mcipanda

I had the sleeve and chose it for these reasons: 1) I don’t have GERD, just occasional acid reflux, 2) the sleeve doesn’t re-route inner plumbing, 3) i have less weight to lose overall, 4) the sleeve has a higher absorption rate which I prefer and 5) I can revise to RNY if the sleeve doesn’t work, fails or causes GERD. This doesn’t mean RNY is bad. My mom had RNY and it worked great for her. She lost over 125lbs and it helped correct her GERD. She also deals with malabsorption issues, had her gallbladder removed last year and struggles with dumping syndrome. All of these are okay with her. To this day, she wouldn’t change her mind. She’s also kept the weight off for over a decade easily. I recommend talking to your doctor about YOUR specific issues/lifestyle and what you’re willing to live with.

Thanks @summerseeker, when you say you like banana, strawberry and unsweetened peanut butter, are you referring to the Inspire? I think so but wanted to check!

Has anyone tried Inspire Protein (bariatriceating.com)? I’m looking at their protein powders and wondering if anyone has thoughts on the taste and texture if you’ve tried it? It’s pricey and I don’t see customer reviews. Plus, they don’t offer refunds or exchanges if you don’t like the product (nor so I see sample packets like they have on Unjury). The one selling point is the flavor selection (huge). Any feedback?

Hi OP, I also had a VSG on Monday. Lots of gas in my new tummy, so gurgling and hiccups are frequent. I found warm liquids worked best to reduce the crampy feeling - chicken soup broth, Pho broth, etc. I strained first and use medicine cups (1oz each) to track intake and remember my small sips. I started mixing in a scoop of protein powder yesterday. Between these, I drink Gatorade Zero at room temp for electrolytes and Vitamin waters from Costco. I’m not dealing with runny stool, it’s the other way around for me so I can’t help much in that department. Good luck and I hope you feel better.

How is everyone doing? How is the fluid intake going? I started protein drinks today and it’s hard, but I set a timer and that’s helping me space things out. Hope all of you are feeling good! ?❤️

I had my surgery on Monday 3/13, so I’m 3 days post-op (my bariatric team considers surgery day to be “day 0”). Pain was manageable Day 0 and 1, but as soon as the anesthesia wore off, I could barely walk. Turns out I had gas putting pressure on my large incision. Increasing to the high end of the pain meds dose made everything so much better. I can walk now and started Protein shakes today. I’ve spent the whole day trying to get through the first shake while also drinking Gatorade with Miralax to get things going.

I’m also really sensitive to the metallic, chemical flavor of protein shakes (Muscle Milk makes me want to vomit), so I tried dozens of different protein shakes before my surgery. My favorites: Fairlife Vanilla (melted DQ ice cream is the best way to describe it), Fairlife Chocolate (like chocolate milk), Premiere Protein Cake Batter (to me, this tastes like a vanilla shake should) I like these flavors blended with ice and banana: Fairlife Power Strawberry Banana, Premiere Protein Chocolate, Premiere Protein Peanut Butter Chocolate For unflavored protein, I use Bariatric Fusion. Can be mixed in with all sorts of things, like yogurt, sugar free pudding and Gatorade Zero. I’ve also heard that Unjury protein powder is good (but haven’t tried it yet).

Woo hoo! Nice work! When was your surgery?

Yes, and my stomach! I got to see what my “new” tummy looks like as well as the area he removed. I guess my old tummy was pretty big (12” long)! I’m not sure how my stomach got that big because I don’t binge, but maybe it’s hereditary? It was still super cool to see!

I’m struggling with this right now, too. My brother, who is 16 months older than me, doesn’t approve of my choice to have VSG and told me I’ve obviously “convinced myself” and “let the doctors convince me” that I need something I don’t, as if I’m not capable of researching and making an informed decision about my own health. He refers to it as “drastic” and told me I have zero self discipline. The worst thing he said, though, is that he feels sorry for me. I’m capable of brushing this off, but I’m hurt because he said all of this the night before my surgery. I was so excited and he nearly stole that from me.

Yay! Look at you - all smiles. Your hard work paid off and you should be so proud for loving yourself enough to take the first steps they got you here today. ?

I had surgery the same day and last night felt hunger pains too. I was like, what is this?? While the pain was there, I didn’t want any food. I wonder if it’s the tummy healing or excess gas.

Had an acute pain show up yesterday under my right breast, down about six inches. Not sure what it is but hurts like hell whenever I try sitting down or getting up, even walking. My hunch is the anesthesia wore off and I wasn’t taking enough of my pain meds. Will give it another day and see if it gets better as gas passes. Holy, the gas is NO joke…

Wow this truly sucks… I would be incredibly frustrated, and I’m sure you are. I always wonder why these things take so long (June!?), but hang in there. Being cancer free is the first step! Wishing you a smooth removal surgery and quick recovery so you can keep going!

Oh! Funny, my surgeon made a point to tell me I have a “darn beautiful liver” which totally cracked me up. It made the two week pre op diet all worth it! Lol

My surgery went well, but now anesthesia is nearly worn off and the “real” pain is setting in. Tough getting my liquids with the nausea, so I’m trying peppermint tea. Figured out warm liquid is much easier for me. Now just trying to play catch up. can only have clear liquids through tomorrow, then I start full liquids for 10 days.

Thank you!! Surgery went okay yesterday, doc said I had a “darn beautiful liver” and even took a picture of it for me lol ? Gas pains and nausea are a real butt kicker, but I’m taking it one hour at a time? Just trying to get all these fluids in. ?

Literally made me lol ?

Lol yes, picked my favorite Tequila bar, had amazing chicken fajitas and dessert (I’ll keep the details shy on that one for the sake of others hah) and enjoyed every bite. I ended ready for the pre op diet and have no regrets.

Thank you OP for this post and everyone for your input. My surgery is 3/13, and your advice has helped so much! Good luck to you OP ?

Welcome ?

Me!! Im getting nervous but excited ?

OMG yes… growing up my family used to say “you can’t really help it, you’re big boned” and my Dad would apologize “I’m sorry honey, I gave you my stalky frame and big bones” ”you’re a bull in a glass shop” my mom would say “yes honey you’re overweight, but you have such a beautiful face!” the pity, the excuses on my behalf… the consolation prize. The silver lining. I’m so done with it and the years of internalized self hate. thank goodness for therapists.

With regard to the recent kidnappings/murders, I've heard that Americans, especially tourists, are targeted for ransom or cash. People who regularly travel to Mexico for medicine and procedures will register their car with the Mexican state so they can swap license plates once over the border. The fact that the hospital is driving to get you and bring you back is very helpful and adds a bit of safety, since their vehicles and driver will be local. I've also heard that some of these medical facilities have an unspoken "understanding" not to mess with their patients, but that could all be here-say. Whatever you decide, I'm wishing you the best! My surgery is also on 3/13, but here in the US, so feel free to message me if you'd like to support/track one another. Take care!

I'm similar to you (surgery scheduled for 3/13) and around the same weight, though my BMI is higher because I'm 5'3". As a person who has worked in tech and traveled for many years, I do wonder if you're pushing it a little bit. When I had a hysterectomy (after two c-sections), I took 4 days off and went back to work the following week from home. I was so committed to my job that I didn't even consider the fact that I could have taken 6 weeks off through short term disability. I truly thought it would be easy. I mean, after each c-section, I was up taking care of the baby and my kids immediately. This laparoscopic hysterectomy seemed like a drop in the bucket, but I was wrong. My body and mind tired really fast. I felt like I constantly needed to take a nap. The work I produced was subpar and I wasn't able to contribute to meetings or brainstorming sessions properly. With this VSG surgery, I know I'll need to drink only liquids for the first 10 days... that's going to seriously zap my mental energy, all while trying to heal internally. Apart from the physical aspect, there's the emotional one to consider. This is a whole new way of life that I am committed to giving myself time to adjust to. If I just get right back up and go to work, I will be distracting myself from what I need to deal with today vs. tomorrow. These are just my thoughts of course. Only you can know yourself best. Plus, your work situation might be very different from mine. Just hope these thoughts can help give you a different perspective. Good luck with your upcoming surgery!! Wishing you a very fast, easy recovery!