It depends on the doctor...mine was trained in advanced bariatric and lap surgery, he doesn't use drains and does 3 leak tests before you get out of the OR!! That's one of the many reasons I chose him!

Sharon and everyone! I forgot last week and this week I won't be around, hopefully I'll join you all next week! Have fun.

Hi Christine: You will not need shampoo as you will not be taking a shower. I showered the morning of surgery and went home by noon the next day. You will be hooked up to an IV so taking a shower will be difficult. There are no showers in the room either, you have to go down the hall, so I wouldn't count on taking one. The nurse will give you a sponge bath and wash your back, it will be heaven! I brought chapstick, handcream, facial cleanser and moisturizer, toothbpaste and toothbrush. That's all you will need. I brought reading material but never had time to read. I brought my cell phone but had my husband keep it till I got to the room and then I put it under my pillow in the room. When you get to the hospital they will put your clothing into a plastic bag and you will wear a hospital gown. After your sponge bath ask for a new hospital gown to sleep in. If you put your hair up, bring clips or a band. I brought a tiny bag of stuff and that was it. You will not need much and whatever you forget, they will give you! Make yourself a pot of chicken soup for your clear liquid fast. The canned broth will not cut it, especially on the first day! Good luck and call me if you have any further questions.

Hi! You missed the support group, it was last Thursday. It was a wonderful group, less people because of the bad weather threat....we missed our south jersey cousins. I think it is great that Dr. JB insists on an endoscopy...other doctors do not ask for it...you see he wants no surprises on the operating table! He is very thorough and cautious, one of the many reasons I chose him. Anyway, I have been to every support group since August and they are wonderful and really a must for all patients. It is nice to be in a room where everyone has faced the same weight issues and can be supportive! Hope you can come to the next meeting on Feb. 15.

I worried about it too but truthfully I won't be able to get all the water in if I have to resort to drinking it plain. I add the water sensations or buy the nestle flavored water, both have splenda in it which is supposed to be better than aspartame that is in Cristal Lite. I find the water sensations very sweet so I can use one packet for 2-3 bottles of water. I am 10 weeks out and drinking flavored water has not slowed my weight loss or caused me to be hungrier. Keep things as "natural" as possible.

Sharon-I assume your diet is the same as for RNY...you should be on liquids now. What did Judi tell you? If you are on liquids don't have more than 2 oz. When you are eating food just have 1/4c. at a time. You probably shouldn't be chewing now. Call Judi tomorrow to discuss.

You know what I look like so look for me! I have a follow up appt. so I'll be there at 4:30. How are you doing so far?

How was your experience with Dr. JB? Isn't he great? He has a great bedside manner - I am so pleased with my experience with the center so far and have nothing but wonderful things to say! I look and feel great so far and I know it will continue. Just follow everything to the T and you will be another success story at The Bariatric Center! Hope to see you next Thursday.

Harris: I'm still trying to get something organized but I don't have enough people. In the meantime, you can come to The Bariatric Center's support group next Thursday. We meet in the building on the corner of Randolph Rd. and Park Avenue, enter where the Adult Day Care center door is. We start about 5:30 and end at 7:00. Looking forward to seeing you there.

My nut. said definitely NO on the bars. She doesn't want me having bars on a regular basis. She says they are good in a pinch. the sugar and carb content are too high. I am staying away!

Woohoo what great news! So happy for you. Keep it up. I will weigh in on Friday. Hope the scale shows some downward movement.

I have Horizon BCBS POS and had my surgery on 11/9. It was all covered with no out of pocket. My surgeon, Dr. Demevsar Jean-Baptiste got the approvals. You can check the Horizon website to see if he's listed. I assume he is because he takes almost all insurance. He does have a great relationship with Horizon and can probably get you approved if you qualify. His phone # is 908-336-4200. I would definitely schedule a consultation.

Hi Timmy! Yes, I am just starting to feel "lighter" and notice a difference. My doctor has a monthly support group that I attend and enjoy. Are there others in my area? If there are I do not know about them. I would love to start one in the Union county area. Have a great holiday! S