Gastric Sleeve Surgery Forums

I was sleeved on June 8th. I have done pretty good so far. I just have not found a Protein shake that I can drink. I have been doing the New whey shots but it can upset my stomach some. As far as I can tell the powder is cheaper too. Any suggestions? I am also having issues with drinking enough Water. I have never been much of a drinker. :-(

I've been reading the posts and see a lot of people talking about having a stall but I'm not sure exactly what that is. I'm sure it means different things to different people. For me, I know that 2 weeks pre-TOM stops my weight loss and that as soon as TOM kicks in so does the weight loss. So I don't consider that a stall. I know it's hormonal. I haven't had a stall since surgery (knock on wood) but I'm sure at some point I will. I'm thinking at least 4 weeks without a loss would be a stall. That's how I would define it. So how do you define a stall? How many weeks? Do you factor hormonal issues into that? Or is it just flat out not losing weight with or without a hormo…

Don't know what is going on first they said sleeve is not covered. Then it is covered did all paperwork and it is not covered? Now it is covered I am confused. My employer said " I don't know" Good thing benefit person said she is going to try and find out hopefully monday. My doctor said $60,000 for the sleeve. Seriously, who can pay for that? Omg really, really , really. I thought it was much cheeper. Not including hospital stay. Seriously, Seriously, seriously ! I really trust this doctore but I am going to stay postive. Any information , anyone at all! I am suppose to have surgery July 3rd now my insurance company tells me 4 weeks before surgery they are n…

At busch gardens and I didn't fit in to the roller coaster....Aug 14 where are u!

dr julio Rivera at Baylor bariatric in grapevine tx. scared n excited

Here I am with another gross question, guys...forgive me. I'm now going to tell you about poop. I never had a problem with lactose in my old life at all. Or, frankly, during the liquid part of the stages. I've been on pureed for a week. Today for Breakfast I made a chocolate Protein shake with 1 tbsp of Peanut Butter, and some frozen bananas, and milk. About halfway through the morning, I found myself in the restroom. I didn't think much of it, since I'm still in the 'not really all that regular stage'. For lunch I had 3 oz. of potato puree I made. When I got home from work, I grabbed a quick snack of some cottage cheese and apple butter (maybe 1.5 oz or so), be…

Drink out of a straw? Eat regular foods? I mean...I NEVER want to be a compulsive over-eater again, and I have not cheated once since my surgery (May 21st), but I was just wondering, for example, let's say I want two french fries one day. Will it make me sick? Have caffeine? I know my pop days are over. I can deal with that. However, I like my coffee in the morning. I don't go overboard. I usually drink 1 cup. Decaf coffee is gross. I want my one cup of coffee with my tablespoon of vanilla creamer again. Is that too much to ask? Is sugar off limits forever??? What about alcohol? Beer, wine, mixed drink? Anything? Will I EVER have to stop obssessing about getting…

My doctor prescribed clear liquids for weeks one and two (post-op). Is this normal? He said people sometimes get lactose intollerant for life if they have to much milk at first. Other band to sleevers that I know of did not have this restriction.

I'm finding it hard to exercise as much as I use to! I also find it hard to eat my veggies as much. I'm a year and a month out- is anyone else having this issue? I started a new BC pill for my ovarian cysts and since then my body has changed so much- I feel bloated all the time. It's a mess!

So, awhile back I signed up for my fitness pal. The best thing I ever did. I was never a fan of food journals, but the app makes it so easy and kinda fun. I was sleeved May 21st and would love, love, love to add new friends sleeved in May, so probably on track with my experiences. Plus, I am always looking for new food and excersise ideas to steal. My mfp sn is herst0ry. Anyone other May sleevers out their using the app?

I had my sugery aug 31 of this year. I was two pounds shy of five hundred pounds. All I could do was lay in bed all day because I couldn't walk more than a few yards before my legs would give out. Now I have lost close to two hundred pounds and still losing about ten or 12 pounds a month. I am able to walk over a mile with no trouble. I am so thankful for Dr Bernie Hanna for doing such a great job. I don't have any side effects and have a happy life now with my wife who stuck with me the whole way!

Did anyone purchase a medical alert bracelet after surgery to inform medical personel that you have had a vertical sleeve gastrectomy? If so what did you have put on it?

Just read at least two different people who experienced large losses of hair post surgery. Is that common? Any way to keep it from happening?

Well, folks, looks like it's not gonna happen for me today. They wheeled me into the operating room and, right before they gave me anesthesia, I went into atrial fillbralation, which is still going on. We are waiting for the cardiologist. From what I understand, it was good they saw it, as anesthetic would have put my heart under more stress, maybe leading to a stroke. So, there's my silver lining, though I am disappointed and, until I know more about it, a little anxious. My sister, the nurse, is with me & my niece, another nurse, says she knows alot about it.

Hi all. I'm 5 1/2 weeks post op. There are days when I just don't feel like eating. They are very far and few in between, and I usually get all my nutrition in on the other days. Does anyone else have those days? Is it ok to just go with the feeling and not eat as long as I get my fluids in. I feel like if I eat, I will get sick.

Found this article while browsing Yahoo. No sleeves on the list, but an interesting read. http://m.yahoo.com/w/ygo-frontpage/lp/story/us/2392438/coke.bp%3B_ylt=A2KL8y35X.tPCW8A7h4p89w4%3B_ylu=X3oDMTFzaG81Nmw5BGNwb3MDMgRjc2VjA21vYmlsZS10ZARpbnRsA3VzBHBrZwNpZC0yMzkyNDM4BHBvcwMxBHNsawN0aHVtYg--?ref_w=frontdoors&view=today&.tsrc=yahoo&.intl=US&.lang=en

Here's the thing....i was doing great....then we decided to host a BBQ this Saturday.... I am disabled, so i am not around other people..unless i choose to .... i have hid behind my weight all my life...((my husband asked me once, "if you could be ANY action hero. Who would you want to be?"....my response, without hesitation "The invisible man".... In the past, when we have had a BBQ ... Due to my weight, i could pretty much be invisible...My husband is the social one.. ...but i am worried that my weight loss is going to be a topic of conversation...and people are going to be wanting to "talk" to me all afternoon... So....i have been eating foods and NOT putting …

How do you get the cute little weight loss tickers to add to posts? Everyone seems to have something and I can't figure it out! Thanks, Colleen

Hi everyone. I'm new here and have a question. I'm 42 yo with two older children. In January '12 I was diagnosed with an auto-immune disease called polymyositis - a disease that causes weakness of the muscles closest to the trunk of the body. I was put on prednisone and azathioprine (an immuno-suppressant) Currently tapering off prednisone on 10mg and on 125mg of azathioprine daily. Question is would WLS be an option at this point? Has anyone else with an auto-immune disease had the surgery?

I'm going to have the sleeve done in July in Tijuana, MX. Any 50+ being sleeved in July in MX?

I am developing a pain that is getting more persistent - that is it is occuring more often, but usually in the day ??? I think so but not sure. Its there alot now...it is low, to the left (think a line accross where the belly button is, now up about 2-4" to the left on the outside) and really out there, almost to the side but not quite... Anyone experienced with this?

Hello everyone. My name is Samantha, I'm 23 and living in New Orleans, La. I'm looking for other sleevers in the area that would be interested in maybe having a monthly meet up or something along their lines. I have created a group and hope that you join and we can use it as a tool of support and learning. Thank you.

Hello, I would like us to get to know each other, so here's my story... I am 47 yrs old, Married to my wonderful husband Richard for 27 yrs now. I have two awesome sons, Jason 26 and Josh 23. My son Joshua was married last July and they are about to have his first child. The decision to have this surgery was not an easy one for me. I have diabetes, high blood pressure, high triglycerides, acid reflux, sleep apnea and side effects from the diabetes. I have seen people get diabetes complications and have their toes, feet, legs removed. Blindness is also a real possibility. I have nerve damage starting in my feet, and sighs of damage in my eyes. I want to be abl…

I went back to work today. I went okay and I have a lot of work to catch up on. I took a 2 1/2 hour nap after I came home. I am not used to getting up at 2am anymore.

My surgery is tomorrow a little nervous but cant wait !!!

