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Sending prayers and positive thots your way,dear. Others have had this happen.. And made it through.. U can 2. Please stay here with us and feel free to write your feelings and experiences. So glad they caught it early. I wish i could help u in person. Sending u hugs and moral support... Tristan

INTRAPACE ABILITI GASTRIC PACEMAKER also called Implantable Gastric Stimulation (IGS)
The gastric pacemaker is a minimally invasive procedure. It works by giving you the feeling of being full (satiety), so you consume less. The abiliti is not available in the US yet, but a list of doctors is available on the abiliti website. It is suggested for people with a BMI of 35 or above. The links given below will tell you a lot more. I especially like the abiliti company link (just below). The paragraphs following the links are just a few that come from the company link.
http://www.abiliti.com/about_abiliti/
The abiliti® procedure is designed to be as easy and trouble free as possible. Some of the highlights of the procedure are described below. If the abiliti system is right for you, your surgeon or physician will explain the procedure to you in more detail and answer any questions you may have.
What the implantable system includes: The abiliti system consists of a stimulator (a small battery-powered device similar to a cardiac pacemaker) and a lead containing a stimulation electrode and food sensor.
The procedure: The procedure is done through laparoscopic surgery, a minimally invasive technique in which a surgeon uses a camera called a laparoscope, small incisions, and specialized instruments. The camera allows the surgeon to view the inside of your abdominal cavity in order to insert the lead containing the sensor and the stimulation electrode into your stomach. After the stimulator is implanted,the laparoscopic incisions are closed. The procedure involves no intestinal rerouting or stapling of the stomach. As a result, the surgery is very safe; and because the anatomy of the digestive tract is unchanged, the procedure is easily reversible.
In most cases, the procedure takes less than an hour, during which time you will be asleep.
How Does the abiliti System Work?
When you eat or drink something, the abiliti system gently stimulates your stomach to give you a feeling of fullness, so you are more likely to eat less – and lose more.
The abiliti system also tracks exercise and eating activities that impact your weight, and connects you to a support network. So you automatically have the information and encouragement you need to change behaviors that have prevented you from losing weight in the past
http://www.nbcnews.com/id/41886107/ns/health-diet_and_nutrition/t/stomach-pacemaker-could-help-obese-lose-weight/
http://www.spirehealthcare.com/harpenden/abiliti-gastric-pacemaker/
Spire Harpenden Hospital > Here Abiliti Gastric Pacemaker
Spire Harpenden Hospital is a leading private hospital, based in Hertfordshire, just North of London - in the South East of England. The hospital caters for a wide range of patients from Hertfordshire, Bedfordshire and Buckinghamshire, as well as from other parts of the United Kingdom and abroad. We use highly experienced and skilled consultants to carry out all our services including the Abiliti Gastric Pacemaker.

What is a Abiliti Gastric Pacemaker?
The Abiliti Gastric Pacemaker - also called Implantable gastric stimulation (IGS) - is a type of weight loss surgery. It may be appropriate for you if you have a body mass index (BMI) of 35 or more and is a relatively quick and minimally-invasive operation. The abiliti system consists of a stimulator (a small battery-powered device similar to a cardiac pacemaker) and a lead cable containing a stimulation electrode and food sensor.

About the Abiliti Gastric Pacemaker procedure
The procedure is done through laparoscopic surgery, a minimally invasive (keyhole surgery) technique in which a surgeon uses a camera called a laparoscope, small incisions, and specialised instruments. The camera allows the surgeon to view the inside of your abdominal cavity in order to insert the lead containing the sensor and the stimulation electrode into your stomach. After the stimulator is implanted, the laparoscopic (key hole) incisions are closed. The procedure involves no intestinal re-routing or stapling of the stomach.
"I feel better about myself, and it has also given me self-confidence. Before, I never would have gone swimming." Silkie, 26 As a result, the surgery is very safe and because the anatomy of the digestive tract is unchanged, the procedure is easily reversible. In most cases, the procedure takes less than an hour to complete, during which time you will be asleep.
Why choose the Abiliti gastric pacemaker ?
It's gentle: the abiliti system works by making you feel full so that you consume less. You are free to enjoy life: The abiliti system doesn't put any restrictions on your lifestyle. You can eat and drink what you choose – you will just choose to eat less. It's safe: The abiliti device is safely placed into your abdomen with little risk of short-term or long-term complications. It's smart: The abiliti system automatically monitors when you eat, drink, and exercise. So you and your physician can spot trends and make lifestyle choices that help you lose weight – and keep it off. Tired of manually logging all of your meals? abiliti makes a note of when you eat. Can't remember when you exercised or how far you went? abiliti tracks all your activities, providing a simple summary of your calories burned. It's social: As an abiliti user, you're never alone – you will be part of a community of like-minded individuals who are also using the ability system to lose weight. Through this community, you can learn more about weight loss, share your experience, encourage others and participate in online forums covering a range of topics. It's proven technology: The abiliti system is based on technology used successfully in millions of cardiac pacemakers and defibrillators and now clinically proven for weight loss.

Hello!
First i will mention I have been looking and considering WLS for quite some years. I had decided to go with a sleeve, and was looking at Mexican surgeons, and got hit by a wave of err, caution, would be the word for it. i decided I would investigate a lot of other options first. So for the last few weeks, nigh a month, I have been reading lots of articles about what is available in the non surgical world for weight loss. I mentioned wishing for a forum here in bariatric pal that would help me find others that are looking into this too, and voila, Alex heard my request and here it is.
I hope others that are considering this would chime in, and especially those that have had experience with these methods and procedures, would let us know how it going for you. I will post articles i have been reading and hope you will do the same. I am very interested in doctors that are doing these various methods, both here and abroad (as many of these methods are not yet done in the USA yet, or are having trials). Please share here the doctors you are aware of and the experience you are having with any of these methods.
The method I seem to be most interested in is the ENDOBARRIER. This is a clear flexible tube of plastic, open at both ends, that is attached at the top of intestines and travels down into the intestines, and allows food to move through it, but not be absorbed in the top of the intestine until the food exits the plastic tube. This has been ok'ed in Europe, Australia and is being used there now. It is on medical trials in the US, and actually is now accepting people interested in trials. BTW, I have NOTHING to do with marketing this, the trials or anything to do with any of these methods, I am just researching and looking for ideas. Here are some articles on this. Tests have been held on 3, 6 and 12 months use of this device. Implantation is on outpatient basis and removal is about 30 minutes. For more info, have a look at the articles.
http://www.bariatricnews.net/?q=device/11193/endobarrier-gastrointestinal-liner

http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/245022.php (article about second re-implantation for more wt loss)
http://www.allprivatehealth.com/procedure/weight-loss/endoluminal-sleeve/
http://www.diabetes.co.uk/weight/endobarrier.html
OK, its late and i am falling asleep. More later!
triss

Oh dear have seen this before...my mate had gastric bypass done a few years ago...all of a sudden she's all about herself...nothing is wrong with that but its the aggressive way she talks...When we go out she will sit there and be critical of what the other mates eat...or wait until she's home to ring me stating "did she really have all that food"...and took extras, or she will say things like hmmmmm is so and so still fat....i am now a size two why don't this person join the gym...i just chalked it up to she's got her confidence back!!!!...but the good thing is u see the issue and u are seeking help...good luck!!!!!..with ya skinny self....lol

Everyone has been judgmental of others at some point...EVERYONE. It is human nature, people...sheesh. I can't believe folks on here are lecturing someone for a "bad thought". The thoughts surprised her, so she came here for advice. My advice is; as long as your thoughts stay internal, and you don't force your opinion on others...just let the thought occur, and then let it go. You are human, my dear...it is normal. What is not normal is perfection. None of us are perfect. Don't over analyze it. Life is too short! A judgmental thought does not make a bad person....period. The fact you knew it was "mean" and are worried enough to get on a forum for help, tells me you have a good conscience and are a good person. Don't dwell on it....let negative thoughts roll off you like Water off a duck's back. Same with negative people...don't feed the drama...shrug them off and carry on :-)

