Gastric Sleeve Surgery Forums

Apologies if this thread is in the wrong section, or if it's already been done, as I'm pretty new here. I have several tattoos, some of which have stretched to DOUBLE their original size and one of which has been ruined due to gaining weight. All my tattoos I got when I was thin. Do any of you have before/after pics of tattoos from when you were heavy and now that you've reached goal weight? Do they return to normal or what type of experience with this did you have? I seriously can't wait to get to my goal weight so I can get more tats! :wub:

I'm new.

Im so grateful I found these blogs and can go through this process with other people! Anyone else having surgery around the same time?

I got my approval today from the insurance company. There wasn't much doubt that it would be approved because my company covers bariatrics with our insurance, but it still a big relief to officially hear that everything is a go for March 19th!!! I hope everyone waiting to hear from insurance gets some good news soon!

I am still going to a party, on a full liquid diet still. I just want a glass of wine... Lol!! I know thats not gonna happen. My will power will be tested with head hunger! But, I can do it:)... what's your plan?

Well I'm a little over 12 hours away from my surgery and I'm becoming more and more excited. Today I was my liquid diet day and it went by very quick and easy. How are my fellow January Sleevers holding up?

Was initially referred to dr. Waldrep who is apparently a great surgeon but had never performed VSG. As a result he made some arrogant/ignorant statements when I asked him about VSG at his orientation seminar. Ultimately, I think I need to change surgeons. I will not be simeone's test case. Dr. Eslami is now who I am considering but so far I can't find any posts here on him and on Obesity Help all the posts about him are for RnY. He has perfprmed VSG but I haven't found much info on him. His orientation isn't for another week. Anyone know either doctor or have any advice?

I know I can think of more than that!! LOL But my top three are.1) to have people to see me first and not the weight2) to shop in a non-plus store (clothes are cheaper)3) to be able to wear boots that fit over my calfs (that are cute!!)What about you?

I am about a month away from surgery..but..constantly thinking about it..I am scared to death something will go wrong. Get a leak, infection, die!!! I think I am driving myself NUTS! Lol..but really can anyone give me any tips or advise on how to relax a little...you would think I was on the operating table right now my nerves are so shot...lol..one day I am ok..the next I am a mess...I am sure everyone goes through this at some point...I just don't know how to handle all the different emotions..well to anyone who reads, thanks for listening to me vent..

Hello All! So glad I'm coming across these boards, I love reading your stories, triumphs and pitfalls! Here's my story. I was banded in March of 2007 and just had the band removed on Dec. 24 2012, due to years of vomiting issues, complete obstruction, and slipped band. Starting weight then 272, I'm 5'9 and 1/2 and lost about 40lbs initially. I was stalled and what broke me out of my stall was going back to protein shakes etc. I was able to get down to 190 at my lowest- was happy with the weight loss but miserable. I was scared to eat anything for fear of having to throw it up! Not sure if I lost the additional weight from throwing up so much or from not hardly eat…

My husband is overweight, have sleep apnea, diabetes, and high cholesterol. He's taking his meds but not using the CPAP machine. I so much want to convince him to do the surgery also so that hopefully we can both get healthy and enjoy life together especially since we will be empty nesters soon. Both of my great kids will be in college then. Am I the only one that wants their spouse/significant other to take this journey also?

Well, I'm officially on my two-day clear liquid only diet as of two hours ago. I can actually only have water from now until tomorrow afternoon because I have to get some labs done at my cardiologist. On the one hand, I was not terribly excited about that, but on the other, the clear protein shake will look like a feast by the time I get to it. I can't believe this is it. I have this slight panicky feeling that's trying to tell me that the dinner I had tonight was my last enjoyable meal ever. I know that's not the case, and even if it was the case, I'd still know I had to do this surgery. I feel the freak out creeping up on me a little at a time as I get closer to w…

So scared & excited!

Hey Ya'll I'm just about a week away give or take a few days and i'm on my liquid diet yum lol...a little about me i'm 44 married no children and no family or friends that are close enough to talk to about what i will be going through. i would love a buddy/mentor just someone to talk to who is about to or has already been sleeved. please msg me if you are interested in becoming a friend.

Im having with draws from food...my stomach is eating itself

I'm prepared but getting very nervous for my surgery tomorrow at 9 am! !!

I'm just curious if you feel tired more than usual from the Preop diet.. I plan on hitting the gym more this week to keep my mind off of the lack of food. I start my fast on Thursday for two weeks . I don't know if I should be lifting weights or just sticking to cardio

I was sleeved in September 2012, my hair loss started slowly in December, and now in January I can say that I have lost about half of my hair. I'm afraid to wash or comb it out, it breaks my heart. My question is "when will it stop?" has anyone gone through the same thing and then had their hair grow back? I'm really worried.

