Gastric Sleeve Surgery Forums

So over the past 2 years I've lost 45#s mostly due to lots of exercise. Didn't eat bad over the majority of that time period, but at times didn't eat the healthiest either. Started the process for WLS about 6 mths ago after my frustration level peaked after seeing several friends who had had WLS losing weight like crazy, with what seemed like little effort. (I say 'seemed' realizing it's not magic.) But now as I get closer to a yes or no from insurance, the yes possibility has me wondering if I'm just being greedy. Like I should be happy with the rate I'm losing and not expect immediate results. However then I tell myself 'I've yo-yo'ed for 30-some years it is time …

Hi, I would like to know if anyone is going to Jerusalm clinic on 9-22-11. I will will be having surgery with Dr Almanza and I will be going with my son. I think it would be fun to get to know you.

I think this is a NSV... Today my hubby insisted on getting a Mac Donalds - it was a hangover cure for him... yea, whatever! 18mths ago, with no movement on the scales for 5 weeks, I would have joined him saying 'what the hell, this stupid diet isn't working' and gorged myself on a Big Mac Meal - or whatever they are called! Today, however, I did not. The smell made me feel sick. The look of the food made my stomach turn. The whole idea of eating that sh*t and paying good money for it repulsed me. I have never looked at food in that way before. I am soooo proud of myself as I have been a little down and stressed lately that I didn't use food as a comfort and a …

I have been lurking here since before my surgery on 4/18/2011. The weight has been coming off steadily, with some stalls here and there. Through the knowledge gained in this group, I've known not to worry about the stalls. When the clothes sizes weren't coming down quickly, I learned that once you pass from plus into regular sizes, the sizes start dropping fast. Again, you all were right. Today is a victory, so I thought I'd share. This morning the scale read 199.4. Now, I've been waiting for this awhile, hovering every morning, so this isn't a surprise. It's been reading 208 for about 6 weeks now and recently started decreasing again. Even though I knew it was…

Hi just checking to see if anyone has had acid issues or their gallbladder removed before or after surgery. I have acid reflux with water only, no food, etc. other than avoiding coffee, egg yolks and bacon, diet doesn't seem to help. My ultrasound showed gallstones. 2/3 of my doctors feel like getting my gallbladder removed will solve the acid issue. Tums, Pepcid and even 2 PPI Previacids a day do not stop the burning. I've heard that if the acid pills don't help it is gallbladder because the PPI medicines only kill stomach acid, not bile. It burns on and off throughout the day and night. Even on an empty stomach, like in the morning 8+ hours after eating and drinking i…

Ok August All Stars - How is everyone doing this week? I'm down 4 pounds from last week. I can't believe it. I've been working pretty hard this week and I love the results. Thanksgiving day was not bad for me and I'm glad I got through it under my calorie goal and ate tons of Protein. Yesterday.... well that's a different story. Every once in while I have a day where I'm just hungry all day long. I ate around 1700 calories yesterday. That's very high for me since I ususally stick to around 1000/day. I guess I'll be doing some heavy activity today to pay for that Hope you all had a great week and a totally wonderful Thanksgiving. We have 3 1/2 weeks until Christmas and …

So, I remember that if you overate, food could actually backup a little into the esophagus, which could lead to dialation. I know that with the gastric sleeve, you have a stomach, not a pouch. I was reading on the post surgery forum people talking about vomiting that sounded a lot like a "packed pouch" or food still in the esophagus. I plan to ask the surgeon about this, curious though if dialation is one of the risks of the sleeve. I fully intend to stop eating before overfilling, but I would like to know about this risk. I had a band for 10 years but had Fluid removed many years ago due to reflux and mild esophagal dialation. I had my band removed in September t…

Im getting dressed and will be headed to the hospital @ 9am and surgery is scheduled for 11. To my other fellow banana Babes I will keep you all in my prayers and wish each and everyone much success as you travel this very same road...... losers bench here we come. I will check back in soon and give everyone an update. Much Love, Ann

