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Before my surgery, I always wondered what if would feel like to lose 100 lbs or more. It was such a surreal thought, one I couldnt fathom even in my wildest dreams. It seemed like a dream that would just stay that way - a dream - my very own fantasy. I struggled to get to my 100 lb loss. My weight loss was going great when I reached my 75 lbs mark, then it all went backward. This was my 5 months post surgery. This is when my appetite really kicked back in and I always knew I could eat more than your average Sleevester. I had a goal to reach 100 lbs by Thanksgiving - well that didnt work, even tho I had plenty of time to do it in...so then I moved the goal to Christmas...still didnt make it. I think I finally reached it in Jan of 2009. So, now its been 13 months since my surgery and Ive lost 111 lbs....in one way, Im totally thrilled with that, but on the other hand, Im really angry that I havent lost more...why am I angry, bc Ive done it to myself by continuing to eat the wrong things which has made me go up and down in weight.. One good thing Ive realized is that I do know how to maintain...which is not what I want to yet...but at least I know how to do it.. For the past few weeks, Ive steadily lost about a lb a week, sometimes more, sometimes less...but on average, about a lb/week. Im not giving up. Im not even halfway to my goal. As my ticker indicates, I have 137 lbs to go to reach my goal of 150 lbs. Even at that, I wont be "skinny" but I will feel like a million bux!

Appetite Increased By Action Of Ghrelin Hormone Leading To Accumulation Of Abdominal Fat 5/21/09 Appetite Increased By Action Of Ghrelin Hormone Leading To Accumulation Of Abdominal Fat The ghrelin hormone not only stimulates the brain giving rise to an increase in appetite, but also favours the accumulation of lipids in visceral fatty tissue, located in the abdominal zone and considered to be the most harmful. This is the conclusion of research undertaken at Metabolic Research Laboratory of the University Hospital of Navarra, published recently in the International Journal of Obesity. Ghrelin is a hormone produced in the stomach and the function of which is to tell the brain that the body has to be fed. Thus, the level of this secretion increases before eating and decreases after. It is known to be important in the development of obesity, given that, on stimulating the appetite, it favours an increase in body weight, explained Ms Amaia Rodr?guez Murueta-Goyena, doctor in biology and main researcher of the study. However, researchers at the University Hospital of Navarra have discovered that, besides stimulating the hypothalamus to generate appetite, ghrelin also acts on the tabula rasa cortex. They observed how this hormone favoured the accumulation of lipids in visceral fatty tissue. In effect, it causes the over-expression of the fatty genes that take part in the retention of lipids, explained Ms Rodr?guez. It is precisely this accumulated fat in the region of the abdomen that is deemed to be most harmful, as it is accompanied by comorbilities, visceral obesity being related to higher blood pressure or type 2 diabetes. Moreover, being located in the abdominal zone and in direct contact with the liver, this type of fatty tissue favours the formation of liver fat and increases the risk of developing resistance to insulin. It is associated with hypertension, high levels of triglycerides, resistance to insulin and hypercholesterolemia: visceral fat favours the metabolic syndrome, the researcher pointed out. Ghrelin can show itself in acylated or deacylated form, the difference being in the octanoic acid present in the composition of the former, according to Ms Rodriguez. Previously it was thought that only the acylated form was active in the process of weight increase, but many studies point to both hormones being biologically functional. Future development of pharmaceutical drugs This discovery of the twin action of ghrelin on the organism opens the door to future treatment for obesity and which, for the time being, is limited to in vitro studies in cell and animal models, the University Hospital researcher pointed out. This inclusive perspective of the functioning of a hormone is necessary in order to design effective pharmaceutical drugs. There are many hormones that intervene in the control of appetite in the hypothalamus and, at the same time, can act on other organs, such as the liver, the muscles or fat, for example. Thus, the medication developed should block the action of ghrelin both on the hypothalamus and on the accumulation of abdominal fat. At the same time, stated Ms Rodr?guez, it has to be taken into account that this hormone also acts on the liver and favours the capturing of glucose in the muscle. They observed that the concentration of acylated-form ghreline in the blood increases amongst obese persons and particularly when these, moreover, suffer from diabetes. Thus, obese persons with diabetes have greater tendency to accumulate visceral fat than normoglycemic obese persons. This is a little-studied field which has to be investigated in order to develop pharmaceutical drugs which annul this action of ghrelin. Blood analysis and stimulation of adipocytes The research undertaken at the Metabolic Research Laboratory of the University Hospital of Navarra principally involved the analysis of the blood of 80 patients, both obese and thin, and in the stimulation with ghrelin of the fatty cells from surgical operations. First they analysed the ghrelin levels in the blood. Then, based on the biopsies of visceral fat obtained from 24 patients subjected to various operations, the adipocytes or fatty cells were separated and subsequently stimulated with hormone, which enabled the researchers to evaluate the changes generated in the genes that favoured the lipid accumulation in these isolated adipocytes, explained the researcher. Source: Oihane Lakar Elhuyar Fundazioa

Well let me comment on how I feel! Cigarettes are different from weed along with alcohol. No place in anything that I have read you cant smoke weed. Unless you are her nurse or doctor STOP BEING HER JUDGE AND JURY! If you didnt have **** to say but bs then you need to keep **** to yourself. Things you missed in elementary school+

Thank you for your response! So, Fed BCBS does not require for someone to have significant comorbidities, such as hypertension, diabetes, etc.? If so, that's great! Like I said, I want to avoid having those problems, that is one of the reasons I want this surgery. I'm going to go ahead and tell my husband to switch from GEHA to FEP BCBS next enrollment and go from there. You mentioned you work in one state but had the surgery in another....BCBS allows this? So, if need be, even though we will have MS BCBS I could go to Louisiana and have this done if I needed to and it would be covered? Thanks again!

I realize you are just repeating what you were told, so please don't be offended, but I call BS on her doc. I would love to know how he would know that the HCG specifically advanced the cancer when he didn't know she had it in the first place? I know women who had cancer while pregnant, where their docs knew they had cancer at the beginning of their pregnancy and their cancer didn't grow faster during pregnancy with 100X more HCG hormone in their bodies. It seems like another doctor talking about something they don't understand, not to mention, so nice of the doc to make the patient feel like it's all her fault. I lost my first 45 lbs on HCG and I looked fantastic, I wish that docs would just admit they don't know things instead of the know it all accusatory crap I so often hear about. I feel really bad for your friends mom, that's a terrible story, and the HCG is not the villain in it.

four ducklings wow! Most surgeons who are accredited have awesome stats. Complications can always happen of course but obesity can kill you too. So can driving a car...or crossing a street.. . I guess surgery just puts it in our faces because it's new territory for many of us, you sign your life away on forms and everyone tells you horrible stories! I've had general anesthesia anniversary if times and many procedures and a couple if surgeries. It's always a bit scary but I do remind myself if what I started out saying... obesity comorbidities are deadly, and life activities can kill you too so that might help you too I did ask my surgeon how many patients he has lost on the table and it was zero in many years and a small handful from drastic complications like pulmonary embolism often bc people feel symptoms and don't seem medical attention until it's too late! They do a lot to prevent clots, infection, etc these days...

My surgeon required a month without hormonal bc. It's because you are more likely to develope blood clots. I had to stop my depo two months ago. My date is Feb 2nd.

Maybe, I'm on puréed foods but I often just have the protein soup broth. But last night I swallowed a bite of protein chicken noodle and immediately threw it back up. :sigh: I feel so weak. My muscles hurt and I get short of breath doing simple tasks (like I gave my 4yr old a shower and after I washed him I had to sit down bc I was out of breath and dizzy. This is a new symptom.) I knew it was going to be hard but I didn't realize how hard and food is gross and hurts my stomach. Thanks for responding. I'm looking forward to soft foods I'm hoping ill have more options that my stomach will like. And I want caffeine and maybe some plain mashed potatoes. Lol

I am so sorry you are having a hard time. I am newly post op so I get how hard it is to get it all in. You say you are not thirsty or hungry and I believe you completely.....but, it doesn't matter if you're thirsty or hungry, you hAve to get something in. My surgeon said the first month is like the first month with a newborn, except with WLS the newborn is your new tiny stomach. It doesn't know what it needs or wants, and it can't get what it wants without you. This is one of those times where, you just have to start doing it, whatever you truly can, not what your non-existent thirst and hunger are telling you. Could you start with just half an ounce, or a tablespoon of any clear liquid, every 15 min? You can even take 3 tiny sips to get that tablespoon in if you need to, you don't have to gulp. Or how about you let one sugar free Popsicle melt in your mouth every hour? Please try something new, don't give up, or you're going to wind up in the hospital very soon. You're feeling dizzy bc you are already dehydrated, don't let this progress, please. Sent from my iPad using the BariatricPal App

I am sorry if that came across as depressing or I don't own it. Trust me I do and I would do it again a thousand times over, but there are downsides to it. Maybe small ones but there are. I don't know if because of my weight I was depressed for so long and the transition was difficult and maybe no one else feels this way, but to say its been easy about everything?? No it hasn't. It's a very difficult transition your whole life changes, and no one really talks about it. Its just like explaining to someone who doesn't have kids how their life will change. You can't. Its just one of those things that they have to live it, so if for all of you guys it has been amazing and easy breezy, congratulations, but for me it hasn't. There is a downside to it, And yes maybe I was stupid but I really thought after all this work I would look good in a 2 piece and that is not the case. I F*88 care like you nicely put. I want a nice body because I worked hard for it. Oh and don't worry I wont sabotage anything, I would do it all again in a heartbeat and like I said the pros outweighs the cons by thousands but to say there is no change and its a bit difficult to deal with is just not true and that is what everyone and what I read about before I had this surgery said. ETA: and I agree its irritating how much better people will treat you now that you are skinny. Guys will open doors and strike up conversations. Its all very shallow bc I can bet my life on it, at 240 lbs they wouldn't even think twice about opening a door for me.

Hey everyone, I do not like being the bearer of bad news, but we need to work together and get some help here…brace yourselves. I don’t know if many of you have heard, but it has recently come to my attention that there are NO MORE DATES being given out for WLS through the Richmond bariatric program with Dr. Sampath or Dr. Nguyen. The funding for this program has been cut and there are no more surgeries scheduled after October at this time. For those of you just finding out, I am incredibly sorry for having to share this news with you. For those of you who already knew, I am also sorry to think of how this might be affecting you and your families at this time. Some of you may be waiting for your first consultation at this time, or just beginning to go through the battery of tests and appointments required in this program. To you I say please, please, please do NOT give up. This program changed my life long before I had my surgery and I can’t begin to stress how valuable the experience was in preparing me. I know the pre-op waiting period is a rollercoaster of difficult emotions and struggles, but there is hope and value in learning about yourself and making changes as you go before having this surgery. We all have unique stories and experiences that have brought us to where we are on this journey. For me, it took 7 years to find the right surgeon…when I decided to switch to Dr. Sampath, it wasn’t because I knew my surgery would come up sooner (although that was an exciting thought I considered). What “sealed the deal” for me was knowing that I would be safe and taken care of with West Coast Bariatrics…my post-op care is guaranteed and there is a whole team of specialists willing to help me at any given time with whatever issues or obstacles I may encounter along the way. That, to me, showed a dedication to my health and well-being that I had never experienced with any health professionals before. It was a promise to look out for my best interests and it was definitely the turning point and deciding factor for me. For those of us who have already had this surgery, I’d like to ask that we take a moment and think about how different our lives would be if we hadn’t done this. Those of us who had the opportunity to go through West Coast bariatrics know what tools and experiences are being withheld from countless others in this province who need their help. I also know that there are many individuals who had their surgery in other parts of BC or out-of-province who have shared how they wish they had a program like this to support them before and after surgery. Some of you even have friends and family on the waitlist for the Richmond program and I can only imagine how difficult this news has been to deal with. We all have different issues and histories that brought us to the point of needing this surgery; it is unfair and ridiculous that anyone should be deprived of a life-changing weight loss surgery when there are capable, successful, and willing professionals who want to fight for us. So to all of you, I’d like to ask for some help. The team of specialists at WCB are doing everything they can to support patients through other branches of their program, but they are stressing the importance of reaching out and contacting our Minister of Health in BC and speaking to our MLA’s. They believe that we can make an impact by speaking out in volumes and showing the government that its constituents care enough to demand a change. I am not a political person in any way, but this is an issue that directly affects me and many of my loved ones so I cannot bear to sit idly by. Many of us in the support group for WCB patients on Facebook have already written letters and sent emails or been in direct contact with our MLA’s. At this time, anything helps! Some of us are reaching out to the media as well. Family members, co-workers, friends…anyone who knows about you, your struggles, and the value of this surgery can help us make a difference if they are willing to take the time to send an email or letter. To contact our Minister of Health, Margaret MacDiarmid, please email her directly at margaret.macdiarmid.mla@leg.bc.ca To get in touch with your local MLA, please visit http://www.leg.bc.ca/mla/3-1-5.htm to find them on the list of BC’s Legislative Assembly. Email them, mail letters, place a call and speak with them...anything! Once again, I apologize for having to bring this up and hope that many of you will reach out to the support systems in your life (i.e. friends, family, support groups, health professionals) to deal with any issues this may bring up. Thank you for getting this far, I appreciate your consideration and hope that we can help West Coast Bariatrics get back its funding so it can keep changing lives and making a difference in the WLS community. Aleya aleyazl@hotmail.com

