ScentsyLady

yeah, those **** sharts! Best advice, if you think it is gas, get up and go, don't trust it! If you even feel a twinge, get up and go, don't trust it! If you even have a "feeling" get up and get to the bathroom! Otherwise, cleanup time big time. I will be soooo glad when this phase is over. It is my biggest enemy. I feel fantastic otherwise. I also have been able to slow down and actually "think" what can I have, what is best for my sleeve where before, what the hell, I am having it! The head hunger is bad, but much more controlled than before. I can't wait to start purreed foods and maybe the sharts will eventually pass.Most everyone says it is because of all the liquids and gas getting out. I hope you guys are all right!!!

I thought it was time to share a little of my experiences since having a VSG a year ago. Both my wife and I had the surgery, 19 days apart. To date I've lost 140 lbs while she has lost 120. Losing is not coming as easily now but we're still making progress towards our goals.
We had the surgery at the Michigan Bariatric Institute in Livonia, Michigan. They have great doctors and a wonderful support team. I did have some complications after surgery (a touch of pneumonia and Fluid near the surgical site) which put me back in the hospital for a few days and required 20 days of IV antibiotics but everything resolved satisfactorily. The doc kidded me about screwing up his statistics.
Living with the sleeve obviously required some adjustment but it was easier than I had imagined. Gone was appetite and cravings, which made it so much easier. I found I was perfectly happy with smaller portions and had no problem passing on french fries, Desserts and other high calorie foods that I used to love. Don't get me wrong, I still enjoy food - I 'm just satisfied with less and tend to choose high quality versus high calorie. Even so, I haven't found any food that I can't tolerate.
One of my biggest concerns was restaurants and social situations. I needn't have worried. We have just as much fun as we ever did. Often my wife and I will split a meal and even then take some home. The wait staff always looks worried, apparently thinking that there was something wrong with the food. We've learned to choose meals that make good leftovers and as a result, get more for our restaurant dollars. We have a camper van and on a 5 week tour of the west last fall we made good use of a little fridge and microwave that I installed.
Speaking of our trip, one funny thing is that we lost enough weight during the trip that we didn't bring any of the outer garments home that we started with. They ended up dropped off at various Goodwill Retail stores which also supplied us with replacements. I was surprised at the quality of clothing available at such places and have found it a great way to replenish my closet without having to spend a lot of cash.
To summarize life a year later - happy, healthy, active - enjoying life and looking forward to a future with possibilities. This afternoon I will go out and walk my dogs, ride my motorcycle and have dinner with friends. Life is good......