mtravel10

Thinner Peace,
When were you sleeved? I was told that when I am fully healed and all the swelling is gone my sleeve will be 8-10oz. No offense meant, your NUT is probably a great resource for knowing how to nourish your body properly with the restriction given, but he is wrong about stretching your sleeve by using a straw.
liquids are not affected by our restriction, and unless you found a way to suck a turkey through a straw, there is simply no way for a straw to cause your sleeve to stretch. Secondly you have to understand that your sleeve is not made out of the stretchy portion of the stomach like the pouch of an RNY patients is (this is where I think your NUTs misunderstanding is) instead it is the muscular portion of the stomach, not easy to stretch at all, yes, it can be done, but it takes a ton of abuse for this to happen.

Those who know me at this site know what I've been through during the whole sleeve process. I've had my share of complications and difficulties and I've also had my share of regrets. But I can honestly say I have overcome all of it. The weight will start dropping and you'll feel better everyday. You'll be able to do things you either never have done or wanted to be able to do again. You will get surprising comments from people, wonderful compliments. Children will even take notice and you know how honest they can be. food will become something for survival and necessity instead of a habit and you will wake up one morning and realize it and things will just change..your eyes will open. You are so early out, it's very difficult to put things into perspective at this time so I would just focus on doing what your supposed to do..fluids, Protein, excercise,,etc..and let the warm fuzzy feelings come with time. I know it's so hard but you made a decision to take charge of your life. It doesn't seem like the perfect thing having the surgery right now but you will be so glad someday soon and all the bad experiences you are having will fade. Although it's so wonderful, it's not just about the cute clothes or the compliments for me. I'm going to be so much healthier and live my life instead of watching others around me live theirs.

I haven't had the surgery yet so I can't tell you all the wonderful things but I can tell you to focus on the reasons why you are doing it. Write them down put them where you can see them and everytime someone tries to discourage you let them words sink in and encourage you. This is your journey your life and no one else's. Your story will be completely different from someone elses cause it's yours. So get to living out your story and enjoy the adventure along the way. The good, the bad, and the in between. Hope this was helpful.
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I work in a hospital and yes there is always a risk any time you go under the knife. But even knowing the risk (and taking care of some patients that have had complications from bariatric surgery) I know that the benefits outweigh the risks. Obesity has such negative impacts on ones health and has been proven to cut short so many lives. I truly think this surgery will help me live a longer and healthier life.
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The complication rate for WLS is less than 2%.....hell, it's more dangerous to have your gall bladder removed! And I guarantee the risk of a life shortening obesity related health problem is WAY more than 2%. It's such a shame that so called professionals are so ignorant.
Yes, this surgery will permanently change your life.....but for the better. I wouldn't trade my tiny tummy for anything. And you will be hard pressed to find more than a handful of people who regret their VSG, even the ones that have had complications.

My surgery is next month and I am also being so selective who I tell. As you say generally the opinions are either not fully informed or based on a person they heard of , know, saw on Facebook once ... and regardless it's not them having it so it's not really up to them to comment. I have been warned of losing friends over losing weight, and don't want the added stigma of negative opinion on this tool I have chosen. Go us! We are willing to take this risk to improve our lives and futures !!
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My VSG surgery is scheduled for September. I've only told my parents and a few of my closest friends.

One of the friends I did tell called me up yesterday because she told her mom and aunt (who are both nurses) and they begged her to talk me out of having the surgery. Since they are nurses they said "there are just so many bad things that come from all of those types of surgeries and the side effects are not worth it. It permanently changes your life for the worse." I guess her aunt works with bariatrics patients on a regular basis but only when they're having complications. When I asked what some of the causes of the complications were, her aunt didn't know because she doesn't have access to that information. I understand that there's a chance for complications and sometimes it's because the patient doesn't follow the process.

I feel like people are so quick to tell me all the reasons I shouldn't have the procedure but have done zero research. I know that this is a life changing tool and not at all the easy way out. Personally I'd rather risk having a complication than the long term risks of obesity.

I guess what I'm looking for is a little bit of a pep talk from fellow WLS patients. Right now it is such a mental mind game and most of it is due to other people's opinions of WLS.

Thank you for reading my rant.


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Seven months out. Down 115 pounds and a gillion inches