Let Us All Get to Know Each Other :-)

Hi: I'm Karla.  I'm 39 and have three small kids.  I live in NYC but will be moving back to FL soon.  I've been on the VSG board for over two years now.  I've been planning on revising from a Lap-Band to Sleeve two years ago, but then I got preggers.  So, I've spent the time on the boards... reading, researching, and learning more. I've had a Band for almost seven years now.  It was great for the first 18 months.  Then after my first pregnancy, I could never successfully refill it.  Even with no fill, I maintained 1/2 of my weight loss through three pregnancies.  Then in the past few months, I've gained 20 more pounds.  I was supposed to have a Lap RNY in 1999, but had a bad experience with the doctor.  I wrote about it on OH and almost got myself and Eric sued.  (Different profile).  These days, docs can edt ther comments...so be aware of that.  After my comment, that one doctor did not have any patient comments for like 4 or more years... but now he does. I go between the VSG and getting a DS with a 150 cm common channel.  It's so much harder to be facing surgery having three little babies, then it was when I was single.  I don't want to face another revision in 5-10 years... yet in talking with my surgeon (who does the DS), he thinks I can be successful with the VSG long-term.  He also said that a revsion to a DS would not be a big deal from the sleeve.

Karla....is it a common practice for a surgeon to do the second part DS on an already VSGer if they are close to goal? Are there certain requirements to fulfill to get the second part? Just curious....I hope I never have to go there....but if I do I would like to be prepared ya know? I refuse to let myself get to where I was ever again....if that means getting the DS later on in the journey then I will. But do I have to have a certain BMI to be qualified? Or can anyone just go and get the second part without any problems.

If you're looking for insurance coverage, then the sucky part is that you may have to regain up to a BMI of 40 to be covered.  It depends on insurance. If you're a cash pay, then it's going to depend on the surgeon...and you.  I remember talking to Dr. Gagner like 3 or 4 years ago about adding the DS bit to my Lap-Band, wthout doing the sleeve.  He said that I'd probably lose 10 BMI points from it.  So, based on that, I would be surprised if a surgeon would consider doing the second part of the DS on somebody who had a BMI less than 30.  But hey... that's just a guess. :)

Thanks so much for your perception on this. Have always wondered ya know? Something I don't like to think about but it pops up every now and then and I wonder if I will be the one that needs the 2nd part.

Hi All, I'm TobieLynn.... I'm a 44  years old stepmom of two (a son 25 and a daughter 21). I've been married to their wonderful father for 19 years. The children have live with us our whole marriage so for all account I'm their mom. I'm getting VSG on May 12th with Dr. Alvarez. I can't wait to start my new life. Oh yeah I live in Eagle Pass, TX, so anyone coming to Dr.Alvarez for surgery don't think twice about contacting me for info about the area, a friendly ear or someone to help out while you are here. I don't work so I'm always here to help. This board has been a world of info for me and I have meet such wonderful people and Hope to meet many more. TobieLynn P.S. To anyone who would like to be friends please add me. You can never have to many friends.

I will be heading your direction this July. Can't wait. I am a 36 yF Married 14 years with 2 boys age 7 & 9 mo. Began to really have problems with weight after having babies. I just want to live the rest of my life without having to struggle with dieting, losing, & gaining. Just living normal while eating less.

Let me know if there is anything I can do for you now or when you are here. TobieLynn

OK Thanks because I will most likely be heading down there by myself. My husband will have to keep the boys.

Hi, I'm Stephanie.   I'll be 41 next month.  I live in Concord (35 mi east of SF), CA with my partner of 13 years & our lhasa apso, Dolce.   I've been overweight since I was 5.  Decided @ 40 it was time to take more drastic action & give myself the best chance at success.  I've had chronic back problems (2 surgeries, 1 an emergency when I went numb below the waist) & as a result have permanant nerve damage in my right leg/foot (weak & numb).  A few years later came high blood pressure, few more years sleep apnea, & last year I was "pre-diabetic."  That was my true wake up call.  I'm a foodie at heart - food & wine.  I've worked in the hospitality industry since college (18 yrs).  I wasn't really unhappy with my life, but I was unhappy with my health!  I don't want to feel helpless re: my weight any longer.  I want to get to a healthier place in my relationship with food.  I'm post-op, just over a week!  I have learned SO much from so many of you on this site.  You all are such a blessing & I couldn't have gone thru with this w/o you!!  I want to pay it forward now, & support others in their journey while continuing to have you all support me! To all the newer folks I would say, welcome!  And don't be afraid to ask your questions!  You will likely get an answer here!  People here are friendly, respectful, and supportive.   Great idea Sherri!!

Hi Y'all,  I'm  Rose......I live in Clarksville, Tennessee I am 64 years old and had my VSG in July '07.   I am divorced and I have 2 daughters.  My girls were born 20 years  apart - same father - but he left when baby was 6 months old.  So  my older daughter, Robin and I raised the younger daughter, Rachel without him.  Robin has sons (17 1nd 14) and a daughter (9).  My  baby, Rachel just married in Jan and has settled into married life and well be a 1st year teacher this fall.   I closed and retired my dancewear business about 4 years ago and  now spend all my time going to the grandchildren's sports events. My oldest grandson plays baseball for high school team - the younger  grandson plays basball for his middle school team and my granddaughter  plays Little League softball.  AND all 3 kids play on baseball and softball travel teams   The boys also play football and basketball, while my g'dau  plays basketball.  So any season there is almost anyday we have a game. Some days it take Robin, her husband, Aunt Rachel or me to get them  off in 3 different directions.   I love my VSG and just wish I had done it years ago.  I have lost 114 pounds so far and even though it is going slowly now - I am still losing.  I love the folks on this board and have checked in almost every day since surgery.