Tiffykins

This is why I'm such a huge advocate for taking a complete, ADULT, multi-Vitamin. Of course, trending your labs based on your food consumption, and your own personal health is essential, but supplementing with a high quality vitamin is so important. The article doesn't even discuss free radicals, and all the preservatives that are added to foods that destroy micro and macro nutrients in our bodies. At over 2 years out, I have never been deficient in any levels. At 18 months post-VSG, my B12 did go way too high, we cut my dose back to 1/2500mcg sublingual every couple of days, and my numbers dropped back down to normal within 2-2.5 months. Remember, that a lot of the vital minerals and Vitamins are Water soluble, and those are the ones we find more and more VSG patients getting deficient in. The first 3-9 months most levels will stay within normal ranges especially with the fat soluble vitamins. BUT, after that first 12-18 months is when we really have to watch our levels. Great article ! ! !

The protein base is hydrolyzed collagen protein as the first ingredient. This form of protein is the cheapest, and least absorbed protein form on the market. I used them with my band only because the nut told me I could, I couldn't tolerate them with my sleeve. The collagen proteins are supposedly made from boiled cow hides. Not the best form of protein, and your body won't absorb the majority of it for recovery purposes.

Y'all are better than me. I can not for the life of me get over the texture or the smell. I wash/rinse/dry/repeat and to no avail those little boogers just do not work for me, but I'm so glad they work for others. I was a spaghetti squash girl back when I was avoiding pasta.

