SunflowerGal

I haven't had surgery yet -- but, given the weight loss totals by everybody on this board, I'm sure your number will catch up soon.

Thank you -- I was wondering about driving too!

Internet marketing and social media.

I am also self pay in California; thank you for the great information.

Just me (and my dog who I can have somebody walk for me)!

Congratulations and I'm happy to hear you're feeling well!! Keep up the great work!

Just doing some planning, and I know everybody is different, but how long are you planning on having help at home after surgery OR how long did you need help after surgery? Thank you! SunflowerGal

Congratulations on your great appointment!

I'm hoping for a November surgery date. I have my first visit with my surgeon on September 9th. As I'm paying cash, I was told November is doable! : )

Yes -- YOUR time to shine! : )

I was always opposed to weight loss surgery mainly because somebody I worked with about 20 years had terrible side effects (she was always running to the bathroom and it would sound as if her stomach was exploding, and the bathroom stunk!). I have been overweight my entire life. I have dieted throughout the years but was never able to keep my weight off. The most success I've had was losing about 100 pounds through a medically-supervised program. I was under 200 pounds for about 5 minutes. Fast forward to this year. My doctors gave me pills to lose weight; I did not want to take them. As mentioned, I've tried several diets over the years and it seemed like pills and surgery were the only options I had. I noticed a colleague had lost a lot of weight and she said that she had lost 100 pounds in 6 months via the gastric sleeve. She has followed her doctor's instructions to the book and has not had any complications. After talking with my colleague, I decided surgery was the route for me to take. I received a referral from my doctor and my consult is in early September. I'm hoping to have surgery in November (cash pay). More specific "final straw" reasons include: Wanting to be physically healthy. Wanting to live a long and healthy life. Wanting to longer use my CPAP for sleep apnea. Wanting to get my back (core) feeling better. Wanting to eliminate knee and feet pain. Wanting to walk and talk at the same time (without being winded). Wanting to walk up stairs without being winded. Wanting to be able to buy a coach airplane ticket (I usually upgrade because I cannot comfortably sit in a coach seat). And, wanting to stop having to ask for a seat belt extender. Wanting to have physical endurance. Wanting to not have to think about things that I may be too overweight to enjoy, like a helicopter ride. Wanting to feel comfortable to put a bathing suit on in public, which I did up until about 40 pounds ago. Wanting to accept my body as it is. Wanting - and enjoying - to have my photo taken. I was fortunate to visit Italy last year with some photographers; I don't have one nice professional photo of me. I was too afraid of what people would think when editing a photo of me, even though I KNOW they wouldn't pass judgment. Wanting to not judge myself because of my weight and also wanting to not place my self worth on my weight. Wanting to get rid of the memories people have told me over the years that are weight related (calling me Moby, telling me things like "you have such a pretty face, if you just lost weight" and "the reason you have such nice legs is from carrying all of that weight around"). Wanting to weigh less than a professional football player. Wanting to shop in other stores besides Lane Bryant and Catherines. Wanting to have a social life and meet a nice man. I feel like I cannot meet the type of man I'm attracted to being so overweight. Wanting to buy pretty lingerie. I now have to wear sports-like bras because underwire bras hurt me. Wanting to feel like I have control over my food and life instead of food having control over me. Wanting to really love my body (I just don't love it as much as I think I should due to my weight). I'm sure there are more "final straw" reasons... these are the reasons that are top of mind. I am looking forward to my journey and have enjoyed reading all of the great messages on these boards!

GREAT questions!! I have my first appointment with my surgeon on September 9th and am hoping that other people may share some of the questions they asked during their first couple of appointments too!!

I have the same insurance and my plan does not cover WLS. A co-worker also has an Aetna plan and her plan covered her surgery. I guess I'll be a cash patient with hope that I can receive a cash discount!

Thank you for your reply... I really appreciate it. Glad to know both doctors are recommended. I have a consult with them at the beginning of September. If you don't mind me asking, who is your doctor at Cedar's? I'd have surgery there but it's a little too far for consults and follow up appointments. Congratulations on your surgery date!

I am looking for feedback on Dr. Brian Quebbemann. He was referred to me for sleeve surgery and I want to do my due diligence on his work. If anybody has any feedback, I would appreciate it. Other Orange County area referrals are appreciated too. Thank you!