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What I let grief do to me.
kimquilts55 replied to redhighheels's topic in PRE-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
this procedure was done about 10 years ago, in one of my appointments they said bowel obstruction was a slightly less than 1% risk of all abdominal surgeries.....that is more than relatively safe in my book. But it is still the reason for the negativity...I'll be armed with facts....I have a higher chance of dying from heart disease or complications of diabetes.....that is a true fact! -
Ex-Smoker waiting for Sleeve surgery
awold0 replied to celtcprnss's topic in PRE-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
You will get a date. You just have to hang in there. They just want to make sure you keep the no smoking because you have a risk of death and or infection when smoking especially right after surgery. I quite 3 months prior. Also there is a high complication risk of smoking AFTER you get the sleeve. I have to tell you I fell off the wagon BIG TIME. I was so upset that I did. I was 8 months out and all of a sudden I was drinking and smoking ever day. I had to get my butt off them and I have but it is not easy. Even had to do the AA thing. The cross addiction can be a real thing! I learned the hard way. With our small tummies we can get ulcers that can be a little more serious than the normal person with regular size stomachs. This is even far out. I thought it was just in the beggining but actually I have read a lot about it and can be a serious risk even way out. So I think they are truly watching out for you. Call your doc and tell him the research you did and that you totally understand the risk and that you have been clean and are ready for a life change. I wish you the best.- 1 reply
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I am having surgery with Dr Barkan. DId you use him? any complications?
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Is it possible that I got big just because I love food?
Kindle replied to Goddardgo's topic in PRE-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
I think Michiganchic got it right. We are all individuals and there are many different factors contributing to obesity. Whether it's genetics, bad eating habits, or mental issues, each factor has varying degrees of influence on each individual. They even think GI flora plays a roll. Look how different people react to stress...my work partner can't eat and she exercises like crazy when she's sad or stressed. Meanwhile, I stuff my face. (And these are "normal" day to day stresses, not major "need to be in therapy" stresses.) Even look how each of us handle the experience post op....there are individuals that are thrilled with their sleeve maybe even despite complications. They adapt to the required life changes with little drama. There are others that get depressed and feel like failures when they hit a stall. And still others that regret the decision simply because they miss food. Even the success stories are different..some track everything, some train for marathons, some simply eat healthy and never bother to count or weigh anything. Some people can eat an occasional dessert while others must avoid carbs at all costs. The reactions to getting thinner and healthier are at least as diverse as the ways we got obese in the first place. -
Should I Consider WLS, specifically, the Sleeve?
automatic replied to pushforth's topic in Gastric Sleeve Surgery Forums
I am 35 years old, and I had the sleeve done on March 5th. When I went in to the program (October 31, 2014), my weight was 529lbs. When I started the four week pre-op diet (Feb. 5, 2015), I was 517. On surgery day I was 480 and today, a week and a half later I am 467. An astonishing loss in a relatively short period of time, and is (according to my surgeon) not the norm. I am thrilled, though. I have had zero complications. No nausea, no vomiting, no cramping and most of all, no pain. I was completely off of the narcotic pain killers within 36 hours of surgery, and have been able to take in every last bit of liquids and Protein that my surgeon requests. I consider myself very fortunate that I have had no difficulty compared to others. I firmly believe that recovery is 20% physical and 80% mental, or at least it has been for me. If you get in to the mindset that VSG is a tool that you will be able to use to get healthy and to lead a much longer, fuller life, then you will not only be able to do it, but to succeed. VSG has been one of the best decisions I have ever made. Good luck to you. -
Out Patient vs Hospital Stay
xxjosettexx replied to Abigaylesdad's topic in PRE-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
I just had my surgery on Tuesday, and here is what I will tell you: I had my surgery at a hospital in Oregon that is a baiatric surgery center of excellence. I chose outpatient, since it was the most cost effective. I was released from the hospital and could not keep my pain medicine or water down. I ended up having to go back to the hospital with pain (since I couldn't keep my meds down) and dehydration (since I couldn't keep water down). 15 unsuccessful iv pokes and one torrdal shot later I felt much better, and was released today. I'm basically bouncing around, but I was the person that needed an inpatient stay, and ended up not having it. On the plus side, when I was re admitted to the hospital my insurance covered everything (surgery was self pay). I would highly recommend inpatient stay, because if you do end up having complications and you are an outpatient, they can only give you the drugs that you will have at home, which sometimes does not work right away. Even if you aren't sure that you need inpatient, it is still good to have that security there, and if you do choose outpatient, know that you can go back to the hospital before you get to the point I was at -
I had my band unfilled do to complications of food getting stuck. Then I had an endoscopy done and found out I have ulcers from my esophagus down to my small intestine. I've gained 30 pounds over the past 4 months!! I still have a month or two to go before they will start adding fluid. Ugh [emoji27]
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I'm sorry but... I'm gonna say it or write it.. I wish I had lost enough weight for someone to ask me if I had cancer. I've been big all of my life, I hope that I can be successful in this journey. I am worried I won't ever get there, I've had many complications and I pray that I'm done and can get to 'normal' but just way less of me. I would say ignore them and remember that you are healthier than you were before and that's number 1. It would be annoying, I am sure.... but you did it in such a short period of time. Be patient and make sure that some of the rude ones aren't giving you the perspective to do so to everyone that asks. That's such a short period of time that it's just a shock. Congratulations in your success! Dorrie, I used to want to do that. Kudos for you - I hope you do it!
