Gastric Sleeve Surgery Forums

I am in Santa Barbara, and have no idea how to pick a doctor for a Vertical Sleeve. I am willing to travel, but it seems most surgeons have done mostly Roux n Y or Lapbands. Can anyone recommend a surgeon who has already been through the procedure? I am worried about picking someone with not enough experience.

Hi all. I am having my surgery next month. I had a cholecystectomy in 2004 and was curious as to whether or not the post op pain is worse with the sleeve. I figure...I made it through that easy peasy so I'm hopeful that it has to be comparable. Any opinion would be greatly appreciated.

Hi Everyone, this place is so awesome! I'm know someone on here can help me out by answering this question for me. Does gas pains ever go away? Today will be 1 week post-op. And like every hour to an hour and a half I'm having pain on both of my upper sides. Is this even gas pains? Sorry to be out there but Aunt Flow is here (can't stand her) is this cramps? Hard to figure out what's going on. Please help if you drop some knowledge. It would be highly appreicated! I'm staring to get a little worried. Thanks!

I was sleeved April 20 2012 by Dr Strom at Bayshore Medical Center in Holmdel NJ... I am feeling great-- I am down 56 pounds so far and I just realized I can eat salad! I hate that I can nto drink as much water as I used to but I am getting there!

I was sleeved April 20 2012 by Dr Strom at Bayshore Medical Center in Holmdel NJ... I am feeling great-- I am down 56 pounds so far and I just realized I can eat salad! I hate that I can nto drink as much water as I used to but I am getting there!

I had an injection yesterday I gained 3 lbs overnight. I know it's probably water retention but ugh! I just wanted to vent. Anyone else have this issue?

I'm 5'2", 210lbs. Surgery to be scheduled this week and hopefully be sleeved by first part of May. Anyone else short stuff? Would love to hear your successes!

Been following this group for quite a while. I just actually signed up to post. Was sleeved April 28th. At the risk of being repetitive; getting all of fluids and proteins have been a struggle. Beginning weight was 254. Lost 15 on liver shrink diet. Presently at 212.6. Weight goes up 2lbs and back down for last 2 weeks. I am very pleased and excited to be able to cross my legs!!!! It has been many years since I was able to do so! Oh the little things that make me happy!!!

Hey guys! I was sleeved in July of 2011. Since then, I've had some problems. Once I started on soft foods, I was not able to keep my food down. In September of 2011, I had to have my gallbladder removed. I was still nauseated after every meal, but able to keep the food down...until about January of this year. I recently had an endoscopy and an upper GI with a barium swallow. My tests indicated that I have pretty severe acid reflux and a hiatal hernia. I just got back from the doctor. His recommendation was medicine and time, or some sort of tissue repair surgery. It seems they can't do the typical hernia repair fundoplication because the part of the stomach that was remov…

Hello.. Just wanted to start a Roll Call for all those who live in GA who may have had or recently considering the Sleeve. Anyone out there interested in signing up for a Georiga Sleeve:thumbup1: Club??

I was banded in 2006 when I was 16 years old (part of a child study) back then I didn't know what I was getting myself into, not to mention I wasn't mature enough to fully grasp that it was a life changing experience. Since the beginning I had many complications. I never followed the post op liquid/ purée diet and I look back now in disgust with myself. I lost only 40 lbs in the first 2 years, only because I learned how to control my band. I drank while eating, and then would throw up my food only to re eat what I had lost. Eventually I gave myself a hiatal hernia from all the abuse i was giving my band, i also made myself a second stomach (a bulging pouch above my band).…

I am scheduled for July 16th. Now the waiting begins. I also need to tell my immediates- I have been putting it off until I had a date set in stone.

I want this surgery so bad, but my family does not support me neither do my friends or co workers. And to make it worse I'm self pay so I have been looking at Dr.Rod in Juarez which is very accredited. Everyone thinks I'm mental, except my husband who backs me no matter what. Have any of you come across this if so what did you do? I feel like I might have to sneak off and tell know one, but my husband,which is sad.

I had an inj

So, I was all set to go to Mexico for surgery next month and then one of my sister's friends went down for the same procedure and did not come back. I know, I know- the odds and lots of other things- but to say that this has caused a family freak-out is an understatement. SO- rather than turn this into an all out "sh8t show" I have agreed to look into options in the US. Here is the problem- I am 100% self pay and the Drs I have spoken to in the NYC area have said that they don't do gastric sleeve for self-pay patients- only the lap band (which I don't want- I can't get my head around having a foreign object into my body AND I have very stubborn PCOS and have heard tha…

Officially APPROVED and now scheduled with the hospital for 10 am on July 10th. My hospital pre op is scheduled for this Thursday afternoon. Wooo Hooo Doing the Happy Dance!

I get migraines. Sometimes very severe (I have been to the ER a few times with migraines - when my meds are not working or are just not staying down). I usually take 2 Imitrex at the onset of a migraine. My fear is that I will get a migraine after surgery and will not be able to take my meds. I am not talking 6 months out when, hopefully, I should be able to take them with no problems - but a few weeks out when we cant take pills or a lot of water. Anyone been in this situation that can tell me what you did?

This might be a stupid question, but what is a drain?

Nam home from the hospital and boy am I sore ... How long does the soreness generally last ? I was told to walk a lot and it would help but I am so comfortable lying in one position that I don't wanna move..I just want to take th Percocet and sleep ? I had no issues with the liquid diet pre-op and did well, but now I'm struggling with getting enough water and the protein down, is this something that improves with time ??

My new surgery date! Had to cancel my July one as the bank wouldn't give me a loan boo to the bank! Bank manager said come back in 4 months and he'd be able to help me! Until then I'm saving like a mad women and have taken on a second job!! So want this surgery!!! Jessica Scotland

I am so nervous and excited. Not nervous about the actual surgery! Nervous that my insurance will decide to not cover for some crazy reason. The anxiety is killing me.

I have had really good losses, good success with the sleeve. I went on a 4 day camping trip over fathers day weekend, was very active and didn't overeat and still had good losses. Since then, I have basically been stalled. No big deal really, stalls are normal, right!?! Truth is that I have not been prone to stalls, I tend to lose at least some every week, so it isn't part of "my normal". Anyway, I started noticing thoughts creeping into my head - like I must surely be regaining and will my smaller clothes still fit kind of thing. I have been amazed at how quickly those negative thoughts have invaded my mind -- the fear of repeating the yoyo loss/regain pattern fro…

My dr. Had said that for a year post op i would experience hair loss but he didnt prepare me for just how much hair i would be losing. Everyday its falling out by the handfulls. I had really thick hair and now its getting thinner and thinner and i am so worried about going bald. Is everyone experiencing this kind of thing and what are you doing to prevent it? I'm so sad about my hair

Hi, I am new here. I started the process for VSG approval in September of 2011 and I have a date for this Monday July 2, 2012 I just got off the phone with the OR to let them know I will not be there, I am running so scared! I have not experienced this fear I was really confident and now the past two days I have just been so nervous and scared and I just think you should feel more confident about it? Am I worng? Is this the worst thing I could have done?? any insight? Thanks

Interesting read. ABC News video link at bottom of page. LA Times By Thomas H. Maugh II June 18, 2012, 12:11 p.m. A major new study confirms previous sporadic reports that weight-loss surgery increases the risk of alcohol abuse, researchers reported Monday. In the second year after having a gastric bypass, technically known as Roux-en-Y surgery, patients were 30% more likely to have problems controlling their alcohol use, a team reported online in the Journal of the American Medical Assn. and at the annual meeting of the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery. Previous reports have suggested that alcohol abuse could be a problem following bariatric …

Before surgery

Most of you know I'm going through a divorce. I was sleeved on 4/23 and down a total of 50 lbs both pre and post op. I haven't been hit on in literally years and I doubt it was only because I had a wedding ring on. It was because I was so overweight. First off, I had a terrible day at first because of my exhusband. I was supposed to have the house to myself while he was at his girlfriends. I normally sleep on an air bed at my moms because until things are final I can't stand watching him leave to be with another woman. He came home because they broke up. He was crying and acted as though I should be sympathetic to him. I couldn't help making snide comments, which I guess …

Holidays are comming and thats when I get a craving for some nice warm yummy coffee. So you all have and suggestions or anything you drink thats low cal, sugar but yummy ??

