PJ_Sleeve

GOOD FOR YOU!!! KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK!!!! I just want to let you know that my soapbox comment was not about you at all. I commend you for being open and honest about your addiction and tackling it! This is a different journey for all of us and you seem strong in mind and spirit! Keep up the good work!

I have had a drink or two starting at four months out. White wine (Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon blanc) is my drink of choice. I am usually tipsy without getting sloppy after two glasses. Before the people on here get all judgey and stuff...We are human and enjoying a glass or two of wine with friends while out to dinner is NORMAL! We get the SLEEVE to be NORMAL, right? -- I just have to get that out there. I have read forums where people start berating for asking the question about alcohol and get all soap boxy about surgery and weight loss...blah blah blah... Anyhoo...I think you are in the safe zone about four months out, but take it easy. SIP SIP SIP!!! YOU WILL GET TIPSY QUITE QUICKLY...so stay ahead of getting drunk!!!! NURSE YOUR DRINKS...until you know what you can handle with your little stomach!

Hey Elibu...I am happy to hear that you are doing well after surgery! You mentioned a stomach binder. What kind of binder and where can I get one. Maybe I will try to find something before the surgery to I have it on hand afterwards! ;0)

Six more days until I lose the title of Bandster and gain the title of Sleever. Pre-Op Diet - I started my pre-op diet on September 3rd. I feel a little fatigued, but I guess that is normal. However, I have to admit this pre-op diet thing was much easier before I was banded in 2007. I have had a few moments of crankiness, but thank goodness I have a fabulous family and boyfriend who have been so supportive through this venture. Jitters - The mental part of this life change and surgery is very taxing. I am ready for the change, but I am so afraid of the possible complications and recovery. I guess having the band removed and the sleeve done at the same time is making me a little more nervous also, because I know that I may have to deal with a harsher recovery than getting the sleeve alone. Reality Check - I need this tool to help get me into better shape, so I can do the things I want to do without carrying all of this extra baggage. The Fall is my favorite time of year. I love to go to the country and take it all in. I can't go horback riding, or hiking, or do any of that outdoorsy kind of stuff like this. It is just too hard to carry the weight. My knees and my ankles hurt too much to do all of the walking. I need this tool to help me eat right, to correct my cholesterol, insulin resistance, PCOS, sore knees and ankles, etc. I keep telling myself that I won't regret this. This is going to be a hard couple of months, but after a while, this will become second nature and I will adore my sleeve and the ability to do the things I love to do without feeling physical pain. I may even avoid becoming Type 2 Diabetic and that in itself is a wonderful reason to have this surgery. So, when I get these jitters and think that I can still back out of getting the sleeve the day of my surgery...(and just opt to get the lap-band removed), I try to give myself a reality check with some positive self talk. VSG Buddy - I was lucky enought to be introduced to a VSG Buddy. She went to the same Bariatric Practice that I am going to and she is also a revisionista! She has introduced me to all sorts of wonderful things already, like herbal teas, protien drinks and soups, vitamins, and she is loaded with special advice. She has made this journey so much easier thus far! I am very lucky to have found her! Hmmm.... Oh' Yes, I am not very good at introductions...but I am sure you have figured a few things out on you own while reading the above blog (or my best attempt at a blog). INTRODUCTION... (Which is complete PJ Style, because it wouldn't be me, if I gave you the intro first...) My name is Pam. In 2007, I was banded. My start weight was 330, my lowest weight was 214, my highest weight after reaching 214 was 312. My revision to the VSG is scheduled for September 17th. My current weight is 301 after being on the liquid diet since September 3rd. I like this blogging stuff...it sorta helps me get a few things off of my chest!

Today was better than yesterday. Thanks for your responses!

WOW! I am three days into my pre-op diet and my stomach is singing or screaming! This is rather uncomfortable. This is DEFINITELY NOT head hunger. I feel a little queazy and gassy also. Did anyone else experience this? Did anything help this feeling? Funny thing is, I am okay with not eating...however, I don't think my body is okay with it. argh! Some words of wisdom and support are greatly appreciated! ;o)

Hi Birdy18, I went through this before when I initially got the lap-band. I have to agree with EmyWemy...it is weird when you try some of your "favorite" foods again, you may realize they may not be your favorite's anymore. Also, keep in the back of your head that you will eventually be able to eat with your family again. You may just make some different choices. Now that I am scheduled for lap-band to vsg revision on September 17th, I have to go throug this whole thing all over again. :0) Looking forward to reading more of your blogs!!! It sounds like you are doing great!

That is slimes...or what I currently call the slimes with my band.... It is rather unpleasant.

Sounds like you are doing great!

Thank you all for responding to this topic! It certainly puts me at ease. You can find many people talk about how they feel right after surgery. (I have a feeling that will be rough.) However, I didn't see many people talk about how it feels to be sleeved after everything is healed and back to "normal." Once again, thank you all! By the way, insurance just approved me. I had a "tentative" surgery date of September 17th. Now that I am approved, it is not longer a tentative date, but it is actualy a REAL DATE! I AM SOOOOO SCARED! :0)

Awe...try not to be down about it. Maybe try to think of it as you have an extra week to prep yourself. I am holding onto my September 17th Date, but insurance still hasn't gone through (it was a tentative date depending on insurance approval. I am really hoping that I hear something soon. I may be pushed out also. I just keep telling myself, it all happens for a reason and my time will come!

I am scheduled for a revision from Lapband to sleeve on September 17th and the closer I get, I am feeling more and more nervous. For two reasons: Reason One: I am AFRAID of suffering a terrible complication. (I have read some real scary stories on here and all I can do is hope and pray that these poor souls will feel better soon.) But if I am doing this surgery to enrich my life, it is complete irony to come out of it suffering with chronic pain or end up on a feeding tube. Reason Two: I am really note sure what to expect by way of restriction. Can anyone describe what Sleeve Restriction feels like after they are fully healed? Is it pain? Is it nausea? If you are banded can you describe the difference?

VST Addict, I think I am going to need you to cheer me on after my surgery too!