Calling all May Sleevers!

[weho 103]

glad to see you checking in lynda!

[graygirls 0]

I am home, too! So glad to be sleeved and resting in the arms of my family Now to just sip, walk, rest and repeat! Trying to get those liquids in!

Good luck to those being sleeved this and next week! And healing prayers to those in recovery. We did it!!

[ahoy 3]

Hi! My name is Amy, I'm an American expat living in Vienna, Austria, and I'm scheduled for a sleeve w/ Dr Manfred Prager on May 25! 3 more days I'm freaking out.

But so glad to be here on VST with you! I've been lurking until yesterday, but believe me, all your posts have made me feel so much less alone.

[la faute 0]

hey amy - oh my goodness european sleevers on american forums unite! (ok you're american really but vienna is vienna).

i completely understand! demel's ana torte? this is my fifth day sleeved and that i would happily eat.... err. one day! and my favourite jams are viennese.... ugh. i'm having a moment of regret. this too shall pass.

is the plan to be a new you when you go home? or will you stay on in vienna indefinitely? i hope you have friends/family to hold your paw...

[ahoy 3]

Hi, la faute! Congrats on your 5-day-iversary!!

hey amy - oh my goodness european sleevers on american forums unite! (ok you're american really but vienna is vienna).

Yes - Euro sleevers unite!! I'm so glad you said hi, because it's definitely easy to feel lost & alone with all the North America/UK-centric stuff that doesn't apply.

I dunno how it's been for you (in Greece, right?), but it's been a weird road for me because they do things SO different here in Austria vs US/UK/CA. No pre-op diet, my surgeon looked at like I'd grown a third eye when I asked "How long will I be on Clear Liquids? " (answer: 1 day or so, while I'm still in the hospital), etc. Who knows how/where/what to get in terms of Protein Shakes etc.

Repeat: SO GLAD to find another euro sleever here

You're right, Austria really does do the best jam. And excellent cakes. And the PORK! My god. (Pork in the US is nowhere as good or varied.)

is the plan to be a new you when you go home?

Yes and no I moved here for loooooove & intended to stay because I love love love living in Europe for all kinds of reasons... but I can't hack it! My hubby is Austrian, born & raised in Vienna, but we both have had a terrible time trying to make or find a group of friends here. Austrians are cold fish, and nothing I've tried (throwing parties, starting community meetups, etc) has worked. Culture clash at work.

So I learned how badly I need real friends in my life (duh, right?). After 3 years I've come to understand that I'm not "giving up" on Austria or being a wuss, but getting the help I need to be happy. Just like the surgery: getting the help I need is not the same as admitting failure or being a wuss! (These were my 2 major revelations for the last year, haha.) We're moving to Philadelphia from the fall/winter, where we have lots of friends who miss us.

My husband is very supportive, but sadly that friend problem means it's all on him to hold my paw! And he's anxious as hell. Poor thing.

How about you? Did you have your surgery in Greece, where you live? Good support from friends & fam?

[kekerene 35]

Hi I am very interested in a revision from band to sleeve and having this done by Dr. Aceves. I must admit I am a little nervous about going to Mexico. Would you be so kind as to share your experience with me? Thanks!

I started a thread awhile back down in the Monthly VSG support group section, but I'm thinking maybe no one goes there?

I'm having VSG on May 10th in Mexico with Dr. Aceves. (Having surgery ON my 46th birthday).

[beckyboop74 1]

I was sleeved on the 23rd so we will be following each other as we go through our stages! How did you become an ex-pat? You can PM with the answer if you like? My husband and I have thought about living in another country but I honestly do not know how to do it, find a job, etc. How did you do it? Don't get me wrong, I love America but not all of it sometimes. Plus we like to travel to new places and have a broader experience. I would love to hear from you when you are feeling up to it!

Becky

Hi! My name is Amy, I'm an American expat living in Vienna, Austria, and I'm scheduled for a sleeve w/ Dr Manfred Prager on May 25! 3 more days I'm freaking out.

But so glad to be here on VST with you! I've been lurking until yesterday, but believe me, all your posts have made me feel so much less alone.

[donnyo 1]

Just found this forum. I was sleeved last week by Dr. Cirangle.

[karaserene1985 1]

Was sleeved in the 31st! Feeling pretty good. Watch my YouTube videos for updates! Yay to all of us May Sleevers! Were finally on the losers bench!

[re7777 1]

Just found this thread. I was sleeved on May 24 in Philadelphia. Felt great after the surgery and was up and moving around w/ no problems. Had a fever 2 nights ago, but it's gone now. Had my 2-week post-op visit w/ my doctor yesterday and have now progressed to mushie food. Tried eggs this morning and made it thru half. Had the Turkey Ragu from Before & After Eating for lunch and it was DELICIOUS! Feel full after 2 ice cubes worth.

[Puppylovemommy 8]

Hi gals! and guys! I'm feeling incredible... Just wish it was a little faster huh? I've actually lost a pants size and fitting into shirts that I couldn't before VSG!!!

[re7777 1]

Wow! It's hard to believe I was sleeved 4 weeks ago today! I got on the scale today and I'm down 20 pounds in 4 weeks! From my pre-op appt 5/4, I'm down 31 pounds! Crazy. Before it used to take my 6 months+ to lose this much weight. I also made sure to take my measurements before surgery. As of Sunday, I've lost a total of 23 inches! I also took before pics and 1 month pics and it's amazing what a difference you can see.

How are all of you guys doing?

I think I pushed myself too much this weekend (long walk and lots of bending and lifting things) and now my abs are sore around one of my incision points. Went back to the office yesterday, but now working from home again to rest up whatever I did to myself.

[lolasmom 3]

Hi all! I was sleeved on May 23 in LaGrange, GA. I had my one month follow up this week and I have lost 33 lbs! I can't figure out how to put the date of my surgery, etc. on my profile...I did finally get the ticker thingy set up. If anyone can advise me I'd appreciate it.

[RSREED53 4]

I was sleeved in Phoenix on May 31, 2011 by Dr. Steven Simon. Doing swell after a month out!! 26 pounds lost! Ronda

[MexicaliVSG 2]

Hi there, my name is Katherine. I did my VSG with Dr Aceves in Mexicali Mexico on May 2. I am thrilled with my results so far. I have lost 36 lbs and drum roll please . . . 45 inches OFF my body . . . 8 inches off my waist!!!My incisions are so small, I can hardly see them...I use wheatgerm oil on them.

I feel great, swim 3 times per week and walk twice a day with my dogs. IF anyone is questioning if they should do the VSG, I say go for it. It will change your life.

And let me mention, I am 57 years old and for those "stinkin thinkin" people who believe that if you are in your 50s or 60s and wanting this surgery and older women dont lose as fast as the younger gals, I say look at me.

AGE does not determine your weightloss blueprint.

Your MIND and your MOUTH will determine how much weight you decide to lose.

Please read my other posts for how I am losing so far, or visit me on my YouTubes at BusinessOfHope.