Gastric Sleeve Surgery Forums

We all know kids can be funny. Today my four year old dd said something I found funny & thought I would share. It's not hysterical, but I thought my fellow VSG'ers could appreciate it. :wink0: I had already fed my kids & was eating my lunch. My four year old dd came up to me and politely asked, "Mommy is your tummy hurting?" I was a bit confused by her question because I didn't think I was making faces or anything, but her next words cleared it all right up..." I can eat that for you if your tummy is hurting." :redface1: I guess my kids are learning my new way of eating. They are getting used to finishing off my food. Just thought I'd share.

Hi, I'm just wondering..post op what should I plan to take as far as Vitamins go? Should it just be a multi chewable vitamine or?? Thanks for any help you can give.

Just wanted to share. I 'm so happy, I could CRY thats because I have lost a total of 33 lbs. I had a little stall a few weeks ago. My hair is coming out, but I think it's a good thing, it shows that this surgery worked and the weight is coming off. As compared to the lap band. This is so, so, so MUCH better!!! I have not really kicked in a lot of exercise either. I walk about 3 days a week about 30 minutes around the neighborhood. With the lap band I lost 17 lbs then gained it all back plus more. I will keep you all posted. Thanks for reading...... babygirlinokc 5'1" 48 years old VSG Surgery Date: May 20, 2009

An article from the Detroit Free Press spins the sleeve in a very positive way: Surgery offers bigger weight-loss payoff | Detroit Free Press | Freep.com But, we all knew a lot of this, right? Be well all.

Best research document I have found: 1: Systematic review of sleeve gastrectomy as staging and primary bariatric procedure. Brethauer SA, Hammel JP, Schauer PR. Surg Obes Relat Dis. 2009 Jul-Aug;5(4):469-75. Epub 2009 Jun 9. No abstract available. PMID: 19632646 [PubMed - in process] This study was a systematic review of literature looking at statistics on wt loss, complication rates, postop mortality, and comorbidity improvement after the surgery. The research concludes that complication and mortality rates are acceptably low, and this surgery is effective and safe as a first stage or primary procedure. Cajun

Ok my band has been missed several time....the 40pounds I gained after it was gone in 6 months...... course nursing and I always gain weight after the birth! But in getting ready for Adrian and ELiza's big birthday tea party...... I can eat cookie dough and icing way too easily (ironically that never fit though my band nor did I want to eat it!!!!!!!!!!!!! when i was) The fudge cut our flowers were not an issue....fit down easy... but I only wanted one..... but the Cookies and the petite four (which eating cake was always a waste of time before with my band) SEND ME SOME GOOD THOUGHTS!!!!!!!!!!! At least the cut out cookie flower pops were absolutely adorable!:big…

I decided to go to support group tonight. I love my support group but my band dr. does not do sleeves. He does a lot of RNY and bands. Last I heard, he was going to start doing sleeves soon, cause people are requesting them. I sure didn't want to be his first one even though he is a great surgeon. I am going to tell them while I was in Arizona I started having band problems again and just decided I was sick of all the band problems and decided it was time for a revision. Every time I got on an airplane, my band tightened up and I was miserable for several days. I was doing a lot of flying right around that time too. I am sure everyone is going to be shocked. I hav…

We have a pool volleyball game planned for Saturday at my Dad's house. We have a lot of fun with it & it's pretty darn good exercise! Anyway, since my surgery, my bathing suit is very loose around my shoulders. It still fits good everywhere else (thankfully bathing suits stretch & retract easily). I've looked around for a new suit, but none of the stores still have bathing suits. I've decided it isn't worth the money anyway, because next year I plan to need a new one in many sizes smaller! :laugh0: So, my fear is while playing volleyball Saturday, my shoulder straps will fall down & I'll flash everyone with my deflated "balloons"! :eek: I about did it t…

I've been doing a lot of research on VSG and found great news coming out of the Second Internationa Consensus Summit for Sleeve Gastrectomy in March, 2009. "During the consensus part, the audience responded that there was enough evidence published to support the use of VSG as a primary procedure to treat morbid obesity and indicated that it is on par with adjustable gastric banding and Roux- en-Y gastric bypass, with a yes vote at 77%. CONCLUSION: SG for morbid obesity is very promising as a primary operation." *The Second International Consensus Summit for Sleeve Gastrectomy, March 19-21, 2009. (2009) Q-Sensei Another a…

I became a christian at age 8. Southern Baptist Normal or below normal weight all through school. Married the day after 12th grade graduation. Dream was to become a mother. Brought first child home on our first ann. Gained 50 lbs. while pregnant. Lost 30 lbs taking diet pills. Pregnant again. Gained 50 more lbs. Lost and gained weight on several diets. Adopted a child and gained weight. Lost 40 lbs. twice on WW. Gained it all back and more. Became very depressed due to several major things in my life. Developed High Blood Pressure. Migrains, insomia. Thought about taking an over dose on several occations. My faith in God pulled me through. I love to cook …

NO days left to count down ppl!!!! its 6.45 at night and my bag is packed for 5am departure tommorow morning bright and early Wish me luck everyone.... and thankyou all for your support thus far! see you all on the other side. sleevers ahoy!!! :001_tt2:

A recent article in Web MD links long term use of anti-reflux drugs like prilosec and nexium to osteoporosis and bone fractures. (long term=many years)...don't panic!!!:001_cool: Google Acid Reflux Drugs May Up Fractures to find the article. It seems like any medication can lead to problems at times, but when used as needed and as prescribed, they can be a life saver too.

Hello Everybody, I am new here. I got VSG on May 26, 2009 since then I have lost 25 lbs. I am working out 3 times a week with a personal trainer. My question is.. is it ok to lose 1 or 2 pounds a week? For whatever reason I thought I was supposed to lose weight quicker than that... Thanks for your help ! Loli

For some strange reason I have been grazing the past few days. All these people who are having trouble eating, and then there is me, who can eat anything and everything in site. I don't like it! Gonna have to do the 5 day pouch test and get back on track. In fact, maybe I'll just go back on the liquid diet for a good week. I just ordered more Protein drinks. I do so much better when I dont eat food at all!

I got my sleeve in March...I need friends who had the sleeve done..:-) None of my friends or family know about my sleeve...well, only one friend. :-) Wish I could talk to more people about my experiences and I am also a good listener..:-)

Anyone out there getting sleeved in July? I'm on the 10th with Dr. Aceves.

Well, I'm stalling. I guess it's about the right time, though, since I'm now 4 weeks out. I'm just hoping it doesn't last too long. While I prepared myself for it, it is still frustrating...especially since I feel like I'm not really eating! I get to start solids at the end of this week...I'm hoping that doesn't increase the length of my stall. Just venting, I guess. :001_smile:

Hi all My name is Bex and i am from Australia - i have been reading and lurking for a while and finally thought id dive in and introduce myself. I want to say you have all been so helpful and i have learned so much from this site. It seems here in AUstralia most people chose lap-band - my doctor was clear it was up to me and whilst the sleeves have not been done as long, the results seem to actually be better than lap band (eg weight loss etc) I wondered why you guys chose to be sleeved over being banded. For me it seemed clear, i didnt like the idea of a foreign bosy in my stomach, or getting food stuck or going back adn forth to the docs to get filled and unfille…

Hello all! Im seriously considering WLS and waiting for bloodwork to comeback to see if Im a candidate for VSG. I was considering the band but the doc suggested VSG .. Im 27 years old. I've been a chubby kid and a yo yo dieter. Ive lost and regained weight way too many times to list. I currently weigh 211 and want to come down to 110 for my 5'5" frame. Strangely, I actually enjoy working out. Hate the treadmill but love to trek, kickbox, swim, weight train. food is too much of a weakness though. Im a stress eater, depressed eater, happy eater, mindless eater.. you get the picture :001_tongue: Usually I cant stick to a diet for more than a month. I'm very attached t…

