LAN2k

Thanks Cajun. Yep the date is set. I suppose most of us go through differing phases of emotion. Part of me fears that after having the surgery I will regret that I did. My mind keeps reverting to the "what if..." mode. It's different when a surgery is not elective because then the rational is that it has to be done-ie. the hernia repair. I'm rambling...sorry. I've also got a migraine headache today so that doesn't help. About the Jay Robb shakes...I have 1 jar vanilla and 1 chocolate. I used option #2 for my first day 2 shakes and 1 small meal. At this point that is the best option for me. Stevia is the only sweetner listed in the ingredients, so it's acceptable. As far as taste-it's good, a light mild chocolate and a nice taste to the vanilla. If you want to try the Jay Robb brand be sure that you check the label because I was informed that some of his products contain both artificial and natural sweetner. There are other Whey products that have stevia but since I didn't have time to order via the web, I went with what my local Vitamin Shopp had stocked. Let me know what works for you.

I think I will do that VegasAngel. Good suggestion. Thanks so much.

I sure do hope so because the stress of this move is through the roof (it's painfully complicated both physically and emotionally). Originally the apartment I am moving into was going to be vacant and accessible to me (for my belongings) this week- I'd looked forward to at least unloading boxes and having a new bed delivered and set up. But I was informed today that I won't be able to move anything in until the end of the month :crying: when I'll have to move everything in all at once :smile:. I live in the upstairs floor of a 2 story house now and carrying boxes up and down to stack in the porch downstairs is doing a number on me, knees, hips and fear of getting another abdominal hernia. Anyway I think I'll have enough time to get what I need unpacked and in order before the 15th so I have a bit of comfort to come home to. I sure hope so. Thanks for asking...it's good to be able to vent.

Thanks so much Ky...It was really a pleasent surprise to get the OK from my insurance company. It's probably the only thing that has gone, (thus far) smooth. Thanks again.

Oh dear, I so can relate. My surgery is on 9/15 and after signing the consent papers yesterday my surgeon told me to start the pre-surgery liquid diet immediately! I said, "well...can't I have one more day and start tomorrow :sneaky2:?" He looked directly at me and said "Yes but don't gorge yourself please." Hmmm, and I am going to a great hotel on the beach in Montauk this monday for a couple of days with people that plan to eat eat eat!!! :sad0::scared0:

Hi all. This is the day after I met with my surgeon. My surgery is set for 9/15 and thanks to reading the many posts here, although anxious, :scared0: I went in equipped with a and a list of questions. I feel he answered all of them honestly. He gave me 2 options for diet starting today. 1. 4 protein shakes per day, (no solid food) plenty of water. 2. 2 protein shakes-1 light meal. I went to a local big box vitamin store and found Jay Robb Whey with Stevia and no artificial sweeteners, no artificial anything actually and since I don't use artificial sweeteners and prefer organic food I was happy. Since I have learned so much from so many of you I discussed many aspects of the surgery and stomach size was one of them. He told me that the bougie size he uses is a 38... He said it is small but not too small and justified it's use by explaining that the risks of developing strictures and not having enough space in the stomach (it closing) is higher when the smallest bougie is used. I asked him about nausea and he said that in some cases after sleeve surgery people can experience prolonged nausea and reflux and their is medication to help with that until it subsides. He said that this can happen because of the drastic change in stomach size and that each individual's body adjusts differently. The thought of prolonged nausea, (like 2 months) really scares me (I get emotionally upset when I am nauseous because I become terrified). I was in his office about 45 minutes. We talked about leak risk, pain, gas...etc. etc. and then he weighed me and examined my abdominal area. He also told me that although he doesn't anticipate this that since I had some previous surgeries their could be, if too much scar tissue, a risk of not being able to go through with the surgery.:sad0: Also that in rare instances the intended sleeve needs to be reverted to a RNY on the spot but said he must tell me these things in the rare event before my signing the consent papers. Lastly he told me to call him if I have any additional concerns. So far he has been very responsive and has called me back within the same day I call him. So I hope I covered everything and now it's my responsibility to stick to the diet, and pray that my surgery will go well. Now since I am moving Sept.1!!! I realized that my blender is packed away in a box among a bunch of boxes. So I need to run out and buy some sort of shaker to make my first protein shake. I'm trying hard to stay calm, my mind is constantly thinking about what I am about to do. I thank God for Vertical Sleeve Talk and thank all of you for making it happen.:sneaky2:

This is what I will hear tomorrow when I break the news to my dad of my decision to have WLS. I can predict that he will tell me that I am taking the easy but most risky way out. I will not agree however. Having major surgery is by no means easy. I have come to terms finally (and I am 54), that I am not able to conquer this thing in the state my body is in. The change in my anatomy gives me at least a fighting chance. If all goes well with my surgery then I am anticipating to see better results when I exercise and eat to satisfy a normal appetite. This is nothing but easy. Because of this surgery I am forced to alter my relationship with food. Food eaten for years for all the wrong reasons. I will now have to face feelings that will surface. Feelings that I will no longer be able to suffocate with food. And I am willing to seek the support which I know I will need. Finally I am willing to do whatever it takes. I know this because I am willing to risk having a major surgery to help myself. This is one of the hardest things I've ever done. I hope you can relate. I hope this helps.

