Angelina1210

Sorry to hear you aren't feeling well. For me, the first 9 months or so (after the initial recovery) were great. I was never hungry, and I had a lot of energy even though I was eating very little. But then things started to change. I felt weak and fatigued all the time. My resting heart rate was less than 40 beats per minute, which my surgeon said was probably because my heart was used to having to work much harder when I was carrying 200 extra pounds, and now that I'm so much smaller, my heart has slowed way down to compensate. My surgeon and the cardiologist to whom he referred me said the bradycardia was probably the cause of the weakness and fatigue, so you might want to get that checked out if your resting heart rate has decreased a lot.
Like you, I look much better, but I feel worse than I did before surgery, when I was super morbidly obese. To make matters worse, people keep congratulating me on my weight loss and condescendingly say, "I bet you FEEL better, too!" No, actually, I feel worse than I've ever felt in my life, but hey, at least my body looks socially acceptable now! On the other hand, I was in bad shape before surgery, with hypertension and diabetes that probably would have just kept getting worse if I hadn't lost the weight, and now I no longer have either. It's hard to say whether I'm better or worse off overall than I was before the surgery, but I think it's useless to think about it that way because I made the best decision I could based on what I knew at the time, and there's no going back now.

I've lost 35 lbs since surgery and almost 85 lbs overall. I can walk faster and fit in an airplane seat better, but I don't feel "good." I don't have more energy and I'm hungry all the time and I'm uncomfortable every time I eat. I'm always afraid I'm going to throw up because I'm nauseous a lot. I always had plenty of energy, but now I'm weak and dizzy all the time. I can't even lift a suitcase into the overhead.
I'm sort of wishing I hadn't had this surgery. Maybe because I had such high expectations?

I was told there's a 20% chance of getting GERD after surgery, worse than that if you already have it. But, I, for example, also have a hiatal hernia which can cause GERD. The plan is to fix the hernia, then that, plus weight loss, can possibly alleviate GERD. It's 6 one way, half a dozen the other.
But I'm with you--it doesn't sound very likely there's a great outcome.

Waiting to board a flight to San Diego for surgery today.

Hi all! I'm 23 and got my sleeve 1 week ago (on 12/7). I've been keeping up with my Vitamins and trying my best to meet my Fluid intake (I drink Water, electrolyte water and eat SF popsicles for meals), but I'm having trouble with Protein supplements.
When I was pre-op, I bought Isopure Protein Drinks (premade) and they tasted pretty good, but now post-op I can't stand the taste or after taste of them (same flavors as pre-op). This is causing me to not meet my protein goals at all, which is terrible and my body is definitely reacting to it (lots of aches and pains). I'm trying to stay away from the milky shakes since my stomach doesn't handle lactose well in high quantities, but if there's one that doesn't taste terrible or have a bad aftertaste then I'm willing to try it.
Any advice to get to my goals? I was already a picky eater before the sleeve and now it's gonna be my downfall if I don't find something I like soon 🥲
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Sitting in my hospital bed post op VSG today. Lots of tummy pain initially. Was given dilaudid and it helped immensely. After walking to the bathroom I was authorized for my X-ray confirmation. It was so cool to see my little baby stomach on the screen after taking a shot of contrast. It’s been 12 hours, pain is being managed with acetaminophen well enough. Started my liquids which I really have to make an effort to take down. 1 sip at a time is my motto. Hoping all goes well for everyone here.

I haven't had hunger, either! We are lucky. At my appointment my nurse said that means I'm in ketosis.

Love this. It's so common. I no longer welcome people sharing their 'concerns' with me.

At the end of the day its your choice, i didnt tell anyone because i didnt want negativity to make me change my mind, when i got to the hospital i was scared and basically changed my mind. The nurses and surgeon treated it as pre op nerves. I wish i didnt do it. I am 5 months out still tired, feel unwell most days struggle with what to eat most days but i have lost weight although that has stalled already. I also find myself slipping back into my old habits....so for me I should have tried good old fashion diet because the habits that got me fat arent going to be stopped by the sleeve. Sorry i know you wanted positive encouragement but i think its important to know all possible outcomes. At the end of the day its your choice and you will be anxious about no matter what anyone says. I had no negativity before but i still freaked out. Sorry i am probably not helping i will delete my comment if you want.

Thank you☺️❤️

Hello All,
I’m scheduled for surgery on December 10th. My surgery will be in Mexico because my insurance will not cover weight loss surgery. Today, I got a call from my pastors wife and she expressed her concerns about me going to Mexico. I’ve done my research and my weight is emotionally and physically taking a toll on me and I’ve been so excited but since talking to her, I no longer feel confident and I feel like negative thoughts have been projected on me. I was happy but now I’m feeling like this was too good to be true and maybe I shouldn’t go. This is why I should’ve kept tho to myself. I tried to be open about it and I’m getting negative feedback and it’s got my anxiety way up which is something I do not need right now. Any thoughts? I could use some encouragement. Thanks 😏

I get a bit depressed after any big life event I've been working toward, even when it's a good one like the surgery.
I'm a singer, and I get down after a big performance, even when it goes well. I think it's a letdown of sorts when something big is over.

Hi! I am scheduled for my bariatric sleeve on December 10th. I will be traveling to Mexico because my insurance does not cover weight loss surgery. I’m nervous and excited too. I’m so sick of the up and downs and I’m looking forward to stability, being healthy and looking and feeling good. I provided the clinic with my information and based on the information they suggested the sleeve.

I had VSG at HopsitalBC in Tijuana, Mx. by Dr. Illan. I did about 200 hours of research before my surgery and based on that research, finances, and other personal considerations, decided to go the Medical Tourism route and have been very happy with that decision.
These hospitals ONLY do bariatric surgeries and are geared towards medical tourists. They run a VERY well oiled machine from intake to discharge. The process was so smooth, I was completely confident going alone. The surgeon I chose is highly accredited, has done thousands of WLS procedures, has relationships and mentorships with some of the most well known US bariatric surgeons for continuing ed, is board certified, etc. He is just as qualified, if not more so, than many of the bariatric surgeons in my area.
The reality is, there are amazing surgeons in the US and just as many in Mexico and other places. Conversely, there are terrible surgeons here and everywhere else. There are pros and cons to each, and every person has different needs. Ultimately it boils down to doing your research, finding a surgeon you trust, and a program that fits your needs.

If you scroll down the forums, there is a special one just for Mexico

I'm going to Pompeii with Dr. Quinoñes due on Dec 3rd

I got mine done in Oct with Dr Almanzar in Tijuana and it was good. $4100 for whole procedure.

You’re right. I do need to trust myself. I’ve done the research, asked questions and even made sure to get a physical before the surgery AND I am traveling with a family member. I got so discouraged after speaking with her and I can’t help but think and feel that this was her intention because of how she feels about the surgery. She asked if I was doing this for cosmetic reasons. Really? 🤦🏾‍♀️
I’m tired of gaining and loosing and then gaining again. I just want a new lease on life. I want to feel good and look good. I’m going through with it regardless. I do have a lot of support but I have some people who are worried and have all these bad ideas that something is going to happen to me.

Thank you☺️❤️

Yes. She did. They felt this was a “cosmetic thing” and it’s certainly not. I’m overweight and I’m sick of it and anyone who’s been overweight knows the physical and mental toll it takes on the body. I haven’t changed my mind. I was just a little down by the responses I was getting and then I have to remember that I made the choice to share my life changing decisions with those around me. Biiiiiig mistake🤦🏾‍♀️😏

You’re right. I do need to trust myself. I’ve done the research, asked questions and even made sure to get a physical before the surgery AND I am traveling with a family member. I got so discouraged after speaking with her and I can’t help but think and feel that this was her intention because of how she feels about the surgery. She asked if I was doing this for cosmetic reasons. Really? 🤦🏾‍♀️
I’m tired of gaining and loosing and then gaining again. I just want a new lease on life. I want to feel good and look good. I’m going through with it regardless. I do have a lot of support but I have some people who are worried and have all these bad ideas that something is going to happen to me.

Could I add, there is nothing wrong with having bariatric surgery for cosmetic reasons. Most of us have multiple reasons for doing the surgery because we are complex creatures.

Yep, people who aren't obese and struggling cannot understand what it's like, can't understand the despair that comes with it, alongside the health problems.
And unfortunately, even people who love you can struggle to understand it, and sometimes even react with underlying jealousy if they're overweight themselves. Annoyance dressed up as concern.
Glad you've shaken the comments off! You're gonna do brilliantly. 💪

I understand as an individual who's been overweight all her life how our weight affects and restricts us physically and even mentally. I have lost out on a lot cuz of it. And only here, one can understand how it is to be stuck in that frame all our lives.

Besides, even if it's done for the cosmetic reasons and wanting to look good, what's the harm in it anyways? It's your body, your life and your risk that you're willing to take for something that you deem is appropriate at this stage of your life.
So let others be and go into it with a positive mindset. What is going to happen, it shall happen. May as well take the risk than live with burden (literally 😂 and figuratively) rest of your life.
Good Luck to you. Hope you come outta it with flying colors. And you have this forum for the continued support even if you don't get enough from US doctors post your return.

You sound like you've totally got this Angelina. Best of luck to you. 😊