I have been reading the VGS forum for a while prior to surgery and learned a lot.

I posted the following in the Man's Room, but thought I might introduce myself here as well.

After being denied by insurance twice for WLS due to lack of Doctor's justification of necessity, I finally asked my local bariatric center who they normally dealt with that knew how to fill out the information. Changed PCP and six months later I am on the other side.

I was sleeved on Tuesday (10/19/10) by Dr. Hormuz Irani at Mercy Southwest Hospital in Bakersfield, CA.

Don't remember anything about the surgery beyond being wheeled in the surgical center.

Started at 391 lbs in June. Was at 368 prior to surgery and am now down to 347. Need to get down to goal of ~210 lbs.

Still not getting in all the Water (64 oz+ in addition to the 64 oz of protein) that the dietician recommends, but working on it. Dietician and my Dr.s can't seem to agree on dietary needs.

Dietician recommends no less than 1200 cal/day, 100-140 gr Protein, >130 gr Carbs, >20 gr Fat.

Dr.'s say 800-1000 cal/day, 80 gr Protein, with limited Carbs and Fats.

Still on full liquids, but hopefully get cleared for pureed tomorrow.

Had a difficult time following surgery, due to sleep apnea. Hospital finally provided a CPAP on the 2nd night and I got some sleep. Spent two days in hospital and could not eat/drink any substantial amounts when I finally left. Doing better now.

Walking and getting light weight/resistance exercise now. Need to do more.

10/26/10

Had the Dr appt today.

Removed drain with slight pain.

Surgeon said the operation was one of the best they had done.

In talking to the PA about the issues at the hospital, I mentioned the issue of the CPAP.

She was surprised that they allowed me to use one, since their protocol for sleeve patients call for NO CPAP for the first five days after surgery. Nobody mentioened this fact to the hospital staff or me. I have been using mine every night since I got home

I guess my staple line has been pressure tested at this point :-)

Had some refried Beans with cheees for dinner (4 oz). Some stomach rumbling but very good after a week of Protein shakes and water. Maybe tomorrow some tuna salad.

Hello. Congradultions on the surgery and the weight loss. I am from Bakersfield also. I didn't know there were other posters from Bakersfield. I just finish my 12 Kaiser Options class so hopefully I will be having my surgery at San Joaquin Hospital in January. What insurance did u go throught?

I used the County Employee's Managed Care Insurance system. They have apparently really tightened up their criteria for approval over the past 5 years. But on the flip side they had no issues with approving the VGS as a surgery option.

San Joaquin would have been my first choice for hospital, but Dr Irani uses MSW now rather SJH.

Best wishes.

Welcome and congrats on your surgery and weight loss!!!!

Hope this transition time adding new foods goes well for you!