VERY FIRST POST-NERVOUS-EXCITED-CLOSE

I just want to say welcome to the site! everyone is nervous before surgery, you go back and forth between OMG what am I doing to OMG I'm really doing this! It is a change from what we have previously known.  How anyone can't have periods of anxiety and second thoughts is beyond me.  I am now almost three months post-op and my back already feels better, I am off of the anti-inflammatory medication and I have just recently cut down to half of my blood pressure pill.  Of course those meds have been replaced by vitamins but those just seem different in my head .

Make sure you stick to your pre-op diet, if you don't you will just have to go through that step again along with all the feelings that go with it.  Just get it over with the first time and come join us on the bench!

Thanks for the encouragement Lisa! It is difficult but I am literally taking it one day at a time as pertains to the liquid diet and every day that goes by is a day closer! In fact, I have to go for Pre-Op testing (not sure what that involves) Monday!!  :)

Just wanted to say that for me, pre-op testing was a blood draw to check vitamins and whatever, as well as blood type so they have some on hand during surgery just in case, and an Ekg since I had never had one. You'll do great! It totally sucks the first two days, but then you'll start understanding your body better and the surgery pain decreases intensity, and the liquid foods end up delicious. Not sure what that's about, but 3-4 ounces of plain strained cream of chicken soup is the most delicious thing I've ever eaten! Congratulations on approval! 

Welcome Steve!   There is no reason to be embarrassed here about your weight.   We are a very supportive community and size doesn't matter.  What's important that you're taking steps to better your life.  Good for you

Yes, the preop diet can make you crazy.  You're going through carb withdrawal and your body doesn't like it. Hang tough.   It will get better after 3-4 days.

My high weight was 449.  I lost weight on the six month diet that my insurance company required.   I also lost more weight prior to surgery. 

Having the VSG was the best thing I did for myself.  I'm almost five months out and I feel so much better.  One of the reasons I had surgery was because the pain in my knees was unbearable.  It's better,  not completely gone,  but I don't take pain killers everyday and I can get around and walk places that I would avoid in the past.

You are about to begin a journey that will change your life.  Be strong and listen to the vets on this site.  Some of them have extremely great advice;  others - not so much.  You should be able to figure it out quickly

Best of luck to you. I look forward to watching you melt away! 

Mo

Thanks Mo !  That's great that you have been able to lose so much. You must feel fantastic! I cannot wait to join you!!

Stephen

Welcome Stephen!  

I'm pre-op, waiting on a VSG, and I just wanted to pop by and say hi,  congratulations on your decision,  and good luck with your journey!  You'll find tons of support here and feel free to ask any and all questions you might have! 

Thank you ! and Congrats on your upcoming surgery as well !!!   Yes, everyone here seems really  great. I wish I posted long ago !!!!!!

Hi Stephen,

Welcome! Great to have another guy on the boards. Please check out JimboVSG. He is a super heavy weight success story and one hell of a nice guy. He is still a active on this board and now lives in Georgia. Check him out and reach out. I'm sure he could be a tremendous support for you. He lost an obese person! He lost 300 pounds with VSG alone. It can be done!

Pre op diet can be the hardest part of this journey. Get through the next few days and you'll be home free until surgery. You can do this!!!! Believe in yourself and keep your eye on the prize - especially on those days it seems almost impossible.

Wow, that's incredible!!  I will definitely look him up. So far (Even though its only 845am lol) today seems a little better....  Not quite all the emotions running through my head....  We will see what 12 hours from now brings! lol     Thanks again for the info. I am going to look up his profile now. Have a great day!

 Stephen

Hi Stephen!  I'm so glad you decided to post.  Don't be embarrassed for a minute. We are all here helpin each other make this journey to healthy, happy, and active lives. No judging. 

My my surgery isn't until 7/1, so you are a month ahead of me. I am having the same emotions and haven't even started the pre-op diet yet!  I wouldn't worry about the doctor deciding he can't do the surgery. I have been told by my doctor, and read thru research, about the VSG being used as a first step in a process with the second step a bypass. To me that means they are able to do the VSG portion on people much larger than you and I. 

I imagine the pre-op diet is pretty tough. Imagine it is boot camp before your new healthy food lifestyle post surgery. You are three days closer to the new you!

Keep your chin up, comrade! Come here lots for support and encouragement. 

-Jen