Hi Fellow banana Babes! (love that name) I was sleeved on Friday morning. I had so much stress from work that the surgery wasn't the uppermost thing on my mind and that probably helped me. Although not everyone has it as easy as I am, this surgery has been the oddest thing because I feel like nothing happened. My stomach has the scars, but I just feel like I've done too many sit-ups. I can sleep on my side, don't feel dizzy, can take care of all my own needs, and have no nausea. I wish I had done this years ago so my health would not have been compromised by waiting and hoping counting points would work if I tried it for the 20th time! It is so odd to me to ha…

Hi I am 11 weeks out. I started at 245 and now I am 207. I think I am the only person in southern WV that has had VSG. My surgeons office is 2 hours away. They have a support group but I am too far away to attend. I really need a VLS buddy that I can swap emails with.... Any Takers?

So, this is my first major holiday since my sleeve. It was so much harder than I thought. I had managed to skate by the 4th of July by staying at home and just going to watch fireworks. But, Thanksgiving wasn't so easy. We went to my girlfriends' uncle's house, and everyone brought a dish. I made potato salad, hog maws and chitterlings, sweet potato pudding, and red velvet cake. Know what I ate? 1 piece of turkey and 1 spoonfully of mac and cheese. I tried to eat a slither of lasaugna, because it looked so good, but it made me sick (still can't digest beef or pork) and ended up throwing up. It actually got so bad that I ended up going down to the family room an…

Hey everyone, I am in the need of some advice regarding recovery time/how long it will take to get my energy back after surgery. This spring and summer I will be taking a total of three college classes (2 during the spring, 1 during the summer). All of these classes will be online. My question is, do you think I would be taking on too much by doing some school while I'm recovering from surgery? The main concern I have is that I won't have the energy to do homework within a couple days after surgery. I'm just looking for some input as to how you felt in your first week or two after surgery. Sorry for such a random question and thanks to any replies in advance!

Come join my group Military Spouse Sleevers on VST. We only have 2 members and I know there are lots more tricare patients on here Anyways I would love the support of others and to offer my support to you!! Hope to see ya there! Sarah

Hi Everyone!!! I know I have been a bit MIA for awhile but a lot has happened in the last 2 months since I've been on VST. So for those of you who do not know me, I am the group creator, Sarah. I had my sleeve done on 8/26 and as exactly 3 months later I am down a total of 56lbs. In September I started working, then 2 weeks later we got orders saying we were leaving in Nov so I quit lol. Well most of you know how fickle the Army likes to be, my hubby went for training the whole month of October and while he was out there his orders got cancelled and pushed back till January. So Lord only knows when we will actually be moving, but I do know that we are going to Fort B…

Hello everyone! I am scheduled for surgery one week from today (11/28/11) and would really like to have a mentor. I am 40, mom of a 7 and 5 year old and happily married to hubby for 8 years now. We live in Virginia and I'm an RN. Starting wt. 314 (also highest weight ever) and current weight 278. I am non-insulin dependent diabetic, have hypertension and sleep apnea with a CPAP. Ready to get healthy!!!! Kacey

tiffikins mentioned that a key to success is to not think about feeling full, but learn to stop eating before that sensation. That makes a ton of sense to me, but it worries me. I have lived with no Fluid in my band for years, really could eat pretty much anything, but since having it removed - my hunger, ravenous hunger, has returned with a vengence. I am so hungry it is driving me absolutely crazy. In my current state of mind (and physical hunger) I am worried about myself being able to learn to stop before feeling a sense of being full. One thing this experience has confirmed for me is that "overeating" isn't just because I am a stress eater etc - about 7-10 day…

Hello All, Any info will be helpful.......I am the spouse of an active duty soldier. I am trying to get a VSG at an MTF. The issue is I do not see an on post doctor and my MTF does not do bariatric surgery. I have found an MTF 4hrs away that does the surgery my civilian PCM is on board, I am having an issue getting approval for the MTF. My PCM sent a referral to Tricare and it was denied, she has sent it a second time and hasn't gotten an answer back yet. So my ? is has anyone else had this issue and how do I go about getting this done? Please Help.

