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AS the world's longest Stage 2 , at least SOME DAYS I feel that way, may I throw in my advice. Make sure you are taking your vitamins/ minerals One of the reasons you're moved along is to ensure you're getting everything needed in a balanced amount and to make sure as a VSG, RNY or even a lap-band (although there aren't as many of these as once there were) that your body can handle and get maximum value from these all. I am a special case, and truly it WAS NOT MY CHOICE, shortly after my surgery, they say 6 weeks but I truly believe much sooner, I started having difficulty with the diet progression. It had been my surgeon's advice to move me as an RNY at 3 weeks to level 3, but every time I tried I vomited, even mild nomally easy things. They offically validated this. at 6 weeks when a follow-up endoscopy showed my pouch was very inflamed, structured and both it and the adjoining small intestine, the jejunem were very ulcerated. So far no bleeding or perforation, but it is always a possibility. And my surgeon's Junior partner, who routinely does the endoscopies for the practice and I have tried. First I am one of the very people Omeprazole is Not Gastroprotective for. FYI, when I was under my gastroenterologist's care in the end of 2017, he discover I had a small gastric ulcer as well as gastritis. I had disclosed this when. finally scheduling my surgery, but it was their practices usual plan to put their patients on this drug post- surgery. And surprise surprise, I ulcerated again. So after this endoscopy I was permitted to resume my Dexilent, another PPI, higher- priced (over $300 monthly, if cash, but my insurance covered) and Carafate to help coat and heal the ulcerations. I take it 6am-noon-6pm-midnight and have every since last October 12th. Each follow-up endoscopy, and I gave had 12 or 13 now in my lifetime,as a matter of fact I have another scheduled today at 11 AM, an attempt is made to dialate my opening. The first few times I was just too red and swollen for it to work, but she and I have not given up- My theory, and it's just mine, is that somehow I gave developed a ring of muscle that snaps shut. But we still are not giving up. The end of November I wasn't as meticulous about my diet, my ulcers got worse, I got into a state of malnourishment and extremely low protein levels and had to be re- hospitalized. And the next day I had a PICC line placed in my upper left arm and was fed a nutrition solution 12 hours a day , I believe this truly saved my life at this point, this went on for 3 months with weekly blood levels run, this was d/feed in the end of February, I have regained back my health but still required an iron INFUSION in late March. And I have learned how to keep my nutrition balanced all though per her instructions, I still do not attempt more than a very liquid diet. Oh it CAN BE DONE, but it is Not very easy. And like a thirsting traveler I do long to be set free. Each EGJ I pray that things will be at a normal state and I can move on! They have not confirmed it, but my underlying fear is that I will require further surgery. This was not the way that things go normally. Burnt I am a Brave Little Camper who still believes in my doctors and myself, and we will triumph, no matter how long it takes. I hope my insight has helped you, but please bring your doctor " back into the loop" and follow their advice. This is my first WLS but my doctors have handled and helped many patients to success so I trust their wisdom greatly!

Hi Everyone, I'm scheduled for surgery on the 17th and noone has called me to tell me the exact figures that I have to come out of pocket the day of. I just got off the phone with the hosipital and they claim that someone will call me 1 day prior to my surgery date to give me an exact total. Really!!!? How the hell is that enough time!? I'm so concerned because I don't want to get to the hospital and they tell me my co-pay is like $1500 or something. I don't have any kind of money laying around. I called BCBS and they told me it depends on how the doctor/hospital codes the procedure. I know I have a $150 co-pay per performing surgeon plus $75/day if it's coded as outpatient and 30% of the allowance for drugs... At least that's what the representative of BCBS told me. But WTH does that add up too!!? I need to know exact figures or at least a close estimate so that I'm not financially strapped for the rest of the month. UGH! Does anyone with BCBS Fed-Basic remember how much their co-pay was? Thanks for your help!

