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Having my VSG 10/25! Highland hospital ROC, NY

I feel your situation. I am not quite sure how I will handle it either. Everyone that knows me, knows I am always dieting, working out, trying to lose weight and it's a super frustrating battle. I started with a bmi of 32 and worried about being judged for not being big enough... but I swear I would be twice as big if I hadn't spent the last 20 years being on and off (mostly on) obsessive about my weight. Yet... i've never been in a normal BMI. I spent the last year paying for a nutritionist and personal trainer... a whole year, I lost about 20 pounds total and then injured my shoulder. It was the final straw. Within one month of the injury I gained 8 pounds back, still eating right! I am so relieved to have made this decision. I honestly don't care what anyone things anymore. What has been surprising to me is the fact that every friend and family member I have told has been 100% supportive and all expressed seeing how hard I am always working at it and how unfair it seems to have such a hard time. My dad and sister both had bypass surgery and I feel like my goal was not go that route. I struggled through feeling like I've failed, but today, I am 8 days post op and I feel hope I have never felt before. Hope of a normal life without obsessing about trying to be a normal size. Hope my pcos and metabolic issues won't always feel like a sledgehammer hovering over my head. I don't care if my coworkers know... but personally, I don't want to talk to them about it, it isn't their business. So when the time comes and people ask I'm just going to say I made a decision to make some changes and I have, thank you for noticing. And literally move away from the topic. They can find out... I don't care, but I don't need to tell them or open myself up to their judgement. The only negative response I've received was from the bariatric registration process before the surgery. Two nurses very clearly informed me they thought I was not a good candidate. One I ignored, the second I engaged in a conversation (time just allowed it) and by the end, she was totally in my camp and wishing me success. No one walks in our shoes, knows our struggles, and frankly, I know lots of folks that have had different procedures done, and some I suspect did but don't share. Everyone I know who is open about it, has a ton of support for others and I bet their experience is far more positive than those who hide it. This is just my 2 cents, but if you already struggle with guilt around the thought of being secretive, don't be...own it. You will be surrounded by people that are supportive and encourage you. The few who aren't are sad in their own state of mind and probably wouldn't be very supportive if they didn't know either. The risk is real, so I understand people focusing on that tiny chance that something bad could happen, but we get in cars everyday, we fly in airplanes, we work on home projects, accidents and illness happen everywhere, the chance of you living a longer, healthier, better quality life are 10 fold with the surgery. So be proud of doing something to take control of your life and let the others who barely know you, or can't get past their own objections dwell on it if they must. It isn't your problem. You did this in part to free yourself from things that hold you back from loving life...don't give them the power to minimize you.

I'm another that has bad reflux with the band. Mine started a couple of days after a large fill, and when I called my surgeon (I lived 6+ hours away at the time), she gave me the option of starting proton pump inhibitors for the acid or getting some fill taken out. Since I liked the weight loss, I chose the drugs. I wish I'd done differently. 10 months later, I finally couldn't stand it anymore. For some reason, after I had a tummy tuck and breast lift surgery, the acid got worse. Even with the PPI, I was having to sleep basically sleeping upright and still waking up coughing multiple times a night. My chest/esophagus was aching 24/7. I made an emergency trip and got a partial unfill. The acid is better, but still there. That was almost 3 years ago, and I haven't seen that doctor since. I lost a job, then started a new job and was waiting for my new insurance to kick in (my insurance through my parents which I'd had surgery under, had a $1500 deductible, which I could not afford at the time), then got a different job that took me across the country. I've dragged my feet on getting another surgeon because I didn't want to face the music and admit that I've gained back more than half of what I lost, but I finally bit the bullet and made an appointment for next Monday. I want to get my band checked out. I haven't had any imaging done whatsoever since before my band, so I'm almost certain that I've got a slip and have had one for years. If it is slipped or eroded, I want to revise to a sleeve. I'm sick of the acid, I'm sick of the port pain, I'm sick of not being able to get enough restriction to keep me on track without causing more acid reflux, I'm sick of sometimes not even being able to drink a latte in the morning without sliming and puking.

I didn’t have to do nutrition classes so I don’t know this. Will your pre op diet be within that four month period? I ask this because most people lose like 10-20 pounds on the pre op diet if they have the two week one. I wouldn’t count on it since you have already lost weight but I also wouldn’t give up without considering that as a possibility either. If that makes sense.

It's possible you need a stronger acid reducer Rx. I was on Ranitidine pre-op and continued on that for 10 days. I did notice my acid reflux was a little stronger toward the end of that time. Then my doc prescribed Protonix. END of any tummy acid problems.

