Gastric Sleeve Surgery Forums

Isn't there anyone who would like to chat? I am sitting here in Mexicali recovering from my face lift. BORED! Would love to have someone to talk to!

Learning how to work this - LOL I had the lap band done and now my dr suggested I do something else- He sent off a letter to my insurance to get approval - So now I wait - I have been reading about everyones experience with it - I am a little nervous - But I am ready to make the change!! So glad I am not the only from Texas on here

Okay, I promised myself that I wouldn't try and or buy any new clothes for awhile. (Until I shed my first 50 pounds) I needed new shoes to wear to the gym this evening. So I went and picked up my mom and we went to the mall. As we were working our way to the checkout, mom said,"Hey Deb what size are you now?" I said, "I really don't know mom. I haven't tried on any clothes in a long time." She grabs two pairs of jeans and said here try these, If they fit I'll get them for you. Not seeing what she grabed I was like oh boy. I went into the fitting room I was nervous, anxious and excited all in one. They fit!! So I went from the size 18 spandex jeans from lee riders, to s…

I know the economy is getting better but a lot of people really can't afford to buy a new wardrobe every size they lose. You can also swap anything else pertaining to weight loss like recipes, supplements, etc.(as long as it is legal) I will start... I have a lot of clothes that are getting too big for me. I have about 20 or more pieces of size 3x and 24W clothes. Some are for taller women but most are average. I even have a few that I never wore. I would rather only give summer clothes now since you will probably not need winter clothes. I also have some size 11 and 12 shoes (hey, at 6'0 tall I would tip over in a size 6 shoe lol) that I am looking to give away. I …

I chose the sleeve because I wanted to lose the weight and keep it off with the aid of something permanent like surgery. I really loved the idea of the DS but not the risks it held and hated the RNY's dumping syndrome, and the slippage of a lapband really made me see that the safest route for me was the sleeve. I spent 2 yrs researching and watching patients before I decided for sure and then made the arrangements. I told my coordinator I was worried that it would not work but she told me it was unlikely but if it didn't the DS could be done later and I took a chance. Being self employed, I have to pay for insurance and when the major companies turned me down I knew it…

Hi all I can't believe it has been a whole week already! I am still doing good and am feeling really positive about the future and what I may end up looking like! I have already had comments from people who do not know that I have lost weight- amazing! How is everyone else getting on? It would be so good to hear from all you may sleevers and also ladyvelvet and your sister who are also 1 week today! Sending live and skinny vibes to all! Xxxxxxx

I really think an active local support group will be great for our state and hope everyone will feel comfortable enough to share, comment, or ask anything that is on their minds.

Okay I gave In to my hubby as he wanted to join a gym. I was like okay we can go check it out. We have a treadmill, bow flex and free weights here at home. I have been dilligent with my routine not missing a day working out. But he wanted to go and talk to someone. He decided we should join, I checked out the classes that are offered on the weekend as right now I am working some mad overtime. I would like to be at goal before my next visit with my surgeon. (Oct. 24th) He (hubby) said that he wants me to be at goal before my next visit too. Now that made me feel so good. Knowing that he is so supportive and willing to do this with me. He has even changed his eating habits,…

Please be careful about this one all. . . yesterday i was at work just caring on like normal and all of a sudden I felt very very drunk and like i was going to pass out. . . then i got so very sweaty that i literally soaked my uniform clothes. . . i don't remember much of anything after that but got home somehow, my hubbie took one look at me and right away took my blood sugar. . . 47 !!!! He said all i was doing was going in and out of conscienousness. . . after the blood sugar was stablized i tried to rethink (which is really hard to do) what i all ate over the day, plain bagel for breakfast, 4 oz of macaroni salad for lunch, pork rinds for snack. . . good enough for m…

Hi, My name is Shannon and I am in the very beginning of the journey. I had orientation at Kaiser Richmond last year and wasn't quite ready. I'm way ready now. Last year it was all about the Lap Band but now I have found that Kaiser may not offer it anymore(?) and also am noticing that the later complications are way more than the sleeve so after much research, the sleeve it shall be:lol0:!! I would appreciate someone that has had the sleeve done and would like to be my buddy!!! Thank you in advance!! :001_tongue:

I'm new here and have my band revision surgery scheduled for June 20th. I of course can't wait to get this thing out of me and get some relief from the reflux and the sinus drainage that backs up my throat at night. I do have a few questions I haven't found answered here so far and hope you kind people might weigh in (pun intended) on some possible answers. !. Are any of you still plagued by mucus drainage backing up at night from your stomach up and out? Either when you have a cold or it's sinus season (which for me has been quite long each fall and spring)? My surgeon says this may still be an issue for me but hopefully not as bad as with the band. 2. My nut…

So when I ask my hubby if a shirt or something looks small on me, I expect him to be honest and tell me (he always is), honestly if I ask him I tend to already think it is to small anyway. Well today he tells me the shirt I have on is to small. I DID NOT ask him his opinion and as a matter of fact I bought it the right size. I looked in the mirror and my rolls are not hanging out and my tummy is covered. I know how to shop. I am not a delusional person who is fat and they don't know it, so they keep wearing or buying to small clothes. LOL! I buy the right size, mommy taught me well. I don't know why this upset me but I wish he had kept his comment to himself. UGH!…

Hi Everyone, I am new to this board but not new to bariatric surgery. I had a lap band placed in 10/03 when I was almost 200 lbs at 5'2. I lost fifty pounds over the course of the year and manged to keep most of it off (I did gain/lose 10 lbs over the period) but could never get below 150. The band was working ok but 8 months ago I developed the worst heartburn I ever had. I was popping Nexium and Zantac like there was no tomorrow. I had an upper GI done and discovered I had a hiatal hernia that was probably causing the heartburn... I had my band unfilled in Jan of this year. I weighed around 159. After talking to my surgeon, I decided to get the hernia fixed, remove…

I have come across one other person on here in the KC area, but thought maybe I would see if there was anyone else on this board that is from or around the Kansas City area. Just thought it would be nice to see if there is already a group here. One of the biggest challenges when I had my VBG 12 years ago was no support group, and didn't really know anyone else who had gone through the procedure. The internet has definitely changed that.

Why am I feeling like this today? Just yesterday I felt great, noticed I'm losing some inches. For some reason today though I just feel.... ugghhh!! Why when I was 330 Lbs I never felt fat, yet here I am lighter than I have been in 20 years and I feel bloaty and huge!! I don't get it. And no, it's not my TOM. That was last week. Just not feeling it today. Sorry, rant over.

I am day five and whoever said day five is a turnaround is So right! Today the liquids go down without pain!!!!! This is huge as getting fluids in , Protein, Water, tea, anything- has been MAJOR work until today. I still have to sip of course, but don't have to wait for the pain to pass and the huge burps to subside for the next sips. I am still setting my phone timer for every fifteen minutes and drinking 2 ounces as that has worked for me- and I keep a variety next to me to drink0 currently black decaf tea, propel grape, water, and the nummy chicken broth my husband made for me with powders?utm_source=BariatricPal&utm_medium=Affiliate&utm_campaign=CommentLink" targe…

I went into my surgery yesterday (April 4th) knowing there was a possibility I wouldn't get my sleeve since I've had that horrid contraption (lapband) for nearly 5 years which never really helped me lose any weight. But when my doc told me the extent of damage that had been done I just had to wonder "How in the world is this legal to implant in people?" and I understood why I'd been feeling like total CRAP for so long. I wish I had gotten that thing out of me sooner. Now I'm stuck with permanant scarring around my stomach and since my sh**-for-brains lapand doc placed it so low on my stomach it's shaped like an hour glass with a fairly large pouch at the top. I'm so d…

Hello all you may sleevers! Today I have my first weigh in with the doctors and I am both excited and nurvous! I feel like I have lost weigh but what if the scales say that I haven't????? Just wanted to know if anyone else has been weighed yet and see how it went for you? I love my sleeve! 

I was just curious has anyone in the group actually been sleeved yet? If so, I would love to know about your experience in the hospital and coming home? If not do you have a prospective date yet? I am looking at having the surgery some time in July just depends on how long it take for my insurance to approve the surgery. My Doctors are putting me on a very intense 2 week pre-op diet I am only able to have a 4 protien shakes a day, Water and sugar free drinks NOTHING ELSE!!! There are actually 2 ladies at work who aren't overweight but are going to do it with me I love them to death for being so supportive!!!!

This maybe( TMI) just curious if anyone else went through this. A week before TOM I drop mad weight, last week six pounds. Now that TOM is almost here, nothing. I drink more fluids at this time to avoid additional Water weight gain. Just curious if anyone had this happen. Thanks for any input on this. Deb

So my surgery is tomorrow - which I'm totally psyched about. However, my mom was admitted to a different hospital yesterday (she's in a hospital on the north shore of Long Island, I'll be on the south shore for my surgery), and is also having surgery tomorow (lung aspiration). My father and brother have to choose who to be with during the surgeries... I hate to think that our family is being split in half during a very important time. Just wanted to vent. I asked my mother if she wanted me to cancel or reschedule, so we could focus on her. And she got mad at me for even asking. Thank god they put us under for surgery - otherwise I'd spend the whole time worrying ab…

Hello fellow sleevers, I am currently going through a really stressful time here. My husband is having a knee op today, and although he is young(ish...lol) and fit, I still worry. His recovery will be anything from 4 - 6mths; he will either have micro fracture and stem cell or realignment of the knee joint. This has come at the wrong time, as in work I have been accepted as an examiner and have over 400 scripts (exam papers) to mark in the next 2 - 2 1/2 weeks; the vital part of his recovery. I am also working full time, have two children and already I am starting to feel stressed and a little tense. Usually I would find comfort in a bar of choc or something sim…

Please check out article below! Spark People is a really good site for exercise and a healthy lifestyle. I am trying to learn as much as I can while I am recovering! I would love to read any articles that other VST members have found helpful! http://www.dailyspark.com/blog.asp?post=study_reveals_tips_to_make_your_healthy_habits_stick

Hey I'm Jenny. Wife and mother of 2...been overweight FOREVER. I finally decided to have surgery and had my 1st appointment on 5/5/2011...The doctor suggested VSG though I had originally wanted to have lap band. He told me I would not lose the desired amount of weight with the band and suggested the VSG. I am excited! The doctor has ordered me to lose 30 pounds before he will operate so right now I am working on that. I've already had my EKG, Endoscopy, sleep study and blood work. I have sleep apnea, menorraghia, high blood pressure, high cholesterol and bad pain in my knees and back. I am sure VSG is going to greatly improve my conditions!! Look forward to meeting others…

I posted this in the Insurance forum too, but thought I might get more input by posting here too. I was full steam ahead with a surgeon in Dallas, did all the hoops, had a surgery date set and then found out they are engaged in insurance fraud. So needless to say the brakes went on fast and hard.... I am now going through another surgeon and having to get re-approved through Aetna. They haven't changed their policy bulletin, and waiting for them to re-approve it. This Dr. is in network and such, so I would think it should be just a formality, but still worried I guess. Anyone have to get re-approved? Had any problems? Anyone who could share their exper…

Hi all. I am getting my band out on the 31st and then will be sleeved on June 16th. I just have a question: How hard is the time between the removal and then the revision in terms of appetite, nausea, weakness, pain, recovery and ability to work? I'll be on the pre-op diet during that interim. Thanks!

You know what I noticed? When I weighed 247 no one said anything about my weight. Now everyone has a freakin' opinion. I didn't get a sleeve to be sexy, or to flaunt everything I have. I did it to be healthy and to be around for my son. So, now that I'm almost 70 pounds lighter everyone feels the need to comment on it. I used to be invisible and really it had it's perks. Now, everyone notices me and feels the need to tell me what they think. Today, we had an event at work and I wore a dress. One of the teachers said to me, "You look 10 times better now than you did last year." I'm still trying to figure out WTF she meant by that. Why do people have to give you…

Hi! For those of you who are not telling your co-workers or boss exactly what type of surgery you are having, what are you telling your boss? I told two of my friends from work beyond the fam that knows and I am pretty sure they aren't going to say anything. One of them told me today to tell our boss something different because she spilled the beans on another co-worker having Lap-band. Now I hope to only be out of work for two weeks no longer than three weeks. I work with a bunch of people who are always trying to be in other people's business. Just curious to know what others told their boss without saying WLS.

I have a mini-goal coming up for June 23! I hope by June 23rd that I am at 250lbs. I am going to my boyfriend's family reunion in San Diego and we are going to be at a beachside resort so I have to be bikini ready!!!! lol. I'm so looking forward to buying new clothes but I don't intend on shopping until the week before the trip! I hope to be able to fit a size 14 or 16 by then, lets see how this goes!!! Anyone wanna share????

Hi, I had a band in 2007. I lost a lot of weight. I have gained most of it back now. A friend suggested I come here and look into the sleeve. After reading all the posts, I am finding that all the "odd" pains, feelings and twinges I have had since my band are normal. I get pains where the port is, it hurts sometimes, food gets stuck, I am hungry at night, etc. etc. etc. I thought it was just me! My port is crooked and fills were AWFUL, it hit my saddle and my jeans at times, my gosh I had no idea that other people were going through the same things. I don't think I have ever admitted that there is daily "oddities" with the band. Thank you all for the posts! You have mad…

I'm getting nervous!!!!! I'm being sleeved tomorrow. Any last minute suggestions or words of encouragement? I'm anxious to have the "new" me - feeling better, looking better and hopefully healthier, but my stomach has started rolling b/c I'm so nervous. UGH! Please say a prayer tomorrow am that all is well with my surgery and that I have a speedy recovery. Thanks!

I am in Mexicali. I had a face lift by a wonderful doctor that Dr. Aceves recommended. His name is Dr. Juan Luque. Anyway, I was supposed to have my sleeve checked at some point but flying down here for an upper GI was a little unrealistic. I went into Almater this morning and Dr. Campos did my upper GI. My sleeve is perfect after 2 years. It holds between 2-4 oz of food. The only bad thing the upper GI showed was esophageal damage left from my band. I am so glad that things is out of me! Dr. Campos told me to eat very slowly because food needs more time to pass down due to this esophageal damage.

I am leaving tomorrow morning for Mexico. I will be sleeved on Tuesday! It's funny because I don't really have any feelings right now. I'm just kind of numb. I am excited but I don't feel nervous or anything. I'll let you all know how I do after surgery! Thank you everyone for all of your support so far! Talk to you on the other side!

OK Guys! Week Three is behind me and I am on Week Two of Thick Liquids! Mushies are just around the corner! Down another 2 pounds...trying very hard not to be disappointed with the slow weight loss. Trying to remember how much better I feel and what I would have given for a 2 lb loss a few short weeks ago! I am honestly doing everything by the book...only missing piece is consistant exercise. Sooooo, I am off to the GYM! Looking forward to our Local Sleeve Group tonight! Have a Great Day! Barb

In March of 2006, I got the lap-band in Mexico. I worked it fairly well and lost from 257 to 160. I just seemed plagued with vomiting (something always stuck). My mother was dying in June of 2007. I stayed with her until her death. During the weeks leading up to her death and the weeks immediately following her death, I had new symptoms. I wasn't just vomiting. I was in great pain from the left side of my jaw to my shoulder to my rib cage (first when I took a breath and later constantly). I couldn't lie down because of the pain. Add to that not being able to eat solid food because of excruciating pain. I was surviving first on ice cream (until it even was painfu…

Today I acted like a food junkie - not an addict, a freakin' junkie. So, I've been a little down the last few days, and on top of it, I've been craving carbs. Today, I finally gave in and decided to buy some the $.99 bag of Sun chips from the school store. Only, I didn't want to eat the chips because of the calories. So, I chewed them up and then spit them out in a napkin. I did that for 1/2 the bag, then I threw the rest away. I know it's completely gross, but the truth is I feel satied. I'm not full because I didn't swallow it and my chewing and salty/carb craving has passed. The problem is that's a junkie move. Man I wish there was some ultra rapid detox fo…

I had a panic attack earlier today and am still in pain. This is the second I've had since being sleeved back in august. The first was when I woke up from the anesthesia in the operating room after being sleeve and I was put on the pain med drip and that took care of it. Today I was in a store shopping and it hit me, the pain toned down a lot after about an hour. But now it's back again, feels like somebody is stabbing me right under my rib cage and hurts in the back to. I was just wondering if anybody else has had these kind of issues with panic attacks since being sleeved. I don't think that the pain has anything to do with not taking an acid blocker because I hav…

Today- day seven for me! I cant believe it is my one week surgeversary! I was a bit concerned because I woke up feeling weak as a kitten and it did not improve after my first Protein shake but my doctor (my surgeon's office said to call my GP since my doc was in surgery today) said your energy can vary drimatically fter surgery and to watch for a few days and get back to her- also increase fluids (jeeze- I was so proud to have gotten all 64 plus ounces the last two days!) Of course my hope for her moving me from clears and Protein drinks to fulls liquids was absurd since it is of course my surgeon who will do that. I can't help wondering if the two weeks of this befo…

Hi! I am from the Middletown area of upstate New York. I am scheduled for surgery on June 6th. There is NO One in my support group that has been or is going to be sleeved. They are all bands or bypasses. I would really like to have supportive chit chat with some one close by. Anyone out there?

finally got my long awaited surgery date, April 11th ..any one in the forum want to chat and compare notes please let me know..Due to start my week long liquid diet April 6th not looking forward to that part..other than that I am sooooo excited! Cant wait to start a new life.

Well, on my way to the meeting point to head to Mexico. Dr. Almanza here I come. Whew I am ready to do this and move to the next stage. Woot!!! Long time coming. Spandex here I come! jk, maybe.

I have a furry white tongue. What is this from and how can I get rid of it!! :angry: :angry:

I'm not sleeved yet but have read soooo many post on this forum. You all have so much good input...even ones like myself that haven't been sleeved yet! So I have a question... What exactly does restriction feel like? Does it just feel like you are full? Or does it feel like your stomach is going to bust open? Does it hurt?

Just wanted to see how everyone is doing and get some ideas on what to eat this early out. I'm 12 days Post Op Today's menu: Protein Hot Cocoa Deviled Egg 1/4 Cottage cheese Premier Choc Protein Drink Deli Turkey Slices with Cream cheese rolled up SF Choc pudding Vitamen and Water!

Good Morning Friends! Today is the beginning of week three and I was happy to have my first cup of yogurt today. I can honestly say that I don't mind the not chewing as much as I mind all the sickly sweet foods. I know you all said that your taste buds changed, but the Carbmaster Yogurt this morning almost gagged me and it was always my yogurt of choice! I weighed this morning in honor of my sleeve-a-versary and was down 2 more pounds...that makes 11 since surgery...stupid me was almost sad because it wasn't more and then I realized that I would have given anything for a 2 lb loss a few months ago! I guess it is all relative! I am going to measure today...assuming…

Just wondering if I'm the only one here. Renee`

Does anyone know if there is a support group in the Sacramento area? I have Kaiser for my insurance, but I guess it doesn't have to be thru them. I just do not want to have to drive all the way to Richmond (2 hrs) to go to their class. Thanks! Kelly

Hi I am a newbie from Ocala, Florida who is contemplating gastric sleeve surgery. I am interested in how your body adjusts right after surgery and weeks after surgery. I am wanting to chat with someone who has had the sleeve surgery and can tell me what to expect weeks after. I am very scared but know I need to get it done for health reasons. I want to know if you experienced hunger or felt full. I have read lots on websites and have talked to my doctor but want to really know from someone who has had it done. Thanks!!!

I have had my heart set on getting the vertical sleeve for sometime now. Now that I am actually in the process of making my dream happen, my doctor is trying to convince me to think about getting gastric bypass instead. Can all of you tell me why you chose the surgery you did? I also want to know all of the differences between them that I might not be able to find on the internet!

Hi all, Well, I have had fissures in the past and I'm due to get surgery at the end of June. I'm wondering does everyone experience constipation? If so how did you avoid butt problems??? This is the last thing I need...it has been a stuggle getting over these issues in the recent months and I don't want to make it worse after surgery...daily pain sucks!!!!!!!!!! What do you all do to avoid this apparent side effect and when could you take something for it???? Thanks guys, Tracy W.