sirensiren

Thank you for all the great replies!
I was confused as to if immediate sudden weight loss was what shrinked the liver, or if it was specific to being "low carb".
My surgeon typically has patients do a 2 week diet of 2 Protein shakes and a green salad each day. I was cut down to a week due to being a "light weight".
If it was just straight up "Atkins" (very low carb, but eat normal portions) I would not be worried about hunger- I LOVE eggs, Protein etc. I'm not actually a fan of sweets or bread. I know I can do it, I've done far more extreme diets in the hope of losing this weight (I'm sure we all have).
I want to make sure I do all I can to make the surgery as easy as possible for him, and me. I'm just about 2 weeks a way (yay!) so rather than enjoying the final week of no pre-op diet too much, I think I may be smarter to start cutting out sugar, bread, and Pasta now.
Ever since my surgery was scheduled, I've been quite motivated and been more active (I do 45 minutes of cardio a day, I started walking every where). It has not helped me lose any weight, but it's helped me be stronger and more prepared to be active once I recover from surgery. I think success is dependent on how I use this new "tool"- sure, I'll only be able to eat small amounts, but if I'm not working out and making those small portions unhealthy food, I'm not taking full advantage of this new tool. I do wonder if this process will "cure" me of emotional eating in any way, but I figure that will always be something I'll have to struggle with and address.

Fortunately my surgery went fine, and my surgeon confirmed my liver was nice and small. Yay!
I am down to a 30 BMI. I do not have health insurance, so I made the informed decision to go with Dr. Kelly who is based out of Mexico (though also is a MD in the USA). Most USA insurance will not cover surgery on a person at a 32 BMI, which is a shame, as 30+ is technically obese. I felt thin at my 32 BMI, but it was still a big struggle to maintain it and I had many health issues present related to my weight.

It is interesting, I was consulting heavily with one (reputable) surgeon who required I do no pre-op diet and just 48 hours of full liquids.
My chosen surgeon has me doing 7 days of a strict Protein shake diet, and 3 full days of a clear fluids.
I'm sure people do "cheat" and eat despite being instructed otherwise, we are mostly in this position because of not being able to control our eating- lets get real! That said, I have been good and not cheated, and I try to remind myself that this is the hungriest I will feel for the rest of my life!
I think for some Dr.'s who don't have the ability to do post-op care in the long term (surgeons in Mexico, surgeons who work in facilities that people often fly in to etc.) it's a precaution thing to assure the surgery is as easy as possible, and your recovery is predictable. I could be wrong.
I see my MD's strict guidelines as being a sign that he truly takes as many precautions as possible and wants to assure he will get the best possible leak rate and recovery. Surgeons know that we go on here and rant or rave about our experience, and I imagine that in the decision making process, a huge portion of their business is from people who have viewed this forum and others like it.

Thanks! I'm quite thrilled with my progress!
I eat 8-12 oz of cheese a day. I love it. I probably should cut back.
I used this recipe a while ago, and now I remember it from memory: http://cheese.about.com/od/homecheesemaking/ss/making_ricotta.htm
Most cheese from the store is crap with xanthan gum, preservatives, thickeners etc. from my investigation. My family is from Europe so I'm a bit of a cheese snob I figure with as little as we can eat, we might as well eat the best stuff possible.
I probably do need to watch my fat intake. I have been snacking on cashews and I saute my husbands veggies in butter each night, and have a small amount of those with my Protein.

Thank you for all the great replies!
I was confused as to if immediate sudden weight loss was what shrinked the liver, or if it was specific to being "low carb".
My surgeon typically has patients do a 2 week diet of 2 Protein shakes and a green salad each day. I was cut down to a week due to being a "light weight".
If it was just straight up "Atkins" (very low carb, but eat normal portions) I would not be worried about hunger- I LOVE eggs, Protein etc. I'm not actually a fan of sweets or bread. I know I can do it, I've done far more extreme diets in the hope of losing this weight (I'm sure we all have).
I want to make sure I do all I can to make the surgery as easy as possible for him, and me. I'm just about 2 weeks a way (yay!) so rather than enjoying the final week of no pre-op diet too much, I think I may be smarter to start cutting out sugar, bread, and Pasta now.
Ever since my surgery was scheduled, I've been quite motivated and been more active (I do 45 minutes of cardio a day, I started walking every where). It has not helped me lose any weight, but it's helped me be stronger and more prepared to be active once I recover from surgery. I think success is dependent on how I use this new "tool"- sure, I'll only be able to eat small amounts, but if I'm not working out and making those small portions unhealthy food, I'm not taking full advantage of this new tool. I do wonder if this process will "cure" me of emotional eating in any way, but I figure that will always be something I'll have to struggle with and address.

Thank you for all the great replies!
I was confused as to if immediate sudden weight loss was what shrinked the liver, or if it was specific to being "low carb".
My surgeon typically has patients do a 2 week diet of 2 Protein shakes and a green salad each day. I was cut down to a week due to being a "light weight".
If it was just straight up "Atkins" (very low carb, but eat normal portions) I would not be worried about hunger- I LOVE eggs, Protein etc. I'm not actually a fan of sweets or bread. I know I can do it, I've done far more extreme diets in the hope of losing this weight (I'm sure we all have).
I want to make sure I do all I can to make the surgery as easy as possible for him, and me. I'm just about 2 weeks a way (yay!) so rather than enjoying the final week of no pre-op diet too much, I think I may be smarter to start cutting out sugar, bread, and Pasta now.
Ever since my surgery was scheduled, I've been quite motivated and been more active (I do 45 minutes of cardio a day, I started walking every where). It has not helped me lose any weight, but it's helped me be stronger and more prepared to be active once I recover from surgery. I think success is dependent on how I use this new "tool"- sure, I'll only be able to eat small amounts, but if I'm not working out and making those small portions unhealthy food, I'm not taking full advantage of this new tool. I do wonder if this process will "cure" me of emotional eating in any way, but I figure that will always be something I'll have to struggle with and address.

I had my VSG at a BMI of 31 (obese, but not morbidly so)- I was having joint issues, breathing problems, and I also have Hashimotos.
I am now at a perfect BMI of 20.5 and stable here (have been for 6 months!) and I am so glad I did it. While many may think it's only sound to get it done if you are over a BMI of 35, I was struggling to stay at a BMI of 31, and getting surgery when you are in better shape rather than worse is always ideal for your recovery, not to mention the adjustment is easier on your body and prevents issues like loose skin.
I say this all accepting that I was certainly at the "thinnest" someone should be who gets VSG- there is no reason for someone who is in good shape or only recently gained weight to go to the measure of having restrictive surgery. Though VSG is considerably "safe" and not as invasive as some other surgeries, it shouldn't be taken lightly. I have struggled with my weight and over eating all my life- I still enjoy eating, but not to the extreme extent that it sent me into emotional roller coasters before.

I had my VSG at a BMI of 31 (obese, but not morbidly so)- I was having joint issues, breathing problems, and I also have Hashimotos.
I am now at a perfect BMI of 20.5 and stable here (have been for 6 months!) and I am so glad I did it. While many may think it's only sound to get it done if you are over a BMI of 35, I was struggling to stay at a BMI of 31, and getting surgery when you are in better shape rather than worse is always ideal for your recovery, not to mention the adjustment is easier on your body and prevents issues like loose skin.
I say this all accepting that I was certainly at the "thinnest" someone should be who gets VSG- there is no reason for someone who is in good shape or only recently gained weight to go to the measure of having restrictive surgery. Though VSG is considerably "safe" and not as invasive as some other surgeries, it shouldn't be taken lightly. I have struggled with my weight and over eating all my life- I still enjoy eating, but not to the extreme extent that it sent me into emotional roller coasters before.

There was a whole forum dedicated to the cross over addiction topic actually!
For me, I noticed a darker cross over addiction- I became more of a drinker. I have no stopped almost entirely, because I've started to respond to alcohol with bizzarre light headedness and vertigo for a week after. It's important to recognize that though you removed the stomach, you did not remove the emotional issues that caused you to eat to excess. They can easily manifest themselves in the form of other addictions and compulsive behaviors.

There was a whole forum dedicated to the cross over addiction topic actually!
For me, I noticed a darker cross over addiction- I became more of a drinker. I have no stopped almost entirely, because I've started to respond to alcohol with bizzarre light headedness and vertigo for a week after. It's important to recognize that though you removed the stomach, you did not remove the emotional issues that caused you to eat to excess. They can easily manifest themselves in the form of other addictions and compulsive behaviors.

There was a whole forum dedicated to the cross over addiction topic actually!
For me, I noticed a darker cross over addiction- I became more of a drinker. I have no stopped almost entirely, because I've started to respond to alcohol with bizzarre light headedness and vertigo for a week after. It's important to recognize that though you removed the stomach, you did not remove the emotional issues that caused you to eat to excess. They can easily manifest themselves in the form of other addictions and compulsive behaviors.

I know for me, and probably for a lot of us, I went into VSG with expectations: I'd be happier with myself, my body, and with that I know just like when I would diet when I was fat, came the sense that everything else in my life would be affected by it and somehow better.
Prior to VSG, my life often centered around food. Either I was avoiding it to lose weight (that never worked for long!) or binging on it and feeling guilty. My weight affected my mood, my joy, my pain- everything since I was a teenager. I imagine many of us can related to that.
The body of mine that was technically obese 2 years ago, now is at a BMI of 20 (yes, 20!) and getting a lot of praise and attention. I got married this year to the love of my life, and things are generally stable and positive.
What I didn't expect: depression and anxiety. The story I tell above sounds like it should lead to a place of extreme inner peace, joy, and self love. In fact, over the past 6 months, it's been the opposite. Once my thoughts and goals were all centered around getting my weight off, it was basically my #1 interest in life. Analogy: it's like I've been a rock climber all my life, but now I've climbed Everest, and there is no where else to go. Has any other VSG vet else dealt with this?
I say it all feeling a sense of guilt- there are people who are vets still struggling to lose weight, having personal problems, and health issues. I feel as though I should be told "what the #$%^& is wrong with you?! Enjoy your life you spoiled brat!"..but it's been extremely tough on me, particularly as I've reached my goal.
I'd love to hear from others who have dealt with this kind of issue after surgery. I know depression immediately after happens commonly, but I did not expect to feel it come on at this stable point more than a year after surgery.

I too suffer from depression mainly coming from being assaulted at work by a patient, and then not being able to go back to my job that I loved so much. I know I do feel so much better now from losing the weight, and if anything the surgery has helped me come out better. Wellbutrin may help with your depression, however sometimes it takes many attempts at finding the right one for you. I am currently on Effexor which is a combo anti depressant that works on not only serotonin but dopamine as well. One of its side effects is weight loss, so that helps as well with my getting to goal. There are a lot of SSRIS that cause weight gain, so be careful to discuss those side effects with your psych dr. Good luck!

This hormone is also produced in other parts of our bodies. You will have plenty.

