TwoStepsBack

*Waaaahhhhhhhhhhhhhhh* *crying like a baby* Thank you. Thank you. :cry_smile:

And yes, the drain does feel pretty weird!

Hey honey, I saw something on tv recently about a lady who had this done. Good that you can get it covered by Kaiser Look forward to hearing how you get on. xxx

Hey Everyone, I posted a couple of weeks ago about my very bad though occasional stomach pains. I had many many people respond saying that it sounded a lot like gallstones or some other issue with my gall bladder and I should get it checked out right away. I went to my GP who referred me to have an ultrasound scan today, which confirmed that I have a number of small gallstones and surgery is going to be necessary. I was also told that my surgeon has started removing the gall bladder at the same time as doing the weight loss surgeries, as it is so common for people to develop this problem after dramatic weight loss. So I want to say a huge thank you to everyone to took the time to respond. I probably would have just written it off as acid or something and not bothered having a scan if it weren't for all of you. I know it isn't a huge deal, but it has hilighted for me just how amazing it is to have the support network of these forums. Don't know what I'd do without you guys! *big love* Lyndsey xxx

Thanks for the info TIffy I was doing some research yesterday and noted that there may be a link between having your gall bladder removed and developing ulcerative colitis... I suffered from UC for about 5 years when I was a kid, and had to go on steroids for it which is what I believe made me put on so much weight as a child.... this is what I think caused all of my issues with my weight. Somewhere deep down I hold U.C. responsible for all of my teasing at school, obsession with weight loss and following anorexia, then bulimia, then compulsive overeating. My sleeve surgery was the lid on all that, and I wanted to wave goodbye to it forever. The thought that my sleeve surgery may (in a round-about way) result in U.C. seems ironic and brings this whole thing full circle. (in the most awful way) I am definitely concerned! I will be asking my surgeon about it for certain. Rant over, off to work now! xx

Heeeheeee! Now you can buy an even more figure hugging one and look amazing in it xx

Ahhhhhh!!! Now I get it!!! Thanks Sue! x

Thanks for sharing Myrori I too have had some people say I am getting too thin, but I think it is just compared to how I was before! I guess people who don't know we've had the op may think that we may have lost weight due to illness since it is so dramatic. Perhaps I am being dense, but I always see people talking about "NSV"'s on here, and I can't work out what it stands for! Maybe you can clear the mystery for me

Hey all, I'll try and respond to all the questions, but if I forget anyone I'm sorry! Weho: I was not prescribed any mediction to prevent gall bladder issues. Only an antacid and vitamins/calcium. Tiffykins and Jay9mal: Why do we need to avoid fats after surgery, is it because they just go straight through (so to speak!) GreginMI: That is what the radiologist said when he was doing my scan, but I will find out from the surgeon when I have my follow up in a couple of weeks for sure MommyofLDS: Gosh, fingers crossed I don't get that... I eat a lot of dairy post op! Thanks for the warning. And thanks everyone for the good lucks! xx

You poor thing! That must have been so scary for both you and your family. I am so glad that they finally found the problem. I'm also sending positive vibes your way for a super speedy recovery. Look after yourself! xx

Hi Everyone, I was all dressed up for a night out last night, and felt amazing. I am so close to goal, I can smell it! The sleeve is the best gift I have ever given myself. Life is so different now. Here is my before pic (I know some of you have seen it already), and one from last night. Keep it up everyone!!! This surgery really works, against all odds. I hope you can all share your successes with us very soon too! xxxxxxx Loads of hugs to my sleeve brothers and sisters xxxxxxxx

Yay, I love it! Wish I could join in but I am not married. LOL. Can't wait to see more pics! xx

Amazing touching story, you're doing so well! Keep it up!!! xxx

Wow guys. I am totally overwhelmed by the number of lovely comments. At home with tonsilitis today and feeling a bit rough, so you've totally made my day. Thank you!!!! xx

Thank you SO much everyone. I am genuinely pleased if this has inspired you to go the distance, it is so worth it. I think I might take on a new motto, instead of TGIF I'll say TGFS, thank God for my Sleeve! xx

I love being able to go out walking on a hot day without my thighs rubbing together and getting a rash! Going on holiday was the worst if I was wearing a skirt, it used to get red raw. Not any more!

You look awesome Irene! Such a transformation! xxx

Wowowow You look beautiful! And years younger too!

Hi Petunia, Ketosis is very common during weight loss. I know that a lot of WLS patients experience it, especially at the start when they are on a high Protein diet. There is plenty of info about it on the net, but it is basically an elevated level of ketones as the body metabolises fat. Once the body's food and glycogen reserves are used up, fat starts being broken down for energy. One of the ketones produced, acetone, cannot be used by the body and is excreted through the skin, urine and breath as waste. If you want to know for certain that this is what is causing the smell, then you can get small strips of paper called "Ketostix" which you can wave under your urine stream and they turn purple if you have acetone present (ie if you are in Ketosis) It is nothing to worry about, it is a sign that things are working and you are using your fat reserves which will result in weight loss. I found that sugar free mints helped with my breath, but unfortunately there is not much you can do for the body odour other than washing regularly. Hope this helps x

Hi Jinin. I have always enjoyed a couple of glasses of wine per week, and had my first glass on my birthday approx 4 weeks after surgery. I took it very slowly and listened to my body. Everything was fine, though I felt the effects quicker than normal. I had a bad experience about 3 months post op where I got a bit carried away and boy did I suffer for it! Only had about 1/3 of the amount I would have had pre-op, and ended up on the bathroom floor at the Christmas party!! So just be cautious and don't overdo it. Have a fun party!

Yep that has DEFINITELY happened to me a few times. Although I figured it was something to do with blood sugar it is great to hear exactly how it works. Thanks a lot for the info x

Hi Christina, I wish I could reassure you but I can honestly say that my drain site cleared up right away and I don't think I ever had any pain there. It was only the largest incision on the right side which felt bruised and tender for a few weeks afterwards. I am sure that it depends on the person and the surgeon though, so I would wait for some other replies before worrying about it If it is very painful then I would certainly contact your surgeon/doctor to have them check it over and make sure all is ok. Hope it feels better soon! x