Old Salt

Great responses already so I will add this because this is what most of us feel after the success... Why oh why did I not do this sooner??!!

True story.
Good luck, you will do great.

so first the picture... i dont like showing my face online... so sorry. But yea
starting weight 317lb and size 57 pants and 4XL shirt
Now 186lb size 34 pants and size large shirt which is a little big
So before surgery i did not date for a very long time. I was really big and really never found anyone interested in me. Now almost 1 year and 1 month after surgery i get hit on a ton... and for me being a guy that is awesome. Literally had 2 girls at work fighting over me which was insane. Had to put a stop to it because it was getting bad lol. But wow. i swear if i was taller than 5'4 i would probably get hit on more haha. But its nice. My best friend said to buy a wedding band and wear it to stop them from hitting on me lol. But its nice noticing girls looking and not looking at me like ewwww he is huge.

My doctor just called me and told me that my insurance approved for my surgery . I’m so happy and nervous I can’t wait for a June 6th

Humor

Humor

Humor

I started drinking with meals about two months after surgery. People will be all authoritarian about it...and they mean well. But if you press your doctor (not the staff...your DOCTOR) about the difference between "eating" Soup or protien drink, and having something to drink with dinner...the doc will admit it's nonsense. They just don't want you to push the food through constantly and continue to eat before you digest enough and feel full....this can make you gain weight and give you digestive upset. Also, reflux can be worse with more fluids if you lie down too soon after eating. I have a drink with every meal. I dont worry about it and I dont have issues.

This was the best thing I have ever done for myself. A true act of self love and discipline. With no regrets at all.
I used to kind of roll my eyes when people would say weight lost “journey”. But it’s truly what it is.
Loosing the weight gave me energy and confidence that I can’t even describe.
An old friend reach out to me, as she is about to start her journey, after recommending this app I started going through my old posts. I just want to say this community is an amazing place and I am forever grateful.
VSG: 3.14.18
Highest weight: 285
Surgery weight: 248
Current weight: 175


I love the new me 💕

I drink a ton of tea nowadays. Pre op it was a cup here and there, but now I have 3-4 cups a day. One caffeinated during the afternoon and herbal or Decaf while I’m cooking dinner and after dinner in the wind down part of my night. It has replaced a void that I didn’t realize may have been snacking before.

Has worked well for me also, but keep in mind that tea often is a caffinated drink. I stick to the many "decaffinated" blends, especially in the evening.

I resposted your experience in both our Facebook groups:
Gastric Sleeve Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/GastricSleeveSupport/permalink/5377631009006951/
and
Bariatric Surgery Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/TheBariatricSurgerySupportGroup/permalink/2503349566499729
I hope this brings more awareness to your situation and assists other when deciding on a surgeon or facility to use in Mexico.

In my opinion, people tend to post difficulties/problems more so than positive issues mainly because they are seeking advice or comfort. Not many people post just to say their Bariatric surgery is going great.
Now to answer was it worth it? For me, YES. I did not find it that difficult of a surgery or diet to follow. Was it all fun? no. But the results are fun!
Keep a positive attitude and enjoy the ride.

In my opinion, people tend to post difficulties/problems more so than positive issues mainly because they are seeking advice or comfort. Not many people post just to say their Bariatric surgery is going great.
Now to answer was it worth it? For me, YES. I did not find it that difficult of a surgery or diet to follow. Was it all fun? no. But the results are fun!
Keep a positive attitude and enjoy the ride.

In my opinion, people tend to post difficulties/problems more so than positive issues mainly because they are seeking advice or comfort. Not many people post just to say their Bariatric surgery is going great.
Now to answer was it worth it? For me, YES. I did not find it that difficult of a surgery or diet to follow. Was it all fun? no. But the results are fun!
Keep a positive attitude and enjoy the ride.

