Re: New here- Long intro and some major brain-dump of fears..

[Guest guest]

hi

New here- Long intro and some major brain-dump of fears..

Hi!

I'm Jo777 over on OH, and have struggled with obesity all my life, 37 now. I

have never been a normal size, even as a toddler- my whole family was/is

overweight. I've dieted on and off like all of you multiple times, only to

re-gain. My biggest success was a 110lb loss when I was in my early 20's,

single, desperate too! I lost it all in a little over a year by counting

calories- usually 700-900/day and working out like a fiend. I lost a lot of hair

too.. Most of that came back, but not all.. I did manage to keep the majority

of the weight off for 4 years plus by joining the gym and weight lifting (love

what weights do for me mentally & physically.)

I got distracted from concentrating solely on myself and started to re-gain

again, gave up the workouts, and the healthy eating went with it shortly after..

gained it all back. I am now at 276ish, down from 280 on V-day (dieting again,

though trying hard not too go too overboard with the calorie restriction.. I

have an all or nothing personality, not alw

[Guest guest]

I was sleeved in Aug. 2009, lost all the weight by the following April,

and then more, 133 lbs. total, and I'm 5'-7.5 " tall, so I now weigh

about 114 pounds. My biggest issue is keeping weight on. There was no

regain. You won't be hungry unless it's just your head telling you

you're hungry; physically, you won't be hungry. I did not have GERD or

any of those issues. A lot of us here use Miralax to help with

constipation, it's not habit forming. Dr. A gives you Nexium, but you

can take Prolosec if you wish (ask him the difference). This will be the

best thing you can do for your health. I hear a lot of fear about it in

your post. After you have it done, you'll wonder why all the fear and

think you should have done it a long time ago. Losing the weight will

fix your aches and pains and general health. You'll be thrilled and so

will the hubby. Yes, you might need some cosmetic work done down the

road, and yes, you'll likely lose some hair, but it does come back.

Those are the big side effects of this surgery: possible

cosmetic/plastic surgery to get rid of loose skin depending on how your

skin retracts (but you're only 37 so you've got a good shot at

retraction), hair loss (but comes back), perhaps having to eat all the

time to keep weight on, and spending way too much on a whole new

wardrobe. If you think you're up for that, go for it. Others will chime

in with their assessments.

>

> Hi!

> I'm Jo777 over on OH, and have struggled with obesity all my life, 37

now. I have never been a normal size, even as a toddler- my whole family

was/is overweight. I've dieted on and off like all of you multiple

times, only to re-gain. My biggest success was a 110lb loss when I was

in my early 20's, single, desperate too! I lost it all in a little over

a year by counting calories- usually 700-900/day and working out like a

fiend. I lost a lot of hair too.. Most of that came back, but not

all.. I did manage to keep the majority of the weight off for 4 years

plus by joining the gym and weight lifting (love what weights do for me

mentally & physically.)

>

> I got distracted from concentrating solely on myself and started to

re-gain again, gave up the workouts, and the healthy eating went with it

shortly after.. gained it all back. I am now at 276ish, down from 280 on

V-day (dieting again, though trying hard not too go too overboard with

the calorie restriction.. I have an all or nothing personality, not

always great to have. My all time max weight was 308 back in 1993,

shortly before starting the crash dieting. Lowest ever- 155 after strict

lo-carbing, which caused a huge refeed issue and GI problems and snap

re-gain.

>

> Some negatives have crept into my brain. I want to share & hopefully

you can reassure without sugar-coating the down sides too much. Please

bear with my neewbie fears.. I have not set the date as I'm getting

other things in order and trying to get smaller & healthier (stronger)

first. I want to aim for mid-May to Mid-June and have been in contact

with Nina for the paperwork and financials.

>

> I can loose the weight, I've done it before- granted it was 15 years

ago the last time I lost A LOT of weight at one time. I can't seem to

keep it off. We (husband is thin, always has been)I don't have junk in

the house, never have. I grew up with it and hated it.. no candy, chips

or that sort. My problem is with eating too much, too fatty, rich and

sometimes the too much was too much of carryout, or dining out or too

much of whatever I made that night.. I also like to drink, most nights

of the week until recently I would have two drinks.. wine, whiskey &

soda etc. I'm cutting this out since I'm trying to lose anyway, plus if

it's not in the house, I won't drink it- since I won't go buy it. Can't

have it (or really shouldn't) when you're tying to lose anyway..

>

> My fears:

>

> I won't loose- or won't loose down to my goal of 150. I don't even

know what a healthy weight is for me, my lowest was 155 and I still

thought I was fat. I have beaten myself up with so many lo-cal (sub 800)

starvation diets that I'm afraid that this will end the same way, lose

stall gain.

>

> Gallbladder- Does Dr. A put anyone on Actigall to prevent gallstones?

How many patients end up having attacks and surgery? I've never had one

stitch of problems with my gb, and am very afraid now that I'm looking

at the surgery and reading through people's posts.

>

> Heartburn- I already have to take half a Prilosec a day to stave it

off. Symptom free if I do, off it- it's hell. I know this can make it

worse, possibly. On that note, I already take Prilosec, does anyone know

if Dr. A will let us use Prilosec instead of Nexium? It works so good

for me, I'm afraid to switch!

>

> Complications- I've read everything from severe constipation,

potassium deficiencies, nausea, retching, GERD.. This scares me silly. I

know I'll prob lose my hair again The loose skin, I've had it before

& hate it with a passion, but it can be hidden or fixed if I get brave.

>

> Second Thoughts- I do not have any co-morbidities, no diabetes yet

(sister & mom do), no high BP- sometimes 125/90 if I'm stressed- so

maybe borderline there. Cholesterol is usually sub 200, last test 212

(was not eating well for months prior).. no maintenance meds except my

prilosec. So why not do this on my own like last time & just keep it

off, why look at surgery?? I'm so scared I'll get lower, then gain again

as the hunger overtakes me! Gah. I don't want to do this again at 50 or

60.. I tell myself it will only get harder as I age.

> I have back pain, I have ankle pain, I can't move, sleep, or look good

anymore.. and I re-gain..

>

> Friends- will they still be there? Relationship- pretty sure this will

be a big positive, he met me smaller- 180ish & he loved me then, loves

me when I'm big but is very worried that I won't live a happy long life,

and he would love it if we could do the things we used to- canoe,

hiking, being more social- we are both the nature-loving type, and want

to travel. It's hard to travel when you can't handle walking too far!

Very frustrating to me that I have not hiked a good long day in years..

I used to run/walk the trails for exercise.

>

> I do not know if my PCP is on-board or not yet, I have not been to him

for almost a year. I fear not having my surgeon close, though my husband

personally knows a fantastic GI here in town, if he's willing to see

me.. He's not a bari Dr., just a great well-know GI surgeon. How did you

all handle the Dr follow-ups back home, were your Drs supportive or did

you have to find another? Does ins cover if you need to go in for help?

Support groups, yay or nay besides the boards?

>

> I was going to edit this shorter- but then decided to leave it, this

is what's rolling in my head today. Thanks for reading through to the

end

>

> Jo

>

[Guest guest]

Hi Jo,

You have come to the perfect place to dump your fears. Trust me – we've all

been through this.

Let me share my experience with you. Just remember – it's only my experience –

but I'm sure you'll hear from lots of other folks. We're a pretty supportive

group.

First off – diets don't work. If they did, we would be a nation of thin people.

Look at how many BILLIONS of dollars are spent on the diet industry. And the

more times you lose and then regain, the more you screw up your metabolism.

I had the same issue as you – my culprit was quantity, not quality. I'm not a

sweet eater and I seldom had chips, etc in the house. But I could put away a 16

ounce rib eye along with a full baked potato and a huge salad with no problems.

I could go to brunch and graze on the entire buffet for hours.

I wound up at age 52 at 250 pounds on a 5'6 " frame. I no longer wanted to leave

the house because I hated how I looked and I hated the looks I got from " thin "

people. My feet and knees hurt all the time. I ached when I woke up in the

morning. I couldn't walk my dogs because of my feet and knees, and I'd get out

of breath in less than half a block! I couldn't cross my legs. I couldn't

paint my toenails or tie my shoes without getting out of breath because of the

belly fat that was pressing on my lungs when I tried to bend over. I couldn't

get down on the floor to do anything because I couldn't get my bulk back up.

Then my doctor told me I was pre-diabetic. That scared the he## out of me.

I had my surgery June 16th 2010. I told immediate family what I was doing but

no one else. I travelled alone. I had researched Dr. Aceves and Mexicali

enough that I was 100% comfortable with my decision. Hospital Almater was

amazing; I received better care for this surgery than I did when I had open

heart surgery 4 years ago!

The surgery was a breeze. The next day was a bear but pain meds were minutes

away whenever I needed them. Each day that passed I felt better and stronger.

Travelling home was no problem but I did arrange for wheelchairs in the airport

so I didn't have to do a lot of walking.

Getting in enough fluids was a problem for me. My tummy was so tiny and swollen

from the surgery that it was an effort to get down more than two tiny sips at a

time. I went everywhere with a glass of water and a straw and sipped

CONSTANTLY. (But that is a terrific habit to acquire!) Dinner was a few

tablespoons of broth. Even that took a long time to get down.

After a week on nothing but clear fluids, you think you're going to go nuts.

But before you know it, you're ready to graduate to full liquids and that first

taste of cream-of-anything soup is AWESOME! Sugar free popsicles and jello were

my best friends my first month.

It took me about 4 months before the swelling went completely away with my tummy

and I could eat " normally " . " Normal " for me is very different than it used to

be. I used to eat two breakfast tacos. Now one taco will feed me all day!

One-third of the taco for breakfast, one-third for lunch, and the last third at

the end of the day! A hamburger will feed me for four meals. I now order my

to-go box when I order my meal. And that 16 ounce rib eye? Well, I can eat

maybe 3 ounces and I'm DONE.

Have you been warned about your taste buds changing? Nothing tastes the same

after surgery. Things you used to crave you will no longer care for. Don't

stock up on ANYTHING pre-surgery or you'll be sorry. And your tummy will

dictate what you can and cannot eat. Mine hates rice. I used to LOVE rice.

Can't eat it. I used to HATE fish. Now I crave it. I was a red meat eater –

now I find it very hard to digest so it's no longer enjoyable. I also used to

love fried chicken but my new tummy hates it so that is OUT.

The surgery removes the portion of your stomach that produces the ghrelin – the

hunger hormone. So after surgery, you are no longer hungry! However, your HEAD

will TELL you that you're hungry because it's time to eat. It's breakfast time,

or lunch time, or dinner time. Your head will also tell you " Is that ALL you're

going to eat??? SURELY you can get down a little bit more! " Controlling my

brain is the hardest part of this journey.

I had very little problems with constipation and that is usually when I don't

get enough fluids. I did have trouble with it right after surgery but kept

forgetting that if you're not putting anything IN to the system, you can't

expect to get anything OUT of the system!

My hair started falling out about 5 months after surgery. Luckily I have a TON

of hair – it's just very fine – so I don't have any bare spots (that I'm aware

of!). It seems to have slowed a bit but it's still coming out every morning in

my comb. Don't know how long this will last.

I've had no problem with acid reflux since month 3. I too took Prilosec when I

ran out of the Nexium that Dr. A gave me at the hospital. No problems with it.

If I eat too fast (old BAD habit), it comes back up. Not pleasant. But it is a

reminder to slow down. If I eat too much, I feel ill and have to go lay down.

Again, I view this as a good thing because painful reminders are the most

lasting ones! But it has been hard to actually THINK when I'm eating instead of

mindlessly stuffing food in my mouth. 52 years of bad habits are not easy to

change. And THAT is why I chose this tool – to help me overcome those bad

habits.

Now, let me tell you where I am 8 months after surgery.

I am now down to 180 pounds. My goal is 150 but if I don't lose another ounce,

I'll still be happy because I FEEL SO GOOD! I have gone from a size 22W to a

loose size 14. I have lost half a shoe size and two ring sizes. I WISH I had

measured myself before surgery but I failed to do that.

