Tiffykins

They are titanium staples. I'm about the most sensitive person in the world and am allergic to some of the most standard surgical stuff, but I have 2 titanium screws in my left knee, and now the staples in my stomach, no issue. If your body were to adversely react to the staples, I would venture to guess that you would know extremely quickly. It's not something that would take a couple of weeks to develop. They never dissolve, but your body does heal over them, and they are not visible with endoscopy. All you can see is the line that was stapled off and tissue looks a little different than the rest of the stomach tissue. I have seen mine on ultrasound slightly, and via an abdominal XRay. My endoscopy pictures of my staple line looks just like normal stomach tissue with a little ripple in the tissue, but the staples are definitely not visible. Several of the research articles that I posted earlier today share different techniques used. Some surgeons only staple, some staple and oversew, some use this weird mesh type glue over the staple line. Our bodies form scar tissue over the staple line during the healing process. I have never read anywhere of the staples coming out or loose at any point. The DS has been performed for around 20 years, and the VSG is the first stage of that procedure. I haven't seen any articles or abstracts on staples wiggling out of the staple line in any of my research. But, that doesn't mean that I didn't miss a few situations that might have occurred and are not well documented.

I ate pb on reduced fat wheat thins when I first started adding more carbs into my diet. If you are cleared for raw fruits/veggies, believe it or not, granny smith or golden delicious apples are fabulous with PB. I avoid raw celery because it's stringy, and I feel it lingers around in my stomach. My kiddo likes carrots, bananas, apples, and pears with a little Peanut Butter. I avoid bananas, and carrots, but you could try those if you're able to eat those at this point. I also eat PB on Triscuit whole grain wheat thins. I'm super weird, and love Cheez Its with PB also. I know that's a little crazy, but it really tastes good. I also eat Cheez It crackers with grapes.

Just one thin or half of a sandwich made from 2 of the thins. There is no way I could get 2 of the thins down. I have to eat any bread product super slow. Well except for chips, soft or hard pretzels, and crackers go down great, and are definitely sliders for me now. I hope you can try them out soon. They are a really nice alternative to sliced bread. I wish they would come out with a pumpernickel flavor because I have been craving pumpernickel bread for about 2 weeks now.

I would have a super tough time deciding on something there. Everything sounds phenomenal. The Steak and black bean chili sounds wonderful under the Favorites list. The Tilapia VeraCruz sounds really good as well if you were planning on sharing with your husband. chicken wings are always a go to for me on the appetizer menus at restaurants. I hope you have a great time.

You betcha. I preferred the seitan over tempeh, but that's probably just my personal tastes. I really wish I could convert my meat and potato husband over. But, I feel a bit better with us eating more turkey, chicken, and some bison (when I can find it). I love steak, and we eat it a couple times a week, and I can't bring myself to give it up. But, this is a good option for those that can't tolerate dense meats or prefer to have some variety in their protein sources.

I am a self-proclaimed scale whore, and have been since coming home from the hospital. Hell, once I was out of ICU in the hospital, and I went on my walks, I stopped by the scale in the hall 2-3 times a day. Now, I loathe the scale, but that's for a different reason. But, through my losing stage, I weighed up to 6 times a days. It kept me accountable, it gave me something to look forward to, and I know others can't do it, but I couldn't give up my scale whoredom for anything ! ! !

I found mine at a Whole food type store. The stir fry recipes were my absolute favorite. I bought the dry variety and mixed it according to the package directions. SEITAN--THE VEGETARIAN WHEAT meat -- The Vegetarian Resource Group That has some of the brands that are available in some stores. And, how to even make homemade seitan. It's really a great option Anna, and I bet you'd like it. I would use it more if I could convert John and Caysen over, but that is a complete lost cause.

