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Another article said 15% of patients have sleeve developed GERD who didn't have before surgery. Those with GERD before surgery were much worse after sleeve. But bypass resolved pre-existing GERD.

I thought I wanted gastric sleeve for WLS. My main reason was my concern about malabsorption at my age. I have multiple co-morbidities associated with my obesity. Now I am considering gastric bypass instead. Of course, I will make final decision with my surgeon. "Laparoscopic Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass Versus Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy to Treat Morbid Obesity-Related Comorbidities: a Systematic Review and Meta-analysis." https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/26661105 "a total of 18,455 patients, enrolled in 62 recent studies, were included in this meta-analysis. Patients receiving LRYGB had a significantly higher percentage of excess weight loss and better resolution of hypertension, dyslipidemia, gastroesophageal reflux disease, and arthritis compared with those receiving LSG. LRYGB and LSG showed similar effects on type 2 diabetes mellitus and sleep apnea." Found a journal article "Biological effects of bariatric surgery on obesity-related comorbidities" https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3569476/ DIABETES AND IMPAIRED GLUCOSE TOLERANCE "A landmark paper by Pories and colleagues demonstrated that of 141 patients with diabetes or impaired glucose tolerance (IGT), all but 2 became euglycemic within 10 days after RYGB. Longer follow-up demonstrated that over 8 years, 83% of patients with preoperative T2DM and 99% of those with IGT were able to maintain normal levels of plasma glucose, HgA1C and insulin." OBSTRUCTIVE SLEEP APNEA "Most patients (62%) had residual disease. In fact, only 25% of patients in the 6 studies that reported individual patient data (representing 23% of all patients in the meta-analysis) were able to reach an AHI consistent with OSA resolution ( DYSLIPIDEMIA Hyperlipidemia, hypercholesterolemia and hypertriglyceridemia were significantly improved across all surgical procedures at 2 year follow-up. The percentage of patients whose conditions improved was typically 70% or higher, with maximum improvements in hyperlipidemia in the BPD-DS (91%) and RYGB groups (96.9%). HYPERTENSION "The percentages of patients in the total population whose hypertension resolved or improved were 61.7% and 78.5%, respectively." Only those who did not regain weight maintained lower blood pressure after two years.

Had my EGD today. One of the nurses taking care of me said she had gastric bypass 10 years ago. She looked awesome. It was great to see someone with long-term success.

Dietician gave me a eating plan based on diabetic diet. I couldn't lose weight on that diet after two weeks. So switched to Premier Protein Shakes for two meals. Lost 12 lbs last month.

I have 60 days to go on 90-day diet. Lost 12 lbs past month. So now 3 lbs below presurgery goal.

I would check your health insurance coverage FIRST and what specific requirements are BEFORE any other step.

Amazon has 5 boxes of 10 packets (total 50 packets) of sugar-free PROPEL for $10.99. One packet added to 16 oz water makes a drink equivalent to a bottle of POWERADE ZERO or GATORADE G2. That is 22 cents per bottle, a significant savings. Also, packets are easy to take with you and to store. The PROPEL has 5 flavors and all create clear, uncolored liquid.

I haven't met with surgeon yet. I saw dietitian and was given goal weight in 90-day diet before surgery scheduled. Must complete all tests (psych eval, sleep apnea, pulmonary function, EKG, EGD) and then see surgeon just before scheduling. I do see nurse practitioner once a month at weigh-in. She orders tests as we go. First visit with NP had blood work. Everything was fine except she wanted me to start B12 sublingual to get level higher before surgery.

Saw YouTube video where person made her own packets to go. She bought "portion plastic baggies" at Walmart and put measured protein powder for one shake. So took these packets to work with shaker bottle.

Are you on BP meds now? Does your annual physical at work include any blood or urine testing? Having regular dental checkup and teeth cleaning might be helpful to bring up.

Don't forget a couple of water bottles. I bought two 32 oz bottles from Amazon that has ounce markings and time on it to help you sip all day. I have always bought OZARKA spring water but decided to try a water filter as tap water here is nasty, heavy chlorine. New pitcher system Aquagear from Amazon has a great filter that can last 6 months. It filters out chemicals but leaves in minerals. Am getting used to the change. Also get some good shea butter body lotion. Dry skin will certainly develop. Find one you really like. Another thing I bought was a water filter for shower. Aquabliss from Amazon has a 12 stage filter and rated best in articles I found on web. Chlorine really dries out your skin. And a hot shower can cause chlorine to vaporize into chlorine gas which can irritate respiratory system. I have had my showerhead water filter for two weeks now and notice a big difference, especially no more dry itchy scalp.

