cajun

Hmmmm...Maybe I'm just cantankerous, but I don't like the idea of having foreign substances (gauze and glue) inside me unless it is absolutely necessary. The staples are necessary, but I'm not so sure about the gauze'n glue, especially since there seems to have been such a very low incidence of leaks without them. I like the idea of dropping the leak test...or maybe they could just modify it, and not put any pressure on the new stomach...just fill it gently to see if anything leaks out. Testing it under pressure seems riskier, and since the patient is not supposed to be drinking enough to put it under pressure, why put pressure on it in the OR? Give it time to heal! cajun

Best research document I have found: 1: Systematic review of sleeve gastrectomy as staging and primary bariatric procedure. Brethauer SA, Hammel JP, Schauer PR. Surg Obes Relat Dis. 2009 Jul-Aug;5(4):469-75. Epub 2009 Jun 9. No abstract available. PMID: 19632646 [PubMed - in process] This study was a systematic review of literature looking at statistics on wt loss, complication rates, postop mortality, and comorbidity improvement after the surgery. The research concludes that complication and mortality rates are acceptably low, and this surgery is effective and safe as a first stage or primary procedure. Cajun

Best research document I have found: 1: Systematic review of sleeve gastrectomy as staging and primary bariatric procedure. Brethauer SA, Hammel JP, Schauer PR. Surg Obes Relat Dis. 2009 Jul-Aug;5(4):469-75. Epub 2009 Jun 9. No abstract available. PMID: 19632646 [PubMed - in process] This study was a systematic review of literature looking at statistics on wt loss, complication rates, postop mortality, and comorbidity improvement after the surgery. The research concludes that complication and mortality rates are acceptably low, and this surgery is effective and safe as a first stage or primary procedure.

That's a possibility...never crossed my mind. They have probably taken a big hit on band revisions.

That's a great idea. It's also important to remember that Calcium can decrease the effects of many other medicines by binding to them or by changing the acidity of the stomach or the urine. So take other meds at some other time of day. Also,taking it with a meal is recommended.

How do you get your protein? I'd love to find a better way than proteinpowders! Cajun

On the Whey Low website I see that it is carried by Whole Foods in someplaces. Check out their website for more. thanks for the tip, Mac. I like the idea that it is a more natural product.

YUCKO! I sure won't be trying those! Am I correct in assuming that Isopure Whey Protein Isolate unflavored is all from milk protein? Don't want any boiled cowhide residue in my tummy!

I wonder if you are having a little reflux, just enough to get that acid taste? Are you taking Nexium or Prilosec?

Interesting! Do they oversew the staple line? Have they published this theory and what they have found after 2 years? Sounds very plausible to me. I thought about that the first time I looked at the information about how the surgery is done. Cajun

Nope, no ticker. Sorry. When you figure it out let me know. I want to add one too. Cajun

"instead I am lucky enough to live near the practice that has done the most sleeves of anyone in the US and has some of the best stats out there." hI Mac...I'm in the research phase. Can you tell me where that practice is? Being a nurse, I am anxious about selecting the most experienced. The docs around here where I live, some of whom are cited as being in "centers of excellence for bariatrics", have done 20 or so sleeves. NOT what I want!. thanks. Cajun

I am just curious...why would being in an airplane make your band hurt? Was it because of the air pressure changes? From what I have read about bands in my "pre VSG research", I would never let anyone put one in me. It won't be long before insurance companies will pay for VSG. I found some excellent professional publications that attest to this fact: I've been doing a lot of research on VSG and found great news coming out of the Second Internationa Consensus Summit for Sleeve Gastrectomy in March, 2009. "During the consensus part, the audience responded that there was enough evidence published to support the use of VSG as a primary procedure to treat morbid obesity and indicated that it is on par with adjustable gastric banding and Roux- en-Y gastric bypass, with a yes vote at 77%. CONCLUSION: SG for morbid obesity is very promising as a primary operation." *The Second International Consensus Summit for Sleeve Gastrectomy, March 19-21, 2009. (2009) Q-Sensei Another article stated that: "There are signs of progress with multiple insurance companies. It should be expected that in 2010 sleeve gastrectomy have its own code and a formal acceptance." http://bariatrictimes.com/2009/06/18/laparoscopic-sleeve-gastrectomy/ CAJUN

Been there done that. At least I won't have to worry about having my gallbladder taken out during or after my VSG when I have it. Already long gone! And yes....it makes you think you are going to die!

Or just be funky and wear a tshirt over your suit..protects you from the sun, which is a good idea anyway!

Chancie, You look awesome...and so happy! I have not had surgery yet, and I avoid being in pictures too. But I think I will take some of myself so I can compare before and after. Isn't it encouraging to see how losing half of you brings out the BEST in you? ha ha. Congratulations!!!!!!!!!!!

So How are you feeling today? Better I hope. I am going to try out different protein drinks before surgery...but some say that your tastes change after surgery. Are you finding that to be true? Cajun

I agree...check with doctor. Biking uses different muscles than walking.

Hi Jenn, I love your pen signing your name. Where did you find that? So cool!!! Cajun

That is my understanding also.

I've been doing a lot of research on VSG and found great news coming out of the Second Internationa Consensus Summit for Sleeve Gastrectomy in March, 2009. "During the consensus part, the audience responded that there was enough evidence published to support the use of VSG as a primary procedure to treat morbid obesity and indicated that it is on par with adjustable gastric banding and Roux- en-Y gastric bypass, with a yes vote at 77%. CONCLUSION: SG for morbid obesity is very promising as a primary operation." *The Second International Consensus Summit for Sleeve Gastrectomy, March 19-21, 2009. (2009) Q-Sensei Another article stated that: "There are signs of progress with multiple insurance companies. It should be expected that in 2010 sleeve gastrectomy have its own code and a formal acceptance." http://bariatrictimes.com/2009/06/18/laparoscopic-sleeve-gastrectomy/ Yippee!

Glad you are feeling better! Now watch the pounds drop off! I look forward to joining you "on the loser's bence" one day soon!

I've been doing a lot of research on VSG and found great news coming out of the Second Internationa Consensus Summit for Sleeve Gastrectomy in March, 2009. "During the consensus part, the audience responded that there was enough evidence published to support the use of SG as a primary procedure to treat morbid obesity and indicated that it is on par with adjustable gastric banding and Roux- en-Y gastric bypass, with a yes vote at 77%. CONCLUSION: SG for morbid obesity is very promising as a primary operation." *The Second International Consensus Summit for Sleeve Gastrectomy, March 19-21, 2009. (2009) Q-Sensei Another article stated that: "There are signs of progress with multiple insurance companies. It should be expected that in 2010 sleeve gastrectomy have its own code and a formal acceptance." http://bariatrictimes.com/2009/06/18/laparoscopic-sleeve-gastrectomy/ YIPPEE

Congratulations Chancie! You are doing a great job! Hope I will be as successful once I am "on the bench"!

I'm weaning down on the caffiene too so that I don't have to stop it suddenly once I schedule my surgery. This forum sure offers a lot of useful tips to make this process easier! Thanks !