Gastric Sleeve Surgery Forums

SADIE HERE Dr. Ramos Kelly 2-18-2011 ..................what what ???lol so excited

I was admitted again last night- for pain and severe dehydration . I want to love my sleeve. I want to work this wonderful tool- but I've been through 2 weeks of hell on earth and I'm trying desperately not to regret making such a selfish choice.

Thanks for reading this

im so sad. i read all these other posts people are down atleast 15 lbs by now. im really trying this is hard. im not trying to complain im puzzled. i have water or diet tea. a 60 cal activia a 160 cal protein shake and a 1/2 cup of soup or less thats my daily diet. thanks for any help

I spent thousands of dollars going to another country getting the sleeve and 10 months later I've lost 50 pounds and eating like a pig again. I've gained 5/8 pounds and no sight of stopping. I'm scared, I'm scared that I'm going to keep eating and gaining, I'm scared that I'll be back to 225 or more in a couple of months and all the money I've spent is for nothing. Last night as I ate my third or fourth piece of toast with butter, let’s not forget the butter! the voice in my head is screaming at "WTF are you doing?" I see other folks who seem can only eat a little and they are done, I can't say the same. I feel like I did before the surgery. After I had the surgery my rel…

Every time I try to join this group I get an error: Invalid link: Security key for this page is invalid. Anyone know what to do?

My Mother in Law has been extremely ill for the last month, and finally yesterday the LORD has called her home at around 3 am. It has been a very very stressful time for me and my husband and his family. She always called me her favorite Daughter in Law.. (LOL) and I am truly grieving at this time. Forgive me but I just haven't felt much like posting lately. Not only that I was told I have a heart murmur (confirmed as I'd been told this before) just last week and my PCP is running tests on me to find out how serious this might be. So, I do have that additional stress upon me too. I have fought for so long to get my health in check, and becoming very serious whe…

Hi, I would love to find someone who is going to go to Mexico for sleeve in March or April, I haven't picked a surgeon yet but hope to soon. Would like to walk through this with someone else from this area!! I am very excited, but just read something about be sure they don't take out your kidney while their at it! This kind of freaks me out! So I would love to go to MX with another person.... Thanks

Okay so weeks ago I booked a psychiatrist that my insurance covered. I did mention to the receptionist what it was for. Went there today. He asked basic mental health questions, I.e. voices, depression, familt history of etc. So he documented what he asked in his comp then told me I was sane enough for surgery. He printed that I was cleared and that was that. I thought I would have to come back but then he told me he was the psych that gave meds only. He wasn't the one with the couch and you go into details about your life, etc. He did give me a number to the place he recommends if I need that type. So now I'm like uhhh is this good enough. Im going to bring the lette…

I am waiting for my band to sleeve surgery on March 7th. Orginally I was suppose to have the surgery in December but they stopped the procedure because they thought I had heart issues - thankfully I don't. When it was clear that the band was not working for me I had the band unfilled since I had horrible tightness and would often have food get stuck and come back up. Even though the fluid has been removed I still have tightness although not as bad and I feel pressure, even when I drink such as water or coffee. My question is what is the sensation with the sleeve? Do you feel the same kind of pressure as you do with the band? Thanks.

Looking for a buddy in DFW area. Meet, talk, exercise...my surgery is set for 02/09/12. I'm getting so nervous.

I just started my 10th week yesterday. I started this journey at 236 pounds. I was 221 the morning of my surgery. I weighed in at 202 this morning. So 34 pounds so far. I’ve lost 3.5 “ in my waist, 2.5” in my hips, 2” in my underbust, but only 1.5 “ in my bust. I’ve been hoping that I would not lose my boobs and have been grateful so far. Until now. A couple of my size 16 tops fit in the hips and waist – but not in the boobs! So now I’m hoping I will lose more in my boobs, but not TOO much! This must be a case of be careful what you ask for – you might get it! LOL!

During my pre-surgery class, one of the presenters stressed the importance of our breathing exercises, coughing up what is in our lungs, and how having a pillow to hold can assist. One of my friends had heart surgery last year and had a heart-shaped pillow for such things. I decided that I wanted a stomach-shaped pillow to have with me, so I made one. I am a bit offbeat and combined the stomach pillow idea with Frankenstein, as I lightheartedly joke about how my new stomach will be a "Frankenstomach." The pillow as a little bit of a rush job because I ended up putting the project off until a couple of nights ago. I'm still debating whether or not to add a stitch line…

So I'm almost 3 weeks out, I started my period last week and have not lost ONE darn pound since!!! I'm really discouraged but I'm hoping to blame my period!! I've been working out and I've been eating what I'm suppose to... Anyone else had this???

