ValJean

Thank you for the kind words—you have no idea how much I needed them right now. You gave me a boost after a few very dark days. Thank you. Moving forward, slowly but surely. ❤️

This morning I went into surgery for lapband removal /revision to RnY. When I woke up I learned that, due to the severity of the scar tissue and the time and efforts required to remove it, my surgeon decided it was not safe to complete.

I’m receiving amazing care from my nursing team and, while I’m in a bit of shock over the fact that my vision of life ahead is derailed, I am incredibly grateful to have the band out of my body. My hope is that the years of pain and complications I’ve experienced are now over. Whether I can/will proceed with RnY at a later date is yet to be determined. For now, pain meds, clear liquids, and sleep are absolute gifts.

Lots of gentle hugs! Keep a positive outlook and don't let this get you down. It's a pothole in the road, and you can weather this! Rest and heal.

Hi everyone.In 2015 I weighed 380 pounds and I’m 5’5.I was in constant pain from my feet,I had sciatica,and sleep apnea.I couldn’t play with my son or run if there was an emergency.That little guy made something come alive in me and I knew I wanted to live!I had surgery January 2016,and the day of surgery I weighed 340 pounds after losing 40 pounds in 2 weeks on my liquid diet.Fast forward 9 months later I had dropped a massive 225 pounds!My gastric team showed me the metric and they said they have never had a patient drop weight that fast,they actually said I was too small!? My ENTIRE life I had waited to hear that!My nickname is no longer big George!My gastric team also said I would feel hunger again after about a year to a year and a half.In a weird twist I’m almost 3 years out and have NO hunger!It’s strange I can go the entire day and night without eating.I actually have to look at the clock so I remember to eat?I feel amazing and I can shop for clothes anywhere!You might be asking are those the same size 54 jeans that you were wearing when you were big.My answer would be yes I saved them just for that pic!Keep pushing and never give up!

The first two days I didn't say it, but mentally I wont even lie, I was regretting my decision.
I was in a lot of pain the first two days. I maxed out every medication I could take. Usually I have a very high tolerance for pain - except when it comes to stomach issues. I've never dealt with stomach issues very well. I found it difficult to watch or listen to the TV and I didn't want to move from the bed. I was kept an extra night because of it.
I was walking in short bursts, but realized that walking was the best thing for me. I know they tell you that but at the time it kinda feels like they are pushing you to start exercising when you feel like you're not in the state of mind to do it. I was WRONG.
Walking was the best medicine. Once I got up and moved around, i started feeling better. I made several laps around my floor at the hospital every hour the last day I was there. The walking helped get rid of the air, which is honestly the worst part of it all and seems to cause the most discomfort. If I had forced myself to start walking sooner I may have been home a day earlier.
My point is, listen to them when they say it helps. It does, I promise. The difference in the way I feel is night and day. Its amazing!
I'm home now, trying to get on a routine so things feel more normal. I am taking my heparin injections and medications and then walking. It seems to help them go down and work faster. I am able to eat a whole Popsicle and I am able to tolerate jello and liquids beautifully. I am on the up and up and I am feeling better by the hour. I am so grateful I was able to get this done. I was 312 on Friday morning when they weighed me pre-op. I am now at 307, 4 days later. I'm looking forward to a new life of "firsts".

My mother did (With the sleeve) but I have to say my mother is the strongest lady I know (Of course, I'm biased). She was in her 60's when she had it done, and had almost no help. I wanted to help, but I live on the other side of the country. My mother has an extreme tolerance for pain - she slipped on ice, fell, tore her entire abdomen, then became septic. She went through a lot and personally, being ~2 weeks post-op, I would say it is almost impossible, but my mother showed me where there is a will, there is a way.
So I suppose if you were going to do it, I would suggest several things based on what I'm dealing with now, and what my mom went through:
Get yourself a lot of stretchy clothes. I would say at least 2 weeks worth, because it is painful to bend over to do laundry. Same thing with groceries, keep them all high on the counter. Get yourself a grabber tool from harbor freight as well as a cane. I would buy a bunch of disposable cups and put a day's worth of meds in each one before hand, so you don't have to stand up in the kitchen portioning them out. Make sure you have a lot of bed linens ready, or even put several layers on your bed so that instead of doing the laundry, you could peel off a layer. I'd make sure you have a lot of pillows easy to get to by your bed, and in your favorite chair in the living room. I'd recommend to clear off nightstands and end tables so that you can use them as soon as you get home without cleaning. Of course, get yourself some books, a kindle, laptop, movies (etc) for entertainment. Have your telephone or cell phone charger near your bed/chair so you can easily switch between the 2 locations.
My doctor wants me measuring urine, so make sure you can easily do so in your bathroom. Consider putting a chair in shower and if you don't have a tall toilet seat, then get a "booster" with handles.
These are all things that a second caregiver would handle for you, so I'd prep as much as you can to get you to the 2-week mark. I'm at the point where I could probably handle everything by myself if I needed to.
I hope this helps!

Feeling pretty good with the differences in these photos. Literally the same outfit! Still a long way to go though. Started at 340lbs & currently 261lbs
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