Happy Camper

Thank you all very much for the well wishes, prayers and hugs. I just never thought it would be me with a complication. The abscess was large and trust me I am a germ fob, I take Lysol when we travel for the hotel room etc. It must have been brewing during the surgery. The other thing is when they did the CT scan they also found a node in my breast that needs to be checked so, we will see what plan GOD has for me. Just hoping folks listen to their bodies and do not justify away symptoms like I did. Take care.

Sorry it was supposed to say do NOT ignore your body....touch pads

i had my surgery on November 1. I was so happy and excited to get through recovery and begin to walk, eat healthy and get back to work. I just knew all would be fine.....until I had my drain removed from my belly on day 9. We live 3.5 hours from the doctor so it is a huge undertaking plus it is starting to snow in our part of the us (near Reno Nevada ). We went it and my stomach had some pain and I thought it was because of the drain. That was November 11. We stayed the night and did some Christmas shopping, a lot of walking and the next day I felt super tired and my tummy hurt more. I thought it was because I was in and out of the car, more walking than in the prior two weeks and I over did it. The site where the drain was happened to be leaking so we went and got a large band aid for it. That night it really became irritated so we went home and I left it open, but the next day I had a low grade fever. Thinking it was night and trying to catch up with everything we let it be until Tuesday my first day back at work. I sat up all day in a chair behind a computer and on the phone. My stomach got super hot to the touch and hard. It was not right. I called the surgeon's office and after 3 more calls their advise was to get to the EMERGENCY ROOM right away. So we immediately left and arrived Tuesday at 7:30 in the ER. It took another 5 hours before they could do my CT scan because it was a trauma hospital and that night there had been 4 trauma flights come in. Each time I was pushed back which if it were me I would hope I got pushed to the front too, so no worries there I was in pain and just wanted to find out what was going on. I was in the ER until 5:30am when they finally had a bed for me and the doctor told me I had a deep infection at the port site. It went all the way down to my stomach and an abscess had formed. More than likely I would have to undergo another surgery . At 7:45 yesterday morning the surgeon came in and pushed on my tummy and said he wanted one final upper GI and then I would have surgery. The doctor has written books on obesity and I really trusted his knowledge . He did not see a leak it looked like the infection stayed in the partineum (sp?) cavity. He left the opening in my stomach open it is not sutured closed but is packed with growth materials the heal and stimulate tissue growth. The healing must come from the inside therefore they can't close it. I go back on the 28th until then no changing the dressing at all - EEKKK Anyway I am now back to taking loratab and suspension antibiotics plus all the Vitamins, proposed, potassium seems my goal was to reduce medication, this is more than I ever took before. I know it will be short lived but.... The CT scan also picked up something in my breast and I just had a mammogram so now need to follow up with that as well. I really did think I was healthy, just ran into a bit of bad luck. It will get better I am sure. Please fellow sleevers, listen to your body and don't make excuses if things are not right for you! Sandy

While I realize we will not be eating the same this Thanksgiving, I was wondering what the group has in mind. Good to hear from our experts to share with all of us newly sleeved what to hey do, have done or plan to do this Thanksgiving. food ideas very much appreciated. I know for me, my son loves Turkey. My husband it is ham so i am looking to cook both but much smaller quantities. We already have a plan to go for a long walk near a local waterway following lunch. In the past, we would watch movies. Not this year! Smiles.

Thank you all, I have used some pillows but the body pillow sounds great Lisa. I just got my drain removed and with the pain on my sides figured it might be another week or two before I could go bak to sleeping on my side and I just do not want to damage anything internally by putting pressure while still swollen. Have a great day

Hello all, Just quick question. I am 13 days post op and still it hurts to try to sleep on my side. How long before you tried to sleep on your side? Thanks

Hi Michelle, My surgeon did the surgery laproscopically (sorry for the spelling). I had 5 incisions with one just above my belly button that had a JD drain inserted for 10 days. So I really think so much depends on the doctor. He also used the "black" staples for the first time on me and removed my "excess stomach" from the right side - not sure why, and had to put an extra stitch in my muscles which seem to be causing a little more discomfort. Hang in there and good luck wish you well. Ask questions of your surgeon Sandy

