Believer

Oooh! Can't wait to hear how you like it!

I had my sleeve done in July. It does not work...i can eat waaaay too much. I will have to get it redone as well. Really wanted to have it done this year so I don't have to pay my insurance deductible again. My doc said if he bills it as diagnostic the insurance will pay. I can't squeeze it in this calendar year, though. How did you get your doc to do it for free? I am nervous to have it redone. I have absolutely no problems...it just isn't small enough...even though my doc swears he used the smallest possible bougie. I have experienced a tremendous amount of hair loss. I am afraid another surgery will make me bald! No joke! Also worried about all other possible complications. It just isnt fair that we have to endure the surgery again.

Ssorry I have not been on here in a while. Joined a facebook group for summer sleevers. It is secret and private...so much great support! Let me know if you would like to join us!

I just returned from my 6 week post op check up. As I have been telling my doctor and dietician from the beginning...I am hungry and I can eat too much! (examples: 3 eggs and 3 turkey sausage links/ entire 2 cup can of Soup / full plate of fish and green Beans...I always stop myself because I SHOULD, but know that I could eat more!) The dietician was so condescending. She just kept telling me that I just need to continue making healthy choices. She does not understand the fear of losing 100+ pounds, only to gain it back again. (which I have done several times) In fact, she encouraged me to eat like I used to...just to see what happens. I really feel like the surgery has not been helpful...I just feel like I am on a diet. I am hungry often, and simply relying on my willpower. What is going to happen when I have a weak moment and eat something I shouldn't eat? I was really counting on my sleeve to allow me to say "Well, at least I only ate 4 tablespoons of it". I am having another upper GI on Monday. But the doc says the only thing he can do is go back in and try to tighten things up. I said "So...basicly re-do the surgery?" He nodded "yes." I told him I only had one shot at this because of finances, time off, and the fact that I will not upset my kids again by going back into the hospital for 3 more days. I am pretty much devistated. That is my sleeve story thus far.

@Sassygirl06 I have lost 18# in the six weeks since my surgery, and about 18 the week before on my pre-op diet. I was feeling kind of pissed off today, and thinking about the dietician telling me to test it to see how much I can eat. I ate a piece of pizza with no problem. Not full or uncomfortable at all. But felt so bad for straying from my low carb diet that I chose to not see how much more I could eat. I regret eating it...I just wish this was working like it should.

Thank you for all of the concern and suggestions. I am on prescription Prilosec, and my surgeon used "the smallest size bougie". He mentioned tightening the bottom, or exit, of the sleeve to help hold food in longer. He said maybe I am chewing the food too much. (really!? my book tells me to chew each bite to the consistancy of applesauce!) I know that is not the case, as I tend to always be in a hurry and eat too fast. I have never felt full, or had any food disagree with my sleeve. Once or twice I have felt a little something near my collarbone...the most dense Protein I recall is 3 chicken legs, and another time 12 large shrimp. I can eat a pound of buffalo wings, no problem. I do not drink 30 minutes before or after eating. I guess I will just wait to see what the upper GI shows on Monday and go from there. Thanks again for listening. It helps to vent to people who can "feel my pain"!

Hey LadyK I had my surgery July 24 at St.Johns Providence in Southfield. Who is your doc? Mine is Sabir. Wishing you well !

Wow! That is all I can say. Just. Wow.

You are waaay past normal. Beautiful! Congratulations!

You look great! Thank you for sharing your photos. I am almost one month out, and they give me a lot of inspiration! Way to go!

I had mine at St. Johns Providence in Southfield on 7/24. Everyone there was great!

Crazy! My book (from doc) says plain oatmeal, plain grits, cream of wheat or rice (cooked well, made thin or soupy) beginning on Day 5!!

Boy does this topic speak to me! I was sleeved 8 days ago, and still feel hungry! I am on full liquids, but have been eating way too much soup. Not just soup , but rich ones like lobster bisque! (Strained) last ***ht I sucked the cheese off of an individual bag of crunchy CHEETOS! I cannot stand sweet things right now, and needed some texture on my tongue. I know I need to find myself a really good therapist quick! Thank you for the book recommendations. I will check them out.

me too...30 before and 30 after. I have been told my doc is conservative too.

Hello again! My surgery went well, it was pretty much as I expected it would be. Pain wise...a lot like a c-section, only higher up. i have had a complicaion, though. My oxygen levels in my blood are low, so I was sent home with oxygen tanks. The docs had to rule out all of the terrible things such as blood cot in lungs and lung cancer, so I had a cat scan and chest x-rays. It was very stressful hearing those possbilities being tossed around. I definitely had the moments of regret, like "what have I done to myself!?" Looks like the lower back lobes of my lungs are a bit deflated and full of gunk. Started antibiotics today to prevent pnemonia. Yes, I have been walking and doing the incentive sparometer all along... so, just a bump in the road. I know the hospital part will soon be a distant memory, and it is all worth it! Haven't weighed myself yet...too scared after all of the IVs! I hope all of my fellow MI sleevers have had an easier time...can't wait to hear from you all!

On my way to the hospital! (St.John's Providence in Southfield) Best of luck to my fellow Michigan Sleevers! See you on the Loser's Bench! I look foward to sharing this journey with you!

Hi LisaMarie! I live in the Brighton area, and am getting sleeved tomorrow. (7/24/12) I am excited...don't know if I would have had the courage if it wasn't for this site. Wishing you all the best during your surgery and recovery!

Congratulations! How are you doing now? Getting sleeved on Tuesday 7/24...so excited!