Let's get to know each other before our surgery...I'll go first.

My name is Amy (37 years old). I live in central FL with my husband and two kids, 3 yo DS and 4.5 yo DD. I work in IT doing technical writing and operational readiness. I love photography and have a small side business, and when I'm thinner, I really enjoy running and spinning.

I was banded in Nov 2009 at 374 lbs. From my banding until Dec 2011 (2 years), I lost 198 lbs. I was thrilled! Despite the occasional vomit and inability to eat certain foods, I was still 99.9% happy with my band. Right after Christmas this year, however, I got a terrible upper respiratory infection. I coughed and coughed and coughed. I coughed until I puked, which caused a slip.

I got a complete unfill in early January. Once the slip was fixed, I started getting fills. But then my band developed a leak and slipped once again. Since the surgeon I was seeing was less than helpful, I found a new surgeon, Dr. Domkowski, who finally treated me without acting like I was crazy, as my last surgeon did. Based on his recommendations and test results, we decided to do the removal and sleeve in two separate surgeries.

Dr. D removed my band on August 3, 2012. Because of the extent of damage done by the band, including scarring and pulling the fundus through the diaphragm, I am waiting around four months to be sleeved. I'd love to be banded on November 25, which would have been the three year anniversary of my band.

I've gained about 70 lbs since December. Sigh. The good news is my surgeon is not at all concerned about my weight gain. He is 100% convinced that I'll lose it all once I'm sleeved, since I was so successful with the band. I'm a bit of a goody two-shoes, and I followed the rules to a "T", and I intend to do the same with the sleeve.

I hope the next four months fly by!

IT seems like everyone is getting scared to some degree. Whether it is the surgery or the recovery or the fear of the unknown after life. Funny how we keep making puns about death here. Buck-eye referred to a food funeral. I liked that one. I am afraid, I will get sick before surgery and it will have to be postponed. I was going to go do something for a friends daughter who was in the ER last night and I was going to wear a mask!

You are not alone. Keep posting.

IT seems like everyone is getting scared to some degree. Whether it is the surgery or the recovery or the fear of the unknown after life. Funny how we keep making puns about death here. Buck-eye referred to a food funeral. I liked that one. I am afraid, I will get sick before surgery and it will have to be postponed. I was going to go do something for a friends daughter who was in the ER last night and I was going to wear a mask!

You are not alone. Keep posting.

I am right there with you. I started pre-op today, figured one more day won't hurt. Goal is to keep things in perspective, yes it might be delayed... end of the world No. Disappointing yes. I am afraid of the pain afterwards and I am afraid of leaks.

I am reading a book, Feeling Good, it's great! There are ten things we have in our heads, one is the all or nothing mentality the other is the pessimistic outlook. If we hold onto the what if, then we can't get hurt.

It's important to put things into perspective. If I get postponed because of high blood pressure, a cold, or something else, it's not in my control, there is nothing I can do to change it at that moment. So, my monolog in my head right now is if it is meant to be it will happen. If not, then, in the past 3 months I have learned so much more about myself then I would have thought I had in me. This was not the path, let's find a new one.

But that's not going to happen and next year at this time baby....100 pounds will be GONE!!!

Everyone I created the most delicious shake this morning.... Gotta test it if you like pumpkin pie!

3 teaspoons of canned pumpkin

1-2 teaspoons of pumpkin spice

1 drop vanilla

ice

one Premier Vanilla Shake

Blend and enjoy!!!!

Everyone I created the most delicious shake this morning.... Gotta test it if you like pumpkin pie!

3 teaspoons of canned pumpkin

1-2 teaspoons of pumpkin spice

1 drop vanilla

ice

one Premier Vanilla Shake

Blend and enjoy!!!!