Hi everyone! I'm new to the forums. I just got my surgery date, November 30th. Excited, scared, anxious, worried..all of these emotions simultaneously. I keep reminding myself that this is a marathon and not a sprint. HD

I am curious if the leak test most surgeons seem to do the day after the surgery actually finds leaks or if most leaks are actually found later based on patient symptoms?

Hi everyone, I've been a lurker for a couple of months now.....decided to build up the courage to ask a question.. I was banded back in 2005....and at the most I have lost 30 pounds, I really need to lose 150 pounds....I find myself getting really hungry, and when I work out its the worst!! It like I am STARVING and when I eat I end up eating too fast and pbing...... a friend of mine had me talk to a cousin of hers who had the sleeve, and I have decided to do the revision surgery....I'm a teacher so I will need to wait until the summer, so the plan is to have it June 2012... Now my question is has anyone had the same issue with the band as me?? I dont have any iss…

Hello to everyone. My sleeve date is 11-7-11, will start 2 weeks of liquid diet tomorrow. Looking forward to a new start, hope I heal up fast!

Do you guys think we should start a VST group? We could call it August Allstars, but of course

So I'm 25 days post op and things are going well so far, today is my last date night with my husband before he leaves for 5 months for military reasons. I can't say much but its depressing and I know a big part of my support is leaving and I will miss him. The only good part in this I can see is I should (Hoping) that I'm smaller when I see him again. Anyways thats all I had to say, If anyone has gone through this before I would love to hear from you, or just helpful comments is great.

Im doing absolutely terrible with this full liquid diet sometimes I wonder if the sleeve is right for me. My doctor has me on this strict 2 week clear liquid deit that is almost impossible for me to follow. What do I do?

Hey Everyone, How are we doing? We made it through September! wishes

For those who are post-sleeve, do you find that you are less discriminated against now that you are smaller? I have always been outgoing, so no job was too big or small for me to complete. I am also competitive, but I've always wondered if companies have chosen a less qualified candidate than to chose me (the fat candidate with mutliple degrees).

I wondered if I would be one of the 30% who has gallbladder problems after a quick large weight loss. I got my answer this morning when I started feeling nauseous and then like I had acid in my tummy. I took an H2 blocker and it didn't help, so I figured it wasn't acid. I continued to feel worse as the morning wore on, with a lot of pain in my upper right stomach quadrant radiating in to my right back and shoulder blade. It hurt a lot and I have a pretty high threshold for pain. Finally took myself to the doctor about 1:15. My regular doc was on vacation but the one covering ordered a bunch of stat labs and an abdominal X-ray series. The x-rays are clear, no sleeve…

Just checking in with my progress update. I am down 35 lbs including my 10 lb pre op diet loss. I am having problems with Nausea but that has improved this week. I been having trouble with getting my protein in, I usually get in about 40 grams. I have tried several different protein shakes and have discovered the whey based ones are the ones that really increased my nausea. Even though I can drink mild the milk bases one also make me nauseated. But each day things are getting better. I am happy I have my sleeve. I am hoping for another 15 lbs to be gone my Christmas.

Hello All, My name is Kim and I am a 36 yr old female from Boston. Like so many people I have tried soooo many diets and fads and of course they don't last. Right now I weigh 270 and I'm 5'7. I hope to have VSG in February!! But I need major help. I cannot stop eating right now, even though I feel full I cannot stop putting something in my mouth it is sooooooo gross!! Am I going to fail once I have VSG? I need to talk to someone!! I have no motivation to exercise either!! Any advice out there?? -Kim

So, when I had my surgery on 4/4/11, my pre surgery weight was 333. Today, 7 months and 13 days later, and I'm at 280 lbs. Now granted, I haven't been as diligent about my exercise for the past month, due to some lower back issues. But I have been really diligent about getting in my water, and protein first. I'm trying not to get discouraged, but it's hard when I read posts from folks that have lost 100 lbs within their first 6 months, and so on. I'm almost embarrassed to say that I've only lost 53 lbs. I have been on this super, duper stall for a few months, and I AM PISSED!!! I don't know what to do, and I'm really getting kind of down about it. I started smoking again…

I'm hoping I'm not the only one that belongs to this forum! :confused1: I am 28, will be 29 next month...so I guess I just barely made it in the 20's forum. Anyone else ?

I knew before having surgery that I would need new clothes. What I did not realize was that I would need new shoes as well!!! NONE of my shoes fit me now!! I have never had "large" feet (i'm a size 6.5/7... or was...) and I had not anticipated this! Anyone else go through this? In some ways I'm glad, simply because it is like losing sizes in clothes, it feels good to see physical proof that I'm losing weight. BUT, I will wear used clothes and I will buy cheap "unmentionables" while i'm losing... but shoes?? I cannot do used shoes and there is no such thing as a cheap shoe you can wear all day. I'm staying positive by thinking that there is no way my shoe size can chang…

I was reading this in the NUT waiting room, but didn't have time to finish it. Online, all i can find is the summary http://www.ncbi.nlm....pubmed/20526621 This article was VERY interesting, not the least of which mentioning that leak rates are found to be much higher then the commonly cited 1%..... Edited to add: I found the whole text of the article. It was very interesting and I think worthwhile to read http://www.springerlink.com/content/9751m0k2r0158687/fulltext.pdf Basically, it looks like rate of leaks and other complications varies alot as the surgically technique has evolved. It is important to know that this data includes some of the earlier surger…

I recently went on vacation, and a few women in the group went shopping together. There was a T-shirt that I liked and I was trying to decide what size to purchase. I held a Large against me and one of the women said, "Oh, you are so small I think the Medium would be better." Me---small!!! But when I looked at the other women, although none were obese I was the thinnest. (We were all about fifty-ish.) Meals were included and were served buffet-style. I was never a big Breakfast eater even before surgery but I love my coffee, so most mornings I would have a couple of cups. Then I might have a spoon of scrambled egg and a slice of bacon and I would be done. I ate si…

Ok, so I am slowly losing the plot here... I am 10lbs (bouncing up and down the same 3lbs for a month) to my surgeon's goal and about 28lb from my personal 'OMG I can't believe it' goal - which is actually a dream rather than a reality as I haven't weighed under 10 stone - 140lbs - since I was about 16! So, I won't be too upset if I don't get there... however, my surgeon's goal is really important to me. Anyway, to stick with the marathon analogy, I am getting tired... I've hit the 'wall'! My motivation has started to wain. Through circumstances that are out of my control, I have been unable to exercise more than once or twice a week... I was exercising 4 times min a…

This may be TMI for some people, but this is my first time getting major slimes. Well, I came home from work tonight, and was actually hungry because I kind of forgot to eat all day....so I thought I'd try to eat a scrambled egg. Well, it tasted sooooo good! I ate the whole egg. After my last bite I knew immediatly that I had overdone it. About 10 minutes later I got the worst pain in my chest, felt like I had heartburn and got the infamous slimes!!! I thought ok, this is gonna pass, but it didn't. Had the slimes for about 45 mins....then got sick So, needless to say no more eggs for me for awhile. And I have to make sure I'm getting food in, as it's so easy to not…

Good morning All Stars!!! I had a pretty good week again; I am down 2.5 lbs this week, weighing in at 220 lbs today. I actually hit 220 yesterday (and stayed there today), which was my Thanksgiving goal-I made it 6 days early! I love my sleeve, and I am so thankful I was able to have this procedure done. Hope you all are having a wonderful week as well!

I am new to this community. I had my surgery with Drs Aceves and Campos. I had a great experience and on post op day 3, I am heading home. I have already lost 30 lbs pre-op and plan to lost another 130lbs over the next year. Anyone want to help me along the journey?? FWI: I was initalling refused by my insurance compnay (BCBS of Tenn) and then decided to do self pay with Dr. Aceves. I got a call today that BCBS reexaimined my case and then approved it. They still wanted me to do another 6-8 weeks of classes. I am so glad that I just went ahead and did it.

