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Support is what helps us through the good, the bad and the weight loss.

My suggestion is to get "THE BIG BOOK ON THE GASTRIC SLEEVE" by Alex Brecher

It starts from the very beginning and goes through the first year. Excellent resource and very informative. I got it from Amazon and here is the link http://www.amazon.com/BIG-Book-Gastric-Sleeve-Gastrectomy/dp/0988388235/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1390750957&sr=1-1&keywords=the+big+book+of+gastric+sleeve

There is also one on the gastric bypass.

Also another book I can recommend is ULTIMATE GASTRIC SLEEVE SUCCESS by Dr Duc C. Vuong

http://www.amazon.com/Ultimate-Gastric-Sleeve-Success-Practical/dp/0615830447/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1390751125&sr=1-1&keywords=ultimate+gastric+sleeve+success

Both are excellent and are also available on Kindle.

I think the more informed we are on any major event in our lives it takes the unknown out if it.

3 wks from tomorrow is my surgery. Time is flying.

Just think 1 yr from now we'll be (fill in the blank)................ pounds lighter.

Shersun, absolutely

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As long as you have an experienced surgeon and have trust in him/her that will be a big plus. Read all you can on the surgery and in another post I recommended 2 books that are excellent on the sleeve. Write your questions down to ask to your Dr.

As Jencovi said there are risks in everything but the risk of being obese is a higher risk for our health.

Good luck. We'll all do just fine.

The words of a song by Janis Joplin say Freedom is having nothing else to loose. Imagine how great it will be when we have no more weight to loose. Freedom from (fill in the blank)___________________!

Well, I am new to this group. My surgery is schedule for March 3rd and I am very nervous as I am sure everyone is. I had my physical and history this past week and they had me sign the consent which scared me because of all of the risks. Are most of these risks the same with any surgery? I keep thinking the risks of not having the surgery are higher than having the surgery.

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The correct words from the song are...... Freedom is just another word for having nothing else to loose! What a wonderful gift to ourselves no more weight to loose.

As long as you have an experienced surgeon and have trust in him/her that will be a big plus. Read all you can on the surgery and in another post I recommended 2 books that are excellent on the sleeve. Write your questions down to ask to your Dr.

As Jencovi said there are risks in everything but the risk of being obese is a higher risk for our health.

Good luck. We'll all do just fine.

The words of a song by Janis Joplin say Freedom is having nothing else to loose. Imagine how great it will be when we have no more weight to loose. Freedom from (fill in the blank)___________________!

Well, I am new to this group. My surgery is schedule for March 3rd and I am very nervous as I am sure everyone is. I had my physical and history this past week and they had me sign the consent which scared me because of all of the risks. Are most of these risks the same with any surgery? I keep thinking the risks of not having the surgery are higher than having the surgery.

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My six month doctor supervised diet has come to an end. My surgery has been scheduled for March 11th. I've lost 20 pounds so far, but I'm hoping more will come off during my pre op diet. Getting excited :D

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I agree with the above statements, the opportunity of a healthier you out weights the risk. Congrats to everyone on their pending status.

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I've done my 6 month of pre-requisites for my insurance. I called to check with the Insurance Specialist at the Surgeon's Office if I had everything turned in and he said he had submitted the request. The next day he turns around and he calls me back and says it is APPROVED!

Then I start getting papers in the mail about getting my Endoscopy, the ultrasound for my gallbladder, and a PFT (wanted that in addition to my sleep Study). All that is February 4 & 6. So if all of it looks ok, I'm figuring that my surgery is likely to be the last of February or the beginning of March.

I'm very nervous. It seems like things went from NOTHING to SUPER FAST mode all of a sudden.

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I had my psych eval on Friday. She cleared me, but was worried because I have a lot of anxiety and worry. She said it's just going to get worse after surgery. But I don't think it will be anything I can't handle.

Now I just have to wait for my bariatrician appt on the 7th, then he will refer me to the surgeon for an appointment.

I am also going to a bariatric support group this Thursday. It is a requirement but I am looking forward to it actually.

But we're getting closer! I just try and tell myself everyday... Even though it seems like it is taking forever... Every day that goes by is a day closer.