Try chef Dave Fouts out at chef Dave .org (sorry can't yet figure out how to paste the link on my iPad). He is a Chef who has bariatric surgery and gets the stages. My doctors office stocks his cook books but for like $25 for a year you can get a lot from his site. It is an option. I am going to be cooking a few of the recipes and will post. I am 11 days post op now and have stuck with natural applesauce to get the medicine down with, split pea soup and creamy type Soups. Just had my first scrambled egg yesterday be careful they can get rubbery given it takes us so long to eat but it was good. Also fat free re fried Beans blended in my bullet were the best. I had 3 tbs and was full. Good luck! Sandy

The terms for hardship withdrawal from the IRS stipulate you can take this withdrawal to "pay for medical bills not reimbursed by insurance or otherwise". So technically they do need to confirm your insurance has not paid. Does your plan allow for loans? Sometimes you have to exhaust all means prior to taking a loan. At age 59 1/2 you are eligible for withdrawal. Be prepared the fees/taxes when it is done is generally well over 50 percent. Good luck!

Tiffykins, Congratulations on the birth of Tatum, I can't believe the pictures she is smiling simply amazing this gift. Special appreciation for all of the time you have spent posting to help folks through the VSG maze. Hopefully you will continue to keep us updated but more importantly is that you take time for yourself and your family. Thanks for sending me the early happy birthday message. Take care, Sandy

Oil sooner great topic. I was just sleeved on Nov 1. For me I wish I had known or thought to ask specifically about the surgery more. I saw my surgeon once prior to surgery day. During the pre-op meeting I had a list of 9 questions and he had a cold and could barely talk. He told me that if he felt he could not perform the procedure he would not. So with cold and flu upon us make sure your doctor is well or you know their contingency plan The ONE question that I did not think to ask was, once the large lobe of stomach is removed how does that impact the other organs that are in place? I did not think about the stomach relevant to the spleen which is now more exposed. I am not an extreme sports person but it is just something I wish I had time to consider (not that it would have made me change my mind).

HI Doreykin, Today I came home from my surgery. I understand where you are with this all being new. I had never posted about myself and have learned to gain support from folks on this site. Tiffikins and LilMissDiva share a lot as do several others. I really appreciated the research from Tiffikins and that helped me on my journey. You will find real experience is the best help. Keep reading and going to the different sections like yea cats suggests. Hang in there and best wishes. Sandy

Hi Sandy and all, I had my procedure Tuesday and all went well. I was released on my birthday 2 days post surgery. We just got home after driving for almost 4 hours. Sandy good to hear you are feeling well. I think you have much more energy than I do. I have been walking twice a day for about 30 minutes. I have a JD drain and apparently my surgeon decided to use the new black staple gun on me ( not sure why) and removed my excess from my right side needing to stitch the stomach muscle so I am very sore there but feel good otherwise. I am looking forward to the upcoming weeks and seeing the weight loss. Stay strong all! Sandy

Hi Sandy, So cool to see another Sandy and for November 1 surgery day. Well, how are you doing? I am now aobut 30 lbs down, been on full Protein shakes for over 2 weeks, with 1-2 c veggies a day. I am starting to feel my heart pound a bit, yesterday was my last day at work and it was sweet sorrow saying "see you", but I am looking forward to post surgery life. YES LIFE. I hope for you and the others preparing for surgery here as well. Let's keep chatting after Tuesday, okay? I live over 3 hours from the hospital so I will be staying in the area with my husband for a week - not sure I will have access to wi-fi, but God willing, I am well and will get on the computer to say hi after and look forward to hearing from you! Take care-

Hi Scott, I am 8 days away from my surgery in Reno, NV. I live in Northern California but have to travel to Reno for care over 3 hours one way). I am going to Western Bariatric Surgical Center and Dr. Mark Kozar is my Surgeon. I am very excited. I hope you are approved, this seems like the best solution for many. My daughter has the Lap-Band and that was not the solution for me. I started this journey thinking RNY but, my doctor discussed VSG and after several months searching and really reading a lot from actual people on this site - it helped me make a final decision. There does not seem to be many folks responding to a Nevada calling but, I know there are many who have had this surgery. Fingers are crossed for your approval! I wish you all the best.

