Gastric Sleeve Surgery Forums

Am having my revision on monday at 7am. Freaking out a bit! Havent felt a bit of hesitation until now and i am really anxious and excited...does that make sense?

Hi everyone ! I'm 4 months post op, and I've lost about 38 kilos now. Everything was going fine until I read something about pouch leaking etc.. If im not in any pain AT ALL, and feel absaloutely find, then would there be any reason to believe my pouch is leaking? I don't know if I'm being paranoid, but me being PMS right now has made me over eat abit, and I'm feeling worried Thank you xx

Are there any November sleevers?

Was wondering I am sleeved 2 and half years now I feel fantastic energy out this world does anyone worry about the food intake I go thru phases where I could go all day with eating very little yes I am maintaining my weight I lost 120 lbs and I stay at 118 to 120 somewhere in ther but I find it difficult to eat. And not that it hurts or anything The urge to eat. I'm never hungry I was wounding to what a day is like for y'all to eat and how much

So, this is weird. I was sleeved 8/21. I had a pretty easy time of it. Have been following my plan & eating has been 'normal.' No big problems. Today got away from me and I didn't eat much. That's rare for me. Now tonite, I am not hungry at all and when I tried to eat dinner my stomach turned on me & felt nauseous. Very odd!! Anyone have any clue as to what's going on with my tummy? Thanks!!

Oddly very calm tonight, I leave for the hospital at 5am and have surgery scheduled for 7:45. Thanks everyone here for your insight, your support and for all the answers you have provided that have made this decision easier for me. I look forward to joining you on the losers bench. Good luck to my fellow sleevers tomorrow! And every day for that matter. :D

My surgery is in 6 days (10/31), so last night I began writing a "Letter to Me" as suggested by my doctor. (Obviously, the purpose is to record the reasons you decided on WLS in case you later have second thoughts or need a bit of motivation to stay on track.) Writing this letter led me to think about my fears and what I kept returning to was my fear of gaining the weight back. I'm not afraid of the surgery, the pain, or even the drastic changes required in lifestyle and eating choices. I'm not even afraid of not losing weight. I know I'll be successful because I've done it so many times before. What I'm afraid of (we're talking "heart beating out of your chest typ…

Been thinking about doing this for a long time. Finally pulled the trigger, got all the tests done and a date scheduled. It's actually happening a little faster than I expected (just 2 weeks from the day I scheduled it). But I think that's a good thing so I don't have too long to freak out about it. Dr. Srikanth is doing the surgery, will be doing it at Evergreen Hospital in Kirkland. I've known Dr. Srikanth for 8 or 9 years and I don't know I'd ever do it had it not been for him. I'm not looking forward to the 10 day clear liquid pre-op diet but I guess it could be worse. My wife and kids are really excited and I know it's a good decision, but I'm sure the nervousness…

I had a thought today "omg my surgery is in 1 week, i,ll be sleeved this time next week"...I think i was in denial and now it is here. I'm so exited and know this is the right thing for me to do but apart of me wonders if ill look back a year from now and say I shouldn't have had the surgery....I know there is a chance of complications that may cause me to regret my decision but i've done my research and feel as ready and anyone can be before having a major operation. Is there anyone else who wondered the same thing before surgery and do you feel that you did the right thing? How long after surgery or what event took place when you said "yes, i'm glad i made the decision…

Just wanted to know,how can.i tell if I stretched my.sleeve? Im 3wks post op.and on mushy foods and mostly eating startches(beans,mash pot.,applesauce,etc)..my protein is mainly tuna,or my shakes, ive been.still nausea,and vomitting the tuna up so does that mean tuna is not agreeing with me,or I stretched my.pouch,...i eat very slowly and not drinking at all with meals.. Im freaking out

They said it gets harder, but this is ridiculous. I know if I went on protein shakes I could probably lose it, but I have gotten a little sloppy as to my food choices of late. I lose and gain the same 2 pounds over and over again. ARRRRGGGGGGGGGHHHHHHH!!!!!

I'm a month pre-op. I do all the shopping, cooking, cleaning, etc. My dh works very late most nights--for example, last night he got home at 9:10 pm. I have 2 teenage boys---neither can cook. Any suggestions on how I can prepare for their meals after my surgery? How long will it be before I can really cook and do the home stuff again? TIA

Do you start vitamins immediately when you get home from the hospital? I came home yesterday and feel pretty yucky so have been focusing on trying to get water in before worrying about vitamins....

