cajun

FYI, I have noted that there are a number of lawsuits now over patients who had psyciatric disturbances and some suicides after starting Chantix. It is a relatively new drug and I am leery of "new" drugs until they are well tested over time. In my opinion, people who take "new" drugs on the market are "doing the research", like guinea pigs. Since Wellbutrin is an older drug and there has been more experience, and less negative outcomes with it, perhaps it is a safer choice. Good idea to talk with your doctor about this.

Just a friendly FYI. Research demonstrates that once a surgeon has performed over 300 VSG's, their complication rate goes way down. In my opinion, experience is the most important factor in choosing a safe surgeon. Good luck in your research!

Shanda, Wow, you are so beautiful...I know that you will be an awesome bride. Best of luck to you and your fiance! Looking forward to wedding pictures!

Travel as light as you can. You don't want to be lugging a heavy suitcase, to cause a hernia. I checked my luggage going home, so I would not have to pick it up and put it in the overhead bin.

Congrats Kai! You'll do great!

Tiff, A nother vote for A. You Go Girl!

I agree that it is extremely important to follow the recommended slow advancement of the diet as Dr Aceves recommends. If you advance faster, you could develop a leak, and end up back in the hospital (or worse). It's not easy, and I know what you are experiencing..I had my hiatal hernia repaired also and had the esophageal spasms at first, then back pain when I started mushie foods. Just think about the perspective...do it right now, and you will have years and years to eat what ever you want. Take it one day at a time, and you will be successful, without complications.

That was just ONE person's opinion. I'll bet Dr Aceves and many other surgeons would have a different opinion. If you need to hear another opinion before making your decision, I'm sure you can get one!

They look sassy, for sure. How do they rate on safety tests?

I was always hot before surgery too. When I started the presurgery diet, and was losing weight fast, I became cold...and I'm still cold. My theory is the body metabolism slows down because it thinks is starving. I am 3 1/2 months post surgery and I am still cold. I wear wool socks, 3 layers of clothes, and sometimes even a hat. It's one I got years ago in Alaska, and it makes me laugh when I put it on because that's where I feel like I am...especially these past few days. It's supposed to be 17 degrees with the wind chill here in Southwest Louisiana tonight. I can deal with the cold in exchange for all the weight loss! I am stoked...it is hard to believe. At our family christmas dinner, as people arrived I noticed everyone looking at me with that look that says...hmmmm...something is different...but no one "got it". So I did not tell them. Mischievous me! Next time they see me, I think they will realize, because I can now see that I have cheek bones in my face...(and I feel "cheek" bones when I sit. Lots of NSV's. :thumbup::thumbup:

One of the NSVs that I will be glad to experience will be the ability to get a smaller car. I've been so big that I could only drive a big one, for comfort. A Cooper sounds nice...they are so cute.

Most of us had the same feelings...last minute jitters. Just think about how disabled you will be if you stay with your current problems...and for me that was enough to push forward! I wish I had done it 15 years ago...

Best of luck to the "3 bandits" . Let us know how you are doing.

Dr. Jossart, Thank you for your reply.

Dr Jossart: What are some of the possible causes of an epiphrenic diverticulum 3 months post VSG? Thanks for your thoughts.

Many obese people (including me) have a deficient glucose-insulin interaction, causing insulin resistance. This may cause low blood sugar reactions, or high blood sugar (diabetes). Low insulin levels is one indication of this. People with this condition gain weight (and have a hard time losing it) if they are eating refined carbs that have a high glycemic index (sugar, corn syrup, white flour, products made with white flour/sugar, white potatoes, rice, pasta). You might ask your primary provider to test your glucose and insulin metabolism (glucose tolerance test, Hemoglobin A1C, insulin level) Also chromium deficiency is linked with abnormal glucose-insulin metabolism so you might want to get that checked too. I agree with staying below 30 grams of carbs daily, and preferably they should be complex carbs (whole grains, legumes, fruits), especially if you have this problem.

What brand of gummy Mvit are people taking?

My personal opinion is that some of the surgeons who order a huge number of expensive tests on everyone are doing it because it makes money, if not for them personally, for someone they work for or get referrals from. I had hi BP, hypothyroidism and sleep apnea. I did not need any other tests than what Dr Aceves ordered.

Hope: I'm glad there were no leaks. Hopefully your small intestine will get better soon!

Congrats! Have a great trip! Keep up posted on your progress!

I find sweets to be nauseating also. They don't really tempt me any more. What a great thing.

I just PM'd back and forth with another member and received some nice clothes. I think that works fine.

I felt very woozy and weak until I was able to get in more fluids and protein. The brain also needs carbs, so I agree with using a little clear fruit drinks now and then to keep all the neurons working! Hang in there!

Jilly, Hope everything went well! Welcome to the loser's bench!

I have had high bp for years and was on medicine. I stopped it about a month ago because I kept getting 110/60 readings and felt dizzy off and on. For a couple weeks the BP stayed down but it has crept back up to 140/80 the past few weeks...maybe because I've been sick with a cold/sinus. Am just watching it closely and if it does not go back down, I'll get back on the BP med, maybe a half dose or something...will talk with my internist about it.