Hello, Just wanted to say hello and introduce myself. I am getting my sleeve May 29th and getting excited. I was very nervous about the whole thing until I found this site. SO happy I found it! I love reading about everyones success stories. So..how is everyone doing so far who has had a sleeve done in May? We are nearing the end of the month and I am especially curious as to how those who had it in the beginning of May are doing? I am into my 2nd week of my liquid diet (yuck!) but its getting routine. Just ready for the surgery to be done! Lori

Hi Sleevers! I am scheduled for my Revision surgery on Sept 10, 2012. I have bought my airline ticket from South Carolina to San Diego. Splurged and am flying First Class... this is the first time that I have ever purchased a First Class ticket and I am as excited about that as my actual surgery. I am a self pay and booked myself in January... so, I would have plenty of time to get it paid off before my surgery. Anyone heading to Tijuana that week? Staying at the Marriott. Good luck to all! Dottie

Hi Ladies, thank you for joining! When and where are your surgeries? how long have you been waiting to have them? nevous, excited? I am having surgry May 10, in Tijuana Mexico with dr. Ponce de leon. I have been wanting to have surgery for a few years but it now came to the point that I am so heavy that I could not wait any longer. My wait time has not been very long, I was scheduled to go with Dr. Kelly but then changed my mind and opted for Dr. Ponce instead!. I am both nervous and excited, I am so ready for this!. I will be traveling alone so that makes me a little nervous, and the thought of anesthesia does too, but I cannot wait!!! I wish I could do it toda…

Well, all the pre-work is complete, all the fees paid, and am on the two week protein diet. So far have lost about 30 lbs. Have only two days (Mon-Tue) to get down to 300 which is what I would like then Wed. at 10:00 AM is my date with the sleeve. Really excited and looking forward to it.

So I have been browsing all the sleeve websites and some say pureed food 3 days post op. I had my sleeve Monday the 25 th and actually still get hungry pains and growling. Was curious if I mushed scrambled eggs and had them about a tablespoon full if it would hurt??

Hey all. I am 6 weeks post op, and I am SO tired all the time. I want to start adding exercise, but I am exhausted. I have a feeling it has to do with the amount of food I eat. I can only tolerate an ounce of food at a time (2 ounces on a good day). I am taking my multi-vitamins and drinking lots of water. What is going on? Any suggestions?

Has anyone tried the 'IT WORKS' body wraps? My arms will need a little help with the loose skin/flab after losing weight and I don't feel it would be enough for an arm lift so just wondering if anyone on here has used the body wraps.

I am 41 and just sleeved 5 days ago. I've had a lot rougher time with it than the ones I read about in post sleeve forums. I still move around like Im ninty from the pain when I walk. I walk bent over holding the drain bandage. Going through all kinds of emotional things. Has anyone else over 40 experinced this? What did you do to make it through the first week? When do you start to have hope of "normal" again?

My surgery is on August 7th. I'm half excited, half nervous. lol

Finally got my date set!! Its July 17th! Omg I'm sooo excited!

It's official- July is finally here!!! Has anyone started their pre-op diet yet? I'll be thinking of you all as time passes on. Please keep the group informed on your pre-op diet, procedure, as well as the post-op after care if you have time. If you have any questions, please feel free to start a discussion. We all will be going through with the same procedure over the next 30 days so it would be nice to hear new info or even refresh our memory of the old If I don't hear from any of you in the next couple days, have a wonderful holiday!