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Hi, Can you consume alcoholic drinks after surgery? My Co workers wife had a VSG a years ago. She was told by her pcp that she couldn't drink anymore or it could be serious complications. Anyone told otherwise?
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1yr Today I Change Me!!!
Fishnfool replied to Fishnfool's topic in Weight Loss Surgery Success Stories
Kathy, i know how you feel i still love food, i found talking to a dietican or food consoler helped teach me how not to turn to food when i wasnt havent a good day, but food was my life, I still eat most foods i did in past but in very small portions now. Another reason i had my surgery done on Nov 2nd was so i could atleast have mush foods at thanksgiving (fat guy) always thinking.. LOL Its not easy believe me you have to get yourself saying I can do this, Food will not run my life anymore!!! If you stumble get back up and start the next day... But please follow what your doctor says you dont want any complications, i have read others eating different foods at different weeks, stick with what your doctor feels is right for his patiants.. Good Luck God Bless!!! -
TOMORROW! EXCITED AND SCARED
nervous nana replied to PaulaWodzisz's topic in PRE-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
Congratulations on crossing over!! Can't wait to follow your progress. Prayers for a complication free surgery and a speedy recovery. -
So nervous! Words of encouragement?
Champ715 posted a topic in PRE-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
Hi everyone! I am almost finished with my 6 month supervised diet that is required by BCBS AL My general practice MD told me to print my medical records from my patient portal online so I have the 3 years of height/weight records that I need (Hopefully the surgeon's office will accept a printout). Realistically, I don't think I have any reason to worry that I won't be approved but my anxiety is getting the best of me lately. I am getting so close to being finished with all the requirements and my anxiety is making me a nervous wreck. I am either constantly worrying that I won't get approved or worrying that I will get approved but have complications. I have called both my insurance company and my insurance coordinator but haven't heard back yet (and it's been over a week). The waiting and not knowing part is the worst part for me. Has anyone else dealt with similar feelings this close to surgery? I'm just hoping to find some words of encouragement from fellow patients. Thanks in advance! -
I had my surgery in Monterrey almost five years ago with Dr. Francisco Barrera Rodriguez. He is with the Monterrey Gastro & Bariatric Group. My experience with them was awesome. They provide all instructions ahead of time such as itinerary, preop and postop info. I had surgery on Thursday afternoon and was discharged on Saturday at noon. They answered all my questions even the stupid ones. They don't rush you through anything and they run all the preliminary testing in house (EKG, blood tests, nutritional eval). I am not sure if any of their process has changed, but that was my experience at that time. Oh and they assign a nutritionist and office personnel who are available throughout the process. One thing I did do was stay in Monterrey for a few days just in case I had any complications. The drive from Texas was about 6 hours so not too bad. If you have any specific questions I'll be happy to answer them.
