Gastric Sleeve Surgery Forums

I jumped through all the hoops quickly to get sleeved. Started in April and was sleeved 8/8/11. Spent 2 days in the hospital in horrible pain. I actually thought I was having a heart attack. Day 3 the pain subsided some. I went home on day 3. Days 4-8 were kind of a blurr. Pain meds every 4 hours kept me sleeping a lot. Days 9-12 I was feeling much better. Started putting Vitamins in no sugar added applesauce so I could get some nutrition. Days 13-15 started adding Soups, greek yogurt, soft scrambled eggs, salsa, pureed chicken, mashed potatos and soft finely shredded cheese. According to my doc's rules, I was to start pureed foods on Day 6. So I thought I was doing great…

Hi October Sleevers! I just wanted to check in and tell you about some awesome support I just got from my family. Saturday 10/8 I will be turning 45 and I have made it perfectly clear to my family that I'm unable to go out to dinner or Celebrate with cake because of my pre op diet (surgery on 10/14 woo hoo). So instead of eating, my mom, my sister & I just went out & got celebratory mani - pedis! My sister gave me a Ninja blender and my mom gave me a digital scale for gifts...is that support or what?! It makes me so happy that with all of the secrecy because I'm telling very few people, these two are there for me 110%. Finally, I thought I'd mention tha…

Hi All! My husband and I are flying to San Diego today and then going to TJ tomorrow for the surgery. I have a wonderful peace about this and I'm so thankful that God loves me enough to give me this assurance that all will be fine. But, some extra prayers never hurt, so if anyone thinks about it between today and the 2nd when we return I'd really appreciate any extra prayers you have to send up for me. Thanks!

Hello Twenties? I have a question for the ladies. How much did your breast shrink after surgery? Are they deflated or is there some substance left?

I am in the process of having baratric surgery...i went in for my consultation with my surgeon with the intentions of having lap band...he suggested the sleeve as another alternative and actually said he would choose the sleeve over lap band if he were having the surgery......i am now torn between the 2...i like the fact that with the sleeve you don't have the maintenence issues with adjustments and fills.. once the surgery is done ...its done (barring any complications...my main concern is that it is irreversible whereas the lap band could be removed if there were complications....Sleevers...what made you choose the Gastric Sleeve procedure?

Hiya! I got my scheduled surgery date today! November 23..... LESS THAN 7 WEEKS FROM NOW!!!

I am scheduled for surgery October 3rd, but I have yet to feel anxious. I am wondering why I am so calm yet excited. I guess I am just ready for this new journey of my life. I hope to keep in touch with everyone that is having surgery during this time so we can progress together. Best of luck to everyone!!

At time of discharge the doctor told me I could eat anything if I could puree it. Well meat comes out bad. While shopping I remembered Underwood Deviled Ham. Soft texture and no need to process. Rare chunk that can be chewed. Also have other types like Chicken. Find with a scrambled egg it is pretty good meal.

So curious as to how everyone is doing! First of all congratulations to everyone I had my surgery on Monday, two days ago and I feel like crap..but this too shall pass. I just feel bad because of the incisions and the drain site. I can't sit down or get up without some help so it's hard to sleep and move around in general. I didn't think this part would be the worst part. In the hospital I was getting up and walking around with minimal assistance from day one but since I've got home I've figured out that that was probably due to the anti-inflammatory medication I was given. Since I've been home I've just been sore all over like after overdoing it at the gym. Other than…

Hey, everybody!! Since we're all moving right along and we've had a couple of our loved ones check back in after their surgery with their experiences, pain level, expectations, etc, I thought I'd post a thread where we can post as soon as we are able to after surgery to help those of us who have not had theirs yet. Please feel free to share how you're doing, how the surgery and afterwards went and how it was different, or the same, from your expectations. So proud of you guys, (all of us) for taking this huge step to a new life.....this takes lots of courage and strength and I love that we can all support each other through this! So, speak up, post your exper…

This is for JenniLee0628 Just a special note to a fellow October Sleever hoping that you are doing okay today, and wishing you all the best tomorrow. Know that I will be thinking of you, waiting to hear how you are doing after your surgery, and will support you however I am able. Phyllis, aka Hopeful Spirit and October Sleever (10/17)

Just wanted to pop in and make myself known...not a lot of activity on this forum. Come out, come out, where ever you are!

