BeanieandRosie'smom

This makes me so sad. People, children and adults can be so cruel. I am a teacher (Pre-K) so I know all too well what kids innocently, and not-so-innocently say.
I hope this can make you feel better. I have an adopted brother who is 9 years old. His name is Humoody and he is from Iraq. He was shot in the face with a shot gun he was two years old and his face is disfigured, he is completely blind and missing an eye. The one he does have is covered by a fake eye cap that looks real. He has been through hell as far as being teased and made fun of, having adult strangers come up to my parents (IN FRONT OF HIM) and say "what's wrong with your kid's face??" Too bad he is blind, not deaf, and he happens to be extremely intelligent. He is at the top of his class in math and reading and has a personality and sense of humor matched by few. I only thank god that he can't see people's rude stares at him.
So just remember, it's not all bad. You could have been disfigured or blinded. You are on your way to a healthier, thinner you. People that give you crap or say rude things have their own insecurity issues. People that are secure don't make comments to their children or others about some families "must eat fried food." You have to feel sorry for their kids because they are learning from example. Your kids will have compassion and character for dealing with this. I used to get yelled at: "Sueeeyy! Suueey!" when I was in elementary school. It was tough, but I'm better for it.
Check out these links if you like, they could give you a new perspective on being made fun of, etc...
http://community.seattletimes.nwsource.com/archive/?date=20060711&slug=muhammed11m
http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/localnews/2003714541_iraqboy20m.html
http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/localnews/2003316900_iraqboy22m.html
http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/localnews/2003544835_iraqboy28m.html
http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/localnews/2003989172_iraqboy02m.html
http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/localnews/2008123196_hamoody19m.html
Humoody is my little brother and he is now 9 and in the 3rd grade and thriving! He tells me he doesn't understand why I am having surgery because I have a great personality. If only we could all love like a blind child! <3 He sees what really matters.

You can request a sedative before being put under. I had that done when I had surgery in Mexico because I was really freaked out that I was there, not because of anesthesia. I fell asleep before surgery!
I am one of those people that hates that loss of control you have when you faint, get really drunk, etc... But going under anesthesia is nothing like that. I've been put under about five or six times and it's no big deal. The last time, my doctor told me she was putting a margarita in my IV! That's the last I remember. It's not gradual, it's like one minute you're there, the next your dead asleep. It's like taking a nap, and you feel really groggy when you wake up. You don't blackout or slowly fade into it. I usually say "bye!" and I'm gone!
Also, wanted to comment on the calories thing. Just got me a little worried for you. You are unfortunately going to still have to worry about calories for the rest of your life. After surgery, food becomes a much bigger part of your life in a different way. I had lap band surgery thinking the same thing. I am now ten pounds higher than I was when I got the band. You can eat around it. You can cheat and drink with meals and help wash things through. You can get lots of calories into a small amount eating crappy foods. You can eat bits of high calorie food all day long. It's not a panacea, and WLS means something much different to me now than it did before. It's just a tool. I have to change my behaviors in order for it to work!
Best of luck to you!!

It must be awful to not have that family support! I wouldnt have been able to get it! My mom has encouraged me to do the sleeve (and is footing the bill!) My dad is supportive, mainly because I think he's worried about my health. He was a little concerned that I thought WLS was a panacea (I know better after a failed lap band!) but he wants me to do it! My husband is so laid back. He is supportive of anything that makes me happy. To say I don't deserve him is an understatement since I am the nagger/moody/grump of the year!
Even though my immediate family is supportive, I am not telling my extended family. I know theyd be against it and I didn't tell them about my lap band.
I had to tell my boss since I'm taking time off, and she was not supportive, and neither were my coworkers. It's hard when they have no concept of what the sleeve is or really WLS in general. They don't think I'll be safe, and just don't understand. Mainly because they are naturally stick thin!
Good luck to everyone. Don't let anyone get you down---or as my mom says "Don't let anyone steal your joy!" this is your decision for YOU. You know the risks, this is a choice you will live with, and no one else! My husband keeps telling me to ignore others and not psych myself out!
Hugs!

