Gastric Sleeve Surgery Forums

I am very happy the chat function is back. There are a lot of us that like to talk in the evenings. The time change does make it a little more tricky, but please check in and see if anyone is chatting. It's a great way for support and to get questions answered.

Ok, I just found this site today doing some google searching on the Vertical Sleeve and Dr. Stanley Hoehn from Shawnee Mission Medical Center in Kansas City. I had Vertical Banded Gastroplasty back in 1998. The surgery went well, had no recovery issues, and lost a lot of weight in the first year, never quite reached my goal weight- but I was feeling much better than where I started out. I think I lost a little more than #100 and would like to have lost another 30# or so. What went wrong? Researching this stuff on the internet wasn't there yet. I researched the surgeon, and did as much research the old fashioned way as possible. The challenge was that I didn't rea…

I got a response to the message that I sent to Alex regarding chat. I told him a lot of us miss the old chat room. He said it would be back in about 2 weeks. I am so happy! Chat has pretty much disappeared since we lost the old chat room. I can be patient for 2 more weeks!

I have been thinking about my income taxes for 2010 and realized that it would be better for me to pay for my January 2011 surgery in 2010 to get the medical deduction this year. This is no problem to do (what surgeon or hospital is going to turn down an early payment?) , but I am also wondering about the protein drinks, vitamins, etc that are required. Does anyone here know whether they are deductible medical expenses? Thanks!

I am 4 1/2 months out and my hair is falling out a lot! I have very fine and short hair, and I can tell it falls out in bunches when I wash it. I'm trying to wash it less frecuently, but I have to wash it at least 2-3 times a weeks after the gym! My 12 yr old daughter was combing my hair yesterday and was saying that I have a few nearly bald bits, behind my ears and at the front my forehead, (That one I had realised) I'm starting to panic, I take all my supplements, vitamins, iron, etc, the only thing is that my proteins aren't as high as the should be (sometimes only around 40 gr a day) So I am going to work on my proteins from today, and I know a lot of you have said th…

Greetings!. I just found out that I have 2 large Gallstones in my Gallbladder. The sonogram tech also said I have some kidney stones. I've read on here that others have had surgery for the stones. What was your recovery like? How did this change your diet? I know Water is the best remedy for the Kidney (yes I am a recovering Pepsi lover and H20 hater!). Is there anything else I can do for the Kidney Stones? Thanks all.

I've decided that if I have pain/nausea/uncomfortable stuff after my surgery I'm not going to complain. Not one bit. I have wanted all my life to be rid of this excess "person" I'm carrying around (I say that b/c I'm about 180lbs overweight) and I have saved enough money to finally be able to get rid of her! I know there's a good chance I could be uncomfortable/unhappy/depressed/nauseated/sick-feeling for the first few weeks, but I will look forward to the future. Every time I want to cry I will think about the next month. From what I've read on here the first month can really suck.....I'm going to keep that in mind. I am finally getting what I want and so desperate…

Okay, I am really struggling to come to terms that Sleeve surgery (that is the "one" she has picked so far) is right for my mom. She fits the requirements, but has lacked motivation to ever seriously complete a diet, and maintain. She gives up so quickly! She even said she has no motivation and feels this will motivate her. I apparently just look cold, mean, and unsupportive; although I am a person who plays devil's advocate with good intentions. Please help me convince my mom CAN do this? Sorry ahead of time if this is in the wrong spot, just joined today and a little overwhelmed.

i am struggling with choosing between happiness within myself and financial problems. heres my story...ths short version i have had the lapband for a little over 4 years, i painfully got to my goal weight before my band slipped. i gained back 50 lbs and had my band repositioned. well its been 2 months and i havent lost a single pound. i know in my heart i made the wrong choice by having my band fixed instead of getting the sleeve. so now i have chosen a doctor and have started saving money and will have the rest of it in 2 months. heres the problem, im a full time student and money is tight. if i choose to do the surgery i will be broke when i come home. i know most p…

Hi, I am being sleeved soon (1/7/11) and am looking for a local WLS support group. I live in Auburn, between Seattle and Tacoma. I don't want to go north of Seattle or too far south of Tacoma if possible. Thanks for any info you can provide!