O my band to sleeve revision was done on monday the 27th. It has been an awesome experience. I can honestly say that for 2 days i had absolutely no pain. When i was switched to oral pain meds my pain has been holding at around a 1-2 out of 10. I am still in the hospital because i have not tolerated advancing to full liquids as my dr would have liked, but thats ok, i dont want to go home and have to come back and the accomodations are amazing. I should be going ho,e inn The a.m. If i stay like this. Overall thisentire experience has been much less traumatic than i expected and i am really excited to get moving. Dr came in today and said i thinkyou will be surprised at how…

Hi Everyone - How are you Sept. Sleevers doing? My surgery was Sept. 25. At first I was doing a GREAT job getting all of my Water in, but now that I am back to work I am finding it harder to remember to sip, even though my water bottle is right here with me. Also, as they say, the surgery is on your stomach, not your brain... Prior to surgery I was pretty good at keeping to a good workout schedule. Now I'm struggling with that. I did have multiple pulminary emboli in both lungs 1 week post-op (in spite of 6 short walks every day) and I was required to curtail exercise for awhile, but now I am having a hard time sticking to a schedule. My daughter and I are start…

I was sleeved in January 2012. Since then everytime I eat or drink anything with milk products I become very sick. I start throwing up and having bad cramps followed up by diarrhea. Has anyone had any problems such as mine?

Hi all, I am looking for recommendations for a great Primary Care Physician. I am not loyal to anyone right now... if i need a doc I go to the ER otherwise I see whomever. I am going to be looking for someone who is tracking me post surgery to make sure I am doing okay. As well, I am nearing that age where I need to get all the womanly things - mammogram and such. Anyone have a great PCP that they can recommend? I'll do some research and see if they're included in my plan. I have BCBS of Georgia, POS if anyone else does. Thanks in advance!

Surg date 9/10/12 Had a setback last week. After two weeks of vomiting and not being able to eat I had to go back to the OR. I had a big mucus plug that was causing a blockage. He pushed it thru and now I feel great.

12 days post op and I feel pretty good except when I eat. I'm on the puréed phase but every time I take a bite of something and swallow I feel like I've been stabbed. I just cannot get this gas bubble to move. Walking, gas-x, heating pad...nothing works. BLAH!

Will be sleeved in Mexico by DR GARCIA 2/2013

I am 4 days post op and not really in any pain. Just having trouble with the emotional part. Has anyone else gone through that part? I had my band taken out because it was making me sick and couldn't hold down any solids. The hardest part now with the liquid diet is getting enough protein and enough water. I feel so dehydrated and just want to sleep. I'm reading all these positive stories that everyone has posted and I feel like something is wrong with me because I'm not happy at all right now.is there anyone who can relrelate to this? Thank you.

I am just starting my journey my Dr consult is on Dec. 3rd. I'm dying that I have to wait. Well here is my story: I'm 41 female, mother of 18y/o daughter, live in Mohave Valley, Arizona originally from So Cal. I'm 286lbs now and have been overweight almost my whole life. I can't honestly remember when I was under 200lbs, if I had to guess I'd say Junior High School. my top weight was around 360 I stopped weighing myself. I am an Insulin dependent Diabetic, I have osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, fibromyalgia, nuropathy, chronic fatigue and I'm sure there is something I'm missing but I think you get the point. My Rhuematoligist told me at the ra…

I am just in the beginning stages of gathering info. Has anyone used any Dr.'s Mobile, Alabama?

A very close friend of mine recently had VSG done and he is included in the 1% who develop a leak. 3 days post op started to experience a lot of pain and shortness of breath, was taken to the ER and within a short amount of time was in the OR. A leak was detected and they were unable to do anything endoscopically so they had to open him up. Two drains were placed in the abdomen, stent placed in the stomach, PICC line inserted and a feeding tube placed in the small intestine to administer tube feeds. He is on antibiotics, IV fluids and tube feeds. He had this done at a large hospital very familiar with this type of surgery and has only had this happen twice. He is cu…

I am scheduled to start pre-op next week for a 9/27 surgery date. I have a very supported wife who has been with me through my weight struggled for almost 30 years. I was all set to be banded but I am now thinking about the sleeve. I have been told I am a good candidate for both. I know four banders, three with complications and one with none, all who have lost a significant amount of weight but did it in their 40's. I want to be done with my lifelong struggles with weight issue. I know either path has challenges and takes hard work. I want to lose without the stuck feeling and other complications. Can a few of you tell me what tipped the scales for you for one proce…

