HEARTONMYSLEEVE

I was initially worried that my primary wouldn't approve of my choice but he was surprisingly encouraging. I told him I was having VSG and he said I think you will be very successful and that was that he wrote the clearance right there in the room. It is funny because I had worried so much about it before I went in there had even planned on what doctors I would call to set up with a new primary if he said no but it wasn't a big deal and I am thankful for that. Also, it is strange because about a year and 15 pounds less ago I had mentioned the idea of weight loss surgery to him and he said he didn't think that was right for me but it was as if he had forgotten I had even asked before. Anyway, I think it is terrible that doctors think they can make decisions for you. When the truth is you are the best decision maker for you and you can always make the decision to get a new doctor. Also, I just want to remind people that you are customers when you go to a medical facility just like any other industry you are paying for a service and you are entitled to quality service and should not accept less. We all know we are paying good money for our health care in america and its about time we stand up for ourselves and get what we pay for. That's all for my rant!

I recently had vsg surgery here in Orlando. Are you going to Celebration with Dr. Kim or somewhere else? Do you live around Orlando?

I had my gallbadder removed in 2004 and you really can not see the scars at all. I don't think you would even notice them up close unless you knew they were there. My vsg scars are still new since I am only 2 and half weeks post-op but they are as well very small. I remember my gallbladder scars looking worse right after surgery than these do now so I imagine mine will be practically invisible in a year or two. Also, I was so impressed with my surgeon when I came out of surgery and I literally had no bruising it was incredible. When I had my gallbladder surgery my stomach was black and blue. It looked awful and was fairly painful but really not a bruise in sight. Very strange. Careful hands I suppose. Did you guys have bruising on your stomachs after surgery? I really expected to.

Sorry it has been a whole week since my surgery and I haven't really checked in. It really stinks for me to say but this was harder than I thought it would be. I guess I didn't expect to react so badly to the surgery. I still get stomach spasms every time something enters my mouth. I am not getting down any protein and definitely not enough fluids. I am trying but it is easier to just not eat or drink anything. The past few days I have been pretty depressed. It seems to be a combination of not being able to do the right things post-op and not really feeling like myself. I don't want to say I regret it yet because I don't think I am there yet but I am starting to feel like I want my stomach back so I can eat something again. I am going back to work tomorrow so I hope being busy will keep my mind off things. Anyway, thanks for listening. I am sure I will get out of this funk eventually.

I am only one and a half weeks post-op but I do have hypothyroidism. So I can't give you staggering results as proof it doesn't matter but I have already lost 14.5 pounds. I asked that same question on here before I had surgery and I spoke with my surgeon about it and everyone agreed it shouldn't matter as long as you have your thyroid under control with medication. Have you had your TSH checked lately? Are your numbers in the normal range? As long as you are actively being treated it shouldn't make a difference. Good luck to you!

My doctor did prescribe an acid reducer. It is over the counter pepcid 20mg. I have been taking it everyday. I haven't skipped once but I am still getting reflux. It hasn't been unbearable until last night. My stomach started gurgling and my throat started burning. It was awful. It lasted for about an hour. I ended up taking another pepcid that night. He said to take one a day but I needed the acid to go down and I didn't know if we could have tums or rolaids so I took it. I think I want to switch antacids. I don't think the pepcid is working for me. Did pepcid work for anyone else? What over the counter option would be better? Any ideas are welcome I don't want to go through this again. Thanks

STCYT, I am doing ok. Thanks so much for asking. I am feeling a bit better just getting back into the routine of things but not much has changed with my tummy. I still am having pains with eating and drinking but I think it is starting to let up. I am having a horrible time getting enough Fluid and Protein. I have pretty much given up on Protein drinks for now and just try and eat greek yogurt that has 15 grams protein per cup because it goes down easier. Other than that sugar free pudding and hot tea has been my savoir. I also know that this is way too much information but since I have seen on many other post that no one else seems to have a problem talking about these things so I am going to go for it. So I have read how so many people are constipated in the first few months and I have had the exact opposite of this problem if you get my drift. It has been awful and I just wanted to know if anyone else felt this way or if I am just different? Other than all of that I am ok I guess. I wish things were easier but I am getting by. I am definitely at least in better spirits than when I first posted and that is probably half the battle really. I know it will get easier I just wish it would be soon!

Thanks everyone for the kind words. I am feeling a little better today. I think going to work helped me keep my mind off things. I needed an outlet. However, I think I kind of overdid it a bit. I am a rad tech so I work with patients on my feet all day, so am a little sore but nothing terrible. I did go into this expecting to be a little depressed but it was definitely more than I anticipated. I think I am a little sadder than most on a regular day. Its just kind of me. I definitely wasn't expecting these stomach spasms. I didn't hear too many people mention them before surgery. I was expecting to have some nausea which I didn't really have that much of thank goodness. But these spasms are kicking my ass. They are starting to get better I think but for the first week it was so hard to get anything down it hurt so bad. Warm liquids are definitely better than cold. Cold is torture for me right now. I even have them when I am not drinking or eating which is kind of weird. But I am on the mend i think. BJEAN, I am only a week out so don't take everything I say to heart. This is all new to me right now and I am still learning how to deal with all my equipment. As for the nausea I am sure everyone is different but nausea has not been a problem for me to be honest. I was sent home with two nausea medications phenergan suppositories and zofran pills. Both seemed to do the trick. I can actually say I have not thrown up once which is awesome because the spasms are all I can take. The spasms are my issue. I don't know how else the explain the spasms other than anyone who has ever had gallbladder pain from stones would recognize the pain. Its like a sharp cramping under your ribs. Smooth muscle spasms i.e stomach, gallbladder, intestines are just painful. The spasms are very reminiscent of gallbladder pain for me. I should have seen them coming. This is not the first time I have had stomach spasms I get them often in response to medications that don't agree with me like narcotics. I thought at first that the narcotics were causing the spasms but when I stopped taking the pain meds they didn't go away in fact they got worse because I wasn't taking any pain meds. haha. Anyway don't be scared I am sure in a couple weeks I will be singing the surgeries praises. I am just sensitive still. But on positive note I have lost 13 pounds in 7 days so I can tell you it works. Tiffanyismajor, Thanks for your concern. I don't need a replacement stomach yet. haha. I think i will make it with this one eventually. I am looking forward to watching your experiences as they come. As for more time off like I said earlier I think going to work was the best thing for me. I needed to keep my mind busy. I really appreciate everyone's thoughts and advice. It really did help to know others had these kinds of pains after their surgeries. I heard so much about nausea and vomiting and not much about spasms before the surgery I thought I was kind of alone. I know it won't last forever. I am looking forward to being my normal self again and am back in better spirits today thanks to all your kind words and getting off my ass and going to work. Thank everyone!

I would like to know what everyone's favorite brand of greek yogurt is? Also, do any of the brands make flavored sugar free varieties as they do with regular yogurt? I tried the Fage plain but I ended up putting honey in it as it was to bitter and strong for me. I liked the fruit mixed ones as well but I know that is all added sugar and I am trying to avoid adding too much sugar. As well, any suggestions on adding things to the plain to make it nicer? Thanks for the advice.

I will be on the other side tomorrow afternoon. I am super nervous and kind of feeling sick from only having liquids today. However, I am excited and I know this is going to be the best thing I ever did. Everyone wish me luck!

I had my surgery on Tuesday April 6th. It has only been 3 and a half days so I am trying to be patient but I am just feeling awful. I am having a very hard time drinking anything. I know I need fluids but everything I drink makes my stomach spasm. It is like my stomach cramps up and doesn't want the liquid to go in so it crawls back up some and gurgles. Then I burp and hiccup all at the same time. It is quite painful. Luckily, I have not thrown anything up but it hasn't been easy forcing it down. I am taking very small sips and I have tried drinks at every temp but nothing seems to make it better. I would say that warm is definitely better than cold but not by much. I am mostly concerned that I am getting dehydrated. I have been feeling very weak. Although this could just be from the surgery. I would appreciate if anyone could give me some advice about this. I am starting to worry.

If is official. I have been sleeved. I had surgery on Tuesday afternoon and was home Wednesday afternoon. Everything has gone fairly smooth except they almost kept me another day because I wasn't drinking enough fluids and my IV site went bad and they had to take it out. When they went to start a new one they couldn't find a usable vein, 4 people tried with a collective 10 sticks before they gave up. They even tried to find one using a portable ultrasound machine. So I look like a pin cushion. Since they couldn't get one they were going to order a picc line which I very much didn't want. So as bad as it hurt my stomach and made me nauseas I just started drinking as much as I could. I managed to get 1 and a half cups of hot decaf tea and then they let me go. Does anyone else get severe upper abdominal cramps with every sip that goes in your mouth? Doesn't matter how big the sip it still makes me cramp when it gets down to me new stomach. Its kind of awful and am hoping to goes away shortly. I also definitely have some incision pain and discomfort but they all look good with no infection or oozing. I just wish I could get more fluids in soon. I can't wait until I start losing some weight!!!!

I had my surgery Tuesday afternoon and left the hospital Wednesday afternoon. So I am only two whole days post-op. I am very concerned about the stomach spasms I am having. They are pretty much constant but worse when I am drinking fluids. I have maybe had 10 ozs of fluid today and I had to force myself to get that much it hurts so badly. I am taking very small sips. I called my doctor's office and they have been less than helpful. I don't even think they listened to my message before they called me back and they won't let me talk to the doctor directly or leave a message for him to call me back. They are very rude and I am having a hard time dealing with them. Has anyone else had stomach spasms this way? Also, last night was my first night home from the hospital and I woke up this morning with a bloody nose. It wouldn't be that weird as I know some people get them all the time. However, it was very strange to me as I have never in my life even had one. I don't know what to do. I want to call back to the office and get some answers but it seems that the office nurses just have a pre-made "everything will be ok script". And it would be fine if they told me that and it were the truth but right now I feel like they are just placating me to get me off the phone. So if anyone has had either of these things happen to them please let me know so my mind can be at ease? Also, how many days do you think I can go with only ten ozs of fluid and no food? When does this issue become a more serious one? Thanks I hope you guys can help. KIM

I am having this same problem. It sucks. I am only 2 days out and every time I take a sip of anything hot or cold and a lot even when I am not drinking anything at all I get these stomach spasms. They are very painful and are keeping me from getting all my fluid. I am only getting about 10 ounces which is not good. I had this problem before once because of a medicine my doctor had prescribed. To counteract the spasms and keep me on the medication he gave me a smooth muscle relaxer called dicyclomine. It is like a muscle relaxer but for you GI tract. IBS patients take it a lot. It really helped me last time but the nurses at my bariatric surgeon's office said he wouldn't prescribe it. But maybe you can try your doctor. I am sorry you have these spasms at 9 days out. I sure hope I am able to get rid of them before then. Hope this helps.

My hubby is going with me to the spa today! I am so excited we are just about to leave. I am super nervous about my surgery on Tuesday, 3 days and counting! So Gareth has offered to buy me a spa package and one for himself as well! haha! perks of having a metrosexual husband i guess! anyway I am off for some relaxation.

It was a great day! We both had a massage, facial, and mani/pedi's. I did clear polish since I figured they would take it off in the hospital. I am very relaxed and can't wait until Tuesday. It is amazing how excited I am getting. I wish I had scheduled for Monday because I am so ready for it to be done and start my journey to a new skinny life. I am hardly even nervous anymore just very ready. I might get more nervous again when Tuesday rolls around. We will see. However, tomorrow may not be as fun as we are going to Easter dinner at my parents house and I can't actually eat anything. haha

My pre-op appointment is next Thursday and I am trying to make a list of questions so as not to forget anything. I have seen a few list like this compiled on the site. Can someone post it again or rewrite it for me? I just know I need a list or else I will get in there and forget every question I had. I become completely stupid when I get nervous. Thanks everyone for your help.

I'm so sorry to hear you aren't feeling well after your surgery. I don't have any advice for you as I don't have my surgery until April 6th but I am thinking of you and hoping today is the day that you keep something down. Let us know when you start to feel better as i am positive you will soon.

It is so funny to me that everyone hates the protein drinks so much. I know people say that your taste can change after the surgery but I have been trying them to find the ones I like prior to surgery. I have tried several now and there hasn't been one yet that I just couldn't stomach. Don't get me wrong not all of them tasted great but none so bad I couldn't finish it. Some I actually liked. So far i've tried the orange creme chike brand mixed with milk, nectar caribbean cooler mixed with water (had to add extra water too sweet with packet directions), ready to drink pure protein vanilla creme and cookies and cream, and unjury both vanilla and chocolate mixed with coffee in the morning. So far my favorite was the chike orange creme and milk. I didn't really like the ready drink pure protein cookies and creme but i still was able to finish it. Maybe i am just not that picky. I find it easier if you don't smell it while you are drinking. The smell can be kind of a turn off but it really isn't that bad.

making sure my signature works!!

Thank you for the reply. I had some of those down already but not the one about the drainage tube. I want to know everything i can before surgery on the 6th.

The chart told me my medically ideal weight was 110 pounds! That seems very unrealistic to me but I guess I will have to wait and see what happens. It said the average was 131 pounds which seems more likely. It said my goal weight being 70% excess weight off would be 140 lbs but I am actually hoping for less than that more like 125 I think but I also realize that might change as I get closer and start seeing what these weights really look like on me.

The chart told me my medically ideal weight was 110 pounds! That seems very unrealistic to me but I guess I will have to wait and see what happens. It said the average was 131 pounds which seems more likely. It said my goal weight being 70% excess weight off would be 140 lbs but I am actually hoping for less than that more like 125 I think but I also realize that might change as I get closer and start seeing what these weights really look like on me.

I think I have everything set up! Finally I have a picture up and my ticker is ready to go. Only 10 days until the ticker starts moving! I am getting super excited! I can't wait for the new and improved me! I am going to put up before pictures soon too.