Spatters3

ahh.... that makes sense now. You're 63? Drop dead gorgeous too! I guess what I would do is make sure you are following the high protein/low carb diet, not drinking with meals, tracking everything that goes into your mouth, and exercising (yeah, I talk a good talk but I should follow my own advice). With such a low BMI it is going to take you longer. Congrats on getting the sleeve and for the weightloss you've already accomplished !

Your surgery weight was 155? What is your goal weight? I'm surprised that someone of your size with (probably) 20 excess lbs would subject themselves to such life altering surgery. dang !

only Protein Shakes ! I also don't do well with breaded or fried foods, but heck, that's a good thing

Do you use a lot of pepper or spices? Your nickname is oldlady - are you? Have you been through menopause? I have had the sensation of being cold after eating but never over heated (except as a precursor to nausea).

One week after surgery I was very tired and was spending all my thought energy on figuring out what liquid thing I could eat (since I ended up despising the Protein shakes).

Who do you have at home to help ? Could you explain what is going on in your personal life to the agency and have the girls come the following week ?

You could do it, but it won't be easy. And if you had any post-surgiical complications your spouse would have total responsibility for you and the girls.

I don't normally sound like a negative Nelly but this is a very important decision.

I regret having to go through all of the effort and risk and recovery just to do what I always knew would work - eat less - but couldn't do on my own. So... I do NOT regret the VSG but I do regret having to have weight loss surgery period. I get so angry at myself !

I just got back from vacation in Florida and I have gained 10 lbs. I know that it is mostly Fluid - 2 days driving down & 2 days driving back isn't good plus I sprained my ankle (of course!) and it is hippo-like. That being said... it isn't ALL Fluid 'cause I was NOT eating well most of the time. Anyhow, I'm not freaking out about it - vacation is over and I am back on my regimen so I'll be losing weight again soon.

My point is : yes, even with just 15% of a normal stomach I can still gain weight... quickly !

I must not break very easy (in other words, I am uber stubborn!). I've been fat my entire life. I managed to diet myself up to 360 lbs (I'm only 5'5"). Since 2005 I have had 3 total knee replacements and 1 foot rebuilt. Before I found a wonderful surgeon who would replace my botched 2nd TKR, I was actually using a power chair. So... after getting the 3rd TKR I figured "all right! now I can move again, I will lose weight!" but nothing happened. The most I could lose was 20 lbs. At that point I finally surrendered and went looking for WLS (I had looked before but the band & the bypass were the only options and they scared the heck out of me). When I saw the sleeve and researched it I was sold. And... it's working ! Praise God !

As for throwing up - for some unknown reason I woke up after surgery unable to even keep down Water. It was horrible ! But after the doctor ordered an upper GI and I was able to see for myself that there were no leaks and no blockage, I think something clicked in my head and I have not thrown up since.

You have fulfilled your duty as a DIL (by telling her where to find info that will help her) and now it's her choice. Too bad we all don't get wise when we get old. Some of us just get old

That's so sad. I don't think 74 is too old for the VSG unless she has other health problems that would prevent her healing or being able to survive the diet regimen. The surgery may add years to her life. If you offered her information and support perhaps you would atleast be calling her bluff :-)

I'm getting older (56 already... wow) and I am acutely aware of my own mortality. Her being 74, I'm sure she is too. I don't know why I'm feeling compassionate towards this woman who is probably a real piece of work, but I just am.

Must be hormonal !

So glad you're feeling better! Doesn't make your surgeon less of a putz, but oh well :-)

hello ! I'm down here in Frankfort, KY . Has it been hot enough for you ? good gravy !

absolutely! Any doctor who isn't concerned about his patient's level of pain deserves to be horse whipped. What a putz! Were you given any prescription pain medication? Hopefully liquid loritab.

You have been in horrible pain for a week. If it was a leak or an abscess you would have a fever. Are you actually taking your temperature with a thermometer or assuming you don't have a fever because you don't feel hot? It may be gall bladder pains (but I've heard they are disabling due to it hurting so badly). In any case, if you think you can wait until Thursday, do it. Do you have any more pain medication? That may help take the edge off. Are you drinking enough Water? Are your bowels moving?

I pray you find relief soon *hug*

I'm home this week and watched Dr. Oz . He had a guest, Dr. Joel Furhman, who says that anyone can lose massive amounts of weight by just eating 90% "nutrient rich foods" (dark green, and all other non-starchy vegetables, berries, nuts, onions (?), and mushrooms (?)). There were several women guests who had followed his regimen - one lost 210 lbs, another 95, and I can't recall what the last one lost but they all looked amazing. Thing is... I'm torn! I'm upset that I don't get to try yet another diet (gosh, it REALLY looks like it would work and it seems so healthy) but on the other hand I am ecstatic that I DON'T get to try yet another diet!! hehehe ok, I'm feeling a little woozy

Come to think of it, I HAVE tried this diet and I DIDN'T lose any weight let alone massive amounts of weight. Oh, yeah, ok I remember now - I had to have 85% of my stomach removed to force me to not eat too much and THAT is why I am going to lose massive amounts of weight

This reality check is now concluded.

*beep*

wellll.... you will have 5 small incisions and they will smart a bit... but hey, you won't have the hangover Your surgeon was being, um, melodramatic and a tad insensitive. It didn't hurt that badly plus you will be supplied with good pain medication in case it does hurt. I only used the pain meds for a few days and I also had a large hernia repaired (which is what was hurting the most).

I'm surprised they didn't just stretch it for you when you were already in the hospital for the upper GI. I don't really know what they actually do or why it really works, but I do know that it should be just an out-patient procedure and it shouldn't take too long. I think they do knock you out, so someone will have to be there to drive you home. *hug* I hope everything is much better and eating isn't torture anymore after your "stretch".

Ever since I had my BP medication changed to not include a diuretic, I have't suffered from cramps (and they ARE hellish). I really think they are caused by dehydration and electrolyte imbalance so give the gatorade/banana/potassium a go.

Have you brought the issue up to your company insurance person or HR rep ? This may have been an oversight. If not, then another 3 months compared to the rest of your life....

wow... thinner and healthier for sure ! You and your husband have transformed into different humans ! Incredible.

thanks for the warning. I am a slowwww loser. Regardless of what people tell me, I know I have to continue to limit the calories to be able to lose weight. I pray you continue to fight the fight and are able to lose more weight.

ditto. V8 is soooo good and good for you. Made me feel not so deprived when I couldn't eat veggies yet.

If you have tried diet and exercise to lose weight and have not been successful and have decided that you will use Weight Loss Surgery then by all means, go with with the Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy. Of the 3 most common - gastric bypass, the lap band, or VSG - the latter is the most succesful and least damaging to your health. I am very happy with how I feel, how and what I can eat, and with my weight loss. I give it an 8. I'll give it a 10 when I reach goal

My PCP had suggested WLS several times over the past few years but never pressured me and was always supportive with whatever I wanted to try next. My insurance (Anthem BC/BS) doesn't cover anything "weight loss" unless I am actually enrolled in an approved weight loss center's program. So, he would write other things on the chart when I was primarily there to talk to him about weight loss. Stupid system. He recently saved my life because I offhandedly mentioned to him that I was spotting (I'm post menopausal) - ordered an ultrasound and then called me himself with the results and made the appointment with the gynecologist. Turned out I had uterine carcinosarcoma ("unique, rare, and extremely aggressive cancer"). It was all contained within the uterus and appears to have been all summarily removed

I have always used doctors as tools to get medication or procedures done that I thought I needed. With all that has happened recently I am rethinking our relationship - it should be a partnership whose goal is my good health. If your PCP isn't your partner, find one who can be.

wow ! Keep on doin' what you're doin' because it's working ! I pray that your possible gall bladder pain never comes back. Are you taking ursodiol ? My surgeon prescribes it for all his WLS patients to be taken for 6 months after surgery.