MINI-Me

Soooo needed this today. I just can't seem to get to that 135 and I really want to be below it. It can be so discouraging to watch the scale jump up and down the same 2 pounds for 3 weeks. Ugh! I tried on the jeans I wore when I went to surgery. I think 2 of me could have fit in there. Yeah!

Those are great ideas!

I also felt like I had been hit - but by a freight train. And, I agree - the bruising was unbelievable!!! Starting Day 4 I started noticing improvement and each day got better from then on. Best of luck!

What about a journal? I found it very helpful to keep pictures, catalog my weight, make notes of thoughts/feelings/ideas - especially in the early days. It's been great to go back and review when I have those days where I feel like the progress is slow. If he's not the "journal" type ... what about simply setting up a special place for him to hang out as he recovers? I know for me, my husband set up a tv tray, the laptop, phone, heating pad, tv remote, etc right beside the Lazy Boy Recliner. It was so nice to get up, get dressed, and sit down in "luxury".

CONGRATULATIONS! I sooooo know what you are feeling. In fact, I posted almost the same exact post a few months ago over the same size - SIZE 8!!!!! Here is my post ... http://verticalsleevetalk.com/vertical-sleeve-gastrectomy-surgery-vsg-success-stories/7509-i-cried-tonight.html :biggrin0: :thumbup1: :biggrin0: :thumbup1: :biggrin0: :thumbup1: :biggrin0: :thumbup1: :biggrin0: :thumbup1: :biggrin0: :thumbup1:

Good for you!

Lesli - So glad that you found us. I don't know much about doctors in the Dominican, but I know I love that country. I did some Work and Witness trips in the 80's and I fell in love with the people there. I keep telling my husband that I want to go back & I know we will one day. What kind of questions do you have? You sure sound excited and energetic. I remember those feelings well.

1) Having my husband look at me the loving way he always has, but now feeling like I am worthy of that look. 2) Wearing designer jeans 3) Being able to ask - "Do you have this blouse in a smaller size?" 4) Having my 8 year old put his arms around me and say "Mommy - you are so small. I can put my arms all the way around you." OK - #4 is like a MasterCard moment - PRICELESS!

I am 5'6" and started out at 203 pounds. BMI of 32.8 so was considered a lightweight. However, my surgeon agreed that with my family history and failure to maintain weightloss, I was an ideal candidate for VSG. Was recovery easy? For me, no. I had a lot of pain from gas and the incisions. The good news is that it only lasted a few days. Much easier week 2. After week 2, I was pretty much like my old self. http://verticalsleevetalk.com/post-operation-vertical-sleeve-gastric-surgery-vsg-questions-answers/3493-surgery-recovery-sucks.html Would I do it again? ABSOLUTELY!!!! I feel so much healthier, younger, and I'll just say it "Cuter". I love going to stores & not feeling like they are thinking "there is no way she can fit in our clothes". My lab results are great and my energy level is higher than I remember it being before. I can go to the store, shop, load it in the car, bring it in, put it away & not feel like I need a nap. Yahoo! Good luck with your own journey.

Mommy2Girls - First of all - kudos to you for your exercise. That is still a stumbling block for me & honestly, will always be. It is so encouraging to see people who can make the lifetime committment to exercise. I would like to ask you about the "I don't eat tons and tons" ... Have you ever tracked your food intake? I thought I knew what I was putting in my mouth, but was SHOCKED when I really tracked it. :crying: If you've never tracked, try going to myfitnesspal.com and track what you put in your mouth over the course of a few days. Don't try to diet or "be good" - just track what you are eating. You may be in for a surprise. If it's not excess calories, you may seen some spikes like carbs that are causing you to hold onto the weight. It's also good practice for post surgery. While not everyone is asked to count calories and carbs, you will need to track your Water and Protein intake. Welcome and best of luck with your journey!

Welcome to the group. Sounds like you are well on your way with your appointments and such. One thing I learned pre-surgery was how much my emotions would fluctuate. One day I was totally pumped and the next I was like "what am I thinking". It's totally normal and many of us have been there/done that. Feel free to post questions, vent, freak out, Celebrate with us at any time.

I would call back and insist that you be granted an appointment with the surgeon or the insurance coordinator. If they are that confident of the appeal, they may be able to instill that confidence in you. For other BC/BS patients out here - can you provide information on what state you are from & how you were approved? That may be good information for the surgeon to include in his appeal. While BC/BS are independent of each other - have similiar "franchise" coverage information in addition to medical support for the sleeve could be very beneficial in this appeal.

I have no explanation why, but plain water is tough for some of us those first few months. Anything with Crystal Light, Decaf tea, etc went down fine (after initial surgery healing was over) but plain water? no way! It does get better.

Sounds like the tool is definitely failing you. The sleeve has been wonderful - no fills, no over/under restriction issues. It will work for you - just follow the program. I have 3 friends with bands and the tool has failed them all. 3 with sleeves and we have all been successful. You WILL too!

Hello from one Virginia girl to another (I'm a transplant to the West Coast, but will always be a VA girl)! S0 excited for you. You actually won't need a lot at the hospital. Besides things like your toothbrush, you can wear their gowns or take your own. I found a heating pad to be my best friend the first few days, but you may want to ask if they will have those there. Good luck! Keep us updated.

Sorry no one has responded yet. I am not a revision, the sleeve was my one and only procedure. Can you share a little more about what has gone wrong with the band? Has it slipped, just can't find the "sweet spot", etc. Knowing what is happening there may be an indication of what you can expect with the sleeve. If it's simply tool failure, then I would say, go with the sleeve. It has been remarkable for me. Best of luck!

Glad to hear that you are doing so well.

So awesome to hear how well you are both doing. Welcome to the Loser's Bench and your new life. Woohoo!!!!

First of all ... Take a deep breath. Next, realize that what you are feeling is VERY normal. We all had our moments - either fleeting or major freak out session(s). You have come to the right place - we are here to support you. Yes, there are risks, but the odds are soooooo in your favor. Keep your chin up and come out here often!

So glad you were able to talk wuth your doctor. It really helos to have expert care and advice. Keep us posted.

I have no idea what's going on with the nausea and throwing up - you should definitely talk with your surgeon about those symptoms. It may be nothing, but it should would bring peace of mind to know for sure. As far as the mood swings - you are just about on par with many people. I think it's just a combination of your body healing and going through the "what have I done phase". I was told that a large percentage of WLS patients have some depression after surgery ranging from mild to severe. Fortunately, mine was short-lived. But, if you are very concerned, talk to your doctor. Your support system can be a good judge as well - are they noticing new behaviors that concern them? You can also use us for vent sessions. Sometimes it just helps to write it all out. While we can't "answer" all your questions and concerns, we can definitely offer a sympathetic ear. GOOD LUCK - hopefully you will be feeling MUCH better VERY soon!

I absolutely love reading threads like this ... puts it all in perspective and reminds me of how far we've all come. Congratulations on your new life!

What a wonderful gift you have been given ... the support and love of your family. MAJOR NSV if you ask me.

I drink up to the first bite & then wait 30 minutes after my last bite.

I admit that I drink it. Started in April ~ 3 months out from surgery. It's my one "vice" and it hasn't been a problem. If I drink from a can or plastic bottle, there is more carbonation & it lasts quite a while. Fountain drinks? Well, they just go right down. I do stick to diet though & non-caffeine when I can - just no point putting calories or caffeine to make me need to add more Water for hydration. That being said ... everyone should follow their surgeon's guidelines. Just because I do it, doesn't mean you should. You know?