Hi Amber,
            I am Kathy, I live in Castle Rock. I am in the process of getting surgery at OHSU. I have all my list done except the 14 lbs that they want me to lose. I am just over dieting and trying to lose weight. I am 53 and just tired of it. I just don't want to have to think about everything that goes in my mouth anymore. I know that isn't realistic but it is how I feel. I haven't got to talk with the surgeon yet but when my list is done they will schedule me. 
Sounds like you are all ready to go. Where are you having your procedure done? And if you don't mind have they told you the cost? I am going with the gastric bypass. I had the lap band for 4 years and had to have it removed due to a slippage. So I have regained what I had lost. I am afraid to have anything that hasn't been out there for a long term. I did that before...
I don't have any suggestions or tips just wanted to say hi and wish you the best with your procedure.
Nice to meet ya, 
            Kathy

No problem, feel free to PM me if you have any other questions.

Yes Dr. Jan seems pretty nice I've only seen him twice. He's a bit quiet but seems to know his stuff. You'll be in the new part of the hospital over in Firstenberg Tower sometimes they are a little short staffed but the bariatric area seemed to be better than the orthopedic area. Lord I've been in every part of that hospital the last few years, I think I'm up to 12 or so different surgeries. The older parts of the hospital aren't that great sometimes, but mostly it's just from staff shortage. Nope the lapband didn't do squat for me! I think it's because I can't move that much, lots of orthopedic issues with my feet and legs plus I have lung disease so I can't hardly walk 20' without losing my breath. I was already eating less than 1000 calories a day before surgery so there just wasn't much to change. I'm hoping when I hit 65 and get on medicare they will have approved the VSG by then and I'd really like to get that done. The band also kept tightening on me so I finally had it emptied, it was just too miserable to deal with. Good luck with your surgery, you have a great team and support group, you'll do terrifict!!

I see Dr. Jan but for something else entirely. I can't believe they are still doing that horrid skim milk diet! It's the worst but then I hate milk to begin with. They do have a support group that meets once a month I think altho I believe it's a mixed group. One tip that worked for me is instead of having a "last meal" I made a list of a few things I knew I wouldn't be able to have for awhile, if ever, and ate one of them every week till the evil milk diet. That way I didn't gain a bunch of weight but got my taste buds satisfied. I wish you the best and sooo very glad you aren't getting the crap band!

Message me, I wanted to ask a few questions.

Thanks.