Gastric Sleeve Surgery Forums

I had surgery on Tuesday and I'm having a pain in the back of my left calf but it's only when I'm walking around. I called the dr office and the nurse said it doesn't seem like any complicicarions but I'm so worried it could be something.

http://thechart.blogs.cnn.com/2011/07/29/weight-loss-sleeve-a-good-option/comment-page-1/#comment-215886 My comment: Mini Me I had the sleeve surgery in January 2010. I am down to a "normal" BMI of 20.5 and finally enjoying my life again. The sleeve restricts intake because it is so much smaller and "only holds so much". Of course, I only resorted to surgery after years of losing weight and failing to maintain. The yo-yo dieting was worse on my health than being obese. Yes, I can eat all day or drink my calories, but if I follow my plan, I can eat nutritious foods, the occaisional "bad" food, and maintain a healthy weight the rest of my life. It's definitely not …

I am scheduled for a Gastric Sleeve Plication but after reading a TON, I am thinking the VSG might be best. I have a high BMI. What is your opinion? Please help

I went in today for an all day final pre-op class. Finished up the remaining bloodwork, got the instructions for post-op, met with the surgeon for a final time and just basically finished everything. My surgery is scheduled for 8 am on August 8th but I have to be at the hospital at 5:30 am. Now that I've officially registered at the hospital, everything seems VERY real. And now I'm getting nervous. It doesn't help that my husband scheduled shoulder surgery for 5 days before my VSG surgery and we have 2 little girls at home. But he assures me that he can handle it. We will see!!

I did it! I went to JCPenney today and got me some clothes the size that I want to be. I even got matching accessories to go with them. They look so cute, I was picturing myself wearing them. I will post pictures wearing them when I can fit into them. Call me crazy or what huh! BTW anyone having surgery with dr Almanza on the 4th? I'm looking for a buddy it seems like I'm the only one here schedule with him for that day. I'm still looking for a flight I'm having such a hard time with the returning flight, it's driving me crazy. I know the longer I wait the more I will pay but I didn't want to spend 2 nights in San Diego especially on my way back. Any input is welcome hol…

I'm getting sleeved Sept 17. I have 120 lbs to lose. I thought it would be good to have some friends going through the samething. Let me know..

Hi All! After many months of jumping the insurance hoops, I FINALLY got my approval and my surgery date! It is August 16th! I can't tell you how much this forum helped me and got me through this holding pattern of the last year. I start my liquid diet next Tuesday! Yahoo! I am pumped and ready to go. I will keep you all posted. Thanks! Ps. Any others scheduled for that time frame/day? I would love to hear from you. God Bless!

Hello! I am rapidly approaching the date of surgery. I do not have an official date but have 2 more things left to do before it is set. I was just wanting to hear some opinoins on the sleeve and see if there were some good success stories. The doctor offered me a bypass or a sleeve and I went with the sleeve for several reasons. Several of my family and friends are iffy about the situation and I would like to hear some good things!! Thanks!

So what happens after one year? Does the weight loss just stop or do you continue to lose maybe slower? My year is coming up soon and and while I am extremely grateful that the surgery has help me lose almost 100 lbs..Id like to know what I can do to lose the last 20 lbs that I need to get to my goal weight.

Hey gang, July 27 boots1 Ruby Sheila aslimmerme Our time is drawing nigh!!! After months of stalking this forum, buying protein powders of every kind, stocking up on vitamins, biotin ect. now it is finally showtime. We have been encouraging each other, preparing mentally for this battle of the mind.... to win and take control of our lives. We have to put away the devil of doubt and know this is a time of renewal and transformation, that we have been waiting on..... perhaps for years. This is our long awaited miracle. I am not nervous, I am at complete peace and just so very thankful for this opportunity. You are all in my prayers and t…

Hi all, I got sleeved on Thurs and home on Fri...went very well, no nasea...they did 4 different leak tests and said that the chances of getting a leak is tiny. No problem with the liquids and pills so far. BUT after getting home I could not pee! So called surgeon and he said it had happened to him too....sometimes after having all the narcoticx your bladder can get lazy so I had to go to ER and get a catheter to have for a couple of days...boo hoo....it makes recovering a lot harder as far as moving around but the drinking is fine....so if you have trouble going in hospital...resolve it there!!!!! Thanks for all the prayers and now Im on the loosers bench! Tracy …

I been diagnosed with PCOS for a few years now. I was wondering if any of you have PCOS and after the VSG surgery has improved? I am doing some research online if this surgery would help with my PCOS among other health issues I have. I know loosing weight improves the PCOS symptoms but I would like to know any experiences here. Thanks!

