makemyownluck

Mee toooo! I haven't met her yet, but that's who my insurance referred me to. I'm going to the seminar 11/5.

I honestly believe that the band is intended for that - temporary use to lose weight, learn new habits, then get it removed. Like one person said, she had the stomach flu and then it was never the same. Think about it - anytime you get sick and vomit violently (like with a flu or food poisoning), you risk the band slipping and then you've got a basically useless tool. I don't like the idea of an implant in my body, either, because you are almost guaranteed that at SOME POINT IN YOUR LIFE, you will have to have surgery again to remove it. And if you have problems before you lost all the weight you wanted, then you have to choose another type of WLS and start the whole process over again. I wouldn't necessarily push the sleeve to someone over a bypass, but I do think that if you are considering having surgery to lose weight, then you've probably had a weight problem for a long time, if not lifelong, and the best bet is a PERMANENT solution, not a temporary band. As is the case with me, I want something that's going to keep me in check for the rest of my life - something I can heal from surgery, adapt new eating habits, and move on with my life - not going for fills constantly and risking re-operation. I have a similar issue with my mom, who says she wants to get the lapband. I've tried telling her that there are cons to the band and complications, but I don't think she's really listening to me. I know she hasn't really looked into it that much, she just likes the idea because it's outpatient with little downtime. She's not factoring in all the other inconveniences of it. When the time comes, if they ever get motivated to have any surgery, they'll go to the informational seminar and learn about it for themselves! Once they are educated on the subject, then it will be worth discussing further.

you look amazing! and so much younger! keep up the great work.

It's gonna depend on how your MD bills the services. If it's billed as something that falls under "weight loss" it could very well be denied by your insurance if it falls under the exclusion. You should be able to ask your insurance company for something in writing regarding what's specifically excluded. Some plans just exclude surgery, others could exclude anything related to weight loss altogether (which is really unfortunate). As far as leaks, those complications usually are detected in the first few days, so by the time you come back to the US, you should be in the clear on that (barring some really unusual circumstance). Hope this helps!

thanks for the responses! I'm sure it will work itself out when I have surgery, but this practicing is kinda driving me nuts!

Gastrectomy (removing a portion of the stomach) has been around since the 1800s, actually. Not necessarily the sleeve gastrectomy, but removing part of the stomach to treat cancer and ulcers has been around a very long time. I love a gal who's done her homework!

a sleeve CAN be converted to bypass, but it's not really "the first step" of a bypass. With a bypass, your stomach is still in your body, but it is separated into two parts, with you intestines connected to the smaller sac. You can recreate this with a sleeve, but a normal, first bariatric surgery RNY patient will not be missing most of their stomach like sleevers are. The "second step" of converting a sleeve to a bypass is by rerouting the small intestines. The "bypass" part refers to bypassing the first section of your intestines, which is where your body absorbs fat, calories and most nutrients from the food your stomach has digested. Because of this, you only absorb a small amount of nutrients from the foods you eat. This, combined with the much smaller stomach pouch, is why RNY patients have a much harder time maintaining the right levels of Vitamins and minerals vs. sleeve patients. But it is also why they can tend to lose weight more quickly than a sleeve (tho some sites/surgeons swear the weight loss is comparable between RNY and sleeve). This difference with resectioning the intestines is also why RNY patients come off their diabetes meds faster. They aren't able to absorb sugar as easily AND because of the small sac, if a large amount hits your intestines too quickly, it will make you sick (dumping). Same can happen with fatty foods. In short, I don't want anything that can/will make me violently ill. Dumping sounds like a nightmare, and most RNY patients have it at least a few times before they figure out how to control it. But I am not diabetic (yet), so I'd rather try the sleeve, work hard with it, and then reconsider other options if I'm not successful. However, I truly feel I can be successful with the sleeve. Hope this helps!

I'm in the same boat here. I know I need to lose 250 or more pounds (no MD I've seen yet has a scale higher than 400, and I'm over that) and I just don't know if I should go for the bypass instead. I have an incredible amount to lose! My deciding factor has always been "With the sleeve you don't have malabsorption". However, this doesn't mean we won't need lifelong supplements. Even if you ate the most balanced, perfect diet, you just can't eat enough of anything to get all the nutrients you need in. You will still have to monitor your levels and take supplements, just like RNY patients do. The advantage is that if you need to take medications, you won't have to get a special formula like RNY patients do. With VSG, you can't take NSAIDs, your risk for reflux and ulcers is much higher with the tiny stomach. The other PRO I have is that VSG doesn't cause dumping... but I have a sweet tooth and can't help but think that maybe dumping would be a blessing in disguise, keeping me from eating things I shouldn't. But for me, I'd rather have a tool that allows me to still enjoy my life. If I get married, I want that wedding cake, even if it's just a bite or two. It seems like RNY is much more extreme, sort of whipping you into submission, whereas the sleeve is just a coach, helping me slow down, saving me from my own incessant hunger, and making me more mindful of what goes into my body. But if my period hits and I want chocolate ice cream, I can have it. In moderation, of course! I'm definitely leaning toward VSG, but I do catch myself wondering if it will be enough to get me to goal... goal is like, 270lbs away!

I'm still pre-op, but am taking the advice of practicing post-op habits now. I'm using smaller plates (but not smaller utensils less), not drinking within 30m of or during meals, and I'm trying to practice taking smaller sips of drinks. The problem is, that I've always been a chugger. Honestly, more than missing food, I think I'll miss chugging or gulping (water, I don't drink anything else but protein shakes). I've been trying to get in the habit of sipping, but I find that it makes me quite gassy, whereas chugging never has. Has anyone else had this problem? And post-op former chuggers out there have some advice? I haven't seen anything like this posted on the forums, so I'm wondering if other people just don't have this problem?

OMG!! You were sleeved the day before my bday, so I have a can really sense what a short amount of time ago that was! GOOD FOR YOU - tell me all your secrets!! Rock those 18s!!

yes it is! there are people here (like me) who have a lot more than that to lose! it's all about the effort you put into it. You will get out of this journey what you are willing to put into it. Good luck!

I keep seeing the commercial for the supplement Ruby Reds and I'm just wondering if it's a legitimately good product to use? I'm still pre-op but I'm trying to figure out what supplements would be best to do post op. Also, is anyone using biotin to keep their hair? I already have sort of thin hair and I'm worried about losing more after surgery. Any tips on what I can do to maintain my hair as much as possible? And lastly, what - if anything - did you use to help your scars heal/fade? Do you use anything to try firming your skin as you're losing weight?

been making this for yearsssss. I like to use leftovers for soup, gives it a southwest kinda flavor. Like tortilla soup (wo tortillas). add in whatever veggies you like, the left overs and some chicken stock. Let is simmer and it's a brand new meal!

do you have PPO or H.M.O.? I have bcbsil as well, H.M.O. and I'm wondering what the process is... I got a referral to a surgeon approved, IDK if I have to still get surgery approved beyond that? I used to work for bcbsil PPO for individual plans. I don't think I understand the reason you were denied. Did you get a letter? What did it say? Have you called them?

I'm sure you don't want to wait, but I would if I were in this position. It's not exactly the same, but a position just opened up at my job, a position I've wanted for the past 4 years I've worked there, but I'm not posting for it because I know that I want surgery more. But I'm wouldn't risk my current job to have the surgery, either. I have, however, told my boss about contemplating surgery. She's very supportive... I think you might get more support than you think - and yes, if you're in the US, you are covered by FMLA for 12 weeks per year. If you haven't used any FMLA time for the time off you've already taken, you can still use it now. Talk to HR - you don't have to give them specifics of why your asking for them to tell you how the process works. I guess, I just think if you could put it off until Jan or Feb like you were thinking you'd have to do anyway, then in the long run it's probably better to hold on to your job. Good luck!

get it, girl. Let her be mad about how good you look - beautiful women are always gonna have a hater or two throwing shade around them. You look great!!

