LAN2k

Hey Alisia, It's great to hear from you so soon after your surgery. Mine is scheduled for Sept.15, so I'm not there yet, but I think that the pain you are feeling will fade as your healing moves along. What helps that unbearable empty feeling? Are the liquids going down okay and do they satisfy you at all? Please do keep us posted as you progress. I am really glad to see you are doing well. Keep the faith, the best is yet to come. -LAN-

Thanks Natalie...it's true once I read of the band complications, the stats meant nothing! The thought of having that thing implanted alone just doesn't jive with me. As for my up coming sleeve surgery, even though my insurance is covering for me--I'd feel sooooooooo much better if I were able to self pay and be in Dr. Aceves care. Thank God for Mexico and their excellent surgeons and facilities. I just hope there will be no glitches in my surgery. Terrific post Natalie. My heart goes out to you and other's here who have had to endure but through it all have gained strength and found resolution. If these band complications are not able to remedy, perhaps the time will come where the band will be banned. I know I made the right decision I just hope that my sleeve surgery will go well. I got the jitters. :biggrin0: God bless each and every one of you.

Once again there is a lag between the time of this thread and my citing it...(but I've only been registered here about 2 weeks now), so I'm not too sure that anyone will even read this. I'd like to add (for the record) my 2 cents. I have been researching WLS's for many months now and of this I am certain, I would not hesitate to have my surgery performed by Dr. Alberto Aceves/Mexicali, Mexico, if I had the funds, which, BTW, include travel expenses and follow-up. I would feel much less anxiety knowing that I was in his care and facility. I am going through a Hospital with a "Center for Bariatric Excellence" It is a North Shore/Long Island Jewish Hospital in Syosset. I wouldn't call it a dump. The WLS center does have a fat farm factory sort of feel to it, but then the centers sole purpose is WLS. I have met with my surgeon 3 times already and spent at least 40 minutes with him at each visit. My next appointment at the hospital will be for the pre-surgery testing on Sept. 9. My surgery is set for the 15th. He is one of 3, or 4 "specialty surgeons". My surgeon is the only one there who does the VSG procedure. I made my decision based on many factors, money, insurance, proximity and a doctor with (I pray) the expertise. WASa, (among others here), is right I mean everything she has said is spot on. Despite my insurance approval for the sleeve...it is a "no-brainer" if I were in a position to self-pay I would go where I would have the greatest certainty for success...Mexico and to Dr. Aceves for sure. His reputation is impeccable. And the people in these message boards have been there and testified honestly to his merit.:biggrin0:

Wow Natalie, I know you wrote this a while ago but I am so glad you told your story. After just a short while into researching the band, (thinking I might get a band), I saw way too many cases where people who were banded, encountered problems. Much of what I read was so awful that I actually had a nightmare one night, awoke in a sweat thinking I had the band in me. I sat straight up startled and in panic mode, before I realized (unintended pun), it was a dream. And it was then that I was certain that the Lap band was not for me. In the back of my mind I remembered reading something about a sleeve and when I looked into it, it made good sense. My surgery date for the VSG is Sept. 15. Thanks for writing this. I have passed this forward to friends and family. God bless.

Hi all. This is the day after I met with my surgeon. My surgery is set for 9/15 and thanks to reading the many posts here, although anxious, :scared0: I went in equipped with a and a list of questions. I feel he answered all of them honestly. He gave me 2 options for diet starting today. 1. 4 protein shakes per day, (no solid food) plenty of water. 2. 2 protein shakes-1 light meal. I went to a local big box vitamin store and found Jay Robb Whey with Stevia and no artificial sweeteners, no artificial anything actually and since I don't use artificial sweeteners and prefer organic food I was happy. Since I have learned so much from so many of you I discussed many aspects of the surgery and stomach size was one of them. He told me that the bougie size he uses is a 38... He said it is small but not too small and justified it's use by explaining that the risks of developing strictures and not having enough space in the stomach (it closing) is higher when the smallest bougie is used. I asked him about nausea and he said that in some cases after sleeve surgery people can experience prolonged nausea and reflux and their is medication to help with that until it subsides. He said that this can happen because of the drastic change in stomach size and that each individual's body adjusts differently. The thought of prolonged nausea, (like 2 months) really scares me (I get emotionally upset when I am nauseous because I become terrified). I was in his office about 45 minutes. We talked about leak risk, pain, gas...etc. etc. and then he weighed me and examined my abdominal area. He also told me that although he doesn't anticipate this that since I had some previous surgeries their could be, if too much scar tissue, a risk of not being able to go through with the surgery.:sad0: Also that in rare instances the intended sleeve needs to be reverted to a RNY on the spot but said he must tell me these things in the rare event before my signing the consent papers. Lastly he told me to call him if I have any additional concerns. So far he has been very responsive and has called me back within the same day I call him. So I hope I covered everything and now it's my responsibility to stick to the diet, and pray that my surgery will go well. Now since I am moving Sept.1!!! I realized that my blender is packed away in a box among a bunch of boxes. So I need to run out and buy some sort of shaker to make my first protein shake. I'm trying hard to stay calm, my mind is constantly thinking about what I am about to do. I thank God for Vertical Sleeve Talk and thank all of you for making it happen.:sneaky2:

Thanks Ky.hen...I needed that. ...and the very best to you too.:thumbup:

Big smile here cajun. The Jay Robb is pretty good, the sweetness is OK although I like a bit more. I mixed my Jay Robb chocolate shake today with a bit of organic instant coffee I picked up at a local "Trader Joe's" grocery store. It tasted pretty good. I've been mixing the powder with 1% milk. In the afternoon I used 1/2 cup of orange juice and a few chunks of pineapple some ice and made a really refreshing frozen smoothie. The only thing that grounds me in my decision is how confounding it is to rid myself, myself, of this excess weight. Who knew that after I hit menopause, what once was at least somewhat manageable would become impossible... my belly has become so stretched that when I eat I feel as if something is going to tear inside of me. My knees hurt so intensely that I have to get on all fours to prop myself up into a standing position if I am seated low (like on a beach chair or towel). My heavy belly pulls...It hurts to stand too long, (hips and lower back), it hurts to walk too long (hips and lower back). My middle and belly are so heavy that I'm always in pain. I'm hardly living...It's true I'm scared...a coward! But live or die, (and I pray I live)...I know that I am going through with this...and I am bracing myself in every way I can. It's great that your paperwork is in! You will be having your surgery in Mexico? It seems the doctors in Mexico are excellent. There aren't that many surgeons in the US that do the VGS. I do hope that the surgeon I found has what it takes to do the job on me and do it well. I'm just going to surrender it over to God and pray that He is in it every second of the way.:thumbup: Let us know when you have your date!

Thank so much! I agree it's a good thing I labeled the box with my kitchen stuff already. I want to do just that, prepare the place for what I will need post op. Thanks again.

Thanks Cajun. Yep the date is set. I suppose most of us go through differing phases of emotion. Part of me fears that after having the surgery I will regret that I did. My mind keeps reverting to the "what if..." mode. It's different when a surgery is not elective because then the rational is that it has to be done-ie. the hernia repair. I'm rambling...sorry. I've also got a migraine headache today so that doesn't help. About the Jay Robb shakes...I have 1 jar vanilla and 1 chocolate. I used option #2 for my first day 2 shakes and 1 small meal. At this point that is the best option for me. Stevia is the only sweetner listed in the ingredients, so it's acceptable. As far as taste-it's good, a light mild chocolate and a nice taste to the vanilla. If you want to try the Jay Robb brand be sure that you check the label because I was informed that some of his products contain both artificial and natural sweetner. There are other Whey products that have stevia but since I didn't have time to order via the web, I went with what my local Vitamin Shopp had stocked. Let me know what works for you.

I think I will do that VegasAngel. Good suggestion. Thanks so much.

I sure do hope so because the stress of this move is through the roof (it's painfully complicated both physically and emotionally). Originally the apartment I am moving into was going to be vacant and accessible to me (for my belongings) this week- I'd looked forward to at least unloading boxes and having a new bed delivered and set up. But I was informed today that I won't be able to move anything in until the end of the month :crying: when I'll have to move everything in all at once :smile:. I live in the upstairs floor of a 2 story house now and carrying boxes up and down to stack in the porch downstairs is doing a number on me, knees, hips and fear of getting another abdominal hernia. Anyway I think I'll have enough time to get what I need unpacked and in order before the 15th so I have a bit of comfort to come home to. I sure hope so. Thanks for asking...it's good to be able to vent.

