Gastric Sleeve Surgery Forums

Before we got the new forum set up, the chat room was really becoming popular. There were a bunch of us in there talking all the time. Please keep chat going ! You can look around the board or surf the net and leave 2 windows open. then you'll hear the door bell ring when someone enters the chat room. I am leaving the chat window open!

I have my consultation tomorrow with Dr. Ganta in Austin, Texas! My mind is blank, excited, nervous and crazy all at the same time. Anything I cannot leave there with out asking besides the general stuff????!!!?? Wish me luck!!:thumbup:

Does anybody know if Dr. Aceves will operate on a smoker? Yes, I know I should quit, but that's not the information I'm looking for.

a friend of mine had something called a bouser or something like that. does anyone know what that is, or how to spell it. she almost died and she doesnt know how to spell it...thanx vicki

Where do I start? The begining I guess, my wife started out with a band. It worked for 6 to 8 months. Then the slip, then it was fixed, then it slipped again, then it was removed. She lost 80 pounds with the band and was feeling great. Since the band removal she started gaining back the weight, in three months 30 lbs. The band was no longer an option, the last slip was bad and she waited a long time to go back to the doctor to have it removed. She was scare and did not want to gain the weight back (it broke my heart to see her cry herself to sleep). She had the Gastric Sleeve procedure on 1/10/11. The surgery went fine, her recovery was slow, she was worried about leaka…

I'm getting sleeved January 11th and new to this site

I've been on this journey since August and finally get to meet with the surgeon on February 24th! So needless to say: no approval from insurance yet and no surgery date yet. My family has a cruise booked for June 12th. I was wondering if I should have a cut off date in mind for surgery before the cruise vs surgery after the cruise? I don't care about being skinny for vacation (although it would be nice) I am mostly concerned about being healed and comfortable. It would be hard to pass up any surgery date at this point but I don't want to be miserable on the cruise either. Any suggestions on a realistic timeline would be helpful. Thanks, Jen

I'm schedule to have my sleeve done on Oct 18. in Houston. I would like to hear from pre or post sleeve people. What doctor did they use? Becky

can anyone tell me what that is called or how to spell it, a friend has it and almost died. can someone help me thank you vicki

There may already be a January 2011 Group on here somewhere and if so i will delete this one and join. But just in case, I thought I would start one so that those of use getting sleeved next months can become and stay connected. About me.... I am 40 year old single mom of a 9 year old son. i recently hit 300 pounds, which I have been trying to avoid for a few years now. I made a decision to get a LapBand at the beginning of this month. As I explored that decision, I decided to go with the Sleeve instead. I have completed my sleep studies (Yep, got to go in twice! Last one last night...with a CPAP), I've had my psych eval, and I had my consult. I am self pa…

How does PMS affect you and the scale? I did not really notice it last month but know that I will be starting soon and was just wondering how to prepare myself....

New study in the Annals of Internal Medicine (with a very large cohort ~120k participants). Note that it looks like the higher mortality was due to higher animal Protein intake, which is associated with various risk factors. However, it does seem to indicate caution when recommending very low-carb diets as a panacea for health and weight loss. It seems like the best diet recommendations to date ('diet' in its original meaning of 'what you eat,' as opposed to 'how to lose weight quickly') don't restrict carbohydrates, but rather recommend against refined carbohydrates, as well as too much animal protein. Vegetable protein (Beans, beans, the magical fruit...) seems t…

When, or if, you have been nauseous or vomitting and you go back to liquids for a day or so to help calm the tummy back down, do you do clear liquids or full liquids? I have been nauseous on and off for a few days now and have went back to full liquids like soups. But that has not helped the nasuea. So I guess clear liquids is the way to go? I am about 5 weeks out so am supposed to be eating soft foods. Doesn't sound appealing at all. Just the thought of eating makes my saliva glands go into overdrive...in not a good way.

Just had to share. I am very happy. I love Idaho healthcare! We have some awesome doctors up here. I went to see my primary doctor. I've never had my thyroid checked and it's been years since I had a full blood workup. I decided since my surgery is scheduled with Dr. Ramos Kelly in Mexico, that it wouldn't be a bad idea to get all this done so I have a baseline to compare the new me to. He did a full blood work up on me. My results will be back Monday. He agrees with my decision for surgery. He is very ok with me doing it in Mexico. He said they have wonderful doctors there. His father lives there and loves their health care system. He wants to see me 2 weeks after…

I am 3 years post-surgery with zero complications. Lost 55 pounds and have sustained that loss. Loved the surgery, lack of pfoblems, excellent alternative. About a month ago I started waking up to some mild pain in my mid-abdomen area. I started taking Pepcid at night and that seemed to help till 2 nights ago. Pain has escalated and feels almost as though it is spasming. Then nothing for a while. I've been reading. Might be a marginal ulcer. My doctor is no longer in the area. Now at Stanford teaching. Anyone had this issue and if so, what did you do? Thanks!

