Teachamy

Thank you, Tiki for this post! I am also hoping to get sleeved in December, some new medical stuff prevented my original July surgery date. And thank you all for posting your pics. You look amazing.

You look amazing! I am really hoping I won't need plastics, but your posts/pictures have really helped me not dread it if it turns out they are needed!

Hi All, I have a BMI of 35 with comorbidities and am hoping to finally have surgery in Dec. I was just wondering...should I expect to lose more slowly than others, since I ony have about 70 pounds to lose? What were your experiences, timeline, etc? Your help is greatly appreciated! Thanks, Amy

Thanks to everyone for replies. Largely due to my comorbidities, I have been eating organic for a long time. I have been working with a nutritionist for 11 years! (And a personal trainer for 4...) So this surgery is as much a treatment opportunity for my autoimmune conditions as it is a tool to help me see the results of my efforts. I am definitely an emotional eater though, and even though I eat healthy food, I eat way too much. VSG should help with that. Keeping my fingers crossed surgery can be scheduled for Dec! Amy

I love the above response. I think therapy may help too, I fully expect to be where you are, and I've got my (food-centered) therapist on speed-dial! That being said, I am working hard to trust in the process...for me, still waiting for surgery.

Hoosier Girl, I just read your vacation tips on your blog. HILARIOUS! Thanks for the laughs. I was hoping peanut M&Ms could be considered protein. BUMMER! So seriously, did the cheese fries make you sick? (I can't eat them anyway, I have celiac, so I have to stay away from the deep friers that also fry batter) Since lactose and I don't get along very well, and wheat, barley, and rye also can't be tolerated, I wonder what the VSG will prevent me from tolerating in the future...definitely avoiding the cheese fries!

I was originally scheduled for surgery on July 31st, then found out I had Afib, and had to deal with my heart for the rest of the summer. Surgery was postponed. Now I have to wait until my next vacation, in Dec. I am focused on knowing everything I can before surgery, putting my clothes in order (what I can wear now, what I will be able to wear shortly after surgery, and goal weight clothes...) I am working up my endurance in exercise again, which has been a challenge since the heart piece and the blood pressure meds. have worn me down a bit. At any rate...waiting sucks, for sure--but we'll get there! Good luck!

I am SO SORRY! I was scheduled for surgery on July 31st, and in my meeting with my surgeon, she realized I had Atrial fibrillation. Had it not been found, I very well could have had a stroke. I was sad and depressed for a good month after I had a heart procedure to correct the problem. Now I hope to have surgery in December, if at all possible. I am trusting in the process. I guess we were both lucky, it's just hard to accept that sometimes. Best of luck to you!

This is why you went through classes and prepared meal plans in advance. It won't help the head hunger (or cancel out the smell of fries!) But hopefully you know what you can eat for now, and what you can expect to eat as your stomach heals. If you didn't take classes, or you don't have a dietitian, now is a good time to seek some help for your eating triggers. Good luck!

I've been told insurance will cover the cost of excess skin removal (but not a tummy tuck, which involves the muscle as well) only if it is causing a rash or irritation in the area. (For example, if excess sking hangs over and rubs against the skin of your abdomen.) It certainly depends on your insurance company's policy, however.

When did you have surgery? I have heard that when your abdomen is filled with air during the surgery, it tends to cause pain in the left shoulder area until the air dissipates. It does depend on how recently you had surgery.

Hello all, I was supposed to be sleeved on July 31st, but my surgery was postponed (indefinitely) in order to clear up a problem with atrial fibrilation. I am hopeful to have the sleeve surgery in December, when I will have 2 weeks away from work. Is it reasonable to expect to be able to return to work after 2 weeks of recovery? I realize I may be fatigued and I will still be in the process of healing--just wanting to hear from people who have been there done that. Thank you! Amy

I was 5 days away from my surgery when I was diagnosed aith A. Fib. There's a problem with my heart rhythm, and I'm now on 2 more medications, my surgery has to be cancelled, and I am in line for many more tests in the coming weeks. I am trying to look on the bright side of things. Had this problem not been found, I could have likely had a stroke before, during, or after surgery. (and I am 39) Please send good thoughts my way that this can be remedied and that no other heart problems are found. Naybe I can still have the surgery someday?

They always say the Lord works in mysterious ways. His plan may not be what I hope it will be. Maybe it's blasphemous or insulting to say this to strangers, but I am not sure I have such blind faith. My father died of heart disease at 47. My baby daughter died of HELLP Syndrome at 4 days of life. Great blessings have come to me in my life, as has unimaginable pain. If there is a plan out there for me, I am hoping I will be rewarded for trying to end the comorbidities that plague me, and this new damn heart condition too.

You sexy thang! Congratulations!

Sorry! How frustrating! But you can do it!

Thanks for sharing! I am just 5 days away, and it helps to read others' perspectives!

It is being completely phased out in my neck of the woods.

My process was very fast compared to others in my area. I went to an info. meeting in Feb., began classes in May-June (3) had 3 appointments with the social worker in May, had a gallbladder ultrasound in June, met the dietician in July. Met the surgeon, also in July, and I am scheduled for surgery July 31. The surgeon in our area tells prospective patients to expect a year from the info. session to surgery.because the pre-op preparation is so intensive. Patients over a 40 BMI are required to lose 10% of their body weight as well. It definitely depends on your program and your insurance pre-op requirements. Good luck! Amy

Take your measurements for a few weeks. It will help show progress in another way. Very soon you'll be downsizing your clothes!

I'm going to leave you southerners to your grit-laden fantasies! At least there's one food I won't crave! We are famous for our lobsters up here. Of course, I hate lobster...so I guess that's 2 foods I won't crave!

I always used to say, "I have a butt, it's just in the front." Have you tried lunges and squats? Lunges and squats over and over and over finally gave me a butt. Unfortunately the one in the front went nowhere, hence, the surgery!

I live in Maine and your question made me chuckle. No grits up here!

Caffeine, which is in both Red Bull and Coke can dehydrate you, so in terms of fuid intake, it is working against you. There is also a theory that exists that the carbonation can stretch your pouch, eliminating that full feeling. I am not going to toy with it. Try water, Crystal light, iced decaf her bal tea, keep trying until you find something else you like!

Our center said no alcohol (ever) after surgery. It is crazy how different post-op messages are from do. to doc.! I am still pre-op, but I wanted to tell you that you are only human! I am glad you got the chance to enjoy your evening with a glass of wine! Have you ever tried peppermint tea? I even like it iced, and I find it helps when my stomach isn't feeling well. Also, "Gas-X" sells a product that disolves on thr tongue. They are minty and have always helped with an acid tummy for me. Best. Amy