Gastric Sleeve Surgery Forums

Hi everyone, I am getting my upper GI done this Monday, did anyone else have to have an upper GI before the Sleeve surgery? I am super excited to get the Sleeve done, it seems like it is taking forever. I just want it done already! Anyway, I am happy to have found this site. I am looking forward to the support! ~Vikki

Anyone under 180lbs and getting sleeves? I have recently started to feel a bit guilty about getting sleeved for being overweight but not obese. I have other medical issues that have helped me make the decison to get sleeved, but I am curious to see if there is anyone else in the same boat.

Hello All, I have searched the threads for shakes but most that are mentioned have milk product in them (I'm lactose intolerant) I have also contacted my nutritionist and I have tried the ones that she suggest like plant based, I tried "Plant Head" a vegan protein shake and I thought I was on to something, two weeks later it was not agreeing with me anymore...Anyone out there have a very sensitive stomach like myself and have found a shake that works well for them please let me know. I'm 5 months post op and having a problem getting all of my protein in so a good protein shake would be great for me to add into my meal plan. I've tried yogurts and also a lactose …

My surgery was 2 weeks tomorrow. I try not to weigh myself every day but I have been at 12-13 pounds weight loss for 5 days. I have heard this is normal. I am worried I am eating too much already. What do you guys think, what were your first few weeks like? Kathryn

Hello everyone! I am needing some help (advice) on some issues that I am having. I had the surgery last April and lost 134 pounds. It has been an incredible journey. However lately I can feel myself getting more and more hungry. I can also tell that my portion sizes are getting larger. I’m not wanting to get back to my old habits but i feel stuck. I’m also having a hard time getting back into cooking my meals. I used to cook so much food and now that I’m not eating very much I feel lost when I cook. Can anyone give me some advice. Any help would be greatly appreciated!! Thank you! -ryan

I’ve been having issues with nausea and vomiting the past week, but I thought it was due to dehydration. You know, because too nauseated to drink, not drinking causes nausea. I did end up going to the ER (same place I had my surgery and my surgeons office is part of the hospital) for fluids Friday night/Saturday morning. I’m happy to say that I was only slightly dehydrated, but also unhappy to say that the nausea and vomiting were from something else. They did a CAT scan and ultrasound because I guess bloodwork showed weird pancreas activity. I have some sludge in my gallbladder. Talked to my surgeons medical assistant this morning and they fit me in for a…

i am considering having a gastric sleeve. I need to have knee replacement surgery but, must get my BMI down befor they will replace my knees. Here is my concern, I take 1000- 1400 mg a day of ibuprophen to manage the arthritis pain. I will not be able to take ibuprophen after surgery. The WLS team I have been working with tell me to discuss this with my general practice doc. I want to have some ideas of what others have experienced or used for arthritis pain. Is anyone using any kind of a pain patch? This is a major concern for me but, I realize that others must have had similar issues. I am considering the sleeve due to the arthritis pain and need for ibuprophen. Tyle…

PLEASE EXCUSE THE LONG POST :( Hi all. I had my first VSG consultation on 4/19/2018. My surgeon told me I would need to lose 100lbs during my pre-op stage (6 months required by insurance co) and prescribed phentermine. I lost 20lbs in 2 weeks but it gave me terrible side effects (depression, suicidal thoughts, insomnia) so I quit. At that point I was faced with calling my surgeon and asking for something else and I never did it. The week following that I tried intermittent fasting and lost another 10lbs. Then, foolishly, I thought to myself just as I had a million times before, “I can do this myself!” And when it came time for my next appointment, I didn’t go. I didn’t ca…

Good morning all. I had the single incision gastric sleeve back in June 2018 so I am approximately 7 months out. I was considered “low BMI” (33 BMI) so I opted to go to Mexico to get it done since I would not get approved here especially since I have no comorbidities. I am 5’5” and My highest weight was 212, day of surgery 205, and now my current weight is 176-177. Before I even considered surgery I was on phentermine for a long, long time like 10 years steady!!! I was so excited to finally rid myself of that drug but now I am extremely tempted to start on it again. My reason being that my hunger is coming back, which I know is typical after 6 months, and I have not lost …

Interesting read thought would share. https://www.generalsurgerynews.com/The-Great-Debates/Article/03-18/Gastric-Bypass-or-Sleeve-Gastrectomy-/47027

Six months post-op and my hunger is back. With a freaking vengeance. Maybe its because I've had a couple days off but I can't seem to get it under control. But all I can think about is the food over in my kitchen. I dunno. Even when I'm physically full I'm still craving something - a salty crunch or sweet chew. I'm going crazy! I miss the absence of hunger! It was so nice. I'm so sad.

I had my sleeve surgery in August 2013. It was the best thing I have have ever done for myself. The knee surgery I thought I would need....I did not. The fatigue and inability to move....gone. My poor blood sugar, blood fats, lymphadema, etc....all better. I can buy clothes off the rack. This has been a dream for me. Alas, I have had a rough stretch. A significant family crisis has taken me away from my “year of me”. I stopped tracking my protein. I let my weekly exercise quota slip away. I no longer commit to my good, post-surgery habits. I have slipped into naughty “slider food” habits (chips, crackers, wine.....too little protein, too many carbs, basical…

It sounds so silly to me that before my surgery, I would constantly be eating and now, I struggle to even drink my water. Which I know is so unhealthy for my body. I was wondering if any of you guys struggle/struggled with this? I'm so beyond not hungry that I can go the whole day and not have anything. I know setting alarms help, but truth is, it's on my mind to consume things I just don't really want to since I'm not hungry. I am slowly doing better but I wanted to reach out to you guys because well, I don't feel so alone with you guys! I had my surgery Jan 15,2019 and I'm almost 2 weeks post op and about to start the puree stage.

Can anyone offer assistance on if the Gastric Sleeve is covered by Tricare Select and if it is, what are the requirements to get approved?

82lbs down in all, 38lbs down since sleeve. 12-10-18 Started at 457 now 375. A good ways to go, but I can see and feel the difference!! Good luck to you all!! Clasik

Medical professionals : why do you do the work you do? Why did choose to work with Bariatric patients? OMGOSH, the responses have been amazing. From family and personal experiences you learn so much. I met nurse, who attended an Ivy League school, who has been practicing for two years and loves work with people. On two occasions, she grew her hair and donated the hair to organizations that make wigs for children. So, I challenge you in the midst of your discomfort, to focus on people around you - so they see understand that Bariatric patients are individuals who want to live, love, dance in the rain, and focusing on this experience to share with others. Man, …

Starting Weight: 301 - 10/11/18 Surgery Date: 279 - 1/28/19 The difficult part was getting over my nerves - the unknown! The surgery was a breeze. The pain feels more like aches and pains rather than excruciating pain. Moving too fast can cause dry heaves ( like walking to the bathroom). So, I slowed down. Only ice chips (so- yes, I am hungry ( for a protein shake) and my mouth is dry like I have a mouth full of cotton.) Gas is NOTHING compared to the gas I experienced during my c-section surgeries. Walking helps for the emotions, gas, thinking of a game plan, and seeing how much I will be able to tolerate. I did not over pack and brought the bare n…

...

Has anyone in this forum used the Trim Away pills after surgery? I was sleeves April 2017 and I am gaining my weight back ? I have ordered the Trim Away pills from Bariatric Pal they are suppose to suppress your appetite and I don’t think they are working for me because I’m hungry a hour after taking the pills and drinking my meal replacement shake. ??‍♀️ Any suggestions?

I typically have a glass of wine before dinner. Should I completely stop before starting on this journey? I go for a consultation for weight loss surgery next week.

Hi everyone Any suggestions to help minimize hair loss. I would really appreciate your suggestions.

OMG am I the only one who has had the misfortune of getting pills stuck in their throat? I've never had a problem taking pills before. Tonight is the third time I've gotten one stuck in my throat and I don't know why. Im taking it with plenty of water. It's hard not to panic when you feel it and start getting a burning sensation. I walk around, sip water, sip warm liquid (all things my surgeon's office told me to do) and it doesn't help. I then ate a few small pieces of bread with peanut butter on it (again, recommended by surgeon's office). Tonight I tried making myself throw up and when I stuck my finger down my throat I actually felt the pill but it wasn't where I coul…

18 months post gastric sleeve. Started at 248 and currently weigh 172. Weight loss has been for the most part successful. I continue however to struggle with chronic constipation that has now resulted in three small bowel obstructions that all resulted in hospital stays. The first one was 6 weeks post op and also resulted in a hernia that required surgery. I was doing great for about a year. But continued to struggle with constipation. The second and most painful bowel obstruction was this past October. That resulted in five day hospital visit until it resolved on its own without surgery. The third one was less that three and a half months later. Still no surger…