and let's just say he's less than thrilled with the idea of me having this surgery. Before surgery was brought up I asked him if he thought that my lower back issues and my arches in my feet being messed up so badly (and my knee because my lower/back hips are all out of whack) could have anything to do with the fact that my weight is in my middle, mostly in the front. He said that it could definitely play a roll in those issues. Then I told him why I asked, LOL He's all about doing everything naturally, he doesn't even like the use of tylenol or ibuprofen if it can be avoided. So, I kind of expected that from him. He asked if I had had my thryoid checked, tried the…

I had a band to sleeve revision on 6/15/10. I started at 237 and I am now 197. That's only 40lbs in 6 months . I only had about 60% of my stomach removed and it was not made into the shape of a sleeve, and the doctor told me I would not lose all of my excess weight if I didn't work for it. I do not exercise as much as should and I can eat more than I should be able to. What should I do. I experience head hunger quite often and I snack all day. I really want to turn things around and lose 20 lbs by New Years Day. I know that sounds like a lot, but it's a reachable goal. I do have a hypothyroidism and I take meds for that as well. Any advice you all can offer is greatly app…

Just read this in the most recent issue of Allure magazine: Thoughts? Do you feel that your goal has changed since you've had the surgery?

Every since reading about the single incision VSG.....I really really REALLY want it done like this if possible. I will be going to my surgeons office next week so I can find out if he can perform a VSG with a single incision. I know he was trained for a single incision, but I don't know if it is for Lap Band only. I would like to hear from the single incisioners.....where and what surgeon did you use?

I am about 4 months postop. I have lost a total of about 65lbs. My weight loss has slowed right down despite doing all the right things. I have realized that I am getting discouraged and now have been eating and concentrating on food more, as in the thinking about what I can eat next when I just ate something. I even have realized I am not hungry but "felt like something" and eaten again. I can't eat a lot, but I can eat often. Even on these days, I don't much go over 1000-1200 cals, but I recognize that the behaviour is not consistent with success and I want to stop it. I know it's the old pattern of getting discouraged and thinking "well, I may as well screw it up prope…

Hey guys, I'm new and will probably be popping in on the group. I scheduled for surgery next week, 16th. I do not have an angel yet and would very much like one. My name is Mona and I'm 347. My goal weight is 160 as I'm 5'8" (snd a half but no one wants to give me credit for my half). So that's a goal loss of about 187. I chose gastric sleeve because it seemed like a no brainer. Less evasive and I'm also already hypoglycemic. Well, hello everyone. Looking forward to getting to know some of you. Mona

I was sleeved 11/22. I lost 15 pounds between then and 12/1. I have been fluctuating the same three pounds up and down for the last ten days. I am still on liquids. In addition I have been constipated, I have added benefiber 3 times a day and I think it is helping. I also think I need more fluids as my fingers feel puffy and stiff in the morning like I am retaining water, so I tried to push the fluids yesterday and got in less than 300 calories. When I try to take in more substance my calories are around 600, but then i don't get enough fluids. You can see my foods on fatsecret.com. I am just feeling sad today and could use some cheering up.

I was just sleeved on November 26, 2010 and wondered if anyone else out there has just had surgery. If so - interested in how they (as well as everyone else) are doing.

I had my pre op appointment with the doctor today and I really did something stupid..I know that you were not to smoke 2 months prior to surgery. Well you know last month had a little slip. The reason why I slipped was i was reading his web sight about him as a doctor and that he required that people having surgery had to at least not smoked for at a minimal of a month. Wrong!!! He said 2 and so he cancelled my sugery for the end of december. God why must I hold on to things for the last very possible second.. Well I am done with the smoking thing so now I have to pick my self up and dust myself off and move forward.. I know this really sucks because he moved my …

Well Well it is over. 12 weeks of watching, logging and exercising and watering my body. I got my certificate. With this edema I didn't lose much, but according to what is still to happen, I have six more weeks if all goes as planned and surgery could be some time in November with Pacific Bariatric. All paper work has been with PB for a couple of weeks. The only thing I need is the authorization for my one day consult in San Diego. Once Kaiser finishes there reviews I could be on my way. I am truly excited.

