swimbikerun

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.

I can understand your dilemna. It breaks my heart to hear that people can't get the care they need because something isn't covered by insurance, that the insurance benefits from if they do the procedure. Please take care of yourself and let us know how things go. Please do everything possible (I'm sure you will) to be safe and healthy.

I want to sincerely apologize. I wasn't knocking what you did and if that is how it came across, I apologize. I have been burned (and apparently so have a few others) on doctors who based pretty much everything on the "art" and no science. Trying to get them to justify their science, led me to investigating it, and then finding there were other things they missed that were in the medical research literature. So I've gotten to where you have that, that has been a problem and proved harmful to me, and then Dr. Oz and all the other guys, I've swung to where I want to see the data behind someones' magic. Tired of being burned.

She is already home? I was 3 days in: op on Thursday out on Saturday.

Excellent post Cowgirl ... I do have some questions (NERD ALERT ... ) Do you know where he got the 80 from? I've seen another doc in the area who is 80-100 and I'm going where is the research? I don't want to tell people wrong. I try to keep most everything I say to research unless I have a caveat and I'll tell people that. We get so hoodwinked by media, some not so up to snuff docs, that I want to be on top of my game. No one wants to be sold a bill of goods that don't add up (I've certainly seen that one first hand). With 3 sources of calories, where would we put veggies and fruit in that? Fruit would be in carbs but as we find out, different levels of good carbs and bad carbs. Thank you for the post. I really appreciate this. Exchange of ideas is important.

Why not purchase or ask different companies to try and then go from there? I think in 2.5 years, I've only seen a couple of people who've gotten rid of Protein. If you are having problems, what about Beans, chick peas, and how are you doing in terms of chicken, turkey, fish, red meat, etc.? Trying to hash all this out online when it sounds like you need more immediate help? Your post doesn't say, so that's why I am asking.

Was that all the time or farther out? I have needed it farther out and the surgeon indicated it was someone elses' problem to deal with and I wasn't making a hard enough effort "discipline". He didn't take into account gastroparesis, reflux, IBS and food intolerances ...

Does any one know where they would find it goes by height for Protein? I'd like to look at the resources. I've not seen them and am always adding to knowledge. As for kidneys, the only time I've heard of it being hard on the kidneys is for people who are dehydrated (and that isn't on a one time basis type of thing) and those who have kidney disease already. That's again going by research. If B12 levels are high - as in 2000 is what I've heard, meaning the level is probably more like 1500, one of the reasons for that is leukemia. I can check that.

Upper GI - had several, no sweat. They knock you out. EKG - anything metal with a wire attached to a females' chest is WRONG ('nuf said) Colonoscopy - the prep is worse than the camera itself. I had an EGD at the same time as my colonoscopy. I asked them are you going to put it down my throat first, I hope? Trust me no sweat, but you have to understand I've been checked a LOT. Had a spine MRI done, with and without contrast. 20 min for one and 30 for the other. No drugs, went in cold. On to the next activity. Its the RESULTS you want to sweat over ROFL.

Welcome! Howdy from Hampton Roads.

I dont care what your tool is - CONGRATULATIONS for rocking it!!!

I'm so glad!!! Let us know how things are doing.