Gastric Sleeve Surgery Forums

I wanted to share the lyrics to this song with you. It's called "For Every Mountain" by Kurt Carr (check the song out on youtube). The words are so powerful, and anointed. I am going to sing it this Sunday. I've got so much to thank God for So many wonderful blessings and so many open doors A brand new mercy along with each new day That's why I praise You and for this I give You praise For waking me up this morning That's why I praise You For starting me on my way That's why I praise You For letting me see the sunshine that's why I praise You of a brand new day A brand new mercy along with each new day That's why I praise You and for this I …

Hey ya'll. I'm in Orlando and I'm looking for some workout buddies and just support in general. Working out is so much more fun with other people and I could definitely use some motivation. I'm a member at LA Fitness but I'm not married to having to work out in the gym. I'm down for the outdoors, too If anyone is interested, let me know!

Hi my name is Kathy, I am 43 and was banded on 3-21-09. I found out on 10-10-10 that my band had slipped. I am very upset, because it has helped my to lose 68 lbs. Dr. Treen in Louisiana, has told me I can have it repositioned, removed, or changed to sleevectomy. Well before this I heard nothing of sleevectomy. I don't know what way to go, and I am scared because it is PERMANANT. Also the complications don't sound so nice either. If anyone out there would like to comment on anything I would greatly appreiciate it. Thanks so much. Have a HEALTHY and HAPPY weekend.

I have never heard of surgery so late in the day. I am worried I will be so nervous sitting around waiting for it instead of rolling out of bed early to get to the hospital. My other concerns are that I since I wont be out of recovery till at least 7 that the night could be a rough one since my husband works the next day and I will be there by myself all night at the hospital. Any one else scheduled this late? Any ideas how to calmly pass the day. What were the hours following surgery like for you all of you?

So here is my question…I have been reading everything I can on this site. I have noticed that most people lose somewhere around 10 pounds a month after surgery. Then there are those who are 4-5 months out that have only lost 25 pounds or so…How do I make sure I am one of those who lose 10 pounds a month? I want to be successful at this…Those of you who have done well what do you think makes the difference? Those of you that have NOT been successful what is holding you back? Your honesty is appreciated! Thank you for being willing to help those of us on the other side of this journey, prepare.

Hello, I'm 30 years old and reside in texas. Im a military spouse looking for a sleeve mentor. I will have surgery Dec. 1, 2010. Looking for someone to help cheer me along this process and share information ( the good and bad). Someone not afraid to be honest with me. I'm available by text, email, skype, and phone. Please hit me up if you're interested. I look forward to hearing from someone soon. Thanks

Last nite about 10 pm, out of the blue, i started to sweat, felt clammy, dizzy, nausea, then my hands and arms went numb and i thought i was going to pass out. I had more nutrition yesterday than i have since surgery. I had a protien shake with a 1/2 banana and tablespoon of PB, and a can of tomatoes soup with a can of skim milk and my clear fluids also increased. i felt really good all day and then last night when i was getting ready for bed this happened. the shake and soup were earlier in the day, noon, 3pm and 5pm. I felt more normal than i have since surgery, I have no idea what happened, it lasted for about an hour, but then i haven't felt right since then and i lo…

So I haven't been as active on here as I was a few months back because I was getting used to the idea that I may not be able to have surgery for about 6 more months. Originally I though I would be able to have surgery some time in September of this year but There was no way we could come up with the money and save/plan this wedding at the same time. So September passes and here I am... As you all know with the Sleeve time is crucial and with our wedding date set for 11/12/11 I was mentally preparing for still having to feel HUGE on my wedding day...Well NOT ANY MOREEEE! Last night my Fiancee' came home and said that he had sat down with some of his family (who I am very…

My first seminar is tonight....I've made plans to attend a couple in the past, but ended up not going (just wasn't ready). But tonight, DH & I are having a "seminar date"! I have a friend that's watching my kiddos and I'm EXCITED!! Nervous but way more excited!! I can't wait to get this ball rolling!! Just had to share!

Just wanted to say hi from the high arctic. Only now realized there was a GLBT forum not a lot of posts though. I tried private chatting with a couple of women on here but I think they thought I was hitting on them. I can see their point, so I decided to out myself and let you know I am not a creepy fat dude looking for dates. :svengo: I am hoping to have my surgery at the end of June or early July in TJ. If there is anyone out there that has gone to TJ and wants to talk or can settle my nerves please let me know. I am considering Alamanza, Osuna or Ortega. (Yes I have read and reread the posts on Alamanza). Also if anyone is looking for a surgery buddy my sched…

We successfully made our move from Texas to Washington State. So far even with the cold, overcast and often raining weather we are in awe with the beautiful picture worthy views we see daily. I tell my family in TX it's like Hawaii only cold! As far as my surgery update. I am doing very well. I have to say the surgery and lack of control was the hardest thing I have been through in my life and it goes back to my abusive childhood. If asked today would I do it again, I am honestly leaning more toward yes as I know the issues I had were unique to me and not the surgery itself if that make sense. I am hovering at 200lbs. I have yet to "cross over into onederland", I've go…

I just went for EKG test yesterday as well as blood and Upper GI, today I get a call from the doctors office that my EKG is not normal. It has a minimal voltage notation on it. So now I have to go to my GP for clearance tomorrow as I scheduled for a week from today. I tried googling it and the only I can see is it might be related to my blood pressure. It was high for some reason yesterday even on my meds. But I was super stressing while I was, not to mention they could not get my ekg to work for like 30 minutes and had to take me to yet another machine. So now I am stressing more thinking about going to yet ANOTHER doctor and the small possibility something is wro…

I am just 3 weeks out from surgery. Unfortunately, I had to have a root canal last week. So in addition to the regular medications I take, there are 2x multi Vitamins, 6 Calcium, a B1, and now 3 GIANT antibiotics and some pain pills. What the heck???? I cut the vitamins in half and any other pills that loom large. They sit at the top of my stomach like lead. Ok .... I'm better now. That was just a vent. Any advice???

Oh my goodnessssssss this is moving fast now... I posted earlier about my random thoughts that were keeping me up last night with the post of "Reality is slapping me pretty hard this morning." I talked to my Fiancee and he can get the 26th-1st off of work.... And Now I just got off the phone with Nina and the date is set!!!! November 27th! I know I just need to take some deep breaths but IDK what to do after that... This has been such a pipe dream for over a year and all of a sudden ITS HAPPENING!!!! Has any one else had the process move so quickly once they money for self pay was available?! How did you get everything ready in such a short period of time? HEL…

Well today is Veteran's day so I am off from work and I happen to be watching The Price is Right. Umm.... where was Drew Carey? No wait that is Drew Carey. Man he lost a bunch of weight. Did he have WLS and if he did which one? Does anyone know? Deb;)

So here I am on Day 7 of my 15 day liquid Pre op and tonight is by far the hardest one as far as wanting to eat. ( I cheated twice and had a salad with diet dressing) so I am digging in the freezer for some frozen fruit a few minutes ago to put in my protein shake and out of the back flies a mini baby Ruth bar, I was shocked, I think I had a look of horror on my face. I was like ahh why?????? So after standing there for a minutes with a brief moment of temptation I took it out and shoved it far down in the garbage.

Three times in the last 2 months, I've ended up with HORRIBLY PAINFUL stomach pains that last for hours - that I'm almost 100% sure are the result of trapped air. The other two times, I drank and ate too close together. Last night, I think it was because I had a chug of juice and then a slice of apple about 5 minutes later. I was on the ground with horrific pains all night. I tried all the usual gas remedies - and I could feel air in my gut area that was incredibly tender to push on - but nothing worked to relieve it. Walking made me burp a lot so I'm pretty sure it was trapped air. I tried gas-x but it did nothing. I think it was NOT the result of poor digestion - but l…

I have a really big decesion to make I guess. I probably can have surgery before Christmas if I want. I just don't know if I want to..I talked with my docs nurse and she tells me that if you are ready it doesn't matter what time the surgery you will go in full steam. I really really want to have surgery as soon as possible. I just don't know if I can do this so close to Christmas. They said my projected surgery date would be some time in middle of December. I know this is a really big step in the unknown for me so I toss and turn at night trying to make the right decision. I feel like a new year would be a new beginning. I may be forced to have it before the end o…

Maybe someone can help me with this. Becasue of my profession, I am pretty well know where I live. I am not trying to sound concieted or cockey or anything like that, but a whole lot of people know who I am and have for several years. It is obvious that I am bigger that the obvious person. :frown1: When I start losing weight, I will be doing so in the public eye where tens of thousands of people will see me every week. I was thinking of having my journey documented and then shown a few weeks after surgery before the questions start coming about what I am doing. Now what if I go that route and the weight loss does not happen as it should? In your opinion would that be…

Hi everyone... Just joined,,,been on the OH site for a while. Had my first "Seminar" saturday...ready to get this show on the road. Been living my life this way to long and want to get on with the rest of it...but in smaller clothes. I live in the "Lou", thats St Louis for all you foreigners..hoping to have Dr.Wagner do my surgery late this year first part of next year. Right now working with my emplorer to see about coverage for the sleeve. Have BCBS of Mo and have heard of the horror stories related to getting them to say "YES". Have a great day G.

http://www.cnn.com/2010/HEALTH/11/08/twinkie.diet.professor/index.html?eref=mrss_igoogle_cnn So a professor in an attempt to prove it is all calories in and calories out has gone on a Twinkie Diet. He has lost weight and his Cholesterol has improved. Is it really that easy though? I can't imagine doing this for two months! I would have "fillings" nightmares I'm pretty sure! Gross.

With being at goal now ... I am concerned about the holidays. So ... thought I would start a post to see what others are planning to do the next few months with the holidays, people getting together, and all the food that seems to be EVERYWHERE. Here's what I am thinking for me: I've met my stated goal of 135, but think I can still go a bit lower. I will not go below 125 though - that seems too low for being 5'6" (and the fact that I promised my husband not to go any lower than that ). My plan is to continue eating like I have been (meaning 90% following plan and 10% allowing some "treats") through New Years. If I find that I'm losing too much, I'll move to mai…

So I recently got dibs on a couple of free Velashape treatments with the help of a friend. She's really into cosmetic surgery and related stuff and she suggested it to me, so I figured, why not try it if it's free and FDA-approved. It's currently approved for "circumferential reduction of the thighs," which is exactly the area I need most help in. Their site says 85% of people had a reduction of half an inch or more (not much, but better than zero, right?). I looked it up on some medical databases and the average reduction in circumference was around 6-7% after 1 session. My thighs are 25", so it'd mean losing about 1.5", which would basically equal to losing a clothing s…

Anyone have a mom like mine in that she comes to visit us and cooks for us and if we don't eat...and eat second she acts offended and says she won't cook again(I know LOL). She will be here next year after I have had my procedure which she is not aware of so girls how do I get out of that situation when it arises...should I put the food in a plastic bag under the table? Or serve a huge plate and eat like a turtle then suddenly say I am full after so many bites? Someone in here has had to deal with this maybe even in social situation with friends who did not know about the procedure. How about the vitamins do you guys keep it a plain view? Kitchen? Bathroom? Shine t…

New to the board and find the information very helpful. I had my VG lapband removed (after 2 years) on October 19, 2010. Had major slippage with 40% of stomach going through-band. The band had only a small fill may have had something to do with it? No erosion or complications during removal. (Glad it is out - knew it was not the long term answer). I did well with the band losing most all desired weight but feel as though I need to move forward with VSG too not allow any weight gain. I want to get VSG but have been told to wait 6 weeks - 3 months. What have you been told or what is most common in this scenario? In advance thank you for the input. I am also considering Dr. …

I am so happy that I got the sleeve -- it wasn't a perfect landing (1st 2 weeks were tough), but now that I'm outside of that and trying to get my emotions in order as well as follow the physical requirements of being sleeved, I can't help but be sooo thankful for so many things. And I'd love to hear what you're thankful for as well as we go along this journey together. My list (surely, not complete, but it's a start): 1) I am soooo thankful for this forum. I'm thankful for the advise, the wisdom, the comfort -- I don't always write back to the person who's given me the advise when I come across it, but you all should know how very thankful I am that I have you in my…

Deleted....posted twice...Sorry!!

Hi, I'm new here. I currently weigh in at 330lbs! :-( I had a lap band placed in January of 2006 and for the first year I did great. In 2007, I had some family and emotional issues that knocked me off balance which led to a slow in weight loss and I was struggling with the band to find that "sweet spot" where I would have good restriction but would still be able to eat my proteins without the food getting stuck. I think the band and I failed each other because I got so paranoid that I was going to keep throwing up after eating that I had the band unfilled eventually. Now, four years later I've learned new skills to cope and learned what works and what doesn't. I am…

How have folks handled needing new clothes as the weight goes away? I have lost 40 pound pre op and had to get a pair of jean that would not fall down, but i am thinking that this could get expensive as the weight comes off. I hate to spend a lot on things I will not wear for more than a couple of months. Some folks suggested Goodwill, but the thought of wearing a strangers things kinda bugs me. What did you all do??? Believe me when I reach goal, I will splurge on a new wardrobe! (FYI) I wear uniforms at work so work clothes are not an issue.