I am a 4th grade teacher and I was wondering for all of you sleevers who have returned back to work...how is it going? I am on spring break now but next Monday will be my first day back at work. I am worried that I will have a lack of energy or still in some pain. How was walking around the classroom and walking them to all their specials? I only have 25 minutes for lunch and it takes me a good 30 to eat my broth (I am at 1 week post surgery right now). I am afraid that I will talk so much that I wont remember to drink my water every 15 to 20 minutes. I guess you can say I am a little worried. I am sure I will have to create some sort of routine everyday and remind…

Hi Everyone, I'm scheduled to get sleeved soon, and I'm starting to have some serious doubts. I have around 130lbs to lose and I'm scared I'm spending all this money and won't lose weight. I had moved to Japan for 2 years and while I was there I lost over 90lbs, but as soon as I came back to the states I put it all back on We're going back to Japan in a little less than a year where I have to see my in-laws and all my friends and I'm terrified of them seeing me this big. I'm so ashamed. I have failed on every diet I've been on for the last 15 years, and I always end up gaining more weight than I lose. And I am just so angry with myself for getting this big again after …

peppercma daviso AutumnBlueCarmen phardin carolina girl xplorurself July 30 cutie pie Anyone else freaking out a little yet? What is on the menu for you guys these last few days? What are you doing to stay busy and occupy your mind? Carmen

Hello! I am rapidly approaching the date of surgery. I do not have an official date but have 2 more things left to do before it is set. I was just wanting to hear some opinoins on the sleeve and see if there were some good success stories. The doctor offered me a bypass or a sleeve and I went with the sleeve for several reasons. Several of my family and friends are iffy about the situation and I would like to hear some good things!! Thanks!

Went in early this morning and had my scope thingy done. EGB? It was quite possibly the easiest thing I've ever done. This gal here hasn't had any type of operating room action since an emergency c-section in 1994 (last two kids were VBACS). I was probably on the high end of anxiety going in there. The nurses were amazing and I was knocked clean out for a grand total of 30 minutes. The procedure itself took around 4 minutes. Doctor came in and told me I have myself one lovely hiatel hernia. Ahhhhh....that totally explains the heartburn I have that is so bad, I have to breathe out of my butt to keep from setting the house on fire!!! (There are times when Nexium doesn't eve…

Hi, I know there's a DC group that maybe I should be in since I live within spitting distance of Piggy County but I lived for 27 years in Carroll County (8 in Melrose--just north of Manchester and 19 years near Uniontown, about 5 miles west of Westminster) and think of myself as a Baltimorean in exile, and hey, I *do* live in Howard County... Only 5 more days until my op. Fortunately, I've been spared the dreaded pre-op diet, but tomorrow I'm going out shopping for Protein Shakes, sugar free pudding, popsicles, and drink powder. As I mentioned earlier, I used to live in Carroll County. I moved from central PA when I fell in love with a Baltimore boy, who I married. W…

Good luck today Khy! I'm sure you'll do great. Please update us when you can.

I had my first post-op visit today, 5 days out. I have lost 10 pounds since the surgery and added to the 23 pounds I lost on that famous liquid pre-op diet, I am down 33 pounds in just over two weeks. Hiccups are finally gone and everything else is going great. I get to start creamy soups on Friday, I will never look the same at Jello! Oh, and the doctor presented me with photographs of my surgery. 9 different shots as he went along and a lovely one of my old stomach showing how big it was. Nice gesture, but am I supposed to frame it and put it on the living room wall??? Actually my wife was thrilled. She is a big scrapbooker and she has been taking pictures of th…

I posted this in the Kaiser Richmond thread but I received no response so I thought I would try here. Help please........ Just wondering if anyone else has taken the nicotine urine test with Kaiser? I was just told that it can take 3 to 4 weeks to get the results back. I took mine last Wednesday and I am going out of my mind waiting. Those results have to come back negative in order to schedule my appointment with the Case Manager. Not worried about the results since I quite a year ago in March, but the waiting is killing me. Just want to get this going already. Thanks all, Shell

I know that we all lose at different rates, but I'm almost 2 mos. post op, and this last month I have lost a total of 6 pounds! ): I have never lost weight quickly, but I was hoping for a bit more than this. I know that I shouldn't be whining, and 6 lbs. is better than nothing. I was just wondering if anyone else has experienced this slow weight loss, and did it speed up later on? I guess on the positive side, I never had a problem with any food. I seem to be able to tolerate just about anything that I've tried. (I haven't tried bread though) Just needed to vent a bit. Thanks for listening. Linda

Hey Everyone, I am two weeks post-op and I still experience extreme pain in my left side when I go from sitting to standing and laying down to an upright position. Is this normal? The pain is horrible but only lasts a minute.

Okay - I am totally depressed and need someone to vent. So, I have been so thrilled about being a size 4 or 6 walking around in total vanity. Yesterday I was going through old clothes from over 15 years ago when I was at a size 8 or 10. Put these old suits on and they fit. Perfectly. Size 10. Really? I look great, I feel great, I am active - why am I letting a number depress me? Am I one of those arrogant persons who judge myself? Now I feel like I have not lost enough and want to start back up on the diet with the militant vigor I did after surgery. I am crazy and depressed. Crying depressed. Oh - I am keeping the skirts since they never go out of style…

I'm a little more than 1 year out. My eating plan is 3 meals plus 1 snack a day with nothing in between. I'm below goal so I'm clearly doing something right regarding caloric intake. My problem is that I get sleepy after eating. I don't eat so much that I feel sick but I often want to take a nap. Does this mean that I'm eating too much? Does this happen to anyone else? If it does mean I'm eating too much, I'll probably have to go to 3 meals 2 snacks in order to keep my calories up. Wow, I never thought I'd ever say that!

Starry Thanks for starting this group. I know i'll need all he help and support I can get. Tammy

So, I have known for weeks that my band has slipped and needs to come out. I have GREAT (read expensive) insurance that covers WLS and yet, the approval for the band removal is taking forever. They wanted the psych eval and nutrition assessment for the band removal, which seemed so strange. Luckily, I had those since I had started down the path of a revision to RNY previously... but I still don't have approval to get de-banded! I am super happy with the doctor and support I have found. There is a lot of excitement because they have many successful patients and they have a comprehensive support program. They do a pretty high volume of sleeves and conversions from th…

Do you lose half your hair? Or like see the scalp. Is it true 70% of people lose hair? To the point of people other than yourself notice? My doctor didn't offer this info. But the assistant had very thin hair and she had the sleeve. Also, how much sickness should I expect? My doctor told me not many of his patients do. But on here it seems common. Thanks soo much.

Hi All, When I was researching the types of WLS surgery to have I wanted the lapband for all the reasons: could be removed, adjustable and could be released if I got pregnant. Well I requested the information about it and then I decided to see what my potential surgeon said. Well I went to my surgeons office for the consult and he went over all the procedures with me. He said we have three types I like to do: gastric banding, Route en Y and the sleeve. He explained all the potential complications, results etc.. My Mother was there with me and she honestly asked the doctor which one he would recommend. He said hands down the sleeve since it mixes the best of both world…

I just found out that I will finally be getting my band out August 23rd (yeah!). At that time, they may or may not be doing the sleeve (doctor won't let me know until he gets in there - may need the sleeve due to erosion/hernias/etc). My question is this - what do you wish you had done before you had your band out and were sleeved? I am just curious - was there anything you wish you had done but didn't? Anything you did but wish you hadn't done? My doctor did not put me on any pre op diet. I was just told to show up to the hospital on August 23rd. I have no instructions at all - either good or bad!

