Swiftflow

Yeah I think original number includes the 2 years where they were using 48-60 bougie size in the beginning of the VSG studies. I think this will go up with the last three years most VSG's use the low 30's as a starting size. You also have to take into account those over 60+ bmi who may do VSG as stage 1 for a DS. Their EWL will be lower % total.

I dropped the pain meds this morning because they were making me too edgy all evening yesterday. Today I went and got liquid adult tylenol and it helps without the drugged up feeling. Also burping allot, and other emissions I won't mention :biggrin0:

Glad your doing well!

Just wanted to blog my recovery experience for those going into this process new and want to have some details. I went into the hospital as planned at 6:30 am to get ready for my vsg. My only real concern was that something would come up and they would have to postpone my date--I waited and wanted this done so badly that I was relieved to see that everything was on track. They called us to the pre-op area right away and proceeded to take my vital signs and weight me in for the anesthesia (right at 320.8 lbs). I got gowned up and the rest was a blur of everything coming together quickly I.V., heparin shot, blood pressure, etc. Then I talked to the OR nurse and my surgeon about getting a DVD of the laproscopic procedure--they said they could probably do that. Before I knew it, it was time to kiss the wife good by and ship me off to surgery. The anesthesiologist had told me we would go in and they would have me switch beds etc etc.. but I don't remember anything after saying goodbye to the wife. They say the cocktail you get pre anesthesia does make you forget those few minutes... I woke up in recovery and boom I felt some pain. My head was so cloudy I could not shake this cloudy dizzy feeling and the pain what seemed to be all over. They were watching me to see when I woke up so I let them know right away that I needed something for the pain. I remeber checking down my gown to see if I was one of the few who needed a drain--whew no drain--so I was happy. (Dr. Stewart does drains if needed, and they told me about 1 in 10 get them.) They shot something in my IV and I was able to dose off a bit. I woke up in another room after that--I saw the TV so I knew this was the regular hospital room, so I asked about my wife. Some confusion there, but they use a portable pager to notify any family that you are ready--Dr Stewart did see them right after to let them know all was well, but the next notification post recovery was not done yet. It was around 11 am then and they reached my wife who had been joined by my mom. When they came in I was still foggy but ready to get this healing process going. I needed to go to the restroom and they asked if I wanted to use the portable urinal and I said that I wanted to get up and go. I took the trip to the bathroom slowly but then I insisted on making a lap around the hallway as well so I could shake some of the gas I had been belching up. I did OK on the walk but the anesthesia post effect was just plain annoying making me feel like there were cobwebs in my head. The walk did get me nice and tired though so I went down for a nap and sent my wife and mom out to grab there lunch. This nap seemed to do the trick and my head finally started feeling clearer. Although a true nap was somewhat difficult. They had anti-clot things on my legs inflating and deflating non-stop and every 30 mins the blood pressure cuff on my arm would auto check my pressure during the first few hours. That thing just annoyed me :cursing: They had set my first liquid intake at 6 hours post op and that was due at 3pm. My first pain med was wearing off about 2:30 and I could feel it wearing off because each gas bubble or shift would give a slight more pain. I asked for meds and they gave me the option of oral liquid or IV. Since it was still before my 3pm time I was scared to drink so I asked for the morphine via IV--OK the morphine does work, but let me tell you that crap stings like hell going in the IV and through your body for a sec. I wish I had taken the liquid--anyway, that got me feeling better so it was time to pee and lap the nurses station again. I got into a habit of walking every chance I could to help speed recovery. I took about 2 ounces of liquid at a time, but that crystal lite lemonade was too sweet for me so I switched to ice and plain water. Later on through the evening I tried jello, sugar free pops, chicken broth, etc getting up to 4 ounces per hour or more if you included the ice chips I kept chewing because it helped with the cotton mouth. I kept timing my meds at 4 hours and would walk even late at night right after the meds and then nap again after the walk. All through this time I did have to burp with every drink or bite of ice--probably the gas finding a way out as valves opened. Walking also brought on some burps. By Thursday morning I was up and around quite a bit and got free from my IV, so I would surf the web, walk around, and then nap as needed until the doc finally came by to release me that afternoon. I was really feeling great. The wife drove us by the Doc's office, we picked up the DVD from the surgery and said hello to the staff there and headed on home. Anyway, sorry for the long story, but I figured I would detail it here for those who may be going through this process soon. Overall it was a great recovery! Looking forward to the journey ahead.

Sounds like your starting this with the right mindset! keep us posted on your journey!

To steal a phase from another trade, "measure twice eat once" :thumbup1: I mean that extra bit you may cram in is just not worth it. My surgeons office did specifically say that slight overeating putting a tug on the suture line will make it take longer to heal. Imagine if you had a cut on your arm even with stitches on the cut and you pulled at both sides of it three to four times a day pulling the skin and stretching the cut--do you think it would heal the same as if you did not put any unnecessary pressure on it? If you do things right the first 6 weeks you are more likely to get a fully healed suture line.

My suggestion one day out now is this: Go in expecting the anesthesia to mess with your mind the first couple of hours after surgery, feels like you have severe cloudy brain for a bit. Get the pain meds, nap and after that first nap the world is a better place. Keep track of your med times and be proactive on them and take them. A few minutes after each of the liquid meds I always felt great--use that time to walk and move about. Then as you get tired from moving nap or rest. Walking and sipping like its a mantra and you feel much better in no time.

Thanks everyone, Doing very well today after some sleep.

I had mine yesterday and when I first woke up I had pain and the anesthisia clouded my head for a couple of hours. After that is was not too bad, but I did take avantage of the liquid pain med they gave every 4 hours I feel the gas bubbles as they pass through the sleeve and when on the meds it is noticible but not painful :however I can tell a difference when I am near the 4 hours. I was up walking early and often so that helped. In the hospital wide awake now so I am surfing the forums. So bring a laptop or book for when you can't sleep!

Woot! Way to go sleeve sister! Doing well here too. I love them meds! That first hour I was like holy hell what did I just do cause it hurt like a truck ran over me. Once the anesthisia unclouded my brain I was good to go. Been doing the laps and sips--we are going to rock these sleeves!

He drinks a Water drink He drinks a lemon drink He drinks a apple drink He drinks a Jello drink He sings the songs that remind him Of the good times He sings the songs that remind him Of the better times: 'Oh Recovery Recovery Re-Co-ver-y...' I get slimmed down I wont go up again You're never going to slow me down Sippin the night away Sippin the night away....

Sleeved this morning. No too chatty here but im doing ok--check back in later.. Time to start my journey...

Excellent progress so far! Your rockin that sleeve!

Thank you all so much for the support--Goodlife good luck with you as well, since we start this journey on the same day and should keep each other on track! Anytime I stop or worry about what tomorrow will bring I remember the feeling of running and getting my "second wind" its an awesome feeling and I want it back again soon... I swear the first day I hit it there will be tears of joy!

Wish I had thought to buy one--I always had to try and quietly ask for it. Got to love when the lady yells to the other attendant for one cause she cant find one. Talk about wanting to disappear. I'm torn between the pay it forward and burn it ideas..

Its all going to be worth it tomorrow! Im all set for tomorrow morning myself! We are going to rock the sleeve!

I think this statement is Key. I am SOO very happy that pnw218 and Tiffanyismajor and stoongal and any others I have not read about had great personal experiences and are doing well! Please understand I value your input on the VSG forum and your stories have inspired me. That said I am going to have to say that in watching Tiiffany's video log of the pre-op and 2 surgery videos I would say that they would not meet my standards either. I could list off the things I saw that made me uncomfortable, but I think each person needs to make thier own judgments and not just accept mine. For some this may be a calculated risk they are willing to save money with. If so more power to you and I wish you the very best in your choice. I mean no harm to anyone, and this is only my personal opinion.

2 more days... this wait is killing me!

Haha! Im 40 and already feel alive! I just have shorter spurts of alive and get winded... Lets just say now our "alive" moments will last longer and come more often. I am still that same 20 year old kid at heart--will be nice to have the body and fitness to match!:thumbup:

Way to take charge--Oh what I would give to be 25 and had this option presented to me--you are going to rock this thing! I'm right behind you on 4/28. Keep us posted on your progress!

Started Vlog today YouTube - VSGswift's Channel Subscribe to keep updated on my journey

Alright I made my first vlog today on youtube. Just a short one to start with--Subcribe if you would like to track my progress with me! Thanks! YouTube - VSGswift's Channel

You might try those sites for sample packs as well. I did get isopure unflavored off of amazon and that way I can just mix it with a crystal lite flavor I like. I also recommend that bottle called the blender bottle --its a shaker with the wisk ball in it that helps mix it up better.

IF you have a local surgeon--or even a local office that does Bariatric surgery even i you are going to Mexico. Call them up and ask them to refer a doctor that is understanding of the proceedure and supportive.

Allot of these bariatric websites will offer free shipping if you order a certain amount of products at one time. bariatric eating.com is free shipping after $85 for example.