My age is important. I don't need malabsorption when I already have some softening of hip bones. Sleeve for me.

Not too much coffee. Surgeon will need bathroom break. ?

I think it depends on your BMI and any co-morbidities. BMI over 40 with comorbidities, they won't care about your weight history. Just don't gain weight during 6-month diet program. The fact you haven't seen a doctor for a 7-8 years will concern your surgeon. They really emphasized at my orientation that continuous follow-up is required. "Patients of center for life." Many patients who regain significantly a couple years after WLS have not maintained followup. Have you kept up with preventive screenings like PAP smear, flu shots, and mammograms (depending on your age.) If you have neglected that care over 7-8 years, your surgeon will be concerned.

My dietician didn't give me any macro or calorie specifications. Instead, I was given diet for diabetics. Daily intake is 2 servings of milk product, 2 servings of fruit, 5 servings of fat, unlimited nonstarchy vegetables, 3 servings grains/beans/starchy vegetables and 7 servings of protein. Have a list of what makes a serving size. Example, one fat serving is small avocado, 1 Tbsp nuts or seeds ot 1 Tbsp salad dressing. One grain/beans category serving is 2 slices of whole wheat bread, medium baked potato, 1 cup rice or pasta Milk serving is 1 cup nonfat plain yogurt or skim or low fat milk. One serving of protein is 1 egg, 3 oz lean chicken or fish, hard cheese

I tried sugar-free Popsicles but won't be able to eat even half. I've been eating sugar-free Gelatin when hunger strikes. I am buying Kroger brand Gelatin (small box 39 cents compared to Jello brand $1.39). Likely Walmart or other store brands will be a lot cheaper as well.

BTW. Small box of Kroger brand gelatin is 39 cents. Jello brand is $1.39. Taste the same.

I have the following clearances done: Primary Care Provider Sleep Apnea Doctor Psych Eval Now scheduled for: Pulmonary function Electrocardiogram EGD (pending) Ran into minor snag on EGD. When I called to schedule, I was told I had a $100 unpaid balance from colonoscopy 12 YEARS ago. [emoji33] I always pay my medical bills. GI ASSOCIATES refuses to schedule EGD until I pay a bill from 12 years ago (past statute of limitations by 9 years.) They cannot provide any documentation about this mysterious unpaid balance. Lawyer friend says not to pay because so old and unknown to me all these years. So having to find a different GI group to schedule EGD. Have 3rd of 4th weigh-in in 1.5 weeks. My weight is just 2 pounds above goal with another month to go on 90-day diet. Getting close. Been stocking up on boxes of Kroger sugar-free gelatin, Premier Protein, MultiVitamins, Calcium + D3, B12.

That is the lunacy of 6-month waiting to lose weight. Most people will see worsening of co-morbidities. You are one of the small percentage who loses weight enough that comorbidity actually improves. You could raise your A1C in 3 months by eating high carb diet but not soo high to gain a lot of weight. Ironically, Medicare requires you TO FAIL a 3-month weight loss diet but my surgeon wants me to to lose as much weight as possible. I don't know how Medicare defines "failure" to lose weight but my bariatric center said to not worry about that.

Maybe she said "Smooth Tea". Will get. Thx

NP at bariatric center said a lot of patients find this laxative "Slow Tea" effective. I have tried, psyllium fiber, MiraLax and stool softeners. Fiber produces large, bulky, hard-to-pass stool. Nothing helps. My constipation is due to medications I take.

There is "tilt table" xray they can do to prove GERD. You swallow barium and they tilt table with head down. Can actually see the barium reflux up. You might ask your center if that test proving reflux would help qualify you.

I add Premier Protein to my morning coffee, caramel or chocolate. Guilt-free.

I started Isopure but hate the watery consistency. Like drinking milk flavored water. Have you tried Premier Protein? Most people really like the flavors. I like Caramel.

I have been taking meds for bipolar for a number of years. Took MMPI-2 as part of my psych eval and showed I am totally "normal". Really shocked my psychologist. I will stay on meds though to be sure I stay stable. If you have mental health issues, they just want to be sure that you are: (1) stable on meds and continue under treatment (2) Addressing any eating problems. (3) You have adequate social support (family, friends, church, etc.) I was pretty stressed about psych eval because my history. Don't stress about it. If you have a current therapist, see if your bariatric center will accept psych eval by him/her. Who knows you better?