NancyJerry

Historically, the Sleeve was not a technique created as "a" WLS, so to speak. If people wanted/needed bypass surgery, but were not good surgical candidates, they would have the sleeve done until they lost a reasonable amount of weight, and would then go back for bypass. The results they were finding were so good, they began listing it as one of the "3" main options. Three years ago when my sister had the Band put in, the sleeve was glossed over and not highly recommended. If he only mentioned it casually, I wouldn't get too freaked out.

Gosh I'd think you could find a compression garment that would work. Have you looked for anything like that online? Just trying to think of an option.

It was a couple of weeks for me.

June 20th will be here before you know it. I have NO regrets. I was sleeved March 27. I'm down, something like 33-ish pounds. People are really starting to notice and that is nice. If I had this to do over again.....I'd tell a few less people. I didn't realize how judgmental some of them would be. I eat only 600-800-ish calories per day and THAT is the reason I'm losing weight. The surgery helps me because I'm not hungry and my stomach fills up quickly. But I don't like that for some people the surgery seems to, now, define me. I like your post. Educate yourself. Be honest with yourself as to why you want this surgery and you'll do great!

Oh, Cammy! I'm so inspired. I've always wanted to run but have always been in too much pain to do it. My personal goal is to get into the 170's before I begin my Couch-2-5-K --I wanted to get a significant amount of weight off my bones before I asked my body to do such a feat!! Good for you and thanks for sharing!!

Breathe. No freaking out. WHY do you want to have this surgery? Really, Why? For me, it was to improve my quality of life. To not hurt ALL THE DANG TIME. To tie my shoes, to not be embarrassed and even horrified to be captured on film. To not be judged based on my size before I ever speak a work. To not have to shop in the plus size section of the store. To want to get out of bed. To feel worthy. I could go on and on, but I think you get the picture. So, when you start to freak out, remind yourself WHY you wanted this in the first place. You'll be ok. Breathe. :-D

Good advice and I'm pray you are on the road to recovery very quickly!

You've gotten a lot of good advice here. But I just feel like adding my 2-cents. For the most part I was off meds within about a week, but I did a lot of walking and getting around as much as possible. If I overdid it, then I would take a pill (and usually a nap). Like so many have, take um when you need um!

Right, with a Celebrate shake, you'll get 25 grams of Protein per shake, plus your multi-Vitamin, calcium and fiber!!

Ah, Yes. I see that now. I didn't read that through properly the first time! I sure hope they work for you!!

Very happy for you, Susie! Good luck!

Dang. I'm 6 weeks out (today) and won't be allowed to have something like shrimp for another 4-6 weeks. :-(

Welcome. I don't have any real advice about your insurance or PCP. I hope you can get that all worked out. But you've found a great forum here. If anyone has a better solution for you, you'll probably hear about it. Make sure to do some insurance-types of searches. You may find the answers you're looking for. Good luck to you!

I've had a very easy time if you ask me. Yes, some surgical pain and discomfort, but take your pain meds and don't be a hero. Get up and walk. Get your Water in. You'll be fine! IMO many people move through the food phases WAY too fast and look for ways to cheat. Many of us are needing a surgery (to cut 85% of our stomachs out) because we've been cheating for a very long time. Follow your doctor's orders and keep your eyes on the PRIZE! You'll do great!

I couldn't deal with the foam, so I stick with the ready to drink shakes. Way better!

I was on clear liquids for two weeks. Do not feel compelled to move on to those mushies! The swelling will go down and you'll feel better every day. Take it easy and try to get walking if you can, it does help the overall healing process.

It is major surgery and complications can arise. No doubt. But keep reading the good/successful stories and you'll get the reassurance you are looking for!

Hi Sammie - I'm glad you found this forum! It is crazy the amount of good info you can get here. I wish you continued success and hope you get through all of your phases of recovery without incident!

Wow, at 3 months - that bites! Is it just the Protein shakes that make you nauseous? I'm assuming you've tried different drinks... and the doctors don't have any other suggestions? I'm surprised. I know what you mean about the fatigue after anti-nausea meds, though! Gosh, I'm not much help here, I'm just sorry that you're struggling with this! I hope it gets better for you soon!

The Celebrate Company is a great company and their products are top of the line, but a bit pricey. The powder is around 65 or 70 bucks and makes 30 shakes. In order to get the proper does of vitamins, you need to take 2 of their shakes per day. (and supplement your iron). Now, if you are taking pricey vitamins and pricey shakes it's a good deal that these are combined. Pre-surgery, I took the chewable vitamins and post surgery they made me yak. I tried the shakes but had a hard time with the texture. THAT'S JUST ME, and one of the things that changed for me post op. My husband and sister really like them. Everyone is different. My point is, if I could, I would take the Celebrate shakes to get in my protein and vitamins. I hope it works for you!

I'm one of those people that loved the coffee experience but didn't "require" coffee to be human. I gave it up the day I got approved for the surgery with no withdrawal issues. But I missed drinking it. I had my first taste of coffee about 4 weeks post op. My husband made it the same way I'd always drunk it, with a tsp of regular creamer and a dash of vanilla creamer. I couldn't stand it - it was soo very sweet. I didn't try it again until last week I got a small from Mc Donalds and where I would normally have put about 5 creamers in it (there's is quite strong), I asked for 2 creamers and it tasted pretty good. That is the last time, so far. The moral of my story is my coffee experience has definitely changed for me.

I take (the ONLY thing I've done against doctor's orders), VitaFusion Gummies. Serving size is 2 gummies, but I take them 3 times per day (6 total). And I supplement with B6, B12, Biotin, and Calcium. The B's and Biotin are very small tablets and easy to swallow. Every chewable Vitamin made me yak.

It's only for a short time in your life and will be all worth it in the end. Hang in there!

Another 3 bites the dust. I'm only 1 pound from making my goal, which would put me at 181. So I'm going to add to my goal to pt myself in the 170's by Memorial Day. My new goal is to be at 179 which is 3 more pounds.

Today is my 6 week, post-op anniversary. I'm doing well. I'm happy with my weight loss, my energy is fairly decent. I had a terrible time finding Vitamins that I could stomach, but that is all set now. I feel quite "back to normal." I go out to restaurants and eat with my family. I make it through my work days and can bike 20-25 miles at a time (although I'm mourning some of that padding from my butt that came in handy on those rides). I hope you are feeling better. Be careful with those creamed Soups - even without chunks they may be very rich to tolerate. Keep us posted!