I was sleeved 9/10/12. Down 70 lbs from size 20/22 to a size 12 jeans this week!!!!! Sooo happy to have done this.

Hi! I was sleeved on 1/23/2013 and I am feeling great! I was pleasantly surprised that I didn't even need pain meds after I got out of the hospital. The strangest part about after surgery for me is smelling food and my brain wants to eat it but my stomach is not physically hungry. I guess that's something I'll get used to over time. Is that common with anyone else? My full time job right now is making sure I get my four ounces of liquid per hour. I've had two follow ups with my surgeon and he says I'm doing fantastic. I'm so happy I made this decision! Looking forward to getting to know you all! Karen

<-------This guy!

morning. i had a jeujuostomy tube in the fall (out after 3 months) now my MD wants to place a NJ tube for malnutrition...I am not happy with that - would rather have another surgery even though it would be with general vs conscious sedation. my j tube was high maitenence but i got used to it. Anyone with feedback? i had a NG tube for 12 hours and i pulled it out (38 day hosp. stay for complications 3 weeks post op). i cannot fathom something like that for long term. Thank you.

I saw this book advertised online when I first started researching this surgery. Has anyone read this book? If so what all does it include? I am interested in a book that I includes diet and exercise info, how to have long term success, calorie and Protein needs, how to help with excess skin, and things of that nature. I don't need a book that only talks about obesity and why you should have this particular surgery. I have already decided on this surgery and I know how it works. Now I need something to help afterwards. Does this book cover what I am looking for? Thank you!!

Alrighty folks!! February is here!! I know we have already had a few people go in to get sleeved! Best of luck to you all! Let us know how you are doing! Also, it would be wonderful if everyone let us know when their surgery date gets here! We want to cheer you on!! LizTex

Ok, I know this has been a topic of discussion before, but I have not lost anything since my first 10 days post op. I am 4 weeks out and lost an initial 10 pounds in the first 10 days and haven't lost anything since. I really don't understand it and it's causing me to freak out a little. I am doing everything right (getting enough protein, liquids and even exercising several times per week) and not seeing the results. I need to be convinced that the weight will come off. I pray everyday that the scale does not say "206" anymore!!!

For everyone thats having surgery this month..how are yall doing!?? Im pretty much over my worry stage and into my getting prepared stage. Fellow February sleevers let the countdown begin!!!

Hi all the countdown is really on 12 days till liquid diet. I am getting prepared i found i liked atkins milk choclate protein shakes that is half the battle. makeing the list what else to pick up for liquid diet, another for the hosptial. There is so much it seems overwhelming, anyone else feeling this. I get scared i read alot of stories where people are haveing a hard time getting there fluids and protein they have no energy. I want to find a way to bypass this. if you have read or have gone throgh this any advice would be greatly appreciated good luck to everyone going next week speedy recovery

Lost 44lbs so far. Down from a 22/24 pants and 2x shirt to an 18 pants and xl shirt. Today 2 months ago I was having my surgery. The best thing I could of done!! How's all the Nov sleevers doing????

My mom had her sleeve done in September of this year and never felt quite right but she kept waiting for things to get better. They haven't. She went to the ER a month ago and is still in the hospital. She has had one exploratory surgery, one to try to repair her leaks, two bear claws, one stent, and later this week they are going to try placing one more stent. If this doesn't work she will have another major surgery where it sounds like they will disconnect her stomach from her esophagus, some how seal them off, let it heal for three months, then go back and reattach things. I admittedly do not have a good grasp on this surgery but it terrifies me. It terrifies me that w…

Hey just wondering if anyone has any recommendations on plastic surgeons?

I just realized that I'm suppose to start the my pre-op liquid diet on Feb 14th. It's Valentine's Day, but more importantly it's my 22nd wedding anniversary! You think I can have my last hurrah and go to my favorite restaurant before starting the liquid diet on the 15th?

At three months post op I made a trip to the ER after three days of vomitting nonstop. Turned out to be sludge in my gallbladder. Six days bedridden and I am finally home but my legs and a portion of my stomach are completely numb and I can't bear weight on my left leg. Has anyone else experienced anything like this? I go see my pcp tomorrow to get an MRI but I just want to know if anyone else has gone through this.

I was sleeved on 3/9. My weight before my 3 day pre-op diet was 226, day of surgery 220 and today 202.5. While I am not UNhappy with my loss so far, I'm not thrilled either. No one has noticed my weight loss, I can still wear the same clothes, more comfortably of course ...but still. I just thought I would do better to be honest. How about you?

Hello, I hope everyone is doing much better then I . I have been slipping terribly, no exercising... Not drinking enough fluids, eating enough protein or vitamins. I have eaten some fried food and even a chocolate bar, the entire thing two different times, and I didn't get sick at all! I wish I had so it would be easier to avoid that stuff:(. I am only 2 and a half months out and I have fallen off the wagon and fell on the ditch!