If you google weight loss and foot drop, you can find a number of articles. Here's a study abstract. Wishing you the best, and I hope you recover! and soon! prayers your way. In support, Triss _____________________________________________________ Obes Surg. 2007 Sep;17(9):1209-12. Foot drop as a complication of weight loss after bariatric surgery: is it preventable?
Weyns FJ1, Beckers F, Vanormelingen L, Vandersteen M, Niville E. Author information AbstractBACKGROUND:Although rare, the relationship between peroneal nerve palsy and weight loss has been well documented over the last decades. Of the 160 patients operated for persisting foot drop in our institution, weight loss was considered to be the major contributing factor for 78 patients (43.5%).
METHODS:We compared patients who developed a foot drop after bariatric surgery with a control group of patients who underwent bariatric surgery (gastric banding) but did not develop peroneal neuropathy.
RESULTS:9 patients developed foot drop after bariatric surgery. The mean weight loss for these patients was 45 kg. Weight reduction took place during a mean period of 8.6 months. Our control group consists of 10 patients. The mean weight loss of these patients was 43.8 kg, and the weight reduction took place during a mean period of 21.7 months.
CONCLUSION:In contrast to earlier studies, we demonstrated that significant weight loss is correlated with a higher risk to develop foot drop and that the time period in which the weight loss is achieved is important. A rapid reduction of body weight is correlated with a higher risk to develop foot drop.
PMID: 18074496 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE] MeSH Terms LinkOut - more resources PubMed Commons home PubMed Commons

I hope the best for you. Mental illness is not an excuse or a crutch. It just is, we don't judge those with cancer.
There have been some grwat suggestions here
I hope your physicians adjust your meds to your new needs
I hope you're able to talk to someone this has been a large change for you.
I also like the suggestion of reaching out to those ladies at the gym. Just remember we all complain about the excercise. Some good natured some just cause, it doesn't mean they aren't willing to do the excercise. They obviously keep coming back.
It would help you to talk to them. Make new friends. You may not feel so mean to them if you got to know them and their motivations. Motivate each other.
Good luck to you.

Thank you for not bashing me, I posted this to try to get a little support because I feel like I am going to explode. I had my meds adjusted last week. I didn't realize that I would get a public lynching for telling how I feel. Not sure if I want to get support from this forum anymore.

I, too, am bipolar 1. I have had meanness issues in the past now controlled by medication. I heartily suggest that you get a med check as soon as possible. Remember your levels do change after surgery.

holy _____ everyone! she came here looking for help and support, not get ripped to shreds!
lighten up everyone! she isnt asking for support for eating a pizza while drinking a 6 pack... she knows she's having issues... help her out! dont give her shit... a lot of you are jumping down her shit for not being kind, how about you model some of that kindness for her?

All of the proselytizing on this thread is a huge turn-off to me. I don't want to be part of a community that forces religious views on others.
To the OP - I have bipolar disorder too, and I am pre-op. I've been on around 40 different psychiatric medications and in the hospital a couple of times. People who don't have a mental illness often lack tact in dealing with these sorts of issues, but I wanted to let you know that I can understand what you're going through--losing weight a few years ago did give me a little bit of an attitude problem. It's a big change.
I am a member of a mental health support forum/chat room and several of us are on the WLS path while also working on our mental health. If you would like a less judgmental place to speak about these issues please PM me and I'll link you. I wish you the best of luck with taking charge of your health, both mental and physical.

I kind of wonder if you are having those feeling towards those women in the gym as a reflection of how you feel/felt about yourself and the habits you had that got you to where you were. That would make total sense to me. Why are you so angry at them, do you think?

Your hormones are all out of whack and your meds probably need some adjusting as your body changes. It's great that you are being honest with yourself about your personality changes and acknowledge that you need to work on yourself.
Might I suggest rereading your initial post regularly so that you can refocus on what you were feeling when you wrote it? Have you considered a gratitude journal so you can write about things that make you happy and read it when you aren't?
You'll make it through this, I just want you to make it through it with your important relationships intact.

Your diet is the most important factor in weight loss. The weight loss surgery diet includes about 65 to 80 grams of Protein per day, nutritious foods from different food groups, and a limited number of calories. When you're planning your diet, how do you make sure you're sticking to the plan?
You count grams of protein and make sure to avoid high-fat, high-sugar foods. You count calories and don't worry about the rest. You stick to the meal plan your surgeon or nutritionist gave you and make sure to have the right number of servings at each meal. You choose one high-protein food and one or two servings of fruit, vegetables, or starch at each meal. You eat until you're full but don't worry about counting or measuring. Something else – let us know in the conversation! Mark your answer and explain it in the conversation below. We want to know how you make sure you're sticking to your diet!

