Here are my quick stats:
Lap-Band in Monterrey, Mexico in 2003. Over 11 years I lost 100 pounds and gained back 40.
Revision to Gastric Sleeve in Las Vegas August 5, 2014
When I was first researching about a revision surgery and the sleeve, I read about so many complications. I learned a lot about what could happen. For those of you who are debating surgery, here is my success story:
My experience has been great. I have NO REGRETS. I had my revision surgery from the lap-band to a gastric sleeve in one operation. In fact, it was done as an outpatient. I arrived at the hospital at 6am and was on my couch recovering at about 4:30 pm.
Since the first day I was able to drink Water and a ready-made Protein Shake. It was slow drinking, but had no issues. I took my pain medication for 2 days, only because I was scared that if I didn't take them, I would have pain. I didn't. I would say the worst pain I felt on a scale of 1-10 was about a 4. I slept on my side after about 3 nights. I took a shower the day after my surgery and walked a lot. On about day 3 I got the gas pains, but took Gas X and they only were bad for about an hour. I had no problem getting in my 60 grams of Protein - in fact, I usually had 80 grams (2 shakes and one powders? utm_source=BariatricPal&utm_medium=Affiliate&utm_campaign=CommentLink" target="_ad" data-id="1" >unjury chicken Soup broth)
On day 10, my Protein Shakes started to disagree with me - well, my intestines disagreed with them! As soon as I started drinking, I could feel my intestines filling with water and would have to run to the bathroom. TMI I know, but it happened.
14 days after surgery at my 2 week follow up appointment, I told my doc that the protein shakes were giving me issues and his response was to stop drinking them and "let's get you on solid foods." I haven't had one since (almost 2 weeks ago). Since then, I have been eating real food and I feel great! I have mostly had softer foods like deli turkey or eggs but last night I had salmon and it was great.
I feel better today 25 days after surgery than I have felt in the last 2 years. I have lost 25 pounds but it must look like more because everyone I see is asking me if I have lost weight (I don't think I look like I have, but that's another issue.....) I have energy like never before. I sleep better. I feel "normal" when I go out to eat. I sometimes want the junk, but I am able to resist. My stomach has NEVER growled and I don't feel hungry. Sometimes I feel "empty," but I can wait to eat.
I am a boring patient. I LOVE being boring! Anyone else out there proud to be boring?