Just answered someone else asking about PCOS and the surgery so I will just copy and paste what I wrote to them. I am just coming up on 10 months post op and have lost about 73lbs. I've dealt with PCOS, Endometriosis, Adenomyosis, Insulin Resistance, Migraines, etc. all my life. 10 years ago I was put on Metformin to help with those issues. Especially my PCOS, IR and it worked wonders for those things (and made my migraines disappear too). The Metformin kept me regular all those years, lessened my periods in days and volume, helped my cramps, etc. However, since getting the surgery I had my Metformin cut in half and I "think" I may be taken off of it all together eventually. But I have to say that since my dose was cut in half my periods have been heavier, come late/sporadically, stay super long (last one lasted 12 days), etc. REGARDLESS of the surgery. So, I don't know that surgery helped ME with those issues. But it has helped with my high BP and I am almost off of that medication too. I never dealt with acanthosis nigricans so I can't offer any info on that.

At 9 days out, I had to travel a little over 400 miles by car to attend nursing training. It was 10 hour training days, and I was on my feet for 6-8 hours per day for 3 days straight. I had paid the 4,000 non-refundable fee for the training long before I finished insurance requirements. Because of the surgeon's office screwing me around with a date, I had no choice. I won't lie, I felt lousy, but I drank a lot of carbs and full calorie Gatorade, and I was able to get through it. When I got back to the hotel every evening, I was knocked out until it was time to get up the next day. If it's new job orientation, and all you'll do is sit and listen, I think you'll be fine. Just make sure you're sipping the entire time, and go home and take naps everyday. Also, know in advance, the nearest hospital with a bariatric program, just in case you have complications. Good Luck!

Mine cost $55 from the County clerk office. You can also go to the Post office. First thing is you need a passport photo. You can go to any Walgreens or CVS and get one taken for $10. (no smile) You take the photo, driver's license, and original birth cert. Mine said 4-6 weeks, it took 3 weeks. FYI - Since 9/11 you have to send in your birth cert. (no copies). They mail it back.

another BOY!!! I was actually really shocked. My oldest is a girl and my other two are boys, so I was hoping to "even the score", but he's healthy and VERY active in there. Now to figure out a name lol. He's measuring exactly at my due date which is 10/28 We cant wait to meet him!

SO happy for you! My surgery is this Thursday, 11/19/15 & I'm right with you...so excited to finally "be here" after all of the appointments, tests, evaluations...Let the HEALTHY begin! Hope everything goes AWESOME for you! [[[[ hugs ]]]]

I'm in the soft foods stage and I'm loving my crustless quiche. I made this pre-surgery quite often. From my calculations it has 12g of Protein per serving (makes 9 servings). Crustless Quiche 12 oz. low fat cottage cheese 3 well beaten eggs 1 package frozen broccoli (10 oz microwave steam in bag kind) 1/2 c. shredded cheese (I use Colby Jack) 1/2 c. frozen chopped onions 6 oz. mini chopped ham cubes 6 oz. jar mushrooms, drained Salt and pepper to taste Cook broccoli according to package directions then chop into very small pieces (I use a hand chopper or my mini food processor). Mix all ingredients together and pour into an 8x8 glass baking dish. Bake at 350 for 45 to 1 hour (until firm). You may use other veggies or meats than those listed. It is very versatile. I often use the Jimmy Dean pre-cooked turkey sausage (though haven't tried it since surgery). I have never frozen it before but will probably try that, as it would take me 2 weeks to eat 9 servings and I don't want to waste it. It's too yummy!

YES! My mom recently told me I was too skinny. My therapist gently reminded me to pay attention to where these comments are coming from. In my case, usually other women that might feel threatened that my role in the friendship or familial relationship has changed; i.e. I was always overweight and they were always smaller or "better" than I was. Now that I am smaller than my mom (she's never been overweight but she's now a size 10/12 and I'm a 6/8), she feels that the balance in that part of our relationship has changed. I try not to internalize it. I don't care what anyone says, I'm a size 8 down from a 32/34 and I feel fantastic! I simply tell people I will stop losing when my surgeon tells me to. After all, they know the post-bariatric body better than anyone.

