My name is Pat. I am starting the path toward gastric bypass surgery. I tried to do this a few years ago and the insurance I had then turned me down. Now, at age 67, I'm on Medicare and Medicare will cover it (or so I'm led to believe). I have my first appointment 09/27. I've read everything I can on the subject (pros and cons). I've also observed two nieces who had the lap band and they did real well the first couple of years but are now back to eating almost the way they started. Considering all this I've decided I want the bypass. Now we have to see what the doctor has to say.

I'm 5 ft 3 in and weighed in at 264 last week at the doctors. I have, of course, high blood pressure and type 2 diabetes.

I'm taking very seriously what I've been reading about post surgery diet so thought using MFP would help me track and provide reinforcement.

Hi, my name is Yolanda and I've had several appointments to get me started towards WLS. I have a couple friends who have had the surgery, one chose the bypass and didn't lose too much - she openly admits its probably because of her eating habits and lack of exercise. I have another friend who chose the lapband and was not very successful either. Another friend of mine chose the sleeve and has been very successful, therefore, I am choosing the sleeve. I have tried to make positive changes in my diet, and have started going to a gym 3 weeks ago. Unfortunately, I have not seen any changes in my weight since I have started, and am hoping I will still be able to get the surgery. I have an appointment in one month to make sure everything is good to go, and will hopefully get my surgery scheduled then. My main concern about the surgery is to figure out what shakes to drink after the surgery. I haven't been given a list of which are best, and which are preferred so I am hoping to find that here. Any suggestions? Thanks!

Thanks for the tips! I will definitely try getting free samples...I didnt even think of that!

Hi Heather - 7 stones lost must have made a huge difference to your health and mobility already so congratulations on losing than and maintaining it. You say there is no support group where you are. Where are you based? Did you have surgery with the NHS?

Hi! I'm Heather from the US. I visited my childhood pen pal in the UK last year. I am 1 week post op and am thrilled to join your group to see how you are managing weight loss surgery. Oh, and for some yummy British recipes that are gastric friendly!

Hi all,

I have been heavily overweight for nearly 12 years after I left school and I'm only 28! (337lbs at the moment) I have tried every diet under the sun but my health has begun to deteriorate. I have dislocated both my knees and now have arthritis in them, have a bad back and continually getting colds etc. I can lose the weight but cannot keep it off and when it goes back on it doubles. I spoke with my doctor and we both agreed that unless I do something soon...well it doesn't bear thinking about really.

I will be having the Sleeve Feb/March 2014. I have had the consultants appointment, my dieticians appointment is 17th January and then we are all set to go and book a date.

The question I would like to put to the group is has anyone had to lose as much as I do and how was your body after losing all the weight. I will be doing exercise once the weight starts to come off but just wondering what the after effects are like or do you require corrective surgery afterwards?
I look forward to hearing from you and please add me, I'm happy to chat xxx
xxx

Hi WannabeSlim14,
I haven't looked in on this group for a while. I was sleeved nearly 5 weeks ago, and recovery has been pretty good. (I went to the Czech Republic as had no chance of getting suregery on the NHS where I live. I had about 110lb to lose. Hope things go well with your surgery.

Hi I'm new here.

I went along for a consultation for a gastric balloon and was advised to go for the sleeve. I'm now booked in for Sat 12th July.

The consultants nurse is very approachable but I have a lot of questions that I thought could be better answered by those actually going through it.

When I asked about time off work, the consultant said I could be back at work very quickly; if he operated on a Friday for example, I could be back at work on the Monday.

I'm thinking that might be a little quick?? What do you guys think?

I actually work two jobs; I'm a chauffeur and a financial controller. I start at 7am with my driving work and arrive at my office at 9am to start work there at 9.30. Then leave for an afternoon pick up at 4pm or 8pm. I would hate to drive tired or just not to feel up to it. Did any of you struggle? Or we're you straight back to work.

I can book a weeks annual leave for the Financial Controllers role. I am the proprietor of the chauffeur biz so I could arrange cover for the driving and I'd rather do that planned in advance than at the last minute. Just don't want to give away fares if I don't need to.

Another concern I have is my age and how my skin will look after weight loss...and dare I mention it...how 'the girls' are likely to fare? I've always been hour glass, even at my heaviest...am I likely to loose 'em? I don't mind losing from there, they are a little overwhelming, I'm just wondering 'how low can they go'? Am I going to look horrific? They are really the only part of me I'm happy about should I brace myself for some adjustment?

And lastly, one of the reasons I'm going for this is because amongst other issues I have advanced arthritis in my hips. Is there anywhere I could get exercise advise specifically tailored for me? My surgeon wants me to exercise 2 hours a day and I'm figuring out how to fit this in timewise, but I don't want to damage my joints in the process.

Best of British to all you other sleevers, would love to hear your experiences and glen some tips.

Hello from across the pond!

My name is Bambi (yep, it's my given name). I'm new to this forum, and soon to be sleeved. I just started my two-week pre-op liquid diet this morning. My surgery is scheduled for 7/1/14. I'm reaching out now to form some new online friendships for added support. I do have a few people in my life who have been successful with WLS, but I find that the broader your circle, & the more information and experience you have to draw on, the better!

So, I hope you don't mind me ducking in here to say hello. I'll be happy to share my story & my experience and hope to draw on the wisdom of those of you who've been traveling this road for awhile.

Cheers! (I say this as I raise my decaf green tea to you all!)

Hi I'm new here.

I went along for a consultation for a gastric balloon and was advised to go for the sleeve. I'm now booked in for Sat 12th July.

The consultants nurse is very approachable but I have a lot of questions that I thought could be better answered by those actually going through it.

When I asked about time off work, the consultant said I could be back at work very quickly; if he operated on a Friday for example, I could be back at work on the Monday.

I'm thinking that might be a little quick?? What do you guys think?

I actually work two jobs; I'm a chauffeur and a financial controller. I start at 7am with my driving work and arrive at my office at 9am to start work there at 9.30. Then leave for an afternoon pick up at 4pm or 8pm. I would hate to drive tired or just not to feel up to it. Did any of you struggle? Or we're you straight back to work.

I can book a weeks annual leave for the Financial Controllers role. I am the proprietor of the chauffeur biz so I could arrange cover for the driving and I'd rather do that planned in advance than at the last minute. Just don't want to give away fares if I don't need to.

Another concern I have is my age and how my skin will look after weight loss...and dare I mention it...how 'the girls' are likely to fare? I've always been hour glass, even at my heaviest...am I likely to loose 'em? I don't mind losing from there, they are a little overwhelming, I'm just wondering 'how low can they go'? Am I going to look horrific? They are really the only part of me I'm happy about should I brace myself for some adjustment?

And lastly, one of the reasons I'm going for this is because amongst other issues I have advanced arthritis in my hips. Is there anywhere I could get exercise advise specifically tailored for me? My surgeon wants me to exercise 2 hours a day and I'm figuring out how to fit this in timewise, but I don't want to damage my joints in the process.

Best of British to all you other sleevers, would love to hear your experiences and glen some tips.

Hi I am new to the group. I am based in the UK and been researching a lot about having the VSG. If there are anyone from the UK here please let me know which hospital you had the surgery because I am in the process of deciding where to have it done and have had a consultation with the Hospital Group but really would appreciate some recommendations.

Much thanks
Nnekari