Nikki Monroe

This my big incision from my lap band surgery 3 years ago. It was 3 inches across. I had two others that were less thank an inch, but I can't even find them anymore. If my sleeve scars end up looking the same 3 years from my upcoming revision, I'll be happy????

I took way too much. I was there 2 nights. Has x strips and chopstick was all I needed. Was so out of it most of the time I didn't even use my phone that much

Tooth brush and tooth paste all the dry mouth it really helped me

I plan to take gas x, Chapstick, socks, a couple changes of undies (this will be my 6th abdominal surgery and I've found that sneezing/coughing don't always end favorably when my belly is sore), toothbrush/toothpaste/mouthwash, and my kindle.

Loose clothes and chapstick

Honestly toothbrush / paste, you're own comfy gown, underwear your phone and a charger. Hairbrush optional lol

All I'm planning on taking is a loose-fitting dress (going there and back), toothbrush & toothpaste, Blistex (the blue round one is the one I like), favorite pillow and my phone and charger.

I plan to take phone charger ,gas x strips and blistex , and toothpaste/brush and change of underwear.

Only thing of my own that I used was my Eos (Chapstick) and a loose gown and slippers I wore home. Didn't even wear undies as I didn't want a band stretching Across my tummy. never used my phone- slept too much or didn't feel like being on it. If they won't let you eat ice chips, you can at least swish one around in your mouth and spit iT out.... Was my saving grace with the HORRIBLE cotton mouth I had. I wasn't allowed any drink for 24 hrs. Until my barium drink to cheCk for leaks. Best wishes!

I needed nothing! Lips were fine, Chapstick went unopened. Hospital pillow was fine. Wore home same clothes I arrived in. Too sleepy to read or text or talk so didn't need magazines, books, phone or charger. I was only there 28 hours.
However, a tranquilizing gun to use on my drama queen roommate might have come in handy! Lol.

A real pillow. Chapstick. Gas X strips. My 6' iPhone cord. Trashy magazines. Of all the stuff I packed, that's what I actually used.

Loose fitting clothes (as in sweats or shorts) , and pretty much things you would take on any overnight trip.

Surgeons have been doing total and partial gastrectomies on cancer and ulcer patients for well over a hundred years. With proper Vitamin supplementation and diet, there is no reason a complication-free VSG would shorten your life. But obesity-related comorbidities certainly could.

bottom pic is 10 months post op. You really can't see them. I'm happy with my surgeon for being so careful. Even through all the tiger stripes. 5# to goal!! Cw 137

I had my surgery in Columbia at University of Missouri hospital. I had the option of choosing Dr. Scott. or Roger De La Torre. Although Dr. Scott is a reputable bariatric surgeon, I went with Dr. De La Torre because he had more experience with performing sleeve surgeries.

There is such a thing as a laparoscopic single incision sleeve procedure. It's a two inch incision right above your belly button and they insert this "spider" framework that allows the surgeon to prop up your abdominal contents so he can get to your stomach. I believe it depends on how big you are in the belly area and if you're a lower BMI. Google it. There's a video from The Doctors talk show explaining and showing the procedure. I chose to not have it because I was warned the overall abdominal soreness is greater because of how this spider thing stretches your belly. My five little incisions are hardly noticeable and I'm only 9 days post op.

Hi Nikki - I'm not familiar with him, but I have seen the name a few times during my time in this board. The search function on this site isn't the most user friendly.
I can vouch for a very positive experience with the office of Dr. Christopher Eagon at Wash U./BJC. Hopefully your Dr has some patient support groups you can attend - that might be a source of good info.

Here are mine, sorry it's the best picture I have the one on the left is the week after surgery and the one on the right is this week. 8 months. It's pretty much faded, as you can see a couple scars is the least of my stomachs problems! I also had 3 c sections.

@@Elode those healed really well!

@@no onions Pretty good. Not that I go around showing my stomach so not an issue

I am 3wks out. Haven't used anything for scars yet.
Btw I have 2 more that I couldn't get in the shot. These are my biggest incisions.

nine days post op.

12 months post-op. I have 4 scars - one of the "most visible" in this photo is actually a birth mark! I can't wait to get a Tummy Tuck to remove these signs of WLS!

I didn't take pictures before but they were raised, red and lumpy. I'm Black and tend to keloid. I used scarfade gel initially. I've used it on scars I had on my face from shingles and knew it worked really well for me. That flattened them and helped reduce the redness. When I ran out I was using bio-oil . This helped fade them a bit. You can still see one or two ,but most are unnoticeable.

It finally happened! I am about six hours post-op and I can't tell you how relieved I am to be here. I am not much for posting things, I normally just read and find helpful tips, advice, and information but I felt this was cause to break out of my little shell a bit!
I was so worried about how I would feel post-op. My pain tolerance is pretty low. But I have to say I feel pretty good. Really my only "complaint" is being tired.
As much as I enjoyed eating whatever I wanted whenever I wanted, I get the feeling I am going to enjoy being healthy and slimmer even more.
And thank you, to all of you for all the info you've posted over the years. You have all been a great resource for me and reading about your experiences has been a huge help!