My surgeon - the bariatric team at St Joe's hospital in Chicago does it so it was provided as an option. I know not all surgeons do it though. Here's some more info from a press release I found: SILS -- A New Houston Weight Loss Surgery -- Single Incision Laparoscopic Surgery Posted on : 2010-02-01 | Author : PRWeb News Category : PressRelease In Houston, Texas, a new weight loss surgery technique known as SILS – single incision laparoscopic surgery – is now available for some bariatric operations (weight loss surgeries), including the Adjustable Gastric Band (AGB) and the Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy (LSG). It involves performing the entire obesity-surgery through a single small incision... (PRWEB) February 1, 2010 -- A new weight loss surgery technique known as SILS – single incision laparoscopic surgery – is now available for some bariatric operations, including the Adjustable Gastric Band (AGB) and the Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy (LSG). It involves performing the entire procedure through a single small incision, ideally at the umbilicus (belly button). SILS is usually less painful than standard laparoscopic surgeries (4-6 small incisions), and the cosmetic effect is thought to be superior. Some obesity surgery cases still need a balance of diet and exercise after the surgery to maintain long term results. SILS weight loss surgery is done under general anesthesia with the patient completely asleep. A small incision is placed at the umbilicus and either 3 standard trochars (tubes through which the instruments are passed) or a single specialized SILS port is placed to gain access to the abdominal space. The space is then insufflated with carbon dioxide to create enough room to manipulate the instruments. SILS requires specialized instruments that are able to articulate (bend into angles), and a novel camera that can be turned to a variety of angles. The operation is done using the same methods as the regular laparoscopic surgery. For the AGB procedure a tunnel under the skin and fat layer is created to place the port for later band adjustment. This is required to move it away from the umbilicus. Postoperatively, the patient will only have one incision, usually with less pain than a weight loss surgery with 4 to 6 incisions. Also, as the scar heals and contracts it usually becomes less noticeable as it is partially hidden by the umbilicus. Most weight loss patients feel this has a better cosmetic result. Not all patients can have the SILS approach. It is best used in patients of lower weight (BMI of 35 to 45) and whose body habitus (the physical and constitutional characteristics of an individual) is favorable. This depends on the individual patient and their surgeon’s judgment. Body mass index (BMI) is a measure of body fat based on height and weight that applies to both adult men and women. BMI-Body Mass Index formula is a specific calculation. For basic understanding of the BMI, here is a simple example. A person who is 5’5” to 6’0” with a weight of 225 to 300 pounds could be a possible SILS candidate. For each 7 to 8 pounds of body weight, they will get 1 point of BMI. So, if you divide 250 pounds by 7 you will have an estimated BMI of 36. If you are dealing with obesity or are interested in the SILS version of either the AGB or the LSG operations, please ask your Houston surgeon prior to starting the process to qualify for Houston weight loss surgery in Texas. There is also the option of a gastric bypass surgery for people with higher BMI. Houston Surgical Specialists Operating on a Personal Level (713) 993-7124 Houston, Texas

Sleep issues can have to do with losing hormones as we get older. Some people think menopause is a quick thing, but it actually takes 10 years of peri menopause where the hormones are slowly decreasing. This can cause sleep issues.

I have a 10 cc band. Had a tiny bit of restriction after my 2nd fill but not much. My 3rd fill put me at 6 cc & gave me good restriction. That was 6 weeks ago & I still have good restriction. I've lost 10 pounds in that 6 weeks but I haven't lost anything in the last couple. I think the reason is that I haven't been able to walk lately & I was walking every morning. I don't have enough daylight to walk before I have to be at work. Your 3rd fill should help a lot.

Honestly, shy may be in a fair amount of denial. I denied my weight gain for a LONG time. Sure, I was overweight and could stand to lose a few pounds... HOLY CRAP I NEED TO LOSE ONE HUNDRED AND FORTY POUNDS!!!! It was a bit of a shock when I MADE myself see what I looked like, how much I weighed and what was "normal". This may be a part of it. She is definitely in denial about her size and I don't think she is being honest about her weight or diet either. She is a twin and her sister is at least 30 pounds smaller than her and wears a smaller size; they are constantly in competition and she seems to feel that if she can get in a smaller size (whether it zips or not) it fits. Unfortunately, it looks like she is about to burst out of her clothes because she refuses to get a bigger size. I had a friend in high school who was bigger than me, so I figured I was 'okay' if I stayed smaller than her... her and I both gained weight proportionately over the years, I was still smaller than her tho, maybe your friend feels something like this? I'm sure this is part of it too. I was ALWAYS the "fat" one in the group, weighing at least 50 pounds or more than everyone else. The rest of our friends don't have a problem with my weight loss or the surgery, and are very supportive and complimentary. But, I'm not the fattest anymore. Our friends say that if we stand together, she is much bigger than I am. Of course, my mental image hasn't changed yet so I still see myself 50 pounds heavier and think the rest of my friends are nuts, lol! I hope it can get worked out, I've lost alot of friendships for various reasons, mostly that most of the friends I've had are still living the same lives they lived in high school (10 years later), and it drives me nuts! but all of the friendships lost for whatever reason hurt. Thank you! I hope we can work it out too - it's a lifelong friendship I would hate to have end over jealousy. Our kids are friends, and it's a shame she is so bitter right now. It's to the point none of the rest of our friends even invite her to parties or outings because she is so negative and unhappy even around her kids and they don't want her around THEIR kids! It does hurt too, she was really excited before I had the surgery. . . . .until you could "see" I lost weight. Maybe it has to do with me getting more attention now. Maybe she is jealous because I fade into the woodwork less now? I don't know. Right now I'm just giving her time and space as she needs it. There's not much else I can do. Thanks again for the support and kind words. I hope everything is okay too with you and your mom! Take care!

Honestly, shy may be in a fair amount of denial. I denied my weight gain for a LONG time. Sure, I was overweight and could stand to lose a few pounds... HOLY CRAP I NEED TO LOSE ONE HUNDRED AND FORTY POUNDS!!!! It was a bit of a shock when I MADE myself see what I looked like, how much I weighed and what was "normal". I had a friend in high school who was bigger than me, so I figured I was 'okay' if I stayed smaller than her... her and I both gained weight proportionately over the years, I was still smaller than her tho, maybe your friend feels something like this? I hope it can get worked out, I've lost alot of friendships for various reasons, mostly that most of the friends I've had are still living the same lives they lived in high school (10 years later), and it drives me nuts! but all of the friendships lost for whatever reason hurt.

My surgeon said that you should lose 10% of your surgery weight in first month and then about 8 pounds per month and total usually lost is around 50 to 80 pounds. I am starting week four and down 25 pounds and expect to lose about 70 total from the surgery. During this I have to do what I was doing before, control diet and exercise. I started at 305 and dropped down to 235 just through proper diet and exercise. You cannot expect the surgery is the cure all, it is just a device to drop major weight immediately and it takes long term diet and exercise to maintain. Remember you stomach is tissue and you can eat your way out of the surgery. Eat carbs before working out, you will burn the carbs and then start burning fat. Eat protein after. Get rid of fatty foods - use nonfat milk, cheese, cottage cheese. Eat lean meats - chicken, turkey and fish. Limit red meat, potatoes. Substitute fruits and vegetables for snacks. The other posters were correct, your body will react to starvation mode and stock pile fat for future use.

kspeaker, I just bawled my eyes out reading your UPDATE! I know how painful it was for you to finally tell him your real weight. If someone is 5 or 10 pounds overweight, sure, cut back, exercise more, that will work. But I don't think he really comprehends what people like us, who are obese, are dealing with when trying to lose weight -- and KEEP it off! I could also feel your pain -- the breathing, the sweating, the aching joints. . . Hugs to you and so proud of you for taking this step!

ok, so everything went well yesterday, saw the psychologist, dietitian, PA, and a few other people. the dietitian told me that i should start getting 70g of protein now, and though i don't necessarily have to lose before the surgery, i should not be gaining more weight at this point. she helped me come up with a couple of goals for now about eating and exercising--started the eating part today, exercise starts monday after work. now i have to get the official referral from my PCP, wait to be scheduled for a pulmonary function test, which is supposed to only take 10 minutes, and i have an EGD, which is set for 12/21. so hopefully i can be in the january sleevers club!

I'm with you all. My stomach has been looking like balled up homework for 10 years....

I started at 18/20 and am now down to an 8/10 depending on the pants. I really need to get tones up though. have really slacked off on working out. I have maintained for about 9 months now.

I had my surgery on 9/19 as well, and go next Friday 10/18 for my first fill. I've lost 10 pounds since my surgery, but nothing in the past week. I keep getting frustrated. I am doing everything right as far as I can see, as I am sure you are as well. Do you use my fitness pal? I am finding that it is very helpful. If you use it or decide to use it, would love to be your friend. We are all on this new journey together. You got this! You are doing a good job. Things will get easier!

Hi Jessica, I was nauseated for a while after surgery but Im happy to report that its gone away for the most part. I had mine done on 12/21/10 and I rarely have nausea now. It does happen when I eat a little too much but other than that im alot better. As for spitting, I didnt have that problem but I had a thick white film on my tongue for 6 weeks or so and bad breath and dry mouth as well. I still struggle with the dry mouth if Im not hydrated well. Hope that helps.

Hey everyone I'm Kelly I'm 23 from Ohio. I'm scheduled to have my bypass surgery on September 10 at 10:30 in the morning at Akron city hospital!! I'm really not scared or nervous as much as I am excited. For the past few years I have struggled with a bad addiction to food. I was filling gaps in my life by eating horrible foods. After seeking help from an emotional eating counselor and the help of the bariactric team at summa hospital I began my journey last October and decided to undergo laparoscopic rny gastric bypass and I couldn't be happier with my decision. A woman in my pre operative exercise class recommended this app as a way to reach out and meet people that have also/are planning on having the surgery as well, great idea!! So hello!! If anyone has any questions or comments for me please ask!! Once i find my way around this forum I'll probably be asking a few questions of my own!! Anyways here are some pictures of me CW: 289 HW: 305 GW: 150