Gastric Sleeve Surgery Forums

So, I'm super excited about having lost close to 70 pounds, but I've noticed that the more weight I lose the more disproportionate I'm becoming. When I work out, I usually work out my core, and legs however it seems that I lose the most weight in my upper body. Right now I'm a 8/10 in shirts, but a 14/16 in pants. Weird huh? Has that happened to anyone else? Am I just destined to be bottom heavy? Any workout suggestions?

My 6 month wait is half over! Im a 23 year old male that has struggle with my weight my whole life. I have done a lot of research and was going to go with the lap-band but then I found out about the sleeve and think that option is 100% better. Now for what I need help with, I soooo nervous about having this done. Am I going to be "normal" after? What is life like after surgery with going out to eat? Has anyone told themselves that you didnt need surgery that you could do it alone? Which I know I can do because ive done it before, but can not keep it off. I wish this last 3 month wait would rush by. Anyone have any advise? Words of wisdom? Thanks! Doug

I am SO grateful for this website. I am just beginning the process but everyone on here is SO helpful and nice. I am lucky enough to have a wonderful in-person support system. My husband and my best friends are fabulous and I am so glad they are so supportive. But this surgery is all I can think about, so naturally it's all I can talk about. I feel like sometimes I'm boring them with my talk of protein, exercise, etc. I get SO excited when I discover new things that I like that I can have. It's so nice to be able to come on this site and get ideas and be able to share those little excitements. As wonderful as my husband is, when I come to him ECSTATIC about a new p…

So it started out with me being stubborn, shaking my head no no no. I would not could not have WLS. And then I went to the information seminar and I started to rethink it. The sleeve procedure really spoke to me. It clicked. And then I tried to start the Protein shakes...I made it through 2....Made the mistake of using skim milk and whey powder....don't do this if you are lactose intolerant or lactose sensitive....if you do, stay close to a bathroom. And it got me thinking, if I can't even make it through a day of not eating, of a liquid diet, HOW will I ever do this for 3 weeks pre-op? Now, granted I have not even been to my initial doctor's appointment (June 2nd) so I…

I had my sleeve surgery on Monday morning. I came home yesterday. They really didn't give me liquids at all until right before I came home yesterday. They have instructed me to drink one ounce of liquid (Water or crystal light) every 15 minutes. Each time I drink whether I take very small sips or medium sips, as soon as the liquid hits my stomach I have extreme pain for a brief time. I spoke to someone who had the procedure and they said I was drinking too much too fast, to sip the one ounce over the 15 minute period. I have tried that and still no real difference, and besides how can you sip nonstop all day long? I am concerned that I am not getting enough liquid …

In the midsts of doing my research on the surgery, I just came across this resource that had some useful information on it and thought others might find it interesting too. http://vsgfaq.wordpress.com/

I had originally set my heart on banded plication. I wanted just the band, but then discovered plication and band can be combined for more immediate results (plication being faster, band for longevity). Also a plus side that, if I have problems, the plication is a great back up for the band and vice versa (can get fill if plication not working). I've been reading horror stories on here about banding, and now i'm unsure. I dont feel like the problems are widespread, however. While they are serious - I think the vast majority of bandsters have success. I feel like just plication isn't enough, and I don't want to have staples and a severed stomach (sleeve). Do I really ne…

I am 9 days out and just found out I have cellulitis on my stomach near one of my incisions. I got a shot today of meds and have to go back tomorrow for them to check up on it. I also have to get a sonogram of the area and they referred me to a general surgeon in my area since my surgery was done in Mexico. I am a little freaked out about this. I also have a great deal of pain in that area.

Well we are 4 days post op. (Me and my bestie/sister 2SweetnSugarland) Thanks everyone for all the well wishes and prayers. They were certainly needed and appreciated. While I do feel sore I can tell you that I have not had one minute of regret. I know that this was needed. As I lay here sipping Water and watching all the diet ideas and even Oprah's 100 lb weight loss special on TV I knew that I myself need more. This is just the tool that I need. No it was not easy but so well worth it.. The great thing is we are all in this together and this forum would not be such a great support system if not for all of you. So this is my story: May 13th a.m. me and my bestie 2Swe…

I need some instruction. I had my vsg in March, 2009. I have gained some weight and I am worried. I am a stress eater and I have had my mother for the past 2-1/2 years and she was/i on hospice for the past year and a half. No excuse, just find comfort in food. NOW, I want/have to get back in line. Can you give me some advice on how to shrink my pouch back to what it needs to be? Liquid diet for a few days? Thank you so much for any advice you can give me.

I am two weeks out- can I start eggs?

THANK YOU LORD FOR MY SLEEVE!!!! I WEIGH 227 WHICH IS A FIRST SINCE HIGH SCHOOL OVER 24 YEARS AGO!

I had a pretty crappy day today. My shirt had a stain on it, so I had to change what I was going to wear to work. The pants that I had on last week fit last week, this week they are too big. I figured they would still do. I get to work and someone tells me that I need smaller pants because they look like "granny drawers". Wow. So, I started feeling like I don't know how to shop or put together outfits anymore. I'm still trying to pull my shirts down because I'm used to be being longer (plus sized clothes are way longer than non-plus sized ones). Just gotta used to that I guess. The last time I was a size 14 I was like 16 years old. I'm 35 now, so I need to figur…

This is probably a dumb question but I will ask anyhow! Are the staples used on the stomach (internally) metal or some other type of material?? I was just wondering if they dissolve or if I will be walking around with metal in my belly forever! Thanks, Leslie

Well of course we keep getting moved but I just don't go to the nether areas of the board plus I know other people (especially pre surgery) want to know how this journey goes for each of us. I woke up feeling much better than yesterday-still kinda weak but not unable to hold up the phone weak! Last night was the first night I did not have to take a pain pill before bed and then woke in a bit more pain- I have back and knee pain that are controlled with meds and they have really quieted down during this time of more medication! I hit my 70 grams of protein and 64 plus ounces of water for the second day straight yesterday- thing is since my entire world revolves around …

My surgery is one week from today!! Tomorrow I go for final pre-surgical testing at the hospital, sign my consent at the surgeon's office, and get my time. Then I just have final medical clearance on Thursday from my PCP. I'm so anxious - I just want this week to go quickly so I can get there already!!

Hello, I had a band for 18 months and had all the problems one could have. A flipped port, vomiting, food getting stuck, dehydration and finally slippage. I almost didn't make it with that slip. Anyway, after gaining 20lbs. in this last year without the band, I am considering the sleeve. I was told by my surgeon that there was a very small chance that where the scar tissue is from where the band was, that after having the sleeve done, that small area might not heal. Has anyone had this problem? And what happens when this occurs? I've begun the journey again for all my clearances <ugh>. Thanks, Mary

My husband and I are considering having the surgery at the same time. We go on May 16 for the first appointment. Has anyone done this?

I seen this subject brought up somewhere else and I thought it was pretty interesting! For those of you whose weight loss is noticeable and others are commenting on it: Have you been called something referencing your weight loss? If so, which one was your favorite? Mine was: Twiggy... LOL this one cracked me up!! I was walking through the halls at work and one of my GUY co-workers (they usually never comment on weight loss really) said "hey Twiggy!" LOL I said hey, then I realized he called me Twiggy. I said, "Did you just call me Twiggy? and laughed" He said "Yup!!" Hahaaa!!

Although I have been keeping up with my BMI as it changes, today is the first day I looked back at the standards. I have moved from Morbidly Obese to simply Obese! I can't wait to be overweight!!! Body Mass Index standards are: BMI 18.5 to 24.9 Healthy BMI 25 to 29.9 Overweight BMI 30 to 39.9 Obese BMI 40 to 49.9 Morbidly Obese BMI 50 or higher Super Obese

Anyone else going to be there at the same time then say hey!!! So excited.

Hi everyone! I got to know a few of you a little about a year ago when I was trying to get approved for the sleeve. It's official, I will have no insurance coverage for it. I've done all tests that would make it possible and nothing's wrong with me, not even sleep apnea! LOL I am thankful for that but it does make me so mad at insurance companies for not taking into consideration the build of the individual. I may not have the weight to be over 40 BMI to have the surgery approved without co-morbidities but my waist measurement is way higher than most females who do have a BMI of 40 or higher. And that is the most dangerous place to carry your weight, it's been show…

Hi guys, Im almost a year out now and feel my sleeve has stretched out a bit. I can eat a lot more and I notice junk food goes in very easy. How do I stop my complusive eating that is starting up again. I got down to 125 and have gained back 3 pounds. I need help.....any advice?

Can anyone tell me why they chose the sleeve verses bypass? I know so much about lap band and bypass, but am just researching the sleeve! I am approved for surgery June 1st and am trying to see if interested in the sleeve! I assume there would not be the chance of dumping syndrome after? Are there side effects similar to the lap band? What is the sleeve made of? Any info on sleeve/how /why you chose the sleeve would be SO appreciated!

