danithediva

Yes, there are lots of groups on Facebook for VSG....but most of them are secret, so you have to search for them and ask for permission to join

I understand where you are coming from. On the surface it come off racist. Usually participating in something that is color or ethnicity oriented is not for me. So I can only explain why I subscribe to this thread as a black person.
The first reason to see if anyone post before and after pictures. Black women for the most part are build different than other races. Wide hips and big butts is common. I have a pear shape, which I HATE, and wanted to look at women with my stats to see how they look at certain weights. Than is the hair thing. A lot of concern to most black women. While I wasn't worried because I know Hair loss will happen I just wanted to see if there is a difference. So far, in my opinion, its not. It's really a curiosity thing rather than anything else for me but MAINLY a body type interest. I visit the Austrailian thread and the Latino one too even though I'm a American and not Hispanic. They both have interesting topics to me.
On another note whites are the majority so most mainstream things are geared toward them in mind. That's why, IMO, they don't have need for subgroups like minorities.
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Just love reading the responses to that ignorant comment made by her....kept it informational and classy...
well done ladies...

We need to pray for healing. I pray this leak is healed in Jesus Name that more weapons form against you prosper. Lay your hands on the area bless some lotion or Vaseline & never say it won't heal speak it into existence that it's healed!!! I'll be praying until you are healed
neek41

When I was sleeved Dec. 27, my husband talked seriously about kidnapping me from the parking lot of the hospital. I told him it would cause serious harm to our marriage.
We just got back today from San Francisco, celebrating our fifth wedding anniversary. We walked and walked and walked — up those unbelievably steep San Francisco hills from the historic downtown to Fisherman's Wharf. I kept up and he was amazed at the difference. I confess I paused a few times to catch my breathe, but I was a different woman. Hubby, who is a runner, was so happy I could mostly keep up with him with the consideration that he's 6'2" and has long lanky legs and gallops along, and I'm 5'6" and I don't have lanky legs.
My weight loss seems to be crawling, but I'm not unhappy. I figure that it will all come off in its time, which I hope is by my daughter's wedding April 13, 2013.
I work out with a yoga trainer twice weekly right now, and am upping my cardio. I think I may go back to strength training also, even though my doc hates that. (Sorry Dr. Walton.) I just want to be buff and toned also. Buff and toned ... can hardly believe I just wrote that.
My life is changing because of the sleeve and for the better. And the hubby who wanted to kidnap me — is now a convert.
Love to hear from all of you December sleevers. Means a lot to me.
Best,
Carol

Spent several hours at the mall today. I haven't done that in 5-6 years. Today I went to "normal" stores, bought clearance shorts and capris in a size 14R (down from 22/24W 6 mos. ago), shoes 1 size smaller than 6 mos. ago, and two shirts in a size SMALL (down from 1-2X). The size small is an outlier 'cause I've got some big hooters, but I'll take it! I can't remember the last time I didn't have to shop in the "big lady" section. Still can't believe this is all real.
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Rapper Paul Wall his sleeved...

Hello ladies, hope everyone is well. I wanted to share that I have lost a little over 100 pounds ( 50 preop 53 post op) I am so proud of myself.
It took forever for me to get through the process of being approved and finding the right surgeon. There were so many times I just wanted to give up. To anyone who is discouraged, I say stay strong and have faith that it will happen, but when it is ur time.
I still have a long way to go, and the stalls are hard but It is SO worth. I feel so much better physically and mentally. This is just the beginning I had my surgery May 25. I am looking forward to what the future holds.

This is not the easy way out by any means. there is alot of work involved in using this tool correctly. Your children will be gone one day on to their own lives, this is your time enjoy it and do not feel guilty for taking care of yourself.

I am a mother and a wife, but can not relate. However, I did want to comment. You are being selfish? Why because now you have chosen to concentrate on yourself? It sounds to me like they are trying to manipulate you into not doing something for yourself, so that they do not need to take care of responsiblities that you have always taken care of. We as moms always tend to take care of everyone elses needs forgetting our own. I am sorry that you are going through this. I hope that you decide to proceed on with the surgery. By investing in yourself you will be better all the way around. As far as your relationship with your husband, from what you are saying it doesn't seem like he has been supportive of other things in your life? I am just guessing based on your statement. Maybe it is time for some couples therapy to get to the root of the issue.

This year will be my 15th wedding anniversary and DH and I were together for 3 years before we got married so I haven't dated in a LOOOOONG time butif I were dating now with my sleeve, I would not bring it up on the first date unless it was specifically questioned (i.e. You didn't eat much, did it taste ok?) and even then I wouldn't share that I'd had sleeve surgery. I'd probably answer roundabout.
There are some things I think people need to be up front about. There are some things they do not. Private medical past is one of those. You don't need to tell him you've had VSG surgery any more than he needs to tell you whether or not he has his appendix. It's just not relevant to what's going on, and if anything would probably make for an awkward time (chances are, though not necessarily).

