HappyCat

@amazon13 I'm not trying to pick a fight but I take offense to your comment. I followed every single guideline to a "t" and I still got a leak. I almost died because of it and you're saying we're just complainers that don't follow guidelines? I guess you didn't have any complications cos if you did you would think completely different. Yes complications are rare but they happen and after all the crap we go through we should be allowed to "complain" without being judged. I haven't had a life for months now, I haven't eaten anything for 3 months, I have a cough that won't go away, I have to carry around a bag that is feeding me tpn 16 hours a day (I started at 24 hours), I spent almost 6 weeks in the hospital, I have a jp drain on my back that pulls everytime I cough, my back is in do much pain because of all the coughing I do, I walk around with a cup because I'm constantly spitting up really nasty phlegm, and many other things and I have no idea when this is all gonna end. So next time you make such a bad generalizations think about people you may be hurting.

Yes there are risks with all surgeries. There are going to be a ton of people that have something occur....however there are also a ton more people that don't have any. I guess you got to ask yourself.... Are the benefits of the surgery able to outweigh the risks? I had my surgery...complication free, and was out of the house and playing at the park with my kids after four days. I still had regrets in the months to come while I had to adjust to my new way of life....a strong case of buyers remorse. However I am now closing in on two years later and I can say without a doubt this surgery was one of the best decisions I have ever made for my self and my family! I would do it all over again..and again and again if I had to! I am the happiest I have ever been in my adult life. Good luck! I hope you have a safe trip...and a fast recovery!

I decided to post this so we can all remember the basic rules to succeed with vsg. I have noticed my weightloss has slowed down allot mostly due to eating too many carbs. Im in the calorie range my doc wants to be in but my carbs are high. according to his book if you stall or plateau its either 3 things:too much carbs, not enough exercise, or your building muscle. For me i think its the first 2. Here we go!
1. I will exercise 5 times a week for 30-45 minutes.
2.I will watch my carbohydrate intake
3.I will try to eat 3-5 meals per day with no unhealthy snacking in between
4.I will drink 8 glasses of Water per day
5.I will eat a minimum of 60-70 grams of Protein daily
6.I will honor my commitment to good health and healthy choices
7.I will have follow up care appointments with my doc as needed
8.I will always take my Vitamins
9.I will weight my self once a week
10.I will remember that this is my own journey and not compare my self to others
11.I will always keep in mind that practicing my new habits will make me healthier happier stronger and more energetic.
This is what I turn to when I fall off the wagon sort of speak. I need to drink more water,eat more protein,exercise more, and drink more water. Gotta keep my head in the game. Thanks to my Dr.Alvarez for his awesome book about vsg. Hope this helps others

Wow. Sounds like someone skipped a lot of class the semester he enrolled in the ethics course. He can't be that good a doctor if he can't stick to the Hippocratic oath to "do no harm." OP is obviously traumatized. I get that she takes responsibility for consenting and understand her feeling fooled in the end. But I really can't get my mind around what could have been said to her to make her back off so fast from her original intent to protect future vulnerable patients from falling for this unethical behavior that no one should expect from a doctor. I'm sorry, but flirting has no place in the doctor-patient relationship, never mind a full on sexual relationship. He should know better. Good luck to you in the future, OP.

I am four weeks and a few days out. Before surgery I could easily down a 12 inch sub. Now I'd be lucky to finish just half the meat on a six inch. Forget the bread at this point.
So far I haven't noticed any change in my taste except that the idea of consuming large amounts of food at one time no longer interests me.

Same here.I saw my surgeon yesterday for my second post op visit and told him. He said everyone is different and just do my best. As long as I am drinking fluids to the point of not being thirsty, then I am doing fine. The Protein is a challenge for me as I only have a maybe 2 oz tummy capacity right now and get so full on very little. Plus, the Protein Shakes are not my favorite (feels like taking medicine!). I eat mostly protein but just not great quantities and low fat low carb. I had a bit of a stall but don't mind because I figure my skin will have a chance to tighten up between every few lbs. I am happy with losing almost 40 lbs so far and feel pretty great in spite of the fact I don' t get in the recommended protein and Fluid amounts just yet. I will not force anything on my new tummy because I want to treat it more kindly this time around. I wish you the best in your journey :-)

Same here.I saw my surgeon yesterday for my second post op visit and told him. He said everyone is different and just do my best. As long as I am drinking fluids to the point of not being thirsty, then I am doing fine. The Protein is a challenge for me as I only have a maybe 2 oz tummy capacity right now and get so full on very little. Plus, the Protein Shakes are not my favorite (feels like taking medicine!). I eat mostly protein but just not great quantities and low fat low carb. I had a bit of a stall but don't mind because I figure my skin will have a chance to tighten up between every few lbs. I am happy with losing almost 40 lbs so far and feel pretty great in spite of the fact I don' t get in the recommended protein and Fluid amounts just yet. I will not force anything on my new tummy because I want to treat it more kindly this time around. I wish you the best in your journey :-)

A lot of women on this forum talk about wishing they had done vsg sooner as their only regret. I wholeheartedly agree. I have suffered with PCOS for 9 years that I know of and only found out about the endometriosis after going to a fertility clinic when I was 40. I only agreed to take the metformin because someone told me she had no luck with clomid but had conceived triplets while on metformin for a short time. Ugh! I suffered from chronic tummy issues for four years just praying to conceive (not exactly conducive to romance). Now that I am 47, I have resigned myself to the high probability I will remain a favorite aunt (sigh). But I admit if out of the wild blue yonder I ended up pregnant in the next year, I wouldn't complain :-)
At least vsg has given me some energy and libido back, so we will have fun either way! Good luck and baby dust to you spring chickens :-)

I'm sorry I haven't been on these forums in forever!
I kept promising to come back here and post an update but I'm just so busy with my "new" life. I just can't believe how much things have changed.
It's been 1.5 years. A little over 170 lbs lost.
For the first time in my entire life, I'm in the "one-derland!" From 360 to 190 lbs. I can shop in trendy "normal" stores at the mall and no longer fit into the smaller sizes at some of the plus size stores I've grown attached to.
Started as a size 32-34 and now a size 12-14. I would be wearing mostly 10's were it not for all the loose skin that I have. Went to a lot of plastic surgeon consultations, and they say I am carrying about 8-12 lbs of excess skin. Don't let the fear of saggy skin scare you away from this surgery - i absolutely hate the way it looks but I hide it very well! Wearing things like Spanx, tights, and leotards (really pretty ones are available for cheap on amazon.com) help conceal the loose skin.
Some added benefits of weight loss were that size of my fingers and feet shrunk as well. I didn't realize I would have to buy new shoes! Not like that's a bad thing
I had a lot of extreme hair loss. It got so bad that I regretted doing the surgery for a while. 6-12 months post op was the worst. But I am recovering because it's gotten thicker, healthier, and people have been complimenting me on it again (my hair used to be my fashion statement when I was ashamed of my body).
It may be hard to hear this, but believe me when I say this is true: I no longer deal with facial hair. I remember desperately reading through the pcos-related forums before committing to this surgery and wondering if my hair problem would ever go away. It did, but it was a result of laser and not just weight loss alone. Make sure to follow-up with laser hair removal appointments (now I touch up every 3 months for $75). It barely hurts anymore and is just a quick 20 minute session. I started doing my chest as well, and got some great results. I really encourage anyone battling with this to visit a qualified dermatologist. You don't need to regulate your hormones to get the results I did.
My weight has been stable. No regain so far!
I haven't had my period in over 8 months, my doctor says that is due to the extreme weight loss. All my labwork, including pressure, pulse, cholesterol, insulin is better than average now. I do heavy strength training three times a week and cardio three times a week with one day off. I have built a lot of muscle and that really helps with the appearance of saggy skin.
My advice:
-Don't fall back into the cycle of having sugar/fat/soda. I briefly slipped over the holidays and it took a tremendous amount of work/willpower to work my way back on track.
-Do both aerobic and anaerobic exercise.
-Get a good prenatal Multivitamin to make up for all the nutrients we may be lacking.
-For hairiness: laser hair removal and epilating became my best friends.
-Don't let the excess skin bother you or scare you out of doing the surgery.
I wish you all the best of luck, sending out a lot of love and support. Please message me if you have any specific questions, I am planning on checking back a lot more frequently!

on my own! I have never been pregnant in my life! I got married in 2004 ( no bc) and we tried to get pregnant for so long with so many unsuccessful cycles we just gave up! I did the HSG test, endometrial biopsy all that! My paps were always normal.
I could never qualify for IUI because of my diabetes--insulin resistance--I did opk after opk...It just never worked out! My ovaries gear up to ovulate but never actually do! My hormones including hypothyriod (low thyroid) is just all over the place!
I hope with the surgery I can begin to get back in the normal range of blood sugar/hormones and my weight!
I wanna beat this pcos syndrome! Im tired of the mood swings and anxiety! I sometimes feel bitter and resentful because I cannot become pregnant as easily as all the other women in my life! To them it comes like clockwork! For me...NOT at all!
So I am hoping/praying/ putting my hands(life) into the surgeons hands....
I am hoping that all of us pcos gals can attain all our wants and needs---cheers to a healthier lifestyle and a NEW lease on life!
Hugs to you all!
Have a great night!

A lot of women on this forum talk about wishing they had done vsg sooner as their only regret. I wholeheartedly agree. I have suffered with PCOS for 9 years that I know of and only found out about the endometriosis after going to a fertility clinic when I was 40. I only agreed to take the metformin because someone told me she had no luck with clomid but had conceived triplets while on metformin for a short time. Ugh! I suffered from chronic tummy issues for four years just praying to conceive (not exactly conducive to romance). Now that I am 47, I have resigned myself to the high probability I will remain a favorite aunt (sigh). But I admit if out of the wild blue yonder I ended up pregnant in the next year, I wouldn't complain :-)
At least vsg has given me some energy and libido back, so we will have fun either way! Good luck and baby dust to you spring chickens :-)

I know, right?! What's up with the winter weather??
Thank you for sharing your story. I was sleeved 6/17 in Concord, live in SF. Still early in my journey, but sometimes I forget exactly how major the operation was.
Take good care!

