Tiffykins

Carafate sucks whole or crushed, I hate those pills. I'm sorry that your acid is on overdrive, and I hope you get some relief soon. Can you have yogurt yet? Maybe the good bacteria in yogurt would help get things under control. I haven't ever dealt with acid since being sleeved. I had a couple of weird episodes early out that gave me this twinge after eating. Once I went on Prilosec once daily, it resolved. I have had a couple episodes of "breakthrough heartburn". I chomped down on a Pepcid complete and it was resolved. It happened because I chowed down on a bunch of jalepenos and this chipolte ranch dressing. Can you crush up the Carafate and mix it in some sf pudding? I can't remember the dosing instructions such as if it should be before/after a meal, or without food. But, maybe you could mix it in a tablespoon of sf pudding, or yogurt to choke it down.

Woohoo Angie ! ! !

Definitely cold feet, and no you aren't crazy, and don't feel ridiculous about having these thoughts and concerns. I was a little freaked out about losing my stomach, but I kept thinking, what has that huge thing done for me lately? The one thing I did was research gastrectomies for cancer and ulcer patients. Did you know that there are a lot of people that live fairly normal lives without a stomach at all. They had to have their entire stomach removed, and then a new tummy made out of intestinal tissue. These patients had to take additional digestive enzymes or a supplement, but they were able to eat smaller amounts of most foods. I know that may not help, but I found it comforting to know that others had more drastic surgeries and were living fairly normal lives. And, they survived cancer ! ! ! Just breathe, and hang in there. I know it can be daunting, but it is also very rewarding. We're all here for you, and let us know if we can help in any possible way.

LOL, I thought it was pretty entertaining, and found it was absolutely hilarious at certain points.

Thanks for sharing Carol. I'm still too much of a wuss to wean off until I meet with the surgeon later this month or next month for my 1 year follow up. I may go to 1 Prilosec every other day, and see how it goes. I'm just a wuss LOL, and don't want any acid.

Most surgeons will give you a guideline to follow during your losing stage, and then adjust it as needed as you get close to goal. My nutritionist and I speak every couple of months just to touch base, and make sure I am staying on track with my maintenance program. My surgeon/nutritionist gave me a set of guidelines to follow. Daily recommendations. 60 grams of Protein (minimum) no more than 30 grams of carbs 600-800 calories no guideline for fat grams 64+ounces of clear fluids

Check the "band to sleeve revision" forum for all of the other stories. I think I'm the only one out of the several members that are band to sleeve revisions that had a leak. I am not sure if the unfill would have prevented the leak, but it probably would have helped with my swelling, and issues that I had specifically. I don't have a recommendation on the unfill, but you can definitely bring it up to your surgeon and see what he thinks would be best for your personal medical needs. I wanted an unfill, but there was no way to get to my port.

Here's some research links to get you started. You can also go to springerlink and type into the search sleeve gastrectomy, and get loads of research articles. You can read the abstracts, and decide if you'd like to read the entire article. LapSF Educational presentation to FACS - includes some 2 year results LapSF Two Year Study LapSF Five Year Study - abstract only LapSF Five Year Study - presentation (requires Windows to play) Literature review on the sleeve - requires $$ to get the full text unfortunately Sleeve best for over 50 crowd Video of a sleeve with lots of education discussion Video of a sleeve that is more about the operation Ghrelin levels after RnY and sleeve Ghrelin levels after band and sleeve Diabetes resolution in RnY vs. Sleeve Comparison of band to sleeve - literature review Below are some personal experiences that are on obesity help that I have saved. Pregnancy with VSG is safer than with RNY because we do not have to deal with the malabsorption aspect. We are currently trying, and I'm taking extra folic acid, and other Vitamins to prepare my body. Also, I have increased my calories for maintenance, and am completely out of ketosis. On obesityhelp, there is also a forum dedicated to pregnancy after WLS that I have found helpful. A lot of the members there have had RNY, but there are some VSG members that have posted their stories. Best wishes in your research.

I did have a leak. I just replied to your other thread where I discussed my leak. The band caused a lot of scar tissue to develop around my stomach, and the stomach tissue was damaged. The risk of a leak with a revision is higher, but there are typically things that can be done to help decrease those risks. Unfortunately, I couldn't get an unfill, nor did the pre-op testing reveal that my band had caused so much damage. So, while I had a leak, once that I got through that issue, I really didn't have any other complications related directly to the sleeve. I was hospitalized about 6 weeks post-op for abscesses in my abdomen and drains were placed, and I went home on antibiotics. I've always been really open about my leak. I thought your question was more about after the sleeve is done what to expect in the months, years following surgery. The risk of complications increase with a revision than with a virgin sleeve surgery.

I did have a leak, and it was repaired immediately. The risks with the sleeve are very minimal once the healing process is over. Unlike the band, the sleeve doesn't leave you with the foreign or needing fills. It's instant restriction, and honestly it's been great with the sleeve. Here are some links that you may find helpful with some research. I don't recall what type of problems you are having with your band, but getting a complete unfill and giving your stomach time to relax before the sleeve revision is usually done to help decrease the risk of complications. Unfortunately, my port was inaccessible even under fluoro, and could not be unfilled. Here's those links for you to read. Long-term Sleeve Experiences - 2 Years on January 15, 2010 9:11 pm Diligence-is-always-required Stalls-Happen Update-from-a-2-Year-Post-Op-VSGer 2-year-surgiversary-and-feeling Two-and-one-half-years-post-op TWO-YEARS-YALL Just-Passed-My-2-Year-Surgiversary questions-for-post-ops-2-years-out-or-more 2-years-out-food-amount-info anyone-2-years-out Happy-2-year-anniversary-to-me 2-years-post-op-TODAY 2-5-Years-After-a-VSG Everday-life-at-2-5-years-out 2-1-2-year-update Has-it-really-been-2-years 2-1-2-year-update Two-Year-Surgiversary 2-year-update-portrait-of-a-heavyweight-a-bit-late Two-year-surgiversary 2-and-1-2-years-later 2-years-since-my-surgery-any-advice-on-face-lift 2-year-post-op-pics Two-Years-Before-amp-After-Pic 2-year-update-portrait-of-a-heavyweight-a-bit-late Thought-you-might-enjoy-an-update-with-a-few-pics Busybusymom-is-back-2-years-post-op TWO-YEARS-BABY Any-old-timers-still-lurking-the-boards Long-term Sleeve Experiences - 3 Years on June 8, 2009 10:43 pm Three years out Three and a half years after Vertical Gastrectomy My Story A quick 2 year and 3 year VSG update Third Year Surgiversay Not always easy but always worth it Very Discouraged 3 years out Links for researching the VSG on March 15, 2009 11:18 pm Here are some links I've collected when I was researching the sleeve. ASMBS position paper on sleeve - includes reports of early studies LapSF Educational presentation to FACS - includes some 2 year results LapSF Two Year Study LapSF Five Year Study - abstract only LapSF Five Year Study - presentation (requires Windows to play) Literature review on the sleeve - requires $$ to get the full text unfortunately Sleeve best for over 50 crowd Video of a sleeve with lots of education discussion Video of a sleeve that is more about the operation Ghrelin levels after RnY and sleeve Ghrelin levels after band and sleeve Diabetes resolution in RnY vs. Sleeve Comparison of band to sleeve - literature review Also this explains VSG and is pretty informative. Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy Information by Dr. Gregg Jossart Welcome Welcome to vertical sleeve talk. This forum is dedicated to providing patients with accurate and comprehensive information on the VSG procedure. This procedure is extremely appealing to many individuals considering weight loss surgery, but have been hesitant to proceed due to concerns about other, widely established procedures. If you have knowledge or questions about this topic, please participate by posting to our message board and introducing yourself. History The Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy procedure (also called Vertical Gastrectomy, Sleeve Gastrectomy, Greater Curvature Gastrectomy, Parietal Gastrectomy, Gastric Reduction, Logitudinal Gastrectomy and even Vertical Gastroplasty) is performed by more than 50 surgeons worldwide. The procedure is titled “VSG forum” to include the two most common terms for the procedure(vertical and sleeve). The earliest forms of this procedure were conceived of by Dr. Jamieson in Australia(Long Vertical Gastroplasty, Obesity Surgery 1993)- and by Dr. Johnston in England in 1996 (Magenstrasse and Mill operation- Obesity Surgery 2003). In 1997, Dr. Gary Anthone refined the Duodenal Switch procedure to just the VSG in a patient with special indications. In 2001, Dr Gagner, in New York, offered the Laparoscopic VSG to a high risk patient who could not safely undergo a Duodenal Switch. In 2007, Dr Jossart and Dr. Cirangle in San Francisco published the largest series of over 200 patients with results comparable to other stapling procedures and superior to adjustable gastric banding. Their experience is now over 1300 patients. Several surgeons worldwide have now adopted the procedure and have offered it to low BMI and low risk patients as an alternative to laparoscopic banding of the stomach or as a safer option for higher risk, higher BMI patients. Anatomy This procedure generates weight loss through gastric restriction (reduced stomach volume) and possibly by hormonal mechanisms. The stomach is restricted by stapling and dividing it vertically and removing more than 85% of it. This part of the procedure is not reversible. The stomach that remains is shaped like a very slim banana and measures from 1-5 ounces (30-150cc), depending on the surgeon performing the procedure. The nerves to the stomach and the outlet valve (pylorus) remain intact with the idea of preserving the functions of the stomach while reducing the volume. Comparison to prior Gastroplasties(stomach stapling of the 70-80s) The Vertical Gastrectomy is a significant improvement over prior gastroplasty procedures for a number of reasons: 1) Rather than creating a pouch with silastic rings or polypropylene mesh, the VSG actually resects or removes the majority of the stomach. The portion of the stomach which is removed is responsible for secreting Ghrelin, which is a hormone that is responsible for appetite and hunger. By removing this portion of the stomach rather than leaving it in-place, the level of Ghrelin is reduced to near zero, actually causing loss of or a reduction in appetite (Obesity Surgery, 15, 1024-1029, 2005). Currently, it is not known if Ghrelin levels increase again after one to two years. Patients do report that some hunger and cravings do slowly return. An excellent study by Dr. Himpens in Belgium(Obesity Surgery 2006) demonstrated that the cravings in a VSG patient 3 years after surgery are much less than in LapBand patients and this probably accounts for the superior weight loss. 2) The removed section of the stomach is actually the portion that “stretches” the most. The long vertical tube shaped stomach that remains is the portion least likely to expand over time and it creates significant resistance to volumes of food. Remember, resistance is greatest the smaller the diameter and the longer the channel. Not only is appetite reduced, but very small amounts of food generate early and lasting satiety(fullness). 3) Finally, by not having silastic rings or mesh wrapped around the stomach, the problems which are associated with these items are eliminated (infection, obstruction, erosion, and the need for synthetic materials). An additional discussion based on choice of procedures is below. Alternative to a Roux en Y Gastric Bypass The Vertical Gastrectomy is a reasonable alternative to a Roux en Y Gastric Bypass for a number of reasons: 1) Because there is no intestinal bypass, the risk of malabsorptive complications such as Vitamin deficiency and Protein deficiency is minimal. 2) There is no risk of marginal ulcer which occurs in over 2% of Roux en Y Gastric Bypass patients. 3) The pylorus is preserved so dumping syndrome does not occur or is minimal. 4) There is no intestinal obstruction since there is no intestinal bypass. 5) It is relatively easy to modify to an alternative procedure should weight loss be inadequate or weight regain occur. 6) The limited two year and 6 year weight loss data available to date is superior to current Banding and comparable to Gastric Bypass weight loss data(see Lee, Jossart, Cirangle Surgical Endoscopy 2007). First stage of a Duodenal Switch In 2001, Dr. Gagner performed the VSG laparoscopically in a group ofvery high BMI patients to try to reduce the overall risk of weight loss surgery. This was considered the ‘first stage’ of the Duodenal Switch procedure. Once a patient’s BMI goes above 60kg/m2, it is increasingly difficult to safely perform a Roux-en-Y gastric bypass or a Duodenal Switch using the laparoscopic approach. Morbidly obese patients who undergo the laparoscopic approach do better overall in their recovery, while minimizing pain and wound complications, when compared to patients who undergo large, open incisions for surgery (Annals of Surgery, 234 (3): pp 279-291, 2001). In addition, the Roux-en-Y gastric bypass tends to yield inadequate weight loss for patients with a BMI greater than 55kg/m2 (Annals of Surgery, 231(4): pp 524-528. The Duodenal Switch is very effective for high BMI patients but unfortunately it can also be quite risky and may be safer if done open in these patients. The solution was to ‘stage’ the procedure for the high BMI patients. The VSG is a reasonable solution to this problem. It can usually be done laparoscopically even in patients weighing over 500 pounds. The stomach restriction that occurs allows these patients to lose more than 100 pounds. This dramatic weight loss allows significant improvement in health and resolution of associated medical problems such as diabetes and sleep apnea, and therefore effectively “downstages” a patient to a lower risk group. Once the patients BMI is lower (35-40) they can return to the operating room for the “second stage” of the procedure, which can either be the Duodenal Switch, Roux–en-Y gastric bypass or even a Lap-Band?. Current, but limited, data for this ‘two stage’ approach indicate adequate weight loss and fewer complications. <

Blood clots and infections are a complication of any surgery, but I can tell you that once I recovered after my revision, I have had zero issues. I am almost a year out, and have zero food restrictions, no med restrictions, and the only "problem" I've had is trying to maintain. I've pretty much got a handle on that for a few weeks now, and it's just a balancing act. It is tough to find some negatives, but the ones I've read about more often are the mental struggles with eating small portions, and wanting to eat junk. For some, the food issues aren't resolved with the sleeve. I had head hunger pretty much beat with the band. I have never experienced hunger post-op and even to this day, I don't get real hunger. It's a great tool, and I have zero issues with vitamin/nutrient deficiency. Oh, the only other problem I've had is in February, I was diagnosed with orthostatic hypotension. It's low blood pressure when I stand up too quickly from a sitting or laying position. It's been resolved with increasing my Fluid and sodium intake. My surgeon and PCP agree that it is related to my drastic weight loss and it will take some time for my body to adjust to my current weight. I hardly ever have an episode now since following doctor's orders with my fluids/sodium intake. Overall, I haven't had any serious issues post sleeve.

I confess that if I see the words "not pregnant" one more time on that evil white stick, I'll scream. I have quit charting, and ready to give up. I know it's only been a few months, but this is emotionally and mentally draining. I'm trying to learn "Let Go and Let God", but it's very trying and exhausting.

I had a leak test in the OR, the day after surgery, passed that one, had the 3rd leak test 2 days post-op, and that's when the leak was detected.

That's so awesome ! ! ! When did we ever think we'd hear skinny as a word used to describe us? ? ? You've done so great.

Hey Chickee, I'm so happy that you've won the appeal and have a date set. You deserve it, and can't wait to read all about your surgery.

I've had both the band and now the sleeve. I can tell you from my personal experience that the band is by far the inferior of the 2 surgeries. The removing of the hunger with the sleeve has given me a huge relief, and the band did not do that for me at all. Not to mention the long laundry list of complications that are long term risks with the band. I can't tell you enough how awesome life with the sleeve is for me. I'm almost a year out, and live a very normal, fulfilling, and healthy life. It's been fabulous, and so grateful to get the band out of my body.

Definitely discuss it with your surgeon, and your anesthesiologist. It's my understanding that the smoke not the effects of pot, can slow down healing because our circulatory system restricts blood flow to the rest of our body when we inhale smoke into our lungs. The blood wants to go to the lungs more to help them recover. I can't much on the actual munchies aspect of it. I did a quick google search, and found a variety of answers, there is an enormous thread on Lapbandtalk that talks about this, and there's a bunch of different personal stories. One point that was brought up in the thread is the coughing post surgery. That can cause more pain, and irritation on the stomach especially if you get any type of drainage from the anesthesia. The band and the sleeve are different, but the effects of pot would probably be similar. Here's the thread from lbt Marijuana Use After Surgery - LAP-BAND? Surgery and LAP-BAND? Discussion Forum

I recently found something that I actually miss. I'm a lot like Jenn since I don't have any off limit foods. I don't really miss anything food wise. BUT, I do miss dunking homemade Peanut Butter Cookies into a glass of milk, then drinking the milk. I did it out of complete habit. I dunk a big ole pb cookie into 3/4 cup of 1% milk, ate the cookie, and then drank the milk. Instant cramp. It made the entire experience icky. I have no issue eating cookies, or drinking milk, but the combo didn't work well for me at all. Overall, I've found that I can eat truly anything. A lot of the junk food calls my name out during my ovulation week, but I haven't had any issues eating lately. I think that I'm finally at a point of eating and living normally so it's a lot different than when I was in the losing stage.

I've had one stomach bug post-op, and it really is different than pre-op. I thought I had eaten something that didn't agree with me, but then the husband and kiddo got it as well. I dry heaved quite a bit from the nausea. I'm one of those types that hates, absolutely hates to vomit, and avoid it at all costs. With this bug I had, vomiting was the only thing that made me feel better. It lasted about 2 days, and I kept lysoling and ousting the house to prevent it from spreading to us a couple times. It's inevitable that we'll all get it, but I wanted to make sure I only dealt with it once. Glad you feel better.

I had the band as well, but had and still have tons of restriction. I would have to guess that the reason you don't really have what we recognize as restriction is because that your nerves in your stomach have been cut, and you aren't getting a full sensation. I can barely eat 1/2 of a sandwich at 11 months out, but that doesn't mean that something is wrong with your sleeve. I agree with everyone else, the risk of leak during this time is very high. Eating food that is not on your surgeon's plan can lodge in the staple line, and cause future problems. It's tough to stick to the post-op diet since it's so much more strict than the band post-op diet, but it's definitely for the best, and for our protection. Good job on getting rid of the junk. Try to stick with the guidelines just a little while longer, and then you'll be able to have a better variety of foods in a few weeks.

I haven't ever used it, but that is because the possible side effects deterred me from every considering it. If you do try it, post and let everyone know how it works for you.

I did it because that was my surgeon's recommendation. I could lose with low carb, but could never keep it off. I wanted to maximize that window of opportunity that the sleeve affords us. Because now, all carbs are slider foods. I had to beat the carb monster early out, and I think it helps me avoid them now. I eat carbs, but I also don't over do them. I only super low carbed it for 4 months, then gradually added back in healthier carb options. My weight loss did slow down, and once I hit goal, I added in a lot more complex and white carbs. My weightloss has been very sporadic over the last 5 months, and it definitely slowed down significantly. For me, staying away from carbs early out, helped me not only lose weight, but lose those cravings, and major desires for carby foods. I still love them, but I know that I need Protein more than carbs. Pretty much, I wanted to lose quickly, get to goal, and then worry about maintenance. Plus, I wanted to set up good habits that would carry me a lifetime and not continue eating the same way that I got me up to 270lbs.

I order my flax seed and omega 3s from vitacost.com The omega 3 does not have a fishy taste, it's a capsule. I have zero issue swallowing pills so maybe you can find out when you'd be released to swallow capsules. The Omegas are notorious for giving a fishy aftertaste. I have not found that to be the case with this particular brand. The Flax seed I order is organic, and also has Omega 3s in it. It has a "nutty" taste, not fishy at all. I actually mix it in yogurt, and when I bake my husband's banana nut muffins, I throw a few tablespoons in there and he still have zero clue that I do this. I add it to certain meals especially salads with an oil base dressing and different stews, cornbread, beans and rice, etc. So, I've enjoyed both of these products. I use vitacost for all of my supplements only because I can put in one big order and only pay $4.99 flat shipping regardless of how much I order. They also guarantee their products so if you don't like them, you can get a full refund. Here's the links for the stuff I use. You can search through all the ones they offer to see if there is another one that might catch your eye. NSI Mega EFA? Omega-3 EPA & DHA -- 2.126 g per serving - 240 Softgels - Vitacost Spectrum Organic Ground Flaxseed -- 15 oz - Vitacost Vitacost also carries a variety of protein drinks/mixes, so we started ordering my husband's protein from there as well. I declined the Ursadiol only because our livers are working double time during ketosis and the rapid weight loss phase. Due to my own medical history, I didn't want to task my liver anymore than necessary.

Champ, I'm so glad to hear that they've got her on antibiotics, and fingers crossed that the leak is repaired. Hang in there, and know we're all here for you.