Hi, everyone! I am going to have weight loss surgery if all goes well with my insurance company, but am very confused about which type to have. I have read so many things, attended Dr. Sudan's seminar in Omaha, and made an appt. for a consultation with Dr. Sudan. I just can't seem to decide which surgery is right for me. I was going to have the lap band surgery, but then at the seminar was told that the expected weight loss was only 30-40% or your excess weight. I really need to lose 100 pounds or more, so now I am considering the biliopancreatic diversion with the duodenal switch. But, that surgery really scares me, mainly because of the stories I have heard about chronic diarreah, terrible smelling gas and bowel movements. Can anyone tell me if they have had these problems? I am also very concerned about malnutrition, or the long term effects of the duodenal switch. The lap band seemed perfect to me, but as I said I need to lose at least 100lbs. I have type II diabetes, and high blood pressure also. If anyone can give me any insight into either of these two surgeries, I would really appreciate it! Thanks! Hope

Hi Chris, I also have BCBS MN. I had never done a supervised diet for 6 months but was approved. I have type 2 diabetes and had met twice with a nutritionist. I think that they counted it as the 6 month diet. You won't know until you get it submitted. You may be pleasantly surprised!

Hi Tammie, congratulations on your weight loss so far. You probably gained about 5 or so pounds from all the IV fluids you got while you were in the hospital. You only need to weigh yourself once a week. You will drive yourself crazy weighing daily. Weigh yourself in the morning, naked and bladder empty. That will give you a clear picture of what your true weight is. It took a long time for you to get to your starting weight. It will take time to get it off. You are doing great. As long as you are losing weight, doing no vomiting and getting full on a small amount of food you are doing what you need to do. Hang in there. It will come off. Mona

Hi Folks!! I am also having my surgery on the 19th. Cindy and I have become friends through this procedure and I am excited to be able to do it with her!! Mona, I am a little uncertain about your comments. How long will I be on the liquids only? And then do I start the pudding, etc? and for how long? Thanks so much for the advice about not gaining weight. I have to admit I have had the "eat it now!!" mentality. Your comments have helped me a great deal. Thanks.

Hi Cindy, WooHoo! Congratulations on your date. Try not to gain weight before your surgery. I know how tempting it is to eat anything and everything before surgery. Your liver will swell and make it more difficult to do your surgery. If you gain too much weight you will be cancelled. Get your liquids ready to go for after surgery. These include tea, broth, juice and jello for your clear liquids. Also have sugar free pudding, applesauce, yogurt, cream soups and non carbonated, calorie free beverages. Don't buy too much. You will only need them for 3 weeks and it won't take much too fill you up. After you start eating real food no more yogurt. We will want you to eat dense protein, fruits and veggies to keep you full for a longer period of time. Hope this helps. Mona