Hi All Greetings from Waldorf, MD

Hi Terry,

 I too live in Waldorf off of Rt. 228 & Bensville Rd. Welcome to the Maryland boards. You can get all of your questions answered on here and everyone is willing to help. I am having VSG surgery in Sept. or early October. I thrive on this website and have gotten every question answered and every problem solved with my prelim. work so for that reason before my first visit with my surgeon I had all my ducks in a row. So again welcome.

Thanks for your welcoming words. I am in the White Oak Subdivision off Mattawoman Beantown Road.  Have lived here 16 years before that I was in District Heights in PG county and before that, born in Steubenville, Ohio. You are right this site is awesome!!!! I have already learned so much and received answers to questions that I never even thought of.  I am a lacking in all procedures, what is VSG and how does it differ from RNY or lapband.

My ADD is kicking in, have you been you been to any Blue Crabs games?  I am not a big baseball fan but went last night and it was great, even after getting caught in rain delay.  I Will plan to go again.  Have a great day!

Hi Terri!  I'm a Teresa without the "h" also, but everyone calls me Tia.  Welcome!!!  I worship at the shrine of DVR, I love that man!!!  I had uncomplicated lap rny on August 2, so I'm approaching my 3rd surgiversary.  Not sure where the time went, but I'm SO glad I did this - just wish I'd done it when I was 25!!!

Again, welcome, and feel free to post away here, there are a bunch of great, supportive, compassionate people who, at one time or another, have walked in your shoes!

Take care & keep us updated!

Tia

Thanks Tia, I have been enjoying reading your posts.  DVR did my brother's lap band and I had originally gone to his information seminar with my brother I just wish I had done something then and I would be on the losing track by now.  I have found him to be very up front with you.  He said this is a tool you will get and you have to learn how to use it to your best advantage.  My brother said he has tried to crack some jokes with him and he does not go there much.  All in all though Frank said he is a great doctor.  I felt good with him at the first face to face so when that happens, I know I have made the right choice.  Thanks again for your welcome wishes.

Actually, I was kind of put off by DVR's seeming lack of sense of humor/warmth when I first met him.  He's just shy.  He DOES laugh, and has a great sense of humor - I think you just have to work a little harder to get to know him.  I had him laughing at several info sessions that I spoke at when he was at GBMC.  Humor is my self-defense mechanism as you'll quickly learn!!

From a patient's perspective, I couldn't have asked for a more caring surgeon.  I came home with the dreaded JP drain, and he actually called me on a Saturday while I was out shopping just to check on the drain (I'd been having some comfort issues with it).  He also called after I attended my first post-op support group meeting - he was concerned because I left early, and wanted to make sure everything was okay.

And that's my very biased opinion.  But you're in great hands with DVR!!!

Good luck!  And don't worry, you'll be a loser soon enough!!

Tia

Thanks Tia.  I am currently reading post about foods that everyone is eating, or has eaten to get an idea of what their diets are after the initial couple of months.  Sloane told me I was supposed to have started taking vitamins but I have not done that yet. I was thinking I should take whatever will then work after surgery. I was so busy this weekend, (I am a member of a ladies auxiliary with the fire department where I used to live in Forestville, MD, PG County.)  The LA had a chicken and ham fund raiser dinner so I went up to prepare the food for that, then worked Bingo on Sunday and then went to a Blue Crabs game on Sunday evening and did not get home until after 12:00 am. So, this was basically a no grocery shopping weekend or time to look for vitamins.  What is your suggestion?

Well, to be honest with you, I don't know that I can actually prepare you for the hideousness of liquid vitamins.  With DVR, you'll be on clear liquids for a week, then full liquids for a week or two (can't remember!), and then pureed (GACK!) for a week or two.  I'm sorry, it's just been so long!!  Anyway, during that time, you won't be able to swallow pills.  There are several liquid vitamins out there, and in my opinion, one is nastier than the other.  Once you get to chewables that you can mix with your pureed foods, he may suggest Flintstones (not sure if he advocates them or not), and Bariatric Advantage makes some chewables.  I'm not gonna lie, I've not found any of it to be pleasant, and thank God for the day when I could swallow pills.  Now, I take prenatals because I had some iron issues and they have more iron.

I was gonna suggest that you take a look at the Feed Bag post - it'll kind of show you what people are eating at various stages.

Keep in mind that with wls, your tastes and smell may change - and not for the better, either!  It doesn't seem to happen with any other type of surgery.  It's all a learning curve, though, so try not to get too frustrated.  I really feel like the first 6 weeks are the toughest - once you get through that, the rest (almost) seems like a breeze!

Hope this helps,

Tia

hi terri!  i also met you at support group.  i was sitting next to teri with my husband.  my surgery date is tomorrow and i will be happy to share anything you want to know.  feel free to send me a private message with any questions you don't want to post.  the folks on this board have been wonderful to me.  welcome aboard!

I do remember you both.  Are you scared about tomorrow?  Don't because you know it is going to make a difference in your life for the better.  I wish you such beautiful thoughts and sweet and simple days ahead.  God bless you and hope to her your happenings once you get back online.  You Go Girl