pumpkin07

I am soooooooooo glad to hear you are better. THANK GOD!!! THe weight loss is secondary to your health. You are doing great! Perhaps it is your eyes. hee hee

Hi there Carrie. Well...honestly you say a lot that you had no choice, and I understood you felt that way b/c the band had to come out. But feeling powerless is a horrible feeling, and it was obvious you were not at peace with your decision and felt pressured - mostly by needing the band out. You felt backed into a corner. Psychologically, you may have unresolved trauma first from the band issues, and now from this situation. It isn't your family's fault as far as I know. As adults we have to make our own decisions in life, but mentally we have to be able to cope with the aftermath without further traumatizing ourselves or our kids. When I had this surgery I totally made my own decision, with my husband's support. I'm far too old to do something so major b/c my husband wanted me to, and I'm sure you feel the same. BUT I did not get really well educated prior to surgery b/c I did it too quickly (I was a self pay). I truly did not know that 80-90% of my stomach was leaving me. Somehow I missed that percentage point. And honestly, I freaked out after surgery (no cops involved). I was not prepared and I guess somehow even though I read a lot I still didn't fully understand what decision I was making. I describe it as a panic! I felt I couldn't eat and I panicked and even tried to eat things I should not eat. A couple times I slimed and once I literally choked trying to eat a cracker with hummus and the hummus was so thick that I wondered if I could breathe to live through it. After that I had to get a grip, b/c the reality was it was DONE. I am a mature woman who has weathered a few storms, I know how to survive. So I just had to cope by calming myself (I call it hunkering down) and taking it moment by moment, day by day. Gradually I did feel better and came to peace with my decision. But I cried a lot the first 2 weeks. I didn't want to get a leak b/c I was not eating right and coping well, because I read about people with leaks and it scared me so much. I couldn't let things get WORSE as I had no death wish. And heh, it did get better and I did stop crying and I did come to peace with my decision to have this surgery. I do not have a lot of regrets at this point. Still, its hard to believe this is for life that I eat small amounts. Sometimes I can eat more than others though. Sometimes I feel so terrific and sometimes not so good. I get more indigestion than I ever used to get even though I don't eat spicy food anymore. Easily cured by prilosec, but still it is annoying. Other than that, not a lot of complaints truly. I think you are getting a lot of support here, and that you should stick it out with us b/c we can help you. But also it seems like you would benefit from some therapy. I do not know you, but it just sounds like Mommy is "not quite right" at the moment. For the benefit of your kids, I hope you will get some assistance in coping with your stress over the surgery. Take care.

I definitely would have bought that.

Hoorah! So happy for you...you'll

In hind sight, sometimes I regret being so honest with people. This is one of those situations you can have a lot of fun with.

YEAH I'm happy for you!!!

I thought it was hard to go and watch my family pig out. But perhaps bring a treat for yourself in case dinner doesn't work out well. Sometimes things were better made from home initially. But then again, it might taste great. If I did not think I could eat there, I'd be full when I went so I didn't feel sad.

I would suggest you read momoftwo's recent story about complications following surgery in Mexico. And others...at least know the risk you are taking. I live in Houston and can recommend doctors if you need a doctor. Bariatric surgeons here in Houston tend to decline helping a patient having complications from a Mexico surgery. This is very serious. I had surgery here, and am actually thankful for that. But even then I didn't know the best doctors. You will learn more about your doctor here or on obesity help website than ever. But you need to google your doctor's name and get the experience of others.

I know someone that did have complications, and his biggest issue was getting a bariatric surgeon at home to see him. That is really important that you do this right away, find the best doctor in your area the fastest you can get to him/her. Time is really of the essence and you really need your surgery looked at by a specialist so they can see what went wrong. I am sure you are scared. Try to go to best doctors, best hospitals - try to focus on that. When things are serious, it is critical to be in the best hands b/c it will make everything so much easier for you.

I don't sneeze, but for the longest I was like WHERE IS MY SLEEVE? B/c my food would quickly settle in my esophagus not in my sleeve. So I kept thinking he operated on my esophagus by mistake. I was quite a ways out of surgery, maybe 2 mos, when I finally ate a small whole meal and it settled immediately, happily in my sleeve instead of on top of it. I guess the top entry to the sleeve was really swollen for a long time. Now food only gets 'stuck' (not really stuck but feels like it) if I eat meat that is too tough or so.

he needs a mouth bypass

Well, could you get the band removed, heal, and then get the VSG later. I don't know you at all, but I would not have a surgery I did not want. If your whole spirit is against this today, then just get the band out and wait until you are ready. If you want it but are just jittery, then pray big time for strength. You have the power here. This is YOUR choice.

My insurance, United Healthcare, excludes weight loss surgery and complications with my husband's employer in Houston, Texas. But I stuck with an American doctor in my hometown for reasons that made sense to me - like in case of complications I wanted to be under the care of a local, respectable, bariatric surgeon specialist. Paid almost 15k and it was worth the peace of mind. I see some are 12k now.