You can check out the American Cancer Society with these links about gastrectomies for stomach cancer patients, and read up on their life post partial and total gastrectomy. ACS :: Search Results: gastrectomy I also read a lot of personal stories on the forum that is attached to ACS called Cancer Survivor Network. It gave me a broad view of many patients that had gone through partial or complete gastrectomies. That is what I did at the suggestion of my oncologist/hematologist that I had to see for a diagnosis and treatment of my clotting disorder. He also showed me published studies from Europe that showed patients that had gastrectomies reduced their risk of cancer (all cancers) by a significant percentage. I can't remember the percentage as it was almost a year ago when I started seeing him. The osteoporosis risk is high for all women obviously, but the recommendation of Calcium Citrate 1200-1500mg daily is in place for this specific reason especially when we are prescribed acid reducers. Calcium carbonate needs an acidic environment to be absorbed properly. With citrate, it does not need the acidic environment. We do not have any malabsorptive components therefore the medication absorption should not be an issue for us. Some meds require food or dairy for dosing. I'm currently taking Wellbutrin to help quit smoking, and I have to take it with food or I get a stomach cramp. I swallow my pill then immediately eat something like a cracker with cheese, or a small bit of chicken/turkey deli meat. That way the food gets to my stomach before the pill starts breaking down. That's how I've taken other pills when they needed food or a dairy product this was around the 2-3 months post-op time-frame. I hope those links help some. There are some studies out there that suggest gastric stomach cancer, or ulcers with gastrectomies. BUT, every article I read, and every case study published indicated that all the gastrectomy patients already had a diseased stomach with either cancer or an ulcerative condition that obviously increases the risk of developing cancer or ulcers post gastrectomy. I have not read of any DS or VSG patients develop stomach cancer. The DS has been performed for about 20 years, and I researched back to see if I could find any connection between the removal of the large portion of the stomach with the DS and cancer since VSG is the first stage of the DS. I found no connection.

I don't need personal experience to realize that a facility/surgeon does not meet my personal standards of care even before the numerous complications came out about this particular surgeon/facility. As I've stated several times over several months, it's nothing personal against any particular surgeon. It strictly has to do with my expectations and requirements. Obviously, that's a point that no one is willing to recognize with the exception of a few members here that chose this particular surgeon/facility. The maturity of some members is definitely radiating in this thread with the high school antics. Build a bridge and get over it. No one said that one's good experience shouldn't be shared, and welcomed. It's when all of the shrugging off or accusing the patients of non-compliance when complications arise that it becomes distasteful, and sadly a reflection of a person's character.

Many congrats on getting your date set, and keep us posted on your progress. The waiting is definitely torturous ! ! ! Hang in there, you'll be on the loser's bench in no time.

That is such an inspiring story. If I had something that monumental, I would seriously cut it up to fit into a picture frame, with something inspirational that reminded me just how far I had come during the WL journey. I have kept one of my old shirts, and I pull it out of the closet on occasion. It now fits me like a right above the knee dress, and I plan on having it altered down and tapered in so I can wear it with summer approaching. You are doing so fabulous, and I can't wait to watch your progress over the upcoming months.

I did horrible from Thursday on last week. But this week, here is my plan: Monday: Wii Active Wednesday: Weights with ab/butt/thigh work out Thursday: Wii Active Friday: Repeat of Wednesday

My advice is to find new recipes that may appeal to you. Just about anything can be made sleeve friendly. All Protein meatloaf is pretty good. Instead of using bread crumbs, crackers, or oatmeal as a binder for the meatloaf use Pork rinds. Spinach, egg, cheese quiches made in a muffin tin are pretty awesome. This is the recipe I use: Crustless Spinach Quiche - All Recipes I also add leftover chicken in it. Any recipes that call for sour cream, I substitute plain Greek yogurt. I received a Large George Foreman 360 grill for Christmas, and I use it literally 4-5 times a week. I just recently made these chicken kabobs on the GF grill. Chicken on a Stick - All Recipes I use greek yogurt in place of the sour cream, and olive oil in place of the veggie oil. Reduced fat Soup, and I use 3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts instead of thighs. I serve it over long grain rice, or mashed potatoes. http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/Chicken-In-Sour-Cream/Detail.aspx I made these with our last package of ground venison, and OMG they were fabulous. I can only eat about 1/3, maybe 1/2 of the burger depending on size, and no bun. But, they were yummy on the GF Grill. I omitted the dry onion soup mix, and added a slice of reduced fat Sargento pepperjack cheese, and some chunky sharp cheddar cheese that I had in the fridge. I also substituted turkey bacon for the bacon. I only used 1lb of venison, you could use ground turkey or super lean ground beef. Mom's Legendary Stuffed Hamburgers - All Recipes Super yummy meatballs: substitute pork rinds for the bread crumbs, find low sugar/low carb barbque sauce, I only use 2 egg whites for the egg and 1lb of lean ground beef for this recipe. Playoff Meatballs - All Recipes Asian Beef Skewers - All Recipes If you like fresh, raw veggies as a snack, you could try this recipe. I again use Greek yogurt for the plain yogurt and sour cream. Easy Greek Yogurt Cucumber Sauce - All Recipes I make this by halving the ingredients and using only 2 boneless, skinless chicken breast halves. Bourbon Chicken - All Recipes I really had to break out of my norm and try new recipes and new flavors to overcome the monotony of eating. Just get creative, and see what you can find that can be adjusted to your personal tastes, read the reviews of the recipes you find, and try something new. I also use my crock pot a lot. I freeze leftovers for later, and that helps with future meals.

Does she have a boss? Everyone has a boss unless they own the business privately. My first step would be to contact the HR department, and then if you did not find resolution there, go up the chain until you are able to have your time off. There has to be a compromise somewhere.

He is one of the pioneers of the VSG as a stand alone procedure. He is actually on this forum to answer questions for us. Here's the link to his section on the forum: Ask Dr. Gregg Jossart - Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy Surgery (VSG) Forum http://verticalsleevetalk.com/ask-dr-gregg-jossart/2356-vertical-sleeve-gastrectomy-information-dr-gregg-jossart.html He's pretty awesome from the patients I've spoken to, but I have no personal experience with him.

This member is traveling to see Dr. Nick, you could probably contact her, and talk more in depth about the specifics. A lot of his patients chimed in within that thread as well. http://verticalsleevetalk.com/tell-your-story/2962-moving-forward-dr-nick-texas.html

The first links are other VSG patients that are further out. 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 sleevehttp://www.asmbs.org/Newsite07/resources/Updated_Position_Statement_on_Sleeve_Gastrectomy.pdf. - 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 (Totally worth the money) 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 I used this website a lot. I paid for some of the full articles that grabbed my attention based on the abstracts. There are several articles that you can comb through that interest you. Once you read an abstract, on the right hand side of the page, there are other related articles listed that you may find interesting. SpringerLink - All Content Items SSAT - SSAT 2008 Annual Meeting Abstracts - Laparoscopic Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy for Morbid Obesity: a Report of a Five-Year Experience with 750 Patients</b> Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy (LSG) In Morbid Obesity: Review https://www.highbeam.com/reg/reg1.aspx?origurl=/doc/1G1-221717134.html&full=yes This was recommended to me for post-op options for meals, and just a guide. [ame=http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0061242853?ie=UTF8&tag=mybiglife-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0061242853]Amazon.com: Before & After, Revised Edition: Living and Eating Well After Weight-Loss Surgery (9780061242854): Susan Maria Leach: Books[/ame] This one is cool because it shows a significant decrease in ghrelin with VSG patients vs. RNY patients. Weight loss, appetite suppression, and changes in ... [Ann Surg. 2008] - PubMed result Abstract on diabetes/glucose/insulin regulation with VSG vs. RNY stating that at 3 months out with the patients studied, RNY and VSG had no marked difference in improved lab results with their glucose showing that rerouting is not always necessary for resolution of this particula co-morbidity. Improvement in glucose metabolism after bariatric ... [Ann Surg. 2009] - PubMed result Laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy: an innovative new tool in the battle against the obesity epidemic in Canada Edit to add: If my insurance would not have come through with my revision, I would have traveled to Mexico, and my choice in surgeon was also Dr. Aceves as a revision surgeon. There are a lot of really great surgeons in Mexico and the U.S. it really all depends on your comfort level, and what you want and need from a program.