im looking for anyone who has had a band to sleeve revision with Dr. Ramos Kelly in Tijuana, Mexico. please share your experience with me! i originally had my band done in Tijuana 4 years ago but it was not with Dr. Kelly. Im not scared of going to Mexico, or even scared of traveling alone but i have a fear of dying from complications. i know, i know probably just me being paranoid, but its a real concern. i have a 5 year old daughter that i want to watch grow up please....any info is appreciated. thank you, shaundra

Hey guys, I'm new and will probably be popping in on the group. I scheduled for surgery next week, 16th. I do not have an angel yet and would very much like one. My name is Mona and I'm 347. My goal weight is 160 as I'm 5'8" (snd a half but no one wants to give me credit for my half). So that's a goal loss of about 187. I chose gastric sleeve because it seemed like a no brainer. Less evasive and I'm also already hypoglycemic. Well, hello everyone. Looking forward to getting to know some of you. Mona

Hey guys, I'm new and will probably be popping in on the group. I scheduled for surgery next week, 16th. I do not have an angel yet and would very much like one. My name is Mona and I'm 347. My goal weight is 160 as I'm 5'8" (snd a half but no one wants to give me credit for my half). So that's a goal loss of about 187. I chose gastric sleeve because it seemed like a no brainer. Less evasive and I'm also already hypoglycemic. Well, hello everyone. Looking forward to getting to know some of you. Mona

She had a lady on tv that had regained a hundred pounds after bypass. It was then stated that some 50 PERCENT of barriactric patients fail! I realize people do self sabotage, but 50 PERCENT? Can this be true??

Good evening to you all. I have a request of one of you sleevers out there that have had your op preferrably at least a year ago. I would like a mentor or reciprical buddy that is in a similar situation as I. I should be having surgery in March/April. I have been married 5 years with 2 boys, age 2.5 and 4 yo. I also work part-time night shift as a nurse. 2011 is my year. If anyone reads this and is in a similar situation, I can be their sounding board too. I want to lose around 110 lbs. Thanks much.

Hi. My name is Rebecca. I'm having my VSG surgery next week on Dec 15th. I have 2 kids: an almost-3 year old daughter and a 16 year old step-son. My husband and I don't have any other family close by and don't socialize too much (work & kids take up all of our time). I'm very scared and nervous of the surgery and of having complications develop and would love some support from a veteran. My husband has done his best to read up on my surgery and post-surgery diet/possible complications/etc. but he does not understand what I am going through. My extended family is against me having the surgery. I'm reaching out....hope someone is there. Thanks.

Hello- I had my sleeve done on July 23, 2010. The day of my surgery I was 315 at almost 5'9. Today I am at a steady 255. Here is my problem. Since I had my surgery I have had absolutely no follow up care. I had my surgery done in Tijuana. The surgery went well, but I have never heard from my doctor. There where other things that happened that seemed to shut down communication. That aside, I really dont have any clue as to what I should be eating, what I should be avoiding, How many grams of Protein, etc. Can anyone give me some help? I know this problems comes late in the stage of things, but I have hit a stall going on over a month now and am at a complete …

My fear is not of dying or complications from the surgery, but of the aftermath of the surgery. I am frightened of not being able to handle the head hunger. I've been fat for all of my life, and I eat b/c food is like my best bud. I eat when happy, when sad, when bored, etc. I eat b/c I like to eat. So, any advice for me? Any others have issues with this and how did you handle it? I'm wondering if I might need psych meds when this is all said and done. (my surgery is in 6 weeks) I am having this surgery to better my health.

I belong to another travel related forum that is a bit like a family type atmosphere, (we all go to the same place yearly and meet up), so any way one person who had been out of a job for a while posted she got a new one and it was a bridal center. Every one joked because tact is not her thing. Well then she posts after one day she was out of there since the size 46 bride came in expecting her to make her look skinny in a dress. Well then the posts started about fat people, fitting this object in to that ect....... Well I posted " I hate to see you all really think about heavy people on this forum." Not a word, just more jokes. I just feel this is incredibly i…

Howdy all! I was banded 3/08 and I have maintained a 35 lb. weight loss. I am proud of what I have managed to do with this tool - but the LB has some serious limitations. And in my case, some very, un-fun issues that go with my band that I won't go into. Needless to say, my surgeon is the one who started this revision conversation. And no - he is a honest, nice man and is not looking to line his wallet further. I should also say that I am not a negative person, but these questions may make it seem that way. I just want the truth (picture Tom Cruise here if you like). So, on to my questions: Do you LOVE your sleeve? I liked my band until rece…

I have been to 2 consultations with different surgeons. The first one said they take out 85% of your stomach. The second surgeon is the one I like better but he said they take out 75-80%. To be honest, my main concern is that they will not take out enough of my stomach. This may seem like a dumb question but I am self pay and I don't want to go through all of this just for them to not take out enough to matter. I know that I will be working at this but I want the biggest advantage. Anyone have an opinion on this?

4 days out and I went to an auction last night, that was not the mistake I told myself I would stay as long as I was comfortable. I took a bottle of Gatorade with and finished that so my husband went to the snack counter and got me a room temp Water, I forgot for a moment about sipping and played into thirst and chugged the water:blink: I caught myself on the 3 gulp and then panic set in. I got up and walked toward the bathroom just in case, but nothing, nothing happened! I had one few seconds of air that had to come up that was a little uncomfortable, but other than that I was fine. I thought for sure after all my reading that I would either have spontaneous wat…

Okay so maybe on Thanksgiving I ate too much. I ate very small servings of food three times. I'm talking no more than a cup full at each meal plus I had an egg that morning. Shoot I didn't even have dessert. I dont' see how I could have gotten in more than say 1000 calories but yet I'm up 3lbs from TDay morning. I had hoped it would be back down today but no luck. I've also woken up with the worst heartburn yesterday and today for the first time ever.

Today I hit 238 which is the lowest I've been in 8 years probably more like 9 in reality. I'm hoping to hit 220 by the new year which will be my lowest weight since High School! <3 my sleeve and this support site!

hi guys, I just joined from the Lapband forum which I have been folowing for two years. I have seen a few doctors and all say that I am not qualified. I am 5' 11" - 251 - 37.1BMI. Last month I read about the Sleeve and so now I am in the research phase. I am sure somewhere in this forum all the answers are here and I will find them but if anyone would be so kind as so give me their input on the following: Is my BMI too low for the Sleeve? Is the sleeve safe? How many days after surgery will I be up and about? Is it possible to lose to much weight? Will I ever be able to eat a 'normal' meal? I will have to self pay and I am thinking of going to Mexic…

Hi I am in research phase and have read a lot of talk which has been very informative. I was wondering to those maintainers who are 1+ years out are you still enjoying your sleeves, any complications, have you been able to keep the weight off, do manage to become a recovering food addict in a healthy way . I have been dieting for 20+ years and my body is relative healthy no complications(yet) but my mind went after i decided to jump off the dieting crazy train. Its been a year since i have followed any knd of diet plan. I am a mess! I go through a lot of bouts of depression because i can't diet anymore but I can't like myself at this weight. Im scared that even though…

I am having my surgery in my home state (700 miles away). My question is, I'm having my surgery on the 20th of Jan. I'm told 2 nights in hospital barring any complications. How long do you think I need to stay close to the facility? I planned on staying 2 more nights by the facility after the 2 in the hospital. I want to travel to my relatives house 90 miles away to recuperate for 4 more nights before returning for a follow-up visit and then returning home. Does it seem feasible that I can stay 1.5 hours away from the facility 4 days after my surgery?

Just curious, do you know what % of your stomach was removed? I see many people say their doctor removed 85%; however, I was reading in a notebook my doctor sent me home with that he removes 75% of the stomach. Anyone know what difference this can make? I wonder if this can affect the amount of food you eat?

I was just wondering....which pain was worse? Lap-band or the revision surgery? Or were they both about the same? Also, is there lots of pain where the port was? Just a few questions I had as I count down the days until I have this ridiculous band out! Just for kicks, I would like to add that I have not had restriction for months and then today, out of nowhere, I start slimming! Really??? LOL

Hi Everyone - I feel kinda awkward about being sad, but I need someone to give me a pep talk -- here it is -- As many of you know, I just moved to Paraguay to be with my husband who is a diplomat with the US govt. Ok, well, when you move to an Embassy, it's kinda like high school all over again. You have cliques, you have the "in" group, yada yada. So, it's Thanksgiving this week, and 2 weeks ago, we decided to invite people to our house because my two oldest children are in the States for Thanksgiving and it would be just the 3 of us. Well, after all the invites, we find out that EVERYONE has other plans and we were not included. I don't know if it was just oversi…

I am looking for those of us who are having sleeve surgery in January. I lost the thread. Please help

I am looking for those of us who are having sleeve surgery in January. I lost the thread. Please help

Hello Fellow Believers, God's Word declares that "the prayers of the righteous availeth much." I am asking that you pray for me this Tuesday, November 30 at 9:30am. I will be having VSG. Pray for me, my family, the doctor, and the entire medical staff. I give God praise in advance for bringing me through the surgery with no complications! Thank you for support through prayer!

HELP WANTED 36 year old, 280 pound, beautiful wife (of 11 years) and mother (two boys ages 5 and 6) seeks a strong mentor who has successfully completed VSG surgery for a year or more. Must be able to "tell it like it is" and not "sugar-coat" the journey (I'm a big girl. I can handle the truth). Someone who is mild mannered will not be good for my BIG personality! I am scheduled for VSG this Tuesday, November 30th in Houston, Texas. My goal weight is 170 pounds and I would like to be in a size 12 ( I am currently a 24). I am very faith driven, so a Christian mentor is preferred (but not required). I do believe it will take God's help to get me through this life…

Scheduled for Dec. 15. mostly I just want to exchange some email with somebody who's gone through it already. I'm a 40-y-o dad who travels a lot, so i've got some practical questions (i.e. bullet-to-go vs shakers). Also, can someone tell me how to generate one of those progress bars for the bottom of my messages>?

Did any of you Christian sleevers have to deal with a husband who is not 100% in favor of this surgery? I am struggling with this and whether I should wait until he can give his total support. Right now he is willing to 'allow' me to have the surgery, but he doesn't understand weight issues (he has always been thin) and thinks if I eat more vegetables I will lose weight (Arrrggg!!). He knows how much I want this, but feels I am circumventing "God's natural hunger plan". He doesn't seem to understand that our bodies were designed for a different lifestyle when food was not as available as it is now. I have a surgery date scheduled for December 7th and just want to go…

Well Tuesday is fast approaching, I am excited and nervous all in one. It seems like it was such a long trip to get here that I need to readjust from looking forward to a life changing procedure to looking forward to the changes. Does that sound weird??? the goal for so long was just getting a date and now that the date is here there is a need to shift my focus??? Last night was WEIRD dream night, I know if is my subconscious working things out but I kept dreaming I as at various places and I would catch myself just eating what ever was in front of me and then panic and run to spit it out. I tell I may need Valium by tomorrow night!

They took me off my pain pump tpday after clearing the upper GI and I was doing real well till tonight when phlem got stuck in my throat and while coughing it feels like I blew my diaphram out and they had to call the doc and get my pains increased. I also had a real bad nurse today. Any ideas on the diaphram pain?

Hi all: I've been lurking for a while on the site. I'm 46/f from Massachusetts and just had a sleeve plication in Juaurez Mexico on 11/10/10. I would really appreciate a mentor or anyone who is further along on this process than I am to communicate with. I think I just need to know it'll be okay. Help Please.

Hi kindred souls. Tomorrow is my 5 month anniversary date of being sleeved. I have lost 62 pounds but am not sure of the inches because my appointment isn't until next month. I am a heavy weight so that 62 pounds is just a dent. The doctor set my goal for a weight that was well above my ideal body weight based on that chart that someone with a BMI of 53 would lose. I hate that. I want to lose all my excess body weight not just 72%. I am getting concerned because the weight is not coming off like I hoped. I am doing the right stuff when it comes to eating. If I splurge I eat chicken breast filet from KFC but that is pretty rare. We know what kind of foods we should be put…