I was sleeved on 7/17/12 and totally feel your pain. I am taking prevacid daily per doctor's orders but I had reflux prior to surgery as well. I still cannot tolerate Protein Drinks of any type. Not the Isopure premixed Fruit Drinks, not the GNC mixes or even the BariCare mixes that I was on prior to surgery. I am worried about this as my doc presses the importance of Protein as a healing mechanism but right now I could care less. If I cannot get or keep it down then it is no longer important right now. My focus right now is staying hydrated as I can only sip liquids which does not nearly quench my ungodly thirst.

Don't be nervous. Trust God. He will be in the or and recovery room with you . He will guide your doctors hands.
Be Blessed. You will be ok. I had issues with surgery .im still having issues. I don't regret my decision.
"GOD IS WORKING ON YOUR BEHALF ,SO Keep having faith."<br />Your Sleeve Buddy <br />Zeta<br />

I don't ever feel hungry but you still get the hunger growls some people say its indigestion or acid reflux. Early out you still feel hungry cuz the grehlin is still in your system. The mind hunger sure plays tricks on you and can make you think you are hungry.
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I have had trouble sleeping in my bed. I have had to sleep in the recliner or in the other bed, which is one of the sleep numbers that you can sit up a bit. I am used to sleeping on my side, but every time I do it feels like my stomach is hanging or something, even putting a pillow under it doesn't really help. And when I do sleep I can only go about 4-6 hours without waking up with pain.
Did your physician okay anything to help sleep? If they say it's fine, maybe you could try some liquid benadryl?
I hope you start sleepin soon!

I guess walking 4 miles every other day is paying off down 4 more pounds woo hoo!!
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Or, people could stop being such jerks to one another and realize at one point we were ALL obese, all have/had an obvious food issue and all are HUMAN. Just sayin.

I really like the "when I want to get fat again" response. I think that about covers it!

Oh, the questions! To this question I just started saying, " Just because I can eat something, doesn't mean I should, " in a really innocent voice and then just smile. Or, sometimes, if people are annoying me with their questions/ pressuring me I'll say, "Well, if you really want me to take a bite, I will. But don't get mad when I projectile vomit on you in about 15 mins. If it doesn't agree with me." That usually shuts them up and makes them feel awkward. Lol. What annoys me more are the, "when are you going to stop losing?" and "you're too skinny" and "it's good to see you eating something!" comments I get. Really? They never said anything when I was obese, but now that I'm actually getting healthy you're going to make me feel bad about doing it!? To these people I've started saying, " it makes me feel so good that you love me enough to express your concern. I promise I'm doing everything to be healthy, and my doctor is taking good care of me." And, "I know you're just teasing about me being too skinny, but it really bothers me. I've gone through a lot of physical changes lately, and I'd really just like to be "normal." not fat, not too skinny, just normal." So now I mostly just get encouragement. I think most people mean well, so I try to be polite.

Haha this is fun! Too bad it doesn't have an "extra roll" feature Lol

Weight Loss Simulator: hair color, etc. and is available for both men and women. This gives a nice visual "goal".
Enjoy!!!

I'd love to be 140 shoot my mini goal is to be 199 anything but 200 lol

When I woke up I was in a great mood. I went into surgery humming and I woke up with the thumbs up and smiling. The first day and night were fine. I know I hurt, but the pain wasn't overwhelming. I walked 3 times that night.
The next morning, day two was rough. I had a little tiny bit of nausea, but I was worried about the upper gi leak test. Luckily they gave me an anti-nausea shot (plus I had a patch) and I went for the leak test, the gastrique was horrible. I had an allergic reaction to the stuff and I broke out in hives. They never saw that happen to someone before. I was extremely nauseated and sick the rest of the day and they gave me tons of different anti-nausea medications. I still walked a lot. The third day, wasn't too bad. I was in the hospital 5 days. I had a drain 9 days, so I went home with the drain.
I made sure I walked....a lot. I brought decaff peppermint tea and truvia with me to the hospital. It made everything bearable.
Go into the surgery with a positive attitude. I had to remain strong and positive for my husband, son and parents. They were all terrified. I refused to let them see me terrified.
Sometimes all the world indeeds a stage and we are merely players....one of my mottos is fake it til you make it. I put on a brave face and I woke up with one.
I had complications during my surgery, some very serious ones that had nothing to do with the sleeve, and my family seeing me wake up after spending 7 hours in surgery, and 2 hours in recovery was just what they needed.
Best of luck to you. Smile, go into the hospital with a favorite song playing in your head and hum it to yourself into surgery.
My father had surgery recently and before surgery I told him that I used the family theme song (Sanford & Son) as my theme song into surgery and I hummed it to the nurses and he laughed. He said, I just want to wake up after surgery, and he sung, "Wake me up, before you go go" and we laughed. It's hilarious cause he's 74.
Edited to say* He actually sang it to his anesthesiologist before he went to surgery....
Good luck again.

Thank you for this. I'm 11 days post-op. I went to Wal-Mart yesterday and it kicked my butt. I just wanted to cry! I hate being so fatigued. I'm glad it's normal. I'm supposed to return to work this evening and I'm slightly terrified that I'm going to pass out.