Glad to hear you are doing good Lissa, I remember seeing you on here when you were much bigger!
It's weird to experience the feeling of your equilibrium being off (I put it this way, because it's not your traditional room spinning dizziness), but considering that my VSG friend shares the symptoms, all of our labs are normal and no doctor thinks we have anything seriously wrong with us- I find some odd comfort in the notion that a few doctors and friends have given me, is that the body adjusts in mysterious ways, and on a cellular level so many of us VSG patients are completely different people. I've dropped over 10 points on my BMI, which isn't much compared to some!
I'll share all the info I get that has helped me or given me insight, as it seems like others experience some dizziness and balance issues too, and I think knowledge is power.
Things that have helped: water! Increasing my hydration seems to be the most important part, but it takes a while after treating and recognizing that I was dehydrated or drinking alcohol to be symptom free. Acupuncture: I'm fortunate enough to work with a experienced Chinese medicine practicioner, and this has made my symptoms seems to go away sooner.
Also, I'll add that it's quite easy to become a hypochondriac when you are feeling dizzy or off balance: stop it! Panicing and worrying that you are deficient or have a brain tumor or something serious will only make you go nuts. There are countless things that can make a person dizzy- get a physical, a full metabolic panel, and check all your B Vitamins as these are related to balance. VSG is an amazing surgery and typically does not result in deficiencies if you are eating a supplementing properly. Beyond that, a basic neurological exam from your PCP will show if there is anything alarming. Pay attention to your hydration and protein- but don't go nuts. I do not think anyone in normal climate needs to exceed 100 ounces a day.

There was a whole forum dedicated to the cross over addiction topic actually!
For me, I noticed a darker cross over addiction- I became more of a drinker. I have no stopped almost entirely, because I've started to respond to alcohol with bizzarre light headedness and vertigo for a week after. It's important to recognize that though you removed the stomach, you did not remove the emotional issues that caused you to eat to excess. They can easily manifest themselves in the form of other addictions and compulsive behaviors.

Wow, there are some really insightful responses to this- I am so glad I posted about this topic!
It's amazing what issues you can unearth when you undergo a change like this. I think without the outlet of being able to over eat, a lot of us have to adjust quite a bit.
I can really identify with you Supersweetums- you set yourself up with expectations of how things will improve, and even if you tell yourself weight loss is not a "fix everything", it's extremely difficult to truly understand that in a deep manner.
Also, interesting stuff: ghrelin may play a role protecting us against stress induced depression, from Wikipedia: "
Stress-induced depression
The hormone might help defend against symptoms of stress-induced depression and anxiety.[39] To test whether ghrelin could regulate depressive symptoms brought on by chronic stress, the researchers subjected mice to daily bouts of social stress, using a standard laboratory technique that induces stress by exposing normal mice to very aggressive “bully” mice. Such animals have been shown to be good models for studying depression in humans. The researchers stressed both wild-type mice and altered mice that were unable to respond to ghrelin. They found that, after experiencing stress, both types of mice had significantly elevated levels of ghrelin that persisted at least four weeks after their last defeat encounter. The altered mice, however, displayed significantly greater social avoidance than their wild-type counterparts, indicating an exacerbation of depression-like symptoms. They also ate less than the wild-type mice.[40]"

I struggled with depression after I had my children and never sought the help I needed until after my surgery and it has been a really uphill battle. I am not sure if my feelings about surgery and my body are related to depression or vice-versa. I am now trying my 4th medication, hoping it will bring me some balance.
I had some of the same expectations that you do. Even writing this, I know I am not happy where I am at and read yours and think, "I wish I could have a BMI of 20". I had set my goal weight originally, and was so excited when I reached it. Logically I know that I really do not need to lose anymore weight, yet I never feel happy with where I am at. My head has not caught up. And I also had some of the same expectations that you did. I am married, and have been for almost 10 years. Although we have a great relationship, the romantic side sometimes is a struggle, especially with young children. I thought that my husband would be more attracted to me, that I would feel more attractive about myself. Instead, he loves me the same (which is good, but has done nothing for our love life), and I find myself just as anxious about being out in public, feeling like people are still judging me like I judge myself, and still comparing myself to everyone.
I have worked with a counselor for years, but I can't seem to get my head to catch up. I am working on trying to treat myself kinder, celebrating how far I have come, and accepting me for me. I also agree with Lynda. There are some days that I miss certain foods that I have mostly cut out of my diet, and, even though I knew the sleeve wasn't a magic cure, some days I get tired of being almost obsessive about the things I eat. I know that if I am not, I will gain. I have managed to over come the guilt with eating things that aren't "healthy" because I only have them once in a while.
Thank you for posting this. That is what I like about this forum that has drawn me back into VST. These are the struggles that can appear long after the initial operation that people do not think about.