Wow I'm so sorry you had such an ordeal to get through. Thank God you got that band out. I hope my surgeon is as good as Dr. Aceves. It seems that anyone who has had him perform their surgery has great results and great things to say about him. Thanks Ruthi.

Speak with your surgeon and let him know how you feel and he may be able to justify to Tri Care the importance of the sleeve gastrectomy procedure for YOU in particular. Although we did not need to appeal, My surgeon was prepared to argue the necessity of the sleeve as being the safest procedure for me. If you have a good repore with your surgeon perhaps he can really make a case for you too. I hope so.

Wow your words are inspiring. I hope I can be so positive on my day. I wish you a great recovery...God bless...and let us know how you are doing when you are up for it.

Thanks all, I will order from both to try each of them.

Thorough answers thanks. I'll be meeting with my surgeon tomorrow and will ask him.

I do believe that your surgeon can make an appeal to the insurance company. I have heard that in some instances the insurance company will approve the request second time around. As for myself, I had discussed the possibility of the sleeve procedure being denied by my insurance company, and my surgeon told me that he would appeal and work hard to get it approved. Since I am unable to self-pay, if my insurance had not approved the appeal for the sleeve, then I would want the GB over the band. I really gave this alot of thought, knowing that with the bypass it would be critical that I take the right nutritionals. If I were you I would use the appeal process and see if your insurance company will come around. The other option is to self pay for the sleeve if you can. If I were able to I would have because there are doctors in Mexico with excellent track records for the VGS. I do hope you get what you want.

I hope that I'm not in for a pain shocker when I come out of the surgery. I agree that the open gallbladder was an intense procedure. Even the hernia repair, although painful for a couple of days, was not the nightmare the gallbladder surgery was. I just read about intense gas pains right out of VSG surgery...great! I hope there is some medication to help with that as well as nasuea. I am bracing myself for the worst and praying that in reality it won't be too difficult. With regard to the hiatal hernia, the doctor who reported it (who did the endoscopy) said it was "small" and since I hadn't any symptoms he said it was not a problem :confused1: Hmmm now I'm wondering if my surgeon would also do the repair. I will ask him tomorrow when I see him, if he doesn't that might be an issue for me. Thanks VegasAngle.

Oops! That won't be right for me then. Thank you for that important piece of information. I will do my best to figure this out! Thanks again.

I really think this is an important post to read Tweets, I read it today for the first time-http://verticalsleevetalk.com/tell-your-story/4-why-i-chose-sleeve-better-late-than-never.html#post52 Please don't misunderstand--me--I am not here to bash anyones preference. After a bit of research I was very sure that I didn't want the band, (and I knew of a couple of people who had weight loss success with it). After a bit more research I felt the conviction to set my goal for the VSG, (Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy). My surgery for the sleeve is September 15th.

Susan that is how it feels to be here as if I am somehow among good friends and family. I have been reading many of your posts for a while, since I began my research. I am eternally grateful for this venue and your thoughtful and prudent support.:smile1:

Ky.hen, My surgery is only 2 weeks before yours! I too have a grandchild and a daughter both of whom I am very close. I will hope to keep you informed. Thank you, I am so glad you shared. Ex 20:12 back at you love. Let us keep this going. God bless.

Yeah Ruthi, I see you have had double the courage and I really admire your strength. My mother is 80 and has all her wits about her. She has been supportive as it is obvious to her that I need help but as surgery draws near she is becoming so scared, afraid that something may go wrong, (we are close). It's hard for me because deep inside I too feel "what if..." This is the reason why this forum is so important! Honestly everytime I log on I gain the courage to move forward. Thank you for your words of encouragement and support. God bless you as you go.

(...No gas pain, no nausea..) Congrats on the 22lbs! That's great. Your doctor must be top notch. I only pray that I will be able to say the same thing as you post surgery! Thanks for the encouraging words. Stay healthy and keep up the good work.

Wow Carol 68lbs is excellent in such a short amount of time! I've no doubt that you are following the post surgery protocol. :thumbup: Thanks for the encouragement. I really appreciate the support!

I hope so. I had an upper abdominal (triple tear) hernia repair done (mesh) in 2007. I also have a "small" hiatus hernia...all these conditions has me worried that my surgeon my find he has to revert to open surgery. I will be meeting with him wednesday and see what he has to say. Thanks for replying. I am glad that things went well for you.

God be with you and in the hands of your surgeon, every step of the way.

Oh God, I am assuming you are referring to "natural sweetners"? In any case how have you resolved that?

Thanks sooooooooo much! I will get on that ASAP...:confused1: