Tiffykins

What a horrible nightmare for y'all, and I'll keep y'all in my thoughts. As for the procedure, it sounds as if she had a partial gastrectomy which has been performed since the late 1800's. There is actually a forum on the American Cancer Society dedicated to partial and complete gastrectomy patients that have had the surgery due to stomach cancer. There are other gastrectomy forums out there that might give some insight to how her life will be post-op. I met a woman a few months ago who lost her entire stomach about 10 years ago due to ulcers. They rebuilt her a "stomach" out of intestinal tissue, and she is a lively, active, energetic and above all she was eating normal food. She did take a papaya enzyme and another digestive aid to ensure her food processed properly. She told me that she was diligent with her Vitamins, but had zero regrets and felt as if she was living a full and rewarding life. I would recommend sharing her story with the band board so others can be aware of what can happen if they experience the same complications/symptoms.

This is my standard reply when this question pops up every couple of days. I won't try to sway anyone one way or another, but I'll give you my reasons for choosing VSG over RNY for my revision from the band. You can also check out the revision, failure, and food issue forums on here to get an idea of some long term RNY patients. For me, it was never an option. The cons outweighed the pros. The VSG was my 2nd, and final WLS. I could have easily had RNY, but I fought to have VSG as my revision from the band. Some factors I considered in deciding on VSG. The pouch that RNY offers is similar to the pouch with the band. Least to say, a pouch sucks, I love having a normal tummy, just less capacity and still fully functioning. 1) No blind stomach left behind that can be difficult to scope yet can still get ulcers and cancer. 2) 2 years max on calorie/carb/sugar malabsorption, but a lifetime of vitamin/nutrient malabsorption. This process is called adaptation, and it happens with intestinal bypass surgeries. 3) I had a pouch with the band, and it sucked. I'm pretty fond of my pyloric valve and the sleeve let me keep it. I love having a normal functioning stomach, just smaller in capacity. 4) Regain stats and #of RNY patients seeking revision truly scared the poop out of me 5) I have too many friends in real life that struggle with Vitamin deficiencies post-RNY, and most of them either never got to goal, or have gained back a significant amount of their weight. 6) The long term complications with RNY were too numerous for my comfort level. Pouch or stoma dilation, strictures, vitamin/nutrient deficiencies, ulcers, 7) I researched gastrectomies that had been performed for stomach cancer and ulcer patients, and found comfort in the long term results and minimal complications of patients that had lost most or all of their stomachs had dealt with over several years. 8) I was a volume eater, and knew a restrictive only procedure would work for me. That was my thought process when I got the band, and I thought I could beat the odds on complications. Sadly, the band only lasted 8 months before I had to revise. 9) I did not want to have food or medication restrictions. I chose WLS to have a "normal" life, and I think it's normal to eat a couple of Cookies. With RNY, I wasn't willing to go through the possibility of dumping if I wanted to have a couple of cookies, or a slice of cake on occasion. The big scare for me is medication restrictions for life. NSAIDS and steroids are a NO GO for life with a RNY pouch. I realize that I may never be diagnosed with a condition or disease that requires steroid use, but it is possible. I want the best long term results with the least amount of complications. Malabsorption is not anything to play with in my mind, and I was not willing to take that risk. I lost all my weight in my ticker with the exception of 7lbs with the sleeve, and I did it in 10.5 months. The 115lbs fell off the first 6.5 months, and then the rest I lost as I was getting into maintenance over another 4 months.. It's been a fabulous journey, and I'm easily maintaining with zero issues for nearly a year at this point. I want to add that every WLS regardless of your choice will require discipline. Only a percentage of RNY patients dump on sugar/fat, pouches and stomas stretch, then you have the medication restrictions. I'm not trying to convince you, but these were my concerns when I knew I had to revise from the band. I started at 263 the day of my revision and today I weigh 127lbs. I bounce on the scale 125-130lbs any given week, and I couldn't be more ecstatic! Best wishes in your research! P.S. I wrote this before pregnancy, and think it's only fair to add that I'm thriving in my pregnancy. Zero deficiencies, zero nutritional issues for my body and the growing baby. I have gained about 10-11lbs in 20 weeks of pregnancy, and my doctors are elated with my progress. Nothing has been challenging in the pregnancy, nor is the pregnancy anymore complicated because of VSG. I struggle with the physical changes, and the weight regain, but it's a work in progress.

Prilosec 20mg once daily was prescribed initially. Take on an empty stomach, wait 1 hour before eating, or eat and wait 2-3 hours to take the Prilosec. All of the PPIs from the RX pamphlets I have read to wait 30-60 minutes before eating. Zantac is an h2 blocker it works a little different than a PPI. I am now on Nexium once daily due to a case of gastritis I had in January, and then got pregnant in February and since Prilosec is not okay'd for pregnancy, I have remained on Nexium as prescribed by my ob. It may take a few days for the PPI to kick in fully. Gaviscon is typically the recommended remedy for breakthrough reflux until the PPI can kick in to full efficacy.