Sounds delicious!! Will definitely try it

Hello November Sleevsters,

I'm a late OctoSleeever less than one week out and I thought that you guys might want to hear some of the details of what "little things" to expect as surgery day approaches. I remember how I was constantly flipping between excitement and nervousness as my day approached. Fortunately with this site and my doc's office I felt I was fully informed as I could be, but still, there was much "unknown." I'm posting this on two different Nov Sleever threads I have seen so sorry in advance for the repeat.

Obviously bear in mind each doc and facility is different, and each person's circumstances are different, but you all already know that!

First: my personal stats: mid-30's male, borderline diabetic, sleep apnea, hypertension, very high BMI (59 at highest weight)

Pre-op: No specific liquid diet other than days pre-op clear liquid only, NPO after midnight night before surgery. But my doc required 5% weight loss pre-op, and NUT recommended min 2 weeks of high protein/lo-carb diet consisting of 2 protien shakes a day, one 4-6 oz lean protein meat dinner with some veggies, and "healthy" snacking (greek yogurt, cottage cheese/string cheese, tuna, etc)

Day before surgery: Pre-op hospital check in with administration (ID card, insurance, any pre-payment if needed, etc), and Nurse (review medical history, meds, allergies, planned post-op care, weigh-in).

Day of surgery: Check-in pre-op 2 hours before surgery, led back to a curtained bay where I was instructed to "take it all off" and put on hospital gown, compression stockings, and non-skid socks. Instructed to use the bathroom to empty bladder, met briefly with surgeon and anesthesiologist, nurse took vitals, started IV, administered a heparin shot in my belly, and placed a scopolamine patch (for nausea) behind my ear and administered an anti-nausea med Iv as well (either phenergan or reglan I think), and also an oral zantac for acid reduction. I waited in the bay on the gurney watching TV for about an hour as all this was going on, and then they came to wheel me back to the OR. I slid over to the OR table and they put some warm blankets on me. The anesthsiologist gave me some "happy juice" through the IV and I really think I was out in less than 10 seconds.

When I woke up in recovery all I felt was extreme pain all across my abdomen and rising up to my ribcage. I'm pretty sure I heard someone say "Dilaudid." The next thing I really remember I was already in my room. It was about 4 hours after my surgery start time. A nurse was standing over me and I felt I could barely talk because of extreme dry mouth and dry/sore throat, but I was extremely nauseous and in pain. They gave me Dilaudid for the pain, Phenergan and Zofran for the nausea, and some glycerine swabsticks for my lips and mouth. For the next three hours I was in and out of sleep, waking up only by the gas pressure/bloating. That was really the worst part, the extreme sense of fullness/pressure in my abdomen.

The surgeon visited with me that afternoon and told me it went well, that he also removed my gallbladder because it showed a lot of scarring (I already had known gallstones and this was a possibility going in), and told me he did not visualize any hiatal hernia or ulcers. I had four little wounds for the ports, the largest of which was at my belly button and barely visible. No sutures or staples, as all were closed with Dermabond (surgical glue).

Finally around 5 pm (surgery was 9 am) I got up to walk around the nursing unit with a nurse's aide, used the restroom (they measured all urine output - my first was 600 cc which they said was good enough. I did that two more times that night, about 8 laps total. I was told that walking was the best way to relieve the gas pressure. They wouldn;t allow Gas-X strips that first day.

The next morning they gave me a tray of clear liquid to try after the PA came around to visit me. Broth, water, tea, and crystal lite with Juven mixed in. I really couldn't tolerate even two sips due to the ridiculous pressure I felt it placed in my stomach. I felt SOOOOO Full. I did many walks that day and they tried several different anit-nausea meds. I didn;t really ask for any pain meds because it was not that kind of pain, just extreme fullness. Finally after my doc saw me they gave me Decadron by IV, and within a couple of hours I was starting to feel better. But by that time it was late evening and they had decided to keep me an extra night because I couldn;t tolerate the liquids. The next AM I was able to tolerate about 4 oz of fluids and they allowed me to be discharged. FYI no "leak test" performed -- I know docs vary on this nationwide.

Meds at discharge, in addition to the multivit, calcium, and iron, was liquid Lortab for pain. I've only used it once. It makes me groggy and really doesn;t help the bloating/gas pain, which is the only pain I really had. I declined any nausea med.

Things I brought to hospital and used: Toothbrush/paste (which also made me dry heave after gargling the first 2-3 times), Gas-X strips, iPhone, deodorant, change of underwear/socks.

Things I brought but didn't use: cell charger, biotene rinse, cepacol throat spray, house slippers, headphones, a book, robe.

Post-op course so far: No complications, just getting fluids in is the hardest thing. Combined with the diarrhea (sorry), risk of dehydration is greater. Doc recommended at least 64 oz fluid and 60-70 grams protein. First day home (post-op day two), I only got in about 6 oz (plus the leftover IV in the hospital), next day 14 oz, next day 28 oz, and yesterday 36 oz. I have to force myself to keep sipping and keep walking, but every day is getting a little better. I have no hunger whatsoever. I drove post-op day 4 for the first time (since I wasn;t taking pain meds), just to the pharmacy and back to get a liquid calcium since the chewable I had was making me nauseous. Showering was fine as soon as I got home, just told no soaking in a tub and pat the wounds dry. No creams or lotions on the wounds for at least a week.

Fist post-op visit is next week, but had post-op phone call with the nurse already. Full liquids only until post-op check. I'm off work for two weeks.

Hope that helps some. Sorry it was so long. Good luck to all of you!!!!

Thank you OneManWolfPack! I am getting sleeved next Tuesday and even though I am an OR nurse, and well versed in the surgery and what goes on with patients.. when its me as the patient, it all flies out the window. I appreciate your candor and your willingness to tell your story! I can't wait to see your updates!

Highest weight: 310 ( June 2012)

PreOp weight: 262 ( as of Oct 31, 2012)

Best of luck to all. I am so grateful for this site and the support we give each other! You all rock in my book! ( And I can't wait to add some new photos either!!)

Hello November Sleevsters' date='

I'm a late OctoSleeever less than one week out and I thought that you guys might want to hear some of the details of what "little things" to expect as surgery day approaches. I remember how I was constantly flipping between excitement and nervousness as my day approached. Fortunately with this site and my doc's office I felt I was fully informed as I could be, but still, there was much "unknown." I'm posting this on two different Nov Sleever threads I have seen so sorry in advance for the repeat.

Obviously bear in mind each doc and facility is different, and each person's circumstances are different, but you all already know that!

First: my personal stats: mid-30's male, borderline diabetic, sleep apnea, hypertension, very high BMI (59 at highest weight)

Pre-op: No specific liquid diet other than days pre-op clear liquid only, NPO after midnight night before surgery. But my doc required 5% weight loss pre-op, and NUT recommended min 2 weeks of high protein/lo-carb diet consisting of 2 protien shakes a day, one 4-6 oz lean protein meat dinner with some veggies, and "healthy" snacking (greek yogurt, cottage cheese/string cheese, tuna, etc)

Day before surgery: Pre-op hospital check in with administration (ID card, insurance, any pre-payment if needed, etc), and Nurse (review medical history, meds, allergies, planned post-op care, weigh-in).

Day of surgery: Check-in pre-op 2 hours before surgery, led back to a curtained bay where I was instructed to "take it all off" and put on hospital gown, compression stockings, and non-skid socks. Instructed to use the bathroom to empty bladder, met briefly with surgeon and anesthesiologist, nurse took vitals, started IV, administered a heparin shot in my belly, and placed a scopolamine patch (for nausea) behind my ear and administered an anti-nausea med Iv as well (either phenergan or reglan I think), and also an oral zantac for acid reduction. I waited in the bay on the gurney watching TV for about an hour as all this was going on, and then they came to wheel me back to the OR. I slid over to the OR table and they put some warm blankets on me. The anesthsiologist gave me some "happy juice" through the IV and I really think I was out in less than 10 seconds.

When I woke up in recovery all I felt was extreme pain all across my abdomen and rising up to my ribcage. I'm pretty sure I heard someone say "Dilaudid." The next thing I really remember I was already in my room. It was about 4 hours after my surgery start time. A nurse was standing over me and I felt I could barely talk because of extreme dry mouth and dry/sore throat, but I was extremely nauseous and in pain. They gave me Dilaudid for the pain, Phenergan and Zofran for the nausea, and some glycerine swabsticks for my lips and mouth. For the next three hours I was in and out of sleep, waking up only by the gas pressure/bloating. That was really the worst part, the extreme sense of fullness/pressure in my abdomen.

The surgeon visited with me that afternoon and told me it went well, that he also removed my gallbladder because it showed a lot of scarring (I already had known gallstones and this was a possibility going in), and told me he did not visualize any hiatal hernia or ulcers. I had four little wounds for the ports, the largest of which was at my belly button and barely visible. No sutures or staples, as all were closed with Dermabond (surgical glue).

Finally around 5 pm (surgery was 9 am) I got up to walk around the nursing unit with a nurse's aide, used the restroom (they measured all urine output - my first was 600 cc which they said was good enough. I did that two more times that night, about 8 laps total. I was told that walking was the best way to relieve the gas pressure. They wouldn;t allow Gas-X strips that first day.

The next morning they gave me a tray of clear liquid to try after the PA came around to visit me. Broth, water, tea, and crystal lite with Juven mixed in. I really couldn't tolerate even two sips due to the ridiculous pressure I felt it placed in my stomach. I felt SOOOOO Full. I did many walks that day and they tried several different anit-nausea meds. I didn;t really ask for any pain meds because it was not that kind of pain, just extreme fullness. Finally after my doc saw me they gave me Decadron by IV, and within a couple of hours I was starting to feel better. But by that time it was late evening and they had decided to keep me an extra night because I couldn;t tolerate the liquids. The next AM I was able to tolerate about 4 oz of fluids and they allowed me to be discharged. FYI no "leak test" performed -- I know docs vary on this nationwide.

Meds at discharge, in addition to the multivit, calcium, and iron, was liquid Lortab for pain. I've only used it once. It makes me groggy and really doesn;t help the bloating/gas pain, which is the only pain I really had. I declined any nausea med.

Things I brought to hospital and used: Toothbrush/paste (which also made me dry heave after gargling the first 2-3 times), Gas-X strips, iPhone, deodorant, change of underwear/socks.

Things I brought but didn't use: cell charger, biotene rinse, cepacol throat spray, house slippers, headphones, a book, robe.

Post-op course so far: No complications, just getting fluids in is the hardest thing. Combined with the diarrhea (sorry), risk of dehydration is greater. Doc recommended at least 64 oz fluid and 60-70 grams protein. First day home (post-op day two), I only got in about 6 oz (plus the leftover IV in the hospital), next day 14 oz, next day 28 oz, and yesterday 36 oz. I have to force myself to keep sipping and keep walking, but every day is getting a little better. I have no hunger whatsoever. I drove post-op day 4 for the first time (since I wasn;t taking pain meds), just to the pharmacy and back to get a liquid calcium since the chewable I had was making me nauseous. Showering was fine as soon as I got home, just told no soaking in a tub and pat the wounds dry. No creams or lotions on the wounds for at least a week.

Fist post-op visit is next week, but had post-op phone call with the nurse already. Full liquids only until post-op check. I'm off work for two weeks.

Hope that helps some. Sorry it was so long. Good luck to all of you!!!![/quote']

Thankyou so much for your step by step account of your hospital stay..it's really helped me mentally prepare..i won't have any visitors when i go in for mine next Tuesday and was starting to get a little nervous as to what kinda pain i'd have when the surgery is done. Looking forward to reading your updates of your journey. :-)

Everyone I created the most delicious shake this morning.... Gotta test it if you like pumpkin pie!

3 teaspoons of canned pumpkin

1-2 teaspoons of pumpkin spice

1 drop vanilla

ice

one Premier Vanilla Shake

Blend and enjoy!!!!

Jessielynn, Did you see this? Doesn't it look yummy?

Hello November Sleevsters,

I'm a late OctoSleeever less than one week out and I thought that you guys might want to hear some of the details of what "little things" to expect as surgery day approaches. I remember how I was constantly flipping between excitement and nervousness as my day approached. Fortunately with this site and my doc's office I felt I was fully informed as I could be, but still, there was much "unknown." I'm posting this on two different Nov Sleever threads I have seen so sorry in advance for the repeat.

Obviously bear in mind each doc and facility is different, and each person's circumstances are different, but you all already know that!

First: my personal stats: mid-30's male, borderline diabetic, sleep apnea, hypertension, very high BMI (59 at highest weight)

Pre-op: No specific liquid diet other than days pre-op clear liquid only, NPO after midnight night before surgery. But my doc required 5% weight loss pre-op, and NUT recommended min 2 weeks of high protein/lo-carb diet consisting of 2 protien shakes a day, one 4-6 oz lean protein meat dinner with some veggies, and "healthy" snacking (greek yogurt, cottage cheese/string cheese, tuna, etc)

Day before surgery: Pre-op hospital check in with administration (ID card, insurance, any pre-payment if needed, etc), and Nurse (review medical history, meds, allergies, planned post-op care, weigh-in).

Day of surgery: Check-in pre-op 2 hours before surgery, led back to a curtained bay where I was instructed to "take it all off" and put on hospital gown, compression stockings, and non-skid socks. Instructed to use the bathroom to empty bladder, met briefly with surgeon and anesthesiologist, nurse took vitals, started IV, administered a heparin shot in my belly, and placed a scopolamine patch (for nausea) behind my ear and administered an anti-nausea med Iv as well (either phenergan or reglan I think), and also an oral zantac for acid reduction. I waited in the bay on the gurney watching TV for about an hour as all this was going on, and then they came to wheel me back to the OR. I slid over to the OR table and they put some warm blankets on me. The anesthsiologist gave me some "happy juice" through the IV and I really think I was out in less than 10 seconds.

When I woke up in recovery all I felt was extreme pain all across my abdomen and rising up to my ribcage. I'm pretty sure I heard someone say "Dilaudid." The next thing I really remember I was already in my room. It was about 4 hours after my surgery start time. A nurse was standing over me and I felt I could barely talk because of extreme dry mouth and dry/sore throat, but I was extremely nauseous and in pain. They gave me Dilaudid for the pain, Phenergan and Zofran for the nausea, and some glycerine swabsticks for my lips and mouth. For the next three hours I was in and out of sleep, waking up only by the gas pressure/bloating. That was really the worst part, the extreme sense of fullness/pressure in my abdomen.

The surgeon visited with me that afternoon and told me it went well, that he also removed my gallbladder because it showed a lot of scarring (I already had known gallstones and this was a possibility going in), and told me he did not visualize any hiatal hernia or ulcers. I had four little wounds for the ports, the largest of which was at my belly button and barely visible. No sutures or staples, as all were closed with Dermabond (surgical glue).

Finally around 5 pm (surgery was 9 am) I got up to walk around the nursing unit with a nurse's aide, used the restroom (they measured all urine output - my first was 600 cc which they said was good enough. I did that two more times that night, about 8 laps total. I was told that walking was the best way to relieve the gas pressure. They wouldn;t allow Gas-X strips that first day.

The next morning they gave me a tray of clear liquid to try after the PA came around to visit me. Broth, water, tea, and crystal lite with Juven mixed in. I really couldn't tolerate even two sips due to the ridiculous pressure I felt it placed in my stomach. I felt SOOOOO Full. I did many walks that day and they tried several different anit-nausea meds. I didn;t really ask for any pain meds because it was not that kind of pain, just extreme fullness. Finally after my doc saw me they gave me Decadron by IV, and within a couple of hours I was starting to feel better. But by that time it was late evening and they had decided to keep me an extra night because I couldn;t tolerate the liquids. The next AM I was able to tolerate about 4 oz of fluids and they allowed me to be discharged. FYI no "leak test" performed -- I know docs vary on this nationwide.

Meds at discharge, in addition to the multivit, calcium, and iron, was liquid Lortab for pain. I've only used it once. It makes me groggy and really doesn;t help the bloating/gas pain, which is the only pain I really had. I declined any nausea med.

Things I brought to hospital and used: Toothbrush/paste (which also made me dry heave after gargling the first 2-3 times), Gas-X strips, iPhone, deodorant, change of underwear/socks.

Things I brought but didn't use: cell charger, biotene rinse, cepacol throat spray, house slippers, headphones, a book, robe.

Post-op course so far: No complications, just getting fluids in is the hardest thing. Combined with the diarrhea (sorry), risk of dehydration is greater. Doc recommended at least 64 oz fluid and 60-70 grams protein. First day home (post-op day two), I only got in about 6 oz (plus the leftover IV in the hospital), next day 14 oz, next day 28 oz, and yesterday 36 oz. I have to force myself to keep sipping and keep walking, but every day is getting a little better. I have no hunger whatsoever. I drove post-op day 4 for the first time (since I wasn;t taking pain meds), just to the pharmacy and back to get a liquid calcium since the chewable I had was making me nauseous. Showering was fine as soon as I got home, just told no soaking in a tub and pat the wounds dry. No creams or lotions on the wounds for at least a week.

Fist post-op visit is next week, but had post-op phone call with the nurse already. Full liquids only until post-op check. I'm off work for two weeks.

Hope that helps some. Sorry it was so long. Good luck to all of you!!!!

thank you so much for sharing with us! it gives great insight as to what is ahead. i seriously cannot believe my surgery is on tuesday. just hoping and praying for the best.

Jessielynn, Did you see this? Doesn't it look yummy?

i wish i liked pumpkin lolo it sounds good

My surgery is scheduled for November 12th. I'm on the 2 week pre-op diet right now. Thanks for sharing your experience. It's nice to know what to expect from someone who has experienced it.

I do too...both dates are the same. I'm nervous about the liquid diet

Hi ! I started my liquid diet last Friday . its not been so bad,the first day was the worst. the protein really does fill you up and so it took that first day for my mentality of " It not an option (eating )" took ahold. Today is day 6 and i have lost 7.2 lbs already !

Am being sleeved in mx on 5 th nov. is there anyone being sleeved by dr Ortiz that same day? I would like to say hi!

Howdy Folks' date='

I am 1 week away from my surgery...November 6th! I am so dam excited and scared to death at the same time. I have lost 30 lbs since starting this journey in late July 2012. I have an excellent medical team just dont want any complications.......

I live in ST Clair Michigan, I work as a Certified Medical Assistant for the United States Coast Guard at Selfridge ANGB in Harrison Twp Mi.

I have 2 dogs, 1 crazy cat and a wonderful supportive husband.

My medical team has me on clear liquids and protein one week prior to surgery...not so bad!

Good luck November sleeve siblings......I am naming my sleeve, my first choice is Sleevie Nicks or the Sleeve miller band, Sleevie Wonder, Hurricane Sleevie....I welcome any creative name ideas.

take care and PLEASE keep in touch.[/quote']

Love the fact that you've named your sleeve! Hilarious! Lolol! I think you've topped anything I can come up with! Although I do like Sleeve Perry!

Hi ! I started my liquid diet last Friday . its not been so bad' date='the first day was the worst. the protein really does fill you up and so it took that first day for my mentality of " It not an option (eating )" took ahold. Today is day 6 and i have lost 7.2 lbs already ![/quote']

That's good, what have u been taking on ur clear liquid diet?? Have u been exercisinf to?