endure8

I'm noticing no one actually tells you what will qualify you to get cosmetic with medicare. I'm also a medicare recipient, I actually have HIP for my primary right now. Pending divorce I will be strictly medicare. So hoping for lots of rashes and enuf extra skin where I already see problem's (arms, thighs, stomache, butt...my breast are small but I already get the occasional fungus underneath from sagging, so hopeful) I know they require a lot of problems before they will pay. I have no funds, sooo. Now we gotta hope for bad stuff to happen.

QUESTION:
"I'm having surgery soon, what will I need for my hospital stay or for shortly after???"
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Okay, ladies and gentlemen, this question comes up here so much - I felt it would be a great idea to start up an official thread. My plan is once I think the list is great enough, I'm going to create a checklist for all the folks out there that will be sleeved shortly and have the above question. Then if you are around long enough and as much as I am, and someone has that question you can just lead them to this thread. Fair enough?
Sometimes it's just nice to have everything all in the same place, kinda following the Walmart rule of thumb. They are very successful, aren't they?
Anyway, please start with your suggestions and I'll get my MSWord fired up. I'll also start with the first suggestion:
Comfy Pajamas, underclothes, and slippers or warm cozy socks...
Hospital Stay Checklist.doc

Thank you isleeve and endure for you great suggestions... I have actually been boiling apple cider vinegar, raw honey, lemon juice and tea bags together and drinking that since about 10pm last night and I feeling much better. I made a big mug for work this morning and about to make another now... Thanks you again for the great advice, it's greatly appreciated. Nothing is going to stop me from getting this sleeve on Tuesday.

Hi,
I'm an A A sleever in NY. I had my sleeve sep. 27,2013. Started wl journey at 260 lbs, was at 240 before my sleeve at last docs apptmnt was 202 lbs. I have had some set backs, I've been to er 3 times for dehydration. Hospitalized once for severity, will be having hiatus hernia repair in Jan. My surgeon thinks it's interfering with sleeve. I still don't get enuf liquids or Protein, food down <sigh> ...still I have no regrets, I feel a little weak but better than I have in years. I just pulled my bullet back out and Isopure vanilla. I maid a smoothie like the ones I used to make when I started clean eating, kale, spinach, blueberries, and strawberries, Hershey unsweetened dark cocoa, a little instant folgers, 8 oz soy milk all in bullet...32 grms.. of protein and went down ok. Bottom line is even with the little fight I enjoyed it, so repeat.....A few of my scars did keloid, I started with a flap of skin because of 2 c - sections and an ectopic. Let's not talk breast, I started in the itty bitty titty comittee so not really concerned. Oh I'm 47 yrs old, and I'm deemed disabled because of my commodities. So I don't really have hope for plastic surgery. Idc I will be healthier, and hopefully live longer. So I say All this to say I'm thankful for the journey, as for the unpleasantness this too shall pass.....so hallelujah any how!!!

Hey u look great we look about the same in weight lost . I was 240 n now I'm 163 . It has a lot to do with not eating all those foods. I was sleeved on 1-8-13 so it's been really good . I wish everyone well . Doing this has changed me so much I actually feel like I dropped off the person I was carrying . That's such a load off.

I can say that I am doing this mostly for vanity. Yea, I have high BP and my body aches from carrying the weight but I can live with that. I cannot live another year of my life being depressed and hating my body. I cannot go another year thinking my husband should not be with me. He is beautiful and so was I when he met me. I feel like I have let him down even though he has never once commented on my weight and loves me so much. I do not want to be the "fat mom" my kids will be picked on for. I have a three year old daughter. I want to be an example for her. I want to look like the person I feel like inside. I want to enjoy clothes, swimming pools, beaches, and roller coasters. These are my motivations. This surgery will heal wounds people do not see. So call me vain. I will wear that name proudly.

I think many would be reluctant to say that they are doing it for vanity reasons. Weight loss surgery seems to be such a taboo in the general public. I get "Oh you don't look like you need surgery, you're not THAT overweight." Well yea I am, and everyday I see something else that doesn't appeal to me at this weight. Clothes don't fit, I don't recognize myself when I look in the mirror, i don't feel attractive even though my husband loves me to pieces.
I don't have the typical comorbities, but I do have lupus which puts enough strain on my body to make me feel like crap, I don't need the extra weight adding to my aches and pains.
When it comes right down to it, I want to be thinner, I didn't diet because I wanted to be healthier, I dieted because I wanted to be thinner, and more attractive, and be able to walk into a room and turn heads. I want to be able to shop for clothes and not have to go to the "big-girl" section...the clothes there are god-awful, and who the heck decided that prints would make a big-chick more attracticve? I don't want to continue to gain and loose the same damn 30-40 pounds over and over again and never get to my goal. And strangely enough I want my kids and my husband to be proud to say that's my mom/wife. Not that they aren't now, but I am sooo much hotter when I am in onederland..hehe
The health benefits are going to be an added bonus as far as I'm concerned...shallow...maybe. Honest...absolutely.

I feel good. Da best I've felt in yrs. Appreciate u for asking.

Not on this phone its new but im active in that group I was telling u about

Hi,
I'm an A A sleever in NY. I had my sleeve sep. 27,2013. Started wl journey at 260 lbs, was at 240 before my sleeve at last docs apptmnt was 202 lbs. I have had some set backs, I've been to er 3 times for dehydration. Hospitalized once for severity, will be having hiatus hernia repair in Jan. My surgeon thinks it's interfering with sleeve. I still don't get enuf liquids or Protein, food down <sigh> ...still I have no regrets, I feel a little weak but better than I have in years. I just pulled my bullet back out and Isopure vanilla. I maid a smoothie like the ones I used to make when I started clean eating, kale, spinach, blueberries, and strawberries, Hershey unsweetened dark cocoa, a little instant folgers, 8 oz soy milk all in bullet...32 grms.. of protein and went down ok. Bottom line is even with the little fight I enjoyed it, so repeat.....A few of my scars did keloid, I started with a flap of skin because of 2 c - sections and an ectopic. Let's not talk breast, I started in the itty bitty titty comittee so not really concerned. Oh I'm 47 yrs old, and I'm deemed disabled because of my commodities. So I don't really have hope for plastic surgery. Idc I will be healthier, and hopefully live longer. So I say All this to say I'm thankful for the journey, as for the unpleasantness this too shall pass.....so hallelujah any how!!!

Hi,
I'm an A A sleever in NY. I had my sleeve sep. 27,2013. Started wl journey at 260 lbs, was at 240 before my sleeve at last docs apptmnt was 202 lbs. I have had some set backs, I've been to er 3 times for dehydration. Hospitalized once for severity, will be having hiatus hernia repair in Jan. My surgeon thinks it's interfering with sleeve. I still don't get enuf liquids or Protein, food down <sigh> ...still I have no regrets, I feel a little weak but better than I have in years. I just pulled my bullet back out and Isopure vanilla. I maid a smoothie like the ones I used to make when I started clean eating, kale, spinach, blueberries, and strawberries, Hershey unsweetened dark cocoa, a little instant folgers, 8 oz soy milk all in bullet...32 grms.. of protein and went down ok. Bottom line is even with the little fight I enjoyed it, so repeat.....A few of my scars did keloid, I started with a flap of skin because of 2 c - sections and an ectopic. Let's not talk breast, I started in the itty bitty titty comittee so not really concerned. Oh I'm 47 yrs old, and I'm deemed disabled because of my commodities. So I don't really have hope for plastic surgery. Idc I will be healthier, and hopefully live longer. So I say All this to say I'm thankful for the journey, as for the unpleasantness this too shall pass.....so hallelujah any how!!!

Hi,
I'm an A A sleever in NY. I had my sleeve sep. 27,2013. Started wl journey at 260 lbs, was at 240 before my sleeve at last docs apptmnt was 202 lbs. I have had some set backs, I've been to er 3 times for dehydration. Hospitalized once for severity, will be having hiatus hernia repair in Jan. My surgeon thinks it's interfering with sleeve. I still don't get enuf liquids or Protein, food down <sigh> ...still I have no regrets, I feel a little weak but better than I have in years. I just pulled my bullet back out and Isopure vanilla. I maid a smoothie like the ones I used to make when I started clean eating, kale, spinach, blueberries, and strawberries, Hershey unsweetened dark cocoa, a little instant folgers, 8 oz soy milk all in bullet...32 grms.. of protein and went down ok. Bottom line is even with the little fight I enjoyed it, so repeat.....A few of my scars did keloid, I started with a flap of skin because of 2 c - sections and an ectopic. Let's not talk breast, I started in the itty bitty titty comittee so not really concerned. Oh I'm 47 yrs old, and I'm deemed disabled because of my commodities. So I don't really have hope for plastic surgery. Idc I will be healthier, and hopefully live longer. So I say All this to say I'm thankful for the journey, as for the unpleasantness this too shall pass.....so hallelujah any how!!!

I can cross my legs! I never thought I would be so happy to see my chicken legs back.lol my face is getting skinnier. I have not seen the 180's since my children were small. I have 40 pounds till goal. Even though the first month was a small struggle. I dont regret being sleeved for one da*n second!

Thank you.Ok protien bar or shake for Breakfast, grilled chicken or fish for lunch, crawfish from Joes crabshack usually for dinner or a well cooked and tender steak. I'm in the gym 6 days a week for atleast 3 hours a day. I start out with 45 min combined power and cardio in the pool, then I get out dry off and change, 30 min elliptical, 30 treadmill, 30 on the bike, then I do weight training for 45 min. But most important I pray a lot for will power, strength and determination. And he guides me.

Kayte819 I agree with you, culturally speaking black men do like a "thick" woman whereas white men do not. It's only natural to be concerned about his reaction to how your body is changing he is your husband after all. Maybe he has concerns of his own that he hasn't voiced like being concerned about the attention you may get from other men as you continue to lose weight. I would encourage you to express your concerns about his comment just to give you both a chance to talk about the changes you're experiencing. I hate you were made to feel like your question "was funny" because it was a true concern for you and no one should be made fun of. I mean, that's why we're all here in the first place. To obtain encouragement and support in an enviornment that doesn't judge us for superficial reasons such as our weight or our color. Just saying....

All of you who are in PRE-approval, I wish you success! My insurance, Health Advantage Choice only has 3 requirements: psych eval, 5 yr weight history & 6 month dr supervised weight loss attempt. I was blessed, because they approved me SO fast it made my head spin! I sincerely pray that speed will come to you all during your process
Sent from my iPhone using VST

Good Morning everyone! This is the day that the Lord has made. I WILL rejoice and be glad in it! God has blessed me with the resources necessary to pay for my sleeve. I am so thankful that I will be traveling into Mexico this morning to have my sleeve done. I'm thanking my Heavenly Father for safe travel, compentant doctors and hospital staff, a swift recovery and last but certainly not least, weight loss that will motivate myself as well as others. I am thankful for the improvements in my health and to my self esteem. I am thankful that the quality of life for myself and my family can only get better than it already is. I love You Lord! I am so thankful!

Hey ladies, and gents, can any ladies that started near my stats give me your stats? I'm 5'6 currently 280, hoping to be 260 by surgery (July.) So anyone from 260-280 can you tell me how much you have lost, your goal size, your current size and how many months out you are. If you have before an after photos that would be nice too. Also can you tell me about your excess skin? Thanks.

Hello Ladies,
I am soooo glad to have found this group! I am currently waiting for the nurse to call with my date and then I will be ready. I wanted to know how AA adapt to the sleeve and what we do to help with the sagging skin, which exercise works and doesnt work, etc...
Have a great one and you all LOOK DAMN GOOD!
OH yes please feel free to friend me!

Adoptmom try it with coconut milk or almond milk. You may just be lactose intolerant......

Hello,
Awesome to see this forum as it is needed. I am 5wks post op from VSG with Dr. Ramos Kelly in Mexico. I have had zero complications to date (knock on wood) and have lost 20lbs. My scars have almost disappeared. I am on mushies/soft food and that is going very well. I have natural (sisterlocked) hair and I too was interested to see how the Hair loss would effect black women especially those with permed hair so I am glad that we can connect here. I also live in Atlanta, GA so anyone who lives anywhere in Atlanta that wants to connect feel free to contact me (divajksn@yahoo.com). Peace & Blessings to all.
Davida

Well ... Well ... Well! Hello everyone. The last time I checked I was still black so I guess I will chime in!
I had VSG on November 20, 2010 and have lost about 50 pounds. I love my sleeve! I have an African-American male doctor in Houston, Texas who has been VERY honest with me. I almost choked the first day I walked into his office and he said. black people do not do well with Lapband! I was like how could you say that? He explained that we love soul food and sweets. We find ways to cheat. I honestly believe cheating has no color, but we do tend to like heavy, greasy foods.

He begged me not to have Lapband and I am soooo grateful to him! I feel good. So far, no hair loss. I really try to take my Vitamins and eat Protein to prevent this. I am finally to a point where I am eating better. The first few weeks I could barely eat anything. The weight loss has slowed down a little, but I am not concerned. i don't want to lose so fast that I look bad. I am in this for the long haul.

Take care everyone and keep in touch!

Hi All!

I wanted to start a thread for African-American sleevers (no worries I HEART all sleevers from the rainbow). I just thought, no scientific proof, that African-American sleevers may respond to the surgery different than our lovely non-African American sleeved sisters and brothers. I wanted to know if we had the same skin issue, hair problems, and other surgery related issues. Also, how to deal with the culture shock. African-American "soul food" may be something of the past... or not. So I was just looking for a space to voice culture related issues and concens.

PS- I TRULY :heart: ALL SLEEVERS.

I didn't have any comorbites either. I probably would have developed some later but for now I have been perfectly healthy. I had the surgery for one simple reason - I wanted to loose weight and feel more attractive. That's it. I guess that means I did it for vanity reasons. But you know - so what? I am 4 weeks post op, down 20 lbs, and having the dreaded first stall. The scale will start moving again, I'm just sure of it. I am unable to eat very much but when I do eat, I eat whatever I darn well please. I'm not concerned with low carbs, low sugar, or anything like that. I don't eat much so I'll loose weight. Am I vain? I guess so but that's why I got the sleeve, My BMI on surgery day was 35. I don't care if I'm vain or superficial. I just wanna be thinner

yes jh that's what I want my confidence back and to feel hot..... good luck with the rest of your journey.....