Gastric Sleeve Surgery Forums

I wasn't able to find a lot of information regarding the sleeve in costa rica so I took a leap in faith. The web site health escape hooked me up with a doctor and medical retreat and things have worked out great. The bonus was I was able to find you tube videos of my doctor actually doing the surgery. I have to admit you need to do a lot of research on your own and be self motivated. If you didn't ask they were not forth coming with a lot of information. However I've had no complications so far. If anyone else has had the sleeve done in CR. I am curious to know where and how much and what the experience was for you. Thx

I'm having trouble finding before and after photos of people who've lost weight with surgery - on this site. When I look at the gallery, only some of the posts have before/after. I have to open each one just to find out if they even have both pictures. Is there a better way to find these that I haven't figured out, yet? Also, what does NSV stand for? Thanks!

Anyone else out there with a September Sleeve???? I got my sleeve on my Birthday, Sept 29. I'm on Stage II foods (full liquids). So far everything is great. My incisions are still a bit sore, but that will pass.

I have had my band since 2003. I planned on getting a revison in Mexico, but I'm terrified because of how old my band is that I'll have a leak past the 4 days in Mexico. Considering getting band out (which insurance will pay for, just not the sleeve) then at later date do sleeve. Does anyone have any info on old banders that did a revision and how much scar tissue etc. Or reccomendations on doing it at one time or separately? Just don't know what to do. HELP!

OK, so I have this scale that likes to change its mind depending on which foot I use to step onto the scale. and I was thinking it's probably not that accurate anymore. So I ordered a nice new digital scale that was recommended for its accuracy, and it was just delivered today. Boo hoo! The new scale says I weigh nearly 3 lbs. more than my old scale! So now I am in the unenviable position of having to revise my weight upwards instead of downwards! I am SO bummed. Now let me ask, should I revise my starting weight upwards by the same amount I am increasing my current weight in order to be consistent or just leave the starting weight as-is and suck up the unexp…

Hi everyone! I'm sitting in DFW airport waiting for second leg of business trip to Las Vegas having just experienced what I would say is my first real NSV. I started this journey last June at 385.5 pounds and although I've lost a lot of weight since then but I'm still really large. Imagine my surprise when I didn't need a seat belt extender! Such a small victory but such a thrill! Had to share it.

What tubes did you have after surgery? Catheter? NG tube? JP drain?

Wow - where do I start? First I want to say that I am relieved beyond belief to have found this forum. All of you that had a lapband know how isolated and frustrated you can feel when it is failing. I've been banded for 3.5 years. Initially lost 40 pounds and have gained 20 back. And that's where I sit. It wouldn't bother me so much, except that the band is also uncomfortable -I can't stretch backwards, I can't bend over with pants on, I can't sleep on my side without pillow support. You know what I am talking about... Finding this forum has been my salvation. So. I'll move on to the introduction. My name is Lara. Unlike a lot of folks, I have not been overwe…

I didn't realize how silly this was until I related it to my counselor the other day. He asked me how I've been doing with weight, and first I said I was terrified of gaining weight and told him about our trip to the mountains the weekend before where I ate a ton of sweets, drank daiquiris, etc. Then I felt like I could grab more skin/fat on my stomach than usual the day after, so I was absolutely convinced I put on a bit of weight. Then I got home, got on the scale, and I was actually down a pound! Then under the same breath, I told him about how I'm terrified of wasting away because of my sleeve, and how I don't want to end up a bony size zero or something. Then I reali…

http://www.elements4health.com/new-information-on-proteins-that-regulate-body-temperature-metabolism-and-weight-gain.html This is an very interesting study! Removal of the ghrelin receptors might be better than just reducing ghrelin for losing weight....