Has anyone bought all their Vitamins yet? I wasn't sure where to go buy them where they have everything that I need. This includes the fact that most/all need to be chewable.< /p>

Hope everyone is doing well!

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I had my psych eval on Friday. She cleared me, but was worried because I have a lot of anxiety and worry. She said it's just going to get worse after surgery. But I don't think it will be anything I can't handle. Now I just have to wait for my bariatrician appt on the 7th, then he will refer me to the surgeon for an appointment. I am also going to a bariatric support group this Thursday. It is a requirement but I am looking forward to it actually. But we're getting closer! I just try and tell myself everyday... Even though it seems like it is taking forever... Every day that goes by is a day closer. Has anyone bought all their Vitamins yet? I wasn't sure where to go buy them where they have everything that I need. This includes the fact that most/all need to be chewable. Hope everyone is doing well!

i am bipolar and suffer from anxiety. I think if we have support well be ok. I liked my support group meeting a lot. I ordered Bariatric Fusion vitamins. Haven't received them yet Bc I just ordered them. They at a twice a day all-in-one chewable.

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Hi there, just my two cents...I have struggled with anxiety and depression for many years...I was concerned about the psych eval, and the surgery, and then I visited my regular psychiatrist for a clearance, and he said, "Almost everyone who is obese has depression, whether recognized or unrecognized..." His experience with patients (and keep in mind, he is not a surgeon, but a psychiatrist) is that many of them feel better after surgery...

Fast forward, my surgery was Dec. 11 2013. I have had very little anxiety or depression since the surgery...I feel better than I have in YEARS. I have lost about 30 lbs, and the feeling lighter and less sore has me so happy...I actually feel a sense of relief and hope~! I really wake up happy now, where for years I struggled every day.

Of course, I know that this will not be perfect, I expect to have days/weeks/months again of depression, but I do not believe that just because you are already depressed the surgery will make it worse....quite the opposite in my case...

best of luck to each of you :)

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I've done my 6 month of pre-requisites for my insurance. I called to check with the Insurance Specialist at the Surgeon's Office if I had everything turned in and he said he had submitted the request. The next day he turns around and he calls me back and says it is APPROVED! Then I start getting papers in the mail about getting my Endoscopy, the ultrasound for my gallbladder, and a PFT (wanted that in addition to my sleep Study). All that is February 4 & 6. So if all of it looks ok, I'm figuring that my surgery is likely to be the last of February or the beginning of March. I'm very nervous. It seems like things went from NOTHING to SUPER FAST mode all of a sudden.

I'm not approved yet but am also having my sleep study, endoscopy and hematologist appt. February 4th, 5th, and 6th. Going to be a rough 3 days, but so worth it. They submitted to my insurance last Thursday. I hope it comes back quickly approved.

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Hi there, just my two cents...I have struggled with anxiety and depression for many years...I was concerned about the psych eval, and the surgery, and then I visited my regular psychiatrist for a clearance, and he said, "Almost everyone who is obese has depression, whether recognized or unrecognized..." His experience with patients (and keep in mind, he is not a surgeon, but a psychiatrist) is that many of them feel better after surgery... Fast forward, my surgery was Dec. 11 2013. I have had very little anxiety or depression since the surgery...I feel better than I have in YEARS. I have lost about 30 lbs, and the feeling lighter and less sore has me so happy...I actually feel a sense of relief and hope~! I really wake up happy now, where for years I struggled every day. Of course, I know that this will not be perfect, I expect to have days/weeks/months again of depression, but I do not believe that just because you are already depressed the surgery will make it worse....quite the opposite in my case... best of luck to each of you :)

Awesome!!! I'm hoping I have the same outcome. I know that I'm already more hopeful about the future and excited about the possibilities.

April

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I am having my surgery on the 11th. I have been trying different Protein powders for a while now, but I went to the hospital today for preadmission testing and it all became very real to me.

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i am bipolar and suffer from anxiety. I think if we have support well be ok. I liked my support group meeting a lot. I ordered bariatric fusion Vitamins. Haven't received them yet Bc I just ordered them. They at a twice a day all-in-one chewable.< /p>

Thanks for the info on the vitamins! And you are absolutely right about having support.

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Hi there, just my two cents...I have struggled with anxiety and depression for many years...I was concerned about the psych eval, and the surgery, and then I visited my regular psychiatrist for a clearance, and he said, "Almost everyone who is obese has depression, whether recognized or unrecognized..." His experience with patients (and keep in mind, he is not a surgeon, but a psychiatrist) is that many of them feel better after surgery... Fast forward, my surgery was Dec. 11 2013. I have had very little anxiety or depression since the surgery...I feel better than I have in YEARS. I have lost about 30 lbs, and the feeling lighter and less sore has me so happy...I actually feel a sense of relief and hope~! I really wake up happy now, where for years I struggled every day. Of course, I know that this will not be perfect, I expect to have days/weeks/months again of depression, but I do not believe that just because you are already depressed the surgery will make it worse....quite the opposite in my case... best of luck to each of you :)

This is very reassuring. I of course worry (because that's all I do!!) about all my feelings staying the same, even after the weight comes off. Feelings such as the general unhappiness with myself. I am so happy for you. Keep up the good work!

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I am having my surgery on the 11th. I have been trying different Protein powders for a while now, but I went to the hospital today for preadmission testing and it all became very real to me.

I go the 3rd for all of my pre-op stuff and I'm so excited. Sure, the worry creeps in but I know that this is really gonna save my life. As real as it is, so is sleep apnea, high blood pressure and being unable to walk much Bc of all the pressure from extra weight on my spine and hips. We got this! Chin up :)

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    • Doughgurl

      2 days until I fly out to San Diego to have my Bypass Surg. in Tiajuana Mexico. Not gonna lie, the nerves are starting to surface. I don't fear the surgery itself, or the fact that I'm traveling alone, but its the aftermath that I'm stressing about the most, after this 8 week wait. I'm excited to finally be here, but I am really dreading the post surgical chapter. I know its going to be tough, real tough and I think I'm just in my head to much now that the day i here. Wish me luck, Hopefully I'm one of the lucky ones, and everything goes smoothly. Cant wait to give an exciting update,. If there is anyone else have a June bypass or even a recent one, Id love to have someone to compare war stories with. Also, anyone near San Antonio Tx? See ya soon with the future me. 💜
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
    • LeighaTR

      I am new here today... and only two weeks out from my sleeve surgery on the 23rd. I am amazed I have kept my calories down to 467 today so far... that leaves me almost 750 left for dinner and maybe a snack. This is going to be tough for two weeks... but I have to believe I can do it!
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
    • Doughgurl

      Hey everyone. I'm new here so I thought I should introduce myself. I am 53y/o and am scheduled for Gastric Bypass on June 25th, 2025. I'm located in San Antonio, Texas. I will be having my surgery in Tiajuana Mexico. I've wanted this for years, but I always had insurance where bariatric procedures were excluded. Finally I am able to afford to pay out of pocket.  I can't wait to get started, and I hope I'm prepared for the initial period of "hell". I know what I have signed up for, but I'm sure the good to come will out way the temporary period of discomfort and feelings of regret. I'd love to find people to talk to who have been through the same procedure or experience before. So I look forward to meeting you all. Hope you have a great week!
      · 2 replies
      1. Selina333

        I'm so happy for you! You are about to change your life. I was so glad to get the sleeve done in Dec. I didn't have feelings of regret overall. And I'm down almost 60 lbs. I do feel a little sad at restaurants. I can barely eat half a kid's meal. I get adults meals often because kid ones don't have the same offerings at times. Then I feel obligated to eat on that until it's gone and that can be days. So the restaurant thing isn't great for me. All the rest is fine by me! I love feeling full with very little. I do wish I could drink when eating. And will sip at the end. Just a strong habit to stop. But I'm working on it! You will do fine! Just keep focused on your desire to be different. Not better or worse. But different. I am happy both ways but my low back doesn't like me that heavy. So I listened (also my feet!). LOL! Update us on your journey! I'm not far from you. I'm in Houston. Good luck and I hope it all goes smoothly! Would love to see pics of the town you go to for this. I've never been there. Neat you will be traveling for this! Enjoy the journey. Take it one day at a time. Sometimes a few hours at a time. Follow all recommendations as best you can. 💗

      2. Doughgurl

        Thank you so much for your well wishes. I am hoping that everything goes easy for me as well. We don't eat out much as it is, so it wont be too bad in that department. Thankfully. Also, I hear you regarding your back and feet!! I'd like to add knees to the list. Killing me as we speak! I'm only 5' so the weight has to go. Too short to carry all this weight. Menopause really did a doosey on me. (😶lol) My daughter also lives in Houston. with her Husband and my 5 grand-littles. I grew up in Beaumont, so I know Houston well, I will be sure to keep in touch and update you on my journey. I may need some advice in the future, or just motivation. Thank You so much for reaching out, I was hoping to connect with someone in the community. I really appreciate it. 💜

    • Alisa_S

      On day 4 of the 2 week liquid pre-op diet. Surgery scheduled for June 11th.
      Soooo I am coming to a realization
      of something and I'm not sure what to do about it. For years the only thing I've enjoyed is eating. We rarely do anything or go anywhere and if we do it always includes food. Family comes over? Big family dinner! Go camping? Food! Take a short ride or trip? Food! Holiday? Food! Go out of town for a Dr appointment? Food! When we go to a new town we don't look for any attractions, we look for restaurants we haven't been to. Heck, I look forward to getting off work because that means it's almost supper time. Now that I'm drinking these pre-op shakes for breakfast, lunch, and supper I have nothing to look forward to.  And once I have surgery on June 11th it'll be more of the same shakes. Even after pureed stage, soft food stage, and finally regular food stage, it's going to be a drastic change for the rest of my life. I'm giving up the one thing that really brings me joy. Eating. How do you cope with that? What do you do to fill that void? Wow. Now I'm sad.
      · 1 reply
      1. LeighaTR

        I hope your surgery on Wednesday goes well. You will be able to do all sorts of new things as you find your new normal after surgery. I don't know this from experience yet, but I am seeing a lot of positive things from people who have had it done. Best of luck!

    • Alisa_S

      On day 4 of the 2 week liquid pre-op diet. Surgery scheduled for June 11th.
      Soooo I am coming to a realization
      of something and I'm not sure what to do about it. For years the only thing I've enjoyed is eating. We rarely do anything or go anywhere and if we do it always includes food. Family comes over? Big family dinner! Go camping? Food! Take a short ride or trip? Food! Holiday? Food! Go out of town for a Dr appointment? Food! When we go to a new town we don't look for any attractions, we look for restaurants we haven't been to. Heck, I look forward to getting off work because that means it's almost supper time. Now that I'm drinking these pre-op shakes for breakfast, lunch, and supper I have nothing to look forward to.  And once I have surgery on June 11th it'll be more of the same shakes. Even after pureed stage, soft food stage, and finally regular food stage, it's going to be a drastic change for the rest of my life. I'm giving up the one thing that really brings me joy. Eating. How do you cope with that? What do you do to fill that void? Wow. Now I'm sad.
      · 1 reply
      1. summerseeker

        Life as a big person had limited my life to what I knew I could manage to do each day. That was eat. I hadn't anything else to look forward to. So my eating choices were the best I could dream up. I planned the cooking in managable lots in my head and filled my day with and around it.

        Now I have a whole new big, bigger, biggest, best days ever. I am out there with those skinny people doing stuff i could never have dreamt of. Food is now an after thought. It doesn't consume my day. I still enjoy the good home cooked food but I eat smaller portions. I leave food on my plate when I am full. I can no longer hear my mother's voice saying eat it all up, ther are starving children in Africa who would want that!

        I still cook for family feasts, I love cooking. I still do holidays but I have changed from the All inclusive drinking and eating everything everyday kind to Self catering accommodation. This gives me the choice of cooking or eating out as I choose. I rarely drink anymore as I usually travel alone now and I feel I need to keep aware of my surroundings.

        I don't know at what point my life expanded, was it when I lost 100 pounds? Was it when I left my walking stick at home ? Was it when I said yes to an outing instead of finding an excuse to stay home ? i look back at my last five years and wonder how loosing weight has made such a difference. Be ready to amaze yourself.

        BTW, the liquid diet sucks, one more day and you are over the worst. You can do it.

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