samuelsmom

I have no idea why this would be a part of the surgery and I think you are definitely wise to call and ask the surgeon.

Do you really feel like you don't need the surgery? You are almost done with the requirements. Clearly some part of you does think you need it! Surgery is scary. Arm yourself with facts and try to keep emotion out of it. The last thing on the planet I wanted was surgery, however, I didn't want to die young or be disabled so I did it. Clearly only you can make this decision. Good Luck!

The best thing to get are facts. Nausea is common after surgery, however, it is usually short lived (unfortunately, not always). Leaks are rare- the range is about 2-5% depending on what article you are reading. Death is a possibility with any surgery, however the sleeve has about the same mortality as gallbladder surgery. Considering that the clients are all obese and many have serious health concerns, this is a very safe surgery. My recommendations which are based on my experience as an RN: 1) Ask how many procedures your surgeon has done. This is a technical surgery, you don't want a newbie 2) Ask about their mortality and complication rates. They should be open about this. ' 3) Look at the Healthgrades of the hospital. This is found at http://www.healthgrades.com 4) Find out how they manage their surgery cases. For example- one reason I picked my surgery team is because they give nausea medication IV around the clock until the IV comes out, they aggressively hydrate, they don't use catheters in the OR, the hospital has all private rooms, and you have the IV pain medication that you control with the button right after surgery. 5) Look at the intangibles. Does the surgeon seem excited and interested in his or her work? What vibe do you get from the office staff? Clearly this is not as important, but it is a factor. 6) Include your husband or significant other as much as possible. The more support you have the better. Good Luck to you in whatever you choose! PS: I too have had 2 c-sections and my gall bladder removed. I am a lot older than you also. Fortunately, the surgery was by far the easiest procedure I have ever had!

If anyone in or even near my house had pizza during my pre-op diet, homicide might have been an issue! Congratulations on staying strong! You can do this.

My surgeons were recently asked that question. they said if it was a small pill or capsule it should go down ok, and to call if you are not sure.

I feel very fortunate. My surgeon has everyone on round the clock IV anti-nausea meds so I never experienced any of that. My surgery was at 3:30 in the afternoon and I was discharged around 4PM the next day.

Just saw a PA thread! I live in York,PA and had my surgery at Lancaster General Hospital, about an 1 1/2 west of Philly. I have to say the surgical team was great as well as the hospital. I appreciated that they don't use catheters any more and get you up and walking quickly!

This is exciting. Gearing up for the next challenge!

Call the insurance company yourself. The Sleeve is an accepted weight loss procedure. Chances are they will ok it soon. If not, write a (nice) letter of complaint to the insurance company and to your employer. Good Luck!

One thing I notice about most posters that write they aren't sticking to their plan, is that they haven't taken ownership of it and realize it is THEIR plan, meaning, yeah the doctor wants you on it to lower the fat in your liver, but you have chose to take this road, their plan is now YOUR plan. You have decided to do this, so as the NIKE slogan, "Just Do It!" I have mixed feelings on this. My surgeon had a 1 week liquid diet for everyone pre-op. I can honestly say I didn't "cheat" once. However, I am not sure that I would have followed one of the plans that was 2, 3, or even 4 weeks. After doing my own research (and with my normal lab values), I was willing to do the one week. There does not seem to be any medical indication for a longer liquid diet for everyone and some surgeons don't do a liquid diet at all and just stress lean Protein. Some people will say that if you don't agree you can see another surgeon, but that is not really realistic. After going through the whole program why would someone switch because they disagree with the pre-op diet? So, my advice (based on my opinion)? If the pre-op phase seems excessive, then ask the physician why and ask them to relate it specifically to your medical condition. There may be bonafide reasons but you won't know if you don't ask. Second, do the best you can and get back on track if you fail. Third, for the two days before surgery, use duct tape if you have to, but follow the plan exactly! Good Luck!

This challenge really help me focus. Thanks! 232lbs

My big goal is to get to the one hundreds. After that, my goal, also at 5'5," around 150-175. Since I have a ways to go I'll wait until I am closer to set a firm goal.

I have also had this. Getting back to basics really helps. The liquid goals, Protein, etc. Also, don't keep snack food in the house. Then you won't be tempted when you are feeling "weak." Good Luck!

Day of surgery is not counted, so it sounds like you are 2 days post-op. Not only walk, but walk frequently. In the hospital I was the last case and did not get to my room until around 6 pm. I walked at 10p, 2a, and 6a. Then I walked every hour starting at 8am until discharge. I think it is one of the reasons my recovery has been uneventful. In the recovery room, the gas pain was so severe that I remember waking up crying out loud. So, keep walking! Glad you're on this side of surgery and good luck on your recovery.

Good luck to you! I can tell you now that insurance approval is way easier than it was in 2003. I'm glad you're going to a seminar and getting started with the process.

I would suggest calling the office and asking why. There may be a specific reason why you have to wait so long. My practice usually clears everyone at the 2 week checkup. Although I could, I really didn't feel like doing anything more until about 6 weeks.

Great Questions. Here's my perspective: 1. IS the sleeve the best way to go...Or is the band the better way to go. I want to lose 100 lbs. I agree that only you can make this decision, however, I can tell you why I chose the sleeve. My main reason was the documented safety of the procedure (it's just as safe as having a gall bladder removed) and the once and done nature of the procedure. Having a port freaked me out and then dealing with periodic fills just wasn't for me. Finally, the biggest reason was that there are a lot of people who have to have the band removed resulting in yet another surgery. 2. I was thinking about going to Tijuana Mexico and getting it done because it's the cheapest option...Is this a good place to go? I can't afford a 30 k surgery at all. I have no personal experience with this, however, there are a lot of people on this site who do! If you have insurance- many are now covering the procedure so you may want to check with them first. 3. I hear so many people talk about diet for the rest of your life....If that's the case...and you are dieting...why get the surgery? If Diet will work and you'll be dieting anyway...i'm confused about this aspect of it all. I think perhaps ""dieting" is a poor choice of words. It is more of a lifestyle change. For many here, including me, losing weight was not really the problem. I like to say that I have lost the equivalent of a small village! Unfortunately, keeping the weight off is a different story. The sleeve is a wonderful tool and helps us be successful. About fear of surgery: I am personally surgery averse and would never recommend unnecessary surgery to anyone. However, obesity does terrible things to people and shortens their lives. I remember feeling like I was losing my "life force." I don't know how else to say it. But I remember coming to the realization that my life would end badly and I really didn't want that. Going for good health helped me overcome my aversion to surgery. 3 months out fro surgery and down 67 lbs I am very glad I made that choice. Good Luck to you on your journey. It's not easy and there will be difficulties but it is worth it.

Keep your chin up and hang in there. Drink lots of Water. Time it so that there will not be more than a few hours before meals. I did Protein shakes for Breakfast lunch and dinner and greek yogurt for Snacks. Not the most exciting but after the first day I wasn't hungry. You can do this!

On your insurance card there should be a customer service number to call. You can call and ask. Also, most surgeon's offices are good about getting the insurance information and will help you with that.

Good Luck!

Thankfully walking and time will cure the gas pains. I have seen many posters on here with the same taste buds sensitivities which thankfully does improve. It amazes me the variety of experiences we all have. My taste buds have not changed at all (12 weeks post-op) and the hunger which leaves most people for months and months was back within a few weeks. I wanted to call my Congressman and complain!

I recommend you buy single bottles of Protein shakes before buying a case. You don't want to be stuck with something you hate. Many people like the Premier Protein Shakes. I was not a fan. I prefer the GNC lean shakes (strawberry flavor).

I'm sorry this happened to you. I have no use for health care providers who are mean. I don't pay people to be mean to me. I pay them to do their jobs in an honest and professional way. Did she at least evaluate the weight gain in light of your medical history or take time to really study your food diary and evaluate it seriously?

Incentive spirometers are great devices. While the anesthesia should be out of your system by now, continuing the use the incentive should not hurt you. Make sure you are doing it correctly: Sit up, make a seal with your mouth around the mouth piece and breathe in slowly, which raises the balls up- try to hold your breath to keep the balls up at least a few seconds and then exhale normally. Wait at least a few seconds between each breath. Repeat 10 times. For any pre-oppers who may read this: be sure to get an incentive spirometer. The nurse should offer it, however, if she does not, ask for it. Every hospital has one. Bariatric patients are especially at risk for lung complications after surgery. @@boosh10 Probably would be a good idea to call the doctor's office and let them know what is going on.

I applaud you for wanting to be careful with food consumption pre-op. I personally went to restaurants pre-op until starting the liquid diet and within 4 weeks post-op. What worked for me was sticking with restaurants that post their menus and nutrition. I go online, review the nutritional information and decide whatI want before I get to the restaurant. this has made going out a pleasure. My husband and I were both concerned because going out is an activity we both really enjoy. I don't know about you but sitting at home eating cottage cheese does not excite me! Good Luck on your journey!