I will have my surgery in 9 days. As I review all my last minute questions, one came up about the staples and the closure. I will ask my doctor but do not see him for another 8 days. Once the large lobe of the stomach is removed, sealed with the staple line - does that line develop scaring over it and or is there a chance the staples can impact other organs (sharp)? I have been on liquid diet for 8 days with the purpose of shrinking my liver, making it easier for the doctor and to avoid cracks or injury during the procedure. So, once the staples are there, can they impact the liver? I know Tiffikins is close to delivery (congratulations to her and her family by the way) and has shared much with all of us. I don't recall anyone else sharing during pregnancy; just curious if anyone has seen their stomach after a couple months/years to know if you can see the staples any longer? Thanks All - it still is all so very exciting. Sandy

Hi Mimi, I went for my pre-op EKG, Labs,Chest X-Ray on Tuesday. This is all becoming so real. Nice to see someone else with the same date as I have. I so believe in this surgery, I am sure you will be successful and we will keep it off for the balance of our lives. No more up and down - no more diet, hunger - stop diet on and on. I will keep you in my prayers as well. Thank you and good luck - take care of yourself. Sandy

Hi Everyone, This is my first post here and I am very excited and hoping to share with folks that may be having surgery on or close to the same day. My surgery is November 1, with Dr. Kozar in Reno, NV. My birthday is November 3 and I will be 46 years old. I am a mother to two wonderful kids and have a super husband who is very supportive. I start on Sunday my 2 week liquid diet. Not so much looking forward to this, it has been a long journey already dieting and have been on WW meals and Protein drinks for two weeks, I feel hungry. I long to have a full meal - this concerns me because I am hoping I will not feel this way after the surgery. I have been heavy way too long and the weight is taking its toll At 5' 11" - I started this at 303 and now am at 284. Hopefully another 5-10 lbs before sugery in just over 2 weeks. I pray all will be fine with the surgery but, my ah ha moment came when someone said to me "how many obese eldery people do you see, let alone morbidly obese?" I need to be around to be with my husband and my children. I wish only the best for everyone one this site. I have found much comfort from reading other experiences and gaining strength. If I can provide that for anyone else - that is a pay forward. Smile always - s

Congratulations Butterful and all - it is so wonderful to hear the excitment in so many people making that step to get thier lives back in one form or another. Yesterday I was scheduled. Wow what an emotional experience. I had been waiting and then when I saw the Western Bariatric Center from Reno, NV come up on the phone my heart started to race. When I heard the scheduler say, "ok, what day works for you?", I got emotional. She said it happens a lot and by the end of the call she said she speaks to many and she knows the people who will be successful. When I told her I review posts on the VerticalSleeveTalk almost daily to learn from others, she said she knows I WILL BE SUCCESSFUL! November 1 will make me a Sleever in November, Soul and Lisa here we go. I am so excited!!

Congratulations Lisa!! I too was approved yesterday and have only told my hubby. Exciting and scary a bit- just for the unknown. I am marching forward on my pre-op diet, today starts 2 Protein shakes and 1 Lean Cuisine or WW meal a day. Next week I move to all Protein shakes until my surgery date (which I do not have yet would like the first week November). Are you on pre-op diet? If yes, how is it going? Smiles

Thanks Nancy. Good Point. Although the jewlery has been quality as well, I am certain it has hd some level of hard metal that could react with acid or somehting topically on the skin. As I vet through this process in making my decision, I just want to ask all questions that come to mind so I can be certain this is the path for me. Good luck - wow, it looks like you are doing really well on your weight loss. Keep it up! Take care, Sandy

I was curious if anyone has had or heard of having a reaction to the staples used? I have not spoken with my doctor about it yet - and maybe it is not an issue, or even possible but I am sensitive to metal and break out in rash most often (earings have always been an issue, rings etc), So, I am trying to determine if I could have a reaction to the staples? I need my Nut/Phys eval and I will have finished my requirements. Doctor will submit for approval as soon as I have finished with these last appointments and I am not sure yet how far off surgery would be. Thank you if anyone has any information, I would appreciate it. Sandy

