Hi I was sleeved on Jan. 7 and am currently working on full fluids. I decided to take 6 weeks off and am glad I did. I think I'm doing okay diet wise, working up as my surgeon prescribed, but I also am having issues with loose stools, am trying to get used to a new way of eating and am glad to be doing this at home and not at work. Besides, after nursing for almost 30 years I have enough sick time built up I might as well use some. I want to recover properly, isn't this what we tell our patients???
My husband had his August 27th,12 and I had mine Sept. 10, 12. It has helped us tremendously doing it so close together. Together we are down over 300 pounds,. Best decision ever and would do it again! Good luck on your journey
Excuse me while I rant: what is this nonsense about "losing weight the natural way?" Every pound I have lost has been lost through my hard work. The surgery didn't remove any weight ( well other than about 2 lbs of my stomach). It's not like they hooked up a vacuum and sucked out the weight.
My weight was lost by sticking to a 2&1/2 week complete liquid pre-op diet. It was done by following my doctor's post-op diet (mostly) to the letter. It was sweated off in daily exercise sessions. It was lost by resisting the urges to indulge in slider foods, wheat and sugar.
What is "the natural way?" Is it taking dangerous prescription drugs (been there)? Is it reading 100s of diet books? Is it numerous counseling, and weight loss group sessions? Is it starting a new diet every Monday morning, then admitting failure by Tuesday? Is it yoyo dieting, losing 10 lbs, then regaining 20; losing 30, regaining 40, and on and on?
VSG is a TOOL. Like Weight Watchers or Jenny Craig or Nutrisystem is a tool. No one looks down their noses at those tools. Why do we put up with people looking down their noses at our tool?
End of rant . . . well, for now.
I hate it when people use the terms- "to lose it naturally or with surgery". Even folks who had surgery talk like that. This surgery does not control the food you buy or the food that your hand brings to your mouth. I have lost 94 pounds by getting a grip on my mental attitude towards food naturally. The surgery has helped tremendously by only allowing me to eat small amounts of food.. I am so happy I kept this surgery to myself and did not feel the need to advertise my business. I really hope that people that have not had surgery read this post and learn a good lesson. Keep your weight your own business. Nobody needs to know anything.
I totally agree! Only my fiancé knows. I haven't shared it with any of my family, friends or coworkers. I don't need the negativity or judgmental behavior I have seen against others.
I'm kinda on the fast track though since I'm self pay, no waiting on insurance to go through and no hoops to jump through. It took us 5years to save up for this and it feels so close and so far away at the same time.
Best of luck to everyone!
I wish there was a "double like" button. This is so funny. I'm a nurse in the OR & was inspired to get this done by a nurse I work with--she's doing amazing! I told a handful of people at work that I was going to get it done. Wish I had not. However, my fiancé and I have decided to go to Mexico to have it done as his insurance doesn't cover bariatrics; mine does. I was worried about coworkers seeing me naked, getting a catheter and having people talk about me behind my back. This is the most caddy place I've ever worked.
I'm willing to self-pay to avoid these issues. I'm taking a month off of work so some might remember that I mentioned the surgery months ago & put 2&2 together, but nothing I can do about that.
There's always been surgeons who comment on how fat a patient is, but one evening I went to a room to get another nurse out to go home, and mentioned that the RN who had the sleeve hadn't eaten dinner yet. The surgeon made fun of her and said "well she can only eat a teeny tiny bit" in his snide voice. I snapped back at him and said "at least she's doing something about it". He tried to back pedal. Too late ass!!! Glad I'm going to Mexico.
Hoping to have my sleeve surgery in September at Lahey Clinic Hospital in Burlington, Ma. with Dr. David Brams if all goes well with my pre-op testing.
I am excited! 70 years old, retired RN and ready to be done with this weight and how it gets in my way. Had thought I would only consider the band, since it is reversible, I thought...but after lots of research I found myself thinking I wanted to do this only once, that is have surgery only once and read myself into believing the gastric sleeve was the best option for me. The nurse practitioner, who went over my particular family history, agreed and so here I am...waiting...but not so nervous as I was a week ago. I am excited to have it and move forward.