Yeah...me too. I still sample some while cooking, but less than I used to. And then I just eat less for dinner. I don't cook as much as you guys so to me it is not a huge deal. But on a day I cook all day b/c I want to, and cooking things I like a lot, like fried chicken strips, I will graze a little all day long. But then there are days I don't eat enough b/c I'm busier so I guess I figured it all balanced out. Usually when I eat a huge day and add it up it is maybe 900 calories and to me that is fine. But then there are days I eat like 650. Before I probably ate 3-4000 a day so to me it is still no biggie. The main thing is not to eat if you are full. I don't want to stretch my sleeve, although I could tell at 6 mos I jumped to 6 oz or so of food at a time. Seemed like it suddenly happened overnight. But definitely I try not to stretch it out any faster than it will naturally relax on its own. Now that I can eat a little more I really try hard to stay away from breads b/c I could actually eat 2 little corn tortillas with meat now if I tried. YIPES! That is double what I used to eat. So I limit myself to 1 or none and focus on the Protein. Usually I fix 1 taco very small and then fix a little pile of meat with a salsa I like and some veggies like tomato or whatever. One night I did manage to eat 2 pretty big pieces of garlic buttery french toast - real crunchy - it was so good but I felt super guilty. I can tell now I have to govern myself a little bit. But once I'm full, I'm done. I've always kinda been that way unless I was just plain self destructing. Some days I am definitely able to eat more than others. If I'm upset or tense, it is super hard to eat now. Especially if the kids are fighting and my husband is mad at them right at dinnertime. I kinda laugh inside b/c it is like having the tummy of a really delicate tiny woman that would get nervous and said she couldn't eat. But I really can't. I get really ticked when people argue at dinner. It affects/effects me now. haha My husband tells me I'm becoming a small woman "tiny like" he says. I like that. woo hooooooooooooooooo

Well, I'm 6.5 months out and my weight loss slowed to about 5 lbs a month several months ago. I'm so excited I am still losing steadily and have accepted where I'm at. I think what helps me is that I have trust in the sleeve and in nature. If my body is fighting to lose slowly now then I figure it is because I lost so much so fast in the beginning. Also when I do lose now it much more noticeable. My body is shrinking little by little and my husband says I am starting to look like a smaller person. He still sees changes, and the clothes still get bigger. Sometimes I notice clothing changes faster than I see it on the scale. I am really hoping to be at goal in 1 year. But if I'm off by a couple months, oh well. Just the fact that I may actually reach my goal is super exciting.

Try journaling - just sit and write write write or draw a few minutes a day. After a few sessions you may discover what is depressing you. Food is a way many of us cope with stress such as depression. Now it is hard to overeat...so you may feel sad about that...I have been at times. Actually in those times is when I am MOST thankful for my sleeve. But find a new outlet to get those feelings out and dealt with...that is my suggestion. I generally find what is bugging me is right beneath the surface and with a pen it all pours onto the paper...hope that helps.

You do have gorgeous hands, girl. And that ring is beautiful - how great he planned it out so well for you. I am soooo happy. Hoorah

I am so sorry. I hope you have excellent care here in the states and that you will recover fast and well.....may God Bless You and your family

HI there. Well, I did not have the gas pains or redness you are experiencing. It didn't really sound normal to me post op 6 days. You may in deed be having a complication. I'll be praying for you, hoping your appt goes well. Don't let your doctor stick his/her head in the sand. I was very sad and missed my tummy for a few days. I cried and struggled. But the physical part of what you are saying just doesn't sound like something I experienced at all. Stay on top of it and it will get better soon!

I pretty much hate eggs now. I have a hard time digesting them. My husband LOVES them...so I get to still cook them. Scrambled is the worst for me. And I agree on broccoli....it is just hard to digest. When I cook it at home it is better.

Thanks for checking in. I am so happy you are reaching your goals...nice to hear guys have more energy after surgery

I think what starts as a spiritual/emotional problem -of overeating as a way to cope - becomes a physical battle as well as spiritual/emotional because now the stomach is stretched out, you have more hunger hormones surging, and more fatty weight slowing down your metabolism. Same as with many other, if not all, addictions - it starts for one reason and often continues bc the addiction then alters the "normal" state of the physical body. To me this surgery is meant to trim up the tummy so we can have the control needed to repair the physical damage done to our bodies so we can last longer/love longer and get things back to a more normal state. Seems like once a weight issue gets beyond a certain point it becomes more and more difficult to reign in - becomes a disease on a very destructive path. My intention is to live longer, healthier and to be able to care for my family better/longer. Also to help my children gain control of their eating at an earlier age. God gave me a brain to use, and I truly feel I found a logical solution to a physical problem. I think it is a healthy solution as opposed to fasts and pills or remaining overweight. Be gentle with yourself - your heart is good. God understands better than most. You are being assertive to protect your health.

I am so happy for you. I am wondering if the sleeve is more successful long term b/c it won't allow us to overeat and thus we must address these emotional obstacles. I heard a talk show this morning downing the gastric bypass b/c they were saying most people gain back a significant portion of their weight and/or develop other health problems and addictions. They had some long term data, and I was wondering what the long term data will be on us. I think since we can't physically overeat if we'll be so much better....I sure hope so!! I wanted to call in, but I could tell it was a rebroadcast....I was hoping someone would mention the sleeve, but they did not. You are doing great.

I have not had that reaction from family BUT I work with a lot of Christians and some of them NEVER comment on my weight loss unless they do not know I had surgery. If I then tell them I had surgery, many of them just don't say another word like I said I had an abortion or something. It is so weird. So I finally, in my hard headed and very open state, learned to just start saying I am not eating as much these days...

That is soooo great. I always thought I should be a postal worker so I got my walking in...although now they seem to drive more than walk. I mean, pay me to exercise and maybe I'll do it finally.