Dr-Patient

Who is the senior physician, or the surgeon who operated on you? Instead of calling (thru which you might also get rushed), write the senior doctor an actual thorough but succinct letter and expound on all the issues. Let your upsetment, frustration, disappointment, displeasure come though. Health care delivery is horrible these days, so, as a patient, you sometimes have to assert yourself to get the care/attention a patient should have. Sometimes you even have to (show your behind a bit) to get their attention. But start with a solid, strong letter to the head hauncho. (PS: off topic: I tried on a size 14 dress today, and it/they fit. OMG.)

Isn't that the worst!!? It's amazing how that makes you feel!! I had that two years ago; hated it. God, make it stop--the test effect, not the heart!

Hi, all. I often see posts about band vs bypass or sleeve. If interested, here's a link to a lecture at a recent Obesity Week conference. This presenter addressed why the lapband--LAGB/GB--is not a preferred option at this point. http://asmbs.planion.com/EvalCenter/ASMBS/images/106075_6_106075_6_LAGB_is_not_an_option.pdf (ASMBS = American Society of Metabolic and Bariatric Surgeons) The opposite lecture--"Why LAGB is still an option"--had 57 slides. Those slides are very technical, so, instead of that link, here are some points, as given by the current head of the surgical society (though many felt he had so many slides to try to really argue his position in favor of the band at this point). In short: --The Lapband needs maintenance; needs frequent follow-up. --Success depends on center's success/surgeons. --1% of patients had no weight loss; 16% had "poor" weight loss. --19% undecided about a WLS will opt for the band because it's reversible and they think it's easier than being rerouted or having stuff removed. --Since 2009, there's a been a major decline in the band across the world. Slides had data from USA/Canada; Asia/South Pacific; Europe; Latin and South America: In 2008, 43% of WLS patients had the LAGB; now, it's 17%. In 2008: 39% had the RYGB; now, 43.5% In 2008, 4.9% had the VSG; now, just under 29 percent (newer 'stand-alone' procedure; on the rise; replacing the band) --If your BMI is low, the band may be good for some patients. The higher the BMI, more patients are advised to get the VSG, RYGB or DS. There's more info, but I'll stop here. Don't want to overwhelm anyone. Good luck. You'll make the right decision for you. Weight loss can happen with either procedure.

You need to retrain your brain. With years of weight issues, we all have had negative thoughts about ourselves: 'I'm a failure," "why can't I do this,' etc. (even despite tremendous professional success, etc.). But you need to get out of your own way. People become what they say, as they eventually believe it. Don't dwell on the negative. (Yesterday, I ate something not allowed; but I can't dwell on that. It'll bring down my spirit, which has been quite 'up' of late with my new, sexier, more confident me. Speak positive thoughts to yourself and when those negative thoughts arise, find a way--somehow--to turn them off. Re: me/my VSG, I heard/read that some folks regain some weight 2-3 years later. I can't worry about that now, today. Right now I'm moving in a positive direction (meaning losing weight). I'm happier and I will deal with 3 years from now later, though I know I'll never get back to my max weight of 271, nor even over 200. If I get down to 150, regain to 170 or so, I'm good. Enjoy your success so far; look forward to more and think positive thoughts. When negative thoughts arise, say, "I recognize you...and I'm leaving you behind!" [That also applies to backstabbing friends, naysayers, haters, etc :-)]

2 weeks, 5 days and you had fried shrimp and French fries...? Wow. Amazing that you even attempted that. that sounds scary to me. Your stomach is still healing. Trust what we tell you, it does get better. But you might want to tell your doctor of your actions...and get back to his/her strict recommendations for this stage of your journey. Don't hurt yourself as you are trying to help yourself. IMO.

Hi, all. Quick note for now; I'll have to add to it later. But I simply must share: Yesterday I thought I was looking good when visiting with a friend. We went to a mall and she (walking slow and behind me sometimes) said, "Damn, girl. You need to go buy some pants!! Those are hanging off your butt, you look like you've got Depends on." Mind you, they were 'size 20' jeans--with zipper and button--that I could NOT wear 2 months ago. We went into 'J. Jill's' (which I'd never heard of). We pulled a size 16 pant and I said, "oh no. ain't no way I'm in a 16 pant." I actually had a moment of [fear? trepidation?], but a weird freak-out/fear moment before I reluctantly relented and agreed to try them on. What guess what!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Whoo-hooo!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! They FIT!!!!!!!!!!!! I could button and zip them. They looked so good on my @$$!!!!!!!!!!!!!! We took pictures. She also took pictures of the back of the pants I was wearing. OMG. I cannot believe how BAGGY they are in the back. I could tell the thighs were loose, but the BUTT--was like empty sacks!!!!!!! I need to post the pictures. Even the sales lady said, "you need to not even wear those pants anywhere. You need new pants, I don't care if you get them from here or not, but do not leave this mall without some new pants...and wear them out of the mall!" My pants are sooooo baggy. Anyway, I just wanted to share, to just say...you know...this stuff--VSG--actually works. Thank God. OH!! I CRIED (right there in the dressing room) when I really looked at my thighs, hips and butt in those size 16s!! We then went to Chico's and I tried on a "size 3" pair of jeans. They fit too!!!!!!!!!! OMG. This is really happening. 3 months/ 45 pounds and counting. I'm rushing; excuse any typos, please. Just had to share!

You were strong. Good for you. I'm in my third month+. I'm not too far ahead of you, but...I actually HAD some KFC original wings the other day. But instead of eating the seven, I only ate two wings; didn't eat much of the fatty parts of skin, just some of the crispy skin, and I was full. I froze the rest. I just wanted a taste. With the sleeve, you can have whatever (if you choose to try this or that), but you can't eat much of it. Cool. But don't rush your stomach's healing.

I had the VSG/"sleeve" after talking to my doctor, considering my comfort level and what I thought I wanted to deal with [fills, etc.]; and, mainly, after attending the Obesity Week conference last November, where >4,000 specialists/bariatric surgeons from around the world (mostly USA) were discussing the good, the bad and the ugly about all the WLS procedures. I recently posted links to two lectures presented there. Find them at "Band, Bypass or Sleeve: Which one in 2014?" in my activity feed. Mind you, one aggressive, angry respondent (who had the lapband) went on a rant and accused me of being a 'band denier," which I am not. I simply provided statisitcal information currently given to bariatric surgeons that, fortunately, I had direct medical access to. I was simply sharing the inside info. Consider it, if interested and/or discuss with your doctor. I may add the direct link to this post if I get time to return to this today. In short, worldwide, the lapband is going out of favor, but is still done; the bypass still has the highest rate of operations, and the sleeve is gaining in popularity. Personal choice, but I am loving my VSG and what it's helping me do for me--bringing sexy back, and greater health, less pain, no snoring, MUCH happiness, etc. Good luck with your choice. In any case, you'll find support here at BP. [excuse any typos; busy day.]

Size 6...? you, go, Granny!!!!!!!!!!!! Proud of you!! Wow.

I think, given what I see from your physique/shape, you should have EXCELLENT results. Likely not even a lot of extra skin! Have the surgery, then, when cleared, do some exercise. You really look shapely now; just expect even greater things going forward.

Initially I only went to stores that had shopping carts, that way I could hold the cart and get some walking done. Especially those big stores: Walmart, Target, SAMs Club, Publix, etc. that may help. Know, too, it all gets better.

"Size 14"...? I can't even imagine. It's been so long. But you're right...it can't be too far off. Maybe a couple of months. My goodness. Thank you.

THANK YOU, hot guys and gals. I really appreciate this BP board and the "community" here. I also appreciate the support with this moment of sharing. I am so amazed about what happened with the pants. This weekend, I need to pull out the bins of clothing I've stored and start seeing what I can wear again. OMG. I have to be on a panel next week. I might need to buy a new suit, because I think all my 16s have Linda Evans/'Dynasty' shoulder pads! It's been that long. LOL.

Check out this picture; did you feel like this?: http://www.bariatricpal.com/topic/299613-day-of-surgery-picture-did-you-look-like-this/ The only difference between me and the picture is that I couldn't even hold my head up for the first few hours; it was hanging down to the right, mostly. Be encouraged: this will pass. it gets better. PS: Oh!! Yesterday my hairdresser, and today, one of my neighbors and the postal worker said, "Wow. You've lost weight!' Yeahhhhh. It's beginning to be noticed now, 45 pounds down in 3 months. I'll take it.

That is very true, and that can cause quite uncomfortable problems. Great point, LMD.

Just don't panic. Don't tighten up. Breathe slowly thru your mouth. It will go down, and know it is NOT in your windpipe. Do not try to wash it down with liquids right now. That has helped me in those "tight, stuck" moments. IMO.

Good for you that you even have an exercising routine!! I probably could've lost ~ 50 pounds by now if I'd been exercising regularly. Good for you!! I'm in fear of my "off days"--days on which I crave my old sins: potato chips and ice cream. I've basically been VERY GOOD food-wise, but yesterday I was "off," and had some potato chips and I just saw some ice cream on TV, and OMG... now I want some. I guess we all can be a litttle "off" some days, as long as we get back "on" in a day or so. We lost some of our stomachs, and some/many of our pounds, but not some of our human nature. :-) May we all have a 'good' weekend, back 'on' the horse!

FANTASTIC news! Isn't it amazing how even fat can block the hormones? Great news for you.

I know family can be important. But I say ignore them. You know what YOU need for YOU. You know how you feel physically, emotionally, sexually, in every way, and you know how you want to feel, and be. Sometimes people can't see beyond their own situation/fears/lack of knowledge, and will try to block others from attempting something different because it feels uncomfortable to them. Just don't even bother to share any more plans, thoughts, etc., about your WLS with any of them except the hubby. Don't even give them the date of your surgery, cuz you don't need to hear them calling you, harrassing you, worrying you. In the hands of a good surgeon, the risk of death from WLS is so low; don't let them scare you. Just let them see your transformation and then they can be jealous :-). If you've thought about it, prayed about it, have a comfort with it, need it (physically and psychologically), and, additionally, if your husband is on board...then do what you have to do for you. Keep stepping on the path YOU choose for your life and leave them behind at this point, for this issue. Own yourself. You have us--the BP VSG family; we support you.

Is it just that the lips that are big...as in long?, or thick (fat)? What about the "mons pubis" area--the fat bed behind the hair distribution? Many overweight/obese/people have a large fat pad behind the hair. You will lose fat from everywhere. If the actual vaginal labia (lips) are fat/thick, they, too, will likely slim down. Then, they might be thinner and seem slightly longer. There are some vaginonplasty, and labioplasty (the lips), procedures, if revision is really necessary. But since you've just had surgery, I'd say just watch/wait until you're at goal, IMHO.

Boredom is one thing; having your stomach's staple-incision line bust open, break down, become infected, and you totally jack up what you just went through is another. Patience. This too shall pass. Focus on the bigger goal: a thinner, healthier you...hopefully without (self-induced), or any, post-op complications.

You have to use your imagination: imagine that Isopure (or whatever) tastes like that turkey pot pie roux/gravy. mmmm, yum, yum. (I know...it's not the same!!) It's hard, but be assured, it gets better. Hang in there, init...

Great job, mommyof3!!! I agree with kb88, they'll need to buckle up and hold on for your journey to hotness!! Congrats!

Well maybe I should buy a few today!! Thanks for that info. [stay close to the bathroom!]

If you read my post, and not let TMF get you off track, you will see that I did not--not in any way--bash any procedure. I didn't assert any bias, and I also didn't craft the first link's slides. It was simply info from Bariatric surgeons, the actual link to their slides. In fact, Dr. Ponce--the doctor who presented why lapband is still an option--HIS SLIDES graphically indicate that the band (Adjustable Gastric Band: AGB) is declining in use around the world. See his slides 37-41, again at http://asmbs.planion.com/EvalCenter/ASMBS/images/106296_6_106296_6_LAGB_still_valid_operation-Ponce.pdf . Uh, 2MF, follow the 'AGB' golden-colored line, if that helps you. So again, my post wasn't an 'opinion' piece; I didn't tout one surgery over another. I simply shared info. It's sad that folks would let 2MF misconstrue the post, assign ill intent, etc., then get others in a fuss. He obviously has anger issues and is ready to rant about anything he construes as anti-band, or if he doesn't like the data. My original post was not my opinion, or my telling anyone to do this or that. It is what I said it was: info presented at an obesity conference, provided as an fyi to do with what you will. Anyway, have a good one!