mojaleski from NH
9 months ago (Sept 4, 2012) I went in to have my surgery. This was my last attempt to get back the life I loved and missed so much and little did I know at the time that it would be the best decision I'd ever made for myself. I want to share this because I remember looking to these boards trying to find out what to expect and how to know if I was making the right choice. Only you can decide what's right for you, but after everything I'd do it again 100x without hesitation. I had a few small hurdles to overcome after my surgery, but they were small in comparison to the reward I feel now. I will be forever grateful for the decision I made. I couldn't walk without feeling miserable, going out made me feel terrible because I never felt good about the way I looked after gaining the weight and I just wasn't living life to the fullest. I wish I'd had the surgery years ago, but what's important is that I had it. 9 months ago I was in a tight size 20 jeans and XXL tops. Today I'm wearing a 9 in jeans which are super loose so I’ll probably be going down another size within the next couple of weeks and a small or medium in tops. Knowing I can walk into any store and buy clothes makes me jump for joy. Every time I pass Lane Bryant I say a quiet thank you that they were there when I needed them and then smile because I know I'll never need them again. I can go into any store I want and try on and wear nearly anything I want. Don't get me wrong, there are still things I see that I love and I'm not able to wear just yet, but I'm almost there and I could not say that a year ago. I'm going to touch on some of the things I had so many questions and curiosities about so that maybe I can help someone else with the same concerns.
First of all, my BIGGEST concern throughout this process was the possibility of hair loss. I had very fine hair to begin with and it has never been extremely thick. It was perfect for me, but I didn’t feel like I had any to spare. At pretty much exactly 3 months out the dreaded Hair loss started and my heart broke. I was terrified that this was happening to me. I was finally having success at losing weight and now I had to deal with something else that would make me feel bad. I was losing hair with a vengeance and I remember saying to myself, “it’s going to be okay, just roll with the punches and it’s going to stop before it gets too bad” until one day I realized I had thinned enough on top that it was noticeable and I broke down and cried. Listen up ladies; this is about 98% likely to happen to you so mentally prepare for it so when it comes you don’t lose your mind. I wasn’t happy, but I was prepared as much as I could be because I’d done the research. I had beautiful and long straight blonde hair. It was my staple and always had been. I held on for as long as I could and started getting weekly salon treatments to help with regrowth (which if you can afford worked AMAZING), but I did finally have to cut my long locks into a cute and sexy short style. I have NEVER had short hair and I was terrified, but because I was no longer “fat” it looked amazing on me and gave my hair the volume it was lacking since it was so long. It is still short (I have since cut it again bc I loved the way it looks so much) and all of the hair I lost is coming back in thanks to my treatments and the hair loss coming to a stop. I think it stopped falling out after about 3-4 months so it was a while before I noticed I was no longer losing fist fulls of hair. I kept my long hair in a cute braid to the side or French braided for a few months before I finally cut it because it was thin enough at that point that leaving it down just wasn’t an option anymore or everyone would have noticed.
Another concern I had was “what is my body going to look like after this surgery if I lose a lot of weight?” Well, I needed to lose a little over 100lbs and have lost 92 so far. I feel very lucky because it isn’t too bad. My arms underneath are a little flappy, but I also haven’t worked out like I should and am currently working on that and can tell it’s getting better. My tummy is pretty much what I expected. I do not have any loose skin there at this point (and don’t think I will), but it’s not my favorite to look at for a few reasons. I have a ton of stretch marks, particularly on my lower tummy area) and since losing weight they definitely make it hard for my lower tummy to not hang a little. Now, I have seen some bad pics of bellies and mine isn’t horrible at all, but I don’t love it. I also hate my surgery scars because I want to be able to eventually show my stomach in a swimsuit and they will keep me from feeling comfortable doing that. I want to get a Tummy Tuck, but that will have to wait for now. I did do a consult and the doctor wants me to wait until a year out and then of course I have to figure out financing. She did say, however, that I won’t need a full tuck because my muscles underneath are in great shape so technically I’ll only need the panniculectomy done. She is trying to get insurance to approve that, but I don’t think it will happen because it doesn’t look horrible or hang much at all and I can’t imagine they will cover it, but we’ll see. My breasts are another area that has been significantly affected. They are much smaller than they were (although still considered large and well-proportioned for my body size) and they are hanging down lower than they should now. This again seems to be because of the stretching (stretch marks). They could use a lift and the doctor thinks around 350cc’s implant to fill in where the skin is loose. I’m hoping to have this done at the same time as the tummy tuck. All that said about the surgeries I’m looking at, I could never do the surgery and I would still look great guys. So, if you’re concerned about not having the money for surgery later on, don’t let that be a deterrent. I still look pretty fabulous naked compared to a year ago. I have had a thousand compliments on my change in appearance since my surgery and the men I’m around are falling all over themselves and not just any men, but the hot and fit ones, so don’t let something like a few imperfections keep you from following through with your surgery because if I never get plastics done I will still be more than okay with the way my body looks and I have done virtually no physical exercise up until recently. I saved this for last because it is for me the one place I do have some loose skin. It is very little, but trust me, I hate it and it’s something I can’t help but notice and it’s my inner thighs. I’m very short so for me my fat distributed more to my backside and thighs than anywhere else. I was fat all over, don’t get me wrong, but this area took a lot of what the rest of my body couldn’t hold so when I lost weight, that area became very flabby because it’s such a fatty area. Again, I have not worked out like I should so I KNOW I can improve this by leaps and bounds which is what I’m working on now. I will try to update you on that progress later on for those who are interested. I am hoping to eventually get it to a point where it’s virtually unnoticeable and think it’s possible aside from the stretch marks which I could care less about for the most part since even the skinniest people I know have those.