This is just a generic sample letter I found through google. Your doctor can personalize it for your specific health concerns, medication needs (such as NSAIDS, or other meds that need to be absorbed completely which RNY can cause malabsorption of some meds). Also include your weight loss attempts over the last few years such as Weight Watchers, Atkins, medically supervised diet/exercise, Nutrisystem etc etc. Hope this helps: Re: Ms. XXX (your name) DOB: Your date of birth Dear Sir or Madam: I have been seeing Ms. XXX as a patient since April 29, 2005 and trying to deal with her morbid obesity with diet and exercise programs. With her medical problems and lack of success with any significant weight loss, I am referring her to Dr. Bariatric for weight reduction surgery evaluation. Ms. XXX's height is 5’5” and her weight is 282 lbs making her BMI 46. To my understanding this alone should qualify her as a candidate for the procedure. In addition to morbid obesity, the patient is suffering from low back pain, exertional dyspnea, bilateral lower extremity edema, and headaches. She has already tried numerous weight loss/exercise programs without success including physician monitored weight loss programs w/ medications as well as Weight Watchers Program and other noted programs. She also has a strong family history of hypertension, diabetes, and heart disease. I am respectfully requesting pre-authorization for bariatric surgery to include the patient’s benefits and coverage. We will send the accompanying documentation. Hopefully, Dr. Bariatric will be able to help her with your assistance. Sincerely, Doctor Name and Signature Doctor's Practice name, address, and phone number

I would have to say it's just rebound water weight, and it'll drop off soon. With all of my complications, I was pumped full of fluids, and went from 263 to 297 while in ICU. Those pounds started melting off over the following week or so, but I came home at a few pounds heavier than I was pre-op. It drops off, I promise. You're doing great.

I'll throw out there that I've tried seitan, and it's great. I went through a tough time with meat, and contacted one of my vegan friends. She sent me a bunch of recipes and blogs off the net. By the time, I found seitan and tempeh around here, meat didn't bother me as much. I tried tempeh, but seitan was better for me. I had it in the cupboard, and decided to give it a whirl one day. I was really impressed with it. I couldn't convert my husband, and I love meat as well. But, it was a viable option for me.

Ohhhhhhhhhhhh icky, I can not tolerate mouth pain. I've had serious pain in every other region of my body, but tooth/jaw pain is something I can not handle. I hope you can get it fixed soon. I had a root canal in October. Worse experience ever in a dentist chair. I am so glad the Nexium helped the hunger. I thought people were crazy when they talked to me about it too. I was like "whatever, that makes no sense" but dang they were right. I'm checking out your album, and excited to see your progress pics ! ! !

Hey there, and welcome to VST. I've seen a lot of sleeve and other bariatric patients use https://www.blogger.com/start for their personal blog. Some of them are: fattyfightsback.blogspot.com theworldaccordingtoeggface.blogspot.com bariatricgirl.blogspot.com You can come up with a catchy title and get on the google page once you so many hits I think. Good luck with your blog, and your upcoming surgery.

I would say sore. I was about 3 weeks out before I ever consume any liquids, and never felt a full signal on clear or even full liquids. I just stuck with the prescribed 2oz every 15 minutes, and that helped me get in my fluids, and I didn't worry about carbs, and stuff that early out. Once I got to full liquids, and mushies I watched my carbs, but clear liquids, I consumed whatever I could tolerate that was allowed. Hang in there, you'll feel better soon. I was able to take a Children's tylenol post-op when I didn't want to use the RX pain meds. I used it sparingly, but maybe you could ask your surgeon or someone with his staff if this would be an option for you.

I added a couple of packets of Splenda or sugar free strawberry jelly for a sweet taste. I used various spices, and sauces for a more savory option especially when I started eating meat, added it to Beans and cheese for smoothness, I make veggie/chip/cracker dips out of it now. I never was able to eat it plain. I never acquired that taste for it like others. Oh yeah, you can also add those sugar free syrups that they add to coffes/lattes by Davinci or Torani for a change. Best wishes for a smooth surgery and recovery. Post when you are able to do so. We're all scooting over for you on the loser's bench. I so wish our Wal-Mart carried the Oikos or Fage brand. All they carry is the Chobani which is great, but it only comes in 6 oz containers. I typically use 8-12oz when cooking certain recipes so it gets costly, but so worth it. I hate going to Publix just because it's not convenient for me to go there just for Greek yogurt.

Ewwwwwwwwwwwy, but oh so true Nikki ! ! ! My orthopedic surgeon told me that for every pound we lose, that we relieve something like 11 pounds per square inch off our weight-bearing joints like our knees and ankles. So just imagine how much relief your knees and ankles are feeling at this point in your journey? ? ? I know my knees don't even hurt anymore. They still make funky, bone on bone noises with some exercises, and extremely extended amounts of walking, but no more pain. It's absolutely amazing. Thanks for sharing your biology lesson with us. It definitely puts things into perspective for us.