Hi All - I have been lurking on this board for a good year. I am 47 years old and mother to seven year old twin girls. My BMI is around 35. I have co-morbidities so my insurance WILL cover WLS (I've checked!). I have severe sleep apnea (75 event an hour)…to the point where the pressure is so high on my machine I have to tape my mouth shut….its awful. My rational side understands the statistics around wls and I that it really the only intervention that actually works. I know I can't do this myself - I've done the yo-yo weight thing my entire life. I want off the bi-pap and to be around for my daughters and husband….. I even pretty much have a surgeon picked out and just need to get the ball rolling. However, I'm stuck in a couple of places mentally.

First, I'm concerned about the first few months post-op. I had a terrible illness a few years ago and I felt like I was going to die. Fatigue was one of the main symptoms….the kind where you can barely get out of bed…and I'm terrified of that happening after surgery for the months where calories are very low. Secondly, I spoke to a NUT at the program I may go through about the calories a year out from the vsg and she said its about 1200 to 1400. I am 5'10" and my BMR is around 2300 (according to my BodyMedia device) so I would waste away at that amount. When I asked about the calories being too low…she basically blew me off and said "I wasn't ready." I get that my BMR will go down a lot….but I doubt that low.

For the folks who have had the vsg, what is your experience with fatigue? How about maintenance calories for a tall woman? Thanks in advance for your replies!

I can't speak for the maintenance calories for a tall woman....I'm only 5' 4". But I can speak about the energy!! Since having the VSG and losing weight, I've had more energy than I have had in a very long time. You don't need that many calories, you will get full quickly and your calories will be limited during the losing phase but you will take Vitamins to make sure your body gets all of the vitamins it needs to do its work. I've had fatigue only once since surgery and that was due to an upper respiratory infection. As soon as that was gone, I was up to my regular energy levels. Don't over think this process. There is a scientific equation here that helps you lose weight by burning more calories than you take in. It works, its fast, and it is a life saver. Don't think you are any different than anyone else, you won't starve and your metabolism and BMR are no different than anybody else of your height. When you accept the program for what it is, you will be ready.

Thanks for your response. I really like your comment, "don't over think!" How'd you know I do that...a lot?!?