Sent in App and getting weighed in..Have questions

I finally finished my application and sent it in and on Friday I should be getting weighed in. I started reading a few older posts and so I have a few questions for those of you who have already gone through this process before at Portsmouth's program. 1. Do they decide how much you have to lose? Also do they give you a certain guideline to follow to lose the weight or is it basically do-it yourself free for all? I was reading some had shakes- so I wasn't sure if that's something you chose on your own or they tell you too. 2. How many general support meeting do you have to attend? I know they will probably say all of them but I do live almost 2 hours away..is there a certain amount of meetings you have to attend before surgery? ok that's all I can think of right now.

Hi again.  are you talking about your 10% pre op loss or for your goal weight?  If you are talking about the 10% pre op loss it is calculated (generally) Your weight at initial weigh in - your weight at a 22 BMI (use the online BMI calculator on OH).  Then multiply that number by .10.  That will give you the # of pounds they require you to lose pre op.  For example mine was 340-132=208*.10=20.8 rounded up to 21 lbs pre op loss. If you are talking total loss... you have to ask your surgeon at your appointment.  I saw Dr. L today and my goal per him was made 160 lbs, though I have a personal goal of 145.  They will let you know what they feel a healthy max weight is.   As for protein shakes... PRH hospital uses SF carnation instant breakfast.  You can use whatever protein you choose.  This varies because of different tastes & tolerances.  Personally I prefer to use unjury (www.unjury.com).  But there is a HUGE variety to choose from.  The nutritionist, Jackie H, will give you several ideas for vitamins and proteins etc.  She is great. As for the general support group meetings.  Unless they changed it you must attend 4 before your surgery (they take attendance).  I don't usually attend the general meeting as a post op I find the post op group more tailored to my needs.  But I am always here to ask questions or you can PM me as well. I recommend reading the RNY or band board (can't recall your choice, weren't you leaning towards the band ?)as well as the Main board to help learn as much as possible prior to surgery.  It is probably one of the most helpful things I did pre op... the BEST thing was talking to my other friends that are 2 & 3 yrs post op :) best wishes & again I am always willing to attempt to answer any questions!

Forgot to add... the nutritionist will help you with your pre op loss if you do not know where to start.  They will also give you a required post op dietary plan so you know what to expect.  You have to see the NUT 2 times prior to surgery then at regular intervals as a post op.

Thanks girls for all the helpful info ....well I went to my weigh in on Friday and maybe I didn't hear this in the initial seminar but the cut off BMI is 60. Mine is 67 ..so I have to lose more weight in order to get it down to 60. She said I have to lose around 40 pounds. But I'm ok with that- I know I can do it if I put my all into it. Nancy did say that if I thought I couldn't do it I am ok to go somewhere else IF I wanted too...I was suprised that she said that but I said NO WAY! I've already started and I'd just rather dive in head first- if I need to lose 40 pounds then so be it- I'd lose it either way anyway. SO we talked a little bit and she looked for my application which I believe I mailed Monday and couldn't find it so now I'm just waiting for them to call me I guess.   I live about 2 hours away from Portsmouth so it will be very hard to go to a meeting once a week...I don't want to use ALL my vacation time for this because my sister is having open heart surgery  at Boston Children's hospital next month ....so I guess we will see. Roxanne, Congratulations on your 36th Anniversary! that's a long time!

Hi Jess, Terrisa did a good job at explaining things to you. I just followed Weigh****chers diet. I had to lose 11 pounds prior. I guess that was 10% of my excess body weight. I started on their scales at 228 then gained 4 pounds in the next few weeks thinking I was never going to be able to eat again.  WRONG.  Well then I had to get serious and lose that extra 4 I gained to start with their weight. I ended up losing 21 pounds before surgery. I had Dr. Gens and the day before surgery he has you on a liquid diet and drink some yucky tasting stuff to clean you out. But I was ready.  I never had shakes until the hospital and then when I got home from surgery. SF Carnation. I started with half a shake and never did finish one. After a few weeks I ordered Unjury and still have a Choc. shake every day and most days add a scoop of unflavored to cream of wheat or pudding for extra protein. I don't like meat or seafood so depend on a lot of different things to get in protein.  Egg, cheese sticks,.. I buy Pure Protein Bars at WalMart. Those help if I am going out and need to grab something quick. You will have to do the initial consult with Dr. Jeff Wagner.  Then a 5 week class one night a week. Those are helpful. They might do classes in Derry. i don't know where your from. If your closer to that town.  I think 4 support groups sound right to me. You need to sign a paper at the door when you go in so they will know you have been there. I now go to all the post op meetings. ( only post ops can go to those) I also go to all the support groups. My decision now. I want to be there to support the new people starting and they are full of info sometimes. I enjoy them. Although I will miss July's meeting as it will be our 36th wedding anniversary. .     I am so happy with my weight loss. They didn't set a goal for me but I am striving for 120. I will see where I go from here on out. Well welcome aboard. I don't believe you have to make a set decision yet as to which surgery you want. Just read...read....read up on it and talk to people. Either way you will be pleased. Just wait until next summer !!! Later, Roxanne

hi! im totally pre-op. but did want to say. the support meeting are the 4th monday of each month. only once a month...so that is 4 months right there......if you dind't miss a meeting! i guess it's the shrink appointments that are weekly yes?.........