I can't believe I'm almost 3 months post op. I've lost a total of 75 pounds and need to keep going. However, went on vaca and blew my normal routine and need to get back to where I wouldn't let sugar of any kind touch my lips. !! I'm think back to liquid diet for a couple weeks. I cook and then I'm bored with what I made so I don't eat. I drink my shakes no problem in the AM. I STOPPED tracking foods bc I never finish anything but I'm def grazing again. Help!

So I work at a bank, and have moved up fairly quickly over the past few years. Our bank is in the process of purchasing another bank in an area of the state where we don't have a market presence. I got a call from my regional operations manager this morning asking me to be an ambassador for the bank and go to the other bank for a few weeks to assist with the transition. I unfortunately had to turn the offer down because the time frame interferes with my surgery. I am so sad about it because it's a huge honor to be asked. I know that my surgery is more important and I wouldn't even think of postponing it to accommodate the trip, but I still really feel like I'm missing out on something great. I know that the important thing is that he thought of me and I was asked. Sorry, I just really needed to get this off my chest. If only it was happening a month later! Ugh!

I completely understand what you are going thru. I felt the same way. For me, after soooo many disappointments, diet failures, massive weight gains (over and over again), the humiliation, physical pain, heqlth problems and limitations, and so on, we are scared to believe in anything. I questioned "could this be true? Get surgery and then lose the weight and associated health complications and embarrassment? And keep it off? It CAN'T possibly be for real! Maybe I'm letting myself in for more heartbreak by chasing this rainbow!" And then, scared half out of my wits, I went ahead with the surgery. I followed every rule to the t both pre- and post-op. And to be honest, unlike what some other sleevers report, this has not been an easy fix. But it IS a Godsend. This surgery has helped me tremendously, but at the end of the day, just like so many say, this is a tool, not a magic mystical pill. To me, it is VERY important for us to address our fears head-on. You are not crazy. You are facing your fear. Stare it down and never give up on yourself. This tool will work for you if you are willing to put in your share of the work. I wish I were one of those people who never got hungry and have to remind themselves to eat. I do get hungry, but not nearly like it was pre-op. My restriction is not as much as some others have but it IS there, and it is very helpful. I am 3.5 months out (surgery 10.17.11) and have lost 64.4 pounds. I can now pretty easily consume about 4 oz of protein plus a few bites of veggies per meal. I am still fighting head hunger and trying to resist nighttime snacking. And I am trying to exercise (walking for now since my hips, ankles and feet are pretty much shot from intense pounding whilst obese) 4 to 5 days a week. So yes, there is effort on my part. But I am so glad I had the surgery. I am attending monthly support group mtgs and read helpful and motivating posted on this forum. I hope this reads as it is intended: as a helpful and compleltley no BS account of my WLS experience. No pretend sunshine; no dramatic negativity. You are worth this. You can meet success. I believe in both of us!

I had the sleeve done at the end of November, 2013. It was a band to sleeve revision. I was what I would have called a "slow loser" but found out some things I was doing wrong. So, I changed some of what I was doing - went to 1000 calories/day, added fruits and vegetables to my diet instead of just Protein and began walking and working out some. Now, I know you're going to say, "If you're working out you're adding muscle which weighs more than fat." Ok, I'm not working out THAT hard. A couple of weeks ago I had an NSV by getting into size 20 clothes from a size 26/28. I hit the 40 pound loss mark in 4 months. I was feeling really good. But things have changed. I'm still in a 20, which I'm happy about. But I'm losing my hair. The one thing that I have ALWAYS prided myself on. Even when I was over 300 pounds, my hair always looked good. It was healthy, bouncy and in really good shape. Then, pieces of it started coming out when I showered. I'd go to soap myself up and have to remove strands of hair from the bar of soap. I thought, "Well, that's the price of bariatric surgery I suppose." I started taking Biotin after reading some messages on here. I also made sure I got at least 60 grams or more of protein a day and have been averaging over 60 grams a day for over a month now. I thought it probably wasn't as bad as I was making it out to be. Then, I went to my hair dresser for a cut yesterday. She started washing my hair and said, "Oh my, you're really getting thin." My daughter is getting married in 2 months and my hairdresser said we may have to get a hair piece to help cover up some of thinness if it doesn't get any better. What?!?!?!?!?!? Are you frickin' kidding me? Oh, and it gets worse. I stepped on the scale this morning and was 3 pounds heavier!! WHAT?!?!?!!?!?!?!? I've been following my diet strictly and haven't gone over 1000 calories. I've looked at the snack cakes in my daughter's snack drawer and walked away. ARE YOU FRICKIN' KIDDING ME?!?!?!? 3 POUNDS?!?!?!!?!?!? And this is after a 2 week plateau. I'm ready to give up. I know this weight didn't come on over night but I really expected more than 40 pounds in 4 months. And, I know that we all have weight fluctuations but mine have only been a pound here and there. 3 pounds? Higher??? That's crazy. If I was cheating, sure, I can see that. But I'm not. I'm a bit fed up. I don't want to hear about losing inches vs. pounds and changing things up. I've done that. I guess I just want to bitch and complain. Has anyone else gone through this mental torture and how did you get your HEAD back in the game? I'm beating myself and my sleeve up right now. I need a mental kick in the ass. Any advice?

