Day Dreamer

I totally get how people fail the Band, but how do you fail the Sleeve?? Thanks

Thank you all for the wonderful input. One thing I never considered was that a lot of complications were related to people not following the rules. Never crossed my mind or equated. But now that you have pointed it out, it sort of makes sense *nodding head*. I think I have the willpower to stick the rules. I am pretty much a rule follower in life - just never had strict rules about food. Again, thank you for the inspiration because I think you all opened my eyes. Complications? Yeah I know they are out there and anything could happen, but why increase the chance of complications by not following the rules!!! Very good info indeed. + rep for you all!

At my seminar, it was suggested that you do 10-14 day clear liquids - as that is how the Dr limits his leak #'s. If I can manage the full 14 days of clear liquids, I am all for it if it limits my chance of leaks.

Congrats on your loss!!! I am sure you will find good homes for your clothes!

Hey Kara, I am following you on YouTube. Just watch those nasty comments. Some people have to disable comments on YouTube. I can't wait to see you change!!!

I have heard of people taking Synthroid for Hypothyroidism and them BOOM magically they are cured and taken off the meds?!?! I really believe it was a misdiagnosis because Hypothyroidism not cured with weight loss. (I have a co-worker that claims his thyroid magically worked after taking meds for 1 year and losing weight... Hmmm) I have searched high and low for medical proof. The most I have found is that certain foods hinder your thyroid function. By eliminating those foods, you can help boost function but not cure it. In fact, my Dr has assured me, I will be on Synthroid for the rest of my life. I have a extremely low functioning thyroid (my Dr referred to my thyroid as being DEAD!) and I take 125mcg per day. My endo put it to me like this: take the Synthroid for the rest of your life to help perk up the thyroid or have surgery to take out the thyroid and continue to take meds for the rest of your life. Wow... real win-win situation there. Also, I believe the dose of Synthroid is based on your thyroid function, not on your weight.

Just bought some Atkins Mocha Latte RTD shakes and they are fab! My kids wanted a sip (those little choco-holics) and even the kids like them! That says a lot! I tried Muscle Milk Lite but it had that chalky taste. I order unjury samples but have not tried them yet. Good Luck!!

Hmmm... I would like to clarify this statement by saying.. many self pays either have a exclusion in their insurance or they have NO insurance. If you have Bariatric exclusions, your insurance may not cover removal. If you have NO insurance - well, that's not rocket science either - you will be a self pay again. Many bariatric groups offer complication insurance to self-pay clients especially for these reasons. Anyway, good luck to the topic starter.

What kind of shakes are you drinking? They may not have enough protein in them and that is why you feel hungry again. Give us a break down of what you eat/drink (protein count) and when - that should help to figure it out!!

I am torn really. I have no co-morbidities. So part of me thinks, I need to suck it up and lose it on my own. I suppose if I had a co-morbidity, like Diabetes, I would feel that the Band helped to save my life. Thanks Mike, I will read your blogs now!!

Oh boy.. going to his seminar on the 22nd... wonder if this will be the 2nd time I cancel on that group. Have you had any resolution?

I thought I was the only one... I wrote letters to every important person in my life before my back surgery. I have two daughters and I wanted them to know that I love them more than life. I wanted my family to understand that if something happened to me, that it was my choice. I wanted to be healthy and be around for a long time but God had other plans for me. Thankfully, when I woke up in recovery (full on crying and tears BTW) - I had no reason for them to read my letters. There I was, awake and alive!!! Pain, yes but alive!!! You will be fine. I will keep you in my prayers for a safe surgery and quick recovery!!!

Too much information might be the problem in my case. I have researched and researched (forums, medical blogs, news, etc) till I have almost talked myself out of any surgery. I think I am fairly intelligent, and capable of fully understanding that any surgery comes with risk.... but, after reading about port flips, many, many slips, tubing wrapping around intestines, the Band attaching to organs, countless infections and tons of people going for Band to Sleeve revision - and more. Ugh. I was hoping this was my thing. I have studied it for years. Knowing countless friends to have RNY and Band with wonderful results - only to find out that they secretly had issues. Why didn't they mention it? Why didn't I notice? I am really disappointed. I feel like it was my duty to do adequate research but now my Band buddies accuse me of digging too deep; they seem to be disgusted with my interest in finding out as much as I can. One even got upset when I showed her a picture of what the stomach looks like when the Band is removed (not gross, just dead-looking white/grey tissue where the Band was, surrounded by healthy pink stomach tissue). She said it upset her. I am sorry but I have never been big on the whole "Ignorance is Bliss" bull. So here I sit, wondering if I should proceed with my WLS journey or continue to fight this losing battle on my own ..... and since when is too much information a bad thing?

I had spinal cord surgery one year ago. I am still in pain but it is much less than before. I hope that the shots work for you. I will keep you in my prayers Good Luck

I am so sorry for your pain and wish you a speedy recovery. Has your WLS Dr explained anything about the infection? Please keep us updated!!! Sending best wishes your way!!

I am not sure where Georgetown is...I am new to KY. I will Google Dr S today. Dr. Oldham did not show up to the seminar. The coordinator and insurance lady gave the seminar. It was very one sided toward the Band because the coordinator had the Band. She had no details on the Sleeve and I left there a little disappointed. I haven't given up on this group, yet. But I am still considering a group out of Louisville because they do not charge a program fee and Bluegrass does ($500). How do you like your Band to Sleeve revision? You know, I have heard a lot of people say that many Dr's won't touch you if your surgery was done by another doctor. Interesting.

Good job! You look amazing!!! Keep up the good work!

Congrats ladies!! You are one step closer to the new you!!

Have you looked into http://www.carecredit.com/ ? I went to a seminar on Saturday and a few people were self pay using this financing program. Good luck!!

Kim and Moore's post really scare me. To be honest, this scares the hell out of me. Does the leak cause the lung to collapse? How do tell the difference between normal post op pain and something more serious?!?! :eek: Thanks!!

My friends think I am crazy because I am addicted to these boards. I just feel this urge to find out as much as possible before I make the jump. It is scary, but reading the bad is just as important as reading the good. Just bare in mind, that every person is different, their surgeons are different and their heal time will be different. I have to remind myself that the surgery is unique to each person and it will be for me too!

I went to the Bluegrass seminar on Saturday. It was ok except Dr. Oldham was in emergency surgery?!!? So the coordinator and finance person gave the seminar the best they could. It was a bit one sided as the coordinator had the Band and that is all she spoke about. She grazed over the other options saying she didn't have information on them. Sad. She did mention the Bariatric Advantage program and said how well it works but that it was not mandatory. She said many people use Atkin's brand shakes or other meal replacement bars, but they need them to be low carb. I am thinking about going to Dr Lusco's seminar at the end of this month. Not sure if I am up for the drives back and forth though.

Ok Kristen, now I KNOW you are talking about my hubby!! Muhahaha!! What a turd, who let him out of the house again?!?! Seriously. My hubby just looks at me when I talk about my WLS, but I can feel his nasty thoughts. He has gained weight but he doesnt eat for a day and BOOM he is magically 5 lbs lighter. Don't get me wrong, I love my hubby, but there are some people that WILL NOT support you no matter what! I refuse to tell certain people in my life, because I feel they would not uplift me - ergo, I joined this board!!! I love it here. Yeah, you get the ney sayers but you get so much more support and motivation. I check LBT multiple times a day!! I love it that much. My point is, you don't need to defend your choices and you do have people that support you - US!!! We will be here to support your choices (Band or not), motivate you, uplift you and share experiences with you. It might be an online friendship, but it is supportive friendship none the less!!! My story -> watch this (SlimQuick commercial LOL)

Just talking about this very subject with my friend because I am 1 or 2 point from BMI after doing the pre op diet (just to see if I could do the shakes).... I think the ankle weight thing is scary because what if they found them. I will drink some Water tonight and see how much weight it adds. I know my bladder is weak though (from being overweight) so I am not sure how long I could hold it; or if it would even be enough water to help me meet BMI. BTW it seems some bariatric groups are more strict about weighing in than others..

Ok guys... maybe it is my nerves.. but - if people can lose weight with "no fills", maybe I don't need the Band? Do you have any restriction with no fills in? I keep telling myself that if I can just follow that pre op diet and post op diet, then I won't even need the surgery. I know - if I could, I probably would have a long time ago. I have no doubt I might be able to lose 20 lbs but I know it would not be permenant. Just curious. Thanks