OCMICHELLE714

A plication is a slightly differant proceedure. They do not remove the stoma, but instead fold it into itself and sew it there. In theory it doesnt leak because it wasnt cut. However, the sutures can leak and there is some debate on the hormone ghrelin (hunger hormone) still being produce. In the non-plocation approach 85 percent of the stomach is actually cut away and removed. The the remaing is sew back together. In this proceedure the early stages are the time to be watchful for leaks. But it also remove the portion of the stomach that produces ghrelin. In my case i have not felt hungery sine may 10th last year. :-)

I'm a performer (singer and wannabe actress), but my weight killed my confidence so I pretty much stopped going to auditions. About 5 years ago, I had professional headshots taken that were the final nail in my theatre coffin. They are, without a doubt, the worst pictures I've ever intentionally posed for. That includes drunken Vegas pictures, sweaty end-of-the-day at Disneyland pictures, everything. THE WORST.
On Saturday, I had new headshots taken by a friend who isn't a professional. The new pictures aren't the same quality as the pro pics, but they're still worlds better. I have my sleeve to thank for making me feel and look better. If you're still on the fence about this surgery, I hope this gives you the kick in the pants that you need.
Okay, here goes. One old headshot, and then one new headshot. Don't laugh.
Old headshot
New headshot

GOOD LUCK PAOLA,
I WILL BE THINKING OF YOU. PLEASE POST WITH YOUR PROGRESS. YOUR GOING TO DO FABULOUS!!!

TRUST ME...YOU DON'T WANT TO KNOW.....THE PAIN AND THE PRESSURE ARE BAD...IT'S CAUSE WHEN YOU HAVE THE SURGERY THEY ACTUALLY "INFLATE" YOUR ABDOMIN TO GET IN THERE EASIER.... NO BUENO!

I just had my VSG surgery on Dec. 20, 2011. I am just now starting the pureed foods. I was having a craving for dessert, so I decided to mash up a banana and dip it in chocolate pudding to which I added 15g of protein powder. It is just like having a chocolate dipped banana!!! Try it out!

As of this morning I have lost 100 pounds since my surgery date!!! 140 pounds since I started the entire process. Only 4 pounds to go until I'm officially out of the 300s forever!!!!!!
It's been a while since I've posted on here, but I want to thank everyone for being supportive and positive. Having this as a support has been amazing!

My surgery is tomorrow also! Mine is at 7:30 am. I hope both of ours go smoothly!

I HAVEN'T EVEN HAD SURGERY YET, AND I HAD ALREADY THOUGHT ABOUT DOING THAT!! LOL.

out of everyone else on this site, i am most excited for you!!! not too long ago, we were in a panic to be approved and now we are having our biggest dream come true! itll be fun to compare our stories! ill be getting sleeved the day after u

Thanks guys!!!.. Yes, Monday.... MONDAY!!!! OMG!!!! I'm excited.. and super nervous!!

So, I spent 4 hours at the hospital getting Pul Fcn Test, Chest xray, LOTS of blood work and a venous doppler on my legs... Spoke w/ the nurse intake person about pre-op instructions and some soap that I have to shower w/ for 3 days... The people were great!! Spent most time talking than testing... So... barring some freaky blood work issue, I'm on for MONDAY!!!!
I'm so hungry right now.. but I'm smiling knowing that it's almost over!!!! I love my surgeon, hospital and friends right now... They've been super supportive!

Not ME: OMG! You have lost so much weight! What are you doing? How did you do it!
ME: THE PIPE!
LOL!
Only some people will get it, but this person thought I was serious!
I was laughing so hard!

im glad u had such a great experience! im 7 days away from being sleeved! youre in my prayers!

Hi everyone. I'm new to the board. I finally got approved by my insurance and am just awaiting my date (surgeon is backed up about 4 mos.). Anyway, everyone around me keeps telling me there is no way I need to have this surgery. "You're not big enough" they keep saying. To put it in perspective, I'm 5'8 1/2 and weigh 245 lbs. After hearing this so many times, I'm starting to second guess my decision. I'm starting to get scared that I may lose too much weight. I'd just like to hear anyones thoughts who may have gone thru this. Thanks.

