My 3rd appointment towards GB

[thinatheart]

The insurance company wants to make sure you are pursuing this for the right reasons. They want to know you want to improve your quality of life not just have a hot body (which most do not end up with anyway). This is a major surgery and should not be taken lightly. This surgery is not for some people, especially those who need to take anti-inflamatory meds. You can never take any of these again without risking bleeding ulcers after surgery. I had no pain, no sickness, or complications so I was very thankful. I came off my Avalide (BP medication), Effexor (antidepressant), Zocor (cholesterol), Protonix (acid reflux), Celebrex (arthritis), and haven't needed my Advair inhaler (asthma). My bloodwork so far is great and my BP is normal. The Psychologist wants to know you are doing this for your health.....not vanity.

My starting weight before surgery 263, on Oct 17, 2005. Current weight 185, on Jan 8, 2006. I am about 5'6. I am very happy with my decision.

[ozfever]

I am SO happy for you!! That is SO wonderful!!

I went today to a seminar for the surgery, the Dr explained the procedures she does, lap band and GB. It was so informational!!

Did you have a lyproscopic procedure? she says they make 5 small incisions and I would be able to go back to work in about 2-3 weeks aftrwards.

I am starting to get excited about this possibility.. She also explained about my body type and how my body holds onto the fat.. She said it isnt my fault, but I still feel guilty about how big I am...

I am also on alot of medications as you were..

Thank you!!

[thinatheart]

I had Laproscopic Gastric Bypass, in which I had 4 incisions each about an inch or less in length. I attended Gastric Support meeting for about 3 yrs prior to having my surgery (I was waiting to get ins. that would cover it), the meetings are so helpful before & after surgery to help you with any questions, fears, or info you need help with. We meet once a month at our hospital dining room in the evening (dining room is closed by then). Good luck & best wishes!

[Zayazmama]

I was just notified yesterday that my insurance has agreed to pay for GB surgery. I am excited at the idea of being able to walk up the stairs to my apartment without huffing and puffing at the end. But at the same time, reality is sneaking up on me. I hope it is just the jitters. I have been heavy my whole life. Until about 8 years ago, I never even exercized. I am 5'3" and edging 250lbs. I never thought I would get this heavy. Part of it has been emotional I think, and I had a baby in March and gained like 60lbs on the pregnancy. I used to love to exercise, and went to the gym 5 days a week, sometimes 6 before I got prego with my daughter in 2004. I had gotten down from about 205 to 175 - but it took me more than 8 months to do it! That is only 30lbs. My body loves the fat or something....sheeeesh! I have also taken phentermine, and probably about 15 other weight loss aids both script and over the counter.
Anyway, I have my consult on Jan 25th. I have done everything else. You cant even get a consult until the insurance approves the surgery - so it will be soon. They told me that it may be only a few short weeks after my consult that I have surgery. Seriously, I am nervous though. Mentally, I think I may be okay. I never accepted my fat body, so I am thinking that maybe it will be easier to let go of it. My brother had it, and I think he accepted his weight before, and now he has major issues...but anyway....... I have a friend that had it like 5 years ago. He told me that he eats potatos on occasion, steak, bread, drinks soda, etc...all the stuff that you probably shouldnt be eating. I know that I am going to have major issues with letting taters go. I LOVE LOVE LOVE potatos and I seriously eat some form of tater every single day. That is gonna be the hardest part.
My question is this though..... is there anyone that has done it that can still eat some of the stuff they used to without hitting the dumping and vomiting?

I know that any sacrifice will be worth it, because by sacrificing the foods that got me to how obese I am now, I will be able to be there to watch my kids grow up.

Any imput or advice would be great!

Thanks!

[thinatheart]

I had the surgery last August. I can & have ate potatoes since day 1. At first potatoes and applesauce and popsicles were my main diet. But that was mainly because I was scared of getting a blockage. I have never gotten sick, however if I eat too much I get a quesy feeling & usually feel better within the hour. You physically can not eat much right after surgery, so you can have potatoes mashed. Later they want you to try to get as much protein in as possible. I can now eat about a cup or so of food at each sitting. I have lost about 75 lbs. Very happy with my decision! Best Wishes for you.