I think we all have different instructions pre-op (I am resenting the heck out of mine- two weeks liquids only) but we are all - at least those up to May 12th, in the last two week pre-op period. How is it going? Are you on liquids or some kind of doctor imposed diet? Do you feel ready for your surgery? I'll start- You may have seen I had a major crisis on the first day of my liquids when the Premier drinks I got from costco were so disgusting I not only could not drink one but then freaked thinking no Protein would work for me. Since then I have found that GNC Extreme 60, nectar, and powders?utm_source=BariatricPal&utm_medium=Affiliate&utm_campaign=CommentLink" t…

I just got back from the hospital and it was fantastic! The hospital was fantastic (sky ridge medical center in lone tree, CO) the doctors were fantastic the nurses were FANTASTIC! I'm having no problems getting liquids down and there isn't much pain. I feel like I've gotten through the easy part and it'll get harder before it gets better. But for now, I'm feeling alright! Where's the rest of the 5/9 sleevers? How you doin?

As soon as Nina let me know that I was set in stone for surgery, I threw away my scale! I'm not going to let this be a numbers game with me or torture myself over the needle not moving. I see my Rheumatologist every two months and at that time I'll find out how much I lost. I want to go by how I FEEL and not about numbers, I've always hated math. Who here is an avid scale watcher and why? Renee`

ok, I was in surgery at noon back to my room by 4 had some pain, no nausea thank goodness, I have been up walking and going to the bathroom - today is worse for the pain though for me, but nothing I cant handle - hard to believe that its over Hope all you other m ay 9ers are doing ok as well

Ok it's been three days since I was sleeved. I came home yesterday. I am in so much pain. I have walked and walked and walked. Luckily I have finally passed gas and that made me feel so much better. I begin to ask myself why did I do this to myself. I am not a happy camper. I have cussed myself up one side and down the other. But my doctor says that I'm doing really good b/c I doing alot of things on my own. I just want all of this gas to go away.

Finally after a year I found out just now that I have been approved! I'm so ecstatic!!!! just had to get it out there!

I keep going through this roller coaster. A couple years ago I went through the process and had a surgery date to get a band and I chickened out two weeks prior. I recently found out about the sleeve and started the process all over again. The sleeve was not covered by my insurance but my doctor was going to try to see if we could get approval anyway since bypass is not a good idea with my family history of chrohn's disease. I also have an aunt who had a botched up bypass years ago and she is skinny but miserable, in pain and can hardly eat. I've canceled my last two nutrition visits at his office because I haven't lost any weight. He wanted me drinking Protein shak…

This isn't specifically weight loss related... but on days that are just "off", you know those days where everything goes wrong and you are just in a funk all day? What do you do to get over it/cheer yourself up? Or more specifically, what do you do that is NOT food related?? I know that I am not normally an emotional eater... on bad days I don't gorge myself and on good days I don't normally Celebrate with food... but I was thinking about how much revolves around food in our society and some alternate coping mechs or rewards would be great to start thinking about! Some of my ideas: - listening to music -coloring with my 5 year old sister -walk with my dog What…

I have read a lot of places that say that the sleeve is usually only used as a 2 step process, first getting the sleeve then having gastric bypass later. Is it always a 2 step surgery like this? Or did you just have the sleeve done?

I am gladly taking all advice and help. I am stuck at 193 for 8 days now and furious, what am I doing wrong? Water intake 60-80 ozs daily not including shakes, protein around 50-60 daily and 600-700 cals daily. What gives? total starvation? For some reason my posts don't generate a lot of reply's, but I hope some of the advanced members will chime in. I really need some support, Thanks Kelly

I have been all over this sight and i'm so happy that I found this forum in particular. I'm thankful to find this sight. I ask for prayer that I go through my surgery without in problems or mishaps and that the Lord be with my surgeon and the assistant surgeon and everyone who is involved with my procedure tomorrow both pre, during and post. I also pray that everyone having surgery that day is protected by the Blood of the Lamb. I know the word tells me that God has not given the spirit of fear but of power love and a sound mind. Any care that I have I will cast upon the Lord for His word says that he cares for me! Amen Keep me and all having surgery tomorrow in your…

Well I have been so happy for the past 5 1/2 months that I haven't ever got sick nor really felt like it well that all changed tonight I made a roast with potatos and carrots for dinner (my favorite meal) for Mothers Day. We ate dinner about 7 pm and I knew right away I had started to eat too fast so I put my plate aside and went back to it over time. I started getting a really bad headache so I took some meds and I ended up passing out on the couch for a little bit. Woke up and wanted some milk so I had a little cup of milk and a piece of chocoalte. I was feeling okay except for the headache. Next thing I know I feel SO AWFUL full! I start to sit here and just bu…

Good Morning Everybody! First, let me thank eveyone for all your Hugs and support after my Mother's Day "poor me" post. I am feeling better mentally and physically and actually got out of the house and ran a few errands yesterday! I do have one question that is a little "stinky". Did any one you suffer from diarrhea after surgery? I was in the bathroom every hour or more yesterday with the poops! Beats me where it was coming from because I sure haven't been eating anything but sugar free this and Sugar Free that! Called the doc to see if it was a normal side effect and the Nurse said "not so much". Other than the fact that it is not much fun to be on the to…

