BigGirlPanties

LOL.... you are going to open that can of worms?!?
It really comes down to YOUR choice... the surgeon will explain the varieties and why they may be good for you, and then you (or your insurance) decides.
Some insurance companies still don't cover the sleeve.
Personally, the sleeve felt like the best for me... I liked the idea of keeping my insides in tact so the nutrients stayed in my system, etc. I know several people that had the bypass 10+ years ago and said if they could do it over, they would have chosen the sleeve.
Your co-morbidities, gerd, and other factors will play in to your decision.
Good luck (glad you are not considering the band...just MY opinion)

That is a good point @@Forsythia

The stomach is sectioned off but it indeed still intact inside the body. This is a factor in why many of us choose the sleeve over the bypass. In the sleeve the stretchy part gets removed and is probably fertilizing someone's garden. Lol.

@@CowgirlJane my thighs were just AWFUL. I had really uneven, droopy skin, terrible cellulite, and puddles of fat and skin around my knees. I can see that I still have some cellulite, but it's a million times better. I don't anticipate it improving with time. Even with the swelling, though, they already look so much better. Pretty even, and fairly lump free The long scars are worth it to me. You could see all those puddles of fat and skin through my clothes, even with Shapewear. And that was really miserable in summer months. I could never wear slim pants because my knees looked square in them, lol! I've seen your pics, and I think your thighs look great. I don't think I would have gotten the long scar if I were you, either.
I never took any pics, but I'm going to get them from my doc, and post them here along with the "finished' product at some point. And I agree, recovery is slow from plastics. I can't imagine having everything done at once!

Sorry to hear about your discomfort but CONGRATULATIONS on getting it all done!
I'm going in on Tuesday for a panniculectomy and belly-button fix. I'm schedule to have ab plication but think I will skip that part and just do the panni & belly-button. I can't wait to get rid of the icky extra skin! Not looking forward to drains but I'm trying to convince myself it's a small price to pay for the end result!

People always ask me... how painful was plastics. Actually, I had very little pain. Like you - the real challenge is how long it takes to recover. My wounds healed up fine - no openings - stiches were all gone by 21 days post op and no wound issues AT ALL.
My swelling wasn't even that bad...however, recovery from plastics is HUGE.
I am looking forward to hearing about how you feel about your thighs. I did the small lift and while I am so glad I don't have the long scars, i sure do wish my thighs were as tight as my arms are....
Hang in there - swell hell shall pass!

Well, I'm 6 days out from a breast lift/augmentation and bilateral medial thigh lift (with the long inner thigh incision). I had abdominplasty, butt lift and bilateral brachioplasty last August. The swelling from the first surgery in August was just starting to go down, and now it's back in full force! I'm up about 15 pounds from my lowest weight, and I have to say, it's the swelling that is miserable! And, the Water weight went directly to my arms and abdomen and hips, as well as the thighs and breasts. Basically, everything that I've worked on is a magnet for Fluid retention. I feel like a stuffed sausage.
However, this second surgery is much easier to recover from that the first - night and day difference! Even with two large drains still in my groin, I'm not feeling too bad!
One of the reasons I decided to do this it to feel "finished". I hate it when I can't complete something I set out to do, and I just felt so incomplete with all the loose skin. While I'll never have a perfect body, that was never my goal. I think my surgeon got me closer than I even hoped. I also believe that it will help me maintain my weight loss. While it's no guarantee, I do think that it might help, but I guess only time will tell.
For anyone considering plastics, there is a lot to think about. I had some open wounds from the first surgery that took nearly 4 months to heal, but I still think it was worth it. I have swelling that I find miserable, but even if it lasts a year, it's temporary, and it's way better than loose skin. And I do have a lot of scars, but they are fading, and will continue to do so. That loose, flabby skin was never going to tighten on it's own. I feel much better in my skin now, even with the swell hell I'm in.
So, while I thought I'd come here to complain about it, I also have to say I don't regret it! Things haven't settled into place yet, but even still, I look way better than before. Even though it's a difficult surgery to recover from, I'd do it again (but thank goodness I don't have to, lol!) Thanks for listening!

LOL.... you are going to open that can of worms?!?
It really comes down to YOUR choice... the surgeon will explain the varieties and why they may be good for you, and then you (or your insurance) decides.
Some insurance companies still don't cover the sleeve.
Personally, the sleeve felt like the best for me... I liked the idea of keeping my insides in tact so the nutrients stayed in my system, etc. I know several people that had the bypass 10+ years ago and said if they could do it over, they would have chosen the sleeve.
Your co-morbidities, gerd, and other factors will play in to your decision.
Good luck (glad you are not considering the band...just MY opinion)

LOL.... you are going to open that can of worms?!?
It really comes down to YOUR choice... the surgeon will explain the varieties and why they may be good for you, and then you (or your insurance) decides.
Some insurance companies still don't cover the sleeve.
Personally, the sleeve felt like the best for me... I liked the idea of keeping my insides in tact so the nutrients stayed in my system, etc. I know several people that had the bypass 10+ years ago and said if they could do it over, they would have chosen the sleeve.
Your co-morbidities, gerd, and other factors will play in to your decision.
Good luck (glad you are not considering the band...just MY opinion)

Congrats... I had trouble sleeping, I was so excited...Tylenol PM helped me

I think just about everyone on here (even those with complications) would say they would do it again...and sooner, if they could... I don't regret one moment of it! I feel I can eat what I want, but I don't "want" junk...so I've not had any big problem with that...been maintaining.
However, I have major knee problems and had to lose weight to get them fixed...one will be done next month (hopefully) and I couldn't have gotten there without my WLS.
For me, I was more excited than nervous... I knew this was for me; I have known other people that were successful... no doubts, no regrets!

