Hey ya'll. I am in the process of losing the preop weight that Dr. Maher wants me to lose. I am down 8 pounds and have 16 more to go. Is anyone else from the Richmond area? I live in New Kent, Va, but am having my surgery at VCU.

Thanks in advance!

Oh man, now I'm a little jealous!

If I wasn't so far along at St Mary's I may consider switching. My information has been submitted to insurance AGAIN and will be denied AGAIN because they didn't have or send the medical clearance letter.

I too am at VCU, and excited, because everyone has been so nice, and informative. No matter how many times you call and ask questions, they never make you feel like a bother. Good luck to all that are undergoing the surgery soon. If only I could lose the weight I need to. Its so frustrating!

Have a great day everyone!

Bandita, did you have to lose a certain percentage of your body weight during pre-op as well?

Dr. Maher wants me to get to 285 I started at 311. Thats ALLLLLLLLLOOOTTTT of weight to lose. He suggested weight watchers. So I guess I am going to have to suck it up and do it that way. Ugh! I dunno. I really really want this surgery. And I know I need to do this. But sometimes its hard to get over the hump of food. Know what I mean?

oh yes, I definitely know! We're about the same starting weight. I would have a very hard time getting down to 285.

So far, I am down to 300. I have even been down to 298. But because I have been going through some things health wise. Alot of the medications they have put me on, have hindered my weightloss goal. Blegh! It sucks honestly!

I did not have to lose any weight before surgery. My starting weight was 258.5. I have been doing the pre op diet for 9 days and am down to 247.5. If you have to lose weight before surgery this shake diet will def get it off of you! I am in ketosis and actually feel pretty good, i would never do this type of diet if i was not close to surgery because i imagine as soon as i would stop it the weight would just jump back on. But if you are moving forward with surgery it would get that last 15 lbs off quickly...if you can tolerate the bad breath and constant peeing! Hope that helps good luck!

I got approved today and my surgery date is October 8....Im excited and nervous!!!!!!!

I got approved today and my surgery date is October 8....Im excited and nervous!!!!!!!

Congrats. I know that you are happy. Where are you having surgery at?

Congrats. I know that you are happy. Where are you having surgery at?

Thanks and I am having surgery at St Marys.

Just called my insurance company and they said they have NO file open for me with the new surgeon. lol. This, despite the fact that Dr. Bautista's insurance coordinator told me she's been in touch with them and sent them requested information.

So, who's telling the truth? Who's confused?

Well, I am for one. Confused and frustrated and tired of this whole process.

I am so sorry Alicia. *hugs* I hope you get it figured out soon. Maybe its time to get mean

I have not been on line here after surgery so here is my update. I had the sleeve on 8/6 with Dr Brengman at St Marys. He also fixed my hiatal hernia. I stayed 1 night in hospital and did not have any problems. Loved the nurses and had a fabulous experience. I did go to the support group on 8/16 and enjoyed it. The nutritionist is at Dr Brengmans office 1 day a week and you can see her there and not pay extra. Of you see her in the hospital nutrition center then you pay your copay. Tomorrow is 3 weeks since surgery and I have lost 20 pounds, I lost 11 during my 2 week pre op diet which was 2 shakes and a low cal low carb meal each day. I am sooo exited with life!!

Total of 31 pounds down! Best decision I made was to get this tool.

congrats Aug! <3 I wish you all the best!!!!