Hi , I had a sleeve gastrectomy done on January 13th, 2012. I am not eating very much, so I take 2 meal replacements in order to get my Protein and vitamins. I have a bowl of soup around 4 or 5 and go to bed by 10 pm. I am experiencing lots of acid reflux, so much so that I can not go to bed without taking 300 mg of Zantac. Is anyone out there having this problem? If so, what did you do to help alleviate the acid reflux. It even hits me during the day, making me cough and feel miserable. Any suggestions out there? They would be greatly appreciated. Thanks Marilyn

So it is 9:30 pm here and I am about to try to get some sleep. The last steps before my surgery (3/5/2012) are tomorrow. We leave at 5:30 in the morning and I have blood tests, urinalysis, x-rays and upper GI starting at 7:30. Then, at 9:30 I meet with the nutritionist. After a break, I see my surgeon at 1:30 for my pre op appointment. I'm sitting here wondering exactly how I am feeling...but it is so complicated. I'm so very excited that the date is finally so close. I'm hopeful that this will be the tool that I need to finally accomplish the goal of a healthier me. Admittingly, a little bit blue that food won't be so important to me anymore (strange, I know, b…

Im upset today. The office where I wanted to get the sleeve done in VA said t is actually $23000 and not $17700 which I originally thought. I'm considering coastal Bariatrics in SC with DR. Morris Washigton because its the next closest ad cheapest place for me. If anyone has done the sleeve here can you please give me as much detail as possible of what your experience was like. Thanks

....will ask me what kind of surgery I'm having and I don't want to tell him because he's annoying and he's judgmental. Any ideas of what kind of surgery I should tell him I'm having? I was thinking I would say gall bladder removal but then I researched recovery time and I think it's too short. Also for anyone in HR do I have to tell HR? Thanks all!!

I saw my doctor yesterday for a surgery date and I asked him about bougie size he said he uses a 34 fr but wraps loose on exbandits so its more like a 38. He said it is to avoid leaks by not putting strain on the thickened scar tissue left by band removal This really concerns me that the weightloss will be shitty. He said when I asked that his sleeve patients lose a bit then might go back up a bit where others lose and yet others maintain. I am confused with this, he says I need to maintain however I have gained over 20 kilos on my lowest band weight and hate it and would like to at minimum lose at least 10 of the excess gained. ( 20 was way too low)... so with a bougie…

I was supposed to have my PSYCH appointment today but the doc was sick and I have to wait until tomorrow. I think my surgeon is waiting until they get the psych eval before they present to the insurance for approval. My surgery is schedule for a month away and I have to tak my nursing state boards soon too!!!!!! I am driving my self insane!!!

http://www.wlshelp.c...ve-gastrectomy/ I was reading some Pub Med articles on the sleeve and I found one on a conference that was held in Florida which was recently published. At the conference 25 international bariatric surgeons were questioned about Best Practices for the sleeve. These 25 drs were identified with the most experience performing VSG (about 13,000 patients among them) The above is a link to an article that is easier to understand that is a summary of the information gathered from these surgeons at this conference. Among the highlights discussed are bougie size, complications, etc. For example, 100% of them agreed that patients should not have solid foo…

UPDATE 2/14/12: Got my Intl DL today, so I have a photo taken today and then the photo from my passport taken the Spring 2010. Would like to hear if you think if the pictures are similar enough or if they look like 2 different people. I tried to insert them up above, but that didn't happen. Look at the pictures below. Ok, so I renewed my passport in the Spring of 2010. I actually gained the last 50 or 60# in 2011, but was still probably around 220 or so at the time of my passport renewal. I'm leaving for Europe March 23rd. I just learned in the past couple of days that the Passport Agency suggests getting your passport updated if there is significant weight l…

Curious as to how that came into play with the psych evaluation? I have always wanted to see a psychiatrist for awhile, but didn't have insurance. Now that I have the time, I figure why not. So I would love to talk about my issues with my therapist but I'm debating on if I should wait until AFTER surgery. Lol. I intend on telling the psych what they ask, and being truthful etc., I just don't want to be denied surgery for over sharing if you know what I mean? Long story short, in regards to the surgery nothing I want to chat about has anything to do with surgery or anything I can see as a possible issue.

Hello, I am having the sleeve done as a cure for my pcos and infertility. I am wondering if anyone has had the surgery for this purpose and been successful. (Unable to have children before the sleeve, able to have children afterward.) Thanks. Efamcan

Looking for a buddy who-like me-has a LOOOOONG way to go. I think that having to lose 250# is a WAY different journey than even losing 100#. I have lost 60# in two months-but you can't even tell. I am a 57 year old female. I live in Utah. I am 6' tall. I have been at my this-my highest weight for at least 20 years. Which means that for 20 years I haven't been able to go into a store to shop. Before I can go anywhere I have to take into account the seating arrangements, I seldom go into other peoples home or ride in their car. I graduated from college 2 years ago with a degree in Social Work, but would never think of even applying for a job until I lose a LOT mor…

Hi. I have had reoccuring boils since puberty, and for the most part they don't come as often do to some factors, however for me I know it's hormone/weight related. When I was 192, they were almost non existant. I recently was able to find the actual name of the condition (which has slipped my mind at the moment) but in a nut shell it stated that it's related to hormones, and stress. So, for those who had them before, did they stop once you lost weight?

Woke up to intense pain this morning about an hour ago. I have a heating pad wrapped around my abdomen waiting to see if it will pass. This sucks! My phone has died too, grrrr! Not that the phone is a huge issue, but it is annoying! Damn, less than 24 hours after Hubby leaves! Pressed up on a pillow too, really hoping this is gas or something. If I still hurt like this in a couple of hours I will go in to the doctors office. I hope it passes.

This is a really good article that describes what an "Emotional Eater" is. www.wlslifestyles.com

I'm being sleeved on 1/27 and I have about 200 lbs to lose. I live in Colorado and I'm used to being very active until the last 4 years. I don't have any comorbidities, however, I'll be having another procedure to have tumors removed from my adrenal glands a few weeks after I have my sleeve. Anyway, if anyone is in a similar situation, Coloradan or not, would love to buddy up and keep eachother in check

...for a week, and right about the same time my tummy seems to be able to have solid foods! Poo! My Hubby had to leave for some refresher survival exercises and I am alone for the first time since the surgery and my Mom passing away. I have tons to do but I find myself kinda sad - more sad than I should be. I don't normally care if I am alone. I think this might be the first time I have felt real head hunger.

Not being able to drink plain water ever again, and how hard are chewable vitamins that it would be bad for the teeth? I got these questions (and probably more to come) from an interesting post in the Pre-Op section.

Hi, I was wondering how many people have a lot of sagging skin after revising to the sleeve? My heaviest before the lap band was 263 and my lowest was 192. 219 is my weight today, I am tall and most people think I weigh less, but I don't. Band will be removed shortly. However, with the band I did not have any sagging skin after a 71 pound weight loss. I read another thread that it depends on your elasticity in your skin. I have had children and never got stretch marks on my stomach. For real! So I am hoping I am one of those shrink to size people without plastics, I will hit the weights and the gym. What about the arms sagging? anyone? Love working out anyway, just like t…

Why can't we have it? Is it so the gum isn't swallowed and possibly get stuck? I quit smoking several years ago and still chew a lot of gum. I think it also helps with food cravings.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/wray-herbert/physiology-willpower_b_1279704.html

How much time did it take from the moment you decided you were going to get sleeved to the time you actually had the surgery? Thanks

I keep meaning to post this and I forget. Biotene is a spray that will keep your mouth moist. It isn't going to be easily swalloed - it coats rather than runs. It will help when your mouth is dry and you can't drink. That includes before surgery and the barium drink, when you can't have liquids.

Oct 11 sleevers check in! I am 5 weeks out and feel great! I have actually made peace with excercise and am learning to enjoy it. I am down a total with pre-op loss about 70 lbs, so moving is a bit easier! It was an adjustment figuring out my food for work, but I am getting the hang of it. I still think I can eat alot more than I eventually do. I still cook way too much too, and then expect my family to eat what I don't. I'll learn. Went out to dinner the first time yesterday as a part of a celebration, and just ate some of my husband's food. He felt a little wierd, but I had plenty, and was content. Still hate those vitamins- it's a fight every day just to keep them dow…