Erika

Hi snrussell09!
I agree with what's been said. I am almost 27 years old, and even though I've only been morbidly obese for about five years, it's been long enough for me. I had the Lap-Band done in 2010. Big mistake. It just didn't work for me and I was unable to eat healthy foods due to vomiting. So here I am two years later, and two years older, wishing I would have taken the "drastic" step in the first place. The big appeal of the lap band is that it's reversible. Unless something bad happens with the band, you'll probably have it your whole life. Why not do the sleeve and up your chances of keeping off the weight for the rest of your life?
I think you would be a perfect candidate from what it sounds like. You also have youth on your side. You may not have been born with a naturally quick metabolism, but I guarantee once that weight comes off, you'll have tons of energy and be able to exercise even more!
I am having my surgery in August with Dr. Rodriguez in Tijuana. Best of luck to you, and congrats for taking the first steps to a healthier life!
Erika

I decided before my surgery that I was only going to buy pants from the same store until I was at or close to my goal weight... the point being to avoid the up and down that sometimes happen when you shop in different stores (14 in one, 16 in another, etc). That always killed me!! I already had size 24's and 20's from old navy, so that's what i stuck to.
My highest: size 24
My current: size 4
I could wear the size 4's on a regular basis, but I don't have the money to buy them so I'm stll wearing my sixes. I have to dry them on hot now though!!

This time last year I was a solid size 20 pant and a 1x or 2x top, now I am a size 8 or 10 pant and a size med top.

Depends on insurance! I had to wait six months but completed a lot of labs and test in the first 2 months and concentrated on my supervised diet! I am vlogging my journey as well as many others on YouTube! My username is: jmcbribe and I'm one month post op! Don't regret a thing!! 23lbs down since surgery and 54lbs overall!

This makes me so sad. People, children and adults can be so cruel. I am a teacher (Pre-K) so I know all too well what kids innocently, and not-so-innocently say.
I hope this can make you feel better. I have an adopted brother who is 9 years old. His name is Humoody and he is from Iraq. He was shot in the face with a shot gun he was two years old and his face is disfigured, he is completely blind and missing an eye. The one he does have is covered by a fake eye cap that looks real. He has been through hell as far as being teased and made fun of, having adult strangers come up to my parents (IN FRONT OF HIM) and say "what's wrong with your kid's face??" Too bad he is blind, not deaf, and he happens to be extremely intelligent. He is at the top of his class in math and reading and has a personality and sense of humor matched by few. I only thank god that he can't see people's rude stares at him.
So just remember, it's not all bad. You could have been disfigured or blinded. You are on your way to a healthier, thinner you. People that give you crap or say rude things have their own insecurity issues. People that are secure don't make comments to their children or others about some families "must eat fried food." You have to feel sorry for their kids because they are learning from example. Your kids will have compassion and character for dealing with this. I used to get yelled at: "Sueeeyy! Suueey!" when I was in elementary school. It was tough, but I'm better for it.
Check out these links if you like, they could give you a new perspective on being made fun of, etc...
http://community.seattletimes.nwsource.com/archive/?date=20060711&slug=muhammed11m
http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/localnews/2003714541_iraqboy20m.html
http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/localnews/2003316900_iraqboy22m.html
http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/localnews/2003544835_iraqboy28m.html
http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/localnews/2003989172_iraqboy02m.html
http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/localnews/2008123196_hamoody19m.html
Humoody is my little brother and he is now 9 and in the 3rd grade and thriving! He tells me he doesn't understand why I am having surgery because I have a great personality. If only we could all love like a blind child! <3 He sees what really matters.

My husband and I had the surgery with dr. Kelly in Tijuana 2 days ago. Wow! What a great experience so far. We checked in at the hospital Thursday and had the surgery on Friday, I was just checked to a nice hotel this morning. The hospital care was amazing, I wish we could get this type of care in the US. Dr. Kelly, his wife Ceci, and his assistant Omar are amazing. They have been with us all the time. Just came back from shopping with Omar the doctors assistant. They are taking us tomorrow to do the laser teeth whitening. They've made us feel like part of their family, which is so important when you are far away from home. My flight back home is on Tuesday at 11am, they included a night hotel at San Diego as well. And of course they are taking us around San diego as well. You should check dr. Kelly out he studied in the US and has amazing experience. He charged me $5500 and included transfers from San Diego to Tijuana, 3 nights hospital stay, one night at the Lucerna hotel in Tijuana, meals while at the hotel, transfers to the hotel in San Diego and hotel stay in San Diego. Also all the medication. There's a lot of information about Dr Kelly on line. Call Omar for more info (619) 395-5347. Good luck