I had my first appointment with my new surgeon today. Since it had been two and a half years since I'd seen my original one, he did a fluoroscopy on me. We saw that my band was extremely tight and that my pouch was extremely dilated/stretched. The tight band was news to me, since I hadn't felt much restriction in a long time and could eat close to a full meal. The band was so tight that we couldn't see the barium emptying out of the pouch at all. He said that my opening between pouches was probably about the size of a pencil eraser, and that he was amazed that I'd lived with it for as long as I did. He did an immediate complete unfill, since he said that it was pret…

I just don't know if I will ever be able to do it. I'm a rule follower, and I'm really trying but I don't think I'll ever get it.

If anyone had told me I'd feel this good five days post op, I would have thought they were crazy! Like everyone says, every day gets better and better. My biggest issue was from one incision that wasn't healing as fast as the rest. I put an ice pack on that incision on Saturday and by Sunday, all the swelling, redness, etc. had disappeared. My pain level was never very high - even in the hospital. I haven't taken any pain meds since Friday (my first day home). There's minor discomfort now, but nothing to get worked up about. I've lost 15 pounds since I started the pre-op diet on 07/11 and 7 of those pounds just in the past five days. My blood sugars went down to…

Today I drove 45 minutes to have my psych eval only to find out that my appointment is actually Friday. My husband said (joked) this didn't bode well for my evaluation. I swore it was today, and I even called the psychiatrist to let her know I was waiting. She was ill today and had canceled everything. After I arrived back home and rechecked my paperwork, I realized I was the one who was wrong. My doctor was supposed to fax my recommendation letter to my surgeon by today. My surgeon hadn't received it as of 1:30 today, but my doctor is saying it was faxed this morning. I have this giant list of things to do and people to contact, and I feel like if I'm not careful …

Hmmm... So, I saw the surgeon for a follow up visit yesterday. During the visit he mentioned that my 'Ideal' weight would be 125, but they didn't want me to hit that. They want me at about 150, which would still leave me in the overweight bmi range. His reasoning for this is that it is very hard for people to reach their ideal weight and many end up with eating disorders trying to get there, or they do extreme dieting and then end up regaining some of what they lost. Instead, he wants me to stop losing weight when I'm still 25 lbs overweight. Now, I weighed 150 in high school & I was pretty chunky looking. I feel like I didn't go through the pain of surgery &am…

Or the surrounding area. I know there has to be some out there. Let's get in touch!

Hello, I am researching about the VSG. I have to go to my surgery information seminar this August 10. I will be getting my surgery in a military facility . How many of you had this surgery on a military facility? Also I still confused about if RYN will be my option or VSG. But I am more towards the VSG. My BMI is 37,but I have many health problems now. Including GERD,PCOS,fatty liver ,Insulin resistant among others. I would like to read how this surgery helped you with one of these conditions ,if you have one of these? Thanks!

As I type this I am the next one up for surgery. I have chosen Dr. Almanza and do not regret my decision thus far. All the rumors are true, the place is small but the care is great and I am doing just fine. One thing I didn't realize is how long the wait would be from the time I got here until the actually surgery. God is so good because the young lady I have been in the pre-op room with is very sweet and her family has been in and out all day making me laugh and helping the time to pass. I came by myself, a choice that I am now glad I made. That may not be the best choice for everyone but for me I feel better knowing my Mom is safe at home and not having to enterta…

OK, I am a little worried about the pain I am still having . I called the doctor's office yesterday and was told by the nurse to try ibuprofen and if I don't feel better by mid week, to call back. Does anyone have severe, sharp pain underneath their drain tube site. I have no signs of infection and have kept very good care of the area. In fact, the nurse told me to to quit doing so much to the site and just apply neosporin once a day. I am weeks post op. Thanks for any advice!

im terrified of not getting approved & i was talking to a friend who has had the sleeve done & she gave me a tip! it turns out that LAP-BAND & GASTRIC BYPASS patients are NOT allowed to take asprin! if you can have your regular doctor prescribe you asprin for some type of pain related to weight (back, knees, hips, ankles) & have it on record, it will be hard for them NOT to cover vsg. you wont qualify for BYPASS OR LAP-BAND!! you may get denied the 1st time but be patient and appeal OVER & OVER! you just may get your way. i hope this works. im calling my doctor tomorrow & im going to tell him the truth & i know he will hook me up. I…

This is just to make some of you pre op ladies and gents aware of the dangers of meds and or issues u may come across...... I was scheduled for vsg surgery for the 26th july but two weeks ago when my blood test came back, they found i had the Hpylori stomach virus.....No big deal, get the Helidac Therapy antibiotic treatment for two weeks and all is right with the world......well didn't quite work out that way.....on day 7 of the treatment I went into a seizure at night and was rushed into the hospital......come to find out the medicine caused the seizure (and it clearly states in the booklet that it can cause seizures but u trust what ur doc gives you right?) I spent…

I can't believe I have had my sleeve for a week now. I weighed myself this morning and I lost 10.4 lbs. this week. In my whole adult life I was only ever lower than this 2 times. The last was in 2006, I was losing weight when my husband was deployed, I got down to 227, but then my dad got sick and ended up in the hospital for 6 weeks and then passed away. By the summer of 2007, I was up to 282. The other time I was lower was the year I turned 21, I got down to 208. I don't even know how much I weighed when I graduated from high school, but when I had to put down my size for my gown I remember putting down 225 and hoping the gown would fit, but I was afraid someone w…

I am flying out to California tomorrow for surgery on the 26th (all prayers appreciated). I have heard many people talk about going shopping and hope I'm up to do some while there. I saw one person post about Coach bags. Did anyone find any decent bargains and if so on what items? I'd like to bring back some treats for my family. Thank you and blessing and good wishes to all of you!!

Hey everyone, I haven't posted much, but I lurk here quite often. I'm sitting in front of my laptop with a manometry tube down my nose, an uncomfortable lump in my throat, pain from gallstones, and anxiety because my pre-op is a week away. I was so motivated, exercising, changing my diet, doing everything they told me to. I'm strong, I'm smart, I know I can do anything I set my mind to, except lose weight on my own. And that, the fact that I can do anything but lose weight, is what is terrifying me about going through with this. The what if's. What if I go through with loosing over 70% of my stomach forever, with nothing to show? What if I subject myself to all this pa…

Okay... I'm about to scream. Husband is eating his dinner (I was just sleeved last Thursday). He is crunching and slurping and sloshing, and clanging that dang spoon against the bowl. ARGHHHHHHHHHHHHH... I would leave the room but I am in the middle of a project. I am going to have to work this out because the smell is sickening, but the sound is deafening. .... hmmm... think I'm detoxing????!!!!! Someone lock the knife drawer, please. hahahahahaha (JUST KIDDING.... about the knives but NOT about the God awful eating noises.)

Tipsynoodle sugarmamma7 Papa Jack Mommyto2 RedheadedoneJanese58 DrMommy Khy Clear liquids for all I assume... Drink, Drink, Drink tomorrow will be here soon. I am wishing the best for all my sleeve sisters and brothers. What time does everyone go in? I am trying to relax but am excited, scared, jumpy...like sitting at the top of a roller coaster ride waiting for the plunge. Khy

So I've been in the 220's for about 2 months now and I was 220 exactly for 1 month. I was getting frustrated because the scale wouldn't budge and all I wanted was to get in the teens. Well let me tell you all that yesterday morning when I weighed myself I was 213, I was so excited. Not only did I break into the teens I'm almost of out them already. I know I keep saying this but I love my sleeve with all my heart and without her none of this would have been possible.

Hello All, I'm a newbie in search of some guidance. I'm on the 4th month of 6 months Medical Supervised Diet. If all goes well Dr. Rendon in Loma Linda, Ca. will be doing my surgery. I've had some set backs with my ins BCBSIL who is now requiring 6 months instead of 3 months. But I figure it's worth the wait. Any tips are appreciated. Thanks, Divis :heart:

In December I had a total Hysterectomy, I'm now waiting for my surgeon to schedule my sleeve. The question I have is, "Will I lose weight fast or slower than someone who's not going through menopause?" Will the sleeve work for me? Is anyone out there going through menopause finding iit easy to lose weight or hard with the sleeve?

Good luck to those being sleeved on July 25: sleeve me plz humpty dumpty bxmama2011 msmomof3 artmama I hope everything goes well for each of you and you all have a speedy recovery. Please update us as you are able to.