Willow216

Thank you all so much for your replies! I've been thinking about this for days now and it all boils down to ME and what's best for my health and well being. Yes surgery is a drastic and last resort measure to take but I've been a bigger girl my whole life and once I turned 20 it just kept getting more and more out of control. Really since 2003 is when it's been really bad because I went from that overweight category to obese and now to morbid obesity. It makes me disgusted with myself really! I understand the risks, it's a surgical procedure so there is always risks with any type of surgery but I think the benefits far out weigh the risks. I am very excited about starting the process and I just hope I can get approved. I was so stoked to learn that the insurance I have even covers WLS so now I'm hoping I can get approved. I also have PCOS which wreaks havoc on my entire body so I hope I don't hit any road blocks due to that. I don't have any other health issues and I'm not on any daily medications.
Congrats to everyone who has been approved and have had the surgery. This forum is one of my new favorite places to visit!!

I was worried on the same issues you were, but my doctor stated that by having the VSG your eating habits are forcibly changed, it takes about 3 months to break habits and learn new ones so you have to think that in a few years (worrying about stomach stretch) that you have all new habits now and you mentally and physically won't be eating the same way, your energy level will be risen and you will become more active and your old habits will be basicly a memory so stretching the stomach won't be an issue because you are not going to be the same person anymore you will feel lighter, stronger, more energetic and Loving Life. I had my doubts too but I have been on youtube and probably have heard over 100 peoples testimonies and 99% stated it was the best thing they have ever done and they don't have the same habits as before and wish they did it sooner. The other 1% seemed to have other issues and food was way more then a crutch for them. After the surgery there are hormone changes going on so you might feel depressed etc but that is just for a few days as you heal after that (from what I have learned) that everyday gets better and better until its fabulous!!
My surgery is on Tuesday 3/13 and I am counting the minutes. I can't wait to meet the new me!!
Many Blessings to you and your Journey, God Bless!

July 2011 I was over 290. I knew I was never going to fly again to vacation anywhere unless I drove or bought a extra seat plane seat. Then I had the Sleeve!
Now March 2012 at 179 pounds my wife & I will be going to Vegas for our 40th year married in July. With out the sleeve I would not even had thought of this. We have been before but last time the seat was very uncomfortable.
I did tell the wife "me going to a buffett was like a eunuch going to a ***** house. The eyes take in the pleasure, but that's all we can do."

I also seen you on Facebook when I was researching and I was also like "Wow"! The transformation is Amazing!! I chose to get sleeved just hoping to get back to my sze 8's (I am now a sze18, 240 5'4"), but I have found a new goal and seeing as you made it to sze 2, I think I can make it at least a 5/6.
Thank you!!!

I never thought... anyway I received a PM from a dear friend on Facebook this morning and she told me she was playing around on Google. She did a Search for Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy Before and After... lo and behold I'm on there. There's actually 2 of me that I found but this is the best one.
Again, I never thought I'd become famous over this!!! HAAA!!!
Have a blessed Sunday everyone!!!

Yes LMD, You are such an inspiration to us all. I look at your before and after and she my self and know it can be done. One things is that you are smiling in both pics. That lets me know you are a happy person and if comes from within. Thanks for sharing your journey with us.

I was just sleeved on March 5, 2012. Tho I am sore, I am so happy about this decision. Poo on naysayers! Worry about you....how u feel, what makes u happy. You are the only one that really worries about how you feel...and what makes you happy. My insurance did not cover, so I am a self pay. I don't even care. Just so happy to be on my way to a happier, healthier me!

I was on clear liquids for two weeks. I drank this (Natures Best Isopure zero carb):
http://www.amazon.co...1319209&sr=8-11
I do recommend the clear liquids because your stomach is swollen and this stuff is easy on it. I drank two of these a day. Each has 40 grams of Protein and 0 carbs. It's a great way to get all your Protein in. This will also help ensure you get your fluids. The main problem people seem to have is not getting enough protein and not enought fluids. The is the best whey isolate too. It comes in multiple flavors and GNC carries it.
I didn't take pain meds or antibiotics so I didn't have a Constipation problem. I finally did when I started eating only protein. I learned quickly that Fiber has to be added. I did this by eating a little fruit and vegetable. Even watered down apple juice will help that.
I really hate medication and only take it when there is no other solution.

As others mentioned, I did Clear Liquids too at first and then moved onto Protein Shakes. I drink the Atkins Caramel Cafe and still do. But there are so many you might try getting samples. I had a horrendous time getting in all the Protein . Between that and Water it was like a full time job lol. But I know you will do great!

you like me will be on mushy's as soon as you have your leak test. I ate alot of refried Beans melt some cheese on it, Liz told me I could put some chicken in a blender and eat that, bake some ricotta cheese topped with some mozzerella cheese. it is so hard to explain how little you will be able to eat two bites from a baby spoon and I was done, so you will have to get most of your Protein in with shakes, she allowed me to have smoothies since we are on mushies I added greek yogurt with calorie countdown milk and sugar free Torani syrups for flavor, they allowed me to count my smooties or Protein Shakes toward my fluids also, yogurt went down real nice and didn't cause me any pain.
I still don't get all my Protein in there was days when I did but the majority of the days I didn't. you have to really concentrate on it, it can be done but you have to remain conscience of it.
I have a video of the hospital if you want to see it PM me your email and I'll send it to you...

You will probably be on clear liquids for a couple weeks since your sleeve needs time to heal. SF popsicles, SF Jello are also considered clear liquids. Don't worry about the Protein count at this point. Just take in the liquids you can. You cannot dehydrate yourself so you will need to sip, sip, sip. Your time will come for full liquids and then you can concentrate more on the protein. your sleeve will let you know when you are full, so don't push it. Follow your doctor's guidleines and you will do fine.

Dear Everyone,
Thank you Soo Much for all of your advise and tips, I have learned much and I have gotten some new ideas on the first weeks post op. I was so worried about not getting in all the Protein and worried about food that might cause pain and dumping and blah blah blah! I can't keep up. LOL
You all have eased my worries and I'm just gonna take it day by day and use the tips I have gained.
I will give an update once I come home and let you all know whats going on!
Again Thank you!!!
:D

Help I need advice.
I am having my surgery 3/13/12 and I wanted to be prepared for when I get home from the hospital so I don't have to leave the house for a while in case I feel "crappy". I have the Protein drinks (isopure) and clear Jello, Protein Drinks, farina and skim plus milk. Is that okay or is there anything else I should have in supply?
Also did anyone have a problem getting in all of the 60 to 80 grams of Protein in the first couple of weeks? I heard it was majorly difficult.
Any info would be Appreciated!!
Thanks

Hi, With a sleeve you really do not have "dumping syndrome" The swallowing is because they are not taking tiny baby bites and chewing is 20 to 30 times so it is like a liquid before they swallow. The was the hardest thing I had to relearn. For your entire life you have shoveled the food in your mouth chewed it about two times and swallowed. That will have to change. It doesn't stay stuck for a long time. Just put your fork down for a few minutes and you will feel the food going down. The next bite, chew and chew and chew.
Heartburn or acid reflux can be controlled really easy. Nexium DID NOT work that well for me, so I use Prilosec 2 times a day and I have no problems. So I hear all the things you are saying, but there are some pretty easy fixes to the things that scare you.
I am always here if you have any questions. Good luck on your surgery and you will do just fine.
Hugs,
Suzanne