Once Upon a Sleeve

I know this is originally a very old thread, but I looked up the fundoplication surgery a previous poster mentioned in 2012. It looks like there is a newer method of fundoplication that strengthens the valve with a string of titanium beads that might be possible for WLS patients (the original method of drawing up the stomach to the esophagus would be challenging since there isn't much stomach to draw up.) According to this 2015 article, it's FDA approved, but many insurers were not covering it at the time. http://www.startribune.com/device-for-acid-reflux-approved-by-fda-but-not-by-insurers/303946711/

From everything I’ve read, going back to work too early means you risk popping a staple and causing a leak. Having a leak could a week or more in the hospital. So even if you don’t have any sort of sick leave, going back early against doctor’s orders is a calculated risk. If you do, and you end up hurting yourself on the job, I think both Workers Comp and Disability could use your decision against you if you apply for benefits. Of course, if you don’t get benefits, then it’s a different analysis.

It looks like your plan specifically excludes bariatric surgery, so you could see this doctor for general surgery and be in-network, but not bari.

Thank you! My surgeon and sleep doc conferred and are okay with me not using the CPAP. The sleep doc said most likely I won't need it in a few months post-op since my apnea is obstructive. Fingers crossed!!

Single serve powdered protein shakes are the easiest option. You can either take the powder in prepackaged sachets and shake in a blender cup or buy it in single serve sealed bottles of powder that you open, add water, replace lid, and shake. You can get the water from the flight attendant or buy it at the gate. But most likely you won't be able to get premixed liquid protein shakes on the plane.

For several of the "moderate thrill" family rides without loops or high speeds, I think you would be able to go on, just you might be more comfortable riding alone (for example, there is a spinning ride where one person ends up squishing the other person during the ride, and there is a roller coaster ride that just goes up/down - Gold Rusher, I think - where you'd be good riding solo). For the "high thrill" rides, I would be more wary. I'm 5'0' 202, and I was concerned my shoulder harness didn't go in as far as other riders on a thrill ridr. On one ride, the kid working the ride pushed REALLY hard to get the harness to go down another click. I was fine with it since I'd rather be strapped in tightly for an upside down ride, but it was a bit awkward. One of their rides has a 6'4" height limit, so I suspect there are unpublished weight limits as well. Better to call and check. That said, I would be wary based on how Six Flags denied liability when a woman fell out of one it its rides and was essentially bisected. http://www.dreamindemon.com/2013/11/12/flags-sued-rosa-esparza-woman-killed-fall-texas-giant-roller-coaster/ I also found this case of a morbidly obese man who fell out of a ride and successfully sued Six Flags. I would guess that since then, Six Flags has put in better policies, but who knows. https://www.jehovahs-witness.com/topic/72475/six-flags-shouldnt-have-let-morbidly-obese-man-on-roller-coaster And this LAT article about people who were too large for the seats. http://www.latimes.com/travel/themeparks/la-tr-theme-parks-big-riders-20160511-story.html

I know leaks are rare with VSG. I've read some mixed data on whether use of a CPAP machine increases the likelihood of leaks. Good oxygen flow increases healing, but the added air pressure might affect staple line strength. My apnea is low (13.1) and in all honestly, I don't use my CPAP at home because it bothers me and I take it off within an hour of falling asleep every night. So if there is even a small chance that the CPAP will increase the likelihood of a leak, I'd rather skip the CPAP. I am emailing my sleep apnea doctor to see if he will clear me for surgery without the CPAP. In my non-medical professional mind, since I will be monitored by an anesthesiologist at all times during surgery, and since they can give me oxygen to maintain my O2 levels, I my feeling is the risk of complications from not using my CPAP are lower than the risk of a staple line leak. I'd appreciate hearing from post-op sleevers who have been in a similar situation. Did you use a CPAP in the hospital? Did you have a staple line leak? Did your surgeon think the two were related? Were you allowed to not use the CPAP if you had mild apnea? Thanks in advance!!!

This is Day 3 of my low-carb pre-op liquid diet. I'm getting plenty of liquids and appropriate amounts of protein, but my body feels like it's falling apart! Last night, I had severe tooth pain (I haven't had a toothache in years). Then this morning the tooth pain was better, but I have been having shooting shoulder and wrist pain all day. I imagine this is what arthritis feels like, but it seems odd this came on right as I went into ketosis. Has anyone else had this issue?

Have your height checked again. We shrink as we age. Measuring 1-2 inches shorter could put your BMI within range. Drinking water before a weigh in helps. Some of my records had me at 5’2” and others at 5”. I put 5” on the form at the surgeon’s office and for all pre op tests. I ended up gaining 3 pounds after I was approved for surgery, but my dietician put “declined to be weighed” on my file for insurance purposes.

I'm a SAHM living in the Richmond district of San Francisco. My surgery through UCSF is scheduled Nov 16. I have about 75 lbs to lose. Would love to meet some sleeve buddies online or in real life.

There is a Canadian bariatric product called Protidiet. The Pink Lemonade flavor is pretty tasty. 2g carbs (1g fiber, 1g sugar) and 15g protien per 1.5 scoops. Tastes like Crystal Light. Their hot chocolate, chocolate shake, and cream of chicken soup are all tasty. I'm not a huge fan of the other flavors. Be aware it's a pre-digested protien, so you need to drink it immediately after mixing it. If you leave it for 45 minutes, it starts smelling odd.

My surgeon said 2 to 4 oz of magnesium citrate liquid is a reasonable option for post-op constipation. You can buy it at CVS/Walgreens for about $1.50 for an 8 oz bottle.