docbree

Praying!

I did not seriously over eat. I got an ulcer which caused a leak 18 months out. Ulcers are more common then you think in WLS patients. And steps need to be taken to avoid this happening. I am on some pretty strong meds now to avoid another one. The abscess is still there but no longer connected to the leak. Sometimes s**t happens and when we make blank statements like that it can keep us from being well informed.

Im in the OR waiting to got back. If you could say a little prayer for me I would appreciate it. I'm doing good so far. I just want this over! On the plus side my anesthesiologist is a cutie! Of course he is who else would you want staring at your big ol belly lol! Thank you all in advance!

As I read the post I saw myself except the part of no little children to take care of. These things can happen but for me the outcome is good. I have bounced back to almost 100%. It is no guarantee that every ones surgery will go well. I know my surgeon asked me what the worst thing that could happen to me was....I said death. Well I really think that what I went through and still going through might be worse then death. But I do not regret any of it and would lay down on that table again and do it all for what and who I have become...
Be a positive influence on the person that suffers from complications and be there for them. Help her get to the goal that was so very important to her to take her to this point.
No one should go through these types of surgery without knowing the risks and if this person is real or not it is good to know that there are others who struggle to get there, to stay there and still fight the complications. But would not do anything different because of the results...

An acquaintance of mine had something similar happen as a result of bypass. It's been over 6 months, she is alive and home but still recovering. It's been really bad.
Complications can happen, it's sad and scary. Weight loss surgery is statistically much safer than obesity but if you are the one with life threatening complications, stats don't matter much. Sorry for your friend and prayers for her recovery.
I feel blessed to have had no complications and be maintaining a huge loss with the help of my sleeve.

Yes, "RJ" who is a veteran poster here had massive complications and was in a coma for a long time. Others here have had tough times and come back.
So yes, there are recoveries from events like this.
I hope your friend finds her way back to health.

Wow! 2 years out! I can't beleive how much has happened and how much has changed in these past 2 years! I'm still slowly losing a pound or two here and there, I've gone up a bit and then keep going down a bit. It doesn't get easier, that's for sure! I still have to watch what I eat, I still have to be mindful to go to the gym. This surgery has been a lot of things for me, it certainly hasn't been what I started thinking it would be. Everyone always talked about it being a 'tool' and it really is. There is no easy way out, there is no easy path. I can easily see myself regaining and being big again, but the love I have for my new body is incredible so everyday I wake up and keep on keeping on. Being a Mexico sleever, my Dr. never set a 'goal' for me, so I set myself at 115. I'm not sure that's realistic as I'm pretty comfortable bouncing around the low 130's, but we'll see if I get there. I'm not 'fighting' to lose anymore, I feel happy where I'm at. My real goal I kept in the back of my head is that I wanted to weigh 1/2 of my starting weight, and I do, so if I don't kick these remaining 17 lbs, I'm okay. I'm AMAZED at how relatively little loose skin I have. I have a little turkey chin, and saggy arms, legs and ladies, I have a sad flappy belly pooch and no butt to speak of, but all in all I think I'm VERY lucky as far as loose skin goes. Now that I'm more or less stable, I think I'll wait at least another year or so before doing any plastics, but really it would be for vanity purposes. I think I look amazing in clothes, and my husband doesn't mind me without All this being said, I've always been into Fairies and of course the ultimate fairy being Tinkerbell, this year I decided to go for it! The before pictures are from a plus size fashion show I did 2 weeks before my surgery, and the Tinkerbell pics are from a party I went to last night. I'm still self concious about my legs so I designed and sewed my own costume to keep them still hidden a little. I designed the wings and made them too, THAT was a chore! After losing 1/2 myself, I feel I can do anything now and haven't stopped yet! I hope this inspires some of you to keep going!!

I got some more potential good news today I went to my gastro doc and she said the films (to her) look more like just inflamation but she can't say for sure until she does the endoscopy on Nov 14. Since I had a total unfill and have been taking the omeprazol I'm hoping even the inflamation has cleared up. I am cautiously optimistic.

In praise of yogurt ...
I love vanilla yogurt, especially with berries.

Hi all!!!
This is the beginning of my Journey....Well I started this path back in March although I've been thinking about wls for a couple years. I never had considered it before. I thought it wasn't for me, it was too risky. I was that fat girl for so long that didn't feel fat. I had energy, I was fairly active. But then I got high blood pressure, diabetes and now my cholesterol is high too. With my sleep study I had to have for wls of course I was told I had apnea too. Let's not forget the aches and pains in my hips, knees, back, etc. Plus my energy level has dropped. I could literally nap anywhere! And to top it all off, I just don't FIT in this world. Everywhere I go is a thought process, frustration, worry, embarrassment. My surgery was originally scheduled for October 2nd. In the meantime, I was dealing with "feminine issues." I had to have an ultrasound which determined I had a "mass" that needed to be surgically removed. The plan was to do this a few weeks after my gastric by-pass and I set it all up. So I started my liquid diet and reached day 12. Then I had my pre-op appointment. I told my doctor that I needed to have this other surgery afterwards. He said No, it has to be done first, in case the mass were cancerous, I couldn't be in a malnourished state that gastric by-pass puts you into. I had a feeling going in that I would hear something like that. Well I was happy because I could eat again for awhile. I had the mass removed about a week and a half later. No cancer! I think that surgery really helped mentally prepare me for the "big one" and it's not hanging over my head anymore. So now I'm back on my 2 week pre-op liquid diet. It's just as miserable as it was the first time. But I'm glad to be back on track and am sooo ready for this!!

Thanks for the info...I actually paid for my VSG surgery using care credit and will have it paid off soon. For larger amounts financed some places will offer the 36 month interest free financing which is what I would be interested in.

@@Queen of Crop did the Botox hep the chicken neck?
I sent you a PM with some of the details, but I can say everything is nicely lifted and in it's proper position, and the results were better than anything I had imagined. So worth it, to me. It was a 6 hour surgery, pretty uncomfortable, and required an overnight stay at the hospital. The lower body lift is where I was cut all the way around my hips. It's a Tummy Tuck and butt lift. and I also had an autologous fat flap, meaning she used the existing fat in my behind to give a better shape. The incision is nicely hidden under my lovely new Victoria Secret bikini underwear And my arms look so great I can't believe it!

Congrats question.....is the weight loss a requirement of insurance

Yay! So happy for you!

Thank you all for responding-you have my eyes leaking as I read because I'm realizing I am not all alone in what I'm thinking and feeling. I have my last test tomorrow, and I have my other appointments already scheduled, so I am on the road to approval-its HUGE to reach out and have someone reach back. Thank You!

The shame and fear you feel are totally normal. I never thought That I would consider surgery, but I just kept getting bigger year after year. My eating was truly out of control. I had given up on diets because gaining the weight back after losing left me feeling more and more depressed. My insurance didn't cover WLS, so I spent 6 months researching on my own what kind of surgery would be best for me and where to have it done. I didn't tell anyone my plans because I was embarrassed. And disgusted with myself that it had come to this.
Once I booked my surgery and bought plane tickets I started telling a few people. I had mixed reviews, but nothing real negative...just concern. By the time I started my preop diet I was so excited I actually started 2 days early. I was SO ready to finally start losing weight for the last time in my life! This time I KNEW once the weight was gone it wouldn't be coming back. And believe me, you WILL lose.
As I lost weight, more and more people noticed and commented. I ended up telling most everyone about having surgery. By talking about it, I was able to get rid of the negative feelings I originally had about this decision. I had WLS and am proud of it! I did a very scary thing in order to have a happier, healthier life! And now I am accountable to not only myself, but to everyone I know. I will not be the one that gains all her weight back. It's a very empowering feeling to finally have control again.
So yes, what you are feeling is normal and hopefully time and the approval process will help you shed the negativity. But in the end, you have to be 110% committed and should only have WLS if the time is right for YOU. I wish you the best of luck....this truly has been the best thing I've ever done for myself.

I'm 6 days post op and surprisingly getting my fluids in without a problem. The issue I'm having is trying to get in my Protein since I'm since in full liquid diet phase. I've never gotten more than 40 grams Protein in one day which is frustrating because I know the more protein I get in - the better I'll feel. My NUT suggested protein pudding and ohmergawd it's amazing!
1 packet of sugar free vanilla instant pudding (or any flavor your little heart desires)
2 scoops of Isopure Creamy vanilla (or which ever flavor your have)
2 cups of Skim milk
Whisk for 3 minutes or until it sets. Separate into 5 small containers.
Servings 5
Calories: 122
Protein: 10 g

Do this:

Everyone looks amazing!!! I met my personal/final goal of 160lbs yesterday! Doing my first 5k November 16th!! So damn excited!!     

6 months picture!

11 mos out 211-133, feeling great! 3lbs from my surgeon's goal for me, but still 13 lbs from my goal before I have skin removal. My ultimate goal is 110-115

I feel you! I feel the same way! Just be patient and ask a trainer to give you a routine.

I am 2 months post op. Down 91 pounds since the beginning of my journey. Sorry about the pics. Refused to take a good picture before and I am sad about that now I have about 37 pounds to make it to my first goal. Don't know if I will go further after that or not. Feels good to be losing though. I'm fit back into my wedding dress the other day.
Not perfectly but at least it went on.

Everyone looks amazing! Met my personal/final goal of 160lbs yesterday. Doing a 5k November 16th!!! So excited!!!!   

Before surgery , my surgery was may 30 2014

A week ago

Me in the new suit