SleeveToBypass2023

Are you nervous about going to Mexico for the procedure? How does that work with follow up care? Will doctors here in the US take you on if there's complications? Or do you have to go to Mexico again?

Thanks for this!! Even if I have to stop the Celebrex, I cannot stop the others. And it really helps knowing taking pills is possible with the sleeve. Do you think we can do multi vitamin gummies? If they don't allow as much of the vitamins to be absorbed, would gummy pre natal vitamins work? They have higher amounts so maybe we would have a better shot of getting the right amount in us. I have to take D3 for my MS (and at a higher done than recomended for wls, and they're small, so that's fine) and the B12 can be multiple ways that don't involve pills.

Thank you so much for this!!! I know I'll always have flares. That's the nature of MS. I was diagnosed at 39 (I'm 43 now) so I'm used to it. I just started to panic at the thought of the surgery causing it to flare while I'm trying to heal from the surgery itself. And while I know that it's possible, at least I know it's not a given. Thanks!!

As far as the Celebrex goes, nobody has said anything about it. But I think I'll call my surgeon tomorrow and ask. My neuro is a big advocate for smoking weed for MS pain (I live in Colorado...what a shocker lol) or giving narcotic pain relief, but I refused both (not my jam at all) so he gave me Celebrex for the inflammation, which takes the edge off and keeps it manageable. I don't think he wants me to be off it because he doesn't want me to have absolutely nothing for pain since I still have quite a bit most days. My surgeon didn't say anything when we went over my meds, but maybe that's because it's a sleeve and not bypass??? I'll call tomorrow. Thanks for mentioning it!!

I know I'm bringing back a "dead" thread, but I have MS and I'm set for surgery on May 3rd. My neuro cleared me, but I only just found out that wls can actually aggravate MS and bring on a flare. I had no clue. Now I'm really nervous about the surgery. I wasn't until I read the articles online this morning. I was hoping that having the sleeve would present far less issues with taking my pills (I'm on Tecfidera, Baclofen, Celebrex, and Gabapentin) but then I read about people who had a harder time with the nausea and keeping anythng down and struggling with their pills. I think I'm in a bit of a panic now. Hoping there's others on here with MS and wls that can gie me their honest opinions and experiences.

My dietician said specifically that there's nothing wrong with caffeine as long as it's in moderation because it can have a tendency to dehydrate if you have too much. I need caffeine in the morning or I literally cannot function. I normally get it from diet soda but now I've switched to caffeinated teas or iced coffee (sugar free sweeteners). Usually I'll have a tea in the morning and one around 2 in the afternoon. A large iced coffee in the morning will do me all day.

Hi!!! Mine is May 3rd. I'm surprised I'm not nervous lol I should be, but more excited than anything. I can't wait to start the next chapter of my life and get healthy again. I wasn't always heavy like I am now. I'm ready to get back to ME, you know?

SAME!!! I'm learning so much on this forum. This place, and the wonderful people here, are a true Godsend. I didn't know what I didn't know...you know? lol

THANK YOU for this!!! I'm used to shedding due to PCOS. I more want to promote healthy, strong regrowth naturally. So maybe the supplements and proper diet will help with that.....

To those of you who have had your sleeve for a while, how much hair have you lost? Is it sudden or gradual? Is it in clumps or shedding? Did you find biotin helped? Do you have any special shampoos or hair masks or supplements you use to help slow down the hair loss and/or speed up regrowth? I have PCOS, so I'm used to hair shedding (many women end up with very thin-to-balding hair with it. I have had moderate shedding but my hair is thick enough that you can't really tell). My surgery day is May 3rd and I'm just trying to prepare myself. ALSO, did anyone notice any drying of their skin? If so, what do/did you use to help with that? How long did it last? Is it really bad, or just mild? Thanks in advance!!!

Thanks!! I see you lost 174 pounds. That's only 16 less than I want to lose, so that helps inspire me that it can be done

I never even knew there was a possibility this could be a thing. I knew about the hair, but not the teeth. Holy smokes. I gotta look into this.

I had already been doing weight loss diets under my doctor's supervision (I never really intended to get wls, I did keto and thought that would work wonders for me) so when I did everything I could and still didn't have any long term success, my doctor actually suggested surgery. I have BCBS of Illinois so I called them to find out if I have coverage for it and they said yes, so I found a doctor in my network and had my 1st appt on Feb 28th. I had to watch a 4 part video and do a quiz for each part, I had to get lots of bloodwork done, and ecg because the anesthesiologist required it, had to get a clearance letter from my neurologist (I have MS) and my primary doctor. I got those really fast because both were completely on board. I was able to get all of that done really quickly, and honestly I thought the biggest hurdle was going to be my insurance. Everyone was STUNNED that I got my approval, and they got the approval letter, in 48 hours. Nobody expected that at all.

I'm right there with you. I have MS, and I have 4 meds that are, what my neurologist calls, non negotiable. They treat my MS, my nerve pain, and my spasms. None of that will ever get any better, but the meds slow down the process of them getting worse. I'm so worried that taking them will be an issue after the surgery and keep weight on me that I would otherwise be able to lose.

I never got to have a long time before my approval. I started the process on Feb 28th, everything was submitted to my insurance company on March 30th and my insurance company faxed my approval letter to my surgeon on April 1st. And the same day they called me and set my surgery for May 3rd. I was kind of eating what I wanted but now I have to start watching what I eat and changing my habits because a week before my surgery I have to do the all liquid diet. So I want to try and drop a few pounds before the liquid diet, which I know will cause me to lose a few pounds, as well. My doctor didn't give me a specific amount of weight to lose. He just said "try to lose whatever you can before surgery, to make your recovery easier" so, that's what I'm going to do....starting tomorrow (Monday).

WHAAAAT???? Nobody ever told me this!!!! I just had a crown and 3 fillings done and had my teeth deep cleaned. I'm going next week to have sealant put on them because I have sensitive teeth. Holy smokes. I better call my dentist tomorrow. I had absolutely no idea this could happen!!!!

Thanks so much!!! I am as ready and excited and determined as a person can be. But I get these looks when I say my goal is to lose 190 pounds with the sleeve. Like I made the wrong choice but they don't have the heart to tell me. I know I can do the work, I just wanted reassurance that I didn't choose the wrong tool to help me.

You said teeth. I haven't heard about wls doing anything bad to teeth. Is this really a thing?????

Yes, I have a surgery date already. May 3rd. I didn't have a set amount of weight to lose. He just said to try and lose some weight if possible because it would help with recovery.

You're an inspiration to me. I weigh 390 and am getting the sleeve on May 3rd, and my goal is 200. I wasn't sure if there was anyone who had the sleeve that lost the kind of weight I'm wanting to, since most get the bypass when they have an extremely large amount to lose. You give me so much hope that what I want to do is possible with the sleeve!!! You look fantastic!!!

I absolutely LOVE this thread!!! Congratulations to everyone!!!!

AWESOME, thanks!!!!!

Denver, Colorado

Congratulations!!!!! That's amazing!!!! Very happy for you. Enjoy it. You worked hard for it

My surgery is on the 3rd and my surgeon said sleeve is 1 night and bypass is 2 nights. No option for same day. I'm glad because there's no way I'd want to go home the same day.