Newbie pre-op with questions

Hi all, I'm new to this website and it looks like an awesome source of information! I'm planning on having the VGS procedure done soon - don't have a date scheduled yet but am told my surgeon is 4-6 weeks out. I have to private pay since my BMI is 36 but I have no comorbidities. It's strange to be in a situation where I'd want a comorbidity!

Anyway, I have a few things that I'm wondering about that I think people here would be able to answer. Does it seem realistic that I'd be back to work (at a desk job) in 10 days or so? I'm in good shape aside from the weight and am hoping that will make my recovery shorter.

I'm also wondering about the excess skin issue. I'd think it's not as severe with people with lower BMI's, does that make sense? I'm pretty muscular due to working out so am hoping that would help too. After paying for the primary surgery I couldn't afford any plastic surgery on top of it.

Thanks in advance for any responses :-)

Welcome aboard!  : )

I went back to work after 2 weeks. If you're in good shape and don't have any issues post-op, 10 days might be ok but try to take it as easy as you can. 

My BMI was close to yours and I didn't need plastics. It all depends on genetics and how long you've been way overweight.

Wishing you good luck!

--gina

Welcome aboard!

10 days might be a little soon, but it will all depend on how you feel.

I know I had to wait because of the lifting I do at work, and I am glad I did. My endurance was low at the very beginning.

Few wrinkly spots here and there, but no plastics needed, but would like a flat smooth stomach and boobs that didnt pass my waistline! lol

Welcome to the LW Board.

I could have gone back to my desk job in 10 days, but had surgery 4 hours from home and couldn't drive that far for 2 weeks.  I was back at work in 2 weeks as soon as I got home.  I hit the pain pump after surgery one time and never had any more pain meds, but everyone is different.  I got up and walked as soon as they would let me.

Skin is going to depend on lots of things - no way to predict that either.  I lost weight when I was around 40 and had no skin issues.  I had WLS when I was 56 and have some skin issues, but I would rather have the skin than go back to being obese.  I will probably never have any plastics done either.  I have been overweight on and off since I was a young child. 

Good luck

Linda

I work from home and really, never stopped working.  I didn't do my farm work due to lifting for 10 days to 2 weeks but I was fine sitting at my desk on my own terms. 

I was 61 and I do have some skin issues but oh well.  No plastics here.  And I look pretty hot in clothes. 

I was healthy before surgery, age 30, only co-morbidity was poly cystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). I was walking quite a bit at the hospital, I did use pain meds there for one day. I took it easy and went back to work in 10-14 days.

With my age, genetics and pretty balanced body shape, I don't need any more plastics than the average mom my age. Boobs sag a bit and my belly is wrinkly, otherwise I'm looking good.

Good luck and stick around,

Lauren

Thank you so much to everyone that replied! This really is a great source isn't it?

Welcome to the site and congratulations on the upcoming surgery.  I did not have an issue with skin until I hit the 80 pounds loss mark.  I think if I had regularly worked out, skin would not have been the issue it now is.  I had lost 70 pounds multiple times all while working out 3 hours per day and was very tone.  With WLS I was older and walked for exercise.  Like others said, genetics plays a huge role too.