Well today I finally saw 203 on the scale, that was my goal in order to change my screen name and post a picture (started this at 303). I did it! My avatar is me from a couple days ago as I was just finishing up work. Not real fancy but, that is me 46 year old mom and wife. A woman first and foremost, who now thanks to hard work and determination now has a new lease on life. I never thought I would post a picture but, it is almost liberating. I am just so happy thus my new name. I am not finished with my journey, it has not been easy. I had an abscess causing a second surgery (my friends you know who I am), and pushing me back a bit but-I made it through and t…

(I'VE ADDED PHOTOS IN A LATER POST....scroll down) Ok old timer pro sleevers or anyone else, really... did this ever happen to you?? I've lost 70 pounds, I've gone from a 30 to an 18/20 (tight, but i got them ON! ), I now fit in bathrooms stalls, airplane bathrooms, airplane seat belts, chairs at places I avoided because of...small chairs, I can reach my feet, feel my hip bones and rib bones, see my chin, cross my legs, reach stuff on the floor from a sitting position, walk up the stairs without getting winded, workout for an hour like it's nothing, get up from the floor without the aid of chairs or 8 strong sailors and a winch--and a plethora of other NSVs... BUT--(we…

Well hello everyone, As you read in my earlier post "worst decision I ever made" I have had a really rough time since I had my sleeve surgery on May 3,2012. I am happy to report that I was once again put in the hospital on Tuesday for dehydration. My doctor decided to go back in and do a scope on me to see if he could figure out what all my problems were coming from. When he went inside my tummy with a camera there was a piece of scar tissue that appeared to be causing a little obstruction. He also stretched my esphogas. He also went back into two of my incesions to check the outside of my tummy. The staple line and all else was perfect. He removed the piece o…

Psych eval complete. Hopefully the coordinator submitted everything to insurance today. Now I wait. Hopefully I will have an approval by next week!

A lot of people come on here for support and opinions and I Signed up for Vsg talk for that purpose but I honestly don't feel any support. I make comments and posts about what I'm going through and people don't really respond. I know everyone goes through different things and some need help and some don't but I like to get my opinions because like many people here, this is life changing an we're supposed to be going through this together, so I thought. So I guess I'll just stop posting and commenting and learn on my own. Dont Get me wrong, i have a very strong support system and loving boyfriend but they will never understand because they r not going through this. I'll ju…

I was just wondering if anyone had soreness in their legs, it almost feels like my skin hurts. Not from walking/working out. Just feels kind of weird. I had my surgery May 10, and I'm just concerned. Any suggestions? Thanks

Had revision from band to sleeve on June 15. With my band, I could hardly drink water for most of the day & it took FOREVER to get my tiny pills that I have to take daily down! I guess I got so used to that "stuck" feeling after every drink/bite, that I have that expectation still with my sleeve--but nope! Not stuck here!!!!! And it is WONDERFUL!! Plus I just started full liquids yesterday and I can definitely feel restriction already! I can't wait to see what solids are like! Plus I'm down 12 lbs woohoo!!!

Could really use postive thoughts and prayers now. I need this surgery! MsE

Hello VSGers. I have about 65-70 lbs to lose. I am tall, so my BMI is 35, and people would probably look at me and think I am overweight, but maybe not morbidly obese. I barely qualify, but insurance is approving. From my reading of posts, this is less than the average amount of excess weight for VSGers. I am 90% sure I'll be having the surgery, but now I am having thoughts that this is too "drastic" for me. I don't really feel that way, but I am concerned. I know I can't lose the weight myself (been there done that through a lifetime). I also see myself getting bigger and bigger if I don't take action now. If you were a low BMI'er like me, could you share your …

Well, I'm officially in countdown mode now. In less than 24 hours, I will be at the hospital to have this crap band removed! Yes! My nerves are on edge, BUT I have been getting such awesome support from some very dear friends that are actually doing liquids with me. They are the best! I just hope I remember to take the important things with me to the hospital. I can't wait! I think I need to get out of the house just to keep busy. I am sure I can think of things to buy from somewhere! hahahaha you all have a blessed day!

