I've just been approved for the Kaiser VSG Program. I've been given the diet and told to lose 21LB and then call the Psych for a pre surgery appointment at 5lb before goal weight to schedule surgery. I struggle with the stories of tooth loss, bone breaks, and other issues.I struggle with the thought of never being able to gulp water down when thirsty and dehydrated. But I also struggle with being obese, at risk for all that goes with that such as early death, heart disease, never being able to play with grand kids much less living long enough to see them born much less married etc.... I'm 54. I've been obese since pregnancy at age 25 and struggled with minor overweight issues prior to that. I've tried so many diets but don't seem to have the strength to make the right choices when I am tempted. I feel like negative reinforcement is my last option for maybe finally getting it. Depressed and angry with myself for being so weak. Is this the answer or another big mistake? Will I simply end up toothless, hairless, sick, with bone breaks or will I really be enriched and healthy and save many years of quality lifetime Ugh. Do I do it or not??

Those side effects you mention are a largely a function of not properly taking care of yourself after surgery. As for gulping water (I'm not even 3 weeks out from surgery and I'm able to drink pretty much as normal when I'm thirsty. The only real difference once you are fully healed is that you will have a smaller stomach and get full faster. Don't let the irrational fears sidetrack you from doing something that will improve your life immensely.

I can say upfront that this will be a difficult journey. You will need to adjust to your new life and learn how to manage your nutrients properly.

However, most of the issues you discuss are definitely people who do not follow their programs and change their lifestyles.

Personally, this was the best decision that I have ever made. Fear aside, I would have done it earlier. Fear aside, I am soo happy that I was able to regain my life. This tool saved my life.

4 hours ago, NMB said:

I've just been approved for the Kaiser VSG Program. I've been given the diet and told to lose 21LB and then call the Psych for a pre surgery appointment at 5lb before goal weight to schedule surgery. I struggle with the stories of tooth loss, bone breaks, and other issues.I struggle with the thought of never being able to gulp Water down when thirsty and dehydrated. But I also struggle with being obese, at risk for all that goes with that such as early death, heart disease, never being able to play with grand kids much less living long enough to see them born much less married etc.... I'm 54. I've been obese since pregnancy at age 25 and struggled with minor overweight issues prior to that. I've tried so many diets but don't seem to have the strength to make the right choices when I am tempted. I feel like negative reinforcement is my last option for maybe finally getting it. Depressed and angry with myself for being so weak. Is this the answer or another big mistake? Will I simply end up toothless, hairless, sick, with bone breaks or will I really be enriched and healthy and save many years of quality lifetime Ugh. Do I do it or not??

Im your same age and finally decided enough is enough, best thing i ever did and wish i would of did it 10 years ago and saved my body form all the damage it has endured being overweight , I went through Kaiser if you have any questions feel free to ask.

Edited March 26, 20188 yr by boatnam1

Thank you all. Boatnam1 I do have a question. I've been trying to figure out a good time to do the surgery between life and work stuff. I am supposed to lose 21lb before surgery and call for a Psych appointment within 5 lb of that goal weight. I am supposed to fly to England in late July. But after the England trip my work gets super busy August, September, October, November and December.... I don't want to fly out of country too soon after surgery. If I lose this weight in a month that would put me around April 23rd for goal weight. How quickly do they schedule you for the surgery once you have reached the goal weight and met with the psychiatrist? I am thinking It would be best to be at least a month and a half to 2 months from surgery date before traveling out of country. This is a tight time frame. But I also don't want to have to wait 6 more months to get the surgery either.

On 3/26/2018 at 5:30 AM, boatnam1 said:

Im your same age and finally decided enough is enough, best thing i ever did and wish i would of did it 10 years ago and saved my body form all the damage it has endured being overweight , I went through Kaiser if you have any questions feel free to ask.

Boatnam1 I do have a question. I've been trying to figure out a good time to do the surgery between life and work stuff. I am supposed to lose 21lb before surgery and call for a Psych appointment within 5 lb of that goal weight. I am supposed to fly to England in late July. But after the England trip my work gets super busy August, September, October, November and December.... I don't want to fly out of country too soon after surgery. If I lose this weight in a month that would put me around April 27 for goal weight. How quickly do they schedule you for the surgery once you have reached the goal weight and met with the psychiatrist? I am thinking It would be best to be at least a month and a half to 2 months from surgery date before traveling out of country. This is a tight time frame. But I also hate the thought of having to wait 6 more months to get the surgery. Also, do you know if all of your portion that insurance does not cover is due before surgery or do they have a payment plan?

I think you're right about needing a month or two before travel. I went back to work in 5 days but was tired for 3 weeks after surgery. I'm definitely feeling much better now and tomorrow marks 4 weeks post. I would feel comfortable traveling abroad now. I have to say it's difficult to adhere to your post op diet requirements. There's so much you have to try and figure out. Some foods/drinks you may like, some you may not and you have to figure it out fast because your body is trying to heal and wants nutrients! Lol. I would think your surgeon could schedule your surgery within 6 weeks of hitting your goal weight. That would have you ready for England and you'd be a ball of energy (probably lol) by the time your busy season hits. Good luck to you!! Excited for you.

(I suffer from osteoarthritis and I know this sounds flippant, but I really felt that this surgery would be a walk in the park compared to my joint pain. So far, it's true. But nonetheless, it is a major life change and it takes time to adapt to it - that's the most "painful" part for me.)

Edited March 28, 20188 yr by logicwand