I developed hypothyroidism 7 yrs ago & it's been really a let down...I've tried & tried & tried to lose weight & keep it off which usually didn't have a problem w/my weight loosing & keeping it off but now...it's nearly impossible. I'm considering the sleeve but dunno if it will work for me as I've received mixed info from 3 different doctors, 2 saying the same thing that yes I probably will lose abt 70% of the weight but will plateau & might lose the rest but not likely due to the hypothyroidism which I realize ANY weight loss is a great thing & I'd be only abt 15 lbs over my correct weight. The third doctor's staff say that they've performed …

Anyone know what happened to the pre-op/post-op sections of the forums?

I just thought I would start a thread where I can be more accountable since it's gettting harder for me each week. Weight: 200.2 Sooooo close yet so far away from ONEderland! Just to give you an idea as to where I was... here are some stats: Starting weight 354 a Loss off 154 pounds!! I also measured from the day I went tomy first consulatation: Jan.12th 2009 Nov. 23,2009 Neck 19.5 /14.5/ -5 wrist 8.5/ 6.5 / -2 Forearm 12.5 /9.5 -3 Upperarm 16.5/ 12/ -4.5 Bust 55 /42 / -13 Ribcage 52 /38/ -14 Waist 59/ 40/ -19 Hips 64 /45/ -19 Thighs 52 /37 / -15 Upper Thigh 30/ 22/ -8 Calf 19.5 /…

Oh man, the time has finally come! I'm heading to the hospital in seven hours..and should be sleeved in 12... Good luck to everyone else tomorrow! Any ideas on how many lbs I should be losing weekly? And....do you think it would be possible for me to get to goal by summer? I'm 217 now...would love to be around 120...yeesh that's a lot of weight...

I was just wondering - how long did you wear your compression stockings once you returned home?

Okay you guys to give you all a lil background info about me....I have always lived with my grandparents and my aunt. My dad is in my life but not as often as I wanted him to be growing up. He and my mom broke up when I was very young(too young to remember). My mom's insurance covered my surgery Last July...an agreement between some of my family members was that we not tell my dad because he is so negative and would not agree to it and would speak inappropriately to me and my mom about it.(Because she also had wls) I had my wls 2 weeks before it was time to move and start my college life(STARTING AT 240) therefore, he seen no major results then. My first time coming h…

I was just curious to see if anyone out in Support Land can answer this. Maybe one of the nurses or physician's who may be on the sight. Once I have my surgery and I have my staple line in, will that prevent me from ever having an MRI again. Not that I want one but as everyone knows, things happen and it may be necessary in the future. Sheila

Yay! I have my date set! May 11th I will be getting the VSG with Dr. Rod in TJ Mexico! Does happy dance!

My surgery was on Nov. 8, 2010. I had to attend all kinds of classes prior to surgery to learn how to live with the sleeve. Although the classes were basically geared for the full bypass, I still feel like I'm getting away with murder. I can basically eat anything. I do take smaller bites, especially with red meat. But the chew, chew, chew thing just doesn't apply to me. I don't have to sip, sip, sip. My portions are a lot smaller, but I don't see all the drastic life style changes I was taught about. Is it just me?

Hi Everyone, I am new to this site but have been on here reading posts for a long time. You all are such an inspiration! I am 22 and have the sleeve on the 25th of January. I am sooo nervous but excited for surgery. I am tired of my pre-op diet but have lost a whopping 20 lbs so far! I feel good. I was just wondering about loose skin after surgery. I have been lifting my 8 lb dumbbells and trying to keep my legs in shape. Did anyone have very much loose skin after loosing all the weight? Im hoping that since im 22 my skin will still have quite a bit of elasticity. Any information would be great! thanks so much!

HELLO TO ALL: I am so excited to find support with a group that is undergoing the changes and challenges that I am. My surgery was 1/14/11. I am struggling with protien... I am fine with liquids such as G2 or flavored water but, other than eggs, the pureed foods I am trying to eat cause significant GERD/heartburn despite PPI's taken religously. Any suggestions? Carnation instant breakfast sugar free was ok.. however am wondering if I am sensitive to Lactose. Regards and thanks Eldiva

Today has been a long day. But I am still breathing, so I thank the Lord. Earlier this week I posted a topic about what happen with my financing and the screwed up mess MyMedicalLoans is putting me through. For those who didn't see it here it in a nutshell. I applied with MyMedicalLoans for $4200. I was approved for $5000 (CosmetiCredit). All of the loan orgination fees, and etc brought my total loan amount to right under $600. Still alot in fees, but what the hay. I planned on paying off my sugery early (hopefully through before the interest started) and I was all set. Found out earlier this week that Dr. Rod never got paid and the money went to Dr. Ramos-Kelley. …

? How long do you have to wait before sex after having surgery?

Hi there, I'm just starting my options classes in the baldwin park kaiser on the 16th which is next week! i'm looking for a buddy that i can start my journey to a better life with!! and some who will help get my butt out for a walk or excerise!!

Thin Women, Big Men Make More Money

Hi All, I got around to speaking to Dr. Ramos and he seems really great. Eased my fears and answered all of my questions. In our discussion he told me he uses a 36 French Bougie. With Dr. Rod, it was a 32. Dr. Ramos said he could do a 32 if I would like, but he normally does a 36 and the way he sutures makes it a little smaller. I was going to ask him is opinions on a 34 bougie. If you could respond and let me know your bougie size and weightloss at 6 months (even though I know everyone is different), I just wanted to see if there was a huge difference. Thanks Found out he uses a 36 bougie but sutures over the staple line making the stomach smaller. Wondering if …

Now that I know I can eat anything I want, I find myself wanting to eat things I shouldn't. I still want the cokes and the sweets. How do I overcome this addiction for food?

So I just returned from a scary visit at my parents house. I went out to see my mom, and she's been on a four day drinking binge. She's had some depression issues since her RNY and chooses to self medicate with alcohol. My mom had a bad drinking problem when I was growing up, but got it under control by the time I graduated high school. She's maintained her weight well, but she's had some major issues since her RNY with regards to depression. I went out to visit her at 2 this afternoon. By the time I got there she was already half crocked, and had been drinking while taking her medicated cough syrup as she was diagnosed with bad bronchitis earlier this week. It was…

Just wondering.... my surgeon/nut's guidelines are for us to only eat 3 times a day...all the rest should be non-calorie containing beverages. And that we should of course eat super slow, tiny bites, ONLY 1/4 cup, taking at least 20 min but no more than 30. Well I've been going way over my 30 min because sometimes it takes me an hour to eat my little 1/4 cup food, depending what it is... is this bad? I don't want to be "grazing" but I am only getting 300-400 calories a day and I feel like if I don't get my whole 1/4 cups in, well I won't be getting anything..then I feel week, tired, and I feel like I'm starving myself.. what do you think?

My Name is Marilyn 3 years ago I had the lapband for about 8 months which aggravated my tortourus esophagus & I had to have it removed. I have a BMI of over 50. I have Medicare as my primary & BCBS of Illinois for my secondary. I just met with my surgeon a week ago today talking about the VSG. He thought it would be the safest surgery for me...I am not even eligible through Medicare & I have been going through severe depression that I am seeing a doctor for. If I don't get this surgery I am going to die...I need all the support I can get...so will you please help me?

I keep reading that there aren't any long-term studies on the success, complication rate, weight loss maintenance etc. of the VSG procedure. When I first got my LapBand in 2003, there were some reports and studies, mainly from overseas, because the band had only recently received FDA approval in the US. After the band gained in popularity, by 2006-07, we started seeing on Lap Band Talk an increase in reports about the number of slips, erosions, etc. (To that point, as is often the case, more successful bandsters or those with few or no complications tended to post less.) It looks like some of the earliest VSG patients posting here were 2008? If you're still visiting th…

I was thinking that we should have a newbie dictionary/ abbreivation topic. I was very confused when I first came to the board. I am not sure what all we need to include. Just a thought. NSV- Non-scale Victory PPI-?