I'm 2 months out and have pains in my largest incision Bc I ripped internal scar tissue. It heals with time.

Hi, Im just about to sign up to get the lap band done. I have struggled with my weight pretty much all my life and am fed up, i dont want to go through my twenties feeling like this- i want to live my life!! Anyway I want to know from people who have had it done, how successful was it for you? Are you really full up..or are you still hungry when you have it done? Does it stop you from feeling sooo hungry? I guess im still a bit skeptic! Would love to have some feedback ! Thanks...also Im in Dubai so would like to know if anyone has had this done through Roger Batrouni??? :tongue_smilie:

Hello! My sleeve is scheduled for January 27th! And I just got a letter from my insurance company (fed bcbs) that they approved it! Giant sigh of relief! I hope everyone gets to experience this feeling. Tomorrow I start my pre op diet and I have never been more excited to start a diet! And I never thought I would be saying that! This has been such a long process and I can not believe it's finally coming to fruition! I just needed to share! Good luck to everyone, and hang in there! Light and Love, Samantha

Samantha&Sunshine my packet was just submitted today, how long did it take for a response? I too have fed BCBS.

I was sleeved by Dr. Almanza on 03/01/12. My start weight was 228 and my current weight is 121. My personal goal is 110 but I am not rushing the last 11 pounds bc my skin has done much better than expected. I want a mommy makeover but I need a financial miracle first.

Hi skinnydippn42! I just read your post and wanted to let you know that the time for the support group at River Oaks tomorrow night (Sept. 4th) is from 6:00-7:00 p.m.... I'm looking forward to being there! I wish I knew the answer to your question about Medicare, but I don't. I have BC/BS and they do not cover any of the costs. I was self-pay and that is tough! I hope you get it all cleared up and start on the road to a healthier you soon. I'm sure Dr. Cleveland is good if you go to CMMC, but I can tell you first hand that if River Oaks is a possibility, that you will be very pleased also. Dr. Carroll is great and his staff are all very nice and helpfull. River Oaks couldn't be better also! Much luck to you!

I am a little happy the band didn't happen bc you have to work out 7 days a week and I am in nursing school 25+ hrs a week and work in a hospital 40+ hrs a week. Plus I just hate working out. I have been working towards the sleeve since may and now I feel like I'm starting all over. I have an appt with a dietitian in 2 weeks and a sleeve nutrition class nov 6. I feel like they keep telling me " one more session" and I'm sick of it. And now my surgery will probably not happen before the new year so I'm going to be soooo in debt with a new insurance deductible. How long after the wls team said ok did it take for insurance to approve then how long after that did you all have surgery?

I'm in Modesto vsg fed 21

I don't have help with the breastfeeding as my children were formula fed. I have a 2 and 4 year old so I know how tiring it can be taking care of kids post surgery. Mine were 1 and 3 when I had my surgery. The hardest part for sure was feeding my kids when I was on the liquid-pureed diet but it does get easier. We joke now that my kids eat larger portions than me but they love their new, more active mommy.

I am almost 2 months out, 1 week away from being cleared for all food. Last night around 9pm I had a thin slice a pastrami (cold cuts). I woke up at 3am nauseous, and still now 7pm feeling the same way. I am exhausted too. Could this be bc my body didn't agree with the pastrami? I've taken my medicine so not to be nauseous and it's hasn't subsided. My stomach is making weird noises. Any ideas??? Sent from my iPhone using VST