I called my insurance company and the may not cover the removal of my band bc I didn't have that insurance when it was placed and I need to have "significant complication/technical issues" to have it removed. And I have to show compliance with a nutrition and exercise plan. I had Fluid taken out of my band almost a month ago, I was way too tight, throwing up a lot. Now I'm coughing half way through a meal and have a lot of gas, even on my shoulder. I chew slow and do't drink from a straw. I made a second appt with the nut and will go to the support group meeting. I don't know what else to do.

thanks for the responses... I haven't talked with Dr A's nurse in many months - I emailed them when I was freaking out thinking there was a leak bc I was getting no restriction - she just suggested to get it checked under fluoro - which I did - and there is no leak... Not much they can do...

I'm getting close -- have jumped through all kinds of hoops to make this surgery happen and have even done the liquid diet for about 6 weeks. (Some weeks more strictly adhering to it than other weeks.) And now I'm down to a week! (Sept. 29) Thought it would never get here! But, last week when I went for my pre-op clearance with the PCP, I received word that my EKG was abnormal and so this morning I went to see a cardiologist. He's fairly certain the ssurgery won't have to be postponed but I am freaking out. Had a bawling fit right in the middle of his hallway this morning. He did the resting phase of a chemical stress test this morning and will do the exercise phase of it on Friday. (Couldn't do it today because I had one of the Protein shakes on the way to his office and the chocolate flavor had caffeinne which can mes up the test - wish someone had told me that!) Has anyone else had trouble with their pre-op clearance? Did you get to have your surgery on the scheduled date? Did anyone have to have their surgery completely cancelled? I have been in such a funk this past week bc of all this I haven't even been on the forum and am really struggling again. Give me a good word, someone, please! Thank you!

The hospital where I was did not allow family members to stay overnight unless it was an extraordinary circumstance. I thought this was good bc that way everyone can get their rest, and the nursing staff takes great care of you. I took a sponge bath the day after my surgery and a shower before I was discharged (I was there 2 nights). My husband came early for my discharge and helped me with my shower, which I liked better than asking an aide to help. (You are a bit sore and unsteady at first and taking a shower in a strange place, so it's nice to have someone close by, even if just for reassurance.)

I was sleeved 8/21. Had long thick hair. Always take Vitamins, Protein, Biotin, drink my Water. I wash my hair about every 3 days with high quality shampoo bcs I have dry skin/scalp. Last month it started falling out and I now have some bald spots. It will grow back and i'm wearing cute winter hats in the meantime. But i'm sick of all the long blonde hair everywhere! It's worse than my dogs shedding. So today i'm going in to get a pixie cut. I, like many others before & after me, will lose hair no matter what we do. I've embraced it as part of my 'shedding' of my old life.

Nicole I'm in Broomfield and used Dr. Johnell. He was wonderful, has the most amazing practice and my insurance BS of CA was approved in a week. I can't say enough great things. PM me if you want to talk.

My co pay just for the hospital room and nurses etc that I had to pay up front before admission was $275 the co pay is 10% thats just for the room, not for md, surgery, iv's meds pre surgery anything like that. So total cost of stay in room from 6pm -10am normally is almost $3000. It adds up what the hospital bills. This was all in a BC Anthem Bariatric Center of Excellence with approved md's etc

It is great to connect with you both! This will allow us to stay in touch and compare notes I wish the best of luck to you both! I am feeling a little anxious! I spoke to a friend of mine who did this last year and she also said that I should go ahead and eat today to my hearts content because it is my last meal! I am afraid to go off of the liquid diet bc I don't know what could happen to me!!! @ Laragarza, who is your doctor?

Thanks Issabell for that comment bc I gained 3oz today! I am not a hungry happy camper!:cursing:

I am a type II diabetic and 12 days post op gastric sleeve. For the last 7 days I was able to take just a few units (10 to 15 units) of rapid acting insulin to bring my sugar levels to acceptable (9-13). But now that I am able to eat more substantive foods my sugar levels are of course going up but I feel very scared to take the long acting insulin. Are there any other diabetic sleevers who can share some of your experience on controlling blood sugar after surgery and did you use long acting insulin or only short acting? I am scared of long acting and going to sleep...…...I live alone so there is no one to check on me. Of course I need to keep BS down to help my incisions heal as well as the internal staples. Incisions are healing very well, Thank God! How long did it take before you stopped needing to use insulin?

