misslady

Hello,
I used Dr. Yu and had the SPIDER procedure done at Park Plaza on 11/21/12. I am so thankful I chose him. I had my passport and plane tickets purchased for Dr. Lopez in Puerto Vallarta. I got scared and stayed local. I do not know about the abdominal wall catheters? I had a rough 3 days bc I had a hernia that Dr. Yu fixed while I was under. I coughed up a lot of stuff. Other than that I was sore but by the 5th day felt much better. I am 10 weeks out now and am seeing him in the morning for a follow up.

God bless you for posting this. I am 9 days away from being sleeved and scared anxious excited and at times wonder why I'm doing this. I weigh 250 lbs today ( lost 8 this week on my pre op diet). I just don't want to chicken out at the last minute. I wonder constantly what my life will be like 1 month, 6 months, 1 year, 3 years later and you answered alot. It's like God knew I needed someone to post this and that someone was you. So thank you cold snowy day for allowing her time to sit down and make a difference in someone's life today. Take care and congrats on a job well done.

Hi all -
I've been thinking about coming here and telling my story for some time. Today it's a cold, snowy day so I thought I'd get to the task. When I was pre-sleeve it seemed these boards were mainly populated by those who were pre-sleeve or weeks to months out. So with being over 2 years now, I thought I'd give you my story. It might help someone make a decision.
First, I could have had my surgery a year sooner than I did. My insurance began paying for the sleeve 3 years ago but I dragged my feet out of fear. It wasn't one thing I was afraid of, but many little things. The surgery itself, the horror stories you hear of failed results but mostly the idea of giving up food. I went through life wondering why I was so fat. At my highest, I got to over 365. I kept saying I didn't eat that much and I didn't deserve to weigh that much. Well, guess what. I was right. That's probably been the absolute best thing about having this surgery. There was a sort of validation that I wasn't crazy. I really didn't eat that much and I really should never have been 365 pounds. So the biggest fear of having to give up food didn't even happen for me. I can still eat anything I want. That might make some people who are saying "yea, that's me so why bother" think the surgery was of no value. But it absolutely was. Here's how it all played out:
My plan made me diet and lose before surgery. So I dieted from 365 down to about 300 "on my own". Then, during the first 6 months of healing I was extremely restricted. During that window of time I went from 300 to about 240. Those who have been there can understand how little loss that was for a six month window where I was taking in less than 600 calories most days. I hated all the Protein drinks, experience dumping if drinking something "not diet", and survived mainly on tuna and egg substutite. But now I am so glad for that window of time because that was about it for me. I'm now, as of this morning, at 232. I am still "fat". But I no longer stand out in a crowd and feel so much better. And I know that without that forced window of healing, I would have never gotten here and stayed here. Don't fight that window of time. You will come out of it and be back to where you are in control. For me, that was 'being sleeved'. That window was the only rough time of this and I wish I'd have understood that then. Now I'm just back to normal, but there's less fight to have to stay where I am.
Diet wise, I eat extremely low carb for as long as I can stand it and then I take a day off. Fish, chicken, green veggies, eggs, some cheese and beef about once a week. I've found my balance and as much as I don't like it, it is all about the carbs for me. With a full stomach, I could not stay extreme low carb for more than 4 or 5 days. Now I can do it for about 7 or 8. Then I take a day off. I am not that "perfect person" who came out of this reformed and chewing on broccoli for satisfaction. My day off usually consists of one or two pieces of pizza, a piece or two of cake (the type you make with diet soda and no icing) and something crunchy salty. And a big salad with carrots, peas, beats, and all the veggy things that are more complex carbs, but a higher level. It's a day long feast that I sort of graze through. Love every bite. Then back to the low carb where I do chew on broccoli.
And that's the positive. I feel like, for the first time in my life, I will stay just a little fat. My doctor has said that if I have the skin removal for stomach and arms, I could easily settle in about 185. I'm fine with that. And I hope to have those two surgeries next year. (Working on saving the money now.) This tool has made my life time of dieting actually effective to keep me only moderately fat. And I don't miss a thing. It's almost surgical will power. I built the habit of eating low carb and sticking with it before the surgery. This just makes it easier.
I still get hungry. I envy those who don't.
I do a pretty good job on taking the supplements, but at about 18 months I started letting up on it some. If I miss a day here and there I don't worry about it. My labs are good, so I try to not sweat the details.
I experience dumping pretty bad. It lasts about 2 hours if I eat something too sweet or rich. It's not fun. Even when I was heavy I had low blood sugar issues and I think my having such an issue with dumping is all tied together with my natural low blood sugar.
It's hard to explain what "full" feels like but it's not like the old days. That might be the only thing I miss. Every now and then I'll find myself wishing I could feel the old full one more time.
For me, this ended up being far less earth shattering than I expected. I do regret the wasted year, but I am glad I waited for the sleeve instead of gastric bypass. This is the truth. I have two friends who did gastric bypass a couple of years before I was sleeved and they have aged so hard compared to me. Yes, they've lost more weight but I wanted healthy as a side effect of the surgery and they don't look nearly as healthy.
When I read here before people had named their sleeves. I just call mine my stomach because this surgery just made me feel normal. Well, at least as far as my stomach is concerned. : )

Most definitely. Did you read the article I posted earlier about excess B12? The issues are posted as rare, but this relates to people who have normal sized stomaches with average absorption. Since we supplement, we may be more prone to issues. I don't know ... I am not a medical professional nor do I play one on T.V., but I do know I want to keep all of my bloodwork within the accepted ranges for optimal health.

Started at 5'0" 205 now 145. Would like to lose 10-15 more but heyyyy I'm happy and I feel alot better! If I do good ...if I don't o well. Plus I'm KEEPING it off! Never could do that on my own! If I was diligent about exercise and what I eat I'm sure I get t off but I never wanted to feel like I was on a NEVER ENDING DIET I wanted to feel normal and I DO. mission accomplished! Here's a pic of my little black dress that my hubby bugged me for 3 days to go back to the mall and get after I tried it on and sent him this pic. Lol.

Hi everyone! I live on the west side of Houston, Cypress to be exact. I am having surgery in Tijuana Mexico on March 23. I have insurance but after paying the deductible and co-pays I will come out cheaper going to Mexico. I just moved here in Sep. I am from Longview TX. I would love to meet people in the area who have had surgery or will be having it. We could just talk or we could meet to exercise before or after surgery. If anyone is interested let know and I will give you my phone number.
Thanks!!

Welcome lady's im Moya how r u guys doing

I also had it too... I still have a hard time with mine!!! It is also very uncomfortable when I wear a bra!!!!!! It's still a little swollen.. I had my surgery 12/31/2012....

I had surgery yesterday (2/5/13) and it was discovered that I too had a hernia. My doctor repaired it but as a result I have had pain when taking deep breathes. Besides that I'm alive and kicking.

I had major complications which were very difficult for me and my family so yes, I have many regrets. Yes I've lost weight but IMO it wasn't worth the risks I took with my life.
I was going to keep quiet about it but as the date approached I was finding I had to tell people or get lost in a web of lies, which I wasn't going to do. I am so thankful I told my friends because I was literally bedridden for two months and their help was beyond beneficial to our family. I think if I'd have not told them they would have been terribly hurt to find out after the fact because of a long hospitalization.
They were all very supportive even though they noted their fears and concerns. I think it's unfair for me to say they couldn't voice those, as they are my friends and I care what they think. No one was super negative, but the worry was evident, and as it turned out, they were right! So had I booted them out the door for voicing those concerns I'd have looked pretty stupid
My friends and family didn't think I should do this. They didn't think I needed it, and they were right. But they also held my hand when I was in pain and hugged my baby when I couldn't. I regret the surgery, but I will never regret that I shared what I was doing with them. They made a hard road much easier. I knew if I didn't make it home my husband and son wouldn't be alone. That means a lot and says a lot when you're sick.

laceymmm88 WLS has been my life saver
most people here will agree there main regret is "not having the surgery earlier "
my doc was fine - but i do wish i had "interviewed" other dr too
i told my family i was going to have the sleeve - family was very supportive
didn't tell any else
i'm 13.5 months PO - i tell people about the sleeve, on occasion when "they" start discussing my weight.
"they" have ALL been happy for me - never heard a bad "easy way out comment"
i wish i had taken /kept"records" before, during period of WLS
measurements
pictures
blog
keeping track of my weight/weekly/monthly
i finally learned you can't look back with anything - regret or not - can't do anything about the past - what your/my weight used to be
that is "behind" us
i am concentrating, enjoying the present and soon to be future
wishing you the best on your trip through sleeveland
speedy recovery
take care
good luck

I have wondered about what rate I may loose since my bmi is just almost 37. I do know the larger you are you tend to loose quicker. As long as it's steady I will be happy. Being able to throw away bp meds and diabetic meds it is worth however long it takes.

Hey Everyone, My name is Sharonda I currently live in El Paso. I had my pre-op today and my surgery is now set for 4 Mar....I am nervous as all get up but also excited at the same time!!!! I look forward to this journey and I hope everyone else is having a awesome journey!!! Nice to meet everyone!!!

I was sleeved on Monday, January 7th. While in there, my dr fixed a small hiatal hernia. I came home last night and the pain has remained fairly intense. My lortab doesn't make it the full 4 hours. I also have difficulty breathing with pain in the diaphragm obviously related to the hernia repair, but I also have pain in my shoulders and between my shoulder blades. Has anyone else had a hiatal hernia repaired (with or without the VSG)? Is the pain supposed to be pretty bad?

I am waiting insurance approval. Hope to have sleeve later this month. I too have a small hernia which he said he would fix. Couple of questions:
For the last couple of weeks I have been getting a feeling of food coming up my throat, bad hunger like feelings, and pain (mid back) when I sleep on my right side. Had endoscope - all ok. Had gallblatter ultrasound - ok. I have had gerd before and this doesn't feel like it - it doesn't get worse when I lay down, opposite - worse when I stand up. I take 2 nexiums/day. Does this sound like something from my hernia. My Doctor is unconcerned about this and all set to continue with the surgery?
What is all the gas from and why is it such a big deal after surgery? I have read lots of recommendations to bring Gas X for post surgery...

Thanks All

Who told!!!!!

Enjoying the Super Bowl party. food is going down smoothly :)
2013 is my year....Sleeved 11/19 Methodist Hosp in NY

Hello please dont laugh at me.Has anyone tried any pig ears since surgery?? lol But im serious im craving southern food right now. Its boiled and not fried.

Girl I had some chitterlings..They went down well
..

I too started out thinking I was going to get the band, did research and well here I am almost three weeks out from being sleeved now and am so glad I did this!

I think you will be very happy with your decision. So many people are having problems with the band and my doctor's office doesn't recommend them anymore.

I agree that it was meant to be. I started out thinking I was going to get the lap band as well. Luckily while I was doing research I ran across this website. I saw all the people who had to have their band removed due to complications. I also saw how great people did with their sleeve with few problems. I was also glad I didn't have to worry about fills and stuff like that. I think the band is good for some people but just not for me, especially not with my high bmi.

Alright Crystal!!! Yes, many ppl on this forum started out believing the band was the right choice. During my first seminar all procedures were discussed and it was that day I decided the sleeve was perfect for me!