Hi everyone!!!! Newbie here in Chattanooga!!!!

Hey everyone just checking in from Chattanooga. I was wondering if there is anyone else here or near here that i can talk to about the g-bypass. My surgery date is Dec.12,2005. My current weight is 459.5lbs and my surgeon says I need to be down to 430lbs to be able to have the surgery lap. I already work out 4-6 times/week and i'm doing the protein shakes for breakfast and lunch. Anyone else have to lose weight before surgery??? I'm also getting kind of antsy about the surgery. Don't know what to expect. My husband is not the least bit worried. Or at least he doesn't tell me about it..lol....he has been sooooo supportive. I have a good support system here at home but I would love to get with others who can tell me more good and bad things that I can expect. I know that everyone is diferent but i'm sure there are some things that we all experience????

Hi Treva, welcome to our nuthouse of a message board. I can't help you out regarding what to expect, I haven't had mine yet, but this is a good place to start in getting some answers. Most insurances and surgeons require a certain amount of weight loss before surgery, it will help you thru surgery and goes towards pounds gone forever as in bye bye. You have come this far, you can do it. Keep us informed on how you are doing. I have started a challenge. To the right of this page are smiley icons. Try to post anything about yourself with more smiley icons and less words. It can be happy, sad, anger, moody, whatever you are feeling, let us know. It's also fun to see who can come up with the best icons. Always Here, kathy

Hi Kathy, thanks for the encouraging words, I need them as I am getting more nervous each day. I will accept ur challege and see how many emoticons I can use instead of words. Treva

Hello Treva, I am Sara. I am a Pre-Op myself. I am doing a diet but not losing very much. I hope to have my surgery this year, if not, next year for sure. Welcome to the board & glad to see you here. Keep on posting & keep us updated on your journey. Love, Sara.

Hi Sara. I wish I could wait until next year to have the surgery but unfortunately my insurance will drop this part of their policy next year. So it's now or never. I would love to have the extra time to lose weight!!! Keep me informed of ur progress. Treva

Hi Treva Welcome to the TN Board We hope you find support & friends here ML

Hi Missy!!! Thanks for the welcome. I have already recieved such warm welcomes from so many sweet people. I am so glad I joined. Treva

Hi Treva! Congratulations on your upcoming surgery. I am also pre-op but I do know that certain Dr's will not perform lap surgery unless you are under a certain weight. I am assuming that 430 is the restriction for your surgeon. If possibly, try to reach close to that goal. The recovery time will be easier on you if you can have lap surgery instead of open. Either way, you will be fine. Keep positive. I am happy for you. Good luck with all of your upcoming success. Keep in touch! Misty

Hi Misty! When r u scheduled for ur surgery? Actually my surgeon prefers his patients to have a bmi no higher than 60 and mine right now is 64.1. I keep telling myself that even if I don't get to my desired goal at least my body will be better conditioned from the working out. By the time my surgery date gets here I will have been working out for 4 months. I really want to have it lap and I have lost about 8lbs of fat but have gained 7lbs of muscle. I weigh again Friday after my workout can't wait to see if there's been any change. Treva

Welcome! I guess everyone's experience is a little bit different. For me - -about the time I was beginning to wonder if WLS was really for me -- I was in the pre-op area waiting for everything to start, and the next thing I know - -I was in the hospital room and it was already over and I had been through the recovery room, etc. and -- by that time, it was too late to chicken out. Yes -- I think everyone is asked to lose SOME weight before their surgery because it helps through the whole process. 'Hang in there -- it's worth it! Terri WLS 6/13/05 317/322/?