LAN2k

Great news! I am very happy that your surgery went well and the surgical team was really supportive. Best wishes throughout your recovery.

Wow that is what I call dedication. I must say that it comforts me to know that your after-care is reliable. Thank you so much for passing on the instructions you received from Dr.Aceves. Please let us know if you take the Gaviscon how it works for you. Thanks.

The element of God within 12 step programs is referring to spiritual health and faith in God or a Higher Power. There are no references to any particular religion. or religious belief. God is referred to by many as their "higher power" implying an intelligent life force that embraces the totality of being. Most refer to "God" as their "higher power" some refer to God or their higher power as a "She". Here are excerpts quoted from the AA/Alcoholics Anonymous, Big Book which is the origin of all 12 step recovery programs: Pg.47 WE AGNOSTICS "When, therefore, we speak to you of God, we mean your own conception of God. This applies, too, to other spiritual expressions...Do not let any prejudice you may have against spiritual terms deter you from honestly asking yourself what they mean to you. At the start, this was all we needed to commence spiritual growth, to effect our first conscious relation with God as we understood Him. ...We needed to ask ourselves but one short question. 'Do I now believe, or am I even willing to believe, that there is a Power greater than myself?'...upon this simple cornerstone a wonderfully effective spiritual structure can be built." Pg. 68 HOW IT WORKS "...We trust an infinite God rather than our finite selves...We never apologize to anyone for depending upon our Creator. We can laugh at those who think spirituality the way of weakness. Paradoxically it is the way of strength. The verdict of the ages is that faith means courage...All men of faith have courage. They trust their God. We never apologize for God. Instead we let Him demonstrate, through us, what He can do. We ask Him to remove our fear and direct our attention to what He would have us be. At once, we commence to outgrow fear."

Yup regrets or not, after having this surgery we can only move forward and adapt in the best way we can. This is one of the reasons I stay connected to this message board. I need to know that their are others out there who may be experiencing similar issues and/or have information that I need. Another thing that has emerged in me since the surgery is this odd fear of the elements!! I feel so vulnerable to what substances I eat, drink and breath. As if I am now so much more fragile. While a heavy weight I went out into the LI Sound and swam with the fish nearly every day with little to no fear or reservation. Now I am wondering if I will have the courage since I now worry about pollutants and bacteria in the water!! I used to ride my bicycle for miles on skinny roads with lots of traffic...(not too bright but no helmet). Now I look for roads with bicycle paths and sidewalks scared s**t that I might get hit!! I mean I keep asking myself WHAT HAPPENED? WHY AM I NOW SO FEARFUL? But like I said already, I'm working on these issues now that I can no longer bury my emotions with food. With regard to eating with the sleeve, I too have noticed that refined carbs go down easier. For me dense meats including cold cuts and tuna are more difficult and I can eat about 4oz sometimes 6 but then I'm uncomfortably full and need to unsnap my bra, and walk about to help ease that discomfort. Thanks so much for the vote of confidence Carolyn. You are very self aware and I think you are going to do very well in reaching and maintaining your WL and fitness goals. I'm really glad your here.

Since you are seeing your surgeon tomorrow please try not to obsess and make yourself fearful. Maybe an ice pack or some moist heat might help. I would definitely write down everything you feel so you won't forget when you see your doctor tomorrow and perhaps insist on having a ct scan or some other test to determine the source of the pain. Please let us know how your appointment goes. I hope this passes and your feeling better soon. I'll pray for you and believe you will be fine.

I WANT sooooooooo badly to shake off every trace of depression and anxiety! In fact pre surgery I felt certain that I was psychologically able to handle a major change in my anatomy and my capacity to eat...so sure I would be like so many others who have had the sleeve and felt almost immediate gratification and freedom from past food cravings and eating behaviors. I am working on the spiritual and emotional parts of my life that apparently need healing. I think it's great that you are not encumbered by depression. Who would have thought that I would become depressed while being released from all of that poundage! I am quite better now but still not where I want to be emotionally/spiritually. I went from a size 22 to a size 10 and it's a good thing I saved some of my yesteryear size 9-10 clothing because I've zero motivation to buy anything new and that's a good indication of where my spirit is at this time. :001_unsure:

Thanks for responding.

Welcome Lori. Congratulations on your decision. You are fortunate to have made this decision while still in your 20's. By what you have stated I believe that you will succeed in your WL goals and personal desires.

Does anyone know if having breast enhancement/implants lift, etc. increases the risk of breast cancer?

I am very close with my mother and both she and I have always been fast eaters. My mom always kept a fabulous figure however (now 82 she's overweight 5'2" 152lbs) but for the better part of her life she was in great physical shape. I on the other hand became obese. My mom always nagged me to lose weight and so when I told her about the surgery, brought her with me to consults and shared info over the internet she was supportive yet had some reservation and would have preferred I just stuck to a strict diet rather than surgery. Now that I have lost a significant and noticable amount of weight, she compliments me often and then says things like "I hope your not going to lose anymore..." When we sit down to eat and she sees how little I am able to eat I see her fear and it is genuine. Her eyes open wide and she says " I hate what that doctor did to you!" or " Is this how you will eat for the rest of your life?" I know she is just worried and it's out of love. Sometimes I agree with her and I really do! I say " I can't stand that I can only eat so little ma...I wish I didn't have this surgery and would have been able to loose the weight through my own self will" Then I reassure us both and tell her that eventually I will stabalize and be able to comfortably eat a bit more. I also remind her of the shape I was in while obese and she quickly realizes how my health was at serious risk. Fatherjonz I love what you had to say and will keep that in mind when eating with others.

Wow am I glad I came upon this thread. I so identify with everything expressed here. The masking of my feelings and years of using food to quiet my yearnings...having this surgery I've been unmasked and now must face myself and the issues sort of head on. I think I'll check out that book too.

Hi Norma, I'm glad you were able to respond and I'm amazed at how much weight you have lost already! So sorry you have had some bumps in the road but your experiences and advice I find to be helpful. I wish you good health and much happiness. Lis

Thanks Swiftflow and Daisy.

Don't feel bad Angie, I had my surgery done at hospital 40 minutes away from where I live and had both of my parents there with me! They came back every day for 5 days. I don't know how I would have survived without them. I am so glad the worst is over for you now. You are going to do fine. Congratulations.

Hi y'all, you may be interested to know why I will be continuing with my prescribed PPI and adding an additional OTC at bedtime at this point, indefinately! I blogged it if your interested... http://verticalsleevetalk.com/blogs/lan2k/553-finally-got-up-courage-see-otolaryngologist.html

Hey gals and guys I just thought to report what the ENT said during my appointment with him yesterday-(I finally broke down and got scoped)! It's called LPR or Laryngopharyngeal Reflux: "This occurs when reflux material extends above the upper sphincter into the throat. The structures and tissues of the larynx, (voice box), throat, trachea, bronchi, and lungs are more sensitive to stomach acid and digestive enzymes than the esophagus. Most patients with LPR never experience any chest pain or other typical heartburn symptoms." Any or several of the following may be seen: Thickening of the posterior commissure, (back part of the larynx). sometimes called "pachydermia" or "cobble-stoning", Redness of the arytenoids (cartilages that move the vocal cords), Edema (swelling) of the vocal cords, Small ulcers in the posterior part of the larynx, Granulomas, (scar tissue) of the posterior part of the larynx.. Any of those symptoms indicate acid reflux and can manifest itself through an over production of mucus which collects in a part of the throat up through the esophagus...exactly as I have described. There are other tests that may be requested such as Barium espphagram, or an x-ray taken while swallowing barium, 24-hour pH monitoring w/placement of pH sensitive probes. For now he told me that I must stay on the PPI and that Aciphex is an excellent drug BUT it only lasts 17 hours and so I can take an OTC Prilosec, or any other OTC, like Pepcid ac before bed. I do also have some other stuff going on like typical seasonal allergies and probably my cat's dander doesn't help but I intuitively felt that since my surgery this non-stop mucus thing in my throat just like a lump or glob was related to my stomach...and it apparently was/is! A form of acid reflux called Laryngopharyngeal Reflux! He wants to see me again in 6 weeks...Yay Well at least I know now what's going on.

Congratulations Driver63---a game of golf is probably a good thing to get outside and breath in some fresh air. Hope things continue to progress for you from here on out.

I loved Jay Robb until AFTER my sugery now I don't like it at all.

What a mom you are Tracy! Your daughter is blessed. I have read from so many people who have used Dr. Aceves and the sentiment is consistent. He is a truly conscientious surgeon with a caring heart. Let us know how you both do with the swallow test. Hugs to both you and your daughter. If my daughter were to have this surgery abroad I would definitely want Dr. Aceves to perform her procedure.

It really is so good to know that you are on the path to healthy living...Thanks so much for sharing your experience with us. It will help others know that a leak (horrible as it is) can be overcome.

I was informed that serotonin is also produced in the stomach. I don't know if this is valid as one doctor told me it is true and another said it was not the case. Post surgery I HAD to have medical mental health intervention because my mental state flipped and the depression I felt was enveloping me. The SSRI's made things worse, both Wellbutrin and Zoloft heightened my anxiety and increased my repulsion towards food. Even drinking became somewhat revolting. I had success with a SNRI (Remeron) taken before bed. Almost immediately I felt "normal" again. I desired food and eating was actually easier (although I had to be cautious not to over eat and hurt myself). My weight loss continued but at a slower pace. After around 2.5 months I stopped the Remeron and my desire for eating also decreased but not completely. My weight loss increased and I dropped around 10 lbs in 3 weeks. My eating has seemed to stabalize. I only take .5mgs of Klonopin when needed for anxiety and it seems I'm stabalizing emotionally as well.

So sorry you are having such discomfort. An upper endoscopy is important and I am very glad your doctor has arranged for that...tomorrow? Please let us know the results. I hope the problem clear up real soon.

I was thinking about anxiety too since I had extreme anxiety post op and shortness of breath and tightness in my chest were two of the symptoms I encountered. I would need to do the slow deep breathing and often times raise my arms above my head propped up on a wall to stretch while breathing. I'm 8 months out and I take .5mg of Klonopin (generic form) as needed. I still get anxiety attacks but not as severe. I usually take the Klonopin once or twice a day and it really helps. *I'm not suggesting that anxiety is your problem at all just wanted to point out the possibility.

I hope Norma is doing great and will check in, see and respond to this post. She was instrumental in helping me post surgery when I fell into an abyss of dark depression and anxiety. I began therapy with a psychologist who also worked at the facility where I had my WLS, with WLS patients pre and post op. I finally found a psychiatrist too and the right antidepressant medication for me. I also joined an OA, 12 step support group since the WLS support groups meet monthly only, (not enough meetings for my needs). In hindsight I wish that I would have taken seriously the consideration for therapy at least a couple of months prior to having surgery. I suggest that to anyone who has concerns about their mental health. Best wishes to you on your journey.

You went through a bit of an ordeal having other procedures done simultaneously. At home I propped up lots of pillows along with an extra comforter on my bed so that I could lie with a slight incline or even lean back in a semi sitting position. I knew that lying flat wouldn't do for the first few days. Walking does help with gas pain and swinging your arms up above your head and down even while in bed also helps. I think you are going to be fine and well adapted to your new way of life with the sleeve. Best wishes for a smooth recovery and success with your weight loss.