Let's put this into perspective, I'm 5'4", 275lbs, with a BMI of 47. Ever since I told my co-workers and friends, the first thing they say is "Your not that big......other people are bigger than you. That surgery is for them." Uh....I'm dang near 300lbs and my feet and back hurt.......I'M GETTIN THE DARN SURGERY!!! My decision is NOT to suit them or ease their concerns, it is for me, my health, and my happiness.
Do what's best for YOU! Love yourself, be confident in yourself, and eventually they will come around.

Favoredone, You are truly favored today!! I'm so happy for you!! I love seeing your smiling picture on posts, and I'm THRILLED to see that you got your approval! I can't wait to see your face shrink and that smile growing bigger!!
You're one of the reasons I wanted to post a new picture of me with a smile on my face!

Yep!! December Diva Sleever!!! The week of December 19....

15 seconds ago... I'm APPROVED!!!!!!!!!!!

Thank you for sharing your story. I am not sure that the plication is showing very good results so far overall, no matter who does it or what country.
You know this, but I am saying this for any newbies that may be reading this - the plication is a totally unrelated and different surgery then the gastric sleeve.
I hope your revision goes very well. I am a band to sleeve revision patient... it is disappointing when your first surgery doesn't work as advertised.

So the saying is true... you get what you pay for. It blows my mind when people take short cuts with their healthcare. Most people won't bat an eye to pay 17,000 for a new car, but they only want to pay 5,000 for a sleeve. :banghead:

Ya know without this forum I would have bailed. Matter of fact a week before my surgery I really started to freak out and even posted about wanting to back out just to have people tell me it was normal and basically to suck it up It worked and I went through with it. Not only do you have to face a major surgery but you are facing a whole lifestyle change from the way you eat to the way you look. It's totally normal to go through a million different emotions before surgery.

thanks ladies! I am so excited about starting this new life. I do feel like I am in a dream world at times. There are days I still feel like I am missing something because I spent so many months going to appointments and battling with the insurance company, to not have anything else to do but wait, feels weird!
I will say that if it weren't for this forum I would have lost my mind by now! So thank you to everyone!

Babigirl, you will be surprised, the pain is really very minimal with this surgery. For myself, I didn't even take any of the pain medication at all.

My surgery is in 3 days and i couldnt be more excited! I've had many surgeries before so the surgery itself doesnt scare me a bit. Its the pain afterward that is a little un-nerving. Oh well, im sure we're all going to do great! Good luck on your surgery!

Um... wow.
Some people actually, seriously have no business opening their mouths. Ever.
I don't even know what to say. What has not already been said that's left? I know this, I've been reading this board for 2 years now, and you are one of the top losers I've seen. 95 Lbs. in 5 months... that is INCREDIBLE. Then to have someone you entrust with their opinion tell you its not, is such a tragedy. I think this nurse needs to be reported. That is my honest opinion. She has no empathy, sympathy, whatever for the emotionally delicate situation bariatric patients are in. That IMO is doing a great disservice to everyone that walks through your surgeons doors.
Listen to me and everyone else here, this nurse has no clue what she's talking about. YOU my dear are really sincerely doing a most fantastic job with your weight loss. DO NOT ever... EVER.. let anyone tell you otherwise, because that simply is untrue.
Regarding the whole honeymoon phase argument - I can't tell you how much I really hate this. Yes it is true you will lose the most and the fastest in the very beginning. Yes, its because your sleeve is super small and you can only ingest so much. Yes, your sleeve will let up and you will begin to be able to eat more, meaning you will be able to up your calories. The only thing you have to do to remedy this is just keep ensuring you are burning much more calories than you are taking in.
I am 15 months out. My sleeve is still extremely restrictive. I'm not even really trying all that hard and I'm STILL losing weight!
THE SLEEVE DOES NOT COME WITH AN EXPIRATION DATE ATTACHED!! It is a PERMANENT restrictive procedure. You will have your banana tummy forever. How you use it is up to you... just don't allow others to control your actions. She does NOT deserve your attention to the point where you'd sabotage all your incredible efforts. She's just a miserable, mean lady who has zero compassion... Don't let her take this away from you, please.