This makes me so sad. People, children and adults can be so cruel. I am a teacher (Pre-K) so I know all too well what kids innocently, and not-so-innocently say.
I hope this can make you feel better. I have an adopted brother who is 9 years old. His name is Humoody and he is from Iraq. He was shot in the face with a shot gun he was two years old and his face is disfigured, he is completely blind and missing an eye. The one he does have is covered by a fake eye cap that looks real. He has been through hell as far as being teased and made fun of, having adult strangers come up to my parents (IN FRONT OF HIM) and say "what's wrong with your kid's face??" Too bad he is blind, not deaf, and he happens to be extremely intelligent. He is at the top of his class in math and reading and has a personality and sense of humor matched by few. I only thank god that he can't see people's rude stares at him.
So just remember, it's not all bad. You could have been disfigured or blinded. You are on your way to a healthier, thinner you. People that give you crap or say rude things have their own insecurity issues. People that are secure don't make comments to their children or others about some families "must eat fried food." You have to feel sorry for their kids because they are learning from example. Your kids will have compassion and character for dealing with this. I used to get yelled at: "Sueeeyy! Suueey!" when I was in elementary school. It was tough, but I'm better for it.
Check out these links if you like, they could give you a new perspective on being made fun of, etc...
http://community.seattletimes.nwsource.com/archive/?date=20060711&slug=muhammed11m
http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/localnews/2003714541_iraqboy20m.html
http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/localnews/2003316900_iraqboy22m.html
http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/localnews/2003544835_iraqboy28m.html
http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/localnews/2003989172_iraqboy02m.html
http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/localnews/2008123196_hamoody19m.html
Humoody is my little brother and he is now 9 and in the 3rd grade and thriving! He tells me he doesn't understand why I am having surgery because I have a great personality. If only we could all love like a blind child! <3 He sees what really matters.

This makes me so sad. People, children and adults can be so cruel. I am a teacher (Pre-K) so I know all too well what kids innocently, and not-so-innocently say.
I hope this can make you feel better. I have an adopted brother who is 9 years old. His name is Humoody and he is from Iraq. He was shot in the face with a shot gun he was two years old and his face is disfigured, he is completely blind and missing an eye. The one he does have is covered by a fake eye cap that looks real. He has been through hell as far as being teased and made fun of, having adult strangers come up to my parents (IN FRONT OF HIM) and say "what's wrong with your kid's face??" Too bad he is blind, not deaf, and he happens to be extremely intelligent. He is at the top of his class in math and reading and has a personality and sense of humor matched by few. I only thank god that he can't see people's rude stares at him.
So just remember, it's not all bad. You could have been disfigured or blinded. You are on your way to a healthier, thinner you. People that give you crap or say rude things have their own insecurity issues. People that are secure don't make comments to their children or others about some families "must eat fried food." You have to feel sorry for their kids because they are learning from example. Your kids will have compassion and character for dealing with this. I used to get yelled at: "Sueeeyy! Suueey!" when I was in elementary school. It was tough, but I'm better for it.
Check out these links if you like, they could give you a new perspective on being made fun of, etc...
http://community.seattletimes.nwsource.com/archive/?date=20060711&slug=muhammed11m
http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/localnews/2003714541_iraqboy20m.html
http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/localnews/2003316900_iraqboy22m.html
http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/localnews/2003544835_iraqboy28m.html
http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/localnews/2003989172_iraqboy02m.html
http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/localnews/2008123196_hamoody19m.html
Humoody is my little brother and he is now 9 and in the 3rd grade and thriving! He tells me he doesn't understand why I am having surgery because I have a great personality. If only we could all love like a blind child! <3 He sees what really matters.

