Susie in Lima

I was only on a 1 week pre-op diet and I lost about 4.5 pounds but my surgeon never weighed me again after the first time that we met to discuss surgery. I hope all goes well! Let us know.

Welcome!!! Great job!!!

Welcome! This group has been invaluable to me in my journey. My suggestions to you is read up and research as much as you can before the day of the surgery, that way you wont be thrown off guard when you go through a time where your weight loss stall etc. I think just about anything and everything has been covered and talked about on this site so it is really helpful. Let us know how it goes! It was the best decision for me and I hope you have wonderful results as well.

I was really cold too for several months after my surgery. It seems that my body has regulated itself somewhat. (Although it is summer where I live right now so we will see how it goes when winter comes along) Stay warm!

The only pain I can remember on my right side near the rib cage was gall bladder problems. I think that is quite common after VSG. If you dont start to feeling better go get checked out. Hope you feel better soon!

I wasnt allowed anything for 24 hours but I was told to bring some biotene dry mouth spray. That helped alot especially when I really felt like I needed something to drink, at least I felt a little better.

I have noticed the same too! Love it! I love being able to use a regular sized towel to cover my body and not have to use a beach towel that barely fit! I also like that I dont fill up the whole bathtub too! SOOOO many good things about having this sleeve! Best thing I have done for myself! (and my husband is benefiting from my new self confidence)

Well I dont know if it has been because of my sleeve or because I am in my forties but my skin changed and my got oilier too and I have NEVER had problem with acne! NEVER, until just recently. About to have to visit my dermatologist. EKKK!

I talked with my surgeon yesterday and he cleared me to use straws again. I am almost 5 months. He just encouraged me not to gulp down too much at a time, still just take sips. I seem to be able to drink so much more when I use a straw. Love em!

I still have to think a lot about my food and my food choices. In answer to your question is no, I do not enjoy eating anymore. It is such a chore that I would be happy if I didnt have to eat. Now, I only eat in order to survive and be healthy. None of it is out of sheer love for food. Anyway, that is me,

Started out at 240 and 5'3.5" and was sleeved on Sept 11. I have lost 65 pounds! Made it through the holidays losing weight too!!!

This is the first response I received from Cigna concerning my surgery. (And yes I was approved and had my surgery about 4 1/2 months ago) Hope you get approved. "After researching your request, it has been determined that the services will require approval from our Medical Review Department. Please have your provider submit the following information: " Psychological Evaluation " Nutritional Evaluation " Medical Evaluation " Surgical Evaluation " Co-morbid conditions " Diet history (medical records documenting active participation & reasonable compliance with at least one physician-directed weight loss program for a minimum of 6 months within the past 2 years " Height, Weight, and Body Mass Index (BMI) Once the above documentation has been received, please allow 15 business days for a response from our Medical Review Department. Our goal is to provide superior service to all of our customers. Should you have any further questions we are available twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week at 800.441.2668, for TDD 800.558.3604, or you may call us collect at 302.797.3100."

I think it would depend on your comfort. You wont need it for long though, that is the good thing! I just took my first flight since surgery and was so surprised at how different the seat belt fit me. Before surgery I had it extended the whole way and it was tight but I was too proud to ask for an extender, now I have about 6 inches or more to spare! Hope things go well!

Hey I was sleeved 3 months ago and am down 50 pounds. Starting weight 239 current weight 189. Not sure how to attach a pic.

Hey, my husband bought me a pill crusher. It helped me be able to get down the pills I needed to until I was able to swallow them Now I am able to swallow them without any problem, even a large calcium pill. Hope it feels better soon!

I eat an egg every morning cooked a variety of ways.

You are probably still retaining some fluids from the surgery. It WILL start coming off soon. Just remember to drink your fluids!!!!

Just remember that these next few hours of being hungry etc are so worth the pay off! Thinking of you this morning!

The more you walk, the better it gets. The gas is just trapped inside and needs to get out. Also, if you have some GasX strips, that really really helps! You will feel better soon, I promise and it will all be a memory before you know it!

I think all insurances are different. It is probably a good idea to call your insurance and just see what they require of you. Some only require paperwork and lab work etc while others expect you to go through a longer process of going to classes etc. Just know that whenever you are able to do it, it will be worth it. I was a special case and had to get my companys approval first and then my insurance. It took me about 9 months before I could set a date. So, just breathe and start working your way to the goal. I had mine on September 11th and am down 50 pounds! I know it took a while to get here from when I started but I am just so thankful that I did it. Thinking of you!

I went and read the two posts above me about the dryness of the mouth after surgery. I had been told to bring some biotene mouth spray and that really helped me keep my mouth moist. It was a life saver!

It really isn't horrible. At least for me, the gas pain was the worst part of it so if you go in knowing that, you can put the pain into perspective. I brought some GasX strips with me and that helped alot. The incisions never really caused me any problems or hurt like I thought they would. I was a little nauseated while in the hospital the 2nd day but it was probably from the anesthesia. The first few times I drank, it did hurt a little but nothing that lasts and it isnt excruciating, just uncomfortable. Dont worry, it isnt a cake walk, but it isnt as bad as other surgeries I have had and I have had wonderful results. Almost 50 pounds down since Sept 11. Stick with your diet and dont cheat, you will do great!

Congrats!

Hey everyone, If you haven't received the booklet and want it, please inbox me or quote this message so I will get notice and will know who to send it to. Hope everyone is doing well on their new journey. His Susie

I take a chewable biotin and there is also a liquid as well. The liquid is really expensive but the chewable is very affordable. I live in Lima, Peru and just emailed my nutritionist about hair loss this morning. She suggested that I go to a plastic surgeon in the area who takes blood and separates the plasma from the blood and then injects the plasma in the head. She swears by the procedure. It is 200 soles for a session which is about $80 and you are supposed to go once a month. I am not sure what I will do. She said that her hair is full and growing so much faster than before. If I do it, I will let you guys know! Anyone else had this done or heard of it before?