I am two hours from when I have to leave for my Pre-Op appointment. I am about to have a panic attack too. I should have brought an Ativan with me to work today. I have been switched around to so many different surgeons (that is what happens in the Navy system when deployments are happening) that I have not even met this Dr. that will do my surgery. I will meet him for the first time today. He has great reviews and is well known and published so I don't have anything to worry about. There has been drama just trying to get a Pre-Op date due to no fault of my own. Too long of a story but it has made me worried about what else could happen. Also I have had to keep weight…

I have just been out to the fridge in our extension for a bottle of water and lurking there on the top shelf was some chocolate. Before I knew it it was in my mouth and having the life sucked out of it. It wasn't my fault. I just don't know how it could have happened. Will I go to Hell for this?

A few little tidbits of observation from my pre-op diet: I never realized there were so many food commercials on TV! I mean, wow. Fast food, restaurants, creamy this, sweet that. I have begun reading more than I have in a long time to avoid commercials. Shopping at the grocery is not as much fun. So many candies, lovely breads, and those evil old lady sample people! "Here, sweetie, you look like you can use a sample of this!" It's like a mine field of potential disasters. Get what I need, keep the head down, and escape. My breath is so bad makes me wonder if my dogs occasionally eating poop has benefits. At least they cannot smell this damn ketosis breath. Was wond…

How's it going down there? Did you have your test to see what's going on with you? Did bearded have his surgery yet? How is he doing? Curious minds want to know!:001_smile:

I've been checking the chat room and there is never anyone in there. We should set up a time to have a chat.

All my incisions are doing great except, of course, the largest one that is just above my belly button. I'm eight weeks out and still have occaisional clear drainage. It's also puckered in like another belly button and looks quite ugly. Dr. Aceves said it's no problem since there is no infection, but I'm concerned it will always look like this. Ohhh the vanity.... Can anyone make me feel better about this?:thumbup:

Well, I've finally made my decission to make the move from the band to the sleeve. I'm having my surgery on Sept 3rd and I'm excited and nervous all at the same time. When I had my band I thought I had researched to the point I just couldn't reasearch any more....ha! Not so much I guess. It seems all I hear about lately are issues with the band. Slips, erosions, infections, the body rejecting the band...big time. I'm afraid it is only a matter of time and I've decided to make the change before anything serious happens to me. I've been at a stand still for 8 months now and although I'm happy that my band got me as far as it did and I have no doubt in my mind with…

I am preparing for July 25th surgery and have a few questions: 1.) How much should I expect to pay for prescriptions in Mexico? 2.) How much do I need to anticipate for food at resort prior to surgery and food for my mom at the hospital? (meal suggestions?) 3.) Did anyone have trouble bringing the prescriptions back across the border? 4.) My flight out is at 12:30 p.m. I know that the instructions say to schedule closer to 1:00. Did anyone have problems making their flights? 5.) Any must haves that I should bring to Mexico? Can you tell I am a teacher and like to cover my bases? Thanks for all your help. Any other information/advice will be greatly appreciate…

Just wanted to let you all know that Want2BMyselfAgain is now TennJenn. :laugh0:

People make an effort to go through different exercises for different reasons, mostly to lose weight and to have a healthier, good-looking body. People exert effort lose weight for an improved health condition and better appearance. While for those who wish to shed off unwanted weight, there are also numerous forms of exercises, workouts and diet programs to choose from. Among others, aerobic exercising weight loss is most preferred. This is because; apart from the high effectiveness rates, aerobic is a natural, healthier choice of activity to discard that flab. With the heavy influx of healthier information, people now understand that losing weight can be achieved t…