Hello all, I have a band and I am in the process of getting as much information as possible on revisions. I plan on looking at this site to get as much info I can and I also been on youtube watching a lot of people whom has had revision. Any other helpful sites or anything you may know of that can help me. Thanks, Mook

Hi all, on 10th of October I will be 4 months post op, I was 228 on DOS and today I weigh 171. My goal is to have my BMI below 25 which is about 145lb, then I'll see how I feel about my body at that weight. My highest weight was around 240 and I didn't even know that because I went about 6 months without weighing my self. I was a sive 18-20, xxl and xl shirts and some of my maternity shirts from 2 years ago. Today I am comfortable wearing skinny jeans and I can fit a 12 now, size 14 pants are getting a tad saggy, I am also wearing dresses and high heels for the first time in years - it feels so good!! I try to exercise 3 times a week; I do zumba, Billy Blanks boot camp…

Hi All, I am getting sleeved on Oct 17th by Dr Nick Nicholson in Texas. I was determined to be sleeved before turning 50 next summer. I am sooooo looking forward to having a birthday at a reasonable weight. I started my two week pre-op diet today and I quickly remembered why Slim Fast did not work well for me as one of the myriad of diets I have tried in the past. I am to have 5 SlimFast shakes or bars (any combination) each day plus 5 oz of lean meat and up to two cups of non-starchy veg for dinner each day. I have one heck of a headache and my stomach is upset. I'm getting the 64 oz of Water in and hoping the head and stomach will calm down in a day or two as I get …

I am nearly 9 months out from surgery and have lost about 75 lbs. I still have about 25 lbs. to go to get to my final goal weight, but it has been tough sledding the past two months (last month I only lost 3 lbs!). I am eating about 1,200 calories a day and exercising 5 days a week (primarily cardio ... walk/jog intervals or Zumba class or exercise DVDs). I have definitely stepped up the intensity and duration of my workouts the past month. My eating could be better -- I have been working to cut out Snacks. But, I am starting to worry that I will never get to goal. So, for those of you who are are 10+ months out from surgery, there must have been a point in tim…

I've been dreading this for awhile, but as of this past Tuesday I'm no longer in my 40's - I guess I'm officially "middle-aged" - yuck! After all this weight loss most people say I look younger, and I FEEL younger, but I've noticed a huge change in the elasticity of my skin now that it's not full of fat to fluff it out. I hate the saggy areas near my elbows and top my arms, the crazy stretch marks on my tummy that look like a pleated skirt when I bend over, my non-existent butt (just boney now). And yes, to answer the question - I AM vain, and Carly Simon wrote that song about me - ha! I SO wish this surgery had been available about 15 yrs ago when I was still young…

I love this blog! Its got lots of brave style advice for women 50 and older... no need to look like you have given up the ghost! http://advancedstyle.blogspot.com/

I has my surgery April 5 and two weeks post op I passedout at home twice. My doctor says for me to increase my fluids and i have done so, but I still can not feel like i did before i passed out. I have no energy and still feel light headed and dizzy. Will this pass..every one keeps telling me it will take time but I am miserable not being able to feel like myself. Any sugeestions on what this felling may be coming from?

Hi guys! My name is Jaymie and I have been banded since 2007. I initially lost 70 of the 90 lbs I wanted to lose. I started developing really back heartburn and reflux and the Dr unfillled me and I have since gained 15 lbs. I still have heartburn everyday and the Dr will not refill me (I understand). The Dr suggested that I get the revision to a sleeve. I had never even heard abou the sleeve until then and I have been debating doing it since I am slowly gaining my weight back. Can anyone tell me what they paid for this procedure and how easy was the recovery? Are you seeing better results from the sleeve? NO throwing up? I know you have probably answered this qu…

Thank goodness that is OVER!

Just a quick question. Did any of you have to complete the 6 month diet before your insurance would approve your lap band to sleeve procedure? I can't believe they would have consider you to do this. I have the lap band now (2004) and I'm going for a revision to the sleeve. My dr. office just put in my request to my insurance company on Friday, so I'm just sitting on pins and needles wondering what they are going to require...I would think a 7 yr diet plan with the lap band would be sufficient for the 6 moths of tring to lose weight....??? anybody? thanks

Hello Everyone, I am a 37 year old female who had 100lbs to lose that chose Gastric Sleeving. I wish I would have never chose this procedure as its been quite a journey. I had the operation on Oct 14, 2010, this was a same day out patient surgery. I had to be kept overnight as I was not feeling well. I immediatly started vomiting blood and to my surprise had to be taken back into surgery as I had a liter of blood in my abdomen. I was given 2 pints of blood and sent home 3 days later with a clean bill of health. I went home and for the five days I was home I was sick each day running a fever and I spoke with the doctor daily who told me this was normal and just prescribed…

Looking for advice on whether or not I should spend more money and convert my band to a sleeve? I was banded in 2008. I am 4' 10" and weighed over 170 lbs at the time. I was self-pay at around $13K. I have lost down to 135. I had a tummy tuck in 2010 to remove excess skin. Over the course of a little over a year, I have been unfilled and filled about 3-4 times due to a stretched pouch, acid reflux, coughing at night, dilated pouch or esphogus spasms. I also recently learned I have a flipped port and while I could really use an unfill, it's not possible. The band is very fickle and I've had all the problems others have had with vomitting, only can eat at certain times, str…

THE DAY HAS FINALLY COME!! I had a really tough week on the pre-op diet...I seriously had a Toni Braxton, Unbreak My Heart, ugly cries in the shower this week due to me being so hungry and feeling so weak, but the day has finally come. I have an hour until I start my drive up to La Jolla, CA for my surgery. I have a sense of accomplishment because I didnt cheat on my pre-op diet and also because I have gone through so much in these past couple of years due to complications with my band. At the same time, I also have this looming sense of fear penetrating every nerve in my body. I've questioned my decision all week; am I doing the right thing? The right thing for…

I was just wondering for anyone who got a VSG in Canada or the USA if your surgeon first took out your band and then made you wait. I see some have waited 6 months in between - that seems sooooo long to me (patience isn't a virtue I admit it!!). Then I see alot of VSG posts that say their surgeons did it at the same time. Does anyone have any experience with this - especially with old bands - mine was done in 2003. Thanks Glenda

APPROVED FOR OCTOBER 19TH SURGERY I AM SO EXCITED I CAN HARDLY SLEEP I AM AN OCTIE ON THE LOSER BENCH YEAH

I will be sleeved 10-12 in Portland, OR. I go for my pre-op labs & class tomorrow & then hope the next week passes quickly. I have bought soups, baby food, protein drinks, & V8 juice. I need a 2nd pantry! My best to all my fellow October sleevers. Will keep you posted after my surgery. Jan

So I went to my first support group meeting today, I have to attend three before I have surgery. Well a woman who has had the sleeve was telling us about her horrible experience swallowing air. I know we have to sip sip sip and never use a straw. She said she did all that and still got a bubble of air stuck in her pouch. She said she was unable to get the bubble out and ended up not drinking enough fluids and becoming dehydrated. Is this normal thing to happen? How can I drink and eat without swallowing air, like how is the best way to do it ? I know this seems silly to be freaking out about this but I don't want to be in pain and hurting because I can't sip and ea…

Hi everyone! I am new and thought I would introduce myself. I am Christina. I am about 2 weeks out from my surgery. Started my 2 week pre-op diet this past Saturday. My father had gastric bypass about 5 years ago and has done awesome. So well in fact he is the "poster boy" for the dr and his new clinic here in San Antonio. They have him on billboards, radio commercials, pamphlets etc. It's cool though having someone as knowledgable and encouraging in the family. He answers all my questions and gives me tips and advice. He is even doing the 2 week pre-op diet with me. I have about 150lbs to lose which seems so overwhelming. I have PCOS and hypothyroidism bo…

I lost 2.4lbs this week which I am grateful. I did not lose last week due to no excercise cuz of a ankle injury. I also got no excercise this week cuz I fell down and injured the other ankle,put a deep bone bruise on my tail bone and 2 goose eggs on the back of my skull! Needless to say I have not felt very good this week. Oh and my laptop has been down! I have a temporary fix for the weekend but it will be back down for a few days next week. I will get to see my doc on Tuesday for the first time since surgery. Still having issues with upset stomach and intestines. Hopefully he can offer some help. It has been a really rough week...but I will take the weight loss any…

Hi Yall, I am not sleeved yet but getting acquainted with the VSG forum. I have my consult with Dr Nick Nicholson (Plano) tomorrow. I went to a seminar on July 26 and had to appeal an insurance denial before I was approved just a few days ago. I am so ready to get this ball rolling. At this point I am gathering up all my questions for the doc. My head is sort of swimming at the moment with so many thoughts and feelings. I am going through the elation of getting the surgery approved but also feeling a little scared and, to be honest, sad, about having to go through the pre and post-op struggle of liquid diets and the pain of surgery aspect. I know this will all be a me…

What's wrong with me? I've been at the same weight for over a week, I haven't lost another lb. It's been two weeks since surgery and I've moved to the puree diet. I haven't been able to exercise much because Im still having some pain. But I do walk and go up and down the stairs at least 5 times a day. Why am I not loosing?

https://www.hnfs.net/bene/benefits/gastric_bypass_surgery.htm Gastric Bypass (Surgery for morbid obesity) Gastric bypass, gastric stapling, gastroplasty, and vertical banded gastroplasty are covered. Laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding is covered effective February 1, 2007. (view Hospitalization Costs): The following conditions must be met: * The patient is 100 pounds over the ideal weight for height and bone structure and has one of these associated medical conditions: diabetes mellitus, hypertension, cholecystitis, narcolepsy, Pickwickian syndrome (and other severe respiratory diseases), hypothalamic disorders and severe arthritis of the weight-bearing …

I think there are four folks on our roster scheduled to have surgery tomorrow. Good luck to you all, and please know that we're thinking about you and wishing you well!

How are we doing guys and gals? I feel great!

getting my surgery in cle 10-19-11 looking for someone in the area who could help out a little. thanks mike w

Last weekend hubby and I had the chance to take a beautiful ride up the coast and through the islands of Washington State to Annacortes for the 2011 Oyster Run rally. We were blessed with spectacular scenery and rain seen only from afar! lol Here are a couple pics; the first is downtown Annacortes and the pic captures just a fraction of the crowd! There were easily, 1000's of bikes and even more people! The second pic is me on the bridge at deception pass. It's a gorgeous ride and if you ever get up to the beautiful NW, I can't recommend it enough!

My surgery is scheduled for November 4th with Dr. Kelly in Tijuana, Mexico.

Hello fellow slow loosers I need some input guys..... for the last 4 mos I have lost no more than 3lbs per month (the last 2 mos its only been 2). I just got on the scale for my midmonth weigh and I have gained a lb. Now... I'm trying not to panic.... in the past this might have sent me over the edge. I was 7lbs from goal.... now I'm 8. I have to say... I am not much of a meat eater.... was pretty close to vegetarian before surgery. I decided to get back on the meat after surgery because lean Protein and veggies seems to really take the weight off. If I eat another meal of meat and veggies I may PUKE!!!! I'm sooooo over it. he thought of it literally mak…

Hi everyone! I am so happy to have found this forum! I need advice/help/encouragement please! I had the VSG a month ago and I lost 26 lbs in the first 2 weeks and nothing since. In fact, I have gained 2 pounds this week. I am eating almost nothing - I can't because I have constant nausea and indigestion and don't feel like eating. I feel like I have a lump in my upper stomach. I am taking Nexium but it's not helping much. I want to lose about 60 lbs still and am not too worried about how long it will take just that I keep losing. Any advice? This plateau is making me regret my decision to do the sleeve. Thanks! :biggrin0:

So, as you know via another thread, I am currently suffering with a thigh injury. Been to docs again who sent me for x-rays as they aren't sure where the problem is; back? hip? pelvis? muscle? etc. I've been on pain meds and anti inflammatory tabs for a week and pretty immobile for 9 days. The pain has subsided now and I have more mobility, less shuffling around and I can lift my leg again. Both my doc and my osteopath have told me to rest and not do much and, for once in my life, I have taken their advice and am starting to feel a little better... until this morning. I weighed! OMG... I have put on 7lbs. I was bouncing between 168 -170... but this morning it wa…

Hello all- I just wanted to introduce myself here - I am Cortnee. I've been a member here for about a year but I was just a lurker. After a huge, long fight with insurance, I was finally approved for and had the Sleeve done on Tuesday, 9/27/11. YAY!!! So far I couldn't be happier. I feel empowered that I made the decision and took the first step to get the surgery and then I fought for the surgery that I wanted. I'm looking forward to hearing more of your stories. I have a lot to learn! Thanks for reading.

Ok so, At work we have a weight loss competition where everyone pledges $50, and after 6 months whomever has lost the highest % of body weight takes the pot. Since I'm getting VSG in 3 months, I kind of feel like I'd be cheating.... not saying it's the easy way out by a long shot, but it's a tool that no one else in the competition has at their disposal. What is everyone's thoughts on this?

Hi everyone, I am please to have found a U.K support site. I was Sleeved on the 18th Aug 2011 and I think I am doing everything wrong after reading your stories.... I raidly got bored with blitzed food and have tried to add variety with my food. I am very social so eating out was a challenge on pureed food stuffs so I managed a childs portion of fish chips and peas the other day. admittedly i didn't eat the batter and sucked three chips and a fork full of peas but it was good!!! The only down side I have found is I am back to work ( after 10 days sort of rest) and I find my right side seems to pull by the end of the day!!! I am very tired too... My start weight …

I am in Santa Barbara, and looking for doctors, hopefully ones who will take my Blue Cross PPO. Has anyone used any of the following? Dr Milton Owens, Dr Jeremy Korman, Dr Kai Nishi, Dr Michael Feiz, or Dr Criangle? Appreciate any feedback or other suggestions.

I can't wait til then and I wish it was NOW! Just trying to keep losing before and working out as much as possible! I start my 2 week liquid protein diet on the 13th. Wishing everyone lots of LUCK!

I'm excited!

I'm excited and anxious! But would be better without this yuck pre-op clear liquid diet. Only been on it today so I cannot imagine those of you who have been on it for weeks!! You have my sympathy! Catching my new shows, then going to pack, shower and try to get some sleep!! Wish me luck!

Hey my fellow so cal sleevers! Wanting to do some more research on which dr. To pick. I want to keep it kinda close to home. Im about and hour from OC so thats not too bad for me. Would like to hear somevof you experiences. Thanks everybody