Hi --- I'm from Nebraska, new to this site, though I have read many posts / blogs over the last few weeks in preparation for my upcoming surgery. I am scheduled to have the sleeve done on Halloween this year (2012). I am wanting a mentor / buddy with around the same goals as my own. I am a 39 year old female, I want to lose 113 lbs, which will get me down to 170. I know to some that is still pretty heavy for a female, but I have 160+ pounds of lean muscle mass. I used to be very athletic and active and that person is still hiding within. I have many emotions bouncing around constantly: I'm excited, nervous, and most of all scared of failure -- I've never succeede…

Had surgery on sept 6th, weighing in at 245. I'm almost 9 weeks post op, and I'm down to 211.4, about a 34 pound loss. So, 34 pounds in two months.... I don't know how I'm comparing to everyone else? I've had lots of stalls, a sickness to fight, and now I'm really to lose again! Where are my September sleever friends at? What's your progress thus far? Please respond!

I was sleeved on July 16th and I still haven't gotten my energy back. I am tired a lot. My weight loss is going very slowly and I have only lost 25 pounds in 5 weeks. I am getting a little frustrated. I have several joint problems so I am unable to exercise like I should. I am doing physical theropy to help, but it's very slow. I am following the program like I should and also go to support groups and am told that it's a lot harder at my age. Any suggestions!

So I was hoping for surgery end of Nov/early Dec. Just scheduled my EGD and the first date available is Nov. 13. On the hospital prep form it says to be sure and schedule your EGD at least 4-6 weeks prior to surgery?? Anybody have to wait that long? Or not, I hope?!

When I popped my head in months ago, there was maybe one July sleever, now there are plenty. It's exciting anywho, how much have you lost so far? Include your date. If you like you can add me to my sleeve facebook page in my signature. Don't forget to pm me with your VST name. July 30 was my surgery, and I'm ten pounds down.

I have been a VST lurker for long enough. I just wanted to come on and share my date-which is December 20th. I currently have the lapband. I got the lapband in December 2009 and six months later I got pregnant. After having my daughter in March 2011...I started back on my fills. Well I got sick from the tightness..got unfilled..and it just wouldn't keep any saline. So here I am going for a revision...I am so excited. I was approved on the first submission to my insurance-AETNA. Looking forward to being on the losers bench.

sleep APNEA UPDATE... Went to my primary on Monday to check the numbers for diabetes and blood pressure. And got results back this morning. Here they are...couldn't have asked for better results Glucose 132; A1C 6.3; Diabetes under excellent control: don't need to restart meds. Bless the name of Jesus! My lipids: Cholesterol 166; (normal range less than 200); HDL cholesterol 56 (normal range greater than 40). LDL cholesterol 91; (Normal range less than 100). Triglycerides 95 (normal range less than 150). Doc wants me to reduce the Fat in my diet...(take it to around 20g or less a day - that's right around where my WLS doc wants it too, which is about 5g a mea…

Hello all! I am a WLS mess! I originally booked my surgery and tickets to go to Puerto Vallarta to have the sleeve with Dr. Lopez and Osuna. I chickened out yesterday and have decided to stay local. I found Dr. Sherman Yu that does the SPIDER technique that is a single incision through the belly button with minimal recovery time. Has anyone heard of this or had it done? I really need to connect with some people on here! I am doing my psych evaluation and consultation all in one day (Nov. 2nd) so would love some input. Wanting the surgery on Nov. 22!

Recommended book list. Given to the 2 women at my support group yesterday, by their outside NUTS. Highly recommended to read before surgery: Mindless Eating by Brian Wansink General anytime reading: Mindful Eating by Thich Nhat Hanh (written more from a psychological view) Savor, Mindful Eating Mindful Life, also by Hanh (very Buddist in nature) Joining The Thin Club by Judith Lederman After surgery: Emotional First Aid Kit: A Practical Guide to Life After Bariatric Surgery by Cynthia Alexander Successful Habits of Successful Weight Loss Patients by Coleen Cook

The VSG forums are a great resource, but what do you do if the internet goes down?!? In other words, what are you go-to WL books? Recipe, inspirational, funny, whatever helps you out.

Come on out and meet your fellow Southern California VSG members. Sat, Nov. 3rd @ 10AM in Rancho Cucamonga. Please contact Sleeve 4 me for detailed information. We want your to share your experience or ask questions of someone already sleeved. Some of us are Kaiser, some of us are private insurance, some are self payers so we welcome everyone. Looking forward to seeing you soon!

