Gastric Sleeve Surgery Forums

Hi everyone. When I initally went to see my surgeon he recommended the gastric by-pass since my weight gain came not from eating large quantities but rather snacking on carbs and sweets, especially chocolate. He said the "dumping" would keep me "sraight" I should mention I have been on anti-depression meds for years and my family doctor feels my cravings for chocolate and carbs is from the low sertonin levels associated with depression. After doing much research I decided, given my medical history of many surgeries and the depression, I would be much better off with the sleeve. Now I am being discouraged from this procedure because of the sweet tooth. Did anyone who …

I'm almost 5 weeks out post-op and for the last 3 days I've been having really bad pain in my left abdomen area. I'm pretty sure it's gas pain, but it is horrible. I tried gas x and pepto and I don't feel any relief. Did anybody have this problem and can help me out? Thanks

Hi! I'm 46 and new to the site. I have my consultation on Friday and am really excited, but would really like to visit with some sleevers who are around my age. Anybody out there in their 40's? All responses really appreciated!!

Hi all my weight loss sugery friends!! wanted to pop on and say hello to all my 6mo + peeps see how you all are doing. i was sleeved 4/21/11 in san deigo starting weight day of surgery 206 size 18/20 today i am 148 10/12 I feel so much better i still have a ways to go being I am 4'11 I need to be around 115 but I am happy to be at this weight , it has been a long time since i have been here. Thank you for all you support this journey has been ruff but you all keep me saine , Also wanted to ask you all about scar treatment I am very light complected and my scrs are still PINK ?? so any advise, has anyone used scargaurd?? any way her is some before and afters I know I love …

I just got my date today and i am ready, It's been a long time coming.

Check out this article about VSG. http://abcnews.go.com/Health/woman-loses-130-pounds-months-radical-stomach-surgery/story?id=14859458

Got the "official" date! Plane tickets booked, and hotel for the first night down there. I don't think I want to spend 3 nights in the hospital....even though it's free. Excited, nervous, and a little bit scared.....but I've been waiting for what feels like forever to get up the nerve to book the surgery. CAN'T WAIT!!!

Hi all, Today I weighed 165 (Not reflected on my ticker: I only update it once per week on Fridays). I have exactly 30 lbs. to go to my goal: 135 and a BMI of 21.8!! I'm so excited. It's been about four and half months since my surgery date. I'm scared of the inevitable slow down in losing as more time passes and I get closer to goal. I have noticed I am getting hungrier. Nothing like pre-op thank goodness! I'm working out 6 days a week and sticking pretty close to my program guidelines. I'm participating in the Halloween Challenge and I check in there every Friday. I missed last Friday because we were gone on vacation and I didn't have access to a scale. I'm ho…

I work out or do something 6-7 days a week: Monday: Group Power class (stregth training) Tuesday: Fitness Kickboxing Wednesday Group Power Thursday: Fitness Kickboxing Friday: treadmill/stationary bike (hate this one because I find it boring lol) or nothing Saturday: Fitness Kickboxing Sunday: Walking 3 or more miles depending on heat and crunches or squats I am a serious creature of habit and like sticking to the program so to speak but I think I need to change things up a little bit. Any suggestions?

I thought I would post an update... I am still fighting the good fight to get to goal... and this week my efforts have been rewarded by the scales. I have lost 4lbs this week at nearly 16mths out. The last time I lost 4lbs in one week was in Oct last year, when I was just 17wks out!!! I know, this isn't gonna last... but I have to say, it has put a smile on my face and a spring in my step. I really do think I am going to make my surgeon's goal at least! And I am sooooo close of getting out of the obese BMI range I can taste it! I suppose what I am trying to say is that if you are losing at a snails pace... stick with it. Take each and every pound with pleasure.…

Has anyone been sleeved by Dr. Washington he was from NJ but is now in Myrtle BEach Sc

Good morning everyone! I had a 3.4lbs loss this week! Whooo! Hooo! I am at 164lbs and my jeans are getting baggy. Tried a couple of pair of jeans at walmart yesterday but no go. My tummy is still too big..oh well hopefully my apron will start to shrink. Going on a 3 hour horse back ride today so that should be fun. Have a great week! TMI....still having diarrhea issues really bad so will call bari doc next week for help...it is getting really old.