I know for me, and probably for a lot of us, I went into VSG with expectations: I'd be happier with myself, my body, and with that I know just like when I would diet when I was fat, came the sense that everything else in my life would be affected by it and somehow better.
Prior to VSG, my life often centered around food. Either I was avoiding it to lose weight (that never worked for long!) or binging on it and feeling guilty. My weight affected my mood, my joy, my pain- everything since I was a teenager. I imagine many of us can related to that.
The body of mine that was technically obese 2 years ago, now is at a BMI of 20 (yes, 20!) and getting a lot of praise and attention. I got married this year to the love of my life, and things are generally stable and positive.
What I didn't expect: depression and anxiety. The story I tell above sounds like it should lead to a place of extreme inner peace, joy, and self love. In fact, over the past 6 months, it's been the opposite. Once my thoughts and goals were all centered around getting my weight off, it was basically my #1 interest in life. Analogy: it's like I've been a rock climber all my life, but now I've climbed Everest, and there is no where else to go. Has any other VSG vet else dealt with this?
I say it all feeling a sense of guilt- there are people who are vets still struggling to lose weight, having personal problems, and health issues. I feel as though I should be told "what the #$%^& is wrong with you?! Enjoy your life you spoiled brat!"..but it's been extremely tough on me, particularly as I've reached my goal.
I'd love to hear from others who have dealt with this kind of issue after surgery. I know depression immediately after happens commonly, but I did not expect to feel it come on at this stable point more than a year after surgery.

I know for me, and probably for a lot of us, I went into VSG with expectations: I'd be happier with myself, my body, and with that I know just like when I would diet when I was fat, came the sense that everything else in my life would be affected by it and somehow better.
Prior to VSG, my life often centered around food. Either I was avoiding it to lose weight (that never worked for long!) or binging on it and feeling guilty. My weight affected my mood, my joy, my pain- everything since I was a teenager. I imagine many of us can related to that.
The body of mine that was technically obese 2 years ago, now is at a BMI of 20 (yes, 20!) and getting a lot of praise and attention. I got married this year to the love of my life, and things are generally stable and positive.
What I didn't expect: depression and anxiety. The story I tell above sounds like it should lead to a place of extreme inner peace, joy, and self love. In fact, over the past 6 months, it's been the opposite. Once my thoughts and goals were all centered around getting my weight off, it was basically my #1 interest in life. Analogy: it's like I've been a rock climber all my life, but now I've climbed Everest, and there is no where else to go. Has any other VSG vet else dealt with this?
I say it all feeling a sense of guilt- there are people who are vets still struggling to lose weight, having personal problems, and health issues. I feel as though I should be told "what the #$%^& is wrong with you?! Enjoy your life you spoiled brat!"..but it's been extremely tough on me, particularly as I've reached my goal.
I'd love to hear from others who have dealt with this kind of issue after surgery. I know depression immediately after happens commonly, but I did not expect to feel it come on at this stable point more than a year after surgery.

if you were "generally ok" then you wouldn't have needed a sleeve.. just sayin.
think about the percentage of calories in your pre-sleeve diet that came from Protein. then think about the lesser amount of calories you can get in with a sleeve and do the math. if you maintain the ratio then you get very, very little Protein. you were likely just getting enough before to keep things functioning.
now that we're getting less calories it's important to keep the protein up to combat muscle wasting and to make sure we keep our body in the maintenance.

