UTGal99

bou·gie/ˈbo͞ojē/ Noun: A thin, flexible surgical instrument for exploring or dilating a passage of the body. Here is great clip that describes the bougie:

Ravenswood is a beautiful area! What part of Louisiana now? We have family in Baton Rouge.

You will do great no matter what decision you choose, MamaMelly! Good Luck to you and post your findings if you speak to your surgeon about plication. I understand that each procedure has their own unique complications. You just have to do what is right for you.

I'm not in Kentucky but West Virginia - we're neighbors! I would be glad to buddy up with you and go through this process with you. I have yet to be sleeved too, but am looking forward to weight loss success soon.

One last thing: why are you considering plication over the sleeve? Just because the plication doesn't seem as permanent? I look at it this way - if I had cancer and had to have a portion of my stomach removed to survive I would do what I need to do. That portion of the stomach is doing none of us with a weight problem any good, just causing heartache. Take it out! Good Luck with whatever decision you make.

I agree with O.T.RSleever. My dear friend's sister passed away from complications from the plication. Same thing happened to her. The part of the stomach folded over lost blood circulation and caused a serious case of gangrene. The gangrene turned her septic and she passed away. I would talk further to your surgeon on the risks associated. I am sure with all surgeries anyone can have complications. But my friend's sister was 7 months out from surgery before this happened. Just when you think you are doing well and then this happens. The plication just isn't worth it to me. I want to know once my incision site has healed and I am out of the woods on leaks and other complications I can move forward with my life. Just my 2 cents...

Three weeks before you can drive??? Oh my goodness - that isn't good - my hubby travels alot for work. I have little ones that I would need to pick up from school and other activities - oh no! I figured I would be out of commission for about 10 days but didn't expect 21 - wow!!!

I think most people just don't know the difference between gastric bypass and gastric sleeve. I feel like most of the world thinks bariatric surgery is a big huge terrible horrifying thing you do to lose weight because you give up. People are just not informed and even the media screws up the message. Ugh!

She was the Bethenny Frankel show recently and stated it was the best thing she ever did. She looked great! Here is the clip:

I feel the exact same way. When I look in the mirror I don't see a fat girl; although I am classified as morbidly obese. I think alot of it has to do with your self-confidence and what you are used to seeing. I have been big all my life and can't remember ever being skinny. I truly can not wait for VSG surgery - I look forward to a new improved me not a better me. This year I am taking my life back. Doing what I need to do to ensure lifelong health and happiness is priceless. Onward and upward in the rest of 2012!

I watched one on youtube too - probably the same one - I saw the heart beating too. Actually it gave me a little comfort watching it - at least I knew what I am getting into. Interesting...

I know how you feel. I don't have a surgery date just yet but I feel the urge to do that too! I have read to tone it down though b/c you want to cleanse your liver prior to surgery.

I take Prilosec daily - they cause polyps? Hmmm, didn't know that. Should I be concerned and how would I know if I have a polyp? What are the symptoms?

What are PPI's?

No worries, PeaceQueen! I just hope no one thinks I am doing it for vanity purposes. It is a VERY big and life-altering decision. Thank you for being honest and forthright.

I certainly don't expect this to be an easy way out. I am not doing it for vanity and certainly don't care if I look cute in clothes. I am doing for my health and to prevent the onset of life threatening illnesses down the road. I understand that complications can come with any major surgery. You have to follow the surgeon's guidelines and be responsible. The sleeve in my mind is just a tool to help you get to where you need to be. You still have to be focused, committed and responsible. Thanks for all your responses.

Thank you for your response. Not even sure I can be friends with you since you are a Bama fan and I am from Tennessee. I will let it slide this time though....for the sake of getting healthy! LOL

Spirit Fire - was the fatty liver an issue for surgery? I understand that in order to have the VSG procedure done you can not have a fatty liver. I have one too and am concerned they will go to do surgery and then close me right up and not do it. Your experience?

You look GREAT! Keep up the good work.

You look great! Keep up the great work. Any regrets, comments, etc for a pre-op person like myself?

Oh No! I hope you get all that worked out. I hate to hear you have had complications. Do you have medical issues that would complicate the procedure? Here's wishing they get that fixed soon

What (if anything) do you regret about having the vertical sleeve surgery done? If you don't have any regrets - what do you wish you knew before you had the surgery? Or what is the most surprising part of life post-surgery?

Don't mean to be rude but what is your age? If you are in your 40's or 50's maybe you are entering menopause which could be affecting your TOM????

Is it that way forever or just a period of time until hormones balance out?

Thank you for the feedback, guys. O.T.R.sleever, I would think they will just include it in the services too but just want to be sure.