I love a good reason to sleep more, but as a south Georgia resident, I'm not turning off the air conditioning. NEW YORK (Reuters Health) - "Super-sized" fast food meals and TV time shouldn't take all the blame for the U.S. obesity problem, according to a research review published Tuesday. <SCRIPT type=text/javascript>if (window.yzq_a == null) document.write("<scr" + "ipt type=text/javascript src=""http://us.js2.yimg.com/us.js.yimg.com/lib/bc/bc_1.7.3.js></scr" + "ipt>");</SCRIPT><SCRIPT type=text/javascript>if (window.yzq_a){yzq_a('p', 'P=uwQlus6.I3oMK09aRKFaWRAYRNwytkSjvdYAB5Ny&T=17b35a3bh%2fX%3d1151581654%2fE%3d7666449%2fR%3dnews%2fK%3d5%2fV%3d1.1%2fW%3d8%2fY%3dYAHOO%2fF%3d4293078391%2fH%3dY2FjaGVoaW50PSJuZXdzIiBjb250ZW50PSJkaWV0O0hlYWx0aDtJdDtjaGlsZHJlbjt3ZWF0aGVyO2l0OyIgcmVmdXJsPSIiIHRvcGljcz0iIg--%2fS%3d1%2fJ%3d4723BECE');yzq_a('a', '&U=139fb8112%2fN%3dMt0BB86.Isc-%2fC%3d378029.7424007.9670348.1442997%2fD%3dLREC%2fB%3d3800058');}</SCRIPT><NOSCRIPT></NOSCRIPT> In fact, a group of researchers contend, a number of aspects of modern living -- from lack of sleep to exposure to environmental chemicals to living with air conditioning -- may be feeding Americans' weight woes. Writing in the International Journal of Obesity, they argue that obesity research and prevention efforts need to look beyond the "Big Two" -- food industry practices, like beefed-up portion sizes and added sugar; and reduced physical activity from factors such as cuts in school gym classes. That's not to say that diet and exercise aren't important, said report co-author Dr. David B. Allison of the University of Alabama at Birmingham. However, he told Reuters Health, the evidence linking obesity to food industry marketing and lack of gym class is circumstantial. It's equally plausible that a range of other factors are also involved, Allison and his colleagues point out. Lack of sleep is one, they say. Research in animals and humans suggests that chronic sleep deprivation boosts appetite and eating, and studies also show that U.S. adults and children are sleeping less than they used to. In recent decades, adults have gone from sleeping for an average of 9 hours to about 7 hours, the researchers point out. There is also evidence that industrial chemicals that act as endocrine disruptors may increase body fat. These chemicals, which are used in products such as pesticides and plastics, alter hormonal activity when they get into the body. Studies suggest that people have been increasingly exposed to these chemicals through the food chain in recent decades. Another factor potentially weighing Americans down is air conditioning. The body burns calories when forced to regulate its own temperature and, Allison noted, people tend to eat less in hot, humid weather. He and his colleagues cite 10 potential obesity risk factors in all, including: increased rates of older mothers, whose children may be more prone to excess weight gain; a range of medications, such as antidepressants, which can promote weight gain; and a decrease in smoking rates, because people often gain weight when they quit and the absence of nicotine, an appetite suppressant. No one is suggesting that people should stop taking their prescriptions, keep smoking or swelter in the July sun, according to Allison. When it comes to any one person's weight, he said, "what ultimately matters is calorie intake and calorie expenditure." That means diet and exercise is still key. But, Allison argued, researchers and policymakers should be "open-minded" about the potential contributors to the obesity problem and not assume that the answer lies in simple fixes like ridding schools of vending machines or installing sidewalks in the suburbs to encourage walking. SOURCE: International Journal of Obesity, June 27, 2006 online.

I read and appreciate all reads from lady’s but having a hard time finding men like myself in late 50s that had success going to sleeve after lap band - I had the band 8 years ago and lost about 40 pounds the first 6 months- lots of problems getting stuck and hungry all the time , after 4 years of bs I just had all the saline taken out ! Just been hanging in there about where I started but now want to take another stab at it with the sleeve - I want the band out because i believe it has caused me esophagus problems , and port seems to have scar tissue making a bump - so I thought kill 2 birds with one stone ! Question: Is failure with band any sign that sleeve will not be successful and I should opt for lobotomy ?