Thank you MNBSleeve! I look forward to connecting as well - I too am very interested in learning to eat healthy. I grew up in a family that was on and off state aid, did not eat healthy at all (grilled cheese because of free butter and cheese). As I became an adult, eating out became a way for my family as I worked a lot. So - I have a lot to "re-learn" about nutrition. Plus, I can eat a lot. I am so glad to hear you are happy with your sleeve. 8 weeks out, energy and happy with your decision is so wonderful. I have been watching the boards - I definately see more happy people then folks with complications which is a good thing. I am very nervous about this since there is not much data on long term complications. I KNOW I will keep the weight off - I just do not want to have long term issues in the future - medically. I hope you continue to do and feel well

Hi Nor-Cal group.Lil Mis Deva, thanks for putting this together. I have been waiting to see if I was "accepted", and just today saw I was a member. I am not too familiar with posting, I do not blog or tweet or have a facebook. Guess just old fashioned or maybe because of all the negative press about social media, still just a little shy. I do want to share my story and I look to you all who have experience and can share with me as I begin my jouney to weight loss and beyond. I am a 45 year old mom of two with a loving and supportive husband. I live near the Oregon border now in a very small town about 3 hours from Redding,CA - I have an ex that I want nothing to do with so I do need to keep things generic there. For me to meet in Sacramento or Vacaville it would not be possible. I do look forward to talking with you all via this forum however. History: My daughter, now 24 had lap band surgery Feb 2010. She had very high blood pressure and they could not regulate it - so she researched and went with the band and had her surgery at UCSF. To date she has lost more than 75 lbs and is off all high blood pressure medicine. Every day I would call and ask what she was eating, how she was exercising etc. I thought for a while that would be my route - so I stayed on the lapband talk forum. I reached out every now and again to vertical sleeve and different bariatric sites looking at RNY. I went to my PCP who now has put me on high blood pressure medicine and supports bariatric surgery. She reccomended the Western Bariatric Center in Reno, NV and since that was a few hours away, I thought I would check it out. I have Anthem of CA insurance and they require you go for Bariatric to certain centers of excellence (not sure if any of you have this insurance and can share), so I began looking into if Anthem would cover me to go out of state. I really needed to get going on this procedure I am 5'11 and weigh 305 lbs. My legs, feet and back can't take the weight any longer. You all know the plantar flaciatius(sorry spelling), knee issues - was in hospital because my low back went out in January and I could not walk but only crawl to wake up my son for school. It was horrible. I am just done at this point. So sorry for digressing, but I get in contact with Western Bariatric Center and attend their seminar. I am now thinking RNY based on Dr. Ganser's class. UNTIL - I go for a consult with Dr. Mark Kozar. He spends 10 minutes with me discussing my life, eating habits etc and suggests vertical sleeve. As I started to research (and complete my tests), it is looking like this is a WONDERFUL option to RNY. The large row of staples scares me a little but.... I have my Phyc and Nut evals to complete and that is all (plus loose 15 lbs and go on 2 week liquid diet) before surgery - oh and nothing from the insurance company until Western Bariatric submits for surgery once my check list is complete - so it could all be for not at this point. This is where I am now. I want to learn from those of you who have been through this; the good the bad and the ugly. What reseach did you do? What helped you to make the final decision to go with VS? I REALLY like the idea of nothing inside of me and not rerouting my intestines. I work a lot, when my hubby and I got together 17 years ago it was a ready made family; I have had many ups and downs in my life as I am sure many of you have had as well; but I need to take care of me now. I hope you all have a wonderful weekend,and look forward to building on this support group. Take care, S PS - please feel free to let me know if there is something I need to do to make sure I am "posting" correctly.

Melody, As the tears fall, thank you. I have answered my own question just needed to hear it from ...yes a complete stranger (wow, I have never blogged, do not have facebook etc) you are right....I can't do it without the help. I read this string to my husband, who only supports, does not tell me what to do - reminds me, I am missing a lot of the best years of my life. Congratulations on your weight loss - as I see the numbers, I am encouraged by all of your success. Tomorrow - I will send in the letter and application to UCSF as this is where my daughter went and I would be most comfortable. Thank you - appreciate your sharing more than you know. Sandy