meggiep

I have to say that I'm worried about you. First you posted you are having second thoughts about surgery you already had and wish you could gulp your drinks again, and are "freaking out" Now you are wondering whether you will be able to eat burgers, hotdogs, pizza, and wings. I know you are 18 years old (as is my son) and that these questions make a lot of sense in light of that. The thing you need to remember is that you can gain weight with a sleeve too. This is a tool you have been given- but you need to do the work- especially so early in your sleeve history. For one thing, your sleeve has to heal, and the 60 - 80 grams of Protein help with that. In addition you don't just have weight fall off of you - you do need to think about what you eat, get your protein, drink your Water. and especially take your Vitamins. If you push to eat the same junk you have always eaten as soon as you can your weight loss will be slow, maybe even stall, and you can indeed gain it back. I know I always answer your posts in a motherly way but you are only 18 and I think you need to really pay attention to how you handle this healing and your life from now on. I especially worry about the nutritional problems you could run in to if you don't pay a lot of attention to your nutrition, take the vitamins and make sure you don't head in to malnutrition. The reduced gastric acid due to the smaller stomach mean your vitamins, especially your Iron, are not absorbed as well from your food and you really need to pay attention to keeping up with that. especially so early in your life. You can really suffer if you get malnourished, Vitamin and mineral wise. Do you have a good support system around you of family who can keep you paying attention to the right choices and to your nutrients? I would really hate to see you have had this serious surgery and end up gaining all the weight you lose back for not having worked through your relationship with food. The same emotions and impulses that got you into obesity will still be here and it is important for you to work through these issues so that you get the weight off and keep it off. I assume you do want that! I want that for you. I don't want to seem like I am lecturing you- but I do worry. There are some basic things about the surgery you have had that you seem not to know or understand. I hope you have a great doctor and nutritionist too.

My family is doing some of that too. My brother is obsessed with digestion basically and is so worried about me removing part of my stomach. He also wants me to give the cpap machine I will now be getting since my apnea diagnosis a chance and thinks that will make a huge difference to my health. He wants me to eat chia seeds, give up meat, try an ayurvedic diet.....basically anything but the surgery, even HCG injections (very unlike him to even consider that ;-P) I think this is bringing up something for him- that could be. The thing is- my brother is , and always has been, very thin. All the men in my family, going way back, have been. It is the women who have weight issues. He just does not have a clue what living h*** that part of my life has been- how painful it is for me to have been obese much of my life. I basically asked him to understand that- to realize that I might want this even more than I want a perfect digestive system- that I will use my brain and take pains to keep as healthy as I can, but that I am taking steps towards life again, life beyond my horrendous nerve damage in my back and knees, life beyond being bedridden. I asked him to trust me and support me. Only you can know whether you really can lose the weight yourself. Only you can know what you stand to gain from the surgery. Has being overweight cost you happiness and or health your whole life? Is the lifestyle that has gotten you there so hard to give up when you consider what you will have in losing the weight? Answer those questions for YOU, no one else.Also remember your family has gotten used to your position as the heavy one. They have their own things coming up that might have them wanting you to stay just as you are. Nobody but YOU knows what is best for YOU. p.s. luckily my husband and son are totally in my corner and cheering me on. It is my siblings who are against it.

First I get a result from my dobutamine stress test that indicates I need to see the cardiologist....which has me in a panic that I wont get the surgery. Today I saw him and he could not understand why I was there as nothing in my results indicated the need. While relieve, I could not help being a bit bitter about having to pay $25 of our limited funds to be told this. Meanwhile I was so affected by the dobutamine I postponed my colonoscopy until this week from last Friday. Mind you, this is not normally on the list of required tests...but since I am due for it (sorry for the tmi but I had two polyps on the last one so need another after three years and my WLS doc wants it done before my sleeve). Last Thursday my sleep study results came back and I have apnea. Not too surprised, and more than willing to use the machine... Then I get a phone call from the Gastro department that the apnea dx means I need a general anesthetic for my colonoscopy and THAT WILL DELAY IT UNTIL POSSIBLY JUNE!!!!! I am beyond freaked- with the cardiologist out of the way and my psych eval coming up in two weeks, my nutritionist has said she will help me get the surgery in April, May at the latest. WTF!!!!!! The wacky thing is if I had only had my procedure last week..... DANG!!!!! I had one three years ago with the same doctor with no problem whatsoever for the twilight sleep. The fact that anesthesiologists are only available that far out could totally ruin my chances to have it before June, when we are plunged into our busy season as wedding photographers.

She actually does NOT have cancer- that was the rumor that went around . She never confirmed it and if you really look on Google you will see she denied it totally and just says she had surgery that will add years to her life. The cancer thing took wings when she started losing so much weight after being in the hospital! I think it is pretty lame that she wont say what the truth is- she admits surgery that helped her health , denies the bypass, and wont say more. I am guessing lap band as well. She could do so much for people with morbid obesity. To deny it implies shame. Bummer.

Absolutely. It is American arrogance (not you, I mean a general arrogance in this country) to assume that the skill of the doctors and quality of care in Mexico is lesser than in the US. I will tell you why the difference in cost- MALPRACTICE. We are sue crazy in this country. I am enmeshed in a web of delaying pre tests here right now and half of it is based on legal protection. Other countries do not have the enormous costs predicated on avoiding a lawsuit. I think it is a sad state of affairs. I have good insurance and $100 co pay total but if delays keep happening and more tests keep being required I may end up in Mexico yet and would not question the quality of care for a second.

I was told only toasted bread is good as the soft bread absorbs fluid and can really be hard to digest.From what a couple of you mentioned it seems true!

I saw some really cool water bottle son someone's vlog- Camelback is the brand and they have a special valve so you can sip without getting sir- they seem perfect for the sip sip sip we have to do- making it easier. Keep it close and drink as much as you can. You are so young! I feel for you having to change your life so such at such a young age. No wonder you are stressed!

One definite change brought on by the sleeve is that your smaller stomach produces less acid and acid is needed for iron absorption .

I think it was on 3/1. I hate to be a mama type but I just noticed our poster is 18 - my sons age- and the impatience, frustration, and high drama all made sense.

I have been thinking about this and I just invite you to look at it from the point of view of someone who is so so wanting this surgery and keeps coming to roadblocks- a herniated disc, an abnormal result in my stress test requiring a cardiologist visit, today a low vitamin D3 and clotting result- I would give ANYTHING to be where you are.

Please do not let her fear stop you from this! You are saving your life, and that is for her. My husband is afraid also- a little of the surgery but more of the unknown of our lives changing so much. We love to eat together- the difference is he is think and never has to worry and I just look at food and gain. He was an enabler for a long time but he knows I am miserable in this body and is totally on board. I think this might call for some couples counseling to help you two navigate this- she needs to understand you are going for LIFE- and that you want her to do the same. It is not good for you to feel you could endanger your marriage taking care of yourself in this way. Your kids need to have you model going for joy, going for health. Good luck to you!

Thank you- and everyone who posted here. Yes, I had back surgery also in 2004- which started my bigger weight gain. I will have my shot on Thursday and I am determined that it work

I think she had the surgery already, which means my advice is to really think about what you said- think about the reasons why you made this choice, what it felt like to be overweight, and why you had to take this step. This is not reversible- and you need to come to terms with it or you will be oe who gains it all back,

I got my MRI results today and the disc is herniated. I have an appointment tomorrow to talk about the options- and will probably have a cortisone shot in the disc on Thursday in the hopes that does the trick. I am so freaked that I will need surgery- I have already had a discectomy in the disc so if I can't get it soothed they will want to do a fusion. Having back surgery before started me on the road to gaining over 110 pounds. I am in such despair at the thought of another surgery.... I am wondering if I can insist on the sleeve first. Then even on that front I have had a delay as there were negative results on my "routine" stress echo and now I have to see the cardiologist. I am freaking out about that too. I am so certain of my course in getting this surgery , just pray for me that I can resolve these issues and get my tests all out of the way and a date set!

I feel so lucky to have so many options here for protein supplements- maybe even too many choices! I am wondering what is it like in the UK? Do you have nutrition stores with all kinds of Protein shakes?

Hooray ! I am so pleased for you! I hope to have good news myself soon as I am in the middle of all my pre tests.

I put this in Post Op and I think this night be a better place! I am embroiled in pre tests right now and hoping to have my surgery in April or May (my doctor thinks it is possible). Naturally I have quickly become addicted to this forum and I love coming here to read the stories and the many different aspects of this process. Earlier this week I happened upon Julie's post which included a link to her You Tube (juliarh) of her dancing to Celebrate 100 pounds. My husband and I subscribed and we have been watching her vlogs from Week one on. I have learned so much! I feel I know her and her life in Paraguay and have been given a gift from her insight and voyage of self discovery. She mentions watching the You Tube vlogs of others who have been sleeved and I would love to have some listed so that I might keep being inspired as I start my own journey. I would not be surprised to find out that those of us who follow people in this way end up doing even better as they face some of the problems and situations the wonderful vloggers have been kind enough to share. My husband has suggested I also do this when my time comes so that I can pay it forward. Meanwhile, please share your vlogs with me, or those that have been of help to you Thank you!

I know there are some great ones out there! Please share them with me! I may have put this in the wrong place...

Hooray! Did you decide to get the lap band instead of the sleeve?

I am embroiled in pre tests right now and hoping to have my surgery in April or May (my doctor thinks it is possible). Naturally I have quickly become addicted to this forum and I love coming here to read the stories and the many different aspects of this process. Earlier this week I happened upon Julie's post which included a link to her You Tube (juliarh) of her dancing to celebrate 100 pounds. My husband and I subscribed and we have been watching her vlogs from Week one on. I have learned so much! I feel I know her and her life in Paraguay and have been given a gift from her insight and voyage of self discovery. She mentions watching the You Tube vlogs of others who have been sleeved and I would love to have some listed so that I might keep being inspired as I start my own journey. I would not be surprised to find out that those of us who follow people in this way end up doing even better as they face some of the problems and situations the wonderful vloggers have been kind enough to share. My husband has suggested I also do this when my time comes so that I can pay it forward. Meanwhile, please share your vlogs with me, or those that have been of help to you Thank you!

Lynda- Been thinking about you today- hope you got approved! I live in Redwood City and though I am not Kaiser I feel you are a fellow NO CA hopeful sleever!

Have you thought about using Protein supplements? That would give you your protein- because you could become malnourished and sick if you continue to ignore the importance of nutrition. I would hate to see you end up in the hospital on an iv. Another wonderful resource would be to use one of the online food logging sites- I loge my food through fatsecret.com - their food lists is incredibly large and includes almost anything you can think of- and when you put it in you daily log it immediately tells you carbs, protein, fat, calories- Vitamins, minerals- everything.. It helps you feel in control and not afraid. Are you taking vitamins and minerals and drinking your Water? Please do that for your health! As for the psychiatrist or nutritionist? Dump her! You need to feel totally comfortable with a therapist and you have the right to fire this one. Good luck to you on this journey.

Congratulations! I believe a lot of those pills will go bye bye. Just follow the program religiously, and come here for support and you will be victorious!

It is my belief that this surgery could help you save your life but it is only a tool- the rest will still be up to you! You will have to be the one making sure you get all your Protein, sipping Water all day to make sure you drink enough, and basically changing your relationship with food for good. I would have to say that wondering if you will never have Dr. Pepper again may mean you are not ready to really embrace the life change this surgery asks of you. I recommend that you follow some of the great You Tube diaries from the members here and you will get a good feeling for what this can do for you, and what is required of you. Good luck to you! I hope to have my surgery in April.

My husband Snacks a lot- and never gains weight. GRRRRRR! Athough I know he will be supportive, especially during my two weeks of iiquids, I also know I need to be able to be around his snacking without it bothering me- it is my lifestyle changes, not his, though he is eating much healthier in general since I started doing it. I can';t expect him not to eat stuff like that in front of me- we love to do our work (me editing and working doing art on wedding photos we took) while hanging out together and watching movies- so I will need to eat my way and not care if he eats his way. That said- I think the emotions and moods will swing wildly in those pre diet Fluid weeks and he should be more supportive. You tell him we said so! ;-P