I went to my surgeon's local support group for a year or so. It help ed. But they changed the format and it lost mist of its appeal. And there were more preops attending, and no one further out, and it was no longer worth the time.

I log on MFP every day, and it's very helpful. And I'm here, every day. Its been a key part of my success.

A lot of it depends on your insurance requirements, and your ability to get preop things completed. I knew I wanted to shoot for September/October for my surgery. I started in late May, and my insurance required 3 RD visits spaced over 90 days, as well as psych, PCP approval, Cardiology approval, Chest X-Ray, blood work, GI approval and Upper endoscopy, as well as no weight gain during the process. I have Aetna. I had surgery October 7th. I could have concieveably had surgery a little sooner, but Cardiology took a while for some reason. They wanted a lot of tests, even after the Cardiologist confirmed my heart was perfect. It seemed excessive, but better safe than sorry. Because my BMI was over 50, I also had to consult with Vascular Surgery about an IVC filter to prevent blood clots post op. That was my physician's requirement though, not the insurances. Good luck on your journey!

Hi! I'm having a VSG on 11/26th in Mexico and wanted to know how bad the acid reflux is for those of you. I already have reflux and can't imagine it getting worse than what it can be. Someone suggested getting a bypass done instead, but I don't feel that should be the sole reason for getting a bypass done. Can anyone relate or talk about their experience?

Hi, yes it's due to the acid reflux I was supposed to have a revision. I just found out that I have esophagitis, I had an endoscopy done a few years ago & my doctor emailed me to let me know I have that and it's up to me to decide what I need to do.

First are you at goal? If not, then the answer is heck no. If you are, what is your objective at having such high calorie snacks? And for having two snacks? At support group we've discussed snacks a lot. The biggest issue is creating a "candy bar" habit that leads you back to less nutritious snacks. My snacks today are generally an apple with nutbutter or nuts or maybe a yogurt with nuts..... I almost never eat a protein bar as a snack, except as a pre-workout thing and never more than 1/3 to 1/2 of one. So the key is what is the objective? I suspect most answers you are going to get is no don't do it. Snack less and snack on more nutritious foods. Also I like having the option of bars, but I don't eat them daily and certainly never two in a day.