Big difference, congratulations!

Gotcha, thanks Goldie!! :)

I'm still pre-op so can't help you with that, but I'll be having Dr. Pleatman do my VSG also, so when you feel up to it I'd love to hear how the whole experience has been for you so far.  Hope you feel better soon! :)

My surgeon's office is telling me that most people only need a week off.... Ummmm, I'm thinking maybe not LOL.  I work in Physical Therapy and while I'm not lifting patients or anything (we're outpatient orthopedic), and I know I won't have to do any heaving lifting or anything, we do work 13-hour days and I just don't see being able to go back after a week, living on protein drinks and water. 

So, if I can make it back in a week then great, but I'm going to plan for two and go longer if need be.

Kris, I hear ya... I haven't even seen the surgeon yet, but yesterday I called his office, got lots of info and on the list for the next seminar (next Wednesday)--I'll be self-pay so the process will be as fast as I want it to be.  I was surprised after hanging up the phone that after wanting to do this for so long and being really excited about making it happen, I was kinda like "omg, omg...." LOL....

Immediately I started asking myself really?  Do I really want to do this and spend the money on it?  But I think that's totally normal for anyone about to undergo major surgery, especially when it's voluntary.  I do know that this really, truly is the only way I'm ever gonna get this weight off (after 20+ years of losing a little, gaining more, losing a little, gaining more, etc).   I just keeping thinking about how much better I'm gonna feel afterwards and that's exciting! :)

Jeans.... and not the elastic waist kind with peg legs and no pockets that make your butt look even bigger....not helped by the fact that I have short feet for my height which only makes everything above them seem even BIGGER....

I want to wear a nice pair of normal jeans and feel comfortable in them, without pinching, bulging, or not being able to breathe when I sit. 

Also, I'd like to be able to maybe wear shorts again if the legs don't look too saggy and lumpy afterward, and I hope not to look too bad in a tank top too. :D

Awesome responses everyone, thank you so much!  I plan on having the surgery no matter what--I'm not hoping I can still eat sweets, I'm hoping I can't!  And that I won't want to LOL.... I know it doesn't work that way with most people though but it sounds like you really don't want it much after surgery anyway.  I'm not stressing over this point in particular, just gathering info!  I really appreciate all the input so thanks again. :)

Hey, I'm in Michigan!  My son and I have already decided to try and give up pop after the first of the year.  He's trying to get in shape to go into the Marines in a few months.  I dunno... I do like to have a glass of Diet Rite cola with dinner!  (for now!) :D

I'll probably have a zillion questions in the coming months, and here are two more. :)

My biggest worry with going the VGS route is that I'll still have a problem with the sweets. A couple of years ago when I tried phentermine, it not only took care of the appetite, but I also had no real interest in eating something just because the taste sounded good, which is something I do a LOT of. So, a couple of questions for post-op'ers:

1. I know VGS people don't usually "dump," but some seem to have some kind of reaction to eating sugar or high simple carbs. Is that fairly common? I really hope to have that happen to me.

2. I know the hunger signal is severely reduced because of the lack of ghrelin after the majority of the stomach is removed. Do you find yourselves still craving or being tempted to have something sweet just because it's there or you want the taste of it like you may have pre-op, or does it just not interest you anymore?

Thanks!

I like you already, just from the way you write! :D

People love that Wii Fit--I've never used one but they look fun.  Let us other pre-oppers know what you think of the various protein shakes!  Seems like some people like one while others hate it and vice-versa, and that it's a very individual thing, but it's still good to read what others think.  Good luck with your surgery, you'll be the first person here that I'll be able to follow from the beginning!

Stacy

Back about 3 years ago I was looking into RNY and my insurance (which changes every January 1st) has never covered it--well, I should say my employer always specifically excludes it from our policies--and I was too afraid of being stuck paying for complications to go through with a self-pay option.

Now, reading the last several days about VSG and the low, low rate of complications, I'm STOKED and totally planning on making an appointment tomorrow to see the surgeon.  I'll have to get creative with the credit card bill and probably have to tap my Roth IRA, but it's got to be done...there's no putting it off or giving it  "one last try" (oh please, right?) any longer.

I can't wait to get to reading all your stories! :D

Stacy