I am 5 years post-op with my gastric sleeve surgery. I have lost over 220 pounds. I give all the credit and honor to God for this great blessing. Now, in the past couple months, I have gained 15 pounds. This to me is very scary - I do not want to go back up the scales. I am trying so very hard to never take advantage of this blessing. I have try also to stick very closely to my plan that I have used since the surgery, yet still I have gained this weight. I have read about taking a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar with water can curve your appetite and help cleanse your system. Is this true or is it too hard on the stomach? Help! I cannot and will not go back up…

I have been so nervous about surgery and pre-op. 1 month till surgery what should I do about overeating prior to liquid diet

Hi All! I finally got my surgery date- Sept. 14. HOORAY! Any one out there with September surgery?

Anyone have advice for a scared person lol

Hey I'm new to this my date is February 7

Gastric Sleeve Jan 21st 2019 over joy with excitement.

I am eating so low calories a day like 300 cal and not eating proteins so much. Did this influence in my stall weight that i didnt lose nothing about 2 weeks ????

Hello everyone! I finally had my surgery on January 9th! Everything went very well, no complications...no nausea, no real pain other than the expected gas discomfort. Spent one night in the hospital and home the next day. Within a couple days time I started feeling anxious about what I just did to my body ? and could not stop thinking about food! I got to thinking that I'm never going to be able to eat my favorite meals again which caused me to get all worked up. I then started fearing that I'm going to be a failure at this ? I did 3 days of clear liquids post op and I am now on full liquids for 10 to 14 days. Please tell me these feelings are normal ?

Hi any of you had sleeve and resolved your type 2 and how far out pls ?

Why is it that our head tries to play games?? Especially when it comes to our weight loss! I am very happy with my progress overall, but each week it is a mind battle for my head to accept where i am on this journey. Last week when i weighed in, it was 59 pounds loss total.. Great! Not so great! Why was it not 60? My mind wanted it to be 60 and it was not so i was disappointed in myself.. ok.. great! Next week it will be over 60 and i will be happy. I weighed this morning ( A day early) because it was killing me i didn't get on the scale all week on purpose to try and go a week without weighing LOL.. Anyways.. result.. Down 3.2 ( and i still have tomorrow to go, but if no…

I rediscovered sunflower seeds! In the shell. Good substitution for chips or candy or other junk. Keeps me busy trying to get past the shell to the seed. Plus protein.

So I’m a week post op & sugar free jello, sf popsicle all taste like a pound of sugar. Broth is ok but I’m tired of smelling the Wendy’s my husband brought in the house tonight. I’m about to get a clean towel wet it and put a piece of that burger in it and just chomp on it & suck the juice out through the towel. Please talk me off this ledge!!!!!!

I had vsg on January 9th...did 3 days of clear liquids post op and on full liquids until January 24th...I AM HUNGRY :'( I'm so sick of liquids...Does anyone have any suggestions or words of encouragement?

I'm floored at how far I've come. I was sleeved on 10/17/18 at 265. My starting weight was 275 (though my highest was above 300) and I'm only 5'5". My personal goal was to lose 125 pounds, putting me at 150 pounds, and in the healthy BMI range. Today I clocked in at 216.2. I've lost over 58 pounds and am less than 5 pounds from being halfway to my goal. I'll probably be at the halfway point in a couple weeks. I'm freaking floored. I have hope that I can get to 150 someday. I know things will probably start to slow dramatically after another few months, but I've been putting in the work and am happy to continue doing so, even when things slow down. After a…

I had my surgery the 17th of September. I lost 23 pounds between Sept and Oct. I only lost 3 pound in the month of Nov. Is this normal?

Hi, I’ve just joined this forum in the hope that I can gain some encouragement and reassurance! I had a sleeve done on Wednesday 23 Jan, and was allowed home yesterday afternoon. When I first came round I felt really sick, in lots of pain and waned to sleep a lot (fairly normal from quite major surgery I suppose!). I’ve already been through the regret phase and thinking OMG what have I done.....but think I’m starting to come out the other side of that quite quickly. I’m managing enough liquid - water, tea, broth, liquid ibuprofen and paracetamol, all fine. However.....no matter what I take down, I get like a gurgling sensation in my stomach as it’…

Hello All, Tomorrow I will be attending my first support group hosted by the hospital I had my procedure done 9 days ago, what should I expect?