My feet and knees no longer hurt. I enjoy walking again. I can cross my legs

and paint my toenails. My thighs no longer rub together. I can wear high heels

and skirts again and I actually enjoy clothes shopping!

I no longer ache when I wake up in the morning. And the best part is – when I

went for my 6 month blood work, the doctor told me I was no longer pre-diabetic.

HALLELUJA!

There is no required follow up for gastric sleeve surgery except to have regular

blood work done twice a year, which I've always had done anyway. So my primary

care physician handles it.

Can't tell you anything about gallbladder issues. I was diagnosed with stones

over a year ago but I've never done anything about it and haven't had any issues

(they were spotted on an x-ray I had done for another reason).

My only regret is that I didn't do this 10 years ago. I am still learning from

my new tummy and still working on my old bad habits so my journey is FAR from

over. But I don't regret ANYTHING I've experienced along the way.

And you asked about friends? If they are friends, they will be with you all the

way. If they're not with you, they weren't really friends, were they? The only

thing I have seen from my friends and acquaintances are smiles and

congratulations on my amazing transformation.

Best of luck to you on your journey to a healthy life. This is an awesome

opportunity for you. Grab it with both hands and don't let go – claim the

victory for yourself and your family of a happy, healthy you!

Cheryl*

[Guest guest]

Hey Girlie Girl... I know you! ;o)I think you'll find that when any of us loses and regains it is because we made the lifestyle change long enough to lose but for a variety of factors we were unable to maintain that weight loss.  Keeping in mind that studies show we produce 3x as much hunger causing Ghrelin as a naturally thin person it is really hard to stay in the 900 calories diets forever.  We are simply made up differently than a naturally thin person.  With a smaller stomach it is far easier to control hunger issues and sincerely make that lifestyle change as needed but long term.  Is there a chance you could ragain?  You bet.  As small as our stomachs are they hold a fierce amount of Chocolate. ;o)  (as I sit here eating a cookie for breakfast)  But the thing is, your stomach only holds so much, if you want to binge you eat a few bites and wait for that to go through and then you eat some more.  You have to consciencely choose to eat in the old manner, there really is very little mindless eating.  A sleeve or ANY WLS really is just a tool for you to do it yourself, it just makes it a little more sane and a whole lot easier.

Actigall... no, he doesn't.  Dr. Aceves doesn't use that drug because when you are losing weight it is really hard on your liver.  All the fat is processed through your liver.  It is common for your liver enzymes to be slightly elevated during massive weight loss.  Actigall is really fairly hard on your liver and it's a bit like a double whammy and the drug doesn't always work on top of it.  I personally would decline the drug during weight loss.

Heartburn/Prilosec... Most of us have a hiatal hernia pre op, obesity is a major cause of hiatal hernias.  Obesity is another cause of reflux.  Weight loss and repairing the hiatal hernia fixes the pre op heart burn for most.  I take Prilosec.

Complications... constipation happens if you don't get fiber in.  You need a gazillion ounces of water daily and lots of fiber and it's not an issue.  GERD does happen in some of us, it is usually short lived but not always.  Low potassium wouldn't be due to the surgery type, that would be something different. Nausea can happen short term, I had it for one day post op.  Vomiting... ohhhhh... it WILL happen, there is a learning curve to WLS and eating.  But hurling a time or two reminds you to eat slowly and chew well. ;o)  You don't really know your limits until you push them and you will push them.  It's the nature of the beast.

Tell me something, obesity has more risk than surgery.  Are you equally afraid of strokes, heart attacks, kidney failure, and all the other assorted issues that come with obesity as you are surgery? ;o)

2nd thoughts.... Not sure I understand your point.  Are you saying that you don't have any comorbidities yet so you are unsure if you are 'unhealthy' enough to have WLS?  Are you thinking it would be more wise to wait until you are a higher surgical risk before having surgery?  ;o)))))))

Friends... you might lose some of your fat friends due to envy and really, can you blame someone for being envious of someone who is losing well and happy?  It's hard to be left behind.  Skinny friends... sometimes they feel better about themselves being around us and when we are no longer obese we are no longer of use to them.  Then you'll also have your mega supportive friends.  You won't know until it happens.  But being in the WLS community you'll find that you make a whole lot of new friends as well.

What follow ups are you planning to have post op?  We don't need any unless we have a complication.  At three months and then annually you have some lab work and your PCP can do that.  I didn't tell my PCP about my original surgery until after I did it.  It wasn't his decision, it was mine.  I didn't know what he would say about going to MX and I didn't want to hear it if he had a problem with it.  He didn't research it, I did.  Turns out, he was totally cool with it and very supportive.  But he also knows I'm not an idiot and I did know full well what I was doing.  When I told him I went to MX he did do a double-take but that's okay, he asked me questions and I answered honestly and he was fine with it.  I never had infections or complications due to my surgeon so he was fine.

Hope this helps!On Wed, Feb 16, 2011 at 1:44 PM, jnels777 <jostoli7@...> wrote:

 

Hi!

I'm Jo777 over on OH, and have struggled with obesity all my life, 37 now. I have never been a normal size, even as a toddler- my whole family was/is overweight. I've dieted on and off like all of you multiple times, only to re-gain. My biggest success was a 110lb loss when I was in my early 20's, single, desperate too! I lost it all in a little over a year by counting calories- usually 700-900/day and working out like a fiend. I lost a lot of hair too.. Most of that came back, but not all.. I did manage to keep the majority of the weight off for 4 years plus by joining the gym and weight lifting (love what weights do for me mentally & physically.)

I got distracted from concentrating solely on myself and started to re-gain again, gave up the workouts, and the healthy eating went with it shortly after.. gained it all back. I am now at 276ish, down from 280 on V-day (dieting again, though trying hard not too go too overboard with the calorie restriction.. I have an all or nothing personality, not always great to have. My all time max weight was 308 back in 1993, shortly before starting the crash dieting. Lowest ever- 155 after strict lo-carbing, which caused a huge refeed issue and GI problems and snap re-gain.

Some negatives have crept into my brain. I want to share & hopefully you can reassure without sugar-coating the down sides too much. Please bear with my neewbie fears.. I have not set the date as I'm getting other things in order and trying to get smaller & healthier (stronger) first. I want to aim for mid-May to Mid-June and have been in contact with Nina for the paperwork and financials.

I can loose the weight, I've done it before- granted it was 15 years ago the last time I lost A LOT of weight at one time. I can't seem to keep it off. We (husband is thin, always has been)I don't have junk in the house, never have. I grew up with it and hated it.. no candy, chips or that sort. My problem is with eating too much, too fatty, rich and sometimes the too much was too much of carryout, or dining out or too much of whatever I made that night.. I also like to drink, most nights of the week until recently I would have two drinks.. wine, whiskey & soda etc. I'm cutting this out since I'm trying to lose anyway, plus if it's not in the house, I won't drink it- since I won't go buy it. Can't have it (or really shouldn't) when you're tying to lose anyway..

My fears:

I won't loose- or won't loose down to my goal of 150. I don't even know what a healthy weight is for me, my lowest was 155 and I still thought I was fat. I have beaten myself up with so many lo-cal (sub 800) starvation diets that I'm afraid that this will end the same way, lose stall gain.

Gallbladder- Does Dr. A put anyone on Actigall to prevent gallstones? How many patients end up having attacks and surgery? I've never had one stitch of problems with my gb, and am very afraid now that I'm looking at the surgery and reading through people's posts.

Heartburn- I already have to take half a Prilosec a day to stave it off. Symptom free if I do, off it- it's hell. I know this can make it worse, possibly. On that note, I already take Prilosec, does anyone know if Dr. A will let us use Prilosec instead of Nexium? It works so good for me, I'm afraid to switch!

Complications- I've read everything from severe constipation, potassium deficiencies, nausea, retching, GERD.. This scares me silly. I know I'll prob lose my hair again The loose skin, I've had it before & hate it with a passion, but it can be hidden or fixed if I get brave.

Second Thoughts- I do not have any co-morbidities, no diabetes yet (sister & mom do), no high BP- sometimes 125/90 if I'm stressed- so maybe borderline there. Cholesterol is usually sub 200, last test 212 (was not eating well for months prior).. no maintenance meds except my prilosec. So why not do this on my own like last time & just keep it off, why look at surgery?? I'm so scared I'll get lower, then gain again as the hunger overtakes me! Gah. I don't want to do this again at 50 or 60.. I tell myself it will only get harder as I age.

I have back pain, I have ankle pain, I can't move, sleep, or look good anymore.. and I re-gain..

Friends- will they still be there? Relationship- pretty sure this will be a big positive, he met me smaller- 180ish & he loved me then, loves me when I'm big but is very worried that I won't live a happy long life, and he would love it if we could do the things we used to- canoe, hiking, being more social- we are both the nature-loving type, and want to travel. It's hard to travel when you can't handle walking too far! Very frustrating to me that I have not hiked a good long day in years.. I used to run/walk the trails for exercise.

I do not know if my PCP is on-board or not yet, I have not been to him for almost a year. I fear not having my surgeon close, though my husband personally knows a fantastic GI here in town, if he's willing to see me.. He's not a bari Dr., just a great well-know GI surgeon. How did you all handle the Dr follow-ups back home, were your Drs supportive or did you have to find another? Does ins cover if you need to go in for help? Support groups, yay or nay besides the boards?

I was going to edit this shorter- but then decided to leave it, this is what's rolling in my head today. Thanks for reading through to the end

Jo

[Guest guest]

Thanks!

I was hoping you'd see the post, I figured there were reasons for the no

actigall meds. The side effects didn't look to good just from reading them, but

the 30% stats on stones don't either! & I know, even

if you get stones, it doesn't mean they are symptomatic either. It's just me &

my super-analytical over thinking brain that likes to have all bases covered.

Suzanne wrote to me & gave me a great pep talk about it to! Very happy for all

the support around here!

No, I'm not saying I'm too healthy to do this in fact I'm trying hard to get

healthier before I do.. I was literally just typing out everything that was

going on in my head, all the little what if's and the doubts and all that crap.

It helps, throwing it up someplace and seeing it, and having others see it and

call you out for your doubts and give you their own perspectives.

Just waiting on DH to talk to the big boss about taking a week off & how soon he

can do it will determine the date- I want this no later than June.. I'd like to

have some sunlight while I heal up! Need to get moving on the passport

application too.

Thanks again, still no phone

Hopefully that will be fixed by this weekend~

Jo

>

> >

> >

> > Hi!

> > I'm Jo777 over on OH, and have struggled with obesity all my life, 37 now.

> > I have never been a normal size, even as a toddler- my whole family was/is

> > overweight. I've dieted on and off like all of you multiple times, only to

> > re-gain. My biggest success was a 110lb loss when I was in my early 20's,

> > single, desperate too! I lost it all in a little over a year by counting

> > calories- usually 700-900/day and working out like a fiend. I lost a lot of

> > hair too.. Most of that came back, but not all.. I did manage to keep the

> > majority of the weight off for 4 years plus by joining the gym and weight

> > lifting (love what weights do for me mentally & physically.)

> >

> > I got distracted from concentrating solely on myself and started to re-gain

> > again, gave up the workouts, and the healthy eating went with it shortly

> > after.. gained it all back. I am now at 276ish, down from 280 on V-day

> > (dieting again, though trying hard not too go too overboard with the calorie

> > restriction.. I have an all or nothing personality, not always great to

> > have. My all time max weight was 308 back in 1993, shortly before starting

> > the crash dieting. Lowest ever- 155 after strict lo-carbing, which caused a

> > huge refeed issue and GI problems and snap re-gain.

> >

> > Some negatives have crept into my brain. I want to share & hopefully you

> > can reassure without sugar-coating the down sides too much. Please bear with

> > my neewbie fears.. I have not set the date as I'm getting other things in

> > order and trying to get smaller & healthier (stronger) first. I want to aim

> > for mid-May to Mid-June and have been in contact with Nina for the paperwork

> > and financials.