I'm a couple of days late posting this, but it's been a busy weekend around here. 2 years ago on June 3, 2009 I revised from band to sleeve. As many of you know, or have read previously, I had horrific complications with my revision including a leak, a stent in ICU on a ventilator due to anesthesia complications during the leak repair, and an exhaustive recovery that lasted 3.5 months. To this very day, I can assure any one of you that I would endure every single, solitary struggle and hurdle to live the life I have today. My highest recorded weight was 270lbs at 5'2". The day of my revision I weighed 263, and within 6.5 months I had hit goal of 150lbs. I continued to lose another 23-25lbs into maintenance over another 4 months and my body finally settled. I maintained my loss of 138lbs for a year before the pregnancy weight started creeping in. My maintenance weight would bounce around 125-130lbs, and I was wearing a size 2 in most pants, some 4s, and XS-S tops. From a size 22/24W, to a size 2. To answer the common question of "how'd you do it?", the simple answer is; I set a meal plan/schedule and I followed my surgeon's prescribed post-op guideline. I didn't cheat, I didn't want to waver from his plan because I figured "hey, I trusted him to cut our my stomach, I should probably trust him on what he knows will work." I essentially low carbed it for 6 months until goal. I ate no more than 30-40gr of carbs per day, closer to 30gr and a minimum of 60gr of Protein. Pushed clear fluids, and took my Vitamins. Easy enough to follow. I will add that I beat most of my food issues with the band. That crazy thing kind of makes you not want to eat out of fear of puking, so my transition to solid foods was slow. My hair fell out between 3.5-6 months post-op, and I lost half of my hair by volume. It all grew back, and is just lovely today. Losing weight was easy. Keeping it off was the challenge for me in the past, and with the sleeve I have the constant and permanent restriction needed to ensure success. I gained a few pounds over the holidays last year, and within a couple of weeks of going back to my normal eating, those pounds melted off. I worked on my relationship with food, I started to view food as fuel for my body. I eat what makes me feel good physically and mentally. I do not diet in maintenance, I refuse to deprive myself of certain foods. I do eat all carbs, I have drank soda for over 16 months without any change in my sleeve capacity, and I haven't exercised since being 8 months post-op. So, I'm one of the few that went into this with a loaded deck, and succeeded because I worked hard to replace bad habits with good habits, and really focused on my life with food. I never fell in love with working out, and yep, I have flabby, loose, wrinkly skin, but hey, it's what I'm left with. I'm not going to kill myself in the gym. So, there's some honesty for those that want to know my life post-op. I eat what I want, in smaller portions, and yep I eat junk food, and fun food, but I live a life a moderation. It might not work for everyone, but no one can deny my results and my pure love of life post-op. Now, on to Sprout. . . We are both thriving. There is very little difference with being pregnant with VSG. My calorie intake is to stay between 1700-1800 calories, 100gr of protein and 100gr of carbs at a minimum. I have had zero issues eating enough to support my body and Sprout. I have not had any nausea or foods that just do not agree with me. Cravings are a TOTAL b***h, and new thing because I really didn't deal with them post-op. The hormones are another b***h to deal with that I had forgotten about. Medically, we are both doing extremely well. I have gained a solid 8-10lbs in 18.5 weeks of pregnancy. It really depends on the time of that I weigh. I attribute a lot of it to the fact that I quit smoking, and have been snacking more. Yep, I went back to smoking after VSG, and I had stopped and started again 3 times. So, it's a hell of a habit to kick. Now, emotionally and mentally with the pregnancy. Let me just tell y'all ladies that are looking to getting pregnant post-op. If you have never experienced skinny b***h syndrome, prepare yourself NOW. I wanted pregnancy more than anything else post-op. I wanted to give my husband a child more than I wanted to breathe myself. We struggled through TTC for over 12 months and was told that we'd medical intervention for success because something was wrong with me. Well, here we are today, nearly half way through a healthy pregnancy, and we did it without any assistance. I am considered high risk, but NOT because of VSG. If you wait until you're in maintenance, and your body is able to support you and baby, you aren't considered high risk as long as your labs are good. My labs have always been stellar and they have remained. However, regardless of how fabulous I am medically, emotionally I am a hot mess. My body has changed tremendously. I can not wear my adorably, cute, fashionable clothes. They have been packed away to make room for my "baby" clothes. AND, before you say it or think it, I am NOT resentful or regretful that I've gained weight or am dealing with body issues due to the pregnancy. DO NOT make this about me not accepting it. I'm fine with it, but it is a HUGE mindfuck to not be able to wear your clothes. TO have your cute, little sleek body expand exponentially what seems like overnight. To have strangers think it's okay to touch me, this is all foreign to me, and it's very overwhelming. I was fat when I had my 1st son so being skinny pregnant is very different. I thought I was prepared, I thought "oh I'll just be so happy being pregnant" WELL I'm here to tell you that it's all bullshit. I hate feeling fat again. I'm so uncomfortable that sleeping is so difficult. My hips constantly ache, and I can't take any NSAIDS, not because of VSG, but because of the pregnancy. Tylenol isn't touching it, but they've increased my dose this week to see if it will help. All I'm saying is that if you think being pregnant is going to be all sunshine and roses, please know that's not always the case. I do love being pregnant, but I'm still struggling with the body changes. We had our gender determination and measurement/growth ultrasound on Friday. The gender is still questionable, but it's more a 60/40 split. I'm not convinced and won't be revealing gender until after my 20 week appointment on June 15th. Sprout is measuring perfect for length, the spina bifida screening was NEGATIVE, and my quad screening (risk for Downs and Trisomy 18 and 19) is 1 in 6250, and the NT Scan was normal. Sprout is growing and thriving, and actually weighs 2 more ounces than most 18 week old babies. SO, no one can question if I'm eating enough, or taking in enough calories/nutrients to support a baby. My clotting disorder is still being diagnosed and they think it's a platelet function that is messed up to put it in lay man's terms. I had more labs today. I was diagnosed with a genetic disorder and the acronym is MTHFR (I swear I'm the only person that could get some funky ass disorder with MOTHER F*CKER as an abbreviated acronym), and there is no treatment. BUT, I have been prescribed an 81mg Aspirin per day for the rest of my life to help with the clotting disorder in hopes that it will help. However, it can be counterproductive since I have a slow clotting time, but it's due to my platelets sticking to themselves instead of being free floating. THANK GOODNESS for VSG, if I would have chosen RNY, guess what, I would NOT be able to do it safely due to risk of ulceration. Okay, enough of all the blabbering, PICTURE WHORING TIME ! ! ! Before with my fabulous husband: 15 weeks pregnant: 18 weeks SO do NOT look pregnant from the front BUT WHOLLY **** BATMAN Hello BELLY ! ! ! Sprout at 18 weeks Sprout has a major thing with waving at the u/s wand ! ! ! It's been a wonderful 2 years, and I continue to look forward to what life brings us ! ! !