Loved city life in Dallas when I was younger but I just get fed up with the traffic and crowds now. We are close enough to Austin that we can go hear bands and stuff but I can not imagine life there on a daily basis. My best friend has lived there 24 years and she likes it. I don't think I could live too rural either; we have access to a lot of back roads perfect for riding the Harley but there are restaurants and shopping within a mile of our house.

OMG yesterday and today were awful! I told you guys yesterday that I had a new protein shake from GNC, the one that tasted like cherry cream soda- well it didn't agree with me. Actually nothing has been agreeing with me! I talked to the nurse and she said to try switching my birth control pills to nights and try to get down as much protein as I could. I told her that I just couldn't do the shakes right now.. did anyone else get sick during the pre-op diet? I was sick with a little 36 hour stomach bug 2 days prior to starting the pre-op diet and I think the illness and the protein shake just don't agree. I will not be drinking those GNC shakes again.. I HATE throwing up. Yeah, I know might need to get used to it for a while but here is the deal- I have had three kids and with each of my kids I had morning sickness that lasted all day (and night) for 8 very long months. Yes, each kid! So while I can do it, I prefer not to! Anyway, on my pre-op diet today I had a steak with steamed broccolli and lots of tea and water. No protein shake. I took my BC pill tonight. I guess we will see how it goes. I feel like something is wrong. In October (when I was going to do the lapband), I was on the shakes for a week- no problems.. I mean NO PROBLEMS! This time it is just different. It is like my stomach knows I am getting ready to get rid of it and it is trying to punish me. Did anyone else have issues like these? The nurse said to stay low fat, low carb, high protein this weekend and if I can't keep a protein shake down on Monday to call the office. I have a pre-surgery appt with the surgeon on Wednesday to go over everything. I am so nervous that with all that is going on they will postpone the surgery or worse we will go ahead but they will find that my liver has not shrunk enough to do the surgery. I am private pay- I can NOT mess this up, you know? Just hoping that with a break this weekend, maybe it will all fall back into place , my stomach will settle, and I can do so well during the next week that there are not issues with the surgery or my liver! Thanks for listening, if you have any thoughts I would love to hear them!!

I am literally in the same situation as you Adam. 21 years old with a social life! I’m from the UK though. My surgery weight was 266lbs. And I’m 4 weeks post op. My last weigh in over a week ago was 240lbs. I haven’t weighed myself since as I know from experience regular weigh ins mess with my head! I can see inches coming off though so holding back on buying a new wardrobe just yet. I used to drink loads on nights out. With friends. I’m nervous about now in the future bc even drinking water too fast or too much in 1 go physically hurts. Not to mention the annoying-odour-free burping. And then I would always have to what we’d call a “sober munch” before returning home lol. So as to not end up choking on our own sick in bed. Ie a greasy take out to absorb the vodka and sober us up! I’ve no idea how that is meant to happen now with the new sleeve capacity but I’m also not that bothered either like they’re empty calories. My friends have the skinny gene where they’d eat and drink and never gain weight. I wasn’t as fortunate so I ruined my own life going along with the crowd and eating out just to snap it for Snapchat and the gram! (social media) so even if I can get drunk on 2 packs now of vodka and a low calorie drink mix then I’m happy with that but I wouldn’t start drinking until I’m at my goal weight. Ie 7 months I think. I’m aiming for 175lbs. I sometimes have regretted getting the sleeve done because I didn’t have THAT much weight to lose and I did manage to lose 4 stone dieting in 2 years. No exercise. And just eating calories less than my BMR. But I couldn’t live like that for the rest of my life so I wanted to be able to enjoy food but smaller portions so I see that as a positive. I’ve been waiting to get cleared at 6 weeks before going ahead with my personal trainer because I’ve never stepped foot in a gym in my life! My surgery was done in Erdem Hospital in Turkey btw. It was £7000 cheaper than the UK (£10,000). I don’t have any communication with the surgeon or nutritionist so my diet I’m doing myself based on posts and archives from here but also I’m doing my 2nd year of nurse training so it’s part of my career too. I feel like there will be stalls in weight loss but that’s just because our body has gotten used to a certain routine so things need tweaking and changing. The thing about protein and vitamins is true for hair loss. Very true. I already suffered from hereditary hair loss anyway from about 16! So the fact I got this done now 5 years later and I’m 22 in 2 months, doesn’t help either so I’m still looking online for the perfect multi vitamin and protein supplement. I can drink shakes easily (not in 1 go) but the taste doesn’t bother me unlike some but yeah my Hospital were useless like that so I’ve been left to my own devices and find my own tablets for life. But I’m glad to know there’s someone my age on here now who’s going through the same thing as me!