> >

> > I can loose the weight, I've done it before- granted it was 15 years ago

> > the last time I lost A LOT of weight at one time. I can't seem to keep it

> > off. We (husband is thin, always has been)I don't have junk in the house,

> > never have. I grew up with it and hated it.. no candy, chips or that sort.

> > My problem is with eating too much, too fatty, rich and sometimes the too

> > much was too much of carryout, or dining out or too much of whatever I made

> > that night.. I also like to drink, most nights of the week until recently I

> > would have two drinks.. wine, whiskey & soda etc. I'm cutting this out since

> > I'm trying to lose anyway, plus if it's not in the house, I won't drink it-

> > since I won't go buy it. Can't have it (or really shouldn't) when you're

> > tying to lose anyway..

> >

> > My fears:

> >

> > I won't loose- or won't loose down to my goal of 150. I don't even know

> > what a healthy weight is for me, my lowest was 155 and I still thought I was

> > fat. I have beaten myself up with so many lo-cal (sub 800) starvation diets

> > that I'm afraid that this will end the same way, lose stall gain.

> >

> > Gallbladder- Does Dr. A put anyone on Actigall to prevent gallstones? How

> > many patients end up having attacks and surgery? I've never had one stitch

> > of problems with my gb, and am very afraid now that I'm looking at the

> > surgery and reading through people's posts.

> >

> > Heartburn- I already have to take half a Prilosec a day to stave it off.

> > Symptom free if I do, off it- it's hell. I know this can make it worse,

> > possibly. On that note, I already take Prilosec, does anyone know if Dr. A

> > will let us use Prilosec instead of Nexium? It works so good for me, I'm

> > afraid to switch!

> >

> > Complications- I've read everything from severe constipation, potassium

> > deficiencies, nausea, retching, GERD.. This scares me silly. I know I'll

> > prob lose my hair again The loose skin, I've had it before & hate it with

> > a passion, but it can be hidden or fixed if I get brave.

> >

> > Second Thoughts- I do not have any co-morbidities, no diabetes yet (sister

> > & mom do), no high BP- sometimes 125/90 if I'm stressed- so maybe borderline

> > there. Cholesterol is usually sub 200, last test 212 (was not eating well

> > for months prior).. no maintenance meds except my prilosec. So why not do

> > this on my own like last time & just keep it off, why look at surgery?? I'm

> > so scared I'll get lower, then gain again as the hunger overtakes me! Gah. I

> > don't want to do this again at 50 or 60.. I tell myself it will only get

> > harder as I age.

> > I have back pain, I have ankle pain, I can't move, sleep, or look good

> > anymore.. and I re-gain..

> >

> > Friends- will they still be there? Relationship- pretty sure this will be a

> > big positive, he met me smaller- 180ish & he loved me then, loves me when

> > I'm big but is very worried that I won't live a happy long life, and he

> > would love it if we could do the things we used to- canoe, hiking, being

> > more social- we are both the nature-loving type, and want to travel. It's

> > hard to travel when you can't handle walking too far! Very frustrating to me

> > that I have not hiked a good long day in years.. I used to run/walk the

> > trails for exercise.

> >

> > I do not know if my PCP is on-board or not yet, I have not been to him for

> > almost a year. I fear not having my surgeon close, though my husband

> > personally knows a fantastic GI here in town, if he's willing to see me..

> > He's not a bari Dr., just a great well-know GI surgeon. How did you all

> > handle the Dr follow-ups back home, were your Drs supportive or did you have

> > to find another? Does ins cover if you need to go in for help? Support

> > groups, yay or nay besides the boards?

> >

> > I was going to edit this shorter- but then decided to leave it, this is

> > what's rolling in my head today. Thanks for reading through to the end

> >

> > Jo

> >

> >

> >

>

[Guest guest]

Hi Cheryl!

Yep- that's me- I love the savory over sweet! I love nice fatty meats and butter

sauces and all that, and not stopping at one bite either.

Congrats on the loss! That is wonderful!

I set my goal optimistically at 150, but honestly, I look good as a size 14-16,

and would be happy to be 180 or below for the rest of my life. I do not have a

small frame, or so I discovered for a short time when I got down to 155. I saw

ribs for the first time! (when I stretched to the side at least!) I recall

standing by the sink to do dishes and bumping my hip-bones! It shocked me, I had

bones under there after all!

I'd like that feeling again, please?

Yeah, my hair fell out- and unfortunately not all of it came back.. so, I'm

hoping that since I've been using Rogaine foam for 6mo or more (it does work

pretty good btw)that maybe some strands won't decide to abandon me!

I plan to not tell the friends anything, even post-surgery unless I have to, to

explain why I'm not having the drink or eating the food. I think I'm just going

to say I'm on a strict Dr. supervised weight loss plan - that's true enough

for them!

Thanks again!

Jo

>

>

> Hi Jo,

> You have come to the perfect place to dump your fears. Trust me – we've all

been through this.

>

> Let me share my experience with you. Just remember – it's only my experience

– but I'm sure you'll hear from lots of other folks. We're a pretty supportive

group.

>

> First off – diets don't work. If they did, we would be a nation of thin

people. Look at how many BILLIONS of dollars are spent on the diet industry.

And the more times you lose and then regain, the more you screw up your

metabolism.

>

> I had the same issue as you – my culprit was quantity, not quality. I'm not a

sweet eater and I seldom had chips, etc in the house. But I could put away a 16

ounce rib eye along with a full baked potato and a huge salad with no problems.

I could go to brunch and graze on the entire buffet for hours.

>

> I wound up at age 52 at 250 pounds on a 5'6 " frame. I no longer wanted to

leave the house because I hated how I looked and I hated the looks I got from

" thin " people. My feet and knees hurt all the time. I ached when I woke up in

the morning. I couldn't walk my dogs because of my feet and knees, and I'd get

out of breath in less than half a block! I couldn't cross my legs. I couldn't

paint my toenails or tie my shoes without getting out of breath because of the

belly fat that was pressing on my lungs when I tried to bend over. I couldn't

get down on the floor to do anything because I couldn't get my bulk back up.

Then my doctor told me I was pre-diabetic. That scared the he## out of me.

>

> I had my surgery June 16th 2010. I told immediate family what I was doing but

no one else. I travelled alone. I had researched Dr. Aceves and Mexicali

enough that I was 100% comfortable with my decision. Hospital Almater was

amazing; I received better care for this surgery than I did when I had open

heart surgery 4 years ago!

> The surgery was a breeze. The next day was a bear but pain meds were minutes

away whenever I needed them. Each day that passed I felt better and stronger.

Travelling home was no problem but I did arrange for wheelchairs in the airport

so I didn't have to do a lot of walking.

>

> Getting in enough fluids was a problem for me. My tummy was so tiny and

swollen from the surgery that it was an effort to get down more than two tiny

sips at a time. I went everywhere with a glass of water and a straw and sipped

CONSTANTLY. (But that is a terrific habit to acquire!) Dinner was a few

tablespoons of broth. Even that took a long time to get down.

>

> After a week on nothing but clear fluids, you think you're going to go nuts.

But before you know it, you're ready to graduate to full liquids and that first

taste of cream-of-anything soup is AWESOME! Sugar free popsicles and jello were

my best friends my first month.

> It took me about 4 months before the swelling went completely away with my

tummy and I could eat " normally " . " Normal " for me is very different than it

used to be. I used to eat two breakfast tacos. Now one taco will feed me all

day! One-third of the taco for breakfast, one-third for lunch, and the last

third at the end of the day! A hamburger will feed me for four meals. I now

order my to-go box when I order my meal. And that 16 ounce rib eye? Well, I

can eat maybe 3 ounces and I'm DONE.

>

> Have you been warned about your taste buds changing? Nothing tastes the same

after surgery. Things you used to crave you will no longer care for. Don't

stock up on ANYTHING pre-surgery or you'll be sorry. And your tummy will

dictate what you can and cannot eat. Mine hates rice. I used to LOVE rice.

Can't eat it. I used to HATE fish. Now I crave it. I was a red meat eater –

now I find it very hard to digest so it's no longer enjoyable. I also used to

love fried chicken but my new tummy hates it so that is OUT.

>

> The surgery removes the portion of your stomach that produces the ghrelin –

the hunger hormone. So after surgery, you are no longer hungry! However, your

HEAD will TELL you that you're hungry because it's time to eat. It's breakfast

time, or lunch time, or dinner time. Your head will also tell you " Is that ALL

you're going to eat??? SURELY you can get down a little bit more! " Controlling

my brain is the hardest part of this journey.

>

> I had very little problems with constipation and that is usually when I don't

get enough fluids. I did have trouble with it right after surgery but kept

forgetting that if you're not putting anything IN to the system, you can't

expect to get anything OUT of the system!

>

> My hair started falling out about 5 months after surgery. Luckily I have a

TON of hair – it's just very fine – so I don't have any bare spots (that I'm

aware of!). It seems to have slowed a bit but it's still coming out every

morning in my comb. Don't know how long this will last.

>

> I've had no problem with acid reflux since month 3. I too took Prilosec when

I ran out of the Nexium that Dr. A gave me at the hospital. No problems with

it.

>

> If I eat too fast (old BAD habit), it comes back up. Not pleasant. But it is

a reminder to slow down. If I eat too much, I feel ill and have to go lay down.

Again, I view this as a good thing because painful reminders are the most

lasting ones! But it has been hard to actually THINK when I'm eating instead of

mindlessly stuffing food in my mouth. 52 years of bad habits are not easy to

change. And THAT is why I chose this tool – to help me overcome those bad

habits.

>

> Now, let me tell you where I am 8 months after surgery.

> I am now down to 180 pounds. My goal is 150 but if I don't lose another

ounce, I'll still be happy because I FEEL SO GOOD! I have gone from a size 22W

to a loose size 14. I have lost half a shoe size and two ring sizes. I WISH I

had measured myself before surgery but I failed to do that.

>

> My feet and knees no longer hurt. I enjoy walking again. I can cross my legs

and paint my toenails. My thighs no longer rub together. I can wear high heels

and skirts again and I actually enjoy clothes shopping!

>

> I no longer ache when I wake up in the morning. And the best part is – when I

went for my 6 month blood work, the doctor told me I was no longer pre-diabetic.

HALLELUJA!

>

> There is no required follow up for gastric sleeve surgery except to have

regular blood work done twice a year, which I've always had done anyway. So my

primary care physician handles it.

>

> Can't tell you anything about gallbladder issues. I was diagnosed with stones

over a year ago but I've never done anything about it and haven't had any issues

(they were spotted on an x-ray I had done for another reason).

>

> My only regret is that I didn't do this 10 years ago. I am still learning

from my new tummy and still working on my old bad habits so my journey is FAR

from over. But I don't regret ANYTHING I've experienced along the way.

>

> And you asked about friends? If they are friends, they will be with you all

the way. If they're not with you, they weren't really friends, were they? The

only thing I have seen from my friends and acquaintances are smiles and

congratulations on my amazing transformation.

>

> Best of luck to you on your journey to a healthy life. This is an awesome

opportunity for you. Grab it with both hands and don't let go – claim the

victory for yourself and your family of a happy, healthy you!

>

> Cheryl*

>

[Guest guest]

Hi & thanks!

That is a wonderful loss- please tell me since you mentioned having a hard time

keeping weight on, are you having issues getting enough down still or is it a

lack of appetite?

Re: the skin, I had a lot of loose skin the first time I lost when I was in my

early 20's, it really didn't bounce back much then, I'm sure it won't now.. It

bothered me a lot as I felt I lost all this by working my ass off to be left

looking like my inner thighs, gut & arms were old deflated balloons! But, I can

deal- most can be hidden- and maybe I'll look into surgery to get rid of it-

after I maintain for a good while. I'm at a different point in my life now too,

I'm no longer dating around and he's seen the skin, and the skin plump back out

too!

Yes, I'm a worrier, a brave one at times- but still. I am planning to travel out

the country (mere feet) to have an elective surgery to remove more than 3/4's of

a major organ, with a Dr. I've never met in person.. I think if I told anyone

this their heads would snap! So yep- I'm going to worry, and freak, and prob dip

into DH's xanax a little before this all goes down! I just hope I don't drive

everyone on here batty in the interim!

Jo

> >

> > Hi!

> > I'm Jo777 over on OH, and have struggled with obesity all my life, 37

> now. I have never been a normal size, even as a toddler- my whole family

> was/is overweight. I've dieted on and off like all of you multiple

> times, only to re-gain. My biggest success was a 110lb loss when I was

> in my early 20's, single, desperate too! I lost it all in a little over

> a year by counting calories- usually 700-900/day and working out like a

> fiend. I lost a lot of hair too.. Most of that came back, but not

> all.. I did manage to keep the majority of the weight off for 4 years

> plus by joining the gym and weight lifting (love what weights do for me

> mentally & physically.)

> >

> > I got distracted from concentrating solely on myself and started to

> re-gain again, gave up the workouts, and the healthy eating went with it

> shortly after.. gained it all back. I am now at 276ish, down from 280 on

> V-day (dieting again, though trying hard not too go too overboard with

> the calorie restriction.. I have an all or nothing personality, not

> always great to have. My all time max weight was 308 back in 1993,

> shortly before starting the crash dieting. Lowest ever- 155 after strict

> lo-carbing, which caused a huge refeed issue and GI problems and snap

> re-gain.

> >

> > Some negatives have crept into my brain. I want to share & hopefully

> you can reassure without sugar-coating the down sides too much. Please

> bear with my neewbie fears.. I have not set the date as I'm getting

> other things in order and trying to get smaller & healthier (stronger)

> first. I want to aim for mid-May to Mid-June and have been in contact

> with Nina for the paperwork and financials.

> >

> > I can loose the weight, I've done it before- granted it was 15 years

> ago the last time I lost A LOT of weight at one time. I can't seem to

> keep it off. We (husband is thin, always has been)I don't have junk in

> the house, never have. I grew up with it and hated it.. no candy, chips

> or that sort. My problem is with eating too much, too fatty, rich and

> sometimes the too much was too much of carryout, or dining out or too

> much of whatever I made that night.. I also like to drink, most nights

> of the week until recently I would have two drinks.. wine, whiskey &

> soda etc. I'm cutting this out since I'm trying to lose anyway, plus if

> it's not in the house, I won't drink it- since I won't go buy it. Can't

> have it (or really shouldn't) when you're tying to lose anyway..

> >

> > My fears:

> >

> > I won't loose- or won't loose down to my goal of 150. I don't even

> know what a healthy weight is for me, my lowest was 155 and I still

> thought I was fat. I have beaten myself up with so many lo-cal (sub 800)

> starvation diets that I'm afraid that this will end the same way, lose

> stall gain.

> >

> > Gallbladder- Does Dr. A put anyone on Actigall to prevent gallstones?

> How many patients end up having attacks and surgery? I've never had one

> stitch of problems with my gb, and am very afraid now that I'm looking

> at the surgery and reading through people's posts.

> >

> > Heartburn- I already have to take half a Prilosec a day to stave it

> off. Symptom free if I do, off it- it's hell. I know this can make it

> worse, possibly. On that note, I already take Prilosec, does anyone know

> if Dr. A will let us use Prilosec instead of Nexium? It works so good

> for me, I'm afraid to switch!

> >

> > Complications- I've read everything from severe constipation,

> potassium deficiencies, nausea, retching, GERD.. This scares me silly. I

> know I'll prob lose my hair again The loose skin, I've had it before

> & hate it with a passion, but it can be hidden or fixed if I get brave.

> >

> > Second Thoughts- I do not have any co-morbidities, no diabetes yet

> (sister & mom do), no high BP- sometimes 125/90 if I'm stressed- so

> maybe borderline there. Cholesterol is usually sub 200, last test 212

> (was not eating well for months prior).. no maintenance meds except my

> prilosec. So why not do this on my own like last time & just keep it

> off, why look at surgery?? I'm so scared I'll get lower, then gain again

> as the hunger overtakes me! Gah. I don't want to do this again at 50 or

> 60.. I tell myself it will only get harder as I age.

> > I have back pain, I have ankle pain, I can't move, sleep, or look good

> anymore.. and I re-gain..

> >

> > Friends- will they still be there? Relationship- pretty sure this will

> be a big positive, he met me smaller- 180ish & he loved me then, loves

> me when I'm big but is very worried that I won't live a happy long life,

> and he would love it if we could do the things we used to- canoe,

> hiking, being more social- we are both the nature-loving type, and want

> to travel. It's hard to travel when you can't handle walking too far!

> Very frustrating to me that I have not hiked a good long day in years..

> I used to run/walk the trails for exercise.

> >

> > I do not know if my PCP is on-board or not yet, I have not been to him

> for almost a year. I fear not having my surgeon close, though my husband

> personally knows a fantastic GI here in town, if he's willing to see

> me.. He's not a bari Dr., just a great well-know GI surgeon. How did you

> all handle the Dr follow-ups back home, were your Drs supportive or did

> you have to find another? Does ins cover if you need to go in for help?

> Support groups, yay or nay besides the boards?

> >

> > I was going to edit this shorter- but then decided to leave it, this

> is what's rolling in my head today. Thanks for reading through to the

> end

> >

> > Jo

> >

>

[Guest guest]

Hi...

So from someone who is currently sitting in the resort awaiting sleeve surgery tomorrow morning with Dr. A. Let me tell you about my journey so far.

I too am 37. I have two teenage children and a very active full time job with several organizations that I am on the board for. I have been married for 17 yrs and have a husband who is very supportive and seems to be attracted to me the size I am now. But I was not always at this weight, I was skinny before I had my children and took Depo shots. My mother is a large woman and it happened after having her children. I do not have any medical issues. No high blood pressure, no diabetes but I did have the windedness just tying my shoes and climbing stairs. Anyway, I won't lie and say that I put alot of effort into dieting or exercising up to now. I actually did alot of research into this and I have found several friends who actually have been to Dr. A. Two of which works in my office!! So when I made the final decision to have this done, I was determined.

I actually have told everyone what I was doing. I did not keep it a secret at all. I figured I needed all the support I could get and because I wanted to head off any gossips or rumors. Anyway, if you think you want to go by June- work on passport now because that was a HUGE speedbump for me and hubby. I checked every calendar I could- work, kids, hubby, school, etc to be sure I chose a date that worked- and then the passport really slowed things down luckily they came but really right before we came so work on it now.

Now let me tell you what to expect since I am currently there...

The week before surgery I had a pre-op diet which consisted of low carb/high protein. I found this wasn't so hard really especially since I knew it was just for a week and had a light at the end of the tunnel. I lost 13 lbs in that week...which believe me made me think that my scale was broken or something!!

I flew into San Diego a day early and we just did the tourist thing yesterday. Infact last night while having dinner, I read your post and had a brief moment of thought questioning this decision. I discussed it with hubby and a friend and decided that I came this far because I did the research and made the decisions that I made. But today we went to the airport and met Ernesto. I was very nervous and anxious. The ride to Mexicali is about an hour and half and getting through the border- was pretty painless really. I will be honest, I was scared to death about the ride into Mexico. I heard all of the accounts of bad stuff happening but it was not bad at all. It was kind of weird just to see things go from English to Spanish immediately. Ernesto took us straight to the hospital and got me a urine cup because I had to pee!! After that, I met Lucy who took some blood, did an EKG using an older model type EKG and then we took x-rays. We had a brief

conference with Lucy where she gave us some papers to review and the medicine that I am to take before bed. Right now, hubby and I are living it up at the Crowne Plaza, where we just ahd a great lunch for $38!! The night before your surgery, you can have whatever you want to eat or drink- so I will be eating some serious mexican food and having a margarita!

Anyway, I am confident in my decision- just met a nice lady, named that is having the same surgery tomorrow with me down by the pool. I believe God would not have led me down this path if I wasn't meant to take it. I hope you chose the right decision for yourself and your family and please feel free to contact me if you ever need anything!!

From: jnels777 <jostoli7@...> Sent: Thu, February 17, 2011 6:20:09 PMSubject: Re: New here- Long intro and some major brain-dump of fears..

Hi & thanks!That is a wonderful loss- please tell me since you mentioned having a hard time keeping weight on, are you having issues getting enough down still or is it a lack of appetite?Re: the skin, I had a lot of loose skin the first time I lost when I was in my early 20's, it really didn't bounce back much then, I'm sure it won't now.. It bothered me a lot as I felt I lost all this by working my ass off to be left looking like my inner thighs, gut & arms were old deflated balloons! But, I can deal- most can be hidden- and maybe I'll look into surgery to get rid of it- after I maintain for a good while. I'm at a different point in my life now too, I'm no longer dating around and he's seen the skin, and the skin plump back out too! Yes, I'm a worrier, a brave one at times- but still. I am planning to travel out the country (mere feet) to have an elective surgery to remove more than 3/4's of a major organ, with a

Dr. I've never met in person.. I think if I told anyone this their heads would snap! So yep- I'm going to worry, and freak, and prob dip into DH's xanax a little before this all goes down! I just hope I don't drive everyone on here batty in the interim!:)Jo> >> > Hi!> > I'm Jo777 over on OH, and have struggled with obesity all my life, 37> now. I have never been a normal size, even as a toddler- my whole family> was/is overweight. I've dieted on and off like all of you multiple> times, only to re-gain. My biggest success was a 110lb loss when I was> in my early 20's, single, desperate too! I lost it all in a little over> a year by counting calories- usually 700-900/day and working out like

a> fiend. I lost a lot of hair too.. Most of that came back, but not> all.. I did manage to keep the majority of the weight off for 4 years> plus by joining the gym and weight lifting (love what weights do for me> mentally & physically.)> >> > I got distracted from concentrating solely on myself and started to> re-gain again, gave up the workouts, and the healthy eating went with it> shortly after.. gained it all back. I am now at 276ish, down from 280 on> V-day (dieting again, though trying hard not too go too overboard with> the calorie restriction.. I have an all or nothing personality, not> always great to have. My all time max weight was 308 back in 1993,> shortly before starting the crash dieting. Lowest ever- 155 after strict> lo-carbing, which caused a huge refeed issue and GI problems and snap> re-gain.> >> > Some

negatives have crept into my brain. I want to share & hopefully> you can reassure without sugar-coating the down sides too much. Please> bear with my neewbie fears.. I have not set the date as I'm getting> other things in order and trying to get smaller & healthier (stronger)> first. I want to aim for mid-May to Mid-June and have been in contact> with Nina for the paperwork and financials.> >> > I can loose the weight, I've done it before- granted it was 15 years> ago the last time I lost A LOT of weight at one time. I can't seem to> keep it off. We (husband is thin, always has been)I don't have junk in> the house, never have. I grew up with it and hated it.. no candy, chips> or that sort. My problem is with eating too much, too fatty, rich and> sometimes the too much was too much of carryout, or dining out or too> much of whatever I made that

night.. I also like to drink, most nights> of the week until recently I would have two drinks.. wine, whiskey & > soda etc. I'm cutting this out since I'm trying to lose anyway, plus if> it's not in the house, I won't drink it- since I won't go buy it. Can't> have it (or really shouldn't) when you're tying to lose anyway..> >> > My fears:> >> > I won't loose- or won't loose down to my goal of 150. I don't even> know what a healthy weight is for me, my lowest was 155 and I still> thought I was fat. I have beaten myself up with so many lo-cal (sub 800)> starvation diets that I'm afraid that this will end the same way, lose> stall gain.> >> > Gallbladder- Does Dr. A put anyone on Actigall to prevent gallstones?> How many patients end up having attacks and surgery? I've never had one> stitch of problems with my gb, and am very

afraid now that I'm looking> at the surgery and reading through people's posts.> >> > Heartburn- I already have to take half a Prilosec a day to stave it> off. Symptom free if I do, off it- it's hell. I know this can make it> worse, possibly. On that note, I already take Prilosec, does anyone know> if Dr. A will let us use Prilosec instead of Nexium? It works so good> for me, I'm afraid to switch!> >> > Complications- I've read everything from severe constipation,> potassium deficiencies, nausea, retching, GERD.. This scares me silly. I> know I'll prob lose my hair again The loose skin, I've had it before> & hate it with a passion, but it can be hidden or fixed if I get brave.> >> > Second Thoughts- I do not have any co-morbidities, no diabetes yet> (sister & mom do), no high BP- sometimes 125/90 if I'm stressed-

so> maybe borderline there. Cholesterol is usually sub 200, last test 212> (was not eating well for months prior).. no maintenance meds except my> prilosec. So why not do this on my own like last time & just keep it> off, why look at surgery?? I'm so scared I'll get lower, then gain again> as the hunger overtakes me! Gah. I don't want to do this again at 50 or> 60.. I tell myself it will only get harder as I age.> > I have back pain, I have ankle pain, I can't move, sleep, or look good> anymore.. and I re-gain..> >> > Friends- will they still be there? Relationship- pretty sure this will> be a big positive, he met me smaller- 180ish & he loved me then, loves> me when I'm big but is very worried that I won't live a happy long life,> and he would love it if we could do the things we used to- canoe,> hiking, being more social- we are both the

nature-loving type, and want> to travel. It's hard to travel when you can't handle walking too far!> Very frustrating to me that I have not hiked a good long day in years..> I used to run/walk the trails for exercise.> >> > I do not know if my PCP is on-board or not yet, I have not been to him> for almost a year. I fear not having my surgeon close, though my husband> personally knows a fantastic GI here in town, if he's willing to see> me.. He's not a bari Dr., just a great well-know GI surgeon. How did you> all handle the Dr follow-ups back home, were your Drs supportive or did> you have to find another? Does ins cover if you need to go in for help?> Support groups, yay or nay besides the boards?> >> > I was going to edit this shorter- but then decided to leave it, this> is what's rolling in my head today. Thanks for reading through to

the> end > >> > Jo> >>

[Guest guest]

Hi Cheryl,

I am so glad you responded to Jo, I suggested that she contact you. I thought you would be the perfect person along with Bipley to talk with her. You did an excellent job! Thanks so much.

Suzanne

In a message dated 2/17/2011 3:15:35 P.M. Pacific Standard Time, boernecheryl@... writes:

Hi Jo,You have come to the perfect place to dump your fears. Trust me – we've all been through this.Let me share my experience with you. Just remember – it's only my experience – but I'm sure you'll hear from lots of other folks. We're a pretty supportive group.First off – diets don't work. If they did, we would be a nation of thin people. Look at how many BILLIONS of dollars are spent on the diet industry. And the more times you lose and then regain, the more you screw up your metabolism.I had the same issue as you – my culprit was quantity, not quality. I'm not a sweet eater and I seldom had chips, etc in the house. But I could put away a 16 ounce rib eye along with a full baked potato and a huge salad with no problems. I could go to brunch and graze on the entire buffet for hours.I wound up at age 52 at 250 pounds on a 5'6" frame. I no longer wanted to leave the house because I hated how I looked and I hated the looks I got from "thin" people. My feet and knees hurt all the time. I ached when I woke up in the morning. I couldn't walk my dogs because of my feet and knees, and I'd get out of breath in less than half a block! I couldn't cross my legs. I couldn't paint my toenails or tie my shoes without getting out of breath because of the belly fat that was pressing on my lungs when I tried to bend over. I couldn't get down on the floor to do anything because I couldn't get my bulk back up. Then my doctor told me I was pre-diabetic. That scared the he## out of me. I had my surgery June 16th 2010. I told immediate family what I was doing but no one else. I travelled alone. I had researched Dr. Aceves and Mexicali enough that I was 100% comfortable with my decision. Hospital Almater was amazing; I received better care for this surgery than I did when I had open heart surgery 4 years ago!The surgery was a breeze. The next day was a bear but pain meds were minutes away whenever I needed them. Each day that passed I felt better and stronger. Travelling home was no problem but I did arrange for wheelchairs in the airport so I didn't have to do a lot of walking.Getting in enough fluids was a problem for me. My tummy was so tiny and swollen from the surgery that it was an effort to get down more than two tiny sips at a time. I went everywhere with a glass of water and a straw and sipped CONSTANTLY. (But that is a terrific habit to acquire!) Dinner was a few tablespoons of broth. Even that took a long time to get down.After a week on nothing but clear fluids, you think you're going to go nuts. But before you know it, you're ready to graduate to full liquids and that first taste of cream-of-anything soup is AWESOME! Sugar free popsicles and jello were my best friends my first month.It took me about 4 months before the swelling went completely away with my tummy and I could eat "normally". "Normal" for me is very different than it used to be. I used to eat two breakfast tacos. Now one taco will feed me all day! One-third of the taco for breakfast, one-third for lunch, and the last third at the end of the day! A hamburger will feed me for four meals. I now order my to-go box when I order my meal. And that 16 ounce rib eye? Well, I can eat maybe 3 ounces and I'm DONE. Have you been warned about your taste buds changing? Nothing tastes the same after surgery. Things you used to crave you will no longer care for. Don't stock up on ANYTHING pre-surgery or you'll be sorry. And your tummy will dictate what you can and cannot eat. Mine hates rice. I used to LOVE rice. Can't eat it. I used to HATE fish. Now I crave it. I was a red meat eater – now I find it very hard to digest so it's no longer enjoyable. I also used to love fried chicken but my new tummy hates it so that is OUT.The surgery removes the portion of your stomach that produces the ghrelin – the hunger hormone. So after surgery, you are no longer hungry! However, your HEAD will TELL you that you're hungry because it's time to eat. It's breakfast time, or lunch time, or dinner time. Your head will also tell you "Is that ALL you're going to eat??? SURELY you can get down a little bit more!" Controlling my brain is the hardest part of this journey. I had very little problems with constipation and that is usually when I don't get enough fluids. I did have trouble with it right after surgery but kept forgetting that if you're not putting anything IN to the system, you can't expect to get anything OUT of the system!My hair started falling out about 5 months after surgery. Luckily I have a TON of hair – it's just very fine – so I don't have any bare spots (that I'm aware of!). It seems to have slowed a bit but it's still coming out every morning in my comb. Don't know how long this will last.I've had no problem with acid reflux since month 3. I too took Prilosec when I ran out of the Nexium that Dr. A gave me at the hospital. No problems with it.If I eat too fast (old BAD habit), it comes back up. Not pleasant. But it is a reminder to slow down. If I eat too much, I feel ill and have to go lay down. Again, I view this as a good thing because painful reminders are the most lasting ones! But it has been hard to actually THINK when I'm eating instead of mindlessly stuffing food in my mouth. 52 years of bad habits are not easy to change. And THAT is why I chose this tool – to help me overcome those bad habits. Now, let me tell you where I am 8 months after surgery.I am now down to 180 pounds. My goal is 150 but if I don't lose another ounce, I'll still be happy because I FEEL SO GOOD! I have gone from a size 22W to a loose size 14. I have lost half a shoe size and two ring sizes. I WISH I had measured myself before surgery but I failed to do that.My feet and knees no longer hurt. I enjoy walking again. I can cross my legs and paint my toenails. My thighs no longer rub together. I can wear high heels and skirts again and I actually enjoy clothes shopping! I no longer ache when I wake up in the morning. And the best part is – when I went for my 6 month blood work, the doctor told me I was no longer pre-diabetic. HALLELUJA!There is no required follow up for gastric sleeve surgery except to have regular blood work done twice a year, which I've always had done anyway. So my primary care physician handles it. Can't tell you anything about gallbladder issues. I was diagnosed with stones over a year ago but I've never done anything about it and haven't had any issues (they were spotted on an x-ray I had done for another reason).My only regret is that I didn't do this 10 years ago. I am still learning from my new tummy and still working on my old bad habits so my journey is FAR from over. But I don't regret ANYTHING I've experienced along the way.And you asked about friends? If they are friends, they will be with you all the way. If they're not with you, they weren't really friends, were they? The only thing I have seen from my friends and acquaintances are smiles and congratulations on my amazing transformation.Best of luck to you on your journey to a healthy life. This is an awesome opportunity for you. Grab it with both hands and don't let go – claim the victory for yourself and your family of a happy, healthy you!Cheryl*

[Guest guest]

Hi Jo,

I was thrilled to see all the GREAT answers you received from the people on the board--the are sooooooooooooo good about this. You said you were sure if people knew you were going to Mexico and having surgery with a doctor you have never met that they would think you are crazy--you are so right they would.

So my feelings about that is NOT to tell anyone. Once you return home and start losing weight then if you feel comfortable tell a few close friends what you have done. They will see how good you are looking and know that you are safe and OK. For me it is a way to start to educate people that this is a GREAT thing to do, and that I cared enough about myself to do it. The is NO shame at all involved in weight loss surgery.

As far as Dr. Aceves, you will adore him, and I am sure you will go home wishing that he could be your PCP in the town you live in. If he lived closer to me I would make him my PCP. He truly cares about you, and will spend as much time as you need to explain things to you and your husband about the surgery and how you will feel after the surgery. You will see 2 doctors 3 times a day after surgery. When was the last time your were in the hospital that you saw a doctor that much? He and his staff are amazing. I only wished that hospitals in the US were this clean and had these kinds of caring, kind and talented doctors and staff of people to take care of you. You aren't just a number to them, you are a real person. So I suggest that you hold off telling anyone what you are doing.

This is ALL ABOUT YOU AND NO ONE ELSE. You don't owe them an explanation at all. I love telling people what I did, it is my way to let them know that weight loss surgery (the sleeve) is safe and that I am healthy. I have influenced a couple of my good friends after they saw what my life was like and how healthy I was to go see Dr. Aceves--they did and now they are success stories. I am happy that I could do this for them. I have one friend that I went down there with her when she had her surgery, and she and I walk almost everyday. She looks fabulous and we have a lot in common now.

Take care, figure out when you are going to go and keep coming back with questions and your fears. We are here for you.

Hugs,

Suzanne

In a message dated 2/17/2011 4:35:05 P.M. Pacific Standard Time, jostoli7@... writes:

Thanks! ;)I was hoping you'd see the post, I figured there were reasons for the no actigall meds. The side effects didn't look to good just from reading them, but the 30% stats on stones don't either! & I know, evenif you get stones, it doesn't mean they are symptomatic either. It's just me & my super-analytical over thinking brain that likes to have all bases covered. Suzanne wrote to me & gave me a great pep talk about it to! Very happy for all the support around here!No, I'm not saying I'm too healthy to do this in fact I'm trying hard to get healthier before I do.. I was literally just typing out everything that was going on in my head, all the little what if's and the doubts and all that crap. It helps, throwing it up someplace and seeing it, and having others see it and call you out for your doubts and give you their own perspectives.Just waiting on DH to talk to the big boss about taking a week off & how soon he can do it will determine the date- I want this no later than June.. I'd like to have some sunlight while I heal up! Need to get moving on the passport application too. Thanks again, still no phone :(Hopefully that will be fixed by this weekend~Jo> > >> >> > Hi!> > I'm Jo777 over on OH, and have struggled with obesity all my life, 37 now.> > I have never been a normal size, even as a toddler- my whole family was/is> > overweight. I've dieted on and off like all of you multiple times, only to> > re-gain. My biggest success was a 110lb loss when I was in my early 20's,> > single, desperate too! I lost it all in a little over a year by counting> > calories- usually 700-900/day and working out like a fiend. I lost a lot of> > hair too.. Most of that came back, but not all.. I did manage to keep the> > majority of the weight off for 4 years plus by joining the gym and weight> > lifting (love what weights do for me mentally & physically.)> >> > I got distracted from concentrating solely on myself and started to re-gain> > again, gave up the workouts, and the healthy eating went with it shortly> > after.. gained it all back. I am now at 276ish, down from 280 on V-day> > (dieting again, though trying hard not too go too overboard with the calorie> > restriction.. I have an all or nothing personality, not always great to> > have. My all time max weight was 308 back in 1993, shortly before starting> > the crash dieting. Lowest ever- 155 after strict lo-carbing, which caused a> > huge refeed issue and GI problems and snap re-gain.> >> > Some negatives have crept into my brain. I want to share & hopefully you> > can reassure without sugar-coating the down sides too much. Please bear with> > my neewbie fears.. I have not set the date as I'm getting other things in> > order and trying to get smaller & healthier (stronger) first. I want to aim> > for mid-May to Mid-June and have been in contact with Nina for the paperwork> > and financials.> >> > I can loose the weight, I've done it before- granted it was 15 years ago> > the last time I lost A LOT of weight at one time. I can't seem to keep it> > off. We (husband is thin, always has been)I don't have junk in the house,> > never have. I grew up with it and hated it.. no candy, chips or that sort.> > My problem is with eating too much, too fatty, rich and sometimes the too> > much was too much of carryout, or dining out or too much of whatever I made> > that night.. I also like to drink, most nights of the week until recently I> > would have two drinks.. wine, whiskey & soda etc. I'm cutting this out since> > I'm trying to lose anyway, plus if it's not in the house, I won't drink it-> > since I won't go buy it. Can't have it (or really shouldn't) when you're> > tying to lose anyway..> >> > My fears:> >> > I won't loose- or won't loose down to my goal of 150. I don't even know> > what a healthy weight is for me, my lowest was 155 and I still thought I was> > fat. I have beaten myself up with so many lo-cal (sub 800) starvation diets> > that I'm afraid that this will end the same way, lose stall gain.> >> > Gallbladder- Does Dr. A put anyone on Actigall to prevent gallstones? How> > many patients end up having attacks and surgery? I've never had one stitch> > of problems with my gb, and am very afraid now that I'm looking at the> > surgery and reading through people's posts.> >> > Heartburn- I already have to take half a Prilosec a day to stave it off.> > Symptom free if I do, off it- it's hell. I know this can make it worse,> > possibly. On that note, I already take Prilosec, does anyone know if Dr. A> > will let us use Prilosec instead of Nexium? It works so good for me, I'm> > afraid to switch!> >> > Complications- I've read everything from severe constipation, potassium> > deficiencies, nausea, retching, GERD.. This scares me silly. I know I'll> > prob lose my hair again The loose skin, I've had it before & hate it with> > a passion, but it can be hidden or fixed if I get brave.> >> > Second Thoughts- I do not have any co-morbidities, no diabetes yet (sister> > & mom do), no high BP- sometimes 125/90 if I'm stressed- so maybe borderline> > there. Cholesterol is usually sub 200, last test 212 (was not eating well> > for months prior).. no maintenance meds except my prilosec. So why not do> > this on my own like last time & just keep it off, why look at surgery?? I'm> > so scared I'll get lower, then gain again as the hunger overtakes me! Gah. I> > don't want to do this again at 50 or 60.. I tell myself it will only get> > harder as I age.> > I have back pain, I have ankle pain, I can't move, sleep, or look good> > anymore.. and I re-gain..> >> > Friends- will they still be there? Relationship- pretty sure this will be a> > big positive, he met me smaller- 180ish & he loved me then, loves me when> > I'm big but is very worried that I won't live a happy long life, and he> > would love it if we could do the things we used to- canoe, hiking, being> > more social- we are both the nature-loving type, and want to travel. It's> > hard to travel when you can't handle walking too far! Very frustrating to me> > that I have not hiked a good long day in years.. I used to run/walk the> > trails for exercise.> >> > I do not know if my PCP is on-board or not yet, I have not been to him for> > almost a year. I fear not having my surgeon close, though my husband> > personally knows a fantastic GI here in town, if he's willing to see me..> > He's not a bari Dr., just a great well-know GI surgeon. How did you all> > handle the Dr follow-ups back home, were your Drs supportive or did you have> > to find another? Does ins cover if you need to go in for help? Support> > groups, yay or nay besides the boards?> >> > I was going to edit this shorter- but then decided to leave it, this is> > what's rolling in my head today. Thanks for reading through to the end > >> > Jo> >> > > >>

[Guest guest]

" I plan to not tell the friends anything, even post-surgery unless I have to,

to explain why I'm not having the drink or eating the food. I think I'm just

going to say I'm on a strict Dr. supervised weight loss plan - that's true

enough for them! "

I surely do wish people would act less ashamed about having WLS. If all

were more open and honest about the reason they are finally SUCCESSFUL at losing

weight - perhaps there would be less stigma attached to WLS!!! Let's be

real: 95% of the people who attempt to lose weight using diet and exercise

alone fail - and/or regain all the weight they lost within 1-2 years.

Something like 80% of the people who lose weight with WLS manage to maintain at

least 70% of the weight loss after 5 years.

So let me ask: If you had cancer, would you be *ashamed* that you chose to

treat your cancer with a therapy that was 80% successful - and pretend that you

used the cancer therapy that was only 5% successful? Would you want to mislead

future cancer patients about that treatment that is only 5% successful?????

Personally, I tell ANYONE who asks that I have had a sleeve gastrectomy.

Whether they are good friends or not.

[Guest guest]

A big ditto to this!  I tell anyone I can.  Anyone who will listen I tell them.On Fri, Feb 18, 2011 at 4:05 AM, Janice <jangwas@...> wrote:

 

" I plan to not tell the friends anything, even post-surgery unless I have to, to explain why I'm not having the drink or eating the food. I think I'm just going to say I'm on a strict Dr. supervised weight loss plan - that's true enough for them! "

I surely do wish people would act less ashamed about having WLS. If all were more open and honest about the reason they are finally SUCCESSFUL at losing weight - perhaps there would be less stigma attached to WLS!!! Let's be real: 95% of the people who attempt to lose weight using diet and exercise alone fail - and/or regain all the weight they lost within 1-2 years. Something like 80% of the people who lose weight with WLS manage to maintain at least 70% of the weight loss after 5 years.

So let me ask: If you had cancer, would you be *ashamed* that you chose to treat your cancer with a therapy that was 80% successful - and pretend that you used the cancer therapy that was only 5% successful? Would you want to mislead future cancer patients about that treatment that is only 5% successful?????

Personally, I tell ANYONE who asks that I have had a sleeve gastrectomy. Whether they are good friends or not.

[Guest guest]

I totally agree. I have told everyone who will listen about my surgery! I am not ashamed in the least. This is my choice, my body. Period.WLS has such a stigma and it shouldn't be that way! When I told my mom what I was thinking about doing, she told me that she had WLS in the 90's when she had her gallbladder out and never spoke about it. She calls it her "dirty little secret". So silly...I'm just treating my condition. Yes, there are some people I work with that won't even acknowledge my weight loss and I actually find it amusing....there will always be "those people". They avoid me like the plague and I find joy in MAKING them talk to me (not about WL, just things in general). I am 1 week and 2 days shy of 6 months out, down 91lbs and with my new-found confidence, I don't need their validation! It's

liberating!To add to what Janice said about not being ashamed of the treatment for your "disease"....taking it one step further...what if you know first-hand the best treatment (WLS) but because you have hidden your "magic potion", you can't help the next person? I love the boards because you can "pay it forward" and that is what I wanted to do. All of these friendly people on here who are at goal could be off living their new life and not taking the time out for you, but it is something that has changed their lives and they want for you to feel the joy they feel. Paying it back shouldn't stop on the boards. There are so many people who don't know where to start, who don't know about WLS or that it CAN be affordable with an excellent physician....I wanted to share my knowledge and experience without having to "lie". I'm a terrible liar! I didn't want to have to keep tabs on who knew and who didn't and further fueling the stigma

by swearing someone to secrecy who I was trying to help down the right path so no one else found out my "dirty little secret". And what if they told anyway? I didn't want to weave that tangled web.Besides, the amount of food that you will be able to eat is difficult to conceal! Someone will know something is up! That said, it is a personal choice and your decision to make, just don't ever be embarassed about it!! Sent from my iPhoneOn Feb 18, 2011, at 7:05 AM, "Janice" <jangwas@...> wrote:

" I plan to not tell the friends anything, even post-surgery unless I have to, to explain why I'm not having the drink or eating the food. I think I'm just going to say I'm on a strict Dr. supervised weight loss plan - that's true enough for them! "

I surely do wish people would act less ashamed about having WLS. If all were more open and honest about the reason they are finally SUCCESSFUL at losing weight - perhaps there would be less stigma attached to WLS!!! Let's be real: 95% of the people who attempt to lose weight using diet and exercise alone fail - and/or regain all the weight they lost within 1-2 years. Something like 80% of the people who lose weight with WLS manage to maintain at least 70% of the weight loss after 5 years.

So let me ask: If you had cancer, would you be *ashamed* that you chose to treat your cancer with a therapy that was 80% successful - and pretend that you used the cancer therapy that was only 5% successful? Would you want to mislead future cancer patients about that treatment that is only 5% successful?????

Personally, I tell ANYONE who asks that I have had a sleeve gastrectomy. Whether they are good friends or not.

[Guest guest]

Janice,

I appreciate your honesty, but I think you mis-read or read something into my

reasons for declining to tell my friends. I am not ashamed of having surgery.

I'm choosing to not tell anyone prior and possibly post-surgery for a while as I

know a couple would be very negative about it, and others who have my best

interests in heart (in their minds) would be scared for me and try to dissuade

me. Post-surgery, at least at first I don't think I'll want to as I will be

dealing with my own issues and don't need theirs projected onto me. I am sure

once (hopefully) as the weight comes off, that I will slowly start telling them.

It is likely not going to be a secret forever.

So, no - no shame, I just don't care to have to explain a very personal choice

over and over prior to the day and defend my decision against their well-meant

but uninformed fears right afterwards. I'd much rather tell them after I've had

some success and at a time when the topic comes up naturally. It will, I'm sure

about that- some will hear it from me sooner than others.

Thanks,

Jo

>

>

>

> " I plan to not tell the friends anything, even post-surgery unless I have to,

to explain why I'm not having the drink or eating the food. I think I'm just

going to say I'm on a strict Dr. supervised weight loss plan - that's true

enough for them! "

>

>

> I surely do wish people would act less ashamed about having WLS. If all

were more open and honest about the reason they are finally SUCCESSFUL at losing

weight - perhaps there would be less stigma attached to WLS!!! Let's be

real: 95% of the people who attempt to lose weight using diet and exercise

alone fail - and/or regain all the weight they lost within 1-2 years.

Something like 80% of the people who lose weight with WLS manage to maintain at

least 70% of the weight loss after 5 years.

>

> So let me ask: If you had cancer, would you be *ashamed* that you chose to

treat your cancer with a therapy that was 80% successful - and pretend that you

used the cancer therapy that was only 5% successful? Would you want to mislead

future cancer patients about that treatment that is only 5% successful?????

>

> Personally, I tell ANYONE who asks that I have had a sleeve gastrectomy.

Whether they are good friends or not.

>

[Guest guest]

Hey !

Good luck & I'm sure you will be in touch afterwards. It's great to hear from

someone who's going through this right now! You are in my thoughts-

How long did it take for your passports to arrive? We were looking at some dates

and may be able to move faster than we originally planned. Maybe late April-May!

Less time for me to fret & such.. Passport apps- planning to get that in next

week.

Does anyone know if you can still return to the US with a DL & proof that you've

applied for a passport or is that no longer?

-Jo

> > >

> > > Hi!

> > > I'm Jo777 over on OH, and have struggled with obesity all my life, 37

> > now. I have never been a normal size, even as a toddler- my whole family

> > was/is overweight. I've dieted on and off like all of you multiple

> > times, only to re-gain. My biggest success was a 110lb loss when I was

> > in my early 20's, single, desperate too! I lost it all in a little over

> > a year by counting calories- usually 700-900/day and working out like a

> > fiend. I lost a lot of hair too.. Most of that came back, but not

> > all.. I did manage to keep the majority of the weight off for 4 years

> > plus by joining the gym and weight lifting (love what weights do for me

> > mentally & physically.)

> > >

> > > I got distracted from concentrating solely on myself and started to

> > re-gain again, gave up the workouts, and the healthy eating went with it

> > shortly after.. gained it all back. I am now at 276ish, down from 280 on

> > V-day (dieting again, though trying hard not too go too overboard with

> > the calorie restriction.. I have an all or nothing personality, not

> > always great to have. My all time max weight was 308 back in 1993,

> > shortly before starting the crash dieting. Lowest ever- 155 after strict

> > lo-carbing, which caused a huge refeed issue and GI problems and snap

> > re-gain.

> > >

> > > Some negatives have crept into my brain. I want to share & hopefully

> > you can reassure without sugar-coating the down sides too much. Please

> > bear with my neewbie fears.. I have not set the date as I'm getting

> > other things in order and trying to get smaller & healthier (stronger)

> > first. I want to aim for mid-May to Mid-June and have been in contact

> > with Nina for the paperwork and financials.

> > >

> > > I can loose the weight, I've done it before- granted it was 15 years

> > ago the last time I lost A LOT of weight at one time. I can't seem to

> > keep it off. We (husband is thin, always has been)I don't have junk in

> > the house, never have. I grew up with it and hated it.. no candy, chips

> > or that sort. My problem is with eating too much, too fatty, rich and

> > sometimes the too much was too much of carryout, or dining out or too

> > much of whatever I made that night.. I also like to drink, most nights

> > of the week until recently I would have two drinks.. wine, whiskey &

> > soda etc. I'm cutting this out since I'm trying to lose anyway, plus if

> > it's not in the house, I won't drink it- since I won't go buy it. Can't

> > have it (or really shouldn't) when you're tying to lose anyway..

> > >

> > > My fears:

> > >

> > > I won't loose- or won't loose down to my goal of 150. I don't even

> > know what a healthy weight is for me, my lowest was 155 and I still

> > thought I was fat. I have beaten myself up with so many lo-cal (sub 800)

> > starvation diets that I'm afraid that this will end the same way, lose

> > stall gain.

> > >

> > > Gallbladder- Does Dr. A put anyone on Actigall to prevent gallstones?

> > How many patients end up having attacks and surgery? I've never had one

> > stitch of problems with my gb, and am very afraid now that I'm looking

> > at the surgery and reading through people's posts.

> > >

> > > Heartburn- I already have to take half a Prilosec a day to stave it

> > off. Symptom free if I do, off it- it's hell. I know this can make it

> > worse, possibly. On that note, I already take Prilosec, does anyone know

> > if Dr. A will let us use Prilosec instead of Nexium? It works so good

> > for me, I'm afraid to switch!

> > >

> > > Complications- I've read everything from severe constipation,

> > potassium deficiencies, nausea, retching, GERD.. This scares me silly. I

> > know I'll prob lose my hair again The loose skin, I've had it before

> > & hate it with a passion, but it can be hidden or fixed if I get brave.

> > >

> > > Second Thoughts- I do not have any co-morbidities, no diabetes yet

> > (sister & mom do), no high BP- sometimes 125/90 if I'm stressed- so

> > maybe borderline there. Cholesterol is usually sub 200, last test 212

> > (was not eating well for months prior).. no maintenance meds except my

> > prilosec. So why not do this on my own like last time & just keep it

> > off, why look at surgery?? I'm so scared I'll get lower, then gain again

> > as the hunger overtakes me! Gah. I don't want to do this again at 50 or

> > 60.. I tell myself it will only get harder as I age.

> > > I have back pain, I have ankle pain, I can't move, sleep, or look good

> > anymore.. and I re-gain..

> > >

> > > Friends- will they still be there? Relationship- pretty sure this will

> > be a big positive, he met me smaller- 180ish & he loved me then, loves

> > me when I'm big but is very worried that I won't live a happy long life,

> > and he would love it if we could do the things we used to- canoe,

> > hiking, being more social- we are both the nature-loving type, and want

> > to travel. It's hard to travel when you can't handle walking too far!

> > Very frustrating to me that I have not hiked a good long day in years..

> > I used to run/walk the trails for exercise.

> > >

> > > I do not know if my PCP is on-board or not yet, I have not been to him

> > for almost a year. I fear not having my surgeon close, though my husband

> > personally knows a fantastic GI here in town, if he's willing to see

> > me.. He's not a bari Dr., just a great well-know GI surgeon. How did you

> > all handle the Dr follow-ups back home, were your Drs supportive or did

> > you have to find another? Does ins cover if you need to go in for help?

> > Support groups, yay or nay besides the boards?

> > >

> > > I was going to edit this shorter- but then decided to leave it, this

> > is what's rolling in my head today. Thanks for reading through to the

> > end

> > >

> > > Jo

> > >

> >

>

[Guest guest]

You said you were sure if people knew you were going to Mexico and having

surgery with a doctor you have never met that they would think you are

crazy--you are so right they would.

So my feelings about that is NOT to tell anyone. Once you return home and start

losing weight then if you feel comfortable tell a few close friends what you

have done. They will see how good you are looking and know that you are safe

and OK.

Exactly!

This is not the time to get my friends heads spinning. I want to get these fears

past me, and go into this with the most positive outlook I can have. Having a

couple friends ring my husband to try to talk *sense* into me would not go over

well right now! I (and DH) have always been the type to say, hey- it's your

body, you are a competent adult and can make your own decisions.. we all know

friends/family/acquaintances that don't have that same view.. they are still

friends, but you just don't tell them about the tweak here or there. It's

personal, and you share on your own terms, before or after.

-Jo

[Guest guest]

The gal that had surgery with me was able to get back in with the receipt from her passport, her license and a copyof her birth certificate. (be sure to make a copy of your birth certificate because they take it and send off with your application!) That was in August. I called Border Patrol and verified that it could be done before I sent off just in case it didn't come back in time. You can call and make sure the rules are still the same.My passport only took about 4 weeks to process and get back to me - no "rush" fees involved.Sent from my iPhoneOn Feb 18, 2011, at 2:06 PM, "jnels777" <jostoli7@...> wrote:

Hey !

Good luck & I'm sure you will be in touch afterwards. It's great to hear from someone who's going through this right now! You are in my thoughts-

How long did it take for your passports to arrive? We were looking at some dates and may be able to move faster than we originally planned. Maybe late April-May! Less time for me to fret & such.. Passport apps- planning to get that in next week.

Does anyone know if you can still return to the US with a DL & proof that you've applied for a passport or is that no longer?

-Jo

> > >

> > > Hi!

> > > I'm Jo777 over on OH, and have struggled with obesity all my life, 37

> > now. I have never been a normal size, even as a toddler- my whole family

> > was/is overweight. I've dieted on and off like all of you multiple

> > times, only to re-gain. My biggest success was a 110lb loss when I was

> > in my early 20's, single, desperate too! I lost it all in a little over

> > a year by counting calories- usually 700-900/day and working out like a

> > fiend. I lost a lot of hair too.. Most of that came back, but not

> > all.. I did manage to keep the majority of the weight off for 4 years

> > plus by joining the gym and weight lifting (love what weights do for me

> > mentally & physically.)

> > >

> > > I got distracted from concentrating solely on myself and started to

> > re-gain again, gave up the workouts, and the healthy eating went with it

> > shortly after.. gained it all back. I am now at 276ish, down from 280 on

> > V-day (dieting again, though trying hard not too go too overboard with

> > the calorie restriction.. I have an all or nothing personality, not

> > always great to have. My all time max weight was 308 back in 1993,

> > shortly before starting the crash dieting. Lowest ever- 155 after strict

> > lo-carbing, which caused a huge refeed issue and GI problems and snap

> > re-gain.

> > >

> > > Some negatives have crept into my brain. I want to share & hopefully

> > you can reassure without sugar-coating the down sides too much. Please

> > bear with my neewbie fears.. I have not set the date as I'm getting

> > other things in order and trying to get smaller & healthier (stronger)

> > first. I want to aim for mid-May to Mid-June and have been in contact

> > with Nina for the paperwork and financials.

> > >

> > > I can loose the weight, I've done it before- granted it was 15 years

> > ago the last time I lost A LOT of weight at one time. I can't seem to

> > keep it off. We (husband is thin, always has been)I don't have junk in

> > the house, never have. I grew up with it and hated it.. no candy, chips

> > or that sort. My problem is with eating too much, too fatty, rich and

> > sometimes the too much was too much of carryout, or dining out or too

> > much of whatever I made that night.. I also like to drink, most nights

> > of the week until recently I would have two drinks.. wine, whiskey &

> > soda etc. I'm cutting this out since I'm trying to lose anyway, plus if

> > it's not in the house, I won't drink it- since I won't go buy it. Can't

> > have it (or really shouldn't) when you're tying to lose anyway..

> > >

> > > My fears:

> > >

> > > I won't loose- or won't loose down to my goal of 150. I don't even

> > know what a healthy weight is for me, my lowest was 155 and I still

> > thought I was fat. I have beaten myself up with so many lo-cal (sub 800)

> > starvation diets that I'm afraid that this will end the same way, lose

> > stall gain.

> > >

> > > Gallbladder- Does Dr. A put anyone on Actigall to prevent gallstones?

> > How many patients end up having attacks and surgery? I've never had one

> > stitch of problems with my gb, and am very afraid now that I'm looking

> > at the surgery and reading through people's posts.

> > >

> > > Heartburn- I already have to take half a Prilosec a day to stave it

> > off. Symptom free if I do, off it- it's hell. I know this can make it

> > worse, possibly. On that note, I already take Prilosec, does anyone know

> > if Dr. A will let us use Prilosec instead of Nexium? It works so good

> > for me, I'm afraid to switch!

> > >

> > > Complications- I've read everything from severe constipation,

> > potassium deficiencies, nausea, retching, GERD.. This scares me silly. I

> > know I'll prob lose my hair again The loose skin, I've had it before

> > & hate it with a passion, but it can be hidden or fixed if I get brave.

> > >

> > > Second Thoughts- I do not have any co-morbidities, no diabetes yet

> > (sister & mom do), no high BP- sometimes 125/90 if I'm stressed- so

> > maybe borderline there. Cholesterol is usually sub 200, last test 212

> > (was not eating well for months prior).. no maintenance meds except my

> > prilosec. So why not do this on my own like last time & just keep it

> > off, why look at surgery?? I'm so scared I'll get lower, then gain again

> > as the hunger overtakes me! Gah. I don't want to do this again at 50 or

> > 60.. I tell myself it will only get harder as I age.

> > > I have back pain, I have ankle pain, I can't move, sleep, or look good

> > anymore.. and I re-gain..

> > >

> > > Friends- will they still be there? Relationship- pretty sure this will

> > be a big positive, he met me smaller- 180ish & he loved me then, loves

> > me when I'm big but is very worried that I won't live a happy long life,

> > and he would love it if we could do the things we used to- canoe,

> > hiking, being more social- we are both the nature-loving type, and want

> > to travel. It's hard to travel when you can't handle walking too far!

> > Very frustrating to me that I have not hiked a good long day in years..

> > I used to run/walk the trails for exercise.

> > >

> > > I do not know if my PCP is on-board or not yet, I have not been to him

> > for almost a year. I fear not having my surgeon close, though my husband

> > personally knows a fantastic GI here in town, if he's willing to see

> > me.. He's not a bari Dr., just a great well-know GI surgeon. How did you

> > all handle the Dr follow-ups back home, were your Drs supportive or did

> > you have to find another? Does ins cover if you need to go in for help?

> > Support groups, yay or nay besides the boards?

> > >

> > > I was going to edit this shorter- but then decided to leave it, this

> > is what's rolling in my head today. Thanks for reading through to the

> > end

> > >

> > > Jo

> > >

> >

>

[Guest guest]

You're right Jo - people will project their own fears onto you. When I was

starting this journey, I had enough fears of my own that I surely didn't want to

deal with anyone elses. Telling my mother was the worst. She is a " glass half

full " kind of person anyway so I went through MONTHS of ordeal with her. She

was convinced that I was going to wake up in a back alley somewhere missing a

kidney.

I did find, though, that talking her through it kind of helped me. Now if

someone looks at me funny about going to Mexico, I look them in the eye and say

" If you are going to have someone cut into your body, don't you want the very

best surgeon there is? I do. And I did my research. I didn't care where in

the world that surgeon was located. Turns out he was in Mexicali. If he had

been in England or Spain or Thailand or Montana, I would have traveled there. "

Now that I'm 8 months out and have lost 70% of my excess weight, I will tell

someone I had the sleeve if they ask. Most don't ask though. Usually they just

say " You've lost a lot of weight! " to which I reply " Yes I have. Thank you " But

if they ask how I've done it, I'm happy to tell them about the sleeve.

Especially if they are heavy themselves. I want them to know what a terrific

tool is available. I had never heard of a vertical sleeve until a friend got

the lap band and I started looking into WLS for myself. It wasn't until I had

ruled out the band and started looking into RNY that I " discovered " other

options. That's kind of sad if you think about it. Here I am, half a century

old, overweight for most of my life, a fairly intelligent person - and I was

totally unaware of a magnificent option to regain my health...

Cheryl*

[Guest guest]

Here's what I find irritating, and see if any of you can relate:

I've lost all the weight and then some and am quite thin. I'm always

eating all day long, I just don't gain weight, doesn't much matter what

I eat. The irritating part is that friends who know about the surgery

now all ASSume I'm anorexic or ill in some manner, and they're sure I'll

just have a heart attack from being so thin! I try to explain that's not

the case; just had labs run and everything is fine. I'm frankly getting

tired of explaining that I'm not anorexic, I'm healthy, and they

shouldn't worry. Good grief: if you're obese you're ill; if you're thin,

you're ill. What's with these people? Can't they just let you be? BTW,

yall, I'm going in for a facelift and the doctor thinks my weight is not

an issue for 7.5 hrs. of facial surgery. And I made sure to tell him

about the WLS surgery, what my weight is, does he think this will be a

problem, and he said no. I explained the same thing to the pre-op work

up doc, and she cleared me - and they weighed me - so they know my

weight. So the problem is really ignorance and people not understanding

what this process is about. I get tired of reassuring everyone that I'm

OK.

>

>

>

> " I plan to not tell the friends anything, even post-surgery unless I

have to, to explain why I'm not having the drink or eating the food. I

think I'm just going to say I'm on a strict Dr. supervised weight loss

plan - that's true enough for them! "

>

> I surely do wish people would act less ashamed about having WLS. If

all were more open and honest about the reason they are finally

SUCCESSFUL at losing weight - perhaps there would be less stigma

attached to WLS!!! Let's be real: 95% of the people who attempt to lose

weight using diet and exercise alone fail - and/or regain all the weight

they lost within 1-2 years. Something like 80% of the people who lose

weight with WLS manage to maintain at least 70% of the weight loss after

5 years.

>

> So let me ask: If you had cancer, would you be *ashamed* that you

chose to treat your cancer with a therapy that was 80% successful - and

pretend that you used the cancer therapy that was only 5% successful?

Would you want to mislead future cancer patients about that treatment

that is only 5% successful?????

>

> Personally, I tell ANYONE who asks that I have had a sleeve

gastrectomy. Whether they are good friends or not.

>

[Guest guest]

Let's face it some people will NEVER get it and, if they are like this I really don't waste my time on trying to explain to them that I am healthier that I have EVER been in years. All that matters to me is that I am healthy and I feel great. I don't need their approval to be just fine with who I am. I hear what you are saying, but some people are beyond help and trying to get them to understand.

Take care,

Suzanne

In a message dated 2/19/2011 1:44:52 P.M. Pacific Standard Time, april.white@... writes:

Here's what I find irritating, and see if any of you can relate:I've lost all the weight and then some and am quite thin. I'm alwayseating all day long, I just don't gain weight, doesn't much matter whatI eat. The irritating part is that friends who know about the surgerynow all ASSume I'm anorexic or ill in some manner, and they're sure I'lljust have a heart attack from being so thin! I try to explain that's notthe case; just had labs run and everything is fine. I'm frankly gettingtired of explaining that I'm not anorexic, I'm healthy, and theyshouldn't worry. Good grief: if you're obese you're ill; if you're thin,you're ill. What's with these people? Can't they just let you be? BTW,yall, I'm going in for a facelift and the doctor thinks my weight is notan issue for 7.5 hrs. of facial surgery. And I made sure to tell himabout the WLS surgery, what my weight is, does he think this will be aproblem, and he said no. I explained the same thing to the pre-op workup doc, and she cleared me - and they weighed me - so they know myweight. So the problem is really ignorance and people not understandingwhat this process is about. I get tired of reassuring everyone that I'mOK.>>>> " I plan to not tell the friends anything, even post-surgery unless Ihave to, to explain why I'm not having the drink or eating the food. Ithink I'm just going to say I'm on a strict Dr. supervised weight lossplan - that's true enough for them! ">> I surely do wish people would act less ashamed about having WLS. Ifall were more open and honest about the reason they are finallySUCCESSFUL at losing weight - perhaps there would be less stigmaattached to WLS!!! Let's be real: 95% of the people who attempt to loseweight using diet and exercise alone fail - and/or regain all the weightthey lost within 1-2 years. Something like 80% of the people who loseweight with WLS manage to maintain at least 70% of the weight loss after5 years.>> So let me ask: If you had cancer, would you be *ashamed* that youchose to treat your cancer with a therapy that was 80% successful - andpretend that you used the cancer therapy that was only 5% successful?Would you want to mislead future cancer patients about that treatmentthat is only 5% successful?????>> Personally, I tell ANYONE who asks that I have had a sleevegastrectomy. Whether they are good friends or not.>

[Guest guest]

Hi Jo-

I'm in the beginning stages of this process as well. Your story sounds a lot

like mine (and I'm sure a lot like everyone else's). My lowest weight was in my

early 20's when I worked out 2-3 hours daily and more on the weekends and ate

nothing but Thai salads and smoothies. Totally not sustainable in the real

world.

Like you, I have no co-morbidities (yet) but I know I'm looking at knee surgery

sooner rather than later if I don't get this taken care of.

My goal is to be able to go on a horseback vacation across New Zealand. Can't do

that at 5' 3 " and 256lbs.

I obviously can't give you much input to this particular surgery because I

haven't had it yet. I did, however, have a mammoplasty a few years ago. I had

about 14 pounds of boob taken off. My boobs had always been oversized and heavy.

Even though I wasn't thin, I knew that getting thin would no solve that

particular issue. It was a surgery I wished I'd done years ago. I recovered very

quickly and have a shockingly small amount of scarring to show for the mangling

they got.

So I have no fear of going under the " knife " .

As for telling others - I'm going to just tell it like it is. It's no secret

that I'm fat, have been fat in the past, and am more than likely to remain fat

in the future without this intervention. I plan to send an email to the company

(we're small) before I return to reassure everyone I'm not sick. Same for my

close friends and closest social acquaintances.

This group seems pretty supportive and educational and I look forward to

learning more about everyone's journey and stories!

-

>

> Hi!

> I'm Jo777 over on OH, and have struggled with obesity all my life, 37 now. I

have never been a normal size, even as a toddler- my whole family was/is

overweight. I've dieted on and off like all of you multiple times, only to

re-gain. My biggest success was a 110lb loss when I was in my early 20's,

single, desperate too! I lost it all in a little over a year by counting

calories- usually 700-900/day and working out like a fiend. I lost a lot of hair

too.. Most of that came back, but not all.. I did manage to keep the majority

of the weight off for 4 years plus by joining the gym and weight lifting (love

what weights do for me mentally & physically.)

>

> I got distracted from concentrating solely on myself and started to re-gain

again, gave up the workouts, and the healthy eating went with it shortly after..

gained it all back. I am now at 276ish, down from 280 on V-day (dieting again,

though trying hard not too go too overboard with the calorie restriction.. I

have an all or nothing personality, not always great to have. My all time max

weight was 308 back in 1993, shortly before starting the crash dieting. Lowest

ever- 155 after strict lo-carbing, which caused a huge refeed issue and GI

problems and snap re-gain.

>

> Some negatives have crept into my brain. I want to share & hopefully you can

reassure without sugar-coating the down sides too much. Please bear with my

neewbie fears.. I have not set the date as I'm getting other things in order and

trying to get smaller & healthier (stronger) first. I want to aim for mid-May to

Mid-June and have been in contact with Nina for the paperwork and financials.

>

> I can loose the weight, I've done it before- granted it was 15 years ago the

last time I lost A LOT of weight at one time. I can't seem to keep it off. We

(husband is thin, always has been)I don't have junk in the house, never have. I

grew up with it and hated it.. no candy, chips or that sort. My problem is with

eating too much, too fatty, rich and sometimes the too much was too much of

carryout, or dining out or too much of whatever I made that night.. I also like

to drink, most nights of the week until recently I would have two drinks.. wine,

whiskey & soda etc. I'm cutting this out since I'm trying to lose anyway, plus

if it's not in the house, I won't drink it- since I won't go buy it. Can't have

it (or really shouldn't) when you're tying to lose anyway..

>

> My fears:

>

> I won't loose- or won't loose down to my goal of 150. I don't even know what a

healthy weight is for me, my lowest was 155 and I still thought I was fat. I

have beaten myself up with so many lo-cal (sub 800) starvation diets that I'm

afraid that this will end the same way, lose stall gain.

>

> Gallbladder- Does Dr. A put anyone on Actigall to prevent gallstones? How many

patients end up having attacks and surgery? I've never had one stitch of

problems with my gb, and am very afraid now that I'm looking at the surgery and

reading through people's posts.

>

> Heartburn- I already have to take half a Prilosec a day to stave it off.

Symptom free if I do, off it- it's hell. I know this can make it worse,

possibly. On that note, I already take Prilosec, does anyone know if Dr. A will

let us use Prilosec instead of Nexium? It works so good for me, I'm afraid to

switch!

>

> Complications- I've read everything from severe constipation, potassium

deficiencies, nausea, retching, GERD.. This scares me silly. I know I'll prob

lose my hair again The loose skin, I've had it before & hate it with a

passion, but it can be hidden or fixed if I get brave.

>

> Second Thoughts- I do not have any co-morbidities, no diabetes yet (sister &

mom do), no high BP- sometimes 125/90 if I'm stressed- so maybe borderline

there. Cholesterol is usually sub 200, last test 212 (was not eating well for

months prior).. no maintenance meds except my prilosec. So why not do this on my

own like last time & just keep it off, why look at surgery?? I'm so scared I'll

get lower, then gain again as the hunger overtakes me! Gah. I don't want to do

this again at 50 or 60.. I tell myself it will only get harder as I age.

> I have back pain, I have ankle pain, I can't move, sleep, or look good

anymore.. and I re-gain..

>

> Friends- will they still be there? Relationship- pretty sure this will be a

big positive, he met me smaller- 180ish & he loved me then, loves me when I'm

big but is very worried that I won't live a happy long life, and he would love

it if we could do the things we used to- canoe, hiking, being more social- we

are both the nature-loving type, and want to travel. It's hard to travel when

you can't handle walking too far! Very frustrating to me that I have not hiked a

good long day in years.. I used to run/walk the trails for exercise.

>

> I do not know if my PCP is on-board or not yet, I have not been to him for

almost a year. I fear not having my surgeon close, though my husband personally

knows a fantastic GI here in town, if he's willing to see me.. He's not a bari

Dr., just a great well-know GI surgeon. How did you all handle the Dr follow-ups

back home, were your Drs supportive or did you have to find another? Does ins

cover if you need to go in for help? Support groups, yay or nay besides the

boards?

>

> I was going to edit this shorter- but then decided to leave it, this is what's

rolling in my head today. Thanks for reading through to the end

>

> Jo

>