Hi All, I'm newish to the forum and have enjoyed reading through the threads. The one thread that asked about would you do it again, really helped me. Just about everyone said they would do it sooner. I hope I get to this point. I had my gastric sleeve on Jan 23. I freaked out a little in the hospital because I tried to turn on to my side to sleep and my stomach muscles went into spasms and I could not breathe. It was awful and scary and it happened a few more times while I was there. I came home yesterday and continued with the clear liquid diet. Felt just awful. It's hard to sleep, I have sooooooo much painful gas gurgling around in my stomach. I …

Hello Im from Colorado and i just finished everything i needed to pass for the VSG. How long is the wait to know if you're approved or not from Kaiser???

I'm near the end of my journey to get the gastric sleeve. I should have learned my date by now, so probably any day now. My Dr initially wanted to do duodenal switch and if not the gastric bypass, because I have recent history with pain in my stomach, controlled with ppi's. I told him I would not consider either, only gastric sleeve. Now I'm having second thoughts. I'm scared of the gastric bypass due to a friends friend dying from complications. I do have a small hiatal hernia they need to repair. I'm afraid IF I decided to go with the gastric bypass, I will have to wait longer. I'm wondering if insurance would need another approval to do the GB? It say approva…

I found many posts about incisions but no had had talked about how long they covered them for. I am 8 days out of surgery and my post op instructions say to cover for a week, but my drainage incision still looks pretty open... I got my surgery out of the country so I don't have a doctor that can look at them in person. I will email my surgeon who did the procedure but I wanted some more insight. Thank you.

For those of you that have done the sleeve surgery and started exercising, when did you start? I am 1 week out today and I feel like I would like to at least get on a treadmill or stationary bike. When did you guys start to exercise and what did you start with? Kathryn

I just wanted to share about my experience in Mexico. I arrived at the San Diego airport on 1/16/2019 and I was scared to death. A very nice young man named Robert picked us up as soon as we got our luggage and was very polite and encouraging on the way to the hospital which starting calming me down. We arrived at the hospital and they were ready for us. The Valet (which is the person that takes care of my husband all week) unloaded our luggage and took us to register. After I filled out the paperwork we were shown to my room. All of my preop testing started (blood work, vitals, EKG) and my IV got hooked up. Everyone was so nice and accommodating. My nerves were…

Hello all! I am 5 months out and a 100lbs down. I am honestly so grateful that I got the opportunity to have this operation done. I don’t miss my old life style at all, I now love the gym, I love my lean protein and veggie meals, I love being able to shop anywhere without worrying about if they’ll carry my size, I love not worrying about taking up too much space on public transport, I love running about everywhere and not feeling the excess weight on my knees and feet. Have I had bad days?? Of course! One day I ate an entire block of brie, another day I ate a slice of pizza. But the difference is now I don’t let my mistakes define. One bad meal isn’t going to get …

I’ve got a question for everyone out there. I had the sleeve done on the 17 of December, so I just hit my one month mark. I started at 524 pounds, so bigger than most. Interesting thing though is that during the 6 week pre-op diet I lost 58 pounds. In the four weeks post surgery I have lost 21. Has anyone had a similar experience? Does anyone have knowledge as to why this might happen? How would weight loss post surgery be so much slower then before? Post surgery has been much more restrictive than my diet leading up to surgery and I am trying to understand why.

Warning this rant is a little TMI. lol Weds I started my monthly flow and I started my liquid diet today also pre-admission testing today as well. I have 13 more days to go for my pre-op diet. I told my best friend to do a wellness check on my husband this weekend. lmao It's coming to the end of the day and my stomach wont stop gurgling. Its a loud gurgle sound too. It started happening about 5pm. I've had some looks from people because of how loud it was. haha I've had 4 protein shakes, 2 jell-o cups, 2 servings of broth and 50oz of water. My next protein shake isn't for another 1hour and I still have 2 more cups of water to drink. I don't have any food cravings but my …

I know I shouldn't complain but i'm having a difficult time losing any more weight. I am almost 6 months out and I have lost 109 lbs. I started at 414 lbs. and now weigh 305 lbs. The problem is I haven't lost any weight in almost 2 weeks, I get on the scale and it says I lost 2 lbs. and then 3 days later it says I gained 4 lbs. it's crazy and I was wondering if anyone has experienced this?? I eat the same things I have since the start of solid foods and I walk 1 1?2 miles a day 5 days a week. I would really like to get some suggestions on what I can do to lose again. ( on the plus side this is the first time I can remember losing weight during the holiday season…