Bronxbubbles

Im definitely not a doctor, as contacting a dr would be my advice to you but i understand about not having insurance... So i suggest getting some butterfly closures at your local pharmacy. Theyre a bit better than band aids cause they hold the wound together a bit tighter. Good alternative to stitches. But like i said at first, if there is any way you can talk to a doctor, please do!

I can totally see a difference!! Absolutely gorgeous!

OMG, so do you have a web site or an order form or something like that?? I'd be interested in seeing the rest of your work!! And I think I might want to purchase a "get sleeved" shirt!!!

Well Linda, let me be the first to welcome you to the forum!! You'll find a lot of great information here and answers to all of your questions. I'll answer the few I know about, but I'm currently pre-op so I won't have them all. You can use the search function at the top right hand side of the screen (if you're using a PC) to search for different threads that have answers to your questions- and the ones you can't find, just ask!! Regarding the required tests- my insurance only requires that I see a NUT (nutritionist) for 6 months, but that was the only physical appointment that was required of them. My surgeon, on the other hand, required a sleep study to check for sleep apnea, a psych evaluation, an upper endoscopy to check for h pylori, medical clearance from my PCP and a blood panel- but that's just so far. Once I get cleared by insurance, I'll then need to have pulmonary and cardiology clearance and maybe some other stuff... As far as risks are concerned, yes- there are risks of a leak. Many surgeons do a leak test AS they are operating to make sure there are none- and then after the surgery you do a swallow test to make sure that there are none. Again- I'm pre-op so any post-op people who want to chime in, please do!! The reason I'm personally choosing to do the sleeve is because it's actually less invasive than the DS or RNY but i have the option of doing either of those as a two-step surgery should I choose. (Personally, I'd rather not as I've seen many people that are super successful with the sleeve alone). The Bypass and DS actually require more cutting and the re-arrangement of your intestines so it's not really for me. Regarding your question about the staples, it is my understanding that the staples stay in... I hope I was at least a little bit helpful with your questions- and again, if there is something you need more clarification on, please ask. Everybody here is really helpful and friendly. Good luck with everything!!

When I got my blood test results I found out that I, too was low on vitamin D. My NUT said that heavier people for some reason can't synthesize that vitamin from the sun- something about the cells not being able to when you're overweight. So now I take 2000IU of vitamin D daily. Now I don't know if there is a correlation, but for the longest time I had terrible pain in my legs every morning when I woke up- some days I'd be so stiff and uncomfortable I couldn't walk. Ever since starting on the vitamin D regimen, I feel so much better! And the improvement was almost overnight. It was like 3 days after starting the vit. D that I noticed a difference. So I guess my point in posting this is that once you get on the vitamins you're supposed to be on, you do start feeling better! Good luck with everything!

Just-A-Gem, How tall are you? You and I are starting off around the same weight...

You look flipping amazing!!! I'm so jealous but in a happy, "I want that too..." kind of way. Keep up the good work- I can't wait till I get my sleeve!!

Does anybody know what the system or browser requirements are for the chat board? I click on the tab but nothing loads- it isn't even as if I've gotten to the board and nobody's on, there's just nothing- no chat room or anything. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!!

The stomach is situated right behind the liver. When somebody is overweight, they hold a lot of fat in the liver and it makes the liver larger. In order for the surgeon to safely access the stomach (and not nick the liver or something) it is a good idea to try and shrink it a little bit by losing some weight.... It's not the most scientific of explanations but it's what my NUT told me, LOL. -Bubbles

I'm also curious about this topic. I just had my upper GI yesterday and the report said that the Dr. found an esophageal hernia in me as well. How big does it have to be for it to need fixing?? I think mine is 1cm....

@ evelynvsg I really don't think waking up during the procedure is common at all. As the anesthesiologist explained it to me- the priority is to make sure you're "sleeping" comfy and ok. She did say that if I was showing signs of having trouble breathing or something, they would lighten up the sedative but if that happened, I would likely only hear and remember voices- if anything at all. I understand how it feels to be scared and unsure- I was positively freaking out before I had mine done yesterday- but it was so easy and quick, you'll be in and out and probably not remember a thing. Good Luck!!

So I almost feel stupid for having been so worried about the endoscopy. I was given propofol (yes, THAT propofol) and dont remember a thing! Yay for happy juice!

So I just scheduled my endoscopy and I asked the nurse on the phone if we were put under general for it- his response was that they use "mild sedation". Now I'm really pooping my pants...

Holy crap this just scared the snot out of me... I have to schedule the endoscopy and I'm worrying about the same thing. I hope to be knocked out, but now I'm wondering if they'll keep me awake too. Well anyways- congratulations on one more step of the process being done! -Bubbles