I'm writing to introduce myself since I just joined this forum... my name is Anna and I'm 24 years old. I'm originally from San Francisco but currently in law school in New Orleans. I'm having my surgery one month from tomorrow with Dr. Rabkin in San Francisco. My husband is in Medical School... we got married on July 5th, 2009.

The reason I'm getting my surgery done in San Francisco is because that's where my parents live, so they will be able to take care of me for a month or so after my surgery, then I'll come back to New Orleans where I'll be working for the summer.

Last week I finished having all my pre-op requirements fulfilled: I had my last round of blood tests and got my Primary Care Physician's Clearance. I'm feeling a little nervous about the surgery but mostly excited for the ultimate good outcomes.

My main motivation for doing this is that I've been overweight/obese my whole life (I'm currently about 227 lbs. and I'm 5'6") and I want to make sure that I don't ever develop any health problems. I'm lucky that I don't have any yet but I want to keep it that way. Also, I've ALWAYS wanted to have kids and from everything I've heard/read, having this surgery will make me healthier to have kids.

Since I'm self-pay (I'm very lucky that my parents offered to cover the cost of my surgery), I don't have to do a pre-op diet or anything... but I'm wondering if anyone has advice about the next month as I get closer and closer to surgery?

Anyways, I look forward to getting to know some of you on here. Nice to *meet* you!

-Anna

good to hear you?ve taken a wise decision....you?re young and you?re planning ahead. are you getting sleeved?

Thank you! And, in response to your question, yes- I'm having the VSG procedure.

Hey Anna. Congrats on your upcoming surgery date. Most doctors seem to feel that it's important to shrink the liver as much as possible before surgery, and my understanding of that is that low carbs are the key. My doctor requires a two week (I think?) pre-op low carb diet, while others require liquid diets. Some seem to feel that it would take longer than 2-4 weeks to shrink the liver, so they don't require a pre-op diet. Personally, I don't get all the differences in pre-op and post-op diets, but I guess as long as you do what your doctor is comfortable with, you'll be fine.

You've got a good month before surgery, so I would work on that if you want to be proactive before surgery. At least it will give you something to focus on while you wait for the month to pass. Keep us up to date on your progress.