So I just had a really interesting chat with my nurse about WLS. She asked me all sorts of questions, like why I picked the sleeve, whether I had considered the other WLS options,etc. I thought it was interesting because she's very thin and thin people don't usually show much interest in WLS. But then I looked at her really closely and realized: OMG she's bypass! And sure enough she told me she'd gotten bypass a few years back. She had what I have come to think of as 'the look' of a bypass patient. Many of the people who are more than a year or two out from a bypass seem to have the same look- dry, parched looking saggy skin, aged teeth, extremely thinned hair ( we …

How long after your surgery did you know you no longer had hunger? I'm 9 days post op and have read on here that the acid reflux can mask as hunger. So, how or when did you know you no longer had hunger? Because I'm still hungry. Even though I'm not eating (drinking full liquids) more than I should, I'm still hungry. I hope it'll go away.

I was just curious what your recovery was like? I'm trying to schedule my surgery around my husbands 5days off and my friends wedding. I've been told I probably won't have any issues with recovery because of my experience with 4c sections and they were all very very large babies. This surgery compared to the above will be a "walk in the park". I have a very high pain tolerance. One of my sections was a 12lb 23in premature baby that was breaking my pelvic bone and I was up walking around within hrs of my surgery just to give you an idea of pain I've tolerated well. My concern is if I have the surgery on a Wed will I be able to be in a wedding 10 days later?

Does anyone have any literature they would be willing to giive or sell? I am trying to build a small section of my library up on this but always truy to buy used first. Message me if you do. Also any suggestions on anything at all you would add to a personal library, please let me know.

My surgery is in July, but I see a few cute items to wear now. I figured I won't fit it the way I want to and it's a winter item (cardigan.) When did you stop buying clothes at your pre-op weight? When did you buy clothes post? I see myself shopping at the thrift shop post. It's cheaper and I will be between sizes. I am excited not having to pay 40 for a decent top at the plus size stores!

Hi Everyone, I've not feel that feeling of restriction for several months and was worried that I'd somehow stretched my stomach so I stared to eat differently and now I feel like my tummy has that restriction feeling again. I wanted to know if there were others out there that have gone through the same or am I just a retard. I'm eating much less and don't drink fluids 20 minutes before, nothing when eating (which was not always the case before) and I wait 30 minutes after I eat to drink anything. I feel that restriction feeling more now that I've been holding to the no fluids etc. Is this possible? OR better yet, could going back on fluids or mushies again to give y…

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/02/14/bpa-chemical-hormone-obesity-diabetes_n_1276996.html Interesting!

What would you do? I do not know how to even start the process of getting a loan, but I am intrigued on the idea. How long would I have to pay it back? Is that determined while applying for the loan? Like others have said the six months might just fly by, but the idea is in my head.I do want to get braces so I can just do the six months and if I do get a loan use it towards braces.

I have really jacked up my signature and need to figure out how to fix it. I don't do HTML language:) So I'm looking for the tech help forum.. I though there was one.

...all medical professionals seem to say to me.... Now, are they SAYING that? Or is that just what I'm HEARING? A rant: I sat down today with a primary care physican/internist to ask about a consistent, aching knot that has been living in my right shoulder blade for about 5 years. I figure it is from stress, or tension, or improper posture, or poor ergonomics at work. Sometimes a massage helps, but it never works it all the way out. I wanted some medical info on this, to see if massage really helps with muscle tension/pain, but what did I get instead? A lecture. On being overweight. About how my gut and my boobs are too big, and how that causes back pain....…

Hello all! Glad to have found this group. 25 years old here out of NJ/NY area. Would love to have someone to consult with that has been through this experience before. Im in the preliminary stage and have my first consult this week. Any newly skinny divas in the NJ/NY area?

I'm looking for a buddy in my journey to lose the last 25 pounds. I would like to find someone to help me be accountable for working out and eating right each day. It seems that most of my 'real-life' friends want to make it a competition, rather than us supporting eachother. If anyone is interested, let me know!

I got my lapband almost exactly five years ago. I was self pay so did not need to jump through the insurance hoops to prove that it was medically necessary for me to have it although I could have if I had insurance at the time. I wasn't employed but I had come into some money so I could afford to do it self pay. A wonderful thing so I thought at the time. Now my lapband has eroded and I need to have it removed but my insurance is giving me the run around trying to say that I got it for "cosmetic" reasons. I guess if an insurance company doesn't give their blessing that it is medically necessary then they assume that it wasn't. Anyway, I was just wondering if anyone ha…