Toddy - this is worth doing regardless of the small risk. I had to ask myself back in 2008, "Do you really want to go on like this?" Heavier and heavier. The real risk of a debilitating stroke? Knee surgery for arthritis? Bypass surgery? Diabetes? Lack of mobility? Embarrassment of seatbelt extensions on airplanes?
I mean "status quo" isn't really a choice, is it? You get to pick from two potential options: "get worse" or "get better". The risks are there either way. My advice is that if you are a candidate for this surgery, Do it. Just do it and change you life.

She is awesome and chose me.

Aww sweetheart! You're making me tear up! I love you and thanks for all your support!

I'm in Ireland & my regime is quite a bit different from a lot of what I've read here. I'm on Day 25. I had a 5 day stay at hospital(4 nights). On 1st & 2nd day light sipping of Water. On 3rd day liquid flavoured Protein Drink (30mls) every hour with 60mls water on the half hour in between - from 8AM to 10PM. On 4th day we had pureed food (chicken, carrot, brocolli, potato & gravy - all remoulded to look more appetising -NOT!) We were expected to eat approximately 80g to 100g of this but mostly the chicken. We had to be able to eat before we could go home. From then on we were to eat 'soft' food, minced or cut up small with a little sauce or gravy, eat Protein first, that's the priority. Avoid fibre - so as not to fill up too quickly. Do not drink half hour before or after eating. Eat very small bites, chew until the food is a paste in your mouth & take a break between bites (mindful eating). If you don't do this you will know all about it - you will feel sick, probably like a lead ball is in your chest & you'll probably throw up. We are recommended to use the protein drink to supplement our protein intake - I bought pure natural whey powder from organic cows - nothing added, which is what I use. I have 3 meals (approximately 150g to 200g food per meal) which take about 20mins to half hour to eat & 3 Snacks in between, which I usually have a protein smoothie including some berries & half a sml banana or 2tsp Peanut Butter on a buckwheat cracker with 1/2tsp of low sugar jam - delish! I have had no trouble at all, thank god, each week is different as I get used to the regime & my body gets used to the change. I eat a huge variety of foods, I'm sure to eat a minimum of 65g protein each day (usually more), I take my Vitamin supplements & a drug to help prevent gall stones caused by rapid weight loss. I've been losing an average of 5.6 lbs per week, this week I lost 4lbs. We have to exercise every day, get the heart pumping for 10/15mins at least, with a sweat but a minimum of half hour walking. I've added a half hour routine of high intensity rapid weights (intense for me!) & that is really making a difference. I'm sleeping so well after years of only 2 hrs at a time, no inhalers for asthma, I have so much energy - I'm loving it. I don't miss anything(yet!) but I'm so grateful for this opportunity for feeling so well, and positive, and optimistic, I don't think there is anything could spoil that.

I would try and up the Protein intake to about 70+ (try myfitnesspal.com to help keep track) and also the Water. Good luck and hope you feel better soon.

Poor you - but you've just written the blueprint for what happened to many of us in the first few days. You are not alone!
I sobbed for almost a whole day three days post-op, thinking I had ruined my life, but that passed. I couldn't lie down for 10 days but that passed too. My stomach growled and spasmed but I eventually got the hang of knowing when it needed food and when it was digesting.
The first week is the worst, the first month is hard for a lot of people. Yes, there are lots of folk who are bouncing around after a few days - but I wasn't, lol.
So hang in there, this too will pass! I am 8 weeks out and haven't been healthier or happier in years :-))))

Ok LoLo, let's just stop the "old lady" talk right now! (I'm 47, too) You are a beautiful, sexy mama who had it right when you left the house~ pay attention to all the compliments you get ~ we all know those GAP mirrors are recycled from a funhouse anyway.

I agree!

I got the Nutribullet from Bed Bath and Beyond. It was $99.99 but I used my 20% off coupon, so it came to $80- something with tax. It is a great blender but can be foamy on top of some shakes, which I just spoon off before drinking.

You're just beautiful.

I love my gym but before surgery I never was an exercise person. Now, I feel awful if I miss a day at the gym. It helps that I work out twice a week with a personal trainer and then also do a group boot camp twice a week. My gym runs a Biggest Loser program every 90 days and I join each time not because I want to lose anymore but because I like the accountability. The gym is great if you make friends and have the same goals.

I had the robotic surgery as well. My sister is a surgical RN who worked in a bariatric practice and introduced me to the idea of having the sleeve. One thing she said was that the risk for infection was reduced with robotic surgery. My surgeon teaches this technique so I was very confident in him. My experience was excellent, with no complications.

For real???WTH???? Well crap. Just crap!