This has made me seriously consider switching to the PPO coverage instead of H.M.O. that I have now!! WHY does everything have to be so complicated when it comes to insurance? :\ IDK if PPO would even be any better! I'm going to a surgeon over an hour away, it worries me that if I have complications that I'll have to go that far to be seen.

Hi Amanda! I'm Andrea. I am higher weight as well, so high that my Dr. can't weigh me so I don't even know how heavy. I'm guessing 440, but I really just pulled that number out of the clear blue sky. I only know it's over 400. My goal is also 170 (are you 5'10.5" too? lol). I know it's a lot to lose, but I think as weight comes off, I'll be motivated to exercise more. As it is, I want to, but I'm afraid to push myself too hard. I want it to come naturally, and I think VSG is a happy medium between bypass and band. I don't want nutritional deficits and I don't want a medical implant. If we stay on track, I don't think it's any less possible to lose weight with a sleeve. I don't have a surgery date, but hopefully it will be soon! I look forward to hearing more about your journey!

Did you have surgery? How are you feeling? Wishing you a speedy recovery!

I've never had GERD, now you've worried me because you said you never had symptoms! I'm hoping to have VSG, but rny is my back up plan. I don't know what to do. haven't had an endoscopy yet, tho. Good luck!

thanks everyone! I got a new referral today to a surgeon who does VSG. She also does rny and the band - so in 2 weeks I go to the informational seminar, and hopefully will be able to make a decision from there. I am so on the fence. I feel like bypass will make the losing easier because of malabsorption, but I'm just nervous to have a potential deficiency for the rest of my life because of it. the sleeve seems safer to me. I just hope i'm successful with it, if that's the route I choose. TOO MANY DECISIONS!

thank you all --- I don't know what my Drs office did exactly, but they called me with a referral to a different surgeon. One that does VSG!! So, I'm back on track. I go to the seminar in 2 weeks and then schedule an appointment with the surgeon. I'm hoping the pre-op stuff I've done with my PCP will carry over to the surgeon so I won't have much to do after this.. fingers crossed!

You're familiar with what this surgery is, right Tiffany? They do take your stomach. 85% of it, anyway. You keep your stomach with the bypass. (or band)

So after going all weekend thinking I was going to have to settle for RNY because of my insurance, I got the happy news today that I have been referred to a new surgeon that does VSG. HOORAY!! *happy dance* I have been referred to Dr. Ayloo at UIC. Anyone familiar with her? I'm going to the required informational seminar on 11/5 at 5pm. Any other Chicago area people going to this seminar? I'd love to meet you!! I'm back on cloud 9. Now, I just have to hope that all the pre-op stuff I've done under the direction of my PCP will be acceptable for this surgeon. I'm so excited - I wonder how long til I could get a surgery date? eeeeeekkkkk

Oh, I have so much on this list! I would ilke to: fit in a booth at a restaurant. fit in an economy car WITH a seatbelt! cross my legs see my collarbones. I KNOW THEY ARE THERE. Basically, to see all the bones most people see that are covered in fat - like my ankles, kneecaps, etc. I'd love to ride roller coasters again. I loved them when i was younger, but can't fit on them now. I want to roller skate again. It was my favorite mode of transportation when I was a kid, but I'm too big and uncoordinated to even try it now. I'd love to go snorkeling/scuba diving. Heck, I'd like to FLY somewhere. i've never flown! I know if I can't fit on a roller coaster, I'm gonna have issues with a plane. Haven't even bothered trying! I want to buy clothes in regular stores. As it is, I have to order pants off the internet. :\ very inconvenient, and embarrassing. AND - I wanna date! I want just a shred of self-confidence to put myself back on the dating market. That's just a short list!!