Skinnypie

I have officialy been post op for 1 month today just wanted to post because, initially when I was looking for information about Dr. Ferrari, in Houston, TX, I didn't find a lot. So, here it is.... I am 1 month out, 27.5 lbs down (even though I'm on TOM) and feel AMAZING! I was referred to Dr. Ferrari by my OBGYN... I was pretty nervous about the whole WLS thing, but like many others, decided to go ahead and do an initial consult to see what it was all about. Originally I thought I wanted the band (I had never heard of VSG) but Dr. Ferrari was very against the band, not sure if in general, or just in my case. He examined me and said I was a great candidate for VSG, all of that was back in late August 2012. It took me a while to finally decide for sure that I wanted to go through with the surgery, so...at least 1 month after I started the actual process (getting blood work, echo, psych eval., NUT appt.) and took me about 1 month to be able to schedule everything and get it all done... I contacted Dr. Ferrari's office throughout the process to make sure they were receiving all of my results, letters, etc. and to find out about things being submitted to my insurance. His staff is very friendly and helpful (I had LOTS of questions). It took just over 2 weeks to get approved by my insurance and as soon as I got approved they asked me when I wanted to have surgery the first available date was two weeks later, but that didn't work with my schedule... He operates on Mondays and Thursdays, so I found the next available Thursday that worked for me Dec. 20 and that was that. I had one pre-op consult the week before surgery, by that time I had a lot more questions for the Doctor. Dr. Ferrari is a very "matter of fact" kind of guy, which I really appreciate and also (in my opinion) I think he's a very focused surgeon because of it (he's not a hugE conversationalist, but that was definitely the least of my priorities in a surgeon). Fast forward to my surgery date, I was scheduled at 7 am and had to be at the hospital at 5:30 am... I was a nervous wreck!! everything went great, the time is a blur after that, but here's what I remember : went into the operating room talked to a nurse (she was an angel) that comforted me and the anesthesiologist came in and told me she would give me something to "take the edge off," next thing I know I woke up in recovery and kept telling the nurse I had to pee and she kept assuring me that i had a catheter and they had drained my bladder so that was not possible. Next I remember being taken to my room where my Amazing Husband and Dad were waiting to see me, the nurses were all amazing and, while I originally thought I would love the pain med button... I didn't use it much, yes, I was in some pain but it was never unbearable, i stayed overnight and was able to go home around 2pm the next day. No liquids at all until I had my second leak test almost right before I was discharged, Dr. ferrari came in to check on me after the leak test and said I was ready to go home After surgery I only took the pain medicine for about 4 days, and even that was mostly because I was scared... More than anything I felt soreness not so much pain... I had walked a lot in the hospital and gotten a lot of the gas out. I didn't have any trouble with fluids and had a lot of Powerade zero in the beginning...I was on full liquids as soon as I went home and after 2 weeks soft foods. And that's my story A little long, but wanted to share in case anyone needed info on Dr. Ferrari, i am so happy with my choice in doctor... The staff, the nurses, and hospital far exceeded my expectations. I know everyone's body is different and recovery will also be different but, If I had to do it all over again i would choose Dr. Ferrari and would recommend him to anyone. I feel so blessed to be having an easy recovery and to be 27.5 lbs down in 1 month!!

I agree that every procedure is not right for everyone... Have you talked to you Doctor about it? When I had my first consult with my Doc I thought I wanted the band and wanted to discuss with him (I'd never heard of the sleeve) but he was really against the band for me and said I was a great candidate for the sleeve, I'm 3 weeks post op today and feel great... I think you should talk to your doctor and maybe he/she will be able to help you to make a more informed decision for your body...

When I left the hospital I was told that as long as I am comfortable I can sleep in any position, including face down.

I've never heard this rule ...? Is it 5 minutes between bites or chew for 5 minutes? I'm post op & today was my first day on soft foods... Been counting how many times I chew everything (is that weird? Lol) so far no issues... Really surprised at how small my portion sizes are before I feel satisfied

Good luck!!!! How exciting!!! I took all the suggestions an had the gas x strips, SF Halls, listerine strips etc, etc... BUT, the only thing I ever took out of my bag was the chap-stick!! I'm sure if I had to do it all over again I'd still take everything just in case... But, don't forget the chapstick!! After surgery when your mouth & lips are so dry... oMG, such a relief!!

I've tried both powders?utm_source=BariatricPal&utm_medium=Affiliate&utm_campaign=CommentLink" target="_ad" data-id="1" >unjury and Isopure & found both to be tolerable but not great... I reverted back to drinking RTD Protein my old NUT (before surgery) had me drink...Myoplex LITE... I'm only 12 days post-op and have my first post-op this week, so, definitely planning on bringing this up at my appt. below is the nutrition info, these taste good to me I drink the chocolate fudge one, but they have strawberry & vanilla... Also a Cookies and cream one(I think that one is yucky)

Well, like everything else... No 2 NUTs agree, lol and we all get different info :/ Sad about the chicken though... Wonder if I will have any change in that department as I prefer chicken to red meat...

P.S. i just watched that movie this weekend " I sometimes have a feeling I can do crystal meth, but then I think "Hmm, better not"" - Fat Amy

Have you tried Mootopia? I buy the fat free one (blue label) it has 1/2 as much sugar as regular milk and more protein as well, my NUT swears by it...

Maybe something like this.... Breakfast: 1 poached or scrambled egg (.3g carb) Salsa 2 tbsps (3g carbs) Optional- turkey bacon 2 slices (1g carb) Lunch: Cauliflower pizza bites (.5g carbs each) Recipe: http://notanotherhealthyfoodblog.tumblr.com/post/24010000127/cauliflower-pizza-bites-each-bite-is-only-8 Dinner: Baked tilapia filet (0g carb) Steamed broccoli (4g arbs per serving) Snacks: Frigo string cheese (0g carb) 1 pack sugar free Jello (2g carb) I got most of the carb/nutrition info on myfitnesspal ... Also, just a note, (per my NUT) shrimp are really high in cholesterol...

Hello there! Welcome!! I am 10 days post OP and have been very blessed so far in my recovery, with minimal pain and getting in my fluids and proteins ok... This is definitely a great resource for VSG info and to read about both positive and negative experiences... Try searching in subject lines for "leak" "emergency" or something like that... Also I recommend reading a post by Kapoorvilla about her near death experience that she just posted in the last couple of days... Good luck in your decision!!

Pepperoni chips!! Take turkey pepperoni and put it between 2 paper towels, pop it in the microwave for 30-60 seconds (watch them because they burn easily), when they come out/ cool they are nice and crispy like chips- bet you can't have just one!! 73 calories and 9.3 grams of protein in 17 pieces, probably can't eat that many, but half a serving at a time?

I would let your Doc know just to err on the side of caution, but I think you will be fine... I didn't have a pre-ip diet and was just told not to eat anything after midnight the night before surgery

Other than mortality rate, I also asked: How/when will the leak test be done? (I had 2 done before leaving the hospital) How will he close the incisions (i.e. sutures, glue etc) How long before TTC? ( one of my main reasons fir surgery was fertility) Good luck!!!

Congrats!! Part of the reason I decided to have the surgery was for fertility, I was referred to my bariatric surgeon by my OBGYN. I have to wait 18 months post op before TTC... What a surprise for you!! I spoke to my NUT about nutrition concerns I had for after I get pregnant and she mentioned it would not be that big of a change, mostly adding more calcium/ dairy to my diet, in addition to doc and OBGYN, I'd say definitely see your NUT... Also, I've heard it kinda messes with your head to gain weight after you've been focusing on losing ... But just be positive an know that it is all for your little baby good luck!!

You look amazing!!

Congrats!!! So exciting, I'm getting sleeved on Thursday in Houston, TX .. best of luck!! Let us know how everything goes

The main reason why I am getting sleeved was for fertility reasons (I'm so ready for babies!! ) When I had my NUT appt, i mentioned that to her and asked if/how my post-op nutrition would affect a baby when I get pregnant, but she said there would not be that many changes and it would be totally manageable, primarily adding more calcium and such. Maybe your NUT can give you additional info once you see your doc? CONGRATS!!

There is section/community on here called "Clothing Exchange," not sure how it works, but might be worth checking out?

@Mich: I'm still pre-op, but I haven't told anyone at work... My plan is just to say I was having some medical issues and/or that I am on a strict Dr. Supervised diet... (both of which are true!)... don't imagine people will ask a lot of questions after "medical issues" and if they do I can say it's personal...?

I'm pre-op but I have used StriVectin-SD... Its's pretty pricey (about $145 for a 159mL/5 fl. oz. tube) But it's one of the few things I splurge on, it really is a miracle cream!!!

Don't have a time yet either, Dr.Ferrari is my surgeon

No way! I'm also getting sleeved 12/20 at Memorial Hermann (Memorial City)

Did you have the hemorrhoids before the surgery or as a result of something surgery related?