Thank you all so much!!

Welcome Blue.  As Jill said, please don't let the antics of late  push you away from this forum.  This is only a recent occurence created by two people that have only been here since January.  If you have the time, look to past posts and you will see that we are a happy family here.  And as you can see, we did our best to alleviate the problem ourselves with no luck, so I sought out the proper assistance from OH.  I must say the powers-that-be within OH take our emails seriously because they've already dismissed one of the two.  I'm impressed.  Anyway, you've come to the right place to please do ask all the questions you want & join in with the group.  What you have witnessed lately is NOT the norm. I look forward to getting to know you better.

Thank you and I really can tell you ALL are here for the support as well as friendship.  I live in Maryland but will be traveling to Va to have my surgery.  Dr. Chan and Dr. Elariny are the greatest.  I am very happy with my decision to go with this group.  I have gone through everything that has been required and now am getting a signature for my 6 month supervised weight loss sheet that was omitted somehow so the insurance company is waiting for that to be faxed again and then will be all set.   It has been a very hard decision to make, but with me being 48 yrs old and constantly losing and regaining much more, my body is starting to feel this each time more and more.  I need something to be my "tool" .  I want to feel full.    I don't want the hassle of refills and insurance not covering them.  I am very impressed with the Vertical Band Gastroplasty with sleeve precedure.    I really feel this is what I need.   I just wish there were many others out there that could give me further insight.  Surgery has come along way.   I am anxious to hear from any of you that are considering this or know of anyone that has gone through this.   Keep me posted.............thanks again..........

Hi, Blue: I have a friend who had her surgery with Dr. Elariny, and is thrilled!!!  It seems to me she had the same one you are getting...but I'm not 100% sure...regardless, she is really pleased with how things have gone, with the results so far, and with the surgeon and his office. Best of luck to you!!! Cindy

Thank you Cindy for the positive.    I am tentative scheduled for the 18th of March.   I am doing this over my Spring Break from school.   This way when I return, nobody will have known what I have done.  Hoping to literally be melting down in front of their eyes!!! :)   Has anyone tried those tube protein drinks?  I can't remember the name right off my head but was wondering if they are good.   I am so afraid of losing my hair or it thinning even more than what it already has that I want to make sure the protein is met daily. Thanks again for responding.........have a wonderful day!!!

Here you go blue...          http://www.obesityhelp.com/forums/vbg/ I don't like the tube protein drinks. Some folks drink them mixed with crystal lite 1/2 tube at a time. I have gotten in all my protein and take all my supplements and still had hair loss. I would suggest getting samples of different proteins as your tastes will probably change after surgery. Your surgery date is just around the corner! Keep us posted on your progress and keep coming back to join us.

Jen,  Thank you for taking the time to find me the website.  This was the only website that I have found through my searching, and there still are no recent postings.   It seems that either not many have this precedure or are like me and aren't sure where to find people that have gone through this one.  It is one of the newer precedures.   I have the info packet and everything that has been discussed with my doctor, but as you know it always feels much better when you can make a contact through someone else that has done this.   I will keep everyone posted on my upcoming event.   I wouldn't be nervous and be normal would I ??? 

Hi there - it is very natural to be nervous - we all were but we have never regretted out decision..... just be an informed cosumer - write down any questions you need to have answered   - we will all help you where we can although most of us haven't been through the same procedure - but the eating habits are all very similar...... Actually you may want to also start a new thread and get more answers on this - people are kind of tired of the antics on this thread and are probably staying away.  A new thread will elicit many more people responding..... :-) Jackie