long term. I'm sure I'll have a loss by appointment next week, probably not what I had my heart set on. As a former weight watchers leader used to tell me, a loss is a loss, no matter how small!

The brand I've come to like the most is body tech whey Protein isolate in French vanilla. I get it at the Vitamin shoppe. I also tried the rich chocolate flavor, but that tasted like chocolate you find concentrated at the bottom if a cup of hot cocoa.

I've tried syntax nectar, in vanilla bean torte... Too sweet. Hated the fuzzy navel. I still have the strawberry kiwi, and chocolate truffle to try.

Good for you for quitting smoking!!!

No date yet, but I'm hoping I'll get one on my visit on 4/8. I have lost weight, my HW was 338.8, consultation weight was 335, I'm currently 330.

I'm mentally ready for surgery, I'm not fearful (I'm a very tranquil personality typically). I'm actually looking forward to the time off of week post op to focus on me! I'm taking 2 weeks, more if I feel I need it.

Hi Dee56

I've decided on bypass surgery to. The only pre op test I have left to do is a pulmonary function test, though the pulmonary doc said he'd still give me clearance with that pending.

I had my psych visit Friday, and he cleared me to. I see the surgeon again on 4/8. My insurance didn't have a set # of dietitian or education visits, so I'm hoping I can be scheduled fur surgery since I've fine all my pre op stuff.

C t-shirt

So, of course, in this journey the idea of leaving behind some of the foods that got us to this state leads to the so called 'food funerals.' Any one not enjoy them? I'll say that my decision for WLS was so gradual and I've made so many changes up to this point that things that once gave me a 'high' (sweets, fast food), I've become uber selective over.

So as I finalize this pre op stuff, my mind sometimes seeks out what I 'need' to funeralize. Today I went to burger king, not someplace I've ever really frequented. I got a whopper, fries, but couldn't bring myself to have soda (I've been off all sweetened beverages for 3 weeks now). I didn't enjoy the meal at all. Actually I found that I enjoyed the fresh ingredients (tomato, lettuce, pickles) better than I did the burger and bread. I ate that at 1pm and have had no appetite ever since- the meal really turned me off.

So now I need to work past this sense of 'obligation' to say 'goodbye' to foods. I'm happy with my newly evolving diet. I cooked dinner for the family that I would have been much happier eating than the burger king meal. (pork chops and veggies).

Live and learn, right? Well, Guess I've got lunch for tomorrow.

I live and work in Philadelphia!

Well, there are many who've had WLS who regain some, or even all of their weight. If you don't apply the change to your lifestyle (eating & exercise), then WLS is about a successful as a "diet".

WLS creates a 'physical barrier' (for lack of a better term)...not the mental barrier [willpower] that is so hard to overcome long term.

You can get the same results either way-- but maintaining it is the uphill battle.

_Hi!

_{I'm not in FL or GA so can't offer an recommendations, but wish you the best. I went in preferring DS and my surgeon's office seemed to talk it down (more so they'd have to select me for DS vs. me wanting it).}

_{I hope you can find a provider for the procedure you'd like.}

So my kids (12 &10) have been so interested this journey to have weight loss surgery. Last night my younger one asked my hubby is he planned on doing the surgery too. I told my son no, and he then proceeded to ask his Dad why he didn't want to do it the 'easy way' like me. My hubby quickly chimed in saying there nothing about what Mommy is doing that "easy". He explained to him the lifelong commitment I have to make in what and how much I eat. He told him I was just doing a different way-- not easier. It made my heart so happy to hear him explain that to him :-) I knew my hubby supported me-- but I wasn't sure if he really got the 'full' picture of this.

I'm pre-surgery and trying to get used to Protein Shakes. I just have my first one-- a Syntax nectar Sweets vanilla Bean Torte. I had it with 8oz of 1% milk. It was good; but honestly a little on the sweet side. Next time I'll try it with skim milk and ice to see if it can be watered down a bit. My surgeon wants Protein shakes with Water for the 2 week pre-op diet, so I'll need to try it anyway.

I have to say I'm feeling a little funny after drinking it. Not queasy-- but my head seems like its spinning a bit.

I also have body tech protein in chocolate and french vanilla to try; as well as another brand; but I may let that one sit cause its seems high in calories.

