ASing

Surgery is set up for nov 15th a week before Thanksgiving
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I don't post here much, though I do check in quite a bit to see what others are and have experienced during their journey. Lately I have seen a number of people "on the fence" about whether or not to go through with WLS, so I thought I would share my story in hopes it will help make the decision easier and / or more informed. This is a personal decision and the journey is different for everyone.
I am a 5'4" 43 year old female and underwent the Gastric Sleeve surgery back in January 2021. I have struggled with my weight all if my life. I was always the "curvy" girl throughout my adolescent years. After having 2 kids, I weighed around 200 pounds. I went on every yo-yo diet you could think up. I had some successes, and lost and gained hundreds of pounds over the past 20 years. Each time I gained it back, I weighed more than when I started. Eventually I kind of gave up and "accepted" that I was never going to be at a healthy weight. I was tired, and sick and tired of the constant battle. I started having numerous health condition and was put on multiple medications. About a year and a half ago, I weighed around 240 pounds and was climbing. My doctors told me I needed to do something. In addition to the health issues, I was so depressed, that I was missing out on everything in life. I didn't want to go anywhere or do anything, partially because I physically felt awful, partially because I didn't want anyone to see me.. Finally someone recommended WLS. I was shocked. I didn't even know it was an option for me. After doing a lot of homework, and meeting with several doctors I decided to do it. It was time to take my life back. Imagine my disappointment when I discovered my insurance would not cover it. Long story short, I was able to work it out so that I could still do the surgery as a "self pay". I knew it would be a small price to pay for a better quality of life. Because I wasn't going through insurance I didn't have all of the hoops to jump through. So I was scheduled fairly quickly. And due to Covid I was cancelled. And then cancelled again. Finally in January I had the procedure done. Other than having to have a hernia repaired, I had zero complications. Six months later I am down to a much healthier 140 pounds. I have never been happier and healthier.
Yes, it has been a rough road. This is not an easy or "magic" fix. The recovery was painful. I dont eat sugar, or bread or Pasta or a number of other foods I love. I can't "chug" Water like I used to. My portion sizes are quite small. I am very uncomfortable if I "over eat" or drink. I had multiple stalls and got discouraged. I don't go out to restaurant's much. My hair fell out for about 3 months. I have to take Vitamins every day. I had several "what have I done" moments along the way.
But I know now that it was the best decision I have ever made. I don't have to take ANY medications anymore. I have so much energy, and I live a full and happy life. Oh and I got to buy an amazing new size 6 wardrobe! My husband tells me I am a completely different person, physically, and emotionally. My only regret is not doing this years ago. Someone asked me the other day "how long do you have to do this for?" and my answer was "forever". This is not something I am "doing", this is a life long commitment. I am never going back to where I was. If you go into it with a mindset that this is temporary then not only are you going to be disappointed, but you will likely be one of those people that gains it all back in a few years.
I am posting a couple of pictures as inspiration of what is possible. I know I scoured the internet for before and after shots every time I felt discouraged or needed some extra motivation. If anyone has questions they want to ask feel free to message me! I don't know it all or have all the answers I can only tell you about my personal experiences.    
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Oh no! Sorry you got bumped!
PreOp, I have to drink 2 shakes as Meal Replacement and 1 protein/leafy veg dinner for 2 weeks before surgery.


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After many years not being in control of my weight, and putting care of myself last, I've made the decision to have VSG. I'm scheduled Nov 17 at Blossom bariatrics and am so excited..and nervous at the same time! Looking forward to getting answers and support on this community!
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Hi there!!
so my first flight was 5.5 hours then the second was 3. We barely made it to my second flight because I did not use a wheel chair. USE A WHEELCHAIR if you can and have someone get you where you need to go. I ended up nearly running and it was awful.Blossom gives you these leg compressors that were really great to use just make sure they are charged. I wore a long maxi dress to be comfy in and it hid the leg compressors. Blossom will give you paperwork that will allow you to check in and get through security with them on. It’s not perfect but it’s really not bad. Honestly. Can you believe how fast the week went?!! I’m really excited for you. It’s going to change EVERYTHING.

Congrats on getting your date. I got the news yesterday that I just got dumped back 14 days. So my surgery is 7 days after you. It will be the first time that I am thinner after Christmas. What are your pre op requirements ?

good luck. You will have a wide range of opinions and help on here.

Congratulations on your decision to choose you.

I still havent gone back to work 10 weeks po, but i have had mental heath issues to deal with and had/having really hard time eating and getting enough fluids in so i have been feeling miserable and fatigue quickly, everyone is different and heal at different rates.

I took three weeks - have had a painless recovery but struggled to get Water in and meet my Protein goal so I was very sluggish and dizzy. I did do two half days near the end to tackle my inbox because the idea of it was stressing me out!

I work from home taking phone calls. My Dr gave me 3 weeks off and I took one week off pto. I had extreme dizziness, and it finally cleared up this week. I'm 4 weeks po and just started back to work 2 days ago. I don't have pain but I have no energy.

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Physically I could have gone back to work after a week (desk job), but I found that the first week(s) it’s quite hard to get your Water in AND figure out some kind of eating schedule, so I was very happy with the 3 weeks I took.

I work construction and hard labor I waited until the mrs. Annoyed me and c ouldnt take it now more. 3 weeks. And didn't do n o climbing of scaffold for 3 weeks after returning. Desk job I would have went back after a week get a routine down first health before work

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I had surgery on a Tuesday and took that week and the next week off. I could've gone back but I get tired easily even though I have energy. I'm glad I took two weeks. Three weeks would have been de trop.

I had surgery on 8/31 and start work again on Monday. I really didn’t think I would need 4 weeks but I have to say starting at week 2 I have low energy and need to nap a bit. I am hopeful now that my diet is more varied and I can get Protein from a variety of sources that I will perk up. But as far as pain and recovery I think you can go back in a week.

This is going to vary so much from person to person because everyone’s recovery is different. I am not working right now but if I did i probably could have gone back the same week. I was one of the lucky ones that had very little pain post op but for whatever reason some people have a great deal of pain and it lasts for days or even weeks. I would plan on longer but discuss with HR the option to go back sooner if you feel up to it. Half days may be a good option when you do go back cause the one thing everyone seems to say is how tired they are after surgery. I took lots of naps.

I had surgery on Monday and returned to work on Thursday. I do have a desk job and did work from home on Thursday and Friday of that first week. Truth be told, although I did get some things accomplished, I didn't feel great and wished I had just taken the full week off. Week two was fine for me, once I got off the liquid diet.

I took three weeks off but could have gone back after two. I had a desk job.

I was back to work in 7 days. I have a desk job and no physical requirements other than sitting on my ass. I did make sure I got up atleast hourly and took a 10 minute walk around the office and warehouse to keep things moving. I did wear compression stockings for a couple weeks after I started back to work.

I haven't had surgery yet but when talking with my surgeon they originally suggested 2 weeks and 7 days off of work minimum. I explained that I work from work and am not on phones or required to be at my computer at all times leaving me freedom to get up walk around, drink, etc... They seemed to be ok with that but still emphasized how important it is to take time off work to get accustomed to the new you and rest.

After many years not being in control of my weight, and putting care of myself last, I've made the decision to have VSG. I'm scheduled Nov 17 at Blossom bariatrics and am so excited..and nervous at the same time! Looking forward to getting answers and support on this community!
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sleeved at Blossom 4 months ago. Im also happy to answer any questions you might have. GOOD LUCK!

First off CONGRATULATIONS!
Blossom was a really incredible experience. They take all the stress out of the entire thing, the hotel is nice and comfortable too. Each driver you have and just about every person you come in contact with there has had the surgery so ask them about their experiences too! Everyone is really patient but they are busy so it’s best to have questions ready to ask. I enjoyed my experience there.
I had a surprise hernia repair that was quite painful to recover from but if it wasn’t for that I don’t think the recovery would have been as tough as it was but the nurses that come to the hotel act quickly and make you comfortable so it’s not terrible just be sure you take someone with you that can help you.
I feel great I’m 4 months post opp and 67 lbs down! Enjoy the pool, enjoy the process, talk ask questions and try to relax when you can. I promise you will be okay and Blossom is going to surprise you! Feel free to ask me any other questions you have.
GOOD LUCK
M

Hi Ladies,
I had surgery at Blossom on June 1st. I’m happy to answer any questions you have. It was a great experience.

I am scheduled for surgery September 25th (original date was July 3rd). What are your dates and stories or concerns? Mine is so overwhelming, I felt the need share the happiness, blessings and fears.
🙏Pre-op labs, upper GI, and stress test start September 23. My biggest fear is not passing one of the tests to be cleared for surgery. I had to reschedule once already due to newly revealed diabetes and liver disease that showed in my PC doctors labs (the rule is only one time 2 weeks prior to pre-op date to reschedule or I loose my deposit). My A1C was 0.9 to high to be cleared for surgery. I am grateful requested these test way ahead to see where I stood and also receive medical care to go safely into surgery.
Long story short, I had none of these specific medical issues prior to getting Covid in February. So, that being said, I am fearful of what may show on the Stress Test (heart concern due to Covid and no insurance to test ahead), if my lungs are good (Covid fear again), the upper endoscopy (I have had GERD in the past unsure if there is damage) and finally as I said previously newly diagnosed liver disease which I am unsure of the status of how bad it is yet.
The A1C is the ONLY thing I feel I am in control of to some degree. Monitoring daily and logging my numbers have shown to be on average below 145 daily since May 29th. In addition to following my Doctor's low-carb, high Protein and no sugar diet along with prescribed Metformin. The testing show 3-6 months previous. So I am hoping putting 4 months between these tests will greatly reduce my A1C. I will re-test about 4 weeks prior to surgery. I will be doing the surgeon requested liver shrinking diet (like most of you have) 1 month prior to surgery. I am positive if I am proactive in following it as prescribed that the A1C diabetes test will be one less thing to be concerned about.
Have any of you been diagnosed with liver disease and done this liver shrinking diet and not been able to have surgery? The surgery out-patient not in the hospital so they will only preform laparoscopic surgery. Hence, my added concerns. 🤦‍♀️
Have any of you had surgery recently at Blossom Bariatrics? My procedure will be done in Las Vegas at Blossom Bariatrics. Due to the fact I am a cash patient my options are fewer. I unfortunately, have no health insurance and my family is refinancing their home so that I can get this procedure done. That scares me, adds to my pressure to do everything right, and makes me feel loved/blessed all at once.
Sorry for so many details but I felt the need to share a lot of my story. Thank you in advance for sharing. 😄