As far as my body, that is all I can think of that were huge concerns of mine going into this last year. I really do look amazing and feel like I’ve won such an amazing prize by getting my life back. It’s been so long since I was smaller I hadn’t realized how much differently I was treated from before I gained the weight. It isn’t right, I will agree, but there is a definite difference and I was even extremely confident for someone who was overweight. I always thought people treated me the same, but now I’m realizing they didn’t. I am called sweetheart and darling all of the time now where I didn’t get that as often before. I’m constantly complimented on my clothing, hair, smile, face, jewelry, etc. I have always been very fashion conscious so I did get compliments when I was bigger, but nothing to the magnitude that I am now. It really does make you feel amazing and I can’t stop smiling. I don’t think I’ll ever get tired of walking into a room or up to someone and having them call me “skinny”. Some people take offense to that from what I’ve read on these boards, but I think everyone is also entitled to their opinion. For me, it makes me feel like all of the effort I’ve put into making healthy eating choices and watching my portions to aid my sleeve are just being complimented every time someone says “Oh my God, you look amazing”.
And, this post has gone so long that I’m just going to briefly touch on food and stalls because I read a lot about that before and after my surgery too. I think everyone is different and should treat this surgery in such a way that will benefit their weight loss goals. While I was definitely addicted to food for a period of time after gaining weight, I have not always been big so for me, after the surgery, I did not miss food at all and I know everyone isn’t so lucky. So, I have been able to possibly indulge a little more than someone who would never be able to stay on the wagon if they did. My diet is pretty lax compared to most I see on here, but I also do not eat much at all even almost a year out. Up until recently I was still only eating 3-4 bites before becoming full. I think that is different for everyone. I usually do something small in the mornings (egg or oatmeal) and then eat pretty normal the rest of the day. I try to make healthy choices such as choosing a lean Protein, but if I have a bite or two of a side it’s usually what everyone else is having. The beauty for me is that I only eat a bite or two and if you can’t do that then stay away from the carbs because it isn’t worth damaging your weight loss for. I look at it like this, I spent 8 years eating myself to death so I’m going to skip the pie or cake because I ate enough of that for a lifetime. If there is cake, I’ll take a bite of my husbands if I just really want to try it, but usually it doesn’t appeal to me at all. I have stalled a few times throughout, but unlike some, I don’t worry about it because I know I’m eating small portions. I was stuck at the 150 mark for probably longer than any other stall (a complete month with not losing even a pound) so I went back to Protein shakes for Breakfast and then made sure I was only eating lean Protein for lunch and dinner with minimal carbs and I’m now down to 145 so that proves to me that if I’m stalling I can break through with a little effort on my part. Another thing that I know is controversial is sodas. I used to drink Dr. Pepper like crazy and since surgery I will admit that I do have the occasional Dr. Pepper. Now, that said, by occasional I may do this once every three to four weeks and when I do it’s one of the tiny 90 calorie cans. Again, I am not easily persuaded back into old habits so if you are DON’T do it! I just want one occasionally and I don’t deprive myself of it. Some people can’t even tolerate it anyways so it’s not an issue. I tend to be able to tolerate most anything. The only things that have changed pretty drastically are that I don’t like the taste of milk anymore so I don’t drink it at all where I used to drink a glass every couple of days. I can’t stand it now. I also can’t really eat anything super spicy anymore which makes me a little sad. I love jalapenos and used to eat them with everything and I just can’t handle it. It doesn’t hurt my belly, but gives me horrible acid reflux/indigestion so I just don’t go there. I have eaten ice-cream a couple of times and it was bad. I had symptoms similar to dumping and that will make you stay away forever because it’s no fun. I think it was because it was liquid and ran straight through so quickly because if I eat something sweet that’s solid such as a small brownie or cookie (which is rare, but does happen once in a blue moon) it doesn’t have the same affect. Again, I just think everyone is different. I was never one to eat a lot of sweets or snack so it is pretty much a non-issue for me.
