the wait is over - I have a date -May 15th

That was what I'd read as well, Kee. I've done a lot of reading about all 3 surgeries and while they can all have great results for the right person, it isn't one size fits all.
The Band is totally off the table for me (unless someone did a lot of convincing), partly because of the reading I've done and partly because of my life. I travel a fair bit and expect to do more in the next few years (first grandbaby in NB in Jan and husband retiring soon = lots of travel) and not being near a clinic that can do fills and deal with any issues sounds like a bad idea.
The RNY sounds like it has the very best results in amount of weight loss, but I have concerns about dumping and malabsorption.
The Sleeve sounds like the right balance for me, and I accept that it would mean being more disciplined in my eating since it's purely restrictive.
We generally eat WELL, it's hunger and volume that are my main issues, although some help with emotional eating sure wouldn't hurt.
Now to wait for my call back to the clinic and to convince them that I'm worthy of the surgery. I've had to accept that I just can't maintain on my own, and I'm desperate to not end up where I started - over 300# and unable to participate in life.

Kelly-Anne

After meeting you at the clinic last year I seen that sparkle in your eye that told me you are serious about your health and wanting to get your life back. Although things didn't go according to plan I am so proud that you are going to give it a second try.
The band I personally think shouldn't be a option for anyone. It has too high of a failure rate and requires too much maintenance. Again just my 2 cents worth. I love my sleeve and have to say it's been almost 20 months since surgery and I still don't really get hungry. I can eat about a 1/2 cup to a 1 cup of food per sitting and maybe around 3 oz of dense protein. Things like popcorn, pop chips, ice cream or liquid drinks are slider foods for me and I can eat/drink hugh amounts. But overall I love the person I have become.
I wish you all the best with the clinic. I'm a little sad to say that soon my journey at the clinic will end and it's on to plastics. The clinic has been such an important part of the past 3 years of my life I'm sad to see it end.

Kee.

Kee,
So, do you find that if you keep those slider foods out of the house it's reasonably easy to stay on plan?
I don't generally have a lot of trouble with avoiding stuff like drinks with calories, fried anything and most sweets, but my capacity is embarrassing and I get so hungry... The idea of feeling FULL on a small portion sounds like a miracle.
I called my Dr's office this morning to see if my referral had been sent in. It was FAXed in on the second and my nurse from last time said I should be back in the clinic about a month after the referral goes in, so hopefully that'll happen in early June.
In the meantime I'm journalling, working on my steps and trying to distract myself while the days pass.

Kelly-Anne

I generally eat very healthy. Lots of fruit, veggies and proteins. I try to stay away from carbs as much as possible but do at time enjoy mashed potatoes or weigh****cher bread.
My house is normally stocked with healthy options. I buy the 100 calorie bags of popcorn instead of the regular big bags as it's less tempting to over indulge. If I'm really having a fit for chips or ice cream I will give myself a while to think about it and if I still need it like pronto I'll go to the store and purchase it at that time. Sometimes just waiting does the trick and then I don't want it anymore. It's definitely a life style change but we are human and there are things we will eat that are not 100 percent on plan but at 20 months out I'm still losing a little so I'm happy. I've come so far and I'm so proud of where I am now.
Jav eyou done all the modules caues if not that would be something to do to pass the time until you get back in the clinic. I hear that there are a few new ones also there is suppose to be a support group meeting coming up at teh Alex on Monday the 14th.

Thanks for all the feedback.  I find the research very interesting and sometimes confusing, but I'm not a nurse.

I think I will need a lot of patience,

Take care
Alvina

HI there

I was in Edmonton yesterday and you're right.  I met with the whole crew yesterday and the surgeon said I could expect surgery between 4-8 weeks and today when I spoke with Lorraine, she said September was more realistic.  I went in wanting the sleeve, but walked out, choosing the RNY.

I am so pleased with the staff and especially my team.  They are so positive and encouraging. I also appreciate Dr Modi's candid and thoroughness.  

My surgeon is Dr Davies and he encouraged me to go with the RNY because the amount of weight I want to lose and the long term success rate.

Thanks and good luck with your surgery
Alvina

Hi there

Congrats

Why do some people need a liquid diet prior to surgery and others don't, like yourself?

Thanks
Alvina

Hi Alvina,
Someone asked that yesterday at the 'maintaining the change" session. the answer was 'If you are a bit heavier around the abdomenal area they try to shrink the liver in people they belive to have fatty livers. Depends on one's liver enzymes also. 
(The blood work will show the liver enzyme levels ).
Probably 2/3 of the group yesterday had to have the pre op liquid diet. I have heard some surgeons have different practices (pre op liquid diet) but my RN didnt really think that was a factor.
She also said it is harder to retract a larger liver ( because it is fatty throughout ) out of the way during the surgery. 
So that seemed logical to me.

So interesting to see you did the same thing as me, went in leaning towards the sleeve and going for the RNY. I expected some push to the surgeon's preference but that didnt happen.
I have thought about it for many weeks, wonderng if the RNY was too drastic, but after much thought I am happy with my decision.

I am excited and a bit nervous about the whole introducing each food item back into my diet, seems like such a process, one item at a time.  Will I be able to tolerate it again or wont I......

Anyway 2.5 days to surgery, as Keelan said (I think it was her ) 'before you know it you will be being wheeled into the OR ....."  Wish me luck..........

You asked at the beginning of the thread for suggestions of things you could do to be ready for Tuesday. (so soon - yay!)

While I obviously haven't been exactly where you are, I've had 2 caesarians and a hernia repair, so can offer one really useful thing. After your surgery the nurses will likely encourage you to get out of bed and walk. DO it! It'll be a slow shuffle and you'll tire easily, but that's ok - the people who just lay there have an awful lot more pain and recover more slowly.

Consider taking your own pillow with a coloured pillowcase so it's obvious it's yours. It can be difficult to sleep in hospital and your own pillow helps. An eye mask and earplugs might help, too.
Take slip on slippers or flip flops with you for all that walking.
Choose a soft, comfortable outfit to wear to and from the hospital.
Get your hair trimmed (and coloured if you do that)
If your budget allows, get your nails done or do them yourself. Polish needs to be clear, since they'll need to be able to see your nail beds, but a bit of nail art does wonders for the morale.
Clean out your fridge and stock up on a week or 2's worth of whatever you're supposed to eat and drink when you get home.
Stock up on a bit of pleasure reading - you may not want to go out much in the first few days back home.

I hope everything goes swimmingly and you'll be back here telling us all about it in just a few days.

Kelly-Anne

Hi there

Thanks, I'll need alot of luck!  I can only imagine the nerves and excitement as you start your new life.  I am happy with the decision too of changing surgeries to RNY.  I think both are drastic and if I'm making such changes, might as well go all the way.

Good luck and look forward to hearing about your surgery, and how you're doing.

Take care
Alvina