Has anyone else checked out this site: http://gastricbypass.netfirms.com/index.html It is full of horror stories supposedly due to WLS. A lot of it really sounds bogus, I'm sure that these people have suffered but is this ALL due their WLS? Are these extreme and rare situations? This seems so unlikely that begs credibility. What about people who have large portions of their stomachs removed due to disease? I remember 2 examples of entire families having their stomachs removed due to a genetic dispostition to getting a very nasty stomach cancer. They all seem to be doing fine. Many have had other seemingly benign surgeries and had troubles. As an example my bro…

I have to admit that I've been pretty lax about attending support group meetings after surgery. But, tonight I went and I have to say, it was such a fantastic reminder of how important it is to be surrounded by a group of people who have "been there, done that". If your program offers a support group, or if there is one in your area, I hope you all attend. Our group is a great mix of pre-op and post-op patients, a mix of surgeries, some are patients of my doctor, some have had/are seeking surgery at other facilities...there is so much information and support and encouragement flying in all directions! I remember before surgery being so inspired hearing the post-op pati…

Hi Everyone, I guess I will be the first to post here. My surgery is scheduled for January 3, 2011. I am having it done by Dr. Aceves in Mexicali, Mexico. I am a self payer. I am so darn excited that I wish I could just do it tomorrow!! Look forward to making this journey with you all! Denise

I was surfing the net and found this. My only research is the link provided to you. It's a totally new thing. I never hear of it until today. U will need to do copy/paste to go to the link if it dose not work for you. http://www.gastricbypasssanfrancisco.com/vertical-gastrectomy-sleeve-san-francisco-ca.htm __________________ Originally posted at www.lapbandtalk.com

I was sleeved about 2 1/2 months ago and for the most part, things are going really well. However.... I've had two episodes since surgery where I've nearly fainted shorty after eating. The first time it happened, I definitely can say I had a good amount to eat (mostly eggs, a piece of bacon and a couple bites of toast). I didn't think much of it until it happened again this weekend. All I had was some Soup (clear broth) and maybe 2 oz of chicken. Shortly after eating I got really clammy, nauseous and light headed. I felt like I was going to pass out, so I sat down and put my head down by my knees until the feeling passed. I went really pale and got very sweaty.…

Helloah!! Just wondering if stress effects weight loss and if anyone out there has experienced this? I am not looking for excuses, but curious ... I am a teacher in a comprehensive school (age 11-16) and I LOVE my job! I lvoe being in the classroom and interacting with my pupils; I love to see them learn and progress, to see the 'light' come on when they understand new things. I love watching them grow and mature into decent young adults who are preparing to face the adult world! However, more recenty my role is changing... I am now being given more admin work and reponsibilty to do and initially it was under duress... back in Dec I started to feel really stresse…

Hello my fellow sleever's.... Im not sure if this is the correct place to post this.. but here it goes.. What happens if you've had all the leak test and they come out great, no leaks at all.. then 2 wks later you have a leak.. How in the world does that happen??? Does your body hurt when you have a leak ,are you terribly sick ????? What are the signs to look for ???? Also i hear that leaks & abscess go hand in hand?? How do they get rid of the abscess ?? what happens if the abscess is never detected, What could happen to you ?? I would be having the surgery in Mexico.. and having a leak 2wks or even Several Months after surg…

I'm being sleeved in 2 days and maybe my situtation is unique. I travel extensively for work. One year I was on the road 49 of 52 weeks. I consistently average 200+ nights a year in hotels (Marriott Platinum Premier) and accumulate and use tons of miles and points. I'm going to be home a week before I have to go on the road again for a week. I know it won't be easy but work is work and have to do it. I'm going to have to map out what I can take, get through TSA screening, what medicines I have to take, account for time zone differences, the works. My plan is to share my stories and hear what others have to offer. Maybe through communication we can share tips and …

Today I had to sit in on an employee termination...an employee that had been a personal friend of mine. And our sons are friends. Ultimately she wanted me to save her, and I couldn't cast that vote. It was not easy. So I binged...The binge was a whataburger JR with no cheese. And french fries, probably 10. I couldn't finish the bread of course. I washed it down with sips of ...yes....should I say it...iced tea. A long time ago what would that binge have been? I am so full I'm hiccuping.

I had my sleeve Dec. 20th. I have lost 25lbs. I have stalled this last week. I have been having a lot of pain. I feel like I have a band of pain around me just under my rib cage. It hurts to breath in an out. My doctor suggested I was constipated which I have been and to take Milk of Magnesia. My stomach had been bloated and even my intestines hurt. I am running a fever about 100 degrees which I take tylenol for an it breaks, I am having bad back pain and feel nausia all the time. It hurt to eat and not eat. I am very scared. My doctor 's nurse was not happy that I had not lost 25lbs instead of 30lbs., I am so depressed does it get better. I just read the inf…

About a month ago I started birth control pill and put on 4 pound in a week! I went from191 to 195 and stayed there for nearly a month despite stopping the BC pills after 2 weeks. I tried everything from upping the exercise to Water pills. NOTHING! I then took a good look at my calorie intake and was shocked that on a good day I was taking in 550 calories! I thought how in the world was I going to get more calories in with good food as I was stuffed on what I was eating. So I added a protien drink in a day and found some protien bars with only 15 carb at GNC. Still nothing moved for a week. It was really playing head games with me! I then decided the last cou…

I am very curious as to how many people on this board had their sleeve done by Dr. Aceves. Please add your name to the list and also post if you have anything what so ever negative to say about your experience with him or any of his staff. Of course, Please post your feelings if they are positive as well. Dr. Aceves does not advertise here, but through word of mouth only, has sleeved many of us here,and I am just curious as to the actual number. Post also if you have surgery scheduled. I will start. I was sleeved there 16 months ago, and I loved him and everyone there. I felt I was in the care of one of the best surgeons available whether it be in Mexico or the US. sl…

Hi everyone, I was wondering is there anybody out there that has Colitis, but was still able to get the Sleeve done? I have NO large intestine at all..but was wondering if anybody out there has similar health issues as me. I am concerned if I get this done that, if something happens and my Colitis and the sleeve don't get along...I am scared I might end up with a colostomy bag. In also don't have a Thyroid at all and am Terrified of my hair falling out and NOT coming back. I know the hair lose is an issue...and that frightens me too...being I don't have a lot to begin with. Please help with any advice you can Thank You!!

Hello I'm Laura Crowe AKA Loquacious Laura, Founder and CEO of Weight Loss Surgery Patients Against Childhood Obesity. I had Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy on April 5th 2010 which has inspired me to make a difference! Join me and other Weight Loss Surgery Patients in our mission to help students avoid or overcome obesity! Once fully operational Weight Loss Surgery Patients Against Childhood Obesity will provide a free customizable weight management program (nutrition & fitness), stylist and self help coach for confidence building, and website with support boards, blogging, and social network profiles. Offered to students ages 4-23 to avoid or overco…

hello! I am scheduled to see a surgeon for the first time a week from today. I am concerned about my H. Pylori. I was diagnosed and treated for it when I was 8 or 9 years old. I have not been treated again but I do still have frequent acid reflux (2-3 times a week). Has anyone else been diagnosed with H. Pylori had the surgery? What has post-op been like? Thanks! Amanda

I was wondering how many here have been signed up as a part of any research studies. My Medical facility is a research facility as well as a treatment center, so almost every time I go in for something, I get asked if I want to sign up for some research project. How about you? You would know if you were, you need to sign a release paper to be involved. -I participated in a study of disease in the back of the eye of people with high cholesterol, -I was in a study looking at my satisfaction with my Dr regarding her reaching out to find out if I have depression. and a follow up to see If I do have depression or have been treated for it. -And a study of the long term r…

I am having a difficult time staying motivated lately. I think that I am in one of my many funks, but along with it comes my bad coping mechanisms, I snack and am not drinking water. I have a hard time getting it down. Also, stop going to the gym. I have constant anxiety attacks. I have been trying to increase my protein but when I drink the shakes, it makes me very ill. I had my surgery on the 4th of October and am currently at a stale @ 183 for the last two weeks. I know to many who will read this, your first response would be to get over it and just do what I have to. That is a lot easier said than done. What I am looking for is a mentor, perhaps someone who has had a…

I haven't been able to find much about them in this forum so I was wondering if anyone can share their experience with the surgeons and staff. Were you confident going in and did you feel your care was adequate? It's the closest to me and has been the only place I've been considering for surgery so any info you folks could offer would be great. Darnit, I meant to post this on the surgery forum. So sorry! Anyone know if it can be moved?