Taking a page from Reddit's AMA, TESO's developers will begin posting AMA style Q&A in the next few weeks. Updated every two weeks, it will provide insight in to the game's progress and development. Rapidly becoming one of the most-watched upcoming MMOs since it was announced in mid 2012, TESO is slated for a 2013 launch. The game is not yet in public beta. http://www.elderscrollsonline.com/en/news/post/2012/10/31/learn-about-the-eso-ask-us-anything

Hi all! Thank you again for your insights. I am wondering how the pain and experience differs with the VGS surgery than the Lap Band. I don't remember the band being particularly bad or very nauseous etc. Those of you that have been through both...what are your thoughts? Is the VGS experience worse? The same? Trying to prepare for 11-28!

A few months ago I sent my favorite hand-knit sweater through the dryer and, well, it shrunk/felted/broke my heart. I bought some yarn and I intend on making the pattern again (the Dollar-and-a-Half Cardigan by Interweave Knits) out of a cotton blend this time. I'd like to start knitting it now, but I have no idea what size to make. I will be 225 by my surgery date (next week, eek!) and hope to be down to 140 by next year. Any advice? I also found this fantastic cloth to make a skirt, but I'm holding off so I don't make something that I will be swimming in by winter. Is anyone else experiencing this type of frustration?

I received a call from my surgeons office last Tuesday telling me to start my full liquid diet the next day because my surgery is set for November 13th. We are still awaiting final approval fromBC/BS Federal (they requested my diet history). So, I had to ask her what they wanted me on for full liquid diet. I guess the regular that everyone is told-unlimited sugar-free Popsicles and Jello and carnation instant Breakfast 5-6 times a day. I thought that an odd choice, but what do I know. I am having a hard time with the liquid diet. I wasn't planning on this all happening so soon and now I am afraid of long term failure. I had a lap-band that slipped and was removed earlier…

Hi everyone!! I was sleeved on 9-612 , so far I have lost 63 lbs!! super excited about that really wanted to be down 100 lbs by x mas but don't think that is gonna happen really didnt loose that much weight right after surgery. but this month was allot better. !! anyhow just wanted to say hello and see how much everyone is loosing

what is recovery time like w/ revisions ? Im getting the impression from my doc that it might be a bit harder than it was w/ just the band ? Anyone have any thoughts on if it was harder, the same , easier etc than your original band surgery ? Mindy

Hi everyone Well I was sleeved on Halloween spent two nights in hospital and came home yesterday. Such a mixture of emotions regret panic etc but know that this will be the hardest stage and if I can do this then will be ok have a lot of gas pain n hurts when I take a deep breath in but that's normal xx

I was sleeved in 12/2011. Not quite a year yet but I find myself already slipping into old habits. I crave things and Im not even hungry!. My highest weight was 280. I lost 15 pounds doing the pre-op diet so my weight the day of surgery was 265, I am currently at 186-188, depends on the day. I have been the same since July and I'm getting frustrated. Trying to figure out what to do. I dont measure my meals but I still cant eat much food, however I snack all day. On nuts, popcorn, carrots, whatever. But when I eat an actual meal Im full almost immediately! Also is it bad to chew gum? I am constantly chewing. It always amazes me how much popcorn I can eat but sit down for …

I am 3 weeks and 2 days post op...I am on soft foods but I feel like I'm able to eat more then I should at this point...I can eat 1/2 to 3/4 of baked flounder and maybe even 2 bites of green beans...but then I'm hungry 2 hours later...its fustrating ...is my sleeve bigger because I had the band first?

It looks like I will have to put off surgery for now, in order to save up paid leave time off. The good thing is that the insurance company has offered to put me on the fast-track for the surgery, due to some comorbitities, so I know when the time comes it won't be a problem getting the okay from them. I just had a total knee replacement and had to have a second procedure to get rid of scar tissue, fortunately able to borrow sick leave...which now has to be paid back, of course. Just grateful to have had it. It will be about 9 months before I have enough time built up to have the surgery (barring anything else coming up in the interim). This forum is much appreciated,…

The last time I lost a significant amount of weight on my own was around 1994! I got down to about 240 doing Atkins and exercising everyday for about a year. Of course, it didn't last, but that's the last time I saw the 250's! Well, I broke into the 250's today at 259! About 44 lbs down from my highest and surgery was in August! Not what I should be, but I'm sure not what I used to be! Woohoo!

I started at 240 and today weigh 194!!

Hello everyone, So I got a call from my doctor's office yesterday and they called to schedule my upper GI... I know this doesn't seem like much but for me that call put this in reality. I am really going to have surgery in the next 6-7 months. I am really going to achieve my goal of being healthier and happier. I know that to some people it was just a phone call but for me this is the start of my new life. I just had to share my excitement with everyone. Thanks for tolerating my ramblings. Lol!

My heaviest at 331 compared to today at 237!...still have ways to go!...can't believe the difference though!