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Definitely take this time to get prepared! Spend more of your time reading the post-op forum than the pre-op forum. That way, you won't be the one asking these same questions that get asked every single day here: HELP it's after surgery and I feel hungry, is that normal? HELP every time I eat my stomach roars and grumbles, is this normal? HELP I'm three weeks out from surgery and the scale hasn't moved in four days, what am I doing wrong? HELP I'm on full liquids and I can drink a protein shake really fast. Did they actually do my surgery? HAVE I STRETCHED MY SLEEVE? What should I eat on purees? When should I start exercising again? How long until I can lift my baby/toddler after surgery? When can I go back to work? If I lift weights, use expensive oils and body wraps, and gobble 1000000 mcgs of biotin every day, I will successfully avoid having any loose skin or suffering any hair loss, right? What should I take with me to the hospital? etc. Seriously, though, being nervous is completely normal and understandable -- but keep reminding yourself, complications and an early death are a lot more likely if you remain obese rather than undergo a surgery that is safer than a gallbladder removal. No surgery is risk free but obesity is a lot riskier than this surgery!
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Just scared myself!
soundview replied to Timeforme15's topic in PRE-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
I just got scared last night as well. I went to a seminar and felt good about moving forward so i set up my first appointment. Then i came home and read all these complications and panicked a little. -
Bypass or sleeve...will the answer come to me?
Marie Car replied to Soon2beslimSamantha's topic in PRE-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
i am booked for Aug 26 for Bipass. The doctors at my hospital dont give you a choice it's bypass or sleeve if they find complications when they get in there. I am soooo scared. I am very healthy other than being overweight. Worried i am gonna trade one problem for another. I am trying to focus on the after, but it's so hard not to worry. Having surgery at St joseph's hospital in hamilton, somebody pls talk to me -
Starting from scratch into this journey - any tips?
Bufflehead replied to TheGirl's topic in PRE-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
How long does the process take from initial consultation to surgery date? It really depends on your insurance, your surgeon, and you. Could be anywhere from a couple of weeks to a year, but for most people it seems to be about 3 - 6 months. Did anyone feel that people in their environment judged them for having surgery vs 'trying to lose weight' the natural way? I've told just about everyone who has asked about my weight loss about my surgery. Only one person has said anything negative to my face. Other people may be saying things behind my back, or thinking negative, judgmental things. I really don't give a rat's patootie what anyone thinks about me or how I lose weight though. That may be one of the benefits of doing this as a not-young person (I am 49 now) -- my IDGAF bone has definitely gotten stronger through the years. It's a medical decision, I made it in consultation with my physicians, anyone who feels like they have the right to an opinion on my medical decisions can bite me. How long was the hospital stay? My surgeon's standard hospital stay is 2 nights. Others do 1 night, 3 nights, or on an outpatient basis, it varies a lot. How long does recovery take? Again, this is all over the map. We are all such individuals when it comes to healing, plus different surgical techniques may result in longer or shorter healing times, some people may have complications, others may have hiatal hernia repair or gall bladder removal done at the same time as the sleeve. I was off work for two weeks and pretty much exhausted for four weeks after surgery. I've seen posts from people who bounced back a lot sooner, and others who took longer. But to be clear, during the two weeks off work, I was tired, napping a lot, and in occasional pain, but not bedridden or unable to care for myself and my household. I just needed to be able to take things slow and rest a lot. -
Bypass or sleeve...will the answer come to me?
LipstickLady replied to Soon2beslimSamantha's topic in PRE-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
I picked the sleeve over bypass for several reasons, but only YOU can choose what's best for you. If I was diabetic, I would have had bypass. I am not. I wanted to live and eat as "normally" as possible and I was not interested in the possibility of "dumping". I wanted to be able to have a bite or tow of cake or a brownie here and there and I can do that with the sleeve. That said, rich ice cream (my favorite dessert in the world) makes me dump like a pansy biotch. Rich cream Soups do, too. ARGH. Malabsorbtion scared me. I suck at taking Vitamins and pills and I did not want to be on that regimen forever. I don't swallow pills. With bypass that's a must. With sleeve it's a YOU REALLY SHOULD DAMMIT but I don't. I didn't want my intestines re-routed. I don't have a logical reason for that, I just didn't. I loved the idea of my grehlin factory being shut down and it has been. Appetite suppressants have always worked well for me, now it's happening naturally. WIN!! The sleeve was my best option and my surgeon was behind it 100%. As active as I am, and as dedicated as I've proven to be, he agreed that the sleeve was my best bet. I am just over two years out and have been at goal for almost 16 months. I'm thrilled.I more than thrilled. I'm feaking ecstatic. I've had my share of complications but I don't regret a single moment. Not even for a second... -
We've been told that if we drink alcohol, it's not an issue of if we have complications, but when. My NUT and case manager worry about gastritis and ulcers, along with transfer of addiction. That being said, not quite 6 months post op and I've enjoyed an occasional glass off wine or beer. No upset tummy yet.
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How bad is soda for the band, really?
LollyMoe replied to Pangaeus's topic in POST-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
I was a diet Dr Pepper addict. I drank a two-liter everyday. When I was told that I couldn't have them at all, I went cold turkey off of it and haven't wanted it even once. There is a lady that I know who thought she could beat the system and drink the cola IF she let it go flat. Well, she almost lost her band completely. The pouch swelled up and then drooped down around the band. Why would you want to pay so much for surgery, go thru everything post-op and then take the chance of complications all over a cola? There are reasons WHY the doctor says no cola. Ask him the whys/whynots. If you can't follow the rules up front, how do you expect to be successful? Please re-think the cola...for your own sake. -
Hello everyone! I was banded last Tuesday, the 16th of April. I had only minor complications, which I was very thankful for. :thumbup: So far I have lost a whopping 20 lbs!!! I know this will slow down once the purees and mush start next week. Does anyone have any advice on how to make it through this next week with just liquids? I get major stomach growling and feel pretty weak. Thanks, Lara
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Consultation this Thur!
naturegirl replied to Jolene-journey's topic in PRE-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
Ask about how they handle complications that might arise dying surgery. Or what the recovery process is like. Inquire about suggestions for handling the anxiety of the surgery, or ask what FAQ other patients have had. An open dialog can be created. Plus if you have a case manager you can ask them too. -
Currently waiting for gastric bypass procedure , I have an appointment in September which will involve me having a comprehensive medical inc seeing the Anethetist , weigh myself meet the nurse , surgeon , blood tests and psychiatric evaluation . Does any one know roughly the time between going to this evaluation and the operation itself as still have not received a surgery date yet and thought there might be a time frame that can't be exceeded between the evaluation and actual surgery inc pre op diet . As circumstances and body may change ... A less complicated way of explaining what I mean is that all the results from the evaluation made on me could become invalid or wrong if operation is not preformed relatively soon after my medical ....?? Any one else know?
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AM I CRAZY FOR WANTING TO TRAVEL TO MEXICO FOR THE GASTRIC SLEEVE SURGERY?
FutureMrs.Bee replied to BackToBeautiful's topic in PRE-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
although I researched Mexico. I decided against it. I was self-pay in NYC. My insurance covered the pre-op testing because it is basically consultations with different specialties and I paid the surgeon and anesthesiologist. I felt more comfortable being in the united states in case of complications and I have someone to sue and hold responsible if anything goes wrong. I know a lot of people that that went to Mexico and was very successful. But, I like the idea of calling and going to fix it my doctor as often as I like/need. Developing a face to face relationship was important to me. -
Eating is not as enjoyable!
Mhy12784 replied to Rawlinos's topic in POST-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
Im 4 weeks out as of today, and started softs about a week ago. I do find myself craving and looking forward to certain foods (notably beef and pistachio nuts) but Im also in the same boat as you where im not looking forward to or enjoying meals. I havent had any pain or complications from eating so far, but I also dont enjoy spending 25 minutes eating a meal, and taking ridiculously small bites with 1-2 minutes between bites. I dont have the patience for it, and such small bites of food makes it a bit less enjoyable. I can honestly say I prefer the protein shakes, its just easier and not stressful. I dont have to worry about pain getting stuck choking etc etc. I can just drink my shake and move on. I find myself eating real foods only when I need to address hunger pains. Otherwise im more than content with my shakes. I suspect in another month maybe 2 when I dont need to eat like an infant (and my options are expanded) I will find eating more enjoyable. Also I had a decent size hiatal hernia repair and dont have pain so i suspect its not that. It could be food intolerances or selection thats your problem. Especially if you are chewing and going slow appropriately.