Hi! I'm excited that I'm jumping through those pre-op 'hurdles'. My first consult was on 3/4. I had my lab work done this week. I have my upper GI & ultrasound done on Tuesday AM, and see the pulmonologist Tuesday PM. (My surgeon said he'll let the pulmonologist decide if I need a sleep study.) And I have my psych eval on 3/20-- AND I found one that take my insurance- YES! I see my surgeon again on 4/8.

I'm still a little undecided; but am leaning much more towards gastric sleeve surgery. My "reservations" about GS is FAR shorter than my reservations about RNY at this point. As am I'm dissecting the decision more and more I realize that Hair loss is a BIG factor for me. I have already lost 70% of my hair due to scalp scarring alopecia. Do to the condition, what I lose will never grow back. I'm comfortable with my hair loss now- and will easily go w/o wigs-- but what little hair I have now is my comfort zone-- losing more will totally take me out if it. I certainly don;t need anohter 'image issue' to deal w/ going through this process! So I'm being honest with myself and leaning towards which ever procedure cause the least amount of 'upset' to trigger more hair loss for me.

Welcome aboard! Sounds like you're on the right path of doing your research and consulting a good WLS team. I totally relate with this

"Why am I fat? Well obviously cause I make the wrong choices with food and don't exercise enough . Emotionally, its because I was berated about my weight from an early age by my parents/relatives. (Oddly it wasn't till I was an adult that I realized I wasn't even fat!! Wish they'd have encouraged me rather than berate me). I truly had no one to teach me about nutrition. And of course the same people who berate me (my Mom) shoveled food in me by the #."

I look back at old photos and wonder why I ever thought I was fat. It's a self image struggle I think I'll have to deal with my whole life.

Congratulations on taking the first steps in this journey and welcome aboard.

Thanks beachgurl! I tell you family can be a double edge sword! I don't talk much with my mother, and don't plan on telling her anything about my surgery until after its done.

Hello! I'm a 37 year old wife, mother of 2 & professional. I looked in WLS a few years ago, but was turned off by surgeon turnover in the hospital-- so I dropped it. I got a post card 2 weeks ago informing me they had a new surgeon, I looked him up and he has a very strong credentials and positive patient feedback-so I've decided to go for it. I love my husband, my carer and my kids. WLS, I'm hoping, will only enhance my ability to enjoy the things I love in my life even more.

I had my consultation appt on 3/4. I'm undecided on my surgery type. I went in leaning towards DS, but the bariatric team came off as though I wasn't a good candidate for DS. There is plenty of time to discuss why they feel that way-- but I do have my reservations about the procedure. (Actually I have reservations about all 3, but who doesn't!) So my other choices are RNY or GS. As I go though the pre-op testing, I'll talk more to my team and decide which to do.

Why did I decide to go this route? Honestly; I got tired of waiting on my husband to try and work on our weight together. (He does support my doing this though). I had to take the bull by the horns and forge forward for me. My kids are a little older (10 & 12), and are more independent so there are a few less demands on my time in terms of motherhood. I'm hypothyroid following a total thyroidectomey and a horrible 5 year battle with Graves disease (I won :-). I'm pre-diabetic, and have borderline hypertension, no other health issues.

Why am I fat? Well obviously cause I make the wrong choices with food and don't exercise enough . Emotionally, its because I was berated about my weight from an early age by my parents/relatives. (Oddly it wasn't till I was an adult that I realized I wasn't even fat!! Wish they'd have encouraged me rather than berate me). I truly had no one to teach me about nutrition. And of course the same people who berate me (my Mom) shoveled food in me by the #.

My fat history: I didn't try losing weight until after i had my second son. I did weight watchers; was successful and got down to my lowest weight of my adult life: 250. My son was dx'd autism and I lost myself trying to help him...so the pounds crept on eventually. Graves Disease helped me lose and gain 20-30 #'s while I struggled with it. When I made the decision to remove my thyroid, that finally set me on level ground. I'm one year post-op from my thyroid surgery, and I'm hoping I'll be at a normal thyroid level with my next blood work.

My sister had DS, and two other family member have lap-bands; so I have a great support system. I have pre-op testing (GI, pulmonologist, lab work and ultrasound) scheduled over the next two week. I'll will schedule my psych eval as well. I see my surgeon again on 4/8/15 and hope to be down 10#'s. Luckily, my insurance covers surgery 100%; except for my hospital co-pay of $150/night & my in-office visit co-pays.

I look forward to getting to know you all!