Was wondering if any others are going to Dr Aceves that day or week? I am so nervous and some times doubt my decision everyday. I just want the day to come and get it over with. NERVOUS!!!!

I've been approved by my insurance but due to health problems, I have to have some extra pre op tests. The scheduler won't give me a surgery date till she gets the results. 1 of the test hasn't even been scheduled yet. I'm waiting on her call. I'm trying to find another surgeon as a back up in case my surgeon can't get me in this year. Waiting till 2012 poses a problem since I have met my ded and oop amount for the year,,and my husband's policy will change. I don't know if the new policy covers wls. I was wondering what surgeons some of you may have here in Ky? I'd like to see if I can get in just in case I don't make it through the clinic I'm at.

Hi All, I was wondering about other 50 something sleevers who are a year or more out. Did any of your skin bounce back? How far out were you when you reached the point that any snapping back that may occur is done snapping?

I am so excited! I was just going over the qualifications for surgery with a family member. I suddenly realized that I NO LONGER QUALIFY!!!!! :biggrin5: Wow I did not realize how good this would feel!!!! :Banane59: YAY me! I am no longer Obese either! I am overweight! \ :fruitsex:

I had my surgery on Sept 6th. At first I wasn't sure I was gonna like this new life but as time passes, I'm liking it more and more! I'm new to this site though and it seems to hide all the buttons I need when I want to post something... grrrr... I have a question? Does anyone have any urinary differences post-op? Before surgery I could just go pee no problem. Now, I need to go and I have to sit there and wait until it decides to flow. Weird...

I am scheduled to have VSG Wednesday, July 6th, in Dallas. I started my liquid diet today. Are there any other newbies out there??

Hi! im 23, had my surgery when I was 22 on Oct 1, 2010 im so glad i did this young because i feel like a million bucks and soooo not shy of putting on the bikini now <3 heres a pic to prove that its possible to get your life back! my before and now!

November 18th is my big day. It will be nice to read this forum to find out how November sleeve buddies are doing. I'm a self pay for the NEW Program in Newport Beach, CA. I will be having this done as an outpatient surgery and, if all goes right, my hubby will take care of me by the end of the day on the 18th - he's good that way.

There have been a few posts lately talking about hunger, and the majority you hear about are the sleevers that never feel hungry anymore. Well there seems to be some of us that are HUNGRY. My personal frustration with my hunger is that I feel it all the time, even after I eat and I know my belly is full and I don't want to put any more food in it, that hunger, empty feeling is still there. I have been chewing on gaviscon or tums which helps alittle (like maybe an hour), but it always comes back. I do take my PPI twice a day, but that is of little help. I would like to know if there are any veteran sleevers out there that have been through this hunger thing an…

I had zero pain for 12 months or so, then I started having a dull persistent pain which did line up w/ an incision. Moved out of state and not thinking it through I went and saw a general GI Doc. Ran blood work, ultra sound and endoscopy. Finding nothing and having my Doc saying sometimes there are no answers I became discouraged. I ended letting it go for another six months hoping it would go away!? Now 18 months out it hasn't and I'm ready to search out a Doc who does sleeves and I'm looking for anyone who might have had an experience like I have. Thanks for any advice.

Hi guys, I was sleeved on the 14th in Grand Rapids, MI. Things are going well, I am just having a hard time getting all my Water & protien in on a daily basis. I know that it is water first right now since I don't want to get dehydrated, but I need to figure out how to make smaller protien shakes... Since i can only do about 3oz at a time I feel like I waste some of every protien drink, and those buggers are expensive! Anyway, does anyone have any suggestions regarding non flavored protien? I was thinking I could add that to my shakes for a bigger bang for my protien buck LOL I am looking forward to getting to know all my other November buddies! G

Surgery was a success; no problems; speedy recovery- am already home resting- very little pain- only some tenderness @ site of drain and some nausea- I feel like I just did 100 sit ups is the best way to describe the discomfort. But I am happy that my worry and anxiety was for nothing and am glad to be home and resting. So happy to be part of this family and begin my new life journey :0