In my opinion, people tend to post difficulties/problems more so than positive issues mainly because they are seeking advice or comfort. Not many people post just to say their Bariatric surgery is going great.
Now to answer was it worth it? For me, YES. I did not find it that difficult of a surgery or diet to follow. Was it all fun? no. But the results are fun!
Keep a positive attitude and enjoy the ride.

In my opinion, people tend to post difficulties/problems more so than positive issues mainly because they are seeking advice or comfort. Not many people post just to say their Bariatric surgery is going great.
Now to answer was it worth it? For me, YES. I did not find it that difficult of a surgery or diet to follow. Was it all fun? no. But the results are fun!
Keep a positive attitude and enjoy the ride.

In my opinion, people tend to post difficulties/problems more so than positive issues mainly because they are seeking advice or comfort. Not many people post just to say their Bariatric surgery is going great.
Now to answer was it worth it? For me, YES. I did not find it that difficult of a surgery or diet to follow. Was it all fun? no. But the results are fun!
Keep a positive attitude and enjoy the ride.

In my opinion, people tend to post difficulties/problems more so than positive issues mainly because they are seeking advice or comfort. Not many people post just to say their Bariatric surgery is going great.
Now to answer was it worth it? For me, YES. I did not find it that difficult of a surgery or diet to follow. Was it all fun? no. But the results are fun!
Keep a positive attitude and enjoy the ride.

In my opinion, people tend to post difficulties/problems more so than positive issues mainly because they are seeking advice or comfort. Not many people post just to say their Bariatric surgery is going great.
Now to answer was it worth it? For me, YES. I did not find it that difficult of a surgery or diet to follow. Was it all fun? no. But the results are fun!
Keep a positive attitude and enjoy the ride.

I ended up pushing the office on at least providing a date when Dr. B's credentialing process started and mentioned that due to work if it's going to take longer than 2 months, I will have to move to another provider. The insurance rep (who has been super nice and understanding) said the office manager is allowing me to switch rather than lose me as a patient because they cannot provide any timeline for the credentialing to go through. They submitted me same day under Dr. A and it was approved the next day.
This is honestly the best outcome because I have done a lot of research on this doctor and am confident in his abilities as a surgeon. Thank you to everyone who encouraged me to keep pushing!

I can't believe it has been a year already since I had my surgery. Time really flies. This past year was filled with lots of major milestones, NSVs and overall positive things. I decided to write this post to hopefully inspire others who are on the fence or those who are already on their weight loss journey.

I had my surgery (MGB) in Egypt on 30 January 2022. My sister had hers earlier that month and it didn't take her long to convince me to do it as well. I flew to Egypt on 28th, admitted to hospital on 29th and had the surgery 30th morning. I stayed in the hospital for two days and rested for a week in Cairo before flying back to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. The whole process went smooth and the recovery was quick with no major issues. Just a bit of discomfort which is normal for any surgery. I was not given any specific diet to follow except for some guidelines - one week of Clear Liquids, 1 week of pureed food followed by gradual introduction of solid food in week 3.
I will start with the positives and the current stats. The negatives / issues are listed below

My starting weight was 149 kg. I was 85 kg yesterday. That means I’ve lost a total of 64 kg or 43% of my starting weight. I still have like 15 kg to go. The weight loss was quick at first then started to become slower but I’m more than happy with where I’m at right now.

I didn’t follow a strict diet but rather reduced my food intake and ate healthier. I always start with my Proteins vegetables and end with carbs. It helps that I cook myself so I know what goes into my food and can control the portions. I now enjoy food better than before because I really take my time to eat. There are some foods that I can’t tolerate like Pasta, scrambled eggs etc. Not sure why but I’m not too concerned by that.

Here are some of the major achievements and NSVs I’ve experienced the past year (a part from the weight loss):

I went from size 52” pant to size 34-36 inches pants depending on the cutting. Here is a comparison between the pants I wore on surgery day and the current ones.


Custom-made shirt on surgery day vs the one I wore yesterday (Size M)


Here is me in December 2021 and yesterday morning (left to right)


I got myself a mountain bike when I went below 100 Kg and that helped a lot. I try to go on a ride around the town whenever time and weather allow. I’m planning to do this more often after the rainy season. I feel more fit and energetic overall.

I was able to join my family in a lot of fun activities which was impossible last year. I took the kids to the Water park last weekend and we all had a great time. My son told me that he is so happy I could go on the water slide with him and that made the whole journey worth it.

I’m planning to join the gym and start rebuilding muscles and tone my body. I’ve some loose skin here and there but it doesn’t bother me. I might end up having it removed but it is too early to decide now.

There were also some negatives (as with everything in life) which I consider to be minor :

- The 6 months blood work showed that I had Vitamin B12 and D deficiency. The doctor asked me to take high doses of Vitamin D and daily Vitamin B12 tabs which I’ve been doing over the last 6 months. I’m planning to redo the test soon.

- I struggled with heartburn and indigestion early on but I learned how to control it. I don’t add a lot of spices to my food now and will stop eating if I feel any discomfort. I still get it every now and then but OTC heartburn medicines really help.

- Loose skin specially on my arms and thighs (but that was expected)
Overall I’m very happy with my decision and what I’ve achieved over the past year. I’m really looking forward to this coming year.

You are always entitled to a second opinion. Or second doctor. They have to provide you with your records and /or send records to new doctor. It is not up to Dr B to decide if Dr A can do the surgery. It is up to Dr. A. . I would contact and request an appointment with them if possible. Or get a recommendation from Tricare for some even if a little further out.
I am speaking from experience because after having my 6 months of nutritional visits, psych evaluation, cardiac clearance, other medical clearances that were required, and upper endoscopy, and multiple other things my insurance denied me having surgery saying that it was not medically necessary even though I met every bit of the criteria and my PCP had referred me to having the surgery. I ended up having to change doctors 7 months into the process because where my husband works they also have transcarent which is a plan that will help pay for surgeries. The initial surgeon that I was saying did not take it so I had to go to a different doctor transfer all my records to them . I had my consultation one week , pre-op the next week, and surgery the next. I had to be sure that I had it all done in the month of December because I did not want to have to start over on paying my deductible and everything else with my insurance because we had already met our deductible and out-of-pocket expense for the year.
So thankfully I had surgery on December 28th and all is well.

Good luck!

Sent from my GN2200 using BariatricPal mobile app

Was cleared at 6 weeks for light weights/higher reps. At 9 weeks starting adding more weight/lower reps but no where near my pre-surgery lifts yet. I can tell I lost some muscle mass/strenght probaly due to the couple of months of inactivity.
Still concentrating on cardio and low wgt/higher reps for awhile. Just trying to maintain for now and hopefully in a couple of months start working on increasing strength again. Surgeon gave clearance for everything including ab work.
I think the greatest benefit from getting back in the gym is the postive impact on my mental state (Love those Endorphins!). But with the always caveat, check with your surgeon for advice tailored for you. Luckily, my Doc was very supportative of my gym return.

Was cleared at 6 weeks for light weights/higher reps. At 9 weeks starting adding more weight/lower reps but no where near my pre-surgery lifts yet. I can tell I lost some muscle mass/strenght probaly due to the couple of months of inactivity.
Still concentrating on cardio and low wgt/higher reps for awhile. Just trying to maintain for now and hopefully in a couple of months start working on increasing strength again. Surgeon gave clearance for everything including ab work.
I think the greatest benefit from getting back in the gym is the postive impact on my mental state (Love those Endorphins!). But with the always caveat, check with your surgeon for advice tailored for you. Luckily, my Doc was very supportative of my gym return.

I stepped on the scale this morning and saw 199! I haven’t been one-ANYTHING since I was a teenager! I’ve seen 299, 279, 249, etc… but to see 199 makes me emotional! I had VSG in September and just celebrated four months post op! Just wanted to share my little win!