This my 14th day post sleeve surgery and the first day I am feeling kind of energized, its almost mind bending how fast the weight is dropping. There are a few things like minor hiccups, incision itches, and not tolerating chewable Vitamins. So far, all else is well. I can't believed how much money I am saving of food, will be saving on medicine also. Lash

Hi Everyone, This is my first time posting but I've been lurking around for a while. Well, I have my first meeting with the surgeon next week and I'm trying to compile a list of question for him. Below are the questions I've came up with so far. Is there anything you wished you asked before the surgery? 1. How many VSGs have you performed? 2. How many leak test do you perform prior to releasing the patient? Are there follow–up leak test performed? 3. Have you had any leaks? If so, what is your rate? 4. What size buggee do you use? 5. After the staples are done, do you cauterized or use sutures? 6. If your patients have experien…

Just dropping a line to say hello to everyone! I just had my first consultation on January 14 and the balls are in motion. I have the three month up supervised weight management to complete up to April 14, and hopefully the surgery will be scheduled on Easter Weekend! Everyone seems so positive on this forum and I am grateful for that. I'm looking forward to socializing with everyone, and once again, thank you all for making this forum such a user-friendly place.

Well..I had my sleep study done, don't have sleep apnea so my insurance will not pay! :-(...I am just going to finance it..I think it is WELL worth it...My surgery is FEB. 21st..I am SO excited!! I start my shakes on the 8th....Anyone have any ideas on how not to drive myself crazy playing the waiting game..What did you guys do to pass the time??? Also wondering how long was the stay at the hospital.. Thanks! :-)

From: Chapter 5 - How It Works (Higher Power Version) "Rarely have we seen a person fail who has thoroughly followed our path. Those who do not recover are people who cannot or will not completely give themselves to this simple program, usually men and women who are constitutionally incapable of being honest with themselves. There are such unfortunates. They are not at fault; they seem to have been born that way. They are naturally incapable of grasping and developing a manner of living which demands rigorous honesty. Their chances are less than average. There are those, too, who suffer from grave emotional and mental disorders, but many of them do recover if they have …

Any Kiwis out there, its very quiet?

I have to take a lot of meds. Today I crushed one of them and tried to eat it in applesauce-yuck. Any suggestions?

I had the sleeve done on the 17th of May, and am also looking for a buddy that i can chat with about everything. I live in Alabama and am Central time, and stay up late (usually after midnight every night), have T-Mobile cell service and unlimited texting and nationwide calling if you are in the US. If you want a buddy and have free time or texting available, feel free to contact me ANYTIME. My cell is 256-479-2528 and is always in my hand, my email is ALRealtorJS@hotmail.com, and i have MSN messenger (ALRealtorJS@hotmail.com) as well as Yahoo Messenger (BlueeyesAL23@yahoo.com). I am single, no kids, and have a lot of free time on my hands to talk/chat right now so it is…

Who else is invited to Kaiser Richmond Bariatrics Dept. on February 11th? I hear its a costume party.

I am a little over a week post op and everything has been wonderful. Except yesterday, I ate lunch (sorta ate, i guess drink would be more appropriate haha), and had the worst pain in my shoulders ever. Kinda like maybe trapped air?? and its still there today. and last night, i was too scared to eat anything cuz it was so uncomfortable. I hate to call my dr over something silly so i was hoping maybe someone here has experienced this and can shed some light on things. i am gonna try some protein drink. I am just worried that maybe a leak popped up? or something worse. Any ideas?

My friend wants to get the sleeve, but her father is very opposed to it. He won't do any research and has never heard of it. I think he doesn't want to take the time to read long articles or anything like that, but he might be influenced by real stories of why people have chosen the sleeve over the lap-band. I have tried to explain in my own words, but I'm no good at it and always leave stuff out. So does anyone care to help by writing in your own words why you chose the sleeve, and if you chose it over the band, why did you make that choice? Thanks!