Coverage Policy Bariatric surgery is specifically excluded under many CIGNA benefit plans and may be governed by state and/or federal mandates. Please refer to the applicable benefit plan document to determine benefit availability and the terms and conditions of coverage. Unless excluded from the benefit plan, this service is covered when the following medical necessity criteria are met. CIGNA covers bariatric surgery using a covered procedure outlined below as medically necessary when ALL of the following criteria are met: ? The individual is ≥ 18 years of age or has reached full expected skeletal growth AND has evidence of one of the following: ? BMI (Body Mas…

Hi everyone! I'm getting sleeved by Dr. Aceves on Dec 1st. Going alone AND keeping it a secret! Would love to meet some DFW buddies who "get me."

Anyone else going to TJ at that time?

Going through a divorce, having just had my surgery three months ago, without a job and broke I just want to eat the fridge. Help! I'm afraid I'm going to screw everything up!

Folks, Quick check-in. 52.6 lbs down in a little less than 3 months! Feel like a new person already, and loving it!

I'm looking at getting the sleeve surgery and would love to hear about other folks experience, what I should expect and also feedback on the best place and doctor. Thanks! Anniemae

I will be going to Dr. Kelly on November 5th..I am from Washinton DC/Maryland area will be going alone...Looking for a sleeve buddy.. thanks

Has anyone had a piece of jewelry that they were unable to remove during surgery? if so how did your surgeon treat it. I have an industrial/tragus earring that I am unable to remove and was wondering if it would be ok to leave in during the procedure,or if i would have to find a way to get it off? Thanks!!!

This is my first post. I have finally confirmed all of my arrangements and will be heading to see Dr. Alvarez for my surgery on November 4th. Is anyone else going to be there on that date? How did everyone else determine what surgeon they were going to use? I feel like I'm not quite educated as much as I want to be for the post op period.

Hello All.... I have my surgery date! Nov. 16th... the day after my birthday...so I am gonna say this will be my new birthday I am doing the pre diet and find it hard to get the protein shakes down....anyone have any tips to makes things go more smoothly?

I am planning a VSG procedure sometime in December. I haven't booked it yet, but thinking just before Christmas (I am waiting on my passport). It will be with Dr. Kelly in Tijuana, MX. I live in Charleston, SC. Anyone having it done in Dec? I would love to have a buddy to go thru it with.

I just started my pre-operative "clears", which consists of cherry sugar free Jell-O, chicken broth, and laxatives. I am a bit concerned by the red chunks I saw after my laxative started to work. I am hoping this alarming color is likely from the red Jell-O, so before I panic- did anyone else experience this alarming affect? I know it's a bit of a gross question, but I do not want to worry and, after all, we are all here talking about a medical procedure affecting digestion so I figured a "poo question" wasn't too out of the ordinary.

I finally made it - squeaking by at 199.8 this morning! I've been stalled at 200-201 for the last week and I kept waking up every morning thinking "this is the day!" but it wasn't.... Today was the day! So happy and motivated to keep on going! Hope everyone else has had a great week

Okay, so I'm 8 months out from surgery and I've lost roughly 95 pounds. I noticed somewhere around the 50 pound weight loss mark that I started to have this chill that I couldn't shake, even in the summer time. Now, that it's getting colder outside, and I've lost more weight I'm freezing all the time! Like literally freezing. My nose, hands and ears are always cold to the touch. My body is cold, and I always have goose bumps. My nose is running all the time, like it's snowing outside. And this is in my office with a space heater on; plus I have on long pants, a long sleeve t and a sweater. It's only 68 degrees outside. How am I supposed to live like this for the …

I'm definately interested in a group meetup at Disneyland!! If we can get enough people together we might even qualify for group discounts:) Don't know the exact numbers, but if we get down to the nitty gritty, I could bring my extended family. Altogether if my extended family comes we would have 20 people to add. I would love to go this fall.

I am scheduled to have a revision in Feb. My doc isn't the same one that did my surgery as I Moved. My new doc was reluctant to fill because he is used to a 10cc band and I have. 14cc band. I scheduled the sleeve surgery and finally my doc filled me To Where I should be. I have been walking 2-3 miles 4/week and so far I have only lost 2 lobs since I had the fill. My question still remains will I lose weight, and if that's what you believe,'why is it different than getting a fill. L Maybe a dumb question but trying to make decisions.

I am in the Bay area and this evening KTVU (the Fox affiliate) aired a story about a military wife who had a VSG. The story was about the cost to taxpayers as the surgery, done in a military hospital, is performed at almost no cost for military dependents. The story emphasized that 390 million dollars worth of what they called "weight loss surgery" had been done. They made it sound like every overweight woman with a husband in the service was rushing to get a VSG on the taxpayer's dime. I'll bet that Congress is going to jump on this pretty quick, so if you are considering surgery and your benefits are through Tricare, I'd get it done sooner rather than later.

I have seen some who have posted and were willing to share their appeal letter that helped them get approved. I would so appreciate it if you would inbox me if you are willing and I will pay it forward. I was approved by United Healthcare to have my Lapband removed but not to have the Sleeve. I will give them credit in that a Care Coordinator follows up with me regularly to see how I am doing. I moved to a new state so had to find a new Primary Dr. and saw him for the first time a month or so ago to officially start a 6 month program which is supposedly the main reason they wouldn't approve. The Care Coordinator also had me talk to a Behavioral Counsellor …

Oh the anxiety begins! I can not wait! I already feel as though my life is changing and I haven't even went through the consultation yet! Maybe because I have long dreamed of this day to come- but was always out of the question because STUPID insurance companies! BUT with the love & support from my wonderful husband and family, this is possible! I can't wait to be on the other side & can't wait to show off my "new sleeve"! PS- pre-op blood work is being scheduled now---- MAJOR pitter patter in my heart HAPPY HALLOWEEN!

I actually have never enjoyed the spotlight on me what so ever. I would not say I was shy by no means but I feel very uncomfortable being the center of attention in any situation, even if it is postitive. The closer I am to chosen a date to go to MX I am confronted with this.... What has been running through my mind is something my 1st husband said to me many many years ago, in his own frustration, with me being heavy. He said, while he was mad "Anytime you start getting anywhere with a diet or losing any weight , as soon as someone notices it , you stop and forget where you were at and gain it all back'. I do not want that to hinder me. I am so ready to get …

For those who have met their goal for Labor Day already, CONGRATULATIONS!!!! If you'd like a head start, I'm starting the new Challenge NOW. Good luck!!! I will wait to begin on Labor Day though, in hopes to get a few pounds down by then. Today I weigh 186.2 - a combination of surgery weight and PMS... but I'll just have to work hard at getting this off. I'll have to do it without the help of working out too! I can't start to do anything seriously calorie burning until six weeks out... or really until my surgeon gives me the go ahead. So, I'll have to really watch what I'm eating!!! Not that I didn't already, but still. All I can do physically right no…

Any CT Sleevers in this Forum? If so, who is your surgeon? I live in CT and hoping to get sleeved. I am deciding between two different surgeons/hospital. Dr. Valin or Dr. Bell. Looking for advice.

Well, a few more days to go. Seems like I am eating more than usual. Trying to maintain and not gain. it's not going so good. I'm nervous and excited at the same time. A weird feeling.

First off, I have to apologize for dropping off the face of the earth. Here I was begging and begging to have everyone post their experience so I could learn from them, and then I had my surgery on the 20th, got lazy, and didn't post! I'm so sorry! Part of the problem was that I was reading and lurking from my little netbook on my recliner and it's too hard to type while sitting in a recliner! But today I am back at work (yesterday first day back) so now I am at my desk and fully present again! Please check out my blog (link below) for the full story…I did have a leak test scare. I sure hope everyone is doing well and healing nicely. I am at the point where I …

I had my WLS on April 19th of this year. I have lost a little hair, but nothing I can't hide. (Thank goodness, because I have thin hair to begin with) I was wondering if there is a safe time or a time that we can stop worrying about hair loss. As I approach my 6 mos. date, I'm getting hopeful that the worst of the hair loss my be over. Is this premature? Thanks for your imput.

Just wondering how my fellow March 2011 sleevers are doing. Can't believe how quickly the time has gone. How is everybody doing?? Anyone at their goal yet?

