SParkle

Congratulations!

If in doubt then cover up with sun block anyway.... I think it can still get thru, as you often see those sunblock costumes they put kids in on the beach as a total cover up.

Thanks for posting all that Tiff - I think I have a lot of reading to do!

LOL Thats SO funny!

I used to get that (or something similar... )- I would clean it out with e cotton bud and alcohol, then use a special powder I got from the pharmacy on it...they told me not to use cream as you want it to dry out rather than be wet, which can cause more redness.... It healed up really quick and is fine now, no more problems at all.

Thats a fantastic result!! You must be so happy!!

Thank you so much to everyone who has posted on this thread - its a great source of information and inspiration to those of us still in the decision making process. - You can never have too much information before you go ahead in my opinion. From what I've read from everyone it seems that once you're over the initial hurdle of probably about 6 weeks (perhaps including the preop diet as well) that you're doing ok. I really think I will have a huge mental issue over not being to eat proper food, but must get my head around the long term benefits to me. I really feel for those who are having problems....I had complications after some surgery I had 3 yrs back (not WLS) and it really got me down, and although not life threatening as Tiff said, you do come out stronger as a result of it. Maybe its because of that, that I am doing even more research, expecting the worst, so if I have an uneventful healing (barr the food deprivation issue) then fantastic. - Anneartica - if you're not intending on telling him then you could always say its because you're on a diet (he will see you loosing the weight) and you eat/drink Water before you go out for meals to try and help you with your portion sizes when eating out.....??

HI Tracey and welcome Like you I'm in the decision making process, with 2 consults booked, so I hope certainly this year I'll get done. Best of luck with your seminar.. .and looking forward to hearing more from you.

Thanks for the tips - I'll check out whats available over here to compare whats in stuff.

A good tip for healing scars and sun (if you can't avoid it, is to use one of those sunblocks for lips... like a lipstick, so easy to apply and keep the sun away for sure.

Thanks everyone..... Please don't apologise Tiff..... we're all here for the same reason in the end so I see no need... and anyway, you look fab now, so it was well worth it!

Thanks to you all.... I must say having looked at various WLS forums on the web I think this is by far the best and also the most welcoming.... a credit to you all.

I'll not mention that bit to hubby!!! :biggrin0:

OK - So I'm thinking about the sleeve and have 2 consults booked, I have been reading about the protein drinks that you have post op....and am a tad confused by all the info and also what I find online if I do a search.... :biggrin0::scared0: Whey powders - are they the same thing? You make them up into a shake? Or should I just be looking for protein drinks? Are we talking the same stuff body builders use or should I be looking at gastric op products?? I live in Spain so I think products here will be limited, but I know of a couple of shops I can try, or I will resort to online shopping when the time comes, but I do like to be prepared!!

Please think about postage around the world as well..... I'm not sleeved (yet!) and have yet to look into what might be available here in Spain, but think I might end up ordering from the UK or US.

Right, having chatted things through with hubby after reading loads of stuff on here and the net I have booked 2 consults, one for March 3rd, and one of the 15th. I'm also compiling my list of things to ask as I think of them, as I know I'll forget somethings when I'm in there and be totally overwhelmed with it, and prob break down in tears about my weight when asked!! (But then I guess they are used to that right??!) I'm looking forward to it, but the cost is an issue, as we will pay, and its a lot of money, so I have tried to offset that against what we would save by my eating habits changing and me not being able to eat as much in house or in restaurants....and also that needs to be countered by the fact I would need a totally new wardrobe!! Luckily both surgeons are local to me, within one hour car journey, one in Valencia, Dr Ferrer, and one in Alcoy, Dr Baltasar. I feel I might like Dr B more, but have to see both to have a comparison anyway. I did look further afield, but even with lower costs, by the time you add in flights back and forth and check ups etc the costs may well work out the same if not more. So....I'll keep you informed, exciting times!! :biggrin0:

Thats good news then! Well done. I am always surprised when surgeons or Doctors are surprised that you know the information or have read up on something, thats quite scary to think some people don't.... and would consider undertaking such a life changing thing without some more information.... but then maybe thats just me being nosy!! Keep us informed - I have a consult booked next week and one the week after with a different surgeon.

This is a great post as I'm starting a list too as I have a consult next week. From previous op experience I am also taking a list of medication and supplements that I take to check if they are ok to carry on with. Be aware most surgeries will not allow any body jewellery to be worn of you have piercings. Also if you are on oral contraceptives don't forget to ask about their compatibility, as for my last op I had to stop taking them

I'm really pleased to see one of my choices in this post... Dr Baltasar in Spain... I've got one appt next week with another and am going to call and book an appointment with Dr B as well. He is at the moment slightly in front for me on information and experience, but time will tell.

I've got the two quotes in from my local surgeons, so will chat everything over with hubby, and prob book a consult with them. Exciting times!

ARGHHHHH.....I really hope I can be unusual then, as my hair is pretty thin already!! Either that or I turn into bandana girl!! :sneaky2:

Some of the research I have done into the VSG says you should leave 15 mins between drinking and eating, and then not drink for some time afterwards. How difficult was it for your post op peeps to stick to this no liquid thing? I have managed to re-educate myself to drink some Water before my meals to ensure I don't eat as much.... and nearly always have water with a meal. I'm worried that if I do go ahead with the sleeve that this might be my weakest point! :confused1:

I think this is a great post - and highlights what I have just done - I'm considering the VSG and have just eaten a meal as if I had one, very small mouthfuls, chewed beyond recognition before swallowing, and without fluids. It really highlighted to me the size of portion I had served myself, and how I bolt my food normally. I will certainly keep this practise up to try and instill this into my head. If I can cope with this for a while then I think it will help in my decision making about the surgery.

Having found Tiffs document she posted for dietary needs pre and post VSG I have just been reading it.... whilst eating my brunch (late Breakfast, early lunch). ( I have to say it was brown rice and ratatouille, so pretty healthy). I made myself eat it with a teaspoon and chew chew chew stuff until almost liquid, before swallowing. I have to say I found it really hard and it really made me realise how much I stuff in my mouth normally, and also that I swallow food unchewed - no wonder I manage to eat so fast - I am normally one of the first to finish. I'm getting closer and closer in making this decision ( I think it is already made in reality!!) and maybe, just maybe this might help me on the way, and also help post op if I try and get into these habits now then maybe my transition to a better dietary future might be a little easier. Has anyone else done this or think its a good or bad idea??

Hi Leelee I'm also considering the VSG and have done some research into prices here in Spain and also Belgium, Czech and back in the UK. Prices in the UK were between 9950 and 10.5k pounds sterling. Belgium and Czech came in about the same at 8k and 8.2k euros. Here in Spain so far I've had a quote for 14k euros. Hope this helps your finance question..... )