Macy6

I went in seeking bypass and my surgeon recommended this. His big points were; my age (I'm 32), lack of co morbidities (I do have sleep apnea but he was talking about diabetes) and my difficulties with taking long term anything (vitamins in this case)
He said if I were to get the sleeve now, and of course be successful that let's say 20-30-40 years down the road I hit a bump in life that revision to bypass is pretty easy, but if I get bypass and then hit a bump then I would have a revision to a band? He thought the sleeve would be good because it still gives me the power to control my weight better, without the worry of nutritional issues for now. I hope to not have to revise, but its nice to know that there is another option. I do realize you do take Vitamins with the sleeve but not like a bypass patient.

I'm not sure if there is a Goodwill where you are. The ones local to me have some very nice choices and for low price. I've seen where some people are going that route while they are losing and not paying a lot of money for clothes. Great job! You're definitely an inspiration!

Hi Everyone! I'm Anita and I have been a nurse for 19 years this year. The last 13 years have been in newborn/level II nursery. I LOVE my job! My battle with my weight started after the birth of my second child. He was diagnosed with cerebral palsy at age 4 months. His first 8 months he cried 24/7, sleeping only 10-20 minutes a couple times a day. He started having seizures at 8 months. At that time he went on ACTH injections. For the first time in his life, he started sleeping. Anyway, when I came out of "the fog" as I call it, I had gained up to about 240lbs. The next 15 years were centered around his constant care. I did attend nursing school during this time. Nursing was my refuge. He has been gone for 9 years now, but the weight refuses to go away. So, I am now going to take care if me! My husband and older son are very supportive of my decision. I will be sleeved on March 18th and am anxiously awaiting the day! It is nice to find a forum with other nurse minded people! I can't wait to step over to the other side!

A couple things from my Nutritionist....
Add 2 TBSP of Non Fat DRY Milk to any Soup and it adds 6g of Protein right off the bat. It won't effect the taste that much, it will just make it appear creamier.
Here are a couple recipes she gives us....
Serving Size is 1/2C: Everything strained the first two weeks
I Can of low fat or fat free cream of chicken soup
1 C skim-1% Milk
A dash of Chipotle sauce from a can of chipotle peppers
1 TBSP Protein powder
Makes 4 servings that have 9g/Fat, 8g/Protein, 19g/ Carbs, 140/Calories
Cream of chicken Soup: Same as above minus the Chipotle and she makes note that with the Protein Powder it will increase the Protein content
Italian broth
4ounces chicken broth (or veggie or beef)
1/2 tsp grated Romano cheese
Dash of Black pepper
1 TBSP protein powder
1g/fat, 9g/protein, 1g/Carb, 25/Cal
High Protein Soup
1/3 C non fat dry milk powder
1 tsp Chicken or beef bouillon
2 TBSP protein powder
1 C hot Water
Just some ideas....

I was sleeved Feb 25, 2013 and I have lost a total of 35lbs but thats not the most exiting part.. The lost of inches is more exiting than seeing the scale move..and these are the results after 7 weeks.. I hope this helps the newbies and anyone considering this surgery. It has changed my life.. Rocking the sh@t out of my sleeve..

I began my journey at 50, after 30 years of research, decisions and battling insurance, weight and my own ideology. I went through the Legacy Diabetes and Weight Loss Institute. My surgery was completed by Dr. Jay Jan.
Surgery took a bit longer than thought due to adhesions and recovery was weird with my body being overheated. They kept a fan on me for two days lol. I was up and moving an hour after reaching my room. Pain was not decreasing after release and seemed to localize.
Sadly I developed an infection in my main incision site. It was opened and drained yesterday and wicked. I am currently on antibiotics and the incision was left open (ick!). The surgeon said he expected this based on the amount of tissue the stomach was dragged through.
I still don't regret surgery a bit. I was so sick I wasn't getting my fluids in. Tomorrow begins my second week of fluids. Despite months of research I find it impossible to read my own body yet. I'm not sure if this pain is hungry, or that pain is full etc. I don't measure just sip so I'm not sure when it is too much. I expect learning these things will be an interesting process.
One awesome surprise was the wonderful surgery buddy I met at our pre-OP meeting who is now a great new friend.
My starting weight was 324 and my first arbitrary goal is 299.
I'm so happy to have found all of you and this great site.
Annette

Part of this journey was me having a sleep study. I was quite surprised to find out that not only did I have sleep apnea, but I have moderate sleep apnea. It was scary to me that this was going on and I really had no clue. Last night I had my titration for a CPAP machine, when I found out about the sleep apnea there was a part of me that thought maybe I should just wait it out because, I am hopefully getting the surgery and then I will loose the weight anyway. Over the past few weeks, since my initial sleep study, I have really realized how exhausted I am all the time and decided I should go for it. So last night I had my titration, I was not at home, in an unfamiliar bed, without my pillows, forced to sleep on my back, and forced to go to bed hours before I usually do. Let me tell you, I have felt amazing today, I can not believe how great I feel. This gives me a glimpse of what it will be like to be healthier, and have more energy, this is just the start and I am looking forward to all the little things along the way.

Ahhhh you are doing awesome! Don't be discouraged! Maybe he read something wrong, maybe he was having a bad day, or maybe he is a turd! Keep your chin up!!!

My sister in law and brother decided to stay kid free. It was a shock to most the family, especially my mother, as hard as it was to come to terms with it we have all been very respectful of their decision (their reasoning is they enjoy their freedom and enjoy traveling) I had my son young (I was 18 he is now 13) I get asked all the time when I'm having another, why didn't I have another, and told I'd better get on it soon if I want another. I'm adopted and I would love to be a foster mom someday and maybe adopt a child, particularly with special needs. I have 8 months left in school and I really want to go on for my Masters. I've already put my son thru the craziness of my bachelors and I have no intention of jumping into my masters until he graduates high school. Not to mention I started school when he was 6, I'm ready to have some time to be a grown up, maybe date, hike a mountain, or sit on a beach with out worrying about school. I'm also a little selfish in I want to be able to travel and buy my son nice things and it makes it a little harder when you add more kids in. Someday? Maybe, right now? No, do I (or you) need to explain that go anyone? Nope!

Ahhhh you are doing awesome! Don't be discouraged! Maybe he read something wrong, maybe he was having a bad day, or maybe he is a turd! Keep your chin up!!!

Ahhhh you are doing awesome! Don't be discouraged! Maybe he read something wrong, maybe he was having a bad day, or maybe he is a turd! Keep your chin up!!!

Girl Please!!! I am 3 and a half months out and i have only lost 58 lbs since surgery. Your doctor is a turd. Its the sleeve, not the bypass!

I've actually been wondering about this too. I had my first appt with my PCP Feb 5th. I'm hoping my last appt will be early July and it will be done. If I actually have to have 7 pages turned in though, it won't be till August. I was hoping my surgery would be August. I need to check with my surgeon's office.

I can relate. I have slowed down on here, because I started reading the same things over and over. I really have enjoyed "searching" for topics of interest through the forums, and I still get on here one time per day and sometimes I skip a day but I have found it to be a great source of information. I think as things move closer to potential surgery date I will probably be on here more, and once I have more tests etc... done I would guess I will probably come on more frequently. In the beginning I think I was on here like 5-6 times a day lol

I have 2 children, 6 and 3. Today my hubby and I took them to the zoo. We were getting ready to leave and my 3 year old son looked at me and said "You coming with us mama?", all wide-eyed and surprised. My husband is always taking the kids places and a lot of times I don't go with them. I just can't keep up with all of the walking. I end up with sore knees, ankles, back, out of breath and not enjoying myself at all. So to hear my 3 year old say that, and realize that at his young age he KNOWS when I'm not with them as a family... it broke my heart. I am scheduled for surgery 6/10 and I know it's the right thing for me. But hearing that from my son today... ugh... it just slayed me to the core. But now I know without a doubt this is the best thing for me AND my family!!

I can relate. I have slowed down on here, because I started reading the same things over and over. I really have enjoyed "searching" for topics of interest through the forums, and I still get on here one time per day and sometimes I skip a day but I have found it to be a great source of information. I think as things move closer to potential surgery date I will probably be on here more, and once I have more tests etc... done I would guess I will probably come on more frequently. In the beginning I think I was on here like 5-6 times a day lol

I can relate. I have slowed down on here, because I started reading the same things over and over. I really have enjoyed "searching" for topics of interest through the forums, and I still get on here one time per day and sometimes I skip a day but I have found it to be a great source of information. I think as things move closer to potential surgery date I will probably be on here more, and once I have more tests etc... done I would guess I will probably come on more frequently. In the beginning I think I was on here like 5-6 times a day lol

Rofl!!!
I'm 29 and I've never
Been on a plane
Seen the ocean
Worn JUST a swimsuit
Let my husband see me completely naked. Ever.
Been on a roller coaster
Had matching bra and panties
REALLY liked myself
There's that

Well I do pedicures and wax for a living. I hate waxing men. They have hairy butt cracks and have to get on all fours and spread em. Lol. It's hard not to laugh even being a professional.

Between finding out I was approved today and a great episode of SCANDAL....I'm having a good damn Thursday!

Okay so I am going to give this a go. I know the scale has gone down 75 lbs., and I started out in a TIGHT size 32 & am now comfortably a size 24, and have had many other NSV over the past 4 months. I still don't see it. Someone recommended that I look at side by side pictures so here we go. 3 pictures are me at my highest weight of 418. One is 2 Easter's ago at an Easter Egg hunt with my boyfriend, nieces and nephew. 2 are from this August at Niagara Falls and in my sister's wedding. I was still ate 418 for those. My VSG was on 11/27. I'm not sure how these pictures are going to upload so the pic of me in the black & pink flower dress is from today. My boyfriend's 2 year old niece told me that I looked like a ballerina. LOL. Idk about all that, but hoping that I'll see a difference posting them together.

I haven't had surgery.... YET!!! BUT I will tell you that they won't put the catheter in until you are under, once it is in you shouldn't have any discomfort from it, if you do that is the time you are going to talk to your nurse and let them know and they will be able to help you from there. When they remove it, it "should" be painless.

It seems to be a common occurrence. I agree with laura-ven, maybe a change up in your foods would help. I have not gone through surgery but about 4 years ago I went vegetarian cold-turkey. It was rough, I literally went from having a normal Breakfast and lunch with meat to BAM! dinner, no meat. I went nearly 9 months before I cheated and had a meat product. Let me tell you though, that first 30-60 days was the worst. It seemed like my neighbor decided to BBQ everyday, every time I went to a friends house they were cooking my favorite meat dish, and fast food smelled so amazing every time I drove by. I promise you, it gets easier, the food loss gets easier, the smells quit bothering you, and when you do end up cheating the taste and texture is completely different. The first thing I had non vegetarian was a fast food cheeseburger, my first thought was.... gross soggy cardboard. It will give you a new appreciation for the foods as you bring them back in to your diet, in a newer, healthier way in smaller portions. Hang in there.

I too have to wait the 6 months. When I jumped in, I dived in full force and about ran myself ragged the first month getting almost every test under the sun done. There was no reason to move as fast as I did, I was just so excited. I have slowed down a bit. I still have a follow up sleep study, EKG, blood draw, and upper GI to get done but I haven't set any of the appointments, but the sleep study. I will be getting them done in the next month, in case there is something I need to follow up with, but I have really taken this time to obsessively read this forum, I search for topics of interest and go back a couple years to get other perspectives.
I have read my surgeon required book "The Expert's guide to weight loss surgery" By: Garth Davis
I have also researched and read: "Successful Weight Loss with the Gastric Sleeve" By: Guillermo Alvarez
and "Stranger Here, How weight loss surgery transformed my body and messed with my head" By: Jen Larsen
I also have watched three of the four parts of the documentary "The weight of the nation" by HBO http://theweightofthenation.hbo.com/
I also keep myself busy with FB groups dealing with weight loss surgery
It is important to me that the day I step into surgery that I have lost at least 30 to 40 lbs. My surgeon is requiring 5lbs, but the more you loose, the lower your BMI the safer the surgery is. I want to make sure that the day I walk into surgery that I have left no stone unturned, that I have researched it all, I have read it all and that I am ready for what is to come. The wait is hard, but I am in shock that I am already 1/3 of the way into the wait. It is flying.

Hello, I went in to my first appointment with the surgeon requesting bypass. My surgeon recommended the sleeve for me too. I walked out a little frustrated, VERY confused, and unsure of what to do. I did some online required education, found this forum, and it would take a lot of convincing to get me to go any other route! Good Luck on your journey!