Hello Friends, I'm sorry that I haven't checked in with you for a few days. I have been on an emotional rollercoaster. I have had to cancel my sleeve surgery on the 15th. :svengo: My mother is to have by-pass surgery on the 16th. She has numerous health issues and I need to be with her. I'm worried about her. On the other hand I feel guilty because I'm disappointed for having to cancel my surgery. I feel so selfish. I know that I can get it done at a later date. I will have to wait until end of Oct. or Christmas break before I can get time off work. Please tell me to just shut-up and get over it. LOL I only have one Moma and I need to take care of her firs…

:biggrin0: I am at my 5 month mark after my sleeve. Weight loss is great, 2lbs shy of hitting the 100lb. YEAH... Only problem is I m having a lot of hair Loss too. Anybody else? I am trying to get in my Protein daily, I takeall my Vitamins. Will this stop soon. Please help. Thanks, Christina

With the majority of the stomach removed what would happen if years down the road you developed some type of illness that would require operation of a part of the stomach, example being stomach cancer considering one has a strong genetic predisposition. I read many contradicting stats on various forums and WLS websites regarding the amount of caloric intact for men within the first year of the sleeve operation. I have read men claim to be eating 1500 calories 1 year out to maintain their weight and also have read where you will only be able to eat 500 calories a day. Lastly, I worked out a lot in high school and college, many many years ago lol. After reaching g…

Hi guys im 10 days pre op, i had my surgery in Balboa Navy Medical Facility on the 6th of July. I was released on the 8th of July. so far touch wood im drinking ok and eating ok (full fluids ) I can get in about 6 oz of cream soups at a time it takes about 20 -30 mins. but im still struggling to get in 70 grams of protein i guess i could drink protein drinks all day but id be getting in nothing else. other fluids im getting about 60 0z a day, so not dehydration problems.

Check out this procedure. It's investigational so don't bank on getting it just yet. Welcome to Satiety, Inc. I have to admit, it's a bit too much like banding to me and the thought of another stoma, puking, sliming, and foaming would make me stay far away from it but those not afraid of a stoma ... might be kinda cool. Be sure to view the video, it's very interesting.

We went to the post office today and applied for a passport. I was told that we would not get it back in time to leave for Mexico. I told them that we could show our reciept and birth certificate and they all laughed like we were idots. They said the law changed on June 1st and you had to have the the passport in hand. Now I don't know what to do. Change surgery date from the 15th or what. I need to pay for my plane tickets within 2 hours. Has anyone just shown birth certificate and reciept since June 1st. Did you have any trouble? Thanks, Judy

I am still at the research stage and was wondering if the VSG is sometimes called a mini gastric bypass in the US? I have seen references to this but no information which makes me think it may be an alternative name. If anyone can enlighten me, I would really appreciate it.

I am so excited, I just had to share it here with everyone. I work for a non-profit and we have several different volunteer committees that help us with our major event fundraisers. Well, I hadn't seen the chair of our golf committee since March, which was when that event was held. He came by our office today for something and stopped in my office to say hello. He has this huge smile on his face and says "stand up girl." I was a bit confused, but stood up. He said he was amazed at how good I look and couldn't believe how much weight I have lost since he last saw me. He said I really look great. That absolutely made my day. I don't hear it much from the people …

Hi I'm new to the site. I am due to have revision surgery sometime this summer. I don't have a date yet. Like most people, I thought that I knew everything I needed to know about the VSG after conducting some research of my own, but, similarly to the band, am finding that there is a lot I wasn't aware of, i.e. revision surgery being more complex etc. However, the more I read about complications, the more I am going to worry and despite needing to be fully informed and educated, had I knew half of how the band was going to affect me I may possibly not have gone ahead. Saying that, I don't regret having the band at all as I initially lost 105lbs in just under a year which…

Well, DH and I arrived back home Friday night. I have to say, flying is not my cup 'o tea! :laugh0: I get motion sickness easy & we hit some major turbulence from San Diego to Houston & I felt like I was on a roller coaster (which I always throw up on roller coasters :eek:). I had taken a Drammamine prior to leaving the hospital, but I think it had worn off by then...I could have taken another, but dumb me wanted to tough it out! I did take another when we arrived at Houston before our next flight, though. :thumbup: That flight went MUCH better! Anyway, surgery went great. Dr. Aceves and his staff were just as everyone has said. DH and I felt very welcome…

Isn't it great???? No more sliming like a drooling St. Bernard, foaming like a rabid raccoon, or stoma spewing like that girl on the Exorcist with the spinning head... I just thought of something, maybe that girl on the Exorcist wasn't really possessed, she was BANDED! Ahhh, sleeved life is good. ;o) And no banded noobs coming to the sleeve section to tell us all how we didn't chew our Protein shakes well enough. I'm liking this forum!

I'll keep this short because I am having a hard time keeping an internet connecetion. All went well with the surgery...today has been my best day so far. All of the tests looked great, so I'm just waiting for the drain to come out now. I'll update you again later.

So I have a band that worked great for 18 months. Then I stopped losing weight and found out this winter that I had a dilated pouch and probably a small slip. I'm fighting the insurance company who doesn't want to take it out or revise to a VSG. I suspect I'm going to end up being self-pay after months of angst but that's another story. I was in la-la land with the band for the first two years. It was working so I just ignored how unpleasant it was. Sliming and vomiting. Heartburn. The contant feeling of swelling. Even on a fairly good week eating solid foods isn't that pleasant. I can always feel the food sit waiting to make it through the stoma. I'm never sure if it's…

Female Sleevers: Did your breast size decrease by more than one cup size when you lost weight? Male and Female Sleevers: Did your shoe size decrease??

What is a good way to set a goal weight? I don't want to set an unrealistic goal, but I don't want to set my goal weight too high either. Anyone have a good way to set a goal?

Had my tests at the hospital, getting to bed now. Surgery tomorrow. I got weighed in - and MAN! I lost about 75 pounds seven years ago. 50 of those are back on. I had no idea because I don't have a scale and apparently you can gain A LOT of weight and only go up one or two sizes. UGH. If I wasn't getting sleeved tomorrow - and I had stepped on that scale - I would have definitely been incredibly despondent. I went over all the written material given by Dr. Aceves. It's a real hard thing to wrap my head around eating so little, thinking about each meal - I hate anything that feels like a "diet" and I guess I want to just have the surgery do it for me. But it won't. …

Hey all you soon to be sleevers scheduled for July...Anyone scheduled with Dr Aceves around the 10th. I'd love to hear from you and compare notes and share progress!

I am wondering how many people have had their band removed and got the sleeve all in the same operation? I've seen some of the people who went to Mexico have had this all done at once but I am wondering if your stomach needs to heal after band removal before having sleeve done? I would rather have it all done in one procedure, but want to be safe about it. Thanks for your input!! Theresa

Hello, I was just wondering if anyone has had a revision surgery from Band to Sleeve with Dr. Sasse? I think he is a great surgeon but I am awaiting for the office to build a case for me and then if it is approved he wants me to do the Sleeve. Once that is determined I am going to talk to him about how many he has done and what his leak rate is. But for now I am just curious if anyone on here has had an experience with him, I am very anxious and stressed about this surgery. I am wondering if I should just have my band removed and not have a revision. It seems like on this forum the only GOOD doctor is in Mexico and that is just not an option for me financially. Any …

Anyone else get their sleeve in Sept. '08?

Ack! My time is finally here! My DH and I are flying out tomorrow morning for my surgery on Tuesday. It's my first time flying EVER! I don't think I'll sleep much at all tonight...I'm ready to get this over with! My DH is bringing a laptop from his work so I hope I can pop in here to let everyone know how it's going. I still can not believe it's MY turn! :thumbup1: