Newbie

 Hello. I've been lurking for months now, but finally decided that this would be the week to come out of lurk mode. I've been considering wls for several years now, but it was only after learning about VSG last year that it seemed that the time was 'right.' I have been overweight or obese since adolescence.  When my BMI peaked out at 41 and I was diagnosed with sleep apnea as well as high blood pressure last year, I decided it was time to do something more effective than the endless, and ineffective, diets I have tried for the past 30+ years. I am a PA (Physician's Assistant) and have seen both the good and the bad after wls. The benefits are impressive, but I have seen just about every complication there is. Each person must make the decision right for him or herself, but for me the idea of a foreign body deliberately placed inside me is not appealing, and the significant post-op malnutrition issues that are are a real risk of RNY and DS are, quite honestly, scary when you see what can happen 20 years down the road. The pure restriction of VSG and the ability to do it laparoscopically is a perfect solution for me. I'm in the process of working my way through all the insurance requirements and I am on track to have surgery in March. The few co-workers I have told have been very supportive as has my partner. I haven't told my immediate family yet as they will worry endlessly until after the surgery is over. There will be time for that soon enough and I expect they will be supportive once they know it is a done deal. 

I have really learned from the stories others have posted and have gone back and read through months of blogs of people who post frequently.  I have found this site to be great in the practical information that I need to know as a patient, which is quite different from being the health care provider.  It's also nice to find a community of 'lightweights.'  I can't tell you how often I have heard the comment that I am not overweight enough for surgery!   Once I figure out how to get the weight ticker up and running, I'll add that to my notes.  For now I have lost 10 pounds with the pre-op supervised diet and my BMI is at 38. 

Dee

Welcome to the LW's Dee!  It's nice to have you here.  If you've been lurking you are well aware of the sheer amount of support this group of fine people has to offer. 

As a health care provider we have a different insight into the world of WLS.  That insight had kept me from having WLS for many years.  As a CT Technologist I felt lke I was seeing more negative than positive aspects of these types of surgeries.  Only after witnessing first hand the benefits that many of my friends and coworkers had experienced did I start to look further into it.  That is when I found OH.  I hope you find as much support here as I have and good luck with the remainder of your approval process!

Welcome! So glad you found us! The weight loss ticker can be accessed from your home page. If you go to the tools tab, click on body tracker, you can enter your weight and measurements. From there you can click on ticker and customize it, and choose to have it added to your signature line. I have used these tools to track my weight and measurements all along. It comes in handy when you hit stalls, you can see you are losing inches.

I too spent a long time researching, and decided on the sleeve. You won't have the aid of malabsorption, so you definitely have to follow the rules. I love my sleeve and have never regretted my choice. It sounds like you have done your research.

Good luck and I hope you will come to us with any questions or problems

Welcome!  Glad you found us.

 Welcome, welcome! I too am doing a VSG soon after much research and thought. We will be on the losers bench soon girl!

Welcome to the LW board Dee!    Cindy

 Welcome. It sounds like you have done thoughtful research. I am very happy with my sleeve. I am emerging from several weeks of nausea. That said, I am thrilled with results. Normal blood sugars without meds, moving better. I even realize clipping my toenails was easy this morning (maybe TMI). Those small things add up to such a nicer quality of life. 

Thank you all for the warm welcome. I've followed Shannon's directions about signature widgets. Let's see if this works!

Welcome to the LW group.  Looking forward to hearing more from you.

Yippee! (I'm easily pleased, as you will discover.  )