Hello, I am one Nutritional appointment away from my surgery. I have been going to Dr. Speigal. Even though I have met him only once, His nutritionist is so AWESOME, down to earth and most of all understanding. She is a very helpful resource. I am praying that AETNA approves my surgery. I am so ready for the new me from inside out. They say that it takes about a week for the insurance companies to make a decision so prayerfully I will hear something around jan 28th and with his office your surgery is scheduled within the next week. ] For most of you all how long did it take for your insurance to approve it then how long did it take your doctor to schedule your surger…

Hi There. I have been considering vertical sleeve gastrectomy surgery for a very long time. I am starting to take the steps toward having the surgery and I have some questions. Anyone out there that has already had VSG if you could give me some advice I would greatly appreciate it. 1. What is a good way to talk about this decision with my boyfriend? I have tip toed around the subject a couple of times he seems to have a very negative view on bariatric surgery in general. Anyone else had to deal with this? 2. Do you lose a lot of hair? I have done some reasearch and hair loss seems to be pretty common. Is there anything that can be done to keep this from happeni…

I find this support group wonderful bur would like to have someone I can talk to closer to me! So if you would like to be my buddy please let me know!

I think it's great to have a local support group in addition to this wonderful website. I'm looking for anyone in Arkansas who has been/will be/has questions about being sleeved.

I was just wondering if anyone else was in the same boat. I find myself avoiding some shows that I previously LOVED to watch. First and foremost-Man Vs food I love that show so much. Now I wont even turn it on there. I am weak and I love good food. I have been missing throwing a munch. I aint gonna lie. Anyone else having to avoid their fave shows/channels?

PLEASE HELP ME .....I had the lap-band done in the US and now I am having problems with it . I now want to get the Sleeve in Mexico because I cant afford it here in the US. I dont know what doctor to choose , who is the best , what Mexico city is the best to travel to ? Can someone please help me ! I need some advice .....which doctor to choose, which doctor works out of hospitals . Also there are price differences 5000- 9000 , if I choose the one that cost more do I get better service? All I want is to pick a good doctor for the best price in a clean hospital. PLEASE HELP ME

http://www.hsc.missouri.edu/documents/bariatric/Nutrition_Guidelines_Before_and_After_Vertical_Sleeve_Gastrectomy.pdf

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I just have to gripe a minute.. bear with me. Just had WLS surgery on 12.17 My nosey friends/aquantances/workmates all wanted to know where were going and why. I try as hard as I can to be an honest person-not to lie and told them what state up North we were went to. They all wanted to know why we were going, and we told most of them we were going to see friends and/or have hetial hernia surgery for bad acid reflux. (True) Fast forward to yesterday. I made the mistake of going out with my best friend and her husband. Trying to cut down, I ordered a cup of cheesey bacon potato Soup (under 200 cal) and rolls (vs. my usual HUGE plate of 1500 calorie Pasta.) I ate al…

I have never been a "Normal" weight in my life, and I have had a lot of people asking me what I want to get down to after my surgery. I honestly don't know. When I search average I see things anywhere from 135 to 162. I told one person I was thinking 150 and she said there would be nothing left of me,,, really???? I think she was a nay sayer because she went on to say why are you doing things, you have lost so much already and look great. I am like, look great at 225 pounds??? I am 5 foot three, I started this journey at 271, I am down to 220 and my surgery is tomorrow, any any ideas of what "normal" is?

Has anyone had immediate post op problems?. I had my single incision sleeve on Monday,1/10/11 . I had a good evening but the next day I couldn't get my foley out because I didn't have enought urine output so I had to have an iv fluid challenge. when I started fluids I immediately felt likeI had a fist in my chest and became nauseated. When this didn't resolve , I was made npo. the next day I was able to get some fluids down and had my foley taken out. I was given the option of staying another day or going home. I came home. The nurses had told me I would gain some weight in the hospital and I was feeling puffy--but when I weighed myself last night I was devas…

Over time, I've learned a great deal from some other WLS patients. They know their stuff, I've independently researched their findings, and I trust them. I'm not buying products from them, I'm endorsing them, but I am saying that if you want some good information, you can check them out. www.vitalady.com (Michelle will answer any all questions you might have, just hit the Contact Us link) http://wlsvitagarten.com/2010/12/06/b12-and-folate-deficiencies-in-vsg/ Andrea is absolutely amazing ! ! ! Just thought I'd share some more information that I've gathered over the couple of years that I've been on this roller coaster.

I read somewhere on here and I can not find it in search about a person who ate pineapple post op and it did not digest and had to be removed? I think it had something in it that could not be broke down post op, are there other foods to be weary of?