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It's better now....I'm guessing it's scar tissue healing. No issues with eating and BMs...all good there.

I've had a fairly easy recovery, however, three weeks post-op, I'm having pain at the lower left abdomen. Anyone else experience this?

Hi All,

VGS is a tool.....not a cure. Most long-term morbid obesity sufferers who have failed to lose and/or maintain weight-loss have emotional eating disorders. Most people who have VGS that do not address the emotional issues are much more likely to fail at weight loss and improving their health. Reading the research and spending a lot of time reading the accounts of others makes this very apparent. Finding a good therapist with a background in eating disorders is the best path to take to assure your long-term success. I'm working with one now.

I've come across some materials that can be very helpful. In fact, these are materials that can be used as a self-help but are often used in therapy. They are very brief workbook-like modules that must be worked through in order. It is best to take a module a week and fully absorb it....without jumping/peeking ahead to other modules.

Here is the material for eating disorders: https://www.cci.health.wa.gov.au/Resources/Looking-After-Yourself/Disordered-Eating

Here is similar material for other issues such as anxiety, depression, and self-compassion: https://www.cci.health.wa.gov.au/Resources/Looking-After-Yourself/

I know that antibiotics can be difficult on the stomach lining. I'm wondering for those who are sleeved has this ever been a problem when they've had issues such as respiratory infections, flu, or other surgeries that require antibiotics?

Hey Folks,

I made it through surgery well yesterday. No issues whatsoever. I feel OK....just sore and a lot of discomfort when moving.... and I finally feel some gas coming on. The surgeon said everything went very well and the 22lbs I lost in the 2-week pre-diet was a big help. Right now I'm sipping Bone Broth with added GENEPRO Protein Powder (good stuff). Overall, on the day after surgery, I feel a little better than I expected.
I look forward to pureed foods on Friday. (Yes, my surgeons move to pureed foods on day 3-4 post-op) A week ago, I filled ~25 - 3oz containers with tasty pureed chicken, pork, bison, egg/avocado, and tuna....and then froze them...ready to warm. But now my focus is sip, sip, sip, walk, nap, sip, sip, sip, walk, nap. (not necessarily in that order 🙂

So far, all is well!

After 12+ years of looking into WLS, 3 different seminars and 100s of hours of blogs, forums, YouTube, and research papers....the time has come. Also after 20 years of a BMI of 40+, 3 comorbidities and a dozen diets (3 of them medically supervised), advice for my PCP, and now worn out knees....tomorrow is the day.
I'm a bit frightened but hopeful for a common, text-book surgery and recovery.

I should be home Wednesday night...and I'll provide an update.
Thank you all for your support!

Does anyone know how long one must wait to have knee replacement surgery after a VSG?

Yes, from eating or drinking to quickly. Chew, chew, chew. It's called Toad Froth.

Hi All,

I've been considering and researching obesity and WLS for over a decade. After 15 years of a BMI 40+, numerous diets, and three comorbidities later, I'm taking action.

I'm scheduled for 11/12 and have been on the pre-op diet for 3 days.

I've decided to follow other members who have surgery the week before me so I can keep in touch with others slightly ahead of me, so I can have a view of where I might be as I progress.

Prayers and best wished to all!

Often I hear about folks who had "buyers remorse" for a short time after surgery.

If you experienced this....

When did it start, and how long did it last?

Any advice for others if they start to experience this?

Thanks!

No! They might explode! 😉

Hello,

Do you have any tips for those in their first few weeks post op that will help them to get in all their Protein and Water requirements? (tips to make it easier)

Thanks!

9 hours ago, paddyski said:

I think that one was just a post, but welcome and good luck with your journey, what is your date? I am November 6th and on my 2nd day of pre op.

Hi, My date is 11/12....starting pre-op in 4 days.

Hi All, Is "November Sleevers" an actual group to join up to? Or, is it simply a post?

My goals are a speedy recovery....hoping to feel good (with exception of incision pain) by 1-week post-op. Also hoping for no serious short or long-term complications.

It's better than 80% likely that these goals come to be....if I follow the program 100%.

If the above all goes well....it's guaranteed I will lose a great deal of weight and be much healthier.

All very wise points. Thank you for sharing this with others.

#3 and #4 should be carved in stone!

For those VGSers who have had little or no hair loss and are at least 6 months post-op.......

1. How was your Protein intake and hydration during your 1-month post-op period? Did you reach or surpass protein and Water intake goals?

2. Did you take bariatric Vitamins and supplements? Which supplements?

Thanks!

@josephsmom:

I've heard that our hair grows in 3-6 month cycles, so if someone is currently losing hair, it's likely that their nutrition several months back may be a contributing factor. For VSG patients, they often struggle with Protein, hydration, and overall nutrition in the beginning 4-5 weeks until they begin solid food. So, during that first month or so, the body slows the growth of hair and nails to conserve nutrition for more vital body functions. In effect, your hair has a "bad" cycle. That's why it's temporary.

If your nutrition is good now, I'd suggest using a product like Rogaine for women and caffeine Shampoo to stimulate the new growth. Also, don't stress about it! 😊 Stress is not only bad for hair regrowth....but it's bad for everything else too! In a few months, you'll see your hair, health, and figure vastly improved!

I've had a BMI between 40 and 45 for ~20yrs. A lot of obesity in my family. I've tried a number of diets and medically supervised weight loss programs. Only to lose weight and gain more back. I have very high blood pressure and cholesterol (on meds), I've developed pulmonary hypertension, a heart murmur, I have a bad back, and the Ortho just told me I will need total knee replacement very soon. I've researched WLS for over 10 years and have been to seminars with 3 different bariatric centers. I'm over 50 and I decided it's long been time.

Because I have some dysfunctional, rude and shallow people in my family, I've elected to tell no one but my wife about WLS. I really don't want people to think about WLS everytime they see me. I don't want the questions. And most of all, for their own sake, I don't want to give them a chance to say something ignorant. Just the thought of it makes my blood boil.

So, if you have unsuccessfully tried to lose weight a number of times, medically qualify for WLS, and have done your homework on WLS, you have the right and obligation to improve and even save your life.

The full conclusion of the study provided is.... "A low-carbohydrate diet based on animal sources was associated with higher all-cause mortality in both men and women, whereas a vegetable-based low-carbohydrate diet was associated with lower all-cause and cardiovascular disease mortality rates."

Another fact is that different people have different levels of "carb-sensitivity" based on their own physiology.

The only helpful take away from this research/discussion, for bariatric patients, is to make a continual effort to replace animal Proteins with vegetable proteins in their diets. Healthy, non-processed carbs should be added carefully, over time, as your healthy BMI allows.

@josephsmom

Hi,

Can you give me an idea of your nutrition during the 1st-month post-op?

How did you do on getting in your all the required Protein and Water? What Vitamins and other supplements did you take during 1st-month post-op?

Thanks!!

@FluffyChix We do pureed foods for 2 weeks, then soft/moist foods for 1 week, then beginning solid food in week 4. Seems a bit aggressive to me compared to what I've read, but again, these surgeons are very experienced and highly rated.

The bariatric center I go to has VSG patients start on pureed food on day 3. I know it's uncommon, but there are others that do this also. They tend to believe recovery comes faster this way. Note: My bariatric center and the team of surgeons are highly rated and certified by BCBS (Distinction) and MBSAQIP. They've performed 1,000+ VSGs.

Anyone else start pureed foods during week 1?

Hi Sau, We are nearly the same stats with age and weight. My surgery is currently scheduled for 6/26/18. Hopefully I am feeling well by day 7 post-op as well. I'd like to return back to my office job on day 8 post-op.

Has anyone ever had mild to moderate acid reflux that was actually resolved after VGS?

Thanks all!

My doc does have a monthly meetup for his post-op patients. Hopefully, I can find long-time sleevers there.....as they can better help keep the experience in perspective.