Fair warning this is a pretty emotional post, and while I rarely share my emotional stuff, I ask that you all pray for my family. For those who have followed the pregnancy fairly closely, or that I have spoken to one on one, know my history with the jacked up clotting disorder and aspirin therapy to help my platelet function etc etc. My platelets had been stabilized until last week and they've dropped to 77k. Which is too low for an epidural, and now we are looking at other therapies to help with this situation. As I laid there bawling when they told me that the only way for me to deliver safely is under general anesthesia, I just went right back to my horrible anesthesia complications that occurred during my revision. For those who do not know, I had horrible anesthesia issues during my leak repair, landed in ICU on a ventilator with a very grave prognosis and only a 10% survival chance after my leak repair. That episode has forever traumatized me and the doctors are actually recommending that I seek some therapy to deal with my anxiety and mild PTSD symptoms that I exhibit with general anesthesia discussions. I do not and have never suffered from any sort of anxiety in my life, but general anesthesia being mentioned sends me into a panic. I was on the monitors when they were telling me, and my HB spiked, Tatum's heartbeat spiked and then I started having mild contractions. Seriously, general anesthesia scares the poop out of me. Take away the fact that I want to hear her first cry, I want to be awake, I simply do not want to endure general anesthesia again, I am praying that we can get my numbers up. Least to say, this is a very difficult situation for me to manage. I'm asking for prayers, good thoughts, swing a fricken chicken I don't care, but if I ever need some good stuff to come my way, it's right now. Here's the awesomeness of VSG: As for another reason as to why I am beyond grateful for VSG, during the discussion with the OB about the clotting disorder and what we were going to do to manage through this platelet count dropping, he said "well the only other option we have is Prednisone therapy, but with your pouch, you can not have steroids." I said " Dr. B, I had the partial gastrectomy, NO pouch, NO RNY, NO stoma, I know it's tough to remember, but I have a normal stomach, just smaller". This is one of my high risk OB(I see 2 in the office) so I forgive him for not remembering I had VSG and not RNY. Anyways, his reply was "FABULOUS, you can take pred, and this should get your platelets back up, we'll put you on a super low dose, eat with the pred, you are going to GAIN more weight, you are going to be hungry, you are going to drinking tons of Water, BUT at least we'll have a fighting chance for you to be able to have an epidural and be awake for her arrival." I started bawling even harder because if I would have listened to the surgeons, and allowed another human to decide what I would do to my body, I would NOT be able to safely take the prednisone. I would definitely be having general anesthesia delivery. So, let me again tell you all just how phenomenal the sleeve has been for me. I am forever grateful that I was able to revise from the band to VSG. I would seriously endure every single struggle, every day of being NPO, every single hurdle of not being able to eat or drink, and every single difficulty to have this life I have today. I have to have more labs pulled on Tuesday, and then we will start the pred therapy the following week. This will give me 2 weeks on the pred and that should be enough time to get my platelet counts up. Tatum is doing perfect. Let me just state that VSG has in NO way complicated my pregnancy, nor slowed down her growth and development. She is weighing 4lb9oz(which is perfect and in the 30th percentile for weight), and is measuring right on target for length. She is absolutely great, and thriving. It's pretty much my body that is giving us issues. I knew going in that my previous health issues, and history would complicate pregnancy so I was prepared for it. However, I was not prepared for the extensiveness of the complications. 34 weeks- She was sucking her thumb, and we could see long baby hairs on her head this time! ! !

I just thought I'd throw it out there that I have a civilian PCM and did not have to change to an on base/post PCM to get the referral to the base bariatric department. I hope things go smoothly for you, and best wishes on your journey ! ! !

Nothing will stop it. And, no amount of any of the remedies guarantee that it will help with regrowth. Nioxin shampoo can be pretty drying, and I read mixed reviews so I never bothered with it. Protein consumption isn't going to save it either. I got in far less protein, and wasn't even able to get in protein until around 6 weeks post-op because I couldn't tolerate shakes. However, I know some women who got in more protein from earlier out than I did, and they lost more hair for longer periods of time than I did. Here's an interesting article on hair loss in WLS patients: http://www.obesityaction.org/magazine/ywm22/wlsandhairloss.php It does grow back, but it took about 18 months for my hair to get back to it's pre-op fullness.

I've had 3 different nutritionist, and clashed with 2 of the 3. I have zero issues with guidelines, or suggestions, but what I found is that the suggestions from 2 of them were based on what "normal" people need to lose weight. I'm NOT normal. If I were, I wouldn't have had 85% of my stomach removed. My body is carb sensitive, and it doesn't care what carbs I eat, I won't lose eating them. Good carbs vs. bad carbs, total carbs vs. net carbs, it doesn't mean anything to my body. So, I stuck to what my surgeon told me and had great success. 600-800 calories, 60+ grams of Protein and no more than 40gr of total carbs. During the first 6 months, I didn't have room for anything other than protein so staying low carb wasn't difficult if I wanted to hit my protein goal. I ate 4 meals per day, each meal consisting of 15gr of protein, no Snacks. I did not have a fat guideline and since I was low-carbing it, I needed the fat grams and ate full fat through my entire losing stage, and still do to this very day. My cholesterol was normal, and didn't change eating full fat. My good cholesterol actually improved through my losing stage and has maintained a normal level through maintenance. I don't do the whole eat good carbs minus the Fiber to get net carbs, 1) I didn't feel like dealing with the math 2) I didn't want to justify eating off plan, or not eating enough protein just because I could get away with subtracting fiber grams. It's just what worked for me and my weight loss goals. Maintenance is completely different, and is very individualized. I eat more in maintenance than others, and do not count anything but calories and protein in maintenance. I also was fairly sedentary/not extremely active through my losing stage so this plan worked perfectly for my needs.

It's really just a temporary situation. Once you lose your weight, and can tolerate the social aspects and behaviors with food and alcohol, an active social is an extremely realistic goal. I just didn't waste my "honeymoon" with alcohol and social life. I ate out with my friends, but I chose healthier options, and learned that I enjoyed the experience, friendship, fellowship far more than the food. Once I was at goal, I introduced alcohol back into my life. The first few times I drank, it did hit me hard and fast then I sobered up fast. Not a lot of fun, but a few months in, maintaining a good buzz was not difficult. I have a very active social life, and socially drink. Obviously, I haven't in pregnancy, but before pregnancy, I was a social drinker and would tie one on monthly with my girlfriends.

Wooohoo Congrats ! ! ! I see a half-assed smile in that second pic

I have 3 on my back. The 2 on the top part of my back are fine, no change, shrinkage or funkiness. The one in the small of my back is affectionately called my "ass frown" by my husband. Instead of straight line across the small of my back, it is now a little crescent moon shaped, or looks like a slight frown with the ends dipping downward at this point. That particular tat held up until I lost the last 30-40lbs, after that body changes, inches lost, and skin changes really started occurring and that's when I noticed a definite change in that tattoo.