First of all, I suddenly found I could not really be on this forum for a few days. Once my doctor cleared me for surgery I really felt the need to pull back and pull in - which really surprised me. Of course I have still been in total get rid of the cold mode as I still have some congestion and was attacking that with every means I have. Interestingly I realized mid day yesterday that whey Protein probably has some of the same congestive properties as milk - d'uh! I have been drinking that on my liquids and in hindsight should have perhaps gotten some soy protein. The wind kicked up here this weekend so my allergies decided to say hello in a big way too- so I will…

I posted this information on another thread but copied it over here with a title that will make it easier for folks to find. I looked up this article in Consumer Reports because someone posted that they did an article on Protein drinks. The article on Protein Drinks (July 2010) is scary. I didn't type the whole article here but I tried capture the main issues. My comments are in blue...the rest are direct quotes from the article. "Some protein drinks can even pose health risks, include exposure to potentially harmful heavy metals, if consumed frequently. All drinks in our tests had at least one sample containing one or more of the following contaminants: ar…

Trust me to feel like poo on the weekend.... I've been getting 'funny turns' - light headed and dizzy spells, slight palpations, sickness, foggy head/headache... Could it be my HRT? Are my carbs too low? Low sugar? or something else? Anyone else experienced this?

Im in Anchorage, Alaska and was sleeved in Tijuana Mexico on April 15th 2011. Looking for local support.

Hi. I was wondering if some of you that have had this procedure could tell me your personal experience with recovery time. I am scheduled to have the procedure done on May 16th and am leaving for vacation on June 11th. My doctor says I should be fine. How long did it take you to get back to walking long distances, being out in the heat, etc.? Thanks in advance.

Hi Everyone, I thought about how much WLS cost and then I sat down and did a little calculation on what I would save each month. I was amazed when I figured out that is sure didn’t take me long to pay myself back because I wasn’t spending as much for food, medication, doctor’s visits, eating out and less gas for my car because I walked a lot more and did my shopping on my walks. Yes self-pay does cost us more. I gave up waiting for an insurance company to say yes, because I knew that they just weren’t going to do it and I wasn’t willing to give away any more days of my life. I knew Dr. Aceves was the best and that was just where I was going. Check out my numb…

Hi All! Just checking in and asking for a pat on the back. I woke up today a bit depressed...not so much sad...just would like to cry! I had my surgery on May 3, so I only 5 days out and feel like I am doing well. I think I am just scared and as one of you say feeling the "WTF did I do to myself". I am bored and have loads of things to do around here, but I don't feel like doing them. I know that this will pass but I need a hug! Thanks and Happy Mother's Day to all you moms out there! Barb

I beg for your patience as you kindly indulge my whining. My band slipped twice and both times, I had that same horrendous acid reflux/pain that unfortunately way too many of us are familiar with. The band was removed in 2006 and I had a sleeve revision last week. (only RNY was option for revision at the time and that's not for me) My recovery has been hard. More so than when I first got the band in 2003. I know some of that is the surgeon having to remove scar tissue and adhesions, which he said wasn't too bad. I couldn't keep liquids down the first day in the hospital and barfed. Doctor didn't seem worried that I'd compromised my staple line. Leak test was fine…

I have arrived in ONDERLAND!!!!!!YAY!!!!!! I am so happy that I will NEVER EVER see the 200 lb mark again.This is so amazing!!!! :D Deb

Sorry, posted this in the wrong folder and moved it where it belongs. Can't figure out how to completely delete the post though. <---- Blonde

I've decided to finally stop lurking and post. I am just beginning the long process of WL surgery - last week I had my nutrition, psych, and surgical consultations and an EKG. My six month clock with the medically supervised weight loss begins on Monday the 16th with my first appointment with the program MD. I have my first sleep study apointment next tuesday, and after that I can schedule my labwork, blood gases test, and the dreaded upper endoscopy. Initially I was alarmed when my surgeon told me I qualified for the sleeve, as I had been thinking I would go for the Roux. Now I am 100% on board after researching both surgeries. I have already started food tracking to …

Hi All! Got home from 3 days and nights in the hospital this morning after undergoing a band to sleeve revision on Tuesday. I had some pretty adverse reactions to the pain meds...I'd have been better off sticking with Tylenol!! Anyway, I have done well...no nausea while in the hospital and am still sip, sip, sipping. Am going to try my first post surgery Protein shake for dinner. A few questions: 1) Did anyone come home with a drain? I had one on my stomach side that was removed this morning. Had a fatty tumor (lypoma) removed Tuesday, too. It ended up being quite an ordeal and I still have a tube in it. I knew it was big, but it ended up the size of a smal…