swimbikerun

How can we best help you? We're not from Ireland but we'll do our best.

In terms of losing the most amount of weight and keeping it off, the bypass is going to be your best bet. In addition, 8-11% of sleevers get reflux that is a problem. Weight is one issue of that, along with the size of the sleeve. Smaller sleeve to lose more weight, greater chances of reflux. This is all from studies. My experience will be very, very different from others because of the complications, new problems that developed, and delayed/missed diagnoses, lack of care in terms of bariatrics, etc. I encourage all to read studies. They're not geared at graduate medical knowledge level, much of it is you can read. UpToDate, ClinicalKey, and the Journals (Obesity/Obesity Surgery/stuff from ASMBS,endocrinology, GI and Nutrition) are all worth a look. Why can't you share what you have learned? If you pick things up from others, that's always useful in targeting where you got the info. I categorize mine from medical information, tips from others. While I have issues I don't think I've ever told people to not get the surgery. I just ask that they investigate the surgeon, the group they deal with, complications and after care. Don't just take the docs word for it. Ask deep probing questions.

Congratulations!

Bypass.

Agreed. Quite an eye opener. Here is the problem: any doctor can be nasty or whatever. Unless the care is less, the hospitals let it go. Rating sites are the best bet but be very specific. Add your feelings. People identify with that. The other is is he in a group? See who else has a better attitude. I do know that the doctors' attitude to you makes a huge difference in care. That's one of the reasons I had so many problems.

Drink something. Water, Powerade Zero.

If you have an 8-9 hour drive home, I would sincerely suggest you stay over a few days. The only person I know who had a 2 hour drive in my area here, got told spend a week here. Stay over but don't go home until a week later. In case anything happens the surgeon is there. I was sore on the incision, you have nausea and all, just try to drink what you can get down and don't push anything. Take it easy and sleep a lot. Enjoy the start of the new life.

I am a little confused. When you say you want the good bad and ugly but no negative stuff, can you be a little more specific of what you are looking for and what you don't want to know or hear about? That way maybe we can help or not help as you are looking for.

After over 2.5 years, turkey, chicken, eggs, salads and veggie type of stuff. At least 1000 calories a day. Its hard to say as I have edema, but I've lost some recently.

CGJ please know you have people online who care and will listen. We can't give you physical hugs but we could pray for you or let you know that we care and want to see things work out for you.

Yes I've had complications. I would rather have chosen a different surgeon. The attitude on his part and what appears to be missed diagnoses, getting abandoned without care, yes. I did ask for a different surgeon as my original info session was with another one but the nurse I contacted said I had to go with the one I got.

CGJ how can we help give you consolation and support at this time? I had a couple of friends with family members who died of breast cancer, a few who've survived, and others who have had various cancer issues. I've seen before that people don't take care of those who take care of everyone else. Let it not happen to you. What can we do to support you?

I want to apologize. It bothers me that people don't feel comfortable coming to get support because they feel negative about it. I do not advertise my size or photos or weight or anything online for the most part due to this issue. I saw it become a "race". No one needs that. What about a dedicated area for "slower losers"? Would that help? Would focusing on just losing help? I got a lot of flak about the weight loss and I come from a different viewpoint but the fact remains I didn't get the support from my surgeon that I felt he should and could have given. So I'm sympathatic to peoples' statements and want to know what they think might help.

Thank you. Excellent post. One note: the smaller the bougie, the greater the chances of GERD/Reflux occuring. Most I think do use in the 30+ range for bougies.

My advice: the world beats you up enough. Why do you want to do the same? Stop!! People give us enough garbage for being fat, dont add yourself to it. Think about what you need to do to take charge, both of you and your mind. Concentrate on YOU and getting YOU healthier. Whether it is a slow lose or a fast lose, as long as you are getting healthier and losing, does it matter? A number on the scale doesn't equate to your worth in life. </soapbox> Politely said

Yes. The sleeve *as a weight loss procedure* was not approved until around 2011 for "widespread" use. So studies 5 years out *for weight loss* aren't there, there really isn't enough people until probably now to start any checking. The sleeve in terms of stomach cancer, gastroparesis possibly, first part of a DS, has been around and has been studied. The biggest suggestions that a VSG would be ok was as using it as the first part of a DS.

Honestly? Get tested first. Then find out what to take. I took Iron before and was told get off it. Each doc is different. Main things you want to look at? Vits B1, B12, D, Calcium, iron (get the full panel so it can be interpreted), zinc, folate. You'll be paying enough after surgery, no sense in hitting your wallet for things you may not need until after.

I'd be careful. Then its all about the money, they want your money for the surgery.

I like the boards because I get the benefit of people at different times, different surgeons, different perspectives. Makes for better experiences.

Oh yeah I asked the insurance company to call them and find out ((((NOTE HOW AND WHAT I AM SAYING)))) that this problem is costing them $$$ because of my getting sick and if I could get a medical reason why there is a problem, I would appreciate it because I missed it. Follow the $$$. When you point out how much they've spent already and then more, comorbidities, etc. it makes it worth their while and get follow ups in terms of who to talk to about the situation in the insurance company to followup.

There is a small body of research, indicating malnutrition. Not being able to absorb things would be a part of that. I've got a few things that surfaced since the surgery (but weren't recognized by the surgeon nor his internist that he referred me to) and gastroparesis which apparently didn't get resolved, so it would make sense. Possible B Vitamins and Calcium being the first places to look.

Yes I have that. Other things also.

Yes, I've had things like what you are talking about. Neuropathies and the like, started less than a year after surgery.

I'm 5'1", was 213 at time of surgery. Get it done. I've had complications and I'd still say get it done.

Can you get the insurance to talk to them? When I had a problem with teh gallbladder, the insurance called and asked what the problem was. Things sure changed ... I got chewed out by the surgeon the next the time I saw him but hey ... at least I got the surgery.