Thank you bunches ! ! ! I am having a repeat/scheduled csection. Due to the clotting disorder, a t-anchor incision during my first csection(13 years ago), and a horrendous amount of scar tissue and adhesions on my uterus which were increased by the drains that were placed after my revision to drain abscesses that developed in my abdominal and pelvic cavity, a VBAC is not advisable, as much as people want to say they are fine, great and good, it is not a good idea for my body. If I were to have a bleed with a vaginal delivery, they could not get to it fast enough, my uterus is possibly adhered to the wall, making my risk for uterine rupture about 90%, I'm not willing to take that risk just to deliver naturally. . Grant it, I have zero desire to shoot a child out of my vagina, but it is not medically recommended for me to attempt a VBAC. Plus, due to other medical issues, we are considering a partial hysterectomy during the csection, at a bare minimum I will have my tubes tied because I have been advised to not have more children. The condition I have is MTHFR(that's just the acronym if anyone feels froggy and wants to research it or get a general overview of the condition), it increases the risks of birth defects especially spina bifida, along with all the lovely stuff it does to my body.

The plication is not as reversible as it's marketed. Several plication patients are looking at revisions to the sleeve. There are a few patients who had severe complications that have shared on obesityhelp and personally, I would never consider the plication. Partial gastrectomies and complete gastrectomies have been performed since the 1800's for stomach cancer and ulcers. Many people live fully-functioning lives without part or all of their stomachs. Best wishes in your research.

So, I mentioned a few days ago that I had the big 24 week checkup today for little Miss Tatum and myself for the pregnancy and stated I would post an upate for those that have been following our progress in the pregnancy. While I understand this is not the pregnancy forum, this is my home, I do not post regularly on the pregnancy forum because it's just you guys so that's my purpose for sharing here, and for any other mommies-to-be post-VSGers that have questions of concerns. Thus far, we are both thriving. She is weighing about 8-10oz heavier than what she should. My labs have remained stellar in regards to metabolic panels, CBC and all Vitamin levels. The clotting disorder is being managed by the aspiring therapy. My platelet functions, and numbers have stabilized and with this update, I will be able to have an epidural for the c-section rather than having to undergo general anesthesia. I have officially gained 18-19lbs at this point, and every one of my doctors from my surgeon to both of my ob's are elated, and think I am doing fabulous in that department. Admittedly, I am not working out, exercising, walking, or doing any more or less activities than I was pre-pregnancy. I am probably going to start swimming a couple of times a week because I am having hip pain due to the weight distrubution to my belly, and it's throwing everything off. Today, was the glucose test appointment. However, after much discussion, my ob decided to err on the side of caution and have me do at-home glucose testing at home for 2 weeks. I will poke myself 4 times daily after my largest meals of the day, and then log my numbers for 2 solid weeks. This will determine my gestational diabetes status. For those not familiar with glucose tolerance testing, I would have to chug a shot of icky Fluid that consists of 75gr of sugar in one whack, on most days, I never even consume that much sugar throughout the entire day. My ob called my surgeon discussed with him the best action plan and this is what they've come up with for my case. Sleeve patients can indeed do the standard test. The issue is transit time due to the shape of the stomach. The liquid goes in, hits the pylorus and empties into the intestine. There is no big tummy for it to sit in and seep through slowly. So, the results could be skewed, or wrong. Least to say, while I am not excited about poking myself, I am very grateful that my medical team is doing the very, very best to make sure my body is not suffering through this pregnancy. The main concern is that Tatum is a chunky baby already so that is a sign of early gestational diabetes. As for all the other stuff. I've still had very few issues with the pregnancy. My main complaint is hip pain. I've dealt with the weight regain, and while it still messes with my head, I'm better today than I was a month ago. Tatum is extremely active, kicks my bladder around 5am every morning, and she gets extremely active after I eat super spicy food. She also is not a fan of electronic devices being put on my tummy, she kicks off the remote, and cordless house phone which amazes my husband. The ob's typically have to chase her around for a good heartbeat count, and ultrasounds have been tricky to say the least. I don't have new pictures of Tatum, but will on the 28th, and then I have a 3d scan scheduled for August 8th so we'll have more pictures at that time. Here are my 2 most recent pictures of the ever growing baby bump which is now impossible to conceal. She's way up high, and sometimes I feel a foot moving up into my abdominal cavity. She stretches a lot, and I can see little alien baby movements under my skin which is pretty cool considering I could not see that with my 1st pregnancy because I was too fat to see anything except fat rolls. Main physical changes noted to date: Way bigger Boobies again YAY YAY, obvious HUGE Belly. My butt is still narrow, but kind of gotten a bit round, my hips have gotten a bit wider with the weight gain. My face, and neck are still thin, as are my arms and legs. 22 weeks (2 weeks ago) 24 weeks (just a couple of days ago) Ignore the funky wrinkles along my back. These maternity pants are too big, and the panel is only mid-rise so it bunches up everywhere hence the funky patterned shirt in attempts to hide it.

Thanks so much. I had my revision performed at an MTF over 2 years ago so I'm all set, it's all the other spouse's out there getting denied and then settling for a surgical option they really do not want just because they are desperate to have some sort of WLS. So, if anyone can give details on how they got it covered, the surgeon, location, either Tricare Prime, Standard, Prime Remote, Tricare for Life, ICD-9 codes, process and procedures that had to be completed before VSG was approved, all of that information can be used as ammo for other spouses. It's illegal for them to approve it for some dependents and deny others. I've been fighting with Tricare and trying to help my friends with appeals and congressional complaints to get it covered with Tricare Prime or Standard with civilian surgeons.

Just be very careful. As they will tell you that you'll get approved, and when the doc submits everything, they could very possibly come back with a huge denial. The ONLY person I know who has been approved with a civilian is a lady who is on Tricare for Life, her husband is retired, and once you get on Tricare for Life, you pick a health plan kind of like with Medicare. . . Anyways, she had to switch to Standard, and is only seen at John Hopkins, their children are seen on post, and continue with Prime. I've had friends in every Tricare region appeal, and even had one take it to the Congressional complaint level and have all been denied. I would call back, get the ICD-9 that Tricare is approving with civilians to make sure you can approved. The ICD-9 code is not authorized procedure by Tricare per their guidelines. If you get it approved, please come back and report the ICD-9 and what steps your surgeon's office took to get approved with a civilian. Many people are told that they can get it covered, they jump through the hoops, and then as soon as the paperwork is submitted, and then they get denied with the only option being RNY or the Band. If one surgeon can get it approved, then all have to be approved, and considering for over 2.5 years, we've been fighting with Tricare to get approval. It's the same crap they pulled before they started approving the band. I was outright denied with a civilian and my revision was medically necessary, and I was still within the BMI requirements.

That is correct, VSG is NOT a covered procedure with Tricare outside of MTF. I am not sure if Patrick AFB offers VSG, you would have to call. My surgeon just PCS'd to MacDill AFB, his name is Dr. Michael Michel (pronounced Michelle). Eglin AFB is where I had my VSG performed. Until Medicare fully endorses and picks up VSG, Tricare is NOT going to cover it with civilians. You can use this MTF locator to call ALL branch MTF to see if they offer VSG: http://www.tricare.mil/mtf/

I'm a firm believer that if the relationship is rocky pre-major life change, the relationship will only worsen. And, now he's accusing you, and projecting his guilt and insecurities onto you. For me, I would not stay. I just would not allow myself, or my children to endure the abuse and lack of a real marriage. I agree that exposing your children to this will forever imprint on their hearts and minds that this is the way "love and marriage" is supposed to be. Believe me, coming from an adult child of divorce(my mom finally left my abusive, alcoholic father after 23 years of marriage, I was 21 years old), I learned a lot from their relationship. I had my fair share horrible relationships(because that's all I knew), but something finally clicked and I realized that myself and my son deserved so much better. Love and marriage is a choice we make every day. It doesn't sound as if the marriage is repairable at this point, nor does it sound as if either of you have a true desire to make it work. It won't be easy, but getting out would be easier than living in and allowing your children to see/hear/feel the toxicity of your marriage.

Everyone has different capacity, and it'll vary by the food you eat. Your own anatomy and surgeon's technique can vary. But, you ate a lot of mushy stuff so mushy stuff = no restriction, food moves out quickly. Just eat measured portions and this will prevent you from overeating. Plus, nerves are still healing so you aren't going to feel a full signal necessarily. It took months for me to get a full signal, and even then, it wasn't something I went looking for when eating.