Hello group, this is Dr. Kevin Huffman. I'm board certified in obesity medicine and have worked with bariatric surgical patients for nearly 25 years now. I thought I'd give you my insight into the use of anorectic medications such as phentermine, Tenuate, Bontril, Qysmia among others.
I'm a firm believer in using all available tools to combat this chronic disease. Of course I'm a big fan of bariatric surgery and believe it the most effective tool we currently have in treating those with BMI of 35 and above (maybe even 30 and above when associated with co morbid diseases such as diabetes), but bariatric surgery isn't a cure, its just a very effective tool that when used with alteration in macro and micro nutrients, increase physical activity, behavior modification and even medications in some cases it can help you and your physician manage your disease for life.
When I first joined the ASMBS 15 years ago, I took a lot of heat for suggesting that anorectic medications had a role in postoperative bariatric surgical care, but as time has passed many of my bariatric surgeons acknowledge that anorectic medications may in fact play a limited role in some postoperative patient care plans.
We know that postoperatively those undergoing gastric sleeve and gastric bypass show reduced levels of ghrelin, a hormone that stimulates appetite. We suspect that is in part why our postoperative patients sense less hunger after surgery. However at about 18-24 months postoperatively many patients complain that their hunger levels return to preoperative levels. This may be a function of 1) a return to hunger stimulating foods e.g. carbs, 2) return to old habits or 3) maybe a compensatory mechanism in the GI tract ramping up ghrelin products. In any case getting patients back into high Protein diets with adequate hydration and exercise along with the most important tool SUPPORT GROUP, may be all that is necessary to help reduce hunger, however in some limited cases I have found anoretic medications in low dosages for limited period of time can be an effective tool to getting 'BACK ON TRACK'
Hope this helps some of you and if my comments can be of use, please let me know I'll jump in from time to time to give you my perspective.
Thank you
Dr. Kevin Huffman

Girl, have you seen my picture!? I'm a hottie!

Summer,
What a honest share! Thanks so much. Hang in there! I so completely identify with it. I remember being happy too.. but it is kind of like a cloud in the past. I have come to a point where I literally have to force myself to exit the house, and I often cannot do it. today my adorable furry boys need food, so I MUST get out for that. I know I isolate. I guess I just feel more comfortable in my own company. I know i am off the scale on the Meyers Briggs for introvert-ism, but I kinda don't think hiding under the blankets is quite what it means. Just know that I appreciated your share, because somehow it helps to know that we are both working on it together. Summer feel free to IM me here. So happy you have a supportive husband and kids.
My boss just told me about a free counseling program that I can participate in, so there's that great news. Summer, maybe going back to counseling will be very helpful. Do you have any offered through your work/husband's work?? When I had my excellent medical coverage, mental health was NOT covered, which made me sad. Really pleased to hear about this free coverage that's just a perk I didn't know my company had (and I am part time)! I think counseling can help everyone. I know I am going to call about it on Monday.
I appreciate also the helpful advice you were given, and I will read that over a few times. Great support here, guys!
Hang in there, Summer!!!
in support,
triss

Summer,
What a honest share! Thanks so much. Hang in there! I so completely identify with it. I remember being happy too.. but it is kind of like a cloud in the past. I have come to a point where I literally have to force myself to exit the house, and I often cannot do it. today my adorable furry boys need food, so I MUST get out for that. I know I isolate. I guess I just feel more comfortable in my own company. I know i am off the scale on the Meyers Briggs for introvert-ism, but I kinda don't think hiding under the blankets is quite what it means. Just know that I appreciated your share, because somehow it helps to know that we are both working on it together. Summer feel free to IM me here. So happy you have a supportive husband and kids.
My boss just told me about a free counseling program that I can participate in, so there's that great news. Summer, maybe going back to counseling will be very helpful. Do you have any offered through your work/husband's work?? When I had my excellent medical coverage, mental health was NOT covered, which made me sad. Really pleased to hear about this free coverage that's just a perk I didn't know my company had (and I am part time)! I think counseling can help everyone. I know I am going to call about it on Monday.
I appreciate also the helpful advice you were given, and I will read that over a few times. Great support here, guys!
Hang in there, Summer!!!
in support,
triss

