Donna4545

Find out how many sleeves he has done and what his complication rate is. He should have done at least 200. My surgeon's complication rate was zero--that's what I would look for. I asked the bariatric coordinator these questions and she had the answers--don't be afraid to ask. The morbidity rate for the sleeve is no different from gall bladder surgery so don't let your aunt's experience scare you. There were definitely problems with early RNYs. But you're not getting an RNY so your surgery risk is the same as for any other abdominal surgery (I looked it up). The biggest problem with the sleeve is post-op dehydration, but you can avoid this by asking for a scopolamine patch to control nausea and religiously getting your fluids in. Find out how many leak tests, and what kind are done before you are discharged. My surgeon does 4--two during surgery and two after. It's very important to have these. Also ask if the staple line is oversewn (making it extra strong).

On day two my legs swelled. I just walked as much as possible and it went away after 2 days. I checked with the surgeon and he said this was common and not to be concerned unless it became severe. I wore a really loose, empire waist, gauze summer dress to surgery because some of the incisions are waist-level and I didn't want a waistband to irritate them. That worked out well, I was very comfortable. I didn't notice any swelling in my stomach, but it's so big down there anyway I might not have noticed lol.

I've probably posted this a million times, but I swear by IsoPure Zero Carb vanilla protein whey isolate powder (25 grams of protein a scoop) flavored by a DaVinci sugar free syrup--whichever I'm in the mood for. It mixes well with a small or large volume of water with just a spoon. I also mix it with iced coffee. If you're sick of sweet things, use the unflavored IsoPure Zero and mix it with chicken broth. Mix the powder with a little warm water first and then add that to the broth and heat, but don't boil so the protein doesn't clump.

I think a good talk with your surgeon should help you immensely--bring up the cancer issue, everything. Let that be your guide. Remember that the sleeve helps people with Chron's Disease--not cancer but an irritation of the colon, so it might actually be beneficial in your case. There are a lot of factors to think about--how long you have been strong and healthy after the cancer, your BMI, and any co-morbidities. The more info you get from your surgeon the better you will feel about making a decision.

I have never heard of not getting approved because you have co-morbidities that are controlled by meds--in fact that is usually part of the reason why you DO get approved!

Congratulations on your decision. Make sure you find out how many sleeves the surgeon has done (200+ is good) and what his complication rate is, since you are going to a foreign country. Make sure you get clear pre-op and post-op diet plans in advance. Good luck on your journey!

My hospital insisted on a pregnancy test, but no STD tests BUT always tell your doctor and your lawyer EVERYTHING. These are words to live by. When they are prepping you for surgery, let them know you have herpes. It will not be a big deal to them, but you never know how they might have to monitor/modify what they do with the Foley catheter so that it doesn't irritate your condition. Don't be embarrassed--hell I started my period the day before surgery and had to tell them that lol! They just deal with it. Never feel bad about your condition--it's just a medical fact, not a moral judgment. Good luck with the surgery!

Yes, it's to shrink your liver, and to lessen the fatty covering on it, because the doc has to move it out of the way to get to your stomach. For fruity protein options instead of shakes, get Isopure Plus Ready to Drink on the web. It's worth the money. Comes in fruit punch and grape flavors, not the best but definitely a welcome change from milky shakes. You can also get IsoPure Zero Carb Flavorless Protein powder and mix it in with chicken broth-25 grams a scoop. mix it with a small amount of warm Water before adding it to the broth, and then heat but don't boil to keep the protein from clumping.

Deb- 2 scoops of Isopure Zero Carb Protein powder in a glass of Water, with a flavored sugar free syrup=50 grams of protein. 10 gram shakes aren't going to do it--get some heavy duty whey isolate (25 grams per scoop). Good luck! Donna

Size 8--wow! You are now officially a Sleeve Supermodel! Congrats!

I'm not telling anyone I had surgery--I'm still on full liquids so I have to come up with creative dodges for lunch invitations--today's dodge: "I have to go buy an ironing board". LOL. But I really did!

Pudding is considered a full liquid on my diet--I don't think you ruined anything. Just get back on the horse and stick with the program!

I live 100 miles from where I had my surgery, and I drove myself there. I asked the doc about driving back after discharge (they day after surgery). He said--well you can, theoretically, but it's going to hurt, and I would want you to hesitate stepping on the brake because it caused pain by pulling on an incision. That was enough for me to stay at a nearby hotel for 4 days after the surgery (they had a special hospital rate) and I am really glad I did, because you don't realize how out of it you are for those first 3 days after discharge. Also it helps to be near the hospital in case of complications. So, I would say stick around a couple of days if you can afford it; if not, take a shuttle/cab.

This differs so much by person. If you're like me, no complications, no nausea or other problems, I felt fine to go back at the 10 day mark. I'm 2 weeks out and am pretty much 100% fine. Just no heavy lifting/exercise.

LOL--not the kind you trip on! ROFL! I've heard the 3 months thing too. I was told not to try anything spicy or alcoholic until 6 months out, when the stomach is completely healed.

Ask your doctor for a scopolamine patch for nausea. It is tiny, goes behind your ear, and is good for 3 days. That should let you get some water and protein shakes in. Don't suffer, call the doc!

You can be sloppy for the first 2 years, but after that you really have to keep up the low carb, low fat diet and exercise to keep it off, from everything I've read.

I unexpectedly started my period the day before surgery. Just don't wear a tampon and let them know and they will give you some disposable undies and pads. It's no big deal at all to them.

You could also send them BCBS ND's new policy approving the sleeve with your appeal--but I got the info on the phone and don't know where it is on the web.

It's not that I especially *want* them to notice, it just seemed so weird that they didn't. Maybe they will notice after the next 50 lbs lol.

1) How long have you been sleeved? 2 weeks 2) Who was your surgeon? Dr.. Brandon Helbling, Bismarck ND 3) What were your experiences with your surgeon? Great. He does 4 leak tests before you leave the hospital. 4) Would you recommend your surgeon? Absolutely 5) How much weight have you lost since your sleeve date? 30 lbs in 2 weeks 6) What type of sleeve do you have? Don't know/forgot 7) Would you recommend the type of sleeve you have? Yes if I knew what it was 8) Do you find you still have the necessary level of energy to sustain a good workout? After the first week, yes. 9) Do you find it difficult to keep the weight off once you have lost it? Don't know yet 10) Do you have trouble eating, such as getting “stuck”? Can't eat yet 11) What is the one things about getting the surgery that you regret? Nothing actually 12) Would you do this surgery again, or would you have made another choice? Totally do it again.

I walked across the parking lot to work and to the store without huffing and puffing. It was a great thing!

Lightheadness can also be dehydration-make sure you are getting all your fluids in!

Hi Lisa- Our situations are very similar. BCBS paid for my surgery, so I hope that goes smoothly for you. I also have to drive 100 miles to have my surgery, and live in a small place. I also started out at 331 lbs. I got sleeved 7/14 and now weigh 280. No complications at all, I think it was totally worth it. Good luck with everything! My asthma is gone, I can walk easier, I'm no longer on diabetic meds. My blood sugar is fine. That's hopefully what you can look forward to!

I think either my co-workers are thick, or I was so huge that 50 lbs was a drop in the bucket!