HI there, I got my lapband 1/07. I was over 250 lbs, and really liked it for the first year. Then the trouble started--throwing up all the time, hungry all the time--it was horrible. My weight did drop to 185, but that was when I couldn't keep ANYTHING down. I had the band loosened and my weight shot right back up. And I'm still dealing with hunger and vomiting and stuck food issues. So, now it's been almost 3 years, and I'm done with the band. Done. I found out that the doc who did my lap band now does gastric sleeves, and even better, it is an approved procedure now with my insurance. So, I'm going to start talking about a revision. My one concern is quali…

Drive? Sleep on your stomach? swim? walk a mile or more? stand on your feet for more than a hour at a time?

Hi! I am in need of a buddy! Up until yesterday, I thought I was going to go through LapBand.... however, I am thinking I'd rather have the sleeve done instead. I am in the final stages of everything that needs to be done before submitting to insurance for pre-approval. And, looking towards a December surgery. I'd love to have someone to talk about this! I know NO ONE who has been sleeved. But, a few people who are Bandsters (including my mom!) I'd be open to emailing, FB, IM and texting! I'm pretty open to talking to just about anyone! But, I would like at least ONE buddy who is around my age, 23!! thanks for readin…

I AM GOING FOR MY SLEEVE PROCEDURE IN JANUARY 2011, AND IT WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE A BUDDY TO BE IN CLOSE CONTACT THROUGHOUT! ANYONE INTERESTED?

Ok so yesterday I had my upper GI done and the radiologist was extremely distressed by the position of the band, the severe reflux, the dialation of the pouch and esophagus, and the fact that barely a drop a barium went through. Fast forward to this morning and after ignoring the radiologist's request that I immediately go upstairs to have my fill completely removed, I did just that. They quickly removed all of my fill. Then stated that I have a dialated pouch and stretched out my esophagus. My band may also be slipped, but not officially stated yet as such, but with all of the symptoms, it fits that diagnosis. They stated that more and more of us are having trouble as th…

Hello, I don't even know if anybody even comes to this forum anymore. Seems like most of the forums further down the VST page get ignored. I had surgery July 14th and in the first 2 weeks, while still on liquids, I lost 20 pounds. In 2 days I will be 30 days out from surgery and I just weighed myself and I have not lost since those 20 pounds. Only 20 pounds in the first month? Coming from my high number - 294 pre-op - this is depressing. Every day of the first few months post-op are precious, I can't afford to lose ground. I come up short on liquids every day, usually about 10 ounces shy of goal. I am usually about 100 calories under daily goal of 600. I usually …

Hi - I am in the process of a revision from band to sleeve. It would seem that my body does not want to accept the band, but I am hopeful about the sleeve since it does not require any "foreign" parts to be added. I was wondering if anyone in this forum - or any other forum - has had problems with the band that seem to be associated with an autoimmune disease. I have Lupus / Lupus Nephritis, which is typically a dis qualifier for wls but I was lucky enough to find a surgeon willing to take a chance. My body began to reject the band approximately 3 - 4 months after the surgery. I vomit after eating anything with density...and the problem is becoming worse. I a…

Hi, I was sleeved the end of July and have lost about 30 pounds. I look good (or so I am told) and feel good.... UNTIL I eat-- then I am sick as a dog. I get a burning in my stomach that tends to last a few hours. Since this discomfort began about 2 months post op, and occurs after most meals, I discussed the possibility of an ulcer with my surgeon. He quickly dismissed the idea and told me that it is due to too many textures that I am eating. WHAT???? I followed his post-op diet to the letter and i find his latest diagnosis hard to swallow. Anyone have the same problem?????????????

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Susan, if this is inappropriate, please remove. But I do have a question that I am sure others may have experienced and/or dealt with. Without trying to sound like some horny toad guy that is having an ungodly amount of testosterone or Viagra running through his system, has anyone else noticed an increased libido with the loss of weight and a thinning of the body? I swear to goodness, I feel more like I did as teen the more weight I lose. I mean, things seem to work better and there is so much less getting in the way. I know that I felt so unsexy and unworthy of physical encounters, but as I lose weight it feels like I have a lot of lost time to make up and stuf…

I am so excited about Halloween this year. I have not dressed up or attended a costume party since I was 20 years old. I have not been able to buy a costume because of my size, which none of the costume stores carried. However, thanks to my sleeve, I am down from a 34 to a size 10 and was able to go to our local Halloween store and buy a costume off the rack, in a medium! I was so excited. And last night, I went to my first Halloween party in 24 years. I had a blast and it was so much fun to participate in the costume contests, etc. I love my sleeve and consider this a major NSV. I am living and enjoying life again. And for those of you just starting this wonder…

Evening all, I had my appt. with my Surgeon today and he felt strongly that I should consider the bypass over the sleeve. Here are my stats: Current and high weight: 340lbs Height 5'9 BMI 49 34 years old PCOS The visit was good over all and while the doctor felt I was an excellent candidate for the WLS he was recommending that I opt for the bypass. He felt that the data out there today indicates that the bypass is more successful than the sleeve for patients with BMI over 45 (mean higher percentage of excess weight loss at 5 years.) So I've been doing some searching and most of what I'm seeing data wise for percentage of excess weight loss is about 55-65%…

I had a band for about a year and then developed complications (tubing was burrowing its way into my small intestine) and had to be removed. It's been over a year now and I'm really thinking about the sleeve. I had the band placed and removed in Tijuana, and am not sure I can afford to pay for another procedure. Has anyone out there experienced something similar??I wouldn't mind someone to walk me through the sleeve experience.

Hi Everyone, I was wondering under what conditions would the VSG be necessary over a gastric band or bypass? I understand that a lot of you on this forum are previous banders who have had issues with your bands that made it necessary for a VSG. -nilla

My daughter and I are having VSG on November 12th. I originally told my boss that I would be back on November 29th, which would give me 2 weeks to recuperate. Now I'm wondering if I was being a bit hasty. I am 55 years old, have diabetes, high blood pressure and MS. The diabetes and MS already make me tired and I've been getting the idea from people that this surgery takes a lot of your energy out of you. Do you think I should plan on taking some extra time off to get on my feet? I have the time (and short-term disability), so that isn't a problem. But, I am sure my boss would be happier if I came back to work. Oh, and BTW, I have an office position - sit at a d…

Hi, my name is Gloria and I live in Augusta, Georgia. I had my sleeve surgery 5 April 2010 and am looking for anyone in the Augusta Georgia area who has had the same surgery to talk with concerning the surgery. Please contact me vial my email...Hoping to hear from someone soon!!!!! Thanks!!!!!

http://www.boston.com/sports/blogs/thebuzz/2010/11/nate_newtons_sh.html?fb_ref=blogent&fb_source=profile_oneline Awesome!

Why do some people have to be so mean? My Mother in law has a problem with over weight people has for as long as I can remember and likes to talk about them. She doesn't do it in front of me anymore but she always makes comments to my husband and her other son. She knows this affects her boys...the one started talking crap about how much his wife eats...my husband FINALLY said, Mom it's his LIFE not yours so don't worry about it! I just don't understand WHY she thinks it's her JOB to tell her boys how FAT someone is getting! It makes me SO MAD!! By the way my husband is COMING AROUND and TRYING to be supportive about my up coming SLEEVE! I can talk to him about it …

Hello, today I spent six hours and four minutes trying to get tickets to see Robbie Williams reunited with Take That in Cardiff; fortunately, I can now announce that I was successful and I am the proud owner of four tickets for the 15th June 2011! Now, you might be wondering what the hell this has to do with my sleeve... well the 15th June is around two weeks before my first year anniversary - I was sleeved in the 3rd - and so while I was sat here waiting and waiting, trying and trying to get tickets it dawned on me that I might be goal, or near goal for the concert!! How cool would that be... to be a healthy bmi, to wear what I want to and to see my pop hero!!! I s…

I SWALLOWED MY GUM - WHAT AM I GOING TO DO?! What if it gets stuck in my stomach?! Help help!

Candy goes down way too easy. I have been eating so much junk for the last 3 days. Sleeve family please help. I am eating Reese's like they are going out of business (just a note - I love them so much. In fact, my husband proposed many years ago with an insant winner coupon in a Reese Bar). I am also downing Twizzlers and at this moment, drinking a glass of wine. This is my public CONFESSION!!! Please Sleeve Family ... give it to me. Don't be easy on me. I need your "wrath" to help keep me accountable and get me back on track.