O i have just been approved for conversion of band to vsg. Never lost much with the band and my biggest fear is that i wont with the sleeve either. I am not a binge eater nor a big snacker but i tend to eat large meals primarily because i am so hungry. I am now 5'8 and 250lbs. If i were to set a goal it twould probablly be about 155-165 because of my larger frame. Is there eanyone lse eout there like me that has been able to reach their goal? Is there a point where the metabolism adjusts and you can no longer lose weight? I really want to get to goal. Did anyone start any kind of pre surgical diet or musclebuilding plan before surgery? I am scheduled in august.

I am one month out today and down from 295 to 260 including the week of pre-op diet. I am very happy with the progress. Im glad its slowing down a tad bit. I feel in control of my body. I feel victorious over food. Food is no longer a friend, a drug, it is just fuel and I freaking LOVE that. I healed up perfectly. The only hurdle was constipation, nothing long lasting or serious. My pre- pregnancy " skinny" clothes from 2004 (size 18) are now baggy. Exercising is not fun yet, but its no longer torture. I am loving my sleeve and loving finding myself again!

So I have a list of vitamins I need to take. I was told by my Dr. office that I can start taking them now. Today was my first day. I took my vitamins this morning and became so nauseous that I actually threw up. How do I take them with my meal? After taking the ones I should have w/ breakfast, I have no room for a meal. Here is what I took: Liquid Multi Sublingual B12 B50 pill Prilosec pill Biotin pill Co Enzyme Q 10 pill Calcium citrate powder in about 4 oz apple juice After all of this, I needed to eat but didn't have any room so I just ate a slice of cheese. When I became sick, nothing came up but liquid. My Dr. told me to take the vitamins at meal time…

Last night while I was drifting off to sleep this question popped to my head: What happens with the staples? Are they left in your stomach forever? Do they rust? Do they come loose at some point?

I have been researching Dr's in Mexico and nervous about goin out of the country. Any one self pay in the Pennsylvania or Ohio area. Who was your Dr. and how much did you pay? I did contact a surgeons office 2 hours from me in Erie PA. I thought the price was quite high at 15,000. I am not sure he does that many VSG'S as rny and lapband are quite popular in my area. Thanks for your help and time.

I had posted about this awhile ago, but I had no idea when it would be coming out. I can't wait to pick up a copy and read the article about him!! Way to go Dr. Aceves!!

Just got approved for surgery and was wondering what is a great tip or secret to get the most out of my sleeve from you sleeve vets. Thanks in advance!

During your search for answers did any of you ask about things such as, Gastrin, Pepsin, intrinsic factor, and enzymatic production, and all the other stuff the stomach makes that is important to over all health. Because stomach acid only opens or unfolds proteins and allows enzymes to break them down. Also the parts of the stomach where vit B is absorbed is mostly removed? What did you find out as in what did your surgeon say? Thanks

Ok my sleeve date is July 9th but was told June 4th might be possible. So im good either way now that its approved I feel like ot will be here so fast. Before approval it crawled. Well cant wait to be on the losers bench!

I have retaken over the Compilation thread as of June 15th and just got it up to date. Please realize I had surgery June 4th and I'm still struggling a bit. If anyone sees someone post in the section that is outside of June mainly a thread called "Any June Sleevers" which is located in the preop section and not June section, please post their name at the end of this thread or direct them here. It will help me keep up. Unfortunately, I can't be online as long as I used to presurgery. Thank you so much. My prayers continue to go out to those that had surgery and to those that are coming up on their surgery. Best wishes for speedy recovery to all. June 1, 2012…

I am brand new to this site. My name is Tracy and I am VERY happy and excited to say that I will be having my VSG on July 23rd, 2012!! I am 48 and the mother of 8 living children. Our insurance doesn't cover the surgery at all (morons!) so I am paying out of pocket and going to Mexico. I was a thin teen and weighed about 150 lbs when I was 9 months pregnant with my first son at 22, but time and having NINE more children really destroyed my metabolism. Add to that Rheumatoid Arthritis that was diagnosed in 1994 and I have really gotten large. Not being able to excersise most of the time and having such a tiny metabolism, plus my huge appetite has really lead me to morbid o…