I think you'll be fine chickee ! ! ! They are mainly looking for trends in behaviors such as addictive personalities (previous alcohol, drug abuse), depression/anxiety, lack of coping mechanisms/skills, triggers for suicide and/or other mental disorders that could be intensified with the life-altering post-op lifestyle. My psych eval went fine, the personality test was a bit skewed and labeled me as an introvert which is the furthest thing from the truth. And, I agree, it is very intimidating to walk into an office and feel like that one human holds the key to your entire future. Hang in there ! ! !

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, just as an update, I'm 8 months pregnant and thriving. I have zero issues consuming enough calories/protein/carbs to support my body and another developing human. My labs have remained stellar throughout the pregnancy, and life is pretty good. I am over 2 years out at this point, and couldn't be happier with my decision to have VSG over RNY for my revision. It's been an amazing journey. P.S.S. Since the pregnancy, I have been diagnosed with a genetic clotting disorder and the ONLY treatment (zero cure) is a daily aspirin therapy. With VSG, this treatment is possible, if I would have gone with RNY my doctors (surgeon, 2 ob's, PCM) are unsure how this condition would have been treated especially during the pregnancy. Grant it, I only take a baby aspirin every day of my life, but it is an NSAID. Least to say, when my high risk ob found out I had a partial gastrectomy and NOT RNY, he was elated because there really is zero other option for treatment at this point, and the aspirin therapy is working well with my platelets and if all goes as planned, I will be able to have an epidural for my c-section instead of having general anesthesia. Maybe a small issue to some, but being awake for the birth of my daughter is top priority for me.

I am not a beer drinker, but I drink soda. The carbonation is not going to stretch out your sleeve. There is zero scientific evidence to show that soda stretches anything. I drink mixed drinks mostly (not in pregnancy), but when I go out it's either wine or rum/cokes. I waited until I was at goal to indulge in alcohol mainly for 2 reasons; 1) Empty Calories that weren't worth drinking 2) In the rapid weight loss phase, our livers are working overtime, I didn't think it was worth it to throw alcohol in my body for my liver to process on top of everything else.

There was a meeting last month that they called a Meet and Eat ! ! ! YES, they did ! ! ! NO, I did not attend HA. They chose one of the most digusting eateries in our area, I would venture to guess that 80% of the menu is fried, or slathered in "butter" to broil the seafood. Least to say, I haven't been in over a year. I mainly went to one meeting to speak with the plastic surgeon they brought in, the other meeting was supposed to be about "how to get on and stay on track". Unfortunately, it was a bunch of wallowing in the cheesecake pool of self-pity. And, well, y'all know that is just not my thing!

I personally HATE most support group meetings. I'm pretty sure it's because of all the coddling and people wondering why they're not losing while shoveling cheesecake lemon bars in their mouths, and complaining about "I can only eat 3oz of meat, but I can eat 1 cup of ice cream." I just don't feel that is support for everyone to commiserate over slow weight loss, or struggling patients when the problem is obviously behavior/habit issues. I was the same way with Weight Watcher meeting. I definitely would not be going with that long drive. The closest one for me is a 40 minute drive. I've made a couple of meetings in 2 years and decided to not go back because I caught flack for my success. I must be one of the lucky ones who didn't need or want face to face support to lose all of my weight.

I agree with everyone else. Those "rules" just don't sound right. I do the sublingual B12, never used Protein shakes/drinks regularly because they made me sick, and I eat anything and everything. I drink soda, alcohol, through a straw, and I'm over 2 years out with zero issues. The pre-op diet (if yours is all liquids, mine wasn't liquids at all just low carb) yep that sucks, and the couple of weeks of liquids to allow your staple line to heal suck, but those things are temporary. So, by your program's rules, I would be the least compliant patient. By my program, I'm one of the biggest successes ! ! ! I would ask more questions, and really evaluate the "why" behind these rules/suggestions.