Thanks Trina! My BMI is 53 so I guess it will be a little longer of a wait ,but I've waited this long so a few more months is won't hurt! I've lost 25 lbs on my own, the last 5 of which i've lost at least 10 times. lol

Hi  Goyeabean

Welcome to the boards.   I guess the process goes like this. 

1) Your referral goes in
2) The referral list is manage by Raleen Murphy who is the nurse practitioner for the program.  
3) Ralene and Rhoda (the dietician) schedule informatoin session.  These are mandatory and necessary to move further in the process.  I believe the next one is in January.
4) After this info session based on a your medical history Raleen will schedule for an individual appointment with her and Rhoda.   YOu will need to complete I two week liquid diet prior to that.   I start mine this morning - I will let you know how it goes!
5) Once this appointment is complete you will meet with Dr. Pace or Dr, Boone.  Then your surgery is scheduled
6) Right now Dr. Pace is operating on patients with lower BMI's (in the low to mid 40's right now I think) - this is a new procedure here in and of course the lower the BMI the less risk involved and a lower chance of complications   This is a good thing the team - the better the results of the surgeries the better the chances of long term funding for the entire baractric team.  Good for us ALL
5) Dr. Pace as you probable know is doing VSG only- which, for me is perfect, after all my research it is my surgery of choice.
7) The BMI range for surgery is 40 - 60,.  If you fall into the 35-40 range you may still be a candidate if you have comorbidities such as diabetes, high blood pressure and so on.
8) If you are over 60 BMI do no lose hope.  Ralene and Rhoda are fantastic will offer much support to you on your journey to get below that BMI.  There is now a phyisotherapist who helps those who have been refered start an exercise and walking program!


There is great support for this program!  Congratulations on taking the first step.  For me it was the hardest!   Keep posting here on the boards - we are all here to help each other!   I am sure you have seen that several people here have had their surgeries!   

Cheers, 
Trina

Thats awesome:) Thats the first step...Although seeing dr pace is the very last step before surgery. I have had everything done and my next step is to see dr pace jan.12 then surgery will be hopefully shortly after......goodluck and hoe you get into see someone soon!!!

Hey Jane,

Not sure how far past surgery you are, but after 10 days, some of my favs were a tablespoon of something like hummus or guacamole to shake up my taste buds. I also had some scrambled egg or really creamy mashed potato. You can also try cottage cheese or pate meats - really, it's all about getting your 80-100 grams of protein at this point, so sorry GF, but you HAVE to keep up your shakes - try some other flavours from Popeye's - my favourite is one called Cafe Brazil, that is kinda like a coffee flavour. The Costco ones are a bit heavy for my taste.

I was also having lean ground beef and mashed up kippers - kipper snacks have an awesome amount of protein. Tuna mashed up with mayo.

Count up your protein - it's all important, especially down the road regarding hair loss.

If you are interested, I tracked my intake pretty carefully for the first couple of months, and shared it here: http://www.livestrong.com/thedailyplate/diary/who/jenndeon/

Also, this is the post-op dietary guidelines that worked best for me: http://www.cornellweightlosssurgery.org/pdf/dietary_guidelines_sleeve_gastrectomy.pdf

Stay strong and good luck!
- Jenn

Thanks for the info!  I'm definately going to check into renting a machine before making a final decision on buying one!