I didn't tell most of my family because I didn't need opinions from the peanut gallery--I knew most would not be helpful and would be against it. And they have reason to be: people do gain the weight back. I know several people (friends, colleagues, family members) who have gained back considerable amounts of weight after WLS, far more than I know people that have been long term successful. And yes, and there are the possible side effects. I am living with one of them right now. I won't BS you, it is a gamble. I knew that going in. At the end of the day, you take your shot, for good or for ill. Maybe you got what it takes to be one of the lucky success stories, maybe not. Sometimes discipline and following the program to the letter does not get you the results you want--sometimes your body is just an a**hole and doesn't care how hard you are trying. However as Wayne Gretzky said, "you miss 100% of the shots you don't take." This is your body, your future, and only your decision. As long as you go into this with eyes wide open, you'll do fine.

After reading a lot on this forum, I realize that I do not know as much about my band as I had thought...With that being said, what sort of questions should I ask my doctor/NP when getting my first fill (9.9.09)? I have a couple questions so far: -What size band do I have? -Do I already have some saline in the band from surgery? (I think its a no, bc they told me after surgery when I was all groggy) -How much will they put in? Any other suggestions?

I have FED BCBS and was just approved the other day. it only took 2 days from the date doctor submitted. Surgery is Oct 24.

This just seems so unreal to me I called insurance, BC/BS TX to see if they had gotten paperwork doctor sent over on Monday (yes 3 days ago) and they not only said they had it but that I had been APPROVED!!!!! That was so unexpected but so darn exciting to hear!! I have the water works going because I am so thankful to know my new life can really begin OMG I am feeling so many different things. Wow Thank you Lord!! 3 days really. The actual letter will be sent out in a few more days but it's approved!!!!

Thanks Kayshay. Reading KathyMs post a few others that went to him make me feel better. I think alot of it is in my head. Its not just fear of the surgery but also fear of acid upset, hair loss, and loss of fav foods. I think the post are helpful but some of them scare the hell out of me. I havent told my husband about any of the side effects bc he will freak. This is tuff Im finding myself getting depressed over the whole thing. The surgery is always on my mind 24/7. Im going crazy I think!

@B-52. That's kind of good to hear..... Bc that's exactly how much of it I ate also lol! And I was full and there was so much of it left..... Might eat on some more for dinner lol

The "you are guaranteed to lose your hunger" bs surrounding the sleeve is exactly that, bs. No surgery is guaranteed to make someone lose their hunger sensation. All the Ghrelin "research" isn't solid fact, we still don't understand hunger, how it happens, what *actually* triggers it, etc. Currently the information around Ghrelin is "we believe" not "we know". The sad truth is, the majority of WLS patients, no matter the surgery, will retain some level of hunger sensation or will regain that sensation within a year of surgery. It's rare that someone loses the sensation permanently. And some, never lose it at all. So if someone promised you that the sleeve would kill your hunger because it "removes" ghrelin production... well, they didn't tell you all the facts.

Hello, not to scare anyone but just my experience. Sleeved July 31... No pain or meds since released from hospital. Woke up yesterday with pain on left side and around big incision site. Called Dr and was adv to come to er( only bc never felt this type of pain)... Got to er and was admitted bc of high blood cell count. My body had a reaction to the gtube. Had xrays to verify no leaks and gtube was removed immediately.. was told some people bodies cant handle objects inside( glad i didnt choose the band!) But I feel soooo much better today! Good luck to all