I personally think some men are clueless when it comes to weight. Seriously, my husband had no clue I weighed 270lbs, he is convinced I weigh less than my current weight. I would say it really depends on final body shape, and weight. I'm only 5'2" and at 125lbs, my husband honestly believes I am far too small. My surgeon and my husband are both in agreement that I need to maintain 135-140lbs instead of 125-130lbs. It may only be 10lbs, but those 10 pounds make a huge difference. However, I will say that men have a view of what "XXX" number of pounds looks like, and sadly, I might weigh very close to the same amount as Reese Witherspoon, but my body does NOT resemble her shape at all. So, while my husband might think "this weight" would look good on me, in all honesty, my body shape/size/dimensions all vary in comparison to other women.

During the liquid phase, when you're drinking sugar free stuff like gatorade/powerade/crystal light, and then throw in some lime Jello and some sugar free popsicles, Peacock poop is what we called it a couple of years ago. Smaller bm material is to be expected especially when ingesting very small portions and/or liquids. The freaky colors disappeared once I was able to progress to other liquids and foods.

Try sipping warm fluids as this helped tremendously immediately with Fluid intake. My goal was 2oz every minutes, and over an 8 hour period that gave me the 64oz of clear fluids. It does get better. If your urine turns super dark, your eyes feel dry, or when you pinch the skin on the back of your hand and it doesn't rebound immediately, please don't hesitate to call your doctor. Dehydration can lead to nausea, and other issues that make the post-op healing period miserable.

Congrats on a great vacay ! ! ! When I had no access to a scale, I ran by WalMart for a few items, sneaked into the hardware department where the scales are located and weighed myself. HA, that's obsessive.

I only got this on a couple of occasions when I was still fat. I think it's weird for people/waitresses/servers to see an obese lady order just a cup of soup/chili, eat half of it and not finish it. I mean seriously, when does that happen? ? ? Of course, my husband is the worse at offering bites of this or that even at 2 years out. He's stopped asking and just plops food on my plate. I swear he is a "feeder", and just doesn't get that I don't want half of his scallop, or 2 bites of lobster off his plate. Instead of giving me the opportunity to say "no", he just slides food across the table to my plate, and it sits there staring at us both.

Are you allowed to have Protein drinks mixed with Water? Also the Syntrax nectar Proteins were considered "clears" on my program. The added protein might help with the hunger. As for the liquids, it's really a pain in the butt. However, it's essential for healing, and might help your transition to more solid food easier. Hang in there ! ! !

When I married my amazingly supportive, loving, and hard-working husband, I knew I wanted to have children with him. I had been half-as$ researching bariatric surgery in Texas when I was single, but had not really committed. We were married in February of 2008, October 2008 I underwent band surgery and then VSG revision in June 2009. I'm 6 years older than my husband, he met, fell in love with, and married me at 270lbs. He never once scoffed at my weight, he never saw a 24W pant size, he just loved me, all of me. He was 100% supportive for both surgeries, as I had refused to get pregnant at my pre-op weight. I am now 20 weeks pregnant, and thriving. It took us 3 years to get here considering both surgeries and extensive recovery, then I had to wait to TTC. I was also just tired of being fat. I had zero co-morbidities, or extensive health issues, but they were all in my future. I wanted to avoid all of them, plus I wanted to enjoy being regular/average sized woman in my 30's. There's nothing, not one single, solitary thing I would change about my journey. I have zero regrets, not even my band, and I'm so grateful I did this not only for my future health, but for my family.

I actually dealt with this pre-op. My stomach would literally not allow me to eat anything of substance when I was overly stressed or upset. After being sleeved, nothing has changed. My husband and I can have a huge blow-out argument, or be dealing with a high stress situation with his job, with our son, or with the pregnancy, and I end up only eating mushy food. It's not the comfort foods or junk food, but I really focus on eating yogurt, soft cheese, chili, or Soup just because I know that I'm not going to be able to really eat anything solid for a couple of hours.

I would play it by ear. I'm a pretty confrontational person even with family. As much as you want to tell them, I really think you deserve to go into the sleeve with nothing but love and support. After surgery, the weight is going to come off, you're going to feel better, you're going to be able to "show" them through your success that you are not a failure, and avoid the " I told you so" conversations. If it comes up, and people question the "why didn't tell me/us", remind them without hesitation that their past comments and behaviors toward you were not welcomed nor warranted. It is, above all, most important that you go into any type of surgery without a heavy heart, and a clear mind so you can focus on you and your recovery. In my opinion, with family like that, you don't need enemies, nor the stress that comes with all of their judgment. I also don't feel like you are lying. You are protecting yourself. While others may consider it lying, I see it as volunteering information. If they ask point blank "how are you losing weight so fast?", you can of course tell them that you chose to move forward with another surgery under your doctor's recommendation, and supervision and leave it at that. Unless they could benefit from having sleeve surgery themselves, leave the details out, tell them you are happy, pleased, and moving forward with your medical team's required program, and the rest of the details are not important. Change the subject, or walk away. I am usually very pro-shouting it from the rooftops that someone chooses WLS, or not "hide" their decision. But, in your situation, I honestly believe that your situation calls for some discretion.

As a true volume eater, I never comprehended that I would be mentally satisfied with such small portions until I was post-op. The loss of physical hunger really helped. Even if the sleeve didn't resolve my hunger completely, the instant and constant restriction has totally been the one thing I could rely on to prevent me from overeating. I know it's beyond difficult to comprehend and even accept that the sleeve will work. I never doubt my ability to succeed, but I didn't believe all the hype until I was living with a sleeve. If you need help, just shoot me a message. I'm always open to help. If you're worried about overeating, I promise measuring your portions with measuring cups or having bowls with exact sizes really helps. There are these Gladware/plasticware bowls that are exact volume measurements that I bought and they really helped me keep my portions on target.

I don't and haven't thrown up with my sleeve at all. I puked up one bite around 3-4 months out, and rarely eat until full so that's a big key to not puking. The other nausea people experience is typically related to putting food in too soon, overeating, or eating too fast which can all be avoided by taking your time while eating. It's all learned behavior so it can be done. The key to not stretching your stomach (which is nearly impossible because there is not enough tissue left to stretch out) is to measure your portions religiously, and to stop eating before you feel stuffed. Eat your measured portion and be done. Keep researching, and looking at VSG. It's the best thing I ever did for myself.

It sounds like 30lbs in 6 weeks is fine as it averages out to 5lbs a week. As for the eating stuff we aren't supposed, I can promise that battle doesn't get easier the further out you get. I know it's a tough road to travel, but if you want to maximize this "honeymoon phase" stick to your post-op guideline. Are you tracking your intake for calories/carbs/protein??? If not, start now, and really get an idea of what you are eating. You are in 100% control and can succeed. You just have to choose the best option. Can you get into a support group or with a therapist that is experienced with bariatric patients?

Many congrats ! ! ! You look fabulous

I wouldn't tell them until after. You don't need the naysayers in my opinion. You've been through enough in my opinion, and need support more than anything ! ! ! Best wishes on your sleeve.

36 pounds in 30 days is PHENOMENAL ! ! ! Keep rockin' your sleeve

I don't blame ya one bit. Those are all mushy/pureed by my guideline so I think you'll do great. Don't forget egg salad, and Greek yogurt YUM ! ! ! Chicken still sucks for me at 2 years out compared to red meats. Scallops and shrimp are both really good Protein soft Proteins that will help you not live on Protein Drinks for months on end.

I was only prescribed to stay on full liquids for a week, mushy/puree/soft solids for 2 weeks and progress to solid foods as tolerated. Least to say, it took over 3 months for solid foods to be tolerable. You might find that even the most mushed up, chewed to cardboard tasting foods just don't work that soon. Of course, we'll all cheer for you if you can eat 3oz of chicken that early, but typically that's not the case.

My biggest piece of advice is when you meet with the surgeon or anesthesia team, I would ask for a pre-op cocktail to ease your nerves. I always do this because I've always felt like when I went in relaxed and at peace, my recovery was 100% easier. It's usually a valium cocktail they hit the IV with about 20-30 minutes before they wheel me back. I've had tons of surgeries with general anesthesia, but I've always had a better experience being somewhat sedate when they take me back. I cry, and hold my husband's hand until the last moment, I say a little pray and ask that God will guide the medical team so I can have an uneventful recovery. I'm not saying to pray or get religious if you're not, just sharing my experiences.

I would count it as a mushy/puree/soft food stage. It sounds like a perogi or wonton of sorts with spinach, or like a mini little quiche. Would that be the correct assumption? Dip that bad boy in some Greek yogurt. Be careful with the dough as it may expand on you a bit if you're still early out, but it's be considered a mushy by the definition/directions you've given.

Beef works way better for me. As a matter of fact, bison, buffalo and venison are my favorites! ! ! Chicken works "okay", but if I want to eat more than about 3 ounces, I have to add food lube of sort like dressing, gravy, ketchup etc. Chicken thighs work way better than breast meat. I promise all the eating stuff gets much easier the further out you get. I remember literally crying, like bawling to a fellow VSG'er that was a year further out than myself because I could barely eat 2oz of solid meat at 3 months. I thought I was doomed to a life of this itty bitty strips of meat. I'm probably one of the most carnivorous women you'd meet so I was fairly devastated ha ha ha. But, alas that half of a big, fat juicy ribeye or filet mignon is mighty fabulous ! ! !

Usually, for about 80%(as an estimate from all the personal stories I've read) of patients are able to have the revision performed in one procedure. An unfill with a wait of 2-6 weeks seems to be the standard protocol for slippage. Removing it and doing the revision in one procedure keeps her from enduring 2 anesthesia procedures, opening her up twice while increasing her risk of infection. However, doing it in 2 procedures is sometimes a necessary process. It really depends on what all has transpired with her band journey. For me, I couldn't have it done in 2 procedures. The damage to my stomach was not reversible, there would not have been any healing of the tissue or relaxing of the tissue. The band had partially eroded into my stomach, and the scar tissue was too severe to even think of doing it in 2 procedures. Best wishes to your mom ! ! !

Ohhh sweet lordy ! ! ! How ridiculous, I hope you get some answers soon. I'm still at a loss as to why they just wouldn't do a scope. Keep us posted!