swimbikerun

Natalie, Would you mind being a little more specific about disabilities? That might help us to know if we could help you, versus giving general help. Vic

Hi all, For those who have had complications (like myself), I started a blog about questions to ask their surgeons. Mine didn't recognize what others did about complications (polyneuropathies from malnutrition) and I'm wanting to let others know to help themselves, in case their surgeons are the same way. Apparently my PCP and the like were more up to date on the literature. I don't want to have others go through this. Is it possible that people could look at http://bariatrichelp.wordpress.com/ and let me know what you think of the question list? I'll expand it based on that and then maybe see about a website. Again, this is to educate others so that they're not in the same boat as I was. Thanks, Victoria

I will be adding more but spreading it around. I have spoken with a number of people and they're not interested in researching in this area. So it needs to be the patients who are doing this. I think its pretty obvious why no one wants to advertise it but this is for the patients not for any other reason. A LOT depends on the personality of the doctor. Find out where their heart is and where the money is.

That I would not have been forced to go to the surgeon I had, and that that surgeon wouldn't have had the personality he does and have been more up to date on research and complications.

Talk to your GP first. See what they say but you can go either way. I tried to get my sleeve surgeon to remove it, as they removed others gallbladders. No go. Everyone else said it had to go. I talked with my insurance company and they asked why there was a problem. No medical reason they could provide for not doing it, so they finally did it. My take: ask the GP, the sleeve surgeon was just in there. If they'll do it and quickly, yes. Otherwise, find someone else. No sense in you going thru the stuff I did with my bariatric surgeon when he was wrong and everyone else (2 other surgeons, a GP) is right.

Ok as someone who has been there: sleeved 12/15/11, hospitalized "you are going to die" from malnutrition 6/20/12, and have complications from it, I am pretty much unique. I had gastroparesis before the surgery. The surgery should have gotten rid of it. Gastroparesis is slow stomach emptying. Well a scan showed mine is still mildly delayed. I now have reflux, and a case of IBS, and who knows what else. I have food intolerances by the boatload. Would I get it again? Absolutely!!!! Even with things like they are now, I've done things in my life I imagined and some I never have. So from someone who has been there, yes, it is worth it. It is extremely, extremely rare for people to have my problems. I had a pre existing GI issue AND known allergies. Factor that in. You have a much larger chance of having problems getting the weight off and keeping it off than you do of mine. Again, I've not said everything here but OMB YES I would get it again. I just wouldn't have the surgeon I had. Then again, I asked for a different one and didn't get them, so that's part of the issue.

Whoo hoo! I had the same experience (and am not alone). I'm glad you found here. This is so much better, you can get so many more ideas, a wider range of experiences, etc. Its great!! You can also help more people on here. Glad it worked for you and congratulations!! Vic

What is your protein and water/liquid intake per day? Also, you can lose inches and not see anything on the scale. There are also plateaus at times, and yes a month out or so is the first one I've seen.

Does your surgeon have a support group? Or is there another support group in the area you can make arrangements to be a part of? Online, there is NOTHING like it though. You get the benefits of more than one programs viewpoints, lots more varied patient experiences. There is great personal touch and I've seen it (and seen the opposite side unfortunately). That being said, there is good in both types of experiences, but if all you can get is online, go for it. Frankly I've found a ton of people to be supportive and I personally enjoy seeing people do well, things go great and helping and supporting when there isn't. Giving back. So don't discount that there isn't something near you or whatever. You can get a TON of experience from all walks of life here. Vic

I saw an image that said 'don't dig your own grave with a knife and fork'. I did that for years. I'm not now. Please consider what you invested to be healthier for you and your loved ones.

So they are jealous that you are going to get healthy? Feel better, and with a better quality of life? I'd ask them what they don't want you to be healthy. Shoot I think insurance should cover at least one revision ... and 2 plastic surgeries for each person. LOL. Vic

Here in Virginia I've been sleeved for over 2 years. Vic

Already had mine - just cheering and praying people on.

3 weeks to go - are you counting down yet? I'll be pulling for you.

Hi, Be happy to be a mentor to someone. I'm big on encouragement. I've been thru a lot of with a not so great surgeon and with malnutrition, etc. so be happy to talk with those who want encouragement and who need some help with problems. I'm over 2 years out. Vic

Any one here? Vic

So proud of everyone here! Way to go guys. I've been swimming mostly but I'm going to get back in the run of things yet. Thanks for posting the notes guys, you all give me tons of inspiration.

Hi all, Massindex suggested this discussion. I was sleeved 12/15/11. Had a bout with malnutrition (ok, I won the Olympic swim for the semester, and beat the guy who had won EVERY swim challenge at the rec center in history) and seem to work on those a lot. I'm more of a swimmer, but running is right behind that. I'm looking for anything we can share and think of because PICC lines and backpack TPN interfere with my life. Thankfully my surgeon no longer will! I'm looking at triathlons too, if any one is interested. Vic