Hello and doing research.....gonna join everyone!

Hello! I'm looking forward to getting to know everyone. I've been researching WLS quite a bit and have made some decisions. First - I'm going to go for it! Second - I'm selecting to have the VSG. I'm not a candidate for either the LapBand or RNY due to having systemic lupus and the medications that I'm on constantly. Although, even without the medical issue with lupus, I think I would have wanted VSG anyway. ; ) I've been to one group of surgeons seminar already and am scheduled to attend the 2nd group's seminar on the 25th of this month. My current phase of research is insurance coverage .... trying to get all the details figured out. I hope everyone is doing great and look forward to chatting more! Shelly P.S. Thanks to Anna for telling me about this forum and sending me an invitation!

Welcome!

Thanks you very much! ; ) I'm glad to be here.

Welcome to the boards! I did a ton of reasearch beforehand also. Have fun! Glad to have you!

Thank You! : )

Welcome to the boards!  I'm in the pre-op stage to get the sleeve also.  I've done all of the pre-op testing, just working on getting the 37 lbs off required for my surgery.  I've gotten off 23 and working on the rest.  Everyone on this board is very encouraging and willing to answer questions, no matter how weird they sound.  Good luck on your journey!

Thanks for the welcome, Liz! Did you have a difficult time deciding on which surgeon to use? Do you have a prospected date for your surgery? Is it routine that they require everyone to lose weight before surgery? If so, I'm ready to go .... any weight loss is good! I hope you're having a wonderful weekend! Shelly

Yes, I believe everyone has to lose SOME weight before surgery.  They say it make the surgery safer for us, by shrinking the liver and also to prove to the surgeon that we are serious about having the surgery.  I picked Dr. Broussard because he was the one that held the seminar I attended.  But I've also heard great things about Dr. Walton, so I know you would be in great hands with either one of them.  I don't have a surgery date yet because I haven't lost all of my required weight.  I'm hoping to get one when I go for my third follow-up this coming Wed.  Have you attended a seminar yet?

I attended an OWLO seminar this past week. I'm scheduled for a WeightWise seminar on the 25th. Dr. Lana Nelson presented the seminar this past week in Norman for their program. It was very good, but I haven't made a decision yet. I wanted to attend a WeightWise seminar, too, before deciding. I'm still researching some insurance specifics, too....so it will be a little while before I can really choose and get started. Do they give you a certain time frame that they would like you to lose the weight pre surgery? Is it a percentage or just a given number that everyone needs to lose? I've lost and gained weight so many times, it shouldn't be too much of a problem. ; )

Hey Shelly, Welcome to the boards and your WLS journey.Best of luck to you. We're here for you if you need anything.