This makes me so sad. People, children and adults can be so cruel. I am a teacher (Pre-K) so I know all too well what kids innocently, and not-so-innocently say.
I hope this can make you feel better. I have an adopted brother who is 9 years old. His name is Humoody and he is from Iraq. He was shot in the face with a shot gun he was two years old and his face is disfigured, he is completely blind and missing an eye. The one he does have is covered by a fake eye cap that looks real. He has been through hell as far as being teased and made fun of, having adult strangers come up to my parents (IN FRONT OF HIM) and say "what's wrong with your kid's face??" Too bad he is blind, not deaf, and he happens to be extremely intelligent. He is at the top of his class in math and reading and has a personality and sense of humor matched by few. I only thank god that he can't see people's rude stares at him.
So just remember, it's not all bad. You could have been disfigured or blinded. You are on your way to a healthier, thinner you. People that give you crap or say rude things have their own insecurity issues. People that are secure don't make comments to their children or others about some families "must eat fried food." You have to feel sorry for their kids because they are learning from example. Your kids will have compassion and character for dealing with this. I used to get yelled at: "Sueeeyy! Suueey!" when I was in elementary school. It was tough, but I'm better for it.
Check out these links if you like, they could give you a new perspective on being made fun of, etc...
http://community.seattletimes.nwsource.com/archive/?date=20060711&slug=muhammed11m
http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/localnews/2003714541_iraqboy20m.html
http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/localnews/2003316900_iraqboy22m.html
http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/localnews/2003544835_iraqboy28m.html
http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/localnews/2003989172_iraqboy02m.html
http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/localnews/2008123196_hamoody19m.html
Humoody is my little brother and he is now 9 and in the 3rd grade and thriving! He tells me he doesn't understand why I am having surgery because I have a great personality. If only we could all love like a blind child! <3 He sees what really matters.

Well hello everyone,
As you read in my earlier post "worst decision I ever made" I have had a really rough time since I had my sleeve surgery on May 3,2012. I am happy to report that I was once again put in the hospital on Tuesday for dehydration. My doctor decided to go back in and do a scope on me to see if he could figure out what all my problems were coming from. When he went inside my tummy with a camera there was a piece of scar tissue that appeared to be causing a little obstruction. He also stretched my esphogas. He also went back into two of my incesions to check the outside of my tummy. The staple line and all else was perfect. He removed the piece of scar tissue and I have actually been able to eat a small amount of food today and was able to drink some fluids and hold them down.
I feel better today than I have in the last month. I actually have been up all day moving around and doing stuff around my house. Before I was so weak and sick I slept most of the day.
I just want to thank everyone who gave me so much support and sent me lots of prayers through this difficult time in my life. I feel like I am finally on the road to recovery : ) Still have a little ways to go but I can see the light at the end of the tunnel...
Everyone have a super blessed day : )

Oh gosh I am so sorry this happened to you, that is bad on their parents! My3 year old has never said anything to me about my weight, but we saw a man one day at a pizza place and my son said "wow... he has a huuuge stomach" I was so embarrassed even though the man didn't hear... at least he acted like he didn't, but I took my son into the bathroom and had a good talking to about how that can hurt peoples feelings and we don't say things like that, and that has stuck with him, and I'll make sure he remembers not to hurt peoples feelings. It starts when kids are young and how they are raised to treat others. This will all be over for us soon enough, now its up to us to teach our kids differently so they do not have to go through the same thing, and don't treat others that way.

If Protein drinks are a problem, you should try using candy flavoring oils. They're really good and if you don't have a candy supply store nearby, you can buy them online. They come in so many different flavors that there's something for everyone, like butter rum, marshmallow, cherry cordial, blackberry, and pretty much everything else you've ever seen in a candy cream filling flavor. You can also try the flavor section in the grocery store, but the selection will be more limited.
You can also try reducing the amount of liquid you use to get more of a loose pudding texture, and refrigerate it overnight to let it become creamier. Barring that, you can heat the ingredients because, when they're warm, the drinks have a completely different flavor. They're a godsend to me when I can't get anything else to go down, and I came up with a variety of tricks to change the taste before surgery so I wouldn't be stuck with few options. I hope this helps!

Hello to a fellow Erika! You don't always see it with the "K"! I am getting sleeved in August. Welcome to the site! There are lots of really helpful and supportive people here
Erika:)

Awww tell him I said thank you LOL...Something I would tooooootally do! I just showed my hubby Wishes new 9 month pics

Why, that is 27 lbs gone forever. I too workout daily and find that I must constantly fuel my body and eat throughout the day. I also try to drink a protien shake or cheese right after working out. I purchased one of those plastic shake bottles with the wire mesh mixer and take my protien shake and cheese with me to the gym so I can drink it right after my workout. Hang in there you are doing great.

Just wanted to post some of my progress here. In 4 weeks including my preop weight loss i have lost a total of 33lbs... i'm so happy about this i can't remember the last time i finally believed i was going to make it work and lose this weight. I am so glad i made such a wise decision and finally followed through with this surgery. I am loving sleeved life so far and can't wait for the future.. Here are my first before and after's.. :-) Before's are on the left hand side. I had wanted to take a picture in the same outfit.. but i'll be darned if i can't find my white capri's.. so i put on a pair of 20's and low and behold they zipped up and buttoned alot snug.. but stilll nice anyhow!!

If I am happy, you are there, If I am scared, you are there. If I failed, you are there. If I am feeling alone, yep, you are there. I feel like I have gained hundreds of new friends who all know exactly what I am going through and it is PRICELESS! I just want to tell you all that I am thinking of you this glorious Texas Sunday morning and I want you to know how much I appreciate you! :wub:

I'm just over 7 months out & if I even have the feeling of gas or a bowel movement coming, I get to the nearest bathroom...because I'm not taking a chance of sharting! I'd rather run to the bathroom than crap myself & sometimes you can't tell what is going to happen... Better safe than sorry! In the beginning, I would run at the slightest rumble! LOL!!! I have become lactose intolerant since surgery so I started buying fat free, lactose free milk.

I also liked the "productive flatulance" term. That got me laughing.
I'm 5 days post op and everything just got going again Friday. Started with a good amount of gas and non-productive flatulance, but then Friday evening it hit. Just like you, I was tricked into thinking it was some simple gas, but no - it was actually a productive flatulance laying in wait.
After some grumbling I decided just to trash the underwear. I'm getting thinner anyway, so they'll need to go sooner or later. I'm still dealing with this. My body makes sounds now like the Titanic did as it was sinking, I never know what to expect. It's cheap entertainment for the kids, I guess.
Good luck!

Tulipstar, you are what I would love to be!! I'm so happy to hear you love your sleeve!
So, I hate my lap band for lots of reasons. Fills and unfills are expensive. Ive had them cost up to $400. I never got to a sweet spot. I have the small Allergan band. It is extremely finicky. I only was filled 3ccs at the end and was sliming (puking) everything I ate. As someone else said, it encourages bad eating habits.
You still have your whole stomach with the band. I only ever felt "full" in my esophagus. (which was painful) That doesn't equate to full in my brain. I was eating healthy foods, puking them, puking them, no matter how hard I tried. So, I'd eventually just go for some cream Soup, ice cream and candy! It goes down and fills you up! Unfortunately, my anger made me rebellious and I would just overeat that crap because I was so upset and felt like such a failure with the Lap Band.
I ended up with scar tissue in my esophagus and my lap band slipped because I puked/slimed so much. It is a miserable existence. I'd tell the nurse/surgeon and they'd unfill me and we'd "start all over" (if you throw up a lot, your stomach swells and then nothing goes through). Then you have to start all over on liquids, then mushies, etc... And try to be disciplined enough to not over eat untill your next fill. Then you slowly get filled up (they can't do it all in one fill) and hope you have enough restriction, or not too much.
I lost 30 lbs with the band, but I believe it was all puking/my effort. The band was a hard tool to use. You're never able to eat in the morning, because your stomach swells at night while you're sleeping. (it happens to everyone I've ever talked to :/ )
Now, I'm unfilled totally, miserable and 10lbs over my band start weight! the port is very sore and if you wear jeans or anything that cuts into your waist, you'll feel it all day
Hope that helps!
Erika

That's my birthday! June 29! My name is April but I was born in June (I really do think my mom had a lot of painkillers in her system when she named me)

I completely agree!! I am using Dr Rodgriguez because he has done over 1000 sleeves and even more Gastric Bypass. One of my main factors for deciding was that he is in the StarMedica Hospital (new and has incredible reviews) and the cost ($6800) included 4 days at the hospital, all pre and post op care, surgery fees, and transportation to and from the hospital etc. I can't find one bad review about him or his staff. I read some reviews where people were in a strip mall surgery center and went back to a "recovery house" or hotel! Although this may be ok for some, it was definitely NOT ok for my choice!! I want to be in a hospital with nurses and docs around lol I'm glad to know someone else feels the same! I am sorry if anyone is offended by this, it is not meant to be derogatory, simply my choice in sugeons and how I wanted to be "handled lol" after surgery. I guess I'm spoiled!!!