That is lovely Janiadurl! I didn't have the pleasure of booking my appointment with her back in November 2011 when I had surgery, but had I- I would have felt MUCH better about surgery and let her talk to my husband. (Though the coordinator I went through was fine, they were hard to get ahold of consistently, and I felt like I was being sold on surgery, and that same coordinator was quick to slander Dr. Kelly's name as soon as he broke ties with her company. They also made false promisses about the accommodations I'd be getting)
Lora (not spelled Laura!) clearly comes from a place of genuine compassion and interest in helping others like her, and though it's quite probable she benefits financially from booking surgeries for Dr. Kelly, that feels much more like the outcome of her dedication and authentic love for helping people get VSG rather than her underlying motive. She actually works in the same physical space as Dr. Kelly, which is important to me- I think truly knowing the surgeon you book people with is really important. She functions as an assistant to his work rather than a coordinator- she has a wealth of knowledge, and will share and share and share with you rather than say something to make you happy so you'll get off the phone sooner.
Janiadurl: I have to say Dr. Kelly was the best part of my experience, he was warm and visited with me the night before surgery with his little son who he was very affectionate and sweet with, It was nice to see a doctor who was just a human being and could converse with me, person to person. Dr. Kelly saw how scared I was about surgery, and went down the hall to get a patient who had surgery with him just that day to come say hi to me and talk about it, and it was so cool to see how great she was doing just 6 hours out of surgery! The hospital itself was sufficient, and the nurses and staff came in every 1-2 hours to check on me. All the equipment was identical to that in the USA. Anytime I needed something, I pressed a button, and someone was there within minutes. I have known other people who really loved their experience with other doctors in Mexico, but I adore Dr. Kelly. I like that he holds a USA medical license STILL, speaks fluent English (dude was born in Michigan!), and has a background in varied types of internal medicine. I think there are likely many good options, but I really, really loved my experience with Dr. Kelly. He is easy to reach via phone or e-mail, which is also quite reassuring even though he lives in Mexico full time now I believe.

I couldn't agree more. Today my financing fell through and was pretty hurt since I have no other way to get the surgery. I texted back and forth with Lora for hours trying to find an answer. She came up with lots of great ideas. (None I can use unfortunately) because of my crappy credit. She related to me like a REAL woman and not a staff member. I just want to say, even if I find someone, another person or company that can finance me with a different doctor, I WONT, and its all because of Lora and Dr. Kelly. I want this surgery sooo bad but I will stay loyal and real to the ones that have been real to me...It will happen soon enough. I cant say when, but can say with WHO.

I've posted in here a few times to follow up on my VSG with Dr. Kelly and sing his praises, along with the whole experience I had. I am now at a BMI of 20.5, my labs came back great from my physical.
I've unfortunately experienced some mysterious balance issues that seem to be related to alcohol or dehydration. Very long story short, after speaking from everyone from my PCP, ENTs, psychologists, VSG surgeons in the USA, therapists, other patients- NO ONE has been a wealth of knowledge or as understanding or compassionate as Laura. She knew everything about VSG, Vitamin deficiencies, endocrine system, thyroid imbalances..the list goes on.
She spent lots of time talking to me about my issues and truly cares, to the extent that she is even going to text me advice on what labs to request later, as she was going to talk to her sister who is a doctor on my behalf.
She also told me a ton about dr. Kelly, how he was a US marine, grew up near where my mom is from, and about how he got into bariatric surgery.
This is a person who stands to earn NO money from helping me or charming me- I have had my surgery, I am successful as far as all that goes.
I really applaud dr Kelly for having such a great staff, Laura is a real gem, and dr Kelly has been quite responsive to my recent concerns too.

I've posted in here several times about the equilibrium (vertigo like) issues I share with a VSG patient friend.
Long story short, I called one of my doctors numbers to get a coordinator who said she experience the same thing and it turned out to be a stomach ulcer!
No pain, no abnormal gas, just dizziness a day or 2 after having alcohol.
I am wondering how common stomach ulcers are after VSG, what your experiences were like, and how common they are for us?
I imagine a lack of pain could certainly be due to a lack of nerve endings- we now have scar tissues where our stomachs were cut! But the dizziness is an odd thing to experience all on it's own.