I need help. After having the lapband for nearly two years and 4 surgery's later, in Dec. I had emergecy surgery to have it removed as it was eroded into my stomach and made a whole that would not allow fluids to pass and causing great pain. I am healed now but GOD I MISS MY BAND. I have gained 30 lbs of the weight I lost, have more than 80lbs to get to a goal and I do not know how to lose it. Talk about a huge failure. I miss my band. I want it back (no dr. would ever give me the band again) which I have accepted but this 5 years journey (remember all the surgery prep) is over and I want my band back. No actually I want another option. Can someone help give me som…

Just curious as to what age challenged persons have had a VSG and what if any extra problems does being older entail? I am 63 and about to have the surgery. I intend to live into my 90's as my parents did

Since 1/2010. I have lost a total of 100 lbs. Somehow lost regular correspondence with this group. There is so little out there for Sleevers, that I am glad to re-discover this group. Do you get swept in to GBS and Lap patient groups, without a focus on the Sleeve? I am tired of being a "second class" bariatric citizen. I don't get why some Drs pussh the sleeve but other, competent and experienced, do not. I have taken onmy hospital, a Center of Excellence, state of the art facility, except for lack of Sleeve support. Do others find a similar experience?

I am needing suggestions. I was sleeved on Jan 17th and have not lost anything yet. I did have a bit of water weight when I got out of the hospital since I was in for 4 days and had an IV the whole time. But now the weight isn't coming off and I don't know why since I am on a liquid diet still. What am I doing wrong. This is very depressing.

Please come in and chat! there used to be a bunch of us every evening chatting all night long. Then for awhile, Alex was working on Vertical Sleeve Talk and the chat room was gone. We all really missed it.It's back now but it seems like people forgot abou it. come in and try it out

This started out as just a reply to someone who repied to another post I made on another topic but thought I'd ask those here...I'm leaning more towards the sleeve everyday but still have trouble making decisions. I know in the long run it's best but I'm just having anxious feelings on what to say to those close to me (like co-workers or close friends) who ask if I've had surgical weight loss. My first reaction would be that it's none of their business. But knowing my relatives who might find out, they never can keep a secret (sad to say, one of them is my hubby, lol) so if & when the word gets out, what do I say to those who ask? I REALLY REALLY wanna keep my private…

I am 3.5 weeks out... The first 2 weeks and 2 days I lost 20 pounds. and now...NOTHING. It will go up 1 down 1, up half, down half... I still am at or under 300 calories a day. I just don't get it. I may have posted about this a few days ago..and I even called my nut and she said that a stall is normal.. But seriously? for a week and half already? Why....

Please pray for me this morning my surgery is scheduled for 9 am CT. I am on my way to the loosers bench!!

Hi all, I'm just about to start my official fight with the insurance company (Fed BCBS) for denying coverage for revision to VSG after a lap band slip. I plan to have surgery with Dr. Aceves if I don't win on appeal and possibly if it looks like it's going to take too long (I've already gained back nearly half of the weight I lost). Here's my question... I've read a few stories of VSGers who had a serious leak that required considerable hosptial time and medical care. This really concerns me when I think about self-pay - I assume this kind of care could run in the tens of thousands of dollars if not more. But who pays for this in the case of self-pay? Does the insuran…

Argh! Day 15 post op, and I happily jump on the scales to find a 1lb GAIN! So I pee, I move the scales, I stand on one foot, and that sneaky little 1lb is still there! I'm about to seriously start excercising as my wounds are almost healed, and I think my diet is ok, I went abroad so don't get follow up nutritional advice, but I've been having 2 Protein shakes a day (just over 200 kcals between them) and either a cuppa Soup, an egg or a couple of spoons full of mushy stuff for tea (impossible to be more than a couple of hundred kcals tops), I've managed 2-4 Hot drinks a day, and about a pint of Water to make sure I'm hydrated, and I've had around 76g proteine…

Why, oh why, didn't I think of this before?? I hope it's OK to post this here. I haven't been sleeved yet but I have started dieting in preparation. I've enjoyed everyone's stories, I've laughed and cried. I know we are all in search of the same goal. Everyday I look at the before and after pics. I read all the posts. Y'all are my inspiration. It hit me like a ton of bricks this afternoon, so I thought I'd share a little. I'm 44 years old and life has been a roller coaster, just like my weight. My battle of the bulge is similar to many. I didn't get fat overnight. It was fast, but it wasn't overnight. This is the biggest I have ever been. Yesterday, I thought I was 2…