BrokeMyHalo

What does it feel like now? What does "full" feel like.... With my lapband I feel pain.. And lots of discomfort. I'm truly curious the difference. I'm ALWAYS hungry because my top pouch fills then my lower pouch isn't :/ I see how the sleeve would help with physical hunger.

How many do you eat? I like to get down on super spicy wings but I'm realizing ill have to give them up since I chug Water with them lol

Anyone still able to eat chicken wings? How do you tolerate spice now?

Has anyone discussed bougie size with them? Last I heard they strictly do 40 French

I can tell you 100% certainty you're in great hands. As far as aftercare, I would recommend Linda for one on one counseling- she's amazing. Support group is so-so, but worth checking out. I cant say enough good things about Dr.Michaelson - he's a great guy. Good luck and PM me if you'd like to chat more!

They are excellent! Trish can get super, super busy- try calling her again.

Its the rod they use during your surgery which helps guide the surgeon is making your sleeve... They typically range from 32-40 french. My friends who surgeons used smaller bougie tend to do better (34-38) my friends who have had 40 tend to lose slower towards their one year mark and complain of being hungry. I think it makes a difference and so do a lot of other people. Some people think it doesn't make a difference. Typically in the bariatric community lol I was just curious what size you had, no biggie! Many people have no idea what size they used on them!

I respect how you feel, but I believe bougie size DOES make a difference. I see NO harm is asking someone what their surgeon used. No need to be a "bougie police"... we all have different experiences and questions-- have you seen the post-op diets? Surgeons are all over the place with that, they do not all agree. Some say alcohol, some say no eating for 4 weeks, some say eat a week later- its depends.

Yes... But I still pay that chunk and have to selfpay :( wish my insurance covered!!

Anything Macklemore! Love him!!

Amazon: you went to Mexico, correct? I have to stick to the US for my sleeve and I am selfpaying at 26k. Does that mean I am going to work harder than you? You act like insurance people don't value their sleeve, which is BS. I doubt you'd like me saying because you went to Mexico to spend less that you don't value your sleeve as much as I do. So rude.

Frank: did you ask your surgeon what size of bougie he used? Congrats on the weight loss!

I would talk to a few other bariatric surgeons. Get your medical records sent to them and have a consult. Something like this needs a few opinions. The more the better. Good luck

AHHH! Forgive me I didn't read how far you were out! Yes stick to your plan- I thought you were further out. Call your surgeon, they always know. It even says on your thread title- I'm sorry. I must be tired!

Get a Yonanas- youtube it. Tastes like Fro-yo... maybe its just where I live but we have places that have sorbet and no sugar fro-yo- skip the toppings. I guess I didn't realize its THAT bad for you. I also recently read someone buys greek yogurt and low carb yogurt in the little containers and freezes them.

Gateway food? Really- I am not sleeved yet (good ol' band girl) but I think Fro-Yo is a great option for a healthy dessert once in awhile. Its when you load it with toppings and eat 16oz of it that you need to check yourself. I knew a girl who was banded that had those "moo-lattes" from Dairy Queen 2x daily- she came into the surgeons office crying she couldn't lose weight. After a quick google search she was stunned at how many calories they were. Lol... I mean she didn't even realize it. She left the office claiming she couldn't give them up- surgeon refused to adjust her band until she did. Sounds like OP is aware of her dietary choices and calories.

KimiKat3: I imagine if it was sugar free, you'd be good! Those Fro-yo places are BOMB! I haven't been sleeved yet, but have been through the lapband post op stage (back when it was super serious to do liquids 2 weeks, 2 weeks soft...) and man did I get bored! I would get a small one, let it melt in your mouth a bit and eat just a little. See how you feel. I can't think of one thing wrong here- NO IDEA why people attack. This truly came off as an innocent question. How come you can't have greek yogurt yet? Did I overlook something?

Where did/do you work that covers WLS? I know Home Depot, Starbucks, US Bank and FedEx cover it (from what I have heard- please correct me)... know of any others? I am asking because I think its important to make this available to people, some people consider WLS like 26k bonus because they don't have to pay out of pocket. I have done some googling but can't find much on the subject of the names of companies. I wish more companies would cover! I posted this in the "post" forum so that we know who covers for sure.

All good points... I just worry if i get sick one day or something and a doctor says "30 years ago that procedure was useful but now its considered a terrible option" and then I am screwed. My friend had RNY and hasn't lost a pound- she feels like she is out of options. I never want to feel that way. After being super confident about my band, and now doctors are phasing it out- really stresses me :/

Will I ever need the other 80% of my stomach? I have (hopefully) another 75 years to live, will I ever need my whole stomach? I get the weight loss will help me live longer but I am seriously concerned I will need the other half of stomach. Any insight?

Also: you're very lucky, many surgeons won't do sleeve after plication! Sometimes the stomach will grow together making it impossible for the surgeon to do any further work.

Yes- LISTEN to your surgeon. Any surgeon that tells you to wait or something is a bad idea, I'd listen. Your stomach has scar tissue, it'll be swollen, and need to heal before further WLS. Atleast 3months is a good thing. Good luck!

Lots of SO's are nervous and insecure! It's scary for them too. If you truly love him, keep him in the loop. Get some couples therapy and make it a journey together. It's never too late to try. Him being supportive shows he cares. I would move forward with surgery- but carefully. He may feel left behind, which doesn't seem like the best reason to give up! I wish you luck! If it doesn't work out, you have a support system here.

I've heard anywhere from 15k-26k. If you do it in 2 procedures, it'll cost probably 3k more. I'm self pay as well, makes me nervous!

When's your surgery? If you've lost 14pounds so far you're doing great!! Your surgeon will be proud, make sure to really hustle before your surgery date. Your surgery will be safer and easier for your doc! I try not to look too much into bad dreams, you've just been overthinking it, congrats on your weight loss!