So sorry for this. Prayers your way!!! As you and others have said, your wls may save your life! My 87yo mom had a fall, what we thought was minor, but she did hit her head, so I took her to ER and with a scan it was found she had a number of blood clots, in she went to the hospital, and she was immediately treated. So sometimes it works out!
Radiation can KICK BUtt. sleep girl, sleep. Never was I so hit by a truck as when I had radiation. You can do this... Lots of prayers your way!!!!!!!!!
I am so sorry this has happened...
In support,
triss

Hi, thanks for the replies, and your honesty. In the last few days he has also slipped into a deep depression, brought on by the prospect of the surgery, his increased weight gain and also the fact he decided to give up smoking. We are just working through it, and I am really trying to not be critical or 'nag' about the food stuff. I know he will come through it, but is hard to see him so down. At least last night he acknowledged that he has put on more weight recently, but he is still not motivated to try and lose any at the moment. I know he needs to come to that decision on his own.
Thanks ready2B for your reply - we have had heart to hearts and he always acknowledges that he knows he is at a huge health risk. It is such a vicious circle with depression and food addiction. He is also the 'cook', as I work full time, so it makes it hard when he prepares nice food and I don't want to upset or offend him by not eating it. gosh.......... an emotional roller coaster.....
Anywho..... thanks for reading.

Summer,
What a honest share! Thanks so much. Hang in there! I so completely identify with it. I remember being happy too.. but it is kind of like a cloud in the past. I have come to a point where I literally have to force myself to exit the house, and I often cannot do it. today my adorable furry boys need food, so I MUST get out for that. I know I isolate. I guess I just feel more comfortable in my own company. I know i am off the scale on the Meyers Briggs for introvert-ism, but I kinda don't think hiding under the blankets is quite what it means. Just know that I appreciated your share, because somehow it helps to know that we are both working on it together. Summer feel free to IM me here. So happy you have a supportive husband and kids.
My boss just told me about a free counseling program that I can participate in, so there's that great news. Summer, maybe going back to counseling will be very helpful. Do you have any offered through your work/husband's work?? When I had my excellent medical coverage, mental health was NOT covered, which made me sad. Really pleased to hear about this free coverage that's just a perk I didn't know my company had (and I am part time)! I think counseling can help everyone. I know I am going to call about it on Monday.
I appreciate also the helpful advice you were given, and I will read that over a few times. Great support here, guys!
Hang in there, Summer!!!
in support,
triss

Thank you Me and my husband are looking at other options, He is paying over $630 a month for family coverage and it's just me now that it's covering so I am looking at other insurance companies that have major medical, it's just all so overwhelming. But in the meantime, I'm just going to try to do better in the gym and with my food intake, that's all I can do. Not gonna beat myself up right now.
And thanks Ann, I won't give up!

Well, I'm obviously not basing my decision solely on the Newsweek article, which I haven't even read, honestly. I'm basing my decision on a number of factors, including the couple hundred people on this web site that have had nothing but positive things to say about their experiences with my surgeon and his clinic. Those posts and reviews I actually HAVE read every single word of.
Not to mention the fact that I have traveled for surgery in the past and had a 100% positive experience. So I know first-hand that it's possible for "foreigners" to meet and exceed the level of care we would receive in the US. I know for a fact that had I had my previous surgery in the US, I wouldn't have received anything near the level of care I received in Mexico. I had 24/7 personal nursing care for two full weeks. People having that same surgery here in the US would have been sent home the second or third day to completely fend for themselves.

Consider the 5:2 intermittent fasting diet if you do decide to go back to dieting? I altered it to be 4:3 for myself but I've found that intermittent fasting diets are much easier to tolerate than 7 days a week depriving. I had plateaued for 3 months and now have lost 15 lbs in 2.5 months with the IF method.

Hi I agree with the above statements you will see after the surgery your entire attitude changes, go to the gym and get a gym memberships, you will meet like minded people there and I can tell you I am so outgoing now that people at my job are calling me Ms. Skinny and a diva my attitude is positive , I am leaving my home and going to the gym 5 times a week. Who would have ever thought that I would look forward to the gym and swimming again. I am smiling more and it has only been 3 months. I catch my self smiling and feeling entirely happy all the time. My self esteem is a thousand time more positive then ever before. I even ran into a old friend at the gym and they said wow you look great and sexy. Wow and these were from people who barely noticed me. This is a new life changing experience and you will see you are finally living the life you were suppose to live. Good luck my friend and keep us posted on your progress.