Thanks so much Ky...It was really a pleasent surprise to get the OK from my insurance company. It's probably the only thing that has gone, (thus far) smooth. Thanks again.

Oh dear, I so can relate. My surgery is on 9/15 and after signing the consent papers yesterday my surgeon told me to start the pre-surgery liquid diet immediately! I said, "well...can't I have one more day and start tomorrow :sneaky2:?" He looked directly at me and said "Yes but don't gorge yourself please." Hmmm, and I am going to a great hotel on the beach in Montauk this monday for a couple of days with people that plan to eat eat eat!!! :sad0::scared0:

This is what I will hear tomorrow when I break the news to my dad of my decision to have WLS. I can predict that he will tell me that I am taking the easy but most risky way out. I will not agree however. Having major surgery is by no means easy. I have come to terms finally (and I am 54), that I am not able to conquer this thing in the state my body is in. The change in my anatomy gives me at least a fighting chance. If all goes well with my surgery then I am anticipating to see better results when I exercise and eat to satisfy a normal appetite. This is nothing but easy. Because of this surgery I am forced to alter my relationship with food. Food eaten for years for all the wrong reasons. I will now have to face feelings that will surface. Feelings that I will no longer be able to suffocate with food. And I am willing to seek the support which I know I will need. Finally I am willing to do whatever it takes. I know this because I am willing to risk having a major surgery to help myself. This is one of the hardest things I've ever done. I hope you can relate. I hope this helps.

Wow I'm so sorry you had such an ordeal to get through. Thank God you got that band out. I hope my surgeon is as good as Dr. Aceves. It seems that anyone who has had him perform their surgery has great results and great things to say about him. Thanks Ruthi.

Speak with your surgeon and let him know how you feel and he may be able to justify to Tri Care the importance of the sleeve gastrectomy procedure for YOU in particular. Although we did not need to appeal, My surgeon was prepared to argue the necessity of the sleeve as being the safest procedure for me. If you have a good repore with your surgeon perhaps he can really make a case for you too. I hope so.

Wow your words are inspiring. I hope I can be so positive on my day. I wish you a great recovery...God bless...and let us know how you are doing when you are up for it.

Thanks all, I will order from both to try each of them.

Thorough answers thanks. I'll be meeting with my surgeon tomorrow and will ask him.

I do believe that your surgeon can make an appeal to the insurance company. I have heard that in some instances the insurance company will approve the request second time around. As for myself, I had discussed the possibility of the sleeve procedure being denied by my insurance company, and my surgeon told me that he would appeal and work hard to get it approved. Since I am unable to self-pay, if my insurance had not approved the appeal for the sleeve, then I would want the GB over the band. I really gave this alot of thought, knowing that with the bypass it would be critical that I take the right nutritionals. If I were you I would use the appeal process and see if your insurance company will come around. The other option is to self pay for the sleeve if you can. If I were able to I would have because there are doctors in Mexico with excellent track records for the VGS. I do hope you get what you want.

I hope that I'm not in for a pain shocker when I come out of the surgery. I agree that the open gallbladder was an intense procedure. Even the hernia repair, although painful for a couple of days, was not the nightmare the gallbladder surgery was. I just read about intense gas pains right out of VSG surgery...great! I hope there is some medication to help with that as well as nasuea. I am bracing myself for the worst and praying that in reality it won't be too difficult. With regard to the hiatal hernia, the doctor who reported it (who did the endoscopy) said it was "small" and since I hadn't any symptoms he said it was not a problem :confused1: Hmmm now I'm wondering if my surgeon would also do the repair. I will ask him tomorrow when I see him, if he doesn't that might be an issue for me. Thanks VegasAngle.

Oops! That won't be right for me then. Thank you for that important piece of information. I will do my best to figure this out! Thanks again.

I really think this is an important post to read Tweets, I read it today for the first time-http://verticalsleevetalk.com/tell-your-story/4-why-i-chose-sleeve-better-late-than-never.html#post52 Please don't misunderstand--me--I am not here to bash anyones preference. After a bit of research I was very sure that I didn't want the band, (and I knew of a couple of people who had weight loss success with it). After a bit more research I felt the conviction to set my goal for the VSG, (Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy). My surgery for the sleeve is September 15th.

Susan that is how it feels to be here as if I am somehow among good friends and family. I have been reading many of your posts for a while, since I began my research. I am eternally grateful for this venue and your thoughtful and prudent support.:smile1: