Beader

Like I said before, I LOVE to know the pros and cons! Thank you so much for all that great information. I have a much better idea of what to expect now thanks to these posts. Initially, you'll have to eat small bites, and chew to mush, but not because of the pouch/stoma combination like what you have with the band. It's simply because of the swelling and trauma your stomach endures after being sleeved. But, it doesn't last forever. I eat normal sized bites and chew like a normal person and have since being about 7-8 months out. I never did the pencil eraser sized bite thing, but I did chew to mush. Digestion begins in the mouth, it prepares the stomach to accept food so it's important to chew well. As for pain post-op, it was minimal, except for the incision where they removed my port. I had a flipped port that had migrated so my port area was full of scar tissue and adhesions. I still have sensitivity in that area even at nearly 29 months post-revision. The gas pains are the same, the sipping post-op is the most often reported side-effect of sleeve surgery regardless if a patient is a revision patient or a virgin sleeve. Food can get stuck if you eat too fast, or don't chew well enough. I've never had a true stuck episode like I did with the band. Personally, I think the band helps us beat the eating curve with the sleeve. The key to sleeve eating is 1) measure your portions by volume 2) chew well 3) do not eat and drink simultaneously 4) and stop looking for this elusive full feeling, undereating your sleeve will give you 2 things a) keep you from overeating keep you within your dietary guideline for calorie/protein/carb intake I do not eat until full or stuffed because it leads to that "one last bite" syndrome and inevitably that one last bite is going to come up. I puked enough with the band so I have zero desire to do it with the sleeve. I did it a couple of times early out. I didn't get a full signal for months, and even then it was and still is a single hiccup. I don't rely on a full signal to tell me to stop eating. Finding satiety is the key for me to stay successful. As time progresses, the sleeve matures to maximum capacity, and your capacity will change so learning to measure food, not eat until full or stuffed has served me very well in maintenance by keeping me from overeating even though I can eat double the amounts I could today from what I could eat at 2-3 months out. There are no foods that I can not eat. Scrambled eggs still sit extremely heavy in my stomach, but poached, deviled, egg salad, hard-boiled eggs all work fine. Pork chops for whatever reason are heavy as well. We quit eating pork products 2 years ago after my husband's last deployment so I don't miss them at all. Best wishes with your revision. Getting rid of the band was the best thing I ever did for myself and my life. I've had an amazing 2 years post-op, and look forward to my future.

I'm absolutely with you all the way on the band issue. I can't wait to have it removed. I went through such an emotional roller coaster when it wasn't working for me month after month paying hundreds of dollars of co pays for nothing as it turns out. It had a leak that was not able to be detected for 3 years. Finally, they believed me and found it. As we speak I have a dull ache in the band area. I hope it's nothing but just knowing I have this thing in me doing nothing kind of freaks me out. Going to the doctor tomorrow for my pre-op appointment so I'm excited to get the ball rolling. I'm scared but still can't wait! Thanks for your information. I'm a detail person so the more information I get the better. I like know the pros and cons of it all. Thanks again! Hello- Congrats on your decision to revise. For me, it was totally worth it. Pain is not really an issue with the sleeve surgery. The drain is the worst of it. I had a residual ache from where the drain was after they took it out. It lasted a couple of weeks, but really only othered me first thing in the morning. I found the recovery with the sleeve much harder. You are very limited in what you can eat / drink because of the trauma to your stomach. Once the first 8 weeks passed, I was much happier. Some people take longer to heal than others. The first several weeks you will eat the smallest little thing and you will have to chew it up to nothing. Also, you will eat 2 bites and be shocked that you can't eat any more. Also, when you eat, it will be a loud, gurgly production. I also found that eating just made me feelweird - as if my body was sending all the blood to my stomach to eat and the rest of me just felt strange. This only lasts a few weeks, but can be a bit discouraging. After the initial shock wears off your body, you start to feel normal again. Personally, this is everything the band promised to be, but was not. It's not always an easy journey because of the emtional issues around food, but it does work. I was so happy to have my band out - the first thing I did after surgery was reach for my port site and smile when there wasn't a chunk of metal under my skin. Also, right before surgery, they unfilled my band. I stood there thinking that this is the LAST TIME someone will stick a giant needle in my stomach - YYAAAYYYYYY!!!!!!!! Good luck--

Thank you so much for your responses. I realize everyone is different but it helps to talk to others with the same situation or close to it. I take in what everyone says and just hope for the best. I think these forums are so great. I look forward to keeping you posted with my success and hearing from you again. Good luck to you too,

Hi Everyone, My surgery is scheduled for November 29th. I'm looking forward to changing my life even though I'm a little scared about the "permanent" part of the surgery. My story is so much like everyone else. It's been about 10 years of being obese and having low self esteem. My marriage is in the tubes, my husband hates me being so fat and I think it has ruined things between us for good but this is something I have to do for myself. I currently have a band which has been leaking and not working for me for quite a while. I have some questions about the conversion surgery and eating habits afterward. One thing I hated about the band was that I had to cut my food into pieces about the size of an eraser, the size of your pinky nail. I couldn't taste any food with that little morsel plus even though I chewed that small amount to death, sometimes my food still got stuck. I prayed I would make the bathroom in time when I was eating out. I was very unhappy with the band and I was wondering if it's the same eating situation with the sleeve? Do things get stuck, do you have to cut your food that small forever, and how was the conversion surgery? Pain, recovery time and is there a lot of vomiting from different eating situations? Also, are there things you can't eat any longer. Thanks so much for any comments. Good luck to all of you Elaine

Hi Newbie! OMG, my surgery is scheduled for Nov. 1st and after reading your post, I'm so excited I can't stand it. 67 lbs is so awesome, I can't figure why you would have any disappointment. That's a little over 2 lbs a week which everyone I spoke to says that's about right. That amount of weight loss in 7 months is just a dream away for me. Don't be so hard on yourself. Be happy you're not in the same place as you were a year ago. I haven't decided whether or not to tell anyone yet. I failed with the band that I had gotten in 2008 (well, it failed me with a leak that they couldn't find for three years) but I'm afraid if I don't do well with the sleeve, I'll look like a total loser with two failed surgeries. Not a good attitude, I know, but reading this makes me sooooooooooooooo hopeful. Thanks so much for your post and keep on keepin' on. As they say, "you've come a long way baby". lol

Hi, I had my surgery on the same day and I have the same thing. I asked my surgeon what the hard lump was and he said it was fat tissue. I thought it was the port but he said it was probably two inches below my skin and the hard lump was fat. I still don't get why it would be so hard but that's what he said. I plan to ask him how long it will last at my next appointment.

Where do you get gel sheets for scars? I never hear of them. Good idea though, thanks

Hi Patty, I'm a neighbor, Beacon Falls. I had Dr. Erhlich at St. Vincent's Hospital. I was treated very well in the hospital. They all couldn't be nicer. Everyone from admissions to the nurses to the aids, the doctors, just everyone was great! I had and have a little discomfort with the gas and one incision but otherwise I'm following directions to a T and I believe that's why I'm doing OK. That's so great that you no longer have to take the diabetes meds and it's good that you're feeling so good. I'm really looking forward to that. Tell me, how on earth do you tolerate pureed chicken. I've been trying to talk myself into that, although I'm not at that stage yet (just banded this past Tuesday) but it's very hard. It sounds so gross to me. Did you say you added anything to it? I might just skip that but I'd like to be able to tolerate it. Thanks for the message, it was helpful.

These CT threads aren't very active are they? There has to be more CT banders out there. Anyone out there have United Healthcare and BMI's between 35 and 40 with only ONE co-morbidity??? I'm not banded yet but all my paperwork is in and I'm MORE than anxious. I have severe sleep apnea and borderline high cholesterol but that's it for the ones the insurance companies accept. I have severe back pain, knee and feet pain, very low energy daily, some depression due to weight. I'm on acid reflux meds and anti depressants. Oh, also, I have been to every weight loss center in the greater New Haven area, Weight Watchers about 9 times and the last time was August 07 to Feb. 08. That's six months but not sure WW counts. I think without a doubt they should approve me but I'm really nervous about it. Any one have a similar situation? Any input would be appreciated.

Hello Anyone!!! :cool2: Does anyone out there have Dr. Ehrlick and United Healthcare? I've been trying to get info from the insurance co on what exactly I am covered for and I can't get anywhere! For three days it was the epitome of frustration dealing with them. Going from one department to another and back. Narrowing it down even further, is anyone retired from SNET and have United Healthcare? Long shot but I thought I'd ask anyway. :thumbup:)

FLALMT, I've been sick for the last week but I wanted to thank you for your explaination. It was helpful, still makes me nervous but I like to know everything. I'm still not well so it's hard to think right now. I look forward to hearing about your progress.

Hi CTGhostHunter!, I'm also going with Dr. Ehrlich but haven't had my first appointment yet (July 10). It seems like a year from now...I'm too anxious. Can you tell me a little bit about what you've gone through with him up to now? (when your up to it) I hope all is going well with you. Keep us posted on your progress.

Hi Sil, I couldn't help noticing you live in Wby CT. I live in Beacon Falls, CT. Hey, we're neighbors! Never found anyone on these threads that close. What insurance company do you have? I'm wondering if I'll have to go to those classes. My BMI is 40 and I have acid reflux, sleep apnea and maybe high cholesterol. I'm hoping I can bypass the classes. I've been to several weight loss centers but nothing in the past 6 months that was ever documented. Tomorrow I'll be checking with my insurance company to see exactly what I have to do. Have you heard of Dr. Ehrlick out of St. Vincents Medical Center in Bridgeport? That's who I'm going with. My PCP recommended him highly. I also went to his seminar in May. Well, just wanted to say hi and if you want to contact me by email, feel free. jejme@sbcglobal.net Hope your time goes by fast.

You really are an inspiration to all of us and I hope someone can say that about me someday. I haven't even been to my first consultation yet but I have decided to do this. My BMI is 40, I have acid reflux and severe sleep apnea and maybe high cholesterol so I think I will be approved. My insurance company will cover 100% :sad_smile: so there should be no stopping me. One thing I have to ask you and anyone else that cares to answer...Can you describe what PB is? I read somewhere else that is stands for "productive burp" but I need to know what that is exactly. Will I be coughing up gross stuff in a restaurant or having dinner at a friends house? Is it possible to be discrete about it or will I be totally embarrassed? And do I need to carry a barf bag with me all the time? I'm terrified about this. Does it feel like you're choking? It would not stop me but I like to know everything about what I'm getting into and don't like surprises. BTW, I think it's great how people write in about their setbacks and still say it's the best thing they've ever done for themselves. Keep up the good work:thumbup:

Hi, I have my first consultation appointment on July 10th and can't wait for my surgery. I've only told my best friend and my mother in law because I will need rides here and there. After listening to all of you, I think I agree with not telling everyone. I was going to because I couldn't figure out how to eat only a few tablespoons of something without someone making a comment. I come from families on both sides who are not heavy but there is SUCH an emphasis on food. Then I received a suggestion on one of the other threads that I liked. Fill your plate (not overly filled) and just eat a little of it. This way no one will notice a large dish with near nothing on it. Also I will start doing it even before my surgery and just tell people I'm trying to cut down. Then when the time comes I'm hoping they won't ask anymore. If I have to do liquids two weeks before the surgery, I'm not sure how to handle that! I'm doing a cleanse??? haha Good luck everyone and if you think of something else, let me know!