I'm excited about WLS. My date is 2/21. I want to order one now. I plan on putting the surgery date on it, but I'm afraid I would jinx my date if I were to order a bracelet now. I want a sterling silver (maybe stainless steel) where the medical emblem is clear (or blue) and to put my name, VSGastrectomy 02/12/2013,No blind NG tube, and no/limit nsaids on the bracelet. Been surfing the web and have bookedmarked many of them. I mainly want it for the keepsake of when I have the surgery ...ok, I guess it's a good medical alert also. Anybody else feel this way?

Sleeved on 10/15/12. Down 79 pounds and 103 down from highest weight ever. I can run, jump, dance, swim, and even buy clothes at the mall! I am happy. Thank you all for the support. Compliments fuel me. Life is now worth living!

I will be 4 weeks post op tomorrow and am really having a hard time right now. Nothing tastes right, eating is just plain uncomfortable and i have to admit that i am depressed. I knew this was not going to be easy and would take work, but the reality of it all has set in, and i just feel like crying. To top it all off my husband is not being supportive at all. My weight lost should always be more according to him, and when i am down he says "didn't you know it would bee this way?" I just need some support from people who understand right now. Thanks for listening to me whine.

i just had my sleeve done on monday and i feel like im drowning in food brain. all i can think of is food, . i just need a buddy or two that has walked ahead of me. i hate almost all things sugar free or they make me sick. im also worried everytime i drink something that im gonna bust my staples.. help...

Hi guys I've been lurking about for a bit but thought I'd finally say Hi as I've finally got my date for surgery. I am based in the UK and had a band op in Belgium (self funded) in 2005. I loved it and lost a lot of weight quickly. Met a guy and fell in love so didn't worry too much about losing anymore. I messed about big time with my fills. And was never really happy after the initial honeymoon period. I suffered with reflux whenever I had any restriction therefore my band was quite loose a lot of the time so I started regaining. I fell pregnant unexpectedly in 2009 and me & my partner split - cue massive emotional eating (and eating 'for 2') I had problems…

Hi, Can anyone reccomend any good books about VSG or other inspirational books? I am less than 2 weeks away and would love to delve into some good reads. Thanks!

I'm new to this forum and in the process of getting approved with BCBS Federal! I only have 4 dietitian appoinments remaining!

Protein is in the pantry, my shaker cups are all lined up on the counter, sugarfree jello is in the fridge, vitamins are all accounted for, packing list for hospital is together, everything is paid, and all of the surgeon's requirements are met. I just hung up the phone from finding out my last little piece of preparation was completed, which was to have a recliner delivered tomorrow for my recovery time. I breathed easy and felt relaxed and ready for about five minutes before the phone rang, and it was my surgeon's office calling to say that the anesthesiologist has requested a cardiac clearance. Are you kidding me? It's Thursday, and I'm leaving town Tuesday to stay…

I have lost 35.66% of my excess body weight in 3 months I was sleeved on 11/6/12.. I'm super stoked.. I'm going to continue drinking lots of water, protein first then veg and little cabs oh and yeah excersize my a$$ off

My surgery is scheduled for January 29th!

Hey Everyone, I am looking for local sleevsters. I am in camden county NJ. Anyone near or far that would like to be buddies :-)

Hi. I'm preparing for a Feb 21st surgery. My work just gave me Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA) paper work to fill out. Did any of you have to do that? I just want to make sure the doctor doesn't write down anything that indicates the type of surgery.

Hello March 2012 Sleevers, I have just been given my surgery date, March 4, 2013. I'm here looking for inspiration. I am so looking forward to meeting the newest version of myself in March 2014 .Are you pleased with whom you have become, Please share your hopes from a year ago, Have your goals changed? Which have been realized? And of course, I would love to see some before and after pictures. Susan

Hi! I'm Jessica! My records were sent to the insurance today for approval. Now, the waiting game begins. I'm so ready....hoping to have surgery by the end of February.

I am very new to all of this.. I will go to orientation on Feb 19. I've been lurking on this board for a couple of weeks trying to absorb all I can. About 25 years ago I lost 140 pounds by literally starving myself. I maintained the loss for 5 years by walking 3 miles a day and continuing my starvation diet. Life's stressors kicked in and I started gaining and stopped exercising and I am at my highest weight ever now. I never thought I would consider WLS because a dear friend of mine died a few years ago, from complications from gastric bypass surgery, one week after the procedure. I have other friends ( married couple) who had gastric bypass surgery and both are he…

I, for the first time since surgery, felt hungry most of the day. I am still on a full liquid diet and desire real food!! I have 3 more weeks before pureed!! Going silly!!!