Hello, I had a lapband done in 2008. It ended up with a leak and I chose to have the sleeve done : ( beings I did not lose that much weight with the lapband. I had my my lapband removed a small hernia repair and the sleeve done on May 3, 2012. I had an upper GI done the morning after surgery and all looked well. They started me on fluids and the nightmare begins. I ended up staying in the hospital for 4 days because I could not hold down fluids. I came home and could not hold down anything. Went back to the doctor on May 14,2012 and was sent for another upper GI and sent down for several bags of fluids. The GI came back that I had severe swelling. I went ba…

From the LapSF newsletter. ******** Many people can't imagine becoming depressed AFTER losing weight. However, depression can occur after weight loss surgery or when undergoing any time of major lifestyle change. Possible causes of depression after WLS may include: - Mourning the loss of food for comfort. If food has always been your "friend" or something you depended on when feeling sad, stressed or lonely, saying "goodbye" can be difficult. - Mourning the loss of pre-operative lifestyle. For example, feeling left out while socializing, participating in holiday rituals, or when dining in restaurants. - Reactions from others. Relationships with loved ones …

I Had a j tube on my right side and had it taken out 2weeks ago but i have another drain on my left side for a abcess i had and its been there for 2 weeks now im hopeing next week it comes out. Not much of anything comes out of it. My Dr has keep me on full liquid sense surgery (5-23-12). I stay sick at my stomach. Has anyone stayed sick till they got the tube out and u think the tube in my stomach is why my dr still keeps me on full liquid.

I does anyone know the warning signs of aleak?

I just joined this board as I thought it would be nice to be able to chat with others my age that may face some of the same obstacles! I got my surgery date today, I am getting my sleeve on July 25th!!!!! Let me start out first by telling you all a little about me. I am Johnathan, I turned 27 on June 22nd. I have been overweight almost all my life. At age 10 I changed from lean and skinny active boy to the fat kid and life has been hell ever since! I am looking so forward to having this surgery! This is my 2nd surgery in my adult life, first was gallbladder which was also laproscopic, so I am not all that worried about this surgery because the risks are low and ot…

I'm getting excited that the date of my surgery is getting close, but after all the rough times I've read about on here about the pre-op diet, I'm really not looking forward to starting that tomorrow. I've already warned my coworkers that I might be a little on the cranky side for a few days. Wish me luck...I can't imagine not eating for 2 whole weeks! Yikes!

Has anyone heard of this being a great scrub to use after being sleeved? My mom was telling me she saw something about it being very helpful for the skin and helping it stay moisturized and helping weight loss patients retain elasticity in their skin so it wasn't as loose when you loose the weight.

Ok I just ran into this the other day. M e and the hubs went out to eat ,so I wanted to get the 1egg special with hash browns it was the children menu dish , since I can't eat off the the ref menu now.. But the lady wouldn't let me order the kiddie stuff.. To me it's a waste of food off the adult menu. Does your doc issue a card to order off the kiddie menu.. do you bring home a doggie BAg... I tried to explain about surf and my new yummy but she didn't want to here it

I know this is a little off topic from normal, but I am looking for a yorkie puppy. I was wondering if anyone in central KY or Eastern KY or closer- knows of any. Thank you

Anyone having surgery 7/17??? Looking for a mentor and a buddy to go through this journey with. My surgery is in Va. Looking forward to hearing from some fellow future sleevers and someone who has been there already!!! Thanks!!

I will be 6weeks post op on Friday, this weekend is our usual "take the kids kayaking trip". Do you think its too soon? Its an all day 10 mile trip. I really want to go, but then I think 10 miles is a looong way...

Because of insurance restrictions, the traditional gastric bypass may be my only option. I would appreciate any advice anyone has regarding the traditional bypass surgery and complications and success stories. Thanks. Christi

K so I just wanted to ask everyone for some information....how long after your surgery did you return to work or feel you could return?

Hi all...I keep accidentally overeating at just about every meal. I'm almost a week now on pureed, and I did myself in so bad today that I had to get sick in the office bathroom. did this happen to anyone? Suggestions?

Ok, folks I am new to this forum, I want to share my story to hopefully help some of you stay on track and to hopefully get myself back on track. In May of 1999 I had the VSG surgery, I was at 350 lbs and in less than a year I was down to 255 when I stopped losing weight. I should back up and tell you I was a police officer fro 20 years, when I cam out of the police academy in the early 1990's I was 267 with 12 % body fat, running 5 to 7 miles a day and very healthy. Overtime the drive throughs and my constant schedule chages helped me to gain weight. After I had the vsg I felt great, I was back to exercising, but I still didn't eat the best. I will say I pretty much hate…