I think just about everyone on here (even those with complications) would say they would do it again...and sooner, if they could... I don't regret one moment of it! I feel I can eat what I want, but I don't "want" junk...so I've not had any big problem with that...been maintaining.
However, I have major knee problems and had to lose weight to get them fixed...one will be done next month (hopefully) and I couldn't have gotten there without my WLS.
For me, I was more excited than nervous... I knew this was for me; I have known other people that were successful... no doubts, no regrets!

amazing isn't it... I wish I had taken a picture of myself every month so really see my progress... I can't even figure out how to post pictures here

Same as what I eat now, but in much smaller quantities of course
Dense protein:
eggs
tuna (Any fish, really)
Shrimp (Any shellfish, really)
Lean red meats (occasionally)
chicken
Turkey
SOME dairy (IE REAL cheese, REAL butter, but in limited quantities)
ONLY get your carbs from veggies, and limit starchy veggies (asparagus, cauliflower, potatoes, etc...) stick to mostly green veggies and salads. Stay away from iceberg lettuce and try to do romaine and spinach for salads as much as possible.
NO SUGAR (Or as little as you can possibly get away with)
Snacks: cheese, almonds, Jerky, low fat, low sugar greek yogurt
Drink TONS of water!
I GUARANTEE you will lose what you need to lose and then some if you religiously stick to this and track calories.
Good Luck!!

Mine was a week ago and a very similar experience to Steve and Bob. Today is day 8 and I feel unbelievable. I also agree that if more people knew how easy it "can" go they wouldn't be so worried up front.
By the way: congrats Steve & Bob! We are all in this together!

I am very happy with the results, and I'm glad I did it, and I'd do it again. However, only you know if you can handle the risks. It's a very personal decision that no one else can answer for us, because while the risk is low, if you get a complication, you have it 100%.

@@sleevedmanda

i see you are a newbie
welcome to the group
no surgery ever???
i can only imagine how scary the thought of surgery must be for you
its good not to have your head in the sand
your eyes are wide opened
i "think" the success with WLS is 99.9%
you don't remember those
the bad stories stick out in your mind and memory
any/all surgeries do have their "possible" problems
its ok to be a little scared
the next 3 weeks you might feel happy, excited, nervous, anxious, overwhelmed etc etc
normal feelings
you are going to be changing a big part of your life (food)
you made the wise decision to have the sleeve
its ok to 2nd guess yourself a "little"
but not enough that you change your mind about having WLS
read these boards thoroughly
you'll see many questions and answers you might be thinking of
post your questions too
also use the search button in the top right hand corner
you will be seeing your doc again pre-op
write down list of questions to ask him and NUT
good luck for the rest of your healthier, happier, longer life
who deserves it more?!!!
speedy recovery
kathy

a few people have had complications...but your life is probably more "complicated" with the weight... Mine was very textbook...
The one thing I wish I had was some carmex...my lips were sooo dry all the time...but most everything you need is provided...
Good luck...let us know your progress!
PS Oh Yeah...my phone charger! ABSOLUTELY!!!

its not until February 11 2015 .but I got it yeah

My daughter takes my pics for me. We took pics the day before surgery in a skin tight tshirt she made me that is an XL that says Best Mom Hands Down with her handprints on it. And also in bra and undies. We are doing them monthly. I am coming up on 8 weeks post op this coming Monday so we wil be taking new pics an measurements this Sunday.
Everyone I talked to said make sure you take pics and measurements. So I am!!!!

You look great! I love the sparkly you possess in both pictures but you are right you can really see a difference in you face in just a month! I guess I better start taking pictures of me so I can see changes as they happen!

I used NOTHING I took to the hospital but my tablet and phone charger. I did use my toothbrush but NOTHING else made it out of the bag.
A "complication" I had which was really an inconvenience was anesthesia totally messed with my bladder and sphincter so going to the bathroom became an exercise in patience to get the urine OUT. I couldn't open or contract my bladder! It all resolved with time and I am still feeling pleased when I void that I can do it now! LOL - but I am celebrating all victories here!

That is wonderful for you! They kept calling me a rockstar at the hospital as my post op has gone ideal, if I didn't have that coughing fit I would agree completely that it was too good to be true. I am trying to adjust to this new eating and drinking and I am doing pretty well. I wish I knew how to burp!

@jeniker3. No one can tell you what's the right procedure for YOU. I did months of research and went to several Info sessions before I decided when I went in & met with my surgeon. Last year at this time I attended my first info session and just knew I would have a Lap Band the least invasive but on Oct 14 I had the Vertical Gastric Sleeve and have been so happy with my decision. I read Al Rokers book "never Going Back" "Fighting Weight by Kahilah Ali & the Big Book on Gastric Sleeve" my favorite for medical facts the Ultimate Gastric Sleeve Success.
I also researched the background of several Surgeons before decided who I felt most comfortable with. Both The Bypass the most intrusive and the Sleeve are major surgery's requiring full anesthesia. And the surgery is only part of the process you must make a lifelong commitment to healthy eating and exercise. For me I had tried many of diets before and exercise and lost before only to gain it back plus more. bariactric Surgery is different its changes your whole life.
Choose your surgeon & procedure carefully. Ask all your questions now

a few people have had complications...but your life is probably more "complicated" with the weight... Mine was very textbook...
The one thing I wish I had was some carmex...my lips were sooo dry all the time...but most everything you need is provided...
Good luck...let us know your progress!
PS Oh Yeah...my phone charger! ABSOLUTELY!!!