Gastric Sleeve Surgery Forums

Ok guys, I just had to post. I'm crossing my fingers and hoping against hope that I'm a June sleever! I should finish my 6th fat camp visit on June 13th and the insurance girl at my surgeon's office (who is A.Ma.Zing.) said she should be able to get my stuff in to the insurance that day. She says she's received approvals from my insurance in as little as 24 hours and has all of my stuff ready for both insurance and scheduling of surgery. I may not make it in June but I'm cautiously optimistic that at least by the first of July I will be starting my new journey. Anyone else thinking about June? My doc does surgery on Wednesday and Friday so I'm looking at the 22nd (a REAL …

I have been told after VSG surgery I will not be able to take medication in pill form. Does anyone know how long that lasts? Is the rule really no medication at all? Not even birth control?

Okay here are some PICS after 50 pounds.. I'm so PROUD!!!!!!

So today I set a goal for myself to walk 10 miles. I left my house at 7 and returned at 10. I did it. I walked the 10 miles. Along the way I discovered something awesome. My thighs don't rub together anymore. For a while they would just be stuck together and my legs would move when I walked. Over the last few months as I've been losing weight they started to rub. Now, both my legs move independently of each other. No more rubbing. The dark chaiffing that I've had for ever is finally starting to fade, too! On another note, I'm noticing the closer I get to my goal the harder it is for me to stay away from crap I know I shouldn't eat. But, I'm going to keep push…

Hi, everyone! I know after weight loss surgery, we're eating maybe 400 - 600 calories per day. Maybe a bit more, but certainly less than 1200 calories per day. I was always told that you never wanted to eat less than 1200 calories per day or your body would go into starvation mode. So, how does this work? How do we lose weight when we're eating so little? Wouldn't our body try to "hold on" to as many calories as possible and make the weight come off very slowly? Just a bit confused as it seems counter-intuitive to what I've always heard. Any insight would be appreciated! Thanks! Ann

too big to fly!

I'm extremely excited this morning!!! I have officially shed my first fifty pounds! I feel great! What a difference!!!! Just so happy!!!!!

Will be leaving tomorrow morning for surgery by Dr. Aceves on 6/18.... wish me luck guys and hold me a seat on the losers bench. Donnie H.

I am having my band to VSG surgery tomorrow morning and I just want it to be 24 hours from now and it will be over. I know this is normal but man, I was not this anxious and scared with the band surgery. I think a lot of it was kind of like having your first baby, you are scared because you don't know what to expect and with the second your scared because you know what to expect. Except with this, I have the added worries that I have scar tissue from the band, major organ getting removed, etc. So its not really the same thing, right? The following is my post on my blog today. I thought I would share it over here also. Hopefully any new followers will look back o…

Hi, Just a few questions. How long before you can drive a car after just band Removal and how long before you can exercise again? Thank you

Hi It is so wonderful to have found this forum.I really need some perspective and think this is the place to get it. In 2005 I was banded and started having problems almost from the start.I had incredible heartburn and pain in my midrif area front and back.The struggle with the fills was crazy and there was either total restriction or NOTHING. I lost a lot of weight low carbing just because I was too embarrassed not to.I exercised like a maniac and well got pretty close to my goal weight. After 3 years I decided to completely unfill the band and start self medicating to get my life back.The dr didnt want to remove the band as he believed nothing was wrong and his m…

I read another thread on here about the sleeve pain compared to gallbladder surgery pain, but i can't relate to that. I've read that it's hard to get up and down out of bed and that the incisions hurt. I had a c-section on 2007 and am wondering if anyone here can relate c/s pain to sleeve pain for me? I wasn't in bad shape after the c/s, I actually had no painkillers and took a shower the next day (was more scared of popping staples!). I'm still going to go through with my surgery, but I'd like to know what i'm in for! thanks nikki

Hello Everyone, I have a question for anyone who started out with a BMI in the 31-33 range. I am 5'4" and weigh 198 lbs, some doctors are saying that I am too "small" for a sleeve????? I have lost and gained the same 60 pounds over and over again. This feels like a great solution. Is there anyone else out there that started around this weight and how have you done post sleeve?? Thank you for all of your help. I really appreciate any input you can give me.

Tomorrow is it. I have spent months wishing I could have the sleeve instead of the band. Now my band is out and I am being sleeved tomorrow. I am terrified I will fail. Nervous about potential pain. Not looking forward to waking up from anesthesia, which is always somewhat unpleasant. Not looking forward to spending a night in the hospital. Not looking forward to the road of recovery and readjustment ahead of me. I am already wondering what I am thinking, going forward with this. I know it is just last minute jitters. I had no pre-op diet to stick to due to low BMI and nonfatty liver, but I am doing just liquids today based on anecdotal reports of easier bathroom stuff…

What is the official / proper way to state this type of surgery on medical history forms? I am filling out some paper work for a cardiologist and want to state it properly: 'Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy' 'Sleeve Gastrectomy' 'Gastrectomy Sleeve' I don't get what the word 'vertical' has to do with it.... Would love to hear what other think...

ok here is my story.....I was banded in July 2008 and I have lost about 75 lbs. In March 2011 everything I ate and drank came back up even water Dr removed all fluid out thinking it would correct the problem and it seemed to work felt so much better then on May 04, 2011 I had first fill again and it felt ok little pain every now and then but I could eat and drink. Now I have started having really bad nausea and bad pain in my stomach, side, back and it gets worse when I eat or drink anything but I and not getting sick and my port site is very sore and tender. I call the Dr earlier and he said for me to call office in the morning and need the get it unfilled again and do s…

I realize each surgeon is different. I am just looking for an average here. How long after your insurance company approved your surgery were you scheduled for your surgery?

Okay, so I'm pissed because I'm stalled, so I decided to take some pictures of me today to get myself back on track. I got a mani/pedi and I was feeling cute, so here it goes. Before: Aruba - April 2010 Myrtle Beach - August 2010 50 Pounds lost Beginning of March 2011 End of March 2011 71 Pounds lost - Today As you can see I'm still working on my stomach, but I'm a work in progress! Still have 41 pounds…

Today has been a wonderful day. I got approval from BCBS of Illinois and I got my surgery date from my doctor's office. My surgery is scheduled for July 25th. I am soooooo excited and am looking forward to being on the loser's bench.

Today has been a wonderful day. I got approval from BCBS of Illinois and I got my surgery date from my doctor's office. My surgery is scheduled for July 25th. I am soooooo excited and am looking forward to being on the loser's bench.

Hello everyone, I'm not sure where to post this but here goes.. a little about myself first. I'm 28 years old and I weigh 251 pounds (cries) I'm 5'3 by the way. My husband is active duty Marines so I have tricare insurance. I wanted to schedule an appointment with my PCM but she was not available so I was set up with an appointment with someone else. After researching lap band and VSG and decided I wanted to go with VSG. After months of informing myself I decided to talk the PCM about it today and she immediately shut me down. She said "it's serious surgery and people die from it",I'm giving you a referral to the nutritionist" At this point I no longer know what to …

Hi, Everyone. Tomorrow is the big day. Please remember me in your prayers. Thanks.

I am home now! It feels good to be home, moving around and getting some fluids in. I have not tried to push my vitamins. Any suggestions? I have the chewables but a part of me really hates them LOL They are a little chalky. Any tips?

My surgery date is Wednesday, July 14 (day after tomorrow!!) I am SO jazzed at this point! I'm extremely interested in getting in touch with other sleevers from the Tri-Cities area, Walla Walla, and Prosser. Maybe even as far as Yakima. I'd absolutely love to find or start a support group, especially one that meets in person on a regular basis. I have a feeling that I am going to need it, because so far the only people who I have told about the surgery have reacted negatively, except my best friend (who has graciously agreed to house-sit for me while my husband and I are gone), and of course my husband, who is behind this whole-heartedly, and has been exceptionally s…

Hello everyone, I was banded in 2008 and did great the first six months to a year. The bad: Ended up going through a really bad divorce, moved (away from my doctor), lost all my benefits, couldn't find a doctor in my new area (moved) to take on existing Lapband patients. To make a long story short - had no follow-up, got unfilled, ate like a fiend (I blame the love of food and stress) and regained all of my weight back plus x (I've lost count). The good: Finally found a doctor that would take me on as an existing patient, am out of an abusive and negigent marriage and ready to take on life. My kids are save and I'm married now to a supportive and loving man. I w…

First off, does anyone else get the hiccups when they eat/drink? This is driving me nuts. Also, I've been experiencing periods of extreme sweating before my meals. Blood sugar & blood pressure are fine, but I break out in this miserable sweat & get so nauseous. Anyone else experiencing this and if so, how long until it stopped? I'm 11 days post op. Thx.

Okay. I have read different topics on this question.(at what point does the weight loss slow down) I have read where it is after six months, one year. And it depends on the individual. Well I had a converstion with my hair dresser ( who had RNY) she had said to me that now that I have reached my three month mark my weight loss will slow way down. Now if I'm not mistaken, I was to understand that the honeymoon period can be anywhere between a year and eighteen months. Then the weight loss will slow down. So, am I to believe the articles and the individuals that have lived this period or my hair dresser ( that seems to be hell bent on dissing the sleeve???) I think I'll go …

Hey everyone! I know this is the sleeve board but I don't really know where to post, there are no boards for the surgery I'm having. SO, if there are any POSE procedure people hanging out here, I'd love to talk with you! Or if anyone knows where there is a forum for U.S. POSE patients, I'd love the link! I'm scheduled for the 21st of this month along with a friend of mine. I'm excited but a little nervous since I can't seem to find anywhere to talk to anyone who has had it in the US so far. Dr. Lavin of Surgical Specialists of Louisiana is doing it and is a pioneer with this surgery. I do have a question for all of you here, were you intubated with your surgery?…

Okay, I have been re-introducing veges and fruits back into my diet. Fresh of course. No canned or pre packaged. I like lettuce and watermelon Oh so good on a hot Florida day. I did have grilled tuna steak on a small bed of lettuce( a pinch of lettuce and spinach) and one small ( I do mean small ) piece of Tomato. Dressing was 1/2 teaspoon of olive oil and 1/2 teaspoon of red wine vinegar. Now for two days I have eaten the exact same thing and lost 1 1/2 pounds. I do not get a "heavy" feeling but a more satisfied feeling. Not sure why. But I think Mahi and scallops are on the menu for tomorrow. Maybe a little grilled shrimp too. Deb

How do you add info under your ticker such as date of surgery? I can't figure it out!

OK, so officially I have been on a plateau between 224-226 lbs for 20 days. I am almost 6 weeks out, so this is the dreaded three week stall... started at three weeks, and lasted for three weeks too! I probably weigh myself too often, but even if I weigh once a week, I would still stay the same for three weigh ins. I'm pretty sure I am doing everything I should. The body is just saying NO right now. I get to start going to the gym again in a few days... so Im hoping that will boost the loss. Wah Wah Wah! Thanks for letting me cry a little!

I've been reading on here for a while now, and on OH but I don't post there. My AGB exerience was a bit different than the majority of what I'm reading on both sites (I really liked my band and had great results), and I'm having a hard time finding the information I'm seeking for one, and then pulling out the emotional ingredient to get at the fact. Please share your thoughts. I don't like surprises. I submitted revision paperwork to my surgeon today, but it will be a while before I can access him for Q&A. I've read many reports of consistent restriction from VSG vs. tha random restriction I had from AGB. Is your restriction consistent? Is it consistent bo…

I am interested in going to Tijuana to have Gastric Sleeve Surgery. Hopefully in August I am just more concerned about safety in the area more than the surgery. Does anyone have any input on this? Is it safe? I am looking at going to Bajanor Medical.

Ok - so I know this may be normal- but I have started getting really nauseated when others eat- I don't know- like wow -are you really going to shove all that in your mouth- I don't know if I am just jealous- cause I want to too- or it's really making me sick to my stomach- my husband is the worst- he is 6'2" and 200lbs and to me he is thin and eats like a garbage disposal -anyway- my other issue I really get upset cause I just want to eat "normal" again- not really normal- just whatever- I am only a month out- but I am still having to eat mostly shakes and liquid cause I am so nausated all the time- yes my doctor has given me several medicines- I just can't handle it- …

Hey April sleevers! How are you all doing? I had my sleeve this past Tuesday morning at Hackensack University Medical Center in NJ - came home on Thursday late afternoon. Feeling pretty good. Most trouble I have had is my back hurting from the operating room table. Otherwise, just sore. Trying to keep up with my fluids. Send an update!

Thought it would be great if sleevers from Missouri (near St.Louis) all got together once a month and/or share information on sleevetalk. Any Missourians out there?

Hello! I've been lurking around these forums for months while I contemplated having my surgery done. I finally went through with it on June 6 with great success! I lost around 20 pounds on the pre-op diet and haven't weighed myself since the surgery, but I think I'm doing quite well. I've had a hard time getting in all of my recommended Protein -- I finally got all of my Water in today for the first time, but no luck with the protein. Anyone have any tips? How long does it usually take until you can physically drink all of your recommended protein/water? I would love to meet people who have had more experience with the surgery as mentors/buddies. I love to e-mail eve…

So I watched a segment on the Today show this week and read an article about vanity sizing, which is becoming more and more prevalent among clothing companies in the US. Basically it is when clothing designers put a smaller size on larger clothes so the buyer will feel good about themselves and will be more inclined to buy. Companies feel buyers will pay more for a smaller size. Yes I do feel better if it is a smaller size but I also get frustrated when trying to buy clothes because it takes longer to determine what size I am at each clothing store. I wish there was consistency and a standardized measurement for each size like many other countries have. It would make s…

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I have been looking at everyones weight loss and it seems everyone is doing great. I am still at 37lb. loss and feel so much better. The leak was a set back, but I am chugging along with everyone else now. I love hearing everyones stories, so keep them coming. Jen

I had my revision done on Saturday June 4 and surprise when I came out I had a nose drain to keep my stomach dry. Anyone else have the dreaded drain?

Hey guys! I'm tentatively planning on getting VSG in July. My two boys are ages 3 & 1. I'll be flying from PA to TX to get my surgery done. It's way cheaper in TX ($27,000 vs $14,000). Plus, my parents live in TX and can help me with my kids in the immediate days after surgery. So here's my question---how long should I plan on staying in TX after surgery? Is ten days enough? Will I need 2 weeks? How long do you think I'll need help with my two boys. I've had c-sections before but I'm not sure how the pain compares. My biggest concern is getting home to PA...with two kids in tow and at least one layover at the airport. Obviously, I'd just check-in my luggage…

Hey Guys, Tomorrow is my big day and I am getting a little scared! Thanks for all y'all post! They are very encouraging and I know these feelings are normal. See ya on the other side

Help! I am 3 weeks out and I haven't lost any weight for 3 days. As a matter of fact, today I gained a pound. Now I do have a $17 scale so I am not sure how accurate it is - but I am getting pretty freaked out. Am I just a lost cause? How can I possibly be screwing up this bad? I am drinking protien shakes and don't eat more than 1/2 cup of food (usually a lot less). I am not getting as much water in as possible and when I do drink it, I drink Crystal Light. What am I doing wrong? How is this even possible?

First, I have to say, it seemed quite a trick trying to figure out how to get to this group- but glad I figured it out. I'm wondering if any others might have similar challenges. Second, I'm scheduled for surgery in Dallas on Wed 6/22 and will be traveling alone. I should be discharged either Thursday or Friday (probably Fri) and I need to find "someone" to check me out. I will have a place arranged close by to stay, but I don't think they will let me take a taxi. Do you guys know anyone in the Dallas area that might be willing to "check me out"? I will reimburse gas money. Any help/ suggestions would be appreciated.

Has anyone heard of this bible study? It's a study for women that helps us focus on God instead of other things (in our case, food). I have been sleeved for 5 months. 3 months ago my father passed away, my grandmother's health has taken a turn for the worse and my son had to have emergency abdominal surgery last week. I've turned to food instead of God for comfort. In the past trying times have always brought me closer to God, but not this time around. I haven't turned my back on God. I'm not angry with Him. Because of trials I've gone through before, I know He has it all under control and is working things out for my good (Romans 8:28). But I need some motivation! …

WELL EVERYONE THE DAY HAS COME THAT WE HAVE BEEN WAITING FOR...FOR ME I HAVE BEEN WANTING THIS HELP I HAVE TO SAY FOREVER..I HAVE A HUGE WEIGHT OFF MY SHOULDERS NOT FROM GETTING A SURGERY DATE BUT NOW KNOWING ITS LESS THAN 24 HOURS AWAY..I JUST WANTED TO SAY GOOD LUCK TO EVERYONE AND JUST KNOW THAT SO MUCH GOOD IS GOING TO HAPPEN FROM THIS.....HOW ARE YOU FEELING??????? THERE IS NO LOOKING BACK NOW ITS OUR TIME TO SHINE

I am in Mexicali for my face lift. I have been here for 2 weeks. I have seen Dr. Campos several times, but Dr. Aceves has been MIA every time I was at the hospital. Today I went to visit Erica, ( Ricky) and ran into him finally. We had the greatest talk. I was asking him about complications, leaks, etc and he told me something everyone should know. He said a man who was one year out, was on a cruise and stuffed himself too full. He ruptured his stomach! The man ate so much, he is near death. He has been in the hospital for 4 months. (Not in Mexicali) So, I am going to remember that. Even being 2 years out, I sometimes eyeball my food wrong and I am too full. …

Today I turned 34! I am six months out and below goal. I completely avoid junk food (other than Pita chips) and that includes all sweets. So how do I Celebrate? What do you do special for your birthday POST SURGERY?

Hey my fellow April Sleevers!! How's everyone doing? So... most of us should be on solid foods now, or at least transitioning to solids soon, and I was curious to see what everyone is eating, what works well for you, and what kinds of food simply dont work!! I'm on soft foods and will be going to solids next week. I'm really scared since I'm still not able to finish a full 1/4c of anything yet that's not pureed. How did all of you transition to solids? Did it work immediately or did it take time? Hope you all are doing well!! Stacy