LAN2k

Hey there it's been a while since I've been logged in here but if you are still interested send me an email and we'll talk!

Hi I have not been here for a while and see that the entire website has been changed! I just received an email alert with regard to a post I must have made many months ago. Amazing I don't even recall posting that however, I would love to develope a local support group for anyone who lives on Long Island, NY. I live in Western Suffolk. Westchester county is a bit of a ride away but there are some excellent doctors in NYC. I had my surgery done by a doctor Baiju C. Gohil, MD, FACS. The link to his practice is: http://www.northshorelij.com/NSLIJ/Dr.+Baiju+Gohil. Perhaps he can refer you to a surgeon who performs the VSG closer to your vicinity. Best wishes and if you decide to meet with Dr. Gohil, private message me please.

Anna, Thank you for your compassion and understanding! You were one of the first people to validate some of the intense emotions I was grappling with. By you being able to identify with me, and offer me caring thoughts and insight, I felt less alone in my grief. I hope you will stay in this, (so to speak), loop and share your WL journey as you progress. God Bless.

Tiff, when I was in crisis, straight out of surgery you came to the rescue. Your story of struggle and survival was like a life-line to me when I was literally in the depth of despair. You didn't skimp on offering me your wisdom, strength and hope. Your concern is genuine and consistent as you have answered the call of numerous others who had concerns and/or distress, pre and post op. You are a blessing to us all. Thank you.

Hi Carla, thanks so much! I have always felt that my posts may have been a bit discouraging to many since I had so many emotional problems adjusting to the changes in my eating habits. It's reinforcing to feel that I have been considered an inspiration by some. I have been inspired by many people here on VST. I wish you good health as you proceed in your own WL journey. Thanks again. Lis xx

Thanks so much Mary, How are YOU doing? Hey I just noticed my ticker DID change! It's so nice to hear from you. I have felt so connected to so many of you here on VST. This is a wonderful place. Let me know how you are doing. I care. xx Lis xx

I'm at goal, (I could lose a few more lbs. but I'm a light weight now. I'm able to sit and stand and squat without knee pain. I'm able to walk about with a light step and at a faster pace. I can move easier, lift things heavier etc. I am still me however. I don't feel liberated when it comes to many emotional issues which I'd thought getting out from under all that physical weight would produce. Now that the physical burden of excess weight is gone, I'm peaking inside of myself to identify what's in me and how to reconstruct what has been stifled. So a little at a time, issue by issue...without the excess food and layers of fat to buffer me, I observe myself. I see I still exhibit avoidance behaviors...but I am learning new ways to live and utilize time. Human beings are complex, and so is life.

Nikki, Thanks so much. I will post some updated pics when soon. I'm yet unable to retreive my "before" pics (since I hid away from the camera most of the time). Three weeks out and your excited! That is great. Stay connected to this message board. The people here are great and supportive, very supportive. I'm here too so don't hesitate to contact me if you feel the need. Thanks so much for the compliment. God bless. -Lis-

Oregondaisy-You have been an inspiration for me throughout this journey, (and it is an ongoing journey). You've been honest and supportive and have 'stuck around' God bless you always. In good health and wellness. -Lis- xx

Thanks so much! I wish you the BEST...please keep us all up to date as you come around after your surgery. God bless you love.

Hi there. How are you doing? Thank you very much! PS--I just made a new ticker reflecting my status but it seems it hasn't changed.

http://verticalsleevetalk.com/blogs/lan2k/881-one-year-vsg-anniversary.html :crying:

In about 8 hours it will be one year since I had my sleeve. I have reached my goal in fact I'm about a half pound below at 134.5lbs. I still can't eat some foods very well, like chicken (white meat especially). I've got multiple issues to work on that reach beyond the body. Today the size 10 shorts I picked up in June are too big, (I am able to pull them up and down without unzipping...so I went and purchased 2 pair in size 6-8 for what's left of the warm season here in NY and for then, next summer. I have yet much body work to do. My muscles need to be strengthened. I haven't any butt! It went flat and so did my breasts. My arms need a bit of sculpting as do my legs..so I am resigned to weight train best I am able. I can't believe how quickly the year went by. The weight came off. I want to thank every one here who has helped me along the way...If it were not for this message board and the many of you who reached over to me, I might have had a nervous breakdown. You all know who you are and I thank you each one, so very very much. I wish everyone who goes this route to lose weight the best in good health in every way, along the journey:001_wub:.

I had only a handful of episodes of acid reflux of the heartburn type, (what it sounds like you are describing). The PPI (Nexium) may need a dose adjustment or maybe be switched to Protonix or Acidefex (sp?). I would consult with either the surgeon who did the VSG--IMMEDIATELY or get to a good gastroenterologist or your, (if you have one, PCP--Primary Care Physician). With regard to the nausea, I had been on Reglan and for many valid reasons I switched to Zophran, (gel strips that melt on the tongue). If per chance, your on Reglan for nausea, I say stop taking it immediately it causes (in many people) extreme anxiety/panic attacks. Most importantly with regard to your repulsion towards food even water, I KNOW what your talking about. I have been there,!!! I was even back in the ER for hydration and could hardly eat anything and to this day I still have a problem with water, bitterness, heavy feeling...I don't know what or why and it drives me batty because I know the importance of pure clean water for our bodies. I am able to tolerate one flavor, (Citrus Punch) yellow in color, of vitamin water, (not the "Zero")-I don't eat enough to worry about a few carbohydrates and will not put artificial sweetener of any genetic/chemical modification into my body. I make each bottle into a 50/50 mix of filtered alkaline water, Kangen I get at a water store. I needed help and someone on this message board suggested I try a medication called Remeron, it is a mild antidepressant at the 30mg dosage. The great thing about it is that it works, causes no weird side effects or anxiety and stimulates the appetite--which I so desperately needed. Once I started taking it I found I was able to desire food again--the repulsion left. So I was able to eat warm cream of wheat and whisk in a scoop of Vanilla Whey Protein powder, add a bit of Stevia-(natural plant extract) for sweetness and a squirt of Organic Agave Nectar or Pure Organic maple syrup...some goat or almond milk and spoon by spoon slowly enjoy a morning meal. I was able to try different real foods and textures without feeling repulsed and found my way back to, although altered because of the sleeve, a more "normal" eating lifestyle. After about 2 months I was able to continue to eat on my own without the need for the Remeron. It does sound to me that you absolutely need medical intervention with a physician who will respect your needs and clearly hear what you are saying. Let us know how you proceed and if your condition improves. I know how scary it can be.

I went to a gastroenterologist recently. One who has expertise with people who've had WLS, mainly Gastric Bypass, since the sleeve is still not as popular a procedure. I went for an upper endoscopy although my complaint had to do with another recent previous visit to an ENT who told me I had Silent Acid Reflux, (no heartburn symptoms)...he told me to continue with the PPI prescription medication AND add another OTC antacid to chew on! The Gastroenterologist, Dr. Singh, told me that since I was on a Proton Pump Inhibitor for so many months already and my symptoms were still active, (runny nose, nasal drip and thick, glob feeling in the throat), that he disagreed that it's cause is acid reflux...he told me to stop taking the PPI med. and it was not necessary to wean off of them either. So, I did. I had no side effects whatsoever. I still, however, suffered with the same nasal/throat symptoms. So.......I went for another opinion to a 2nd ENT, in Stony Brook, NY. This guy didn't even do a scope. I had the endoscopy report with the colored photos of my larynx, esophagus, stomach etc...He looked at those and said that my throat was/must have been previously damaged from acid reflux in the past. So I surmise that when I was a heavy weight and ate like a heavy weight, I likely did have silent acid reflux which likely did do damage to my throat. ENT #2 said the lump sensation is due to my throat being swollen. Then he said, buy yourself a bottle of Tums and chew on one before bed as he gingerly left the room. But....I forgot to ask him "but why do I still drip from my nose and into my throat? I do not know if I should be on a PPI since Dr. Singh was right; Why while on them for about 9 months was I experiencing these symptoms still? I still need to know but have stopped the PPI med altogether.

On the pricey side BUT if your anything like me since being sleeved I spend about half of what I spent on food when I had my fully stretched full sized stomach...so it is actually affordable. Essential whey Protein:svengo:

This is an important topic. I hope this book tells me something I don't already know!

Thanks Donna for replying to my post. I don't know if I'm going to be able to afford it but I'm now down to 136.4 lbs. My breasts are entirely deflated, they hang with seemingly no visible muscle and zero fat. From my neck down to mid chest I look like skin and bones wearing a low cut blouse is embarrassing, because WHERE ARE THE BREASTS? If I wear an under-wire push up bra, it makes me look even more freaky. The breasts lift up like flaps of skin against the tight skin which covers my chest bones. I look all neck, skin and bones. If ever a boob job was needed it's with me.

Wow BJean, I just read that and your the 2nd person who mentioned anesthesia and how it effects some people. One of my mother's friends told us about someone who, having heart surgery, thought he was in prison. His thinking and reacting to his thoughts persisted for a few days. In my case it took a few months and medications to shake off those feelings.

I wish I could find a therapist that truly knew more than I do. At the end of the day I have spent lots of money only to watch someone nod their head and tell me what I already know!

Donna, August 15th I'll be 11 months out. I'm was 232 am now 138lbs, still a few lbs from goal and it looks like I should go down to 128 instead of the 135 I'd originally thought. My legs are improved but not yet lean down to calves and ankles where I carry the remaining excess weight. That said my breasts look like deflated condoms. I really would like to know under what conditions an insurance company would approve a breast makeover. Please if it's not comfortable to explain it here would you mind PMing me? I really need something I think since you can practically see my ribs through the pancake flat breasts that simply lie flat to my body. Thanks.

It's so odd how different things occur in people. I could not watch TV at all for many months after the surgery. TV literally freaked me out. I felt as if I were watching the dead, or as if it were some sort of evil carnival. Antidepressants and anti anxiety medications helped. Eventually I stopped the antidepressant medication but I still take Klonopin as needed for anxiety. Hope that helps.

I lived off that particular Naked drink for approx. 3 months maybe longer. If it weren't for THAT drink I would have been in the hospital for lack of protein. It was the best find and the ONLY drink out there that I could tolerate. I sipped it at first it would take me an entire day to finish a 20 oz bottle. I did live on it and my nutritionist and surgeon were fine with me drinking it since I was repulsed by every other drink out there and I tried them all. Isopure made me wretch and I returned all four bottles after only one siip of one of the flavors. Any of the whey protein mixes made me wretch too. I was eventually able to use Solgar pure vanilla bean "Whey to Go" mixed into warm farina type, or cream of wheat Cereal about month 4 and that was when here in LI, NY they stopped supplying the Naked protein drink to the stores. I loved it cos it had provided alot of whole fruit nutrition as well as whey protein and the carbs didn't have any effect on my weight loss. I lost so much weight so fast. I hope you will like it after you have the surgery. Best wishes.