Paul11011

Keep in mind I'm no surgeon, but I have stayed in a Holiday Inn Express. From what I understand there is air inserted into the stomach to test for leakage at the end of the procedure. hair loss is typically the result of not getting enough Protein in your diet. It is tremendously important to get your protein, not only to prevent hair loss, but to also aid in weight loss.

I've had some success in keeping the foam down by using the pulse instead of the low or high settings. A few quick pulses usually mixes well with little foam.

Where are all of the sleevers of MI?

Hi Tracy and welcome to the forum. Nice to see another Michigander in the house. Thank you for sharing your story. I too am one that has always been more reserved and less apt to talk, especially about weight issues. Since my surgery I have been overwhelmed with the desire to share and encourage others as they look at this process. It is very helpful and educational to share your story with others that have been down the path or are looking to begin their journey. You'll find many supportive people here. If you have a peer support group available though your Dr or surgery center I would highly recommend you check it out and get involved. Good luck and take care.

Shouldn't this be a sub topic here: http://www.verticalsleevetalk.com/topic/12201-any-other-gay-sleevers-out-there/

I picked up some of the unflavored yesterday but have yet to try it. Others I've spoken with say that it blends in really well with soups, puddings, etc.

Wooo Hoooo! Waiting for that picture...I have the $1 in a paypal account all ready to go. I know what you mean about the upcoming 40's. It's been a long times since I've had such a positive outlook on life.

Looks like I'm just sliding into this group.....39....class of '90. Yep a bit old for the crowd already assembled. Oh and $1 goes to the first to post a pic of themselves in tight rolled jeans.

Hey we might be neighbors! I received the sleeve 1-10-11. I am a patient at Grand Health Partners, Dr. Baker. I was at Spectrum-Blogett. Thus far everything to do with GHP has been amazing. Good finding you here.

I have noticed an increased sense of smell. I'm 4 weeks post op today. I have no idea why it's happening , but I'm relieved to hear others have experienced this.

This thread is worthless without pics....LOL> Sorry I could not resist, carry on. Best of luck girls!

Ahhhhh a Man Cave....sweet! I'm looking to become less than half the man I've been. Had you ever met me, I'm likely the largest person you would have ever known. Age 39 (YOB:1971) Height 5'10" Weight at initial consultation with my family Dr. 496lbs Weight at initial meeting with surgeon 484lbs Weight after 2 week pre-op diet/ day of surgery (1-10-11) 456lbs Weight at 2 week post-op check-up 430lbs This is going to be a life changing experience. I've been extremely fortunate in that I've had no difficulties or negative experiences thus far. God willing it will continue in the same manor.

I would not say worry as much as I would excited. I've been excessively overweight since my teens. I can't wait to find out what I look like under all of this extra.

Wednesday was my first day of "mushies" (2 weeks post-op). I chose to have mashed potatoes. I had no idea how much to expect to be able to eat. I got out a regular cereal bowl and filled it about half full. My wife just shook her head and said, "No way, that's to much". I sat down with my taters and a dining spoon. My bites were about 1/2 of a spoon at a time. After about 8 or so bites I was stuffed, thought I had just finished Thanksgiving dinner. I looked down into my bowl and just started laughing. I had only eaten about 1/4 of what I had taken. Giggling I said, "Well looks like I have left overs for the rest of the week." The reality of how little volume it takes to get full is going to be a huge adjustment.

Today I had my 2 week post op visit. Part of the appointment was to meet with a dietitian and another patient. It was such a good experience speaking with someone who had also went though this procedure that I wanted to check out this forum. My journey began when I visited my family doctor on Oct 14, 2010. I wanted to consult with her about weight loss options as I was nearly at the end of my rope with the yo-yo weight life style. 3 times in my 39 years I had lost 100+ lbs only to eventually gain it all back. I realized that if I had been fortunate to have not developed some of the horrible weight related illnesses like diabetes, but that I was realistically pushing my luck. It was time to take a more serious look at getting healthy for the rest of my life. She recommended that I contact Grand Health Partners (GHP) and specifically Dr. Randy Baker. I was fortunate enough to be able to attend an orientation the following day. Now others will have differing opinions by my belief was that this timing was put forth by God. Had I not been able to attend an orientation so quickly I'm sure that doubt and stubbornness would have crept in and I likely would have reconsidered. The orientation was terrific. It was very obvious that GHP was concerned with taking complete care of the patient. The list of on staff team members was most impressive. Not only did they have the expected surgeons and medical staff but they also had dietitians, exercise physiologist, and behaviorists in house. My initial meeting with Dr. Baker confirmed my beliefs about GHP that I had established from the orientation. Dr. Baker answered all of my questions and addressed all of my concerns. We discussed all of the available procedures and determined that the sleeve offered the best option for me. The time from that initial consultation to my 2 week post op visit today has been a whirlwind. For the sake of shortening this story, if that can be done at all at this point, I weight 66 lbs less today than I did on that fateful Oct day. I lost 28 lbs on the 2 week pre-op diet and now an additional 26 lbs since my procedure on Jan 10, 2011. I have a long road ahead but I know I can make it. Thank you for taking the time to read my introduction. I look forward to sharing with all of you and hope we can learn something from one another. Take care.