I really hope there is some useful information in this post for those of you who are new or thinking about surgery. I just know I would scour the boards for hours trying to find info and compare notes and find people that were close to me in size and stature. It always gives you something to look forward to. If you have a specific question about something I didn't talk about here, feel free to ask me. I'd be happy to answer it for you.
Hello!
I haven't set a date yet, but will be going to see Dr. Alvarez in either October or November. I've heard nothing but amazing things about him! He sleeved my mom last July and after seeing her progress I know it's time for me to do the same. At first the thought of it made me incredibly nervous...but now I'm just excited.
I hope your experience is nothing but amazing! Keep us updated.
- Madison
It seems like this procedure (or any WLS, really) is the great litmus test for relationships. All kinds of relationships--family, friends, significant others, spouses, co-workers.
I look at it this way; if my connection to that person--or group of people--is so shaky that being sleeved will destroy it, am I really any worse off? Better to clear the negativity, and ditch the haters! I'll be thankful if my sleeve and the success it brings also helps me shake off anyone who isn't really who they claim to be in my life! Sometimes you gotta lift the rock to see the creepy crawlies underneath for what they really are. Rock that sleeve and let them choke on their jealousy.
I know what you mean.. for the most part.. the nurses I work with at the hospital have been very supportive of my surgery..and some have inquired themselves into surgery for them.. but.. at my morning job.. most are very happy for me and tell me how great I look.. but there is one nurse there.. Im sure she means well.. she is over weight and chooses to do it naturally.. (lose wt). but it seems like she always has to tell me when she sees me that she will not have surgery to lose wt.. (not like ive asked to have surgery either) she always says.. least I didnt have surgery to lose weight. welll.. really? guess what.. Im down 94lbs..and you are what.. hmmmm 3mo and down.. 5lbs? really? well good for you. Im happy for you.. why cant you be happy for me? cuz you are way Jealous of how I look now.. fabulous.. thats what every one says.. and she looks? well lets face it.. 5lbs is not much.. she looks the same. I just smile and say good job.. way to go and keep it up.. and smile. LOL YaY us losers LOL.. keep it up.. .we ROCK!!
Surgery Date 1/29/13
Down 50 lbs and feeling great!! I still would like to lose about 20-30 more lbs. I haven't been this size in about 5 years and it feels great to see results! I did not have to do a pre-op diet so what I've lost has been post surgery. I eat everything in moderation (I have a sleeve of steel) - including sweets, Pasta, bread and yes, even fast food (AHH!) LOL - I just eat less. I'm not telling others to do what I do, or looking for comments/advice on my eating habits, I'm simply doing what works for ME! I haven't had any problems and the pay off has been amazing! I want to encourage ANYONE who is considering this surgery to really think about following through with it. It has been the BEST thing I've ever done for myself. My confidence and attitude has totally changed and I feel like my true self again. It has set me free from the bondage of food and guilt. I can't remember the last time I thought of a 'diet' or 'I shouldn't be eating this'.....those things are part of the past. Now I ENJOY my life again!
I can't wait to see what the year brings - this is me 5 months out!
My fiance and I are being sleeved on Sept 30. I like the idea of us being at the same stage together. I think it will be a huge support for each of us.
Congrats to all the couples. I look forward to following your progress.
I received an email from Susan that said the hotel shuttle will pick us up and take us to the La Quinta Inn by the airport (we are coming in a day earlier than required because flights were cheaper). The next day Rosie will pick us up and take us to the Holiday Inn at Eagles Pass. Just relax all Sunday (I think it's about a two hour ride from one hotel to the other). Then Monday morning Rosie will pick us up at the HI and take us over the border to the hospital for pre-testing & have surgery after that on Monday.
My husband and I are both in the middle of our 6 month pre surgery phase. If all goes well insurance wise we will both be sleeved by the end of the year. It's been wonderful having a partner in this new way of life
Please do expand upon it, I can appreciate not wanting to kick other people's sand castles, but the thread was started to get responses from people that are unsatisfied after 6 months or more. Besides, when you do not tell your story, nobody wins, people who read your post are left to assume what they will, and you don't get a real opportunity to express yourself.
My surgery date is August 5th and my husband has his first consult today. We want to do it as close together as possible. It will be great for support. Your thoughts? BTW, I had my consult and approval all in less than 2 weeks!
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