I was at my consult for the VSG and the dr said that was qualified for the STARR treatment. Has anyone heard of this or has anyone had it done? He said it was fairly new to him. It is supposed to be one incision in the belly button instead of 5 across the stomach. Supposed to heal faster and less painful. I was just researching and wanted personal feedback instead of statistics from them. I appreciate everything Sleevers! You all have helped me actually decide to go with the Sleeve instead of Band and I appreciate it. I hope that I can become one of the family through my process of completion and after. Thank you again! Stephanie

Just 1.2 lbs this week but I will take it! Its really pretty outside so I am going to take the dogs for a walk pretty soon. Have a great weekend!

Can someone please discribe the difference in head hunger and real hunger, how can you tell?

Hi y'all!!! I'm Kristey, and yes, I currently reside in Tucson, AZ- but my hubby and I are hoping his temporary assignment there in San Antonio becomes permanent. WOOT! (We dearly want to get back to the great state of TEXAS! I miss it there!!!) In the meantime, I am planning on spending a week with him over Thanksgiving. He's staying in a hotel near the Riverview Center. (I think that's the name of the mall there on the Riverwalk.) So...I NEED YOUR HELP! Are there ANY sleeve friendly restaurants near there? As much as I want to go pig out on some good ole Texas BBQ, I need to be realistic about how much weight I will gain if I do that. LOL. Thanks for your help!!! (A…

I was banded 1yr ago and have only lost 40lbs. I started at 340 so I am still very large. I have followed the diet, although some of my portions may be over 3 oz of Protein at a meal. I havent lost any weight in 5 months despite dieting and walking several days/week. My labs all check out fine. I am filled 7.5 cc in a 14cc band. When I go tighter I cant keep things down. I am concerned that having the band will not help me lose weight any better than the band did. I dont want to have a bypass. Is there hope for me, or am I just wasting more time and money? If I have the sleeve, I am going to Dr Aceves in Mexicali.

Everything went great today. Dr Fass did a great job. He used some tool called a spider so I only have one incision at the belly button. I'm having pain of course but nothing I can't handle and I have a wonderful nurse who antipates all my needs. I'm glad this part is over and ready to get on with my life!

I just got a fill on my band, hoping it would help me loose weight, although I am still going to convert to the sleeve. Sometimes now with the band I get an air bubble stuck and cant burp it up. Does this feeling happen with the sleeve?

What was your last meal before WLS??? or what will be your last meal be if you haven had WLS yet?

As African Americans we are more prone to keloid scars and hypertrophic scars. My sleeve surgery is scheduled for July 19. Any one have any suggestions on how to reduce scarring. (medications, creams, Vitamins etc???)

One of the reason I choose to have WLS was to help me gain control of my health issues. I had Type II diabetes, high cholesterol, bad joints in my knees and feet and so on. Well, after my blood work results, I am happy to report: I am no longer diabetic. I no longer have high cholesterol. My joints are feeling better although they still twinge every now and then. I am off my diabetic meds as well as the cholesterol meds. I am reducing the dosage of my synthroid meds. I only have 2 mandatory meds I have to take that are, HRT (female hormones due to a hysterectomy in 2002) and my synthroid. Yay! It is amazing what losing 94 pounds will do for your health. 45…

I am finally starting to feel and notice the differences in myself since my surgery. I was sleeve back in august starting at 383 lbs and I weighed my spec after I got home from work tonight and I'm at 311. I really can't remember the last time I weighed that much. I do remember being in the 6 th grade and being 277, although I just remember felling trapped. I don't know it's the little stuff like sitting in group with my clients and being able to cross my legs or this my sound strange but when I was playing DDR tonight I realized that I can clap my hands behind my back. It's really the little stuff that makes me realize that I made the choice that was right for me. I…

Today after I did my three miles I went to the store. Usually I park my car far away, however this morning I parked closer. I went in the door that wasn't electric. A man and his wife were leaving and he held the door open for me. Now 77 pounds ago no one ever held the door open for me. Nor would they make eye contact with me. Now that I'm 77 pounds thinner I am seeing things that I over looked as if I didn't I would've told them all to get bent. Men and women make eye contact with me. At work most of the attorneys smile and say good morning as to where 8 months ago I wouldn't even get a response. This just goes to show just how shallow the human race is. I just don't und…