Hi I'm a newbie to this thread and I just happened to notice your comment on a protein powder. I too would like to find a good one but I rather check it out first than buy a large amount and hate it. I ordered samples packets on www.unjury.com for about $1.75 each the other day. They even have chicken soup flavor. I can let you know what my opinion of them is but everyone has their own taste. I thought I'd start taking it even before my surgery as I really need more protein in my diet anyway. Good Luck finding a good one. Let us know. :ohmy:

Just checked with my insurance company today and they pay 100% including all the testing and any post operations and as long as they are medically necessary, they cover them :rolleyes2:. I'm so excited. There shouldn't be anything in the way now but still haven't had my first dr apmt. Every day I get more and more sure this is what I need. All I have to do is go shopping and try on clothes. Hey, has anyone ever joined a new thread and no one answers their messages? :confused2:

Thanks so much for ALL the details!! It was nice of you to take the time. I've already been trying to chew properly. I actually have to concentrate on NOT swallowing so soon. I don't drink diet soda much but I loooooooooooooooooooove coffee and that will be a tough one. I will start slowing down when I get my date and be totally off by that day. You'll have to let us know about the Pre-Op Testing too.

Hello Delane, Welcome to this great site! I do believe Annabelle in that you will be totally excited as the time gets closer and closer. Once I make my decision, I will want to just get it done and get on with my new life. I can't wait to get my date. Sounds like I've already made my decision but I still need more info from my insurance company. Keep us posted on your progress.

Thanks Annabelle! So you DO understand. Well, you'll have to let me know how you manage eating with your family when the time comes and if your filling the plate but only eating a little works without anyone noticing. lol I just got nervous when you said I should be scheduled for surgery soon. I was thinking it would be a couple months. I'm a whimp! It might take that long though because my consultation appointment is for July 10th. I had to wait a whole month just to get that! Maybe I need that much time to decide but as of right now, I'm on the positive side. I need more info also from someone who has actually had it done and is a year or so in. Can you or anyone else share what tests they've gone through before the surgery date and what you have to do until then? Did anyone have to have a test that had to do with their asophagus? I was reading other things about that somewhere. One more thing...how do you paste the ticker info on here??? I did mine on the Ticker Factory site but couldn't get it to copy on this. Thanks!

Hello! I'm new to this thread and I've only gotten as far as the seminar. My first appointment is July 10th and I can't wait. I'm still researching, reading, reading. I think it's good to read all different threads but some are just about complaining. I'm not into that and yes it is scary to read so many negative stories. When it's just one after the other, I just bow out and check out another thread. This one is great. Already I've been calmed also by some comments. I've also gone to WW years ago and 5-6 times since the 80's but always gain back more than I lost. I am a healthy food eater, not a frequent binger but I eat often and not just when I'm hungry. I feel, like someone said, that you HAVE to loose with the band. I can't imagine not with the amount of food you'll be able to eat and that feels good. Good luck to all of you and keep us posted on all your progress. Email me if you want at jejme@sbcglobal.net

Hi Annabelle, Thanks so much for the advice. It's sounds good to me. It's a good idea to fill your plate somewhat and just eat a little. I'm VERY curious to hear from you on this thread as you progress. You're so lucky that your surgery is already scheduled. Yes I do want it to work. As I said, I just don't want to stand out and have everyone ask questions. I have one of those Italian mothers that thinks I'm going to get sick if I don't eat everything on the table. She usually has 5-6 things! Can you imagine? I'm 56 years old and she's still at it. The sad thing about it is that she's thinner than me!!! LOL Good luck on the 2nd and keep us posted.

Hello, I'm also new to this site. I went to a seminar a couple weeks ago and I'm still in the research stage. My first consultation appointment is July 7th so I have some time to ask questions and check out things. I know this is so insignificant and I should be more concerned with other things, but one of my main thoughts after physical problems are that after surgery and healing, I'll look like a freak only eating a tablespoon of food for the rest of my life and I'll be battling peoples comments right and left making me feel guilty about not being able to do this myself. My husband enjoys going out to dinner a few times a month so it will affect that too. I really want to have this done because I think it's the only way for me. I've been overweight for the past 10 years only getting bigger and bigger as the years go by. I'm post menopausal and that really did it for me. I'm 5' 3", 225 and would like to be a minimum of 160 but 140 would be ideal. If anyone shares my concerns, please share with me. Anyone welcome to comment. :biggrin2: