I have really been going back and forth as whether to post here or not. I guess I am sort of a "forum person" in my hobbies and areas of interest, but I have to be honest, I have avoided posting on this site or even looking at it for a couple of reasons. I found this site only a few days before my surgery but when I found it I found more negativity and frightened people then I found inspiration. Actually, I have gone here and gotten the (bleep) scared out of me by a few posters, every time I see their posts I get knots in my stomach. The main poster that does that to me has a screen name that starts with the letter "i". Everybody is terrified of leaks and all the negatives of this surgery and I just haven't been able to relate to many of the topics. Below I will share some of the basics of my journey so far.

First off, I am a 35 year old male who is 6 feet 3 inches tall. I wasn't fat my whole life, I actually weighed 218 when I was 19 years old. That was pretty close to a "perfect" weight for me. I got into a business where the guys I worked with partied, ate, and drank to excess. Over the years I ballooned to 445 lbs which is where I have been for the past 2-3 years. In 2010 I was considering the lap band but chickened out. I was back on in 2011 but chickened out again. In 2012 I HAD to make a decision because I was put on Metformin for borderline diabetes and Lisinopril for borderline blood pressure as well. That was it. I started again with the nutritionist appointments and made an appt. to see my surgeon who is located downtown Chicago a few miles from my house. My first appt. with him was in early October 2012 and he suggested a VSG instead of the lap band because of the large amount of weight I wanted to lose. I left thinking about it and did the rest of my pre op requirements such as upper GI, psyche, EKG, etc. I saw my surgeon again on November 14th, 2012 and we decided on the VSG (which I really didn't know a lot about). We set surgery for December 21st, 2012.

Because I am a big fella, my surgeon put me on a 28 day pre op liquid only diet (to shrink my liver and loosen my skin) which I started on November 23rd, 2012 (the day after Thanksgiving). The first few days were tough but I have very strong will power and stuck to it, following the requirements to the letter. I didn't cheat even once. Again, not even once. After about 12 days it was smooth sailing and I just plugged away and kept up the exercise plan that I had been doing for over a year which was just walking 1.5 miles, three times per week at my local YMCA. I didn't weigh myself even once the entire plan and weighed myself the morning of surgery. To my astonishment I lost a staggering 49 lbs!!!!I I couldn't even believe it, to be honest with you I began to sob like a little girl! I went from 445 to 396. I was just so shocked. My surgeon told me that I broke his practice record which was previously 45 lbs for a pre op diet. Again, I LOST 49 LBS IN 28 DAYS!!!

On the morning of December 21st, 2012 I was ready for surgery at a major hospital downtown Chicago. I arrived, valet parked, checked in, and was laying on the table prepped for surgery within 1 hour just waiting for the anesthesiologist. I was in surgery about an hour and a half later and the surgery took 2 1/2 hours. I am going to cut the details of my hospital stay down so readers aren't sitting here all day reading. Any questions just ask me. I wanted to leave the hospital the next evening but my surgeon said that he wouldn't allow me to break two records and that I should stay another night. Quick recap, I was checked into my room after surgery at 6pm Friday night and was discharged from the hospital at 11am Sunday morning, less then 48 hours after entering my room.

Upon arriving home I checked my weight, expecting to have lost a few lbs, and actually gained back 2 lbs due to all the fluids that were pumped into me. I was back up to 398. My recovery went ok I think, I was in a lot of pain along my largest incision which is about 3+ inches wide. I was on Tramadol which sucks. It took me 9 days to finish the 25 pills that I was prescribed since I was skipping doses. I was home on Sunday morning and by Wednesday morning I was off to the YMCA where I walked only one lap around the track. I limped around and talked to my friends there before going home. I was back at the YMCA on Friday and actually walked 5 laps (a half mile). I finally weighed myself on Friday, one week after surgery, and I was down from 398 to 391. I weighed myself again on Sunday afternoon and I lost another 4 lbs from Friday to Sunday, 9 lbs in 9 days, ending up at 387 lbs, 58 lbs down in 38 days.

So that's basically that. It's been over 10 days now since surgery and I am feeling like a million bucks. Here are the "scary" parts. I am using the term scary because after reading this site I would have thought I was going to die from this surgery. I HAVE NOT been nauseous even for one second since surgery. I HAVE ABSOLUTELY NOT thrown up, or even gagged for that matter, not even once. I AM ABLE to drink 60ozs of Fluid per day. I just started puree on Saturday, 8 days out, and it's been perfect. I had 4 ozs of low fat cottage cheese (which I LOVE) today as well as only one Protein shake, a bowl of tomato Soup, and plenty of Water. I AM NOT hungry, EVER. I just eat to live, that's it. Today I feel the best that I have felt since surgery. Every day gets better. My goal is to lose 220 lbs, 100 in three months from the start of my pre op diet on November 23rd. I WILL do it.

I know I left out a bunch so fire away (or ask any questions that you want).

I have to say iggys story shouldn't be ignored it definitely is a cautionary tale for anyone considering this surgery. However I feel that some posters sometimes can be unnecessarily harsh and rude in their responses. I get that they are passionate about this but there' date=' in my opinion, is never an excuse to be rude when someone is posting questions or looking for support because you can get your point across without attacking people. that's the negativity I see here, and just because some have stated their dislike for this negativity doesnt mean they are ignoring truth or should find a different site. It would be wise to remember you catch more flies with honey then vinegar <img src='http://www.bariatricpal.com/public/style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/smile.png' class='bbc_emoticon' alt='' />[/quote']

Exactly! Sometimes the delivery is just as important as the message itself.

Amanda Rae

I'm so glad you're feeling well also. I am fairly new to the site, and have been reading through many posts. I have to say, I don't think it's really fair to bash the 'negative ' people, as they are the ones who have had to struggle. When they are at home not doing well, this forum is where they are turning to. Looking for people who can give advice because they have also been there, but mostly looking for people who can empathize with what they are going through. After all, that's what this forum is about right?

I go in for my surgery in one week and feel that I've been fortunate to read both sides of this coin. I understand some people don't like hearing doom and gloom but honestly, I would hate to think that group, who have/had troubles stop posting because they get labeled 'negative'. Those issues are real and it helps to be very aware of them. Your story is great, but it is not going to help me if my outcome is less than spectacular. Again I'm glad you are doing great. Just a little bit more charity towards those who are not would be nice.

I am almost 4 weeks out and I feel wonderful. No complications with the surgery, I was a little nauseated when I first came out of surgery but, after a little meds and some more sleep I woke up feeling wonderful, I was up walking and released 26 hours after surgery the most complicated thing in this whole process has been ME. Learning a new life style. BE POSTIVE! That is my motto!

good post my friend. as i move toward surgery i haven't had too many concerns, but i'm sure i will second guess it at some point.

keep up the good work and you'll hit that goal. i hope to join you one of these days!

I just want to drop in and say - I had a leak, I had complications, I was off work for 5 months total, had a feeding tube, etc, etc. But you know what? I am at goal now, I have been healthy (not even a COLD) since my leak healed, I feel WONDERFUL and YES I would do it again! My recovery wasn't easy, I spent a big chunk of time with everyone here telling me it would get better every day and it didn't - I kept thinking man, I am a WUSS. Well finally I had a bad lab test that showed, low and behold, a complication! I am a very positive person. I am so thankful for Tiffykins and some other ladies I know on FB groups who also had complications and encouraged me through it all, let me know I would get through it. I did and I LOVE MY SLEEVE!

Woah, woah woah. Hold on a minute. No one is "bashing" people who are "negative." Go back and read my post. All I said is that when I found this site I was clicking on all the "concerned" threads only to find people were being cautioned about leaks and other scary stuff and it scared the (bleep) out of me. Like everybody here, I just went through a tough life changing surgery and didn't want to see stuff like that, especially if I wasn't going through it myself. All I said is that I avoided this forum because I saw to much of that stuff, and I did what worked best for me which was to avoid this site. I'm sorry that iggy had a bad experience but I need to stay focused on a healthy recovery. I wish her the best.

I am not saying that everything is TOTALLY perfect for me. I have a couple issues since surgery, one that is becoming a major one for me is Protein shakes. I did a 28 day pre-op diet which I consumed two shakes per day, and now I am 12 days post op for a total of 40 days, and I literally can't stand the site of Protein Shakes anymore. They literally make me feel physically ill!!! I don't know what I am going to do because I NEED to consume a lot of protein but the shakes have become SO DISGUSTING to me that I could probably make myself vomit by just thinking about them! What am I gonna do??!!

Woah' date=' woah woah. Hold on a minute. No one is "bashing" people who are "negative." Go back and read my post. All I said is that when I found this site I was clicking on all the "concerned" threads only to find people were being cautioned about leaks and other scary stuff and it scared the (bleep) out of me. Like everybody here, I just went through a tough life changing surgery and didn't want to see stuff like that, especially if I wasn't going through it myself. All I said is that I avoided this forum because I saw to much of that stuff, and I did what worked best for me which was to avoid this site. I'm sorry that iggy had a bad experience but I need to stay focused on a healthy recovery. I wish her the best.

I am not saying that everything is TOTALLY perfect for me. I have a couple issues since surgery, one that is becoming a major one for me is Protein shakes. I did a 28 day pre-op diet which I consumed two shakes per day, and now I am 12 days post op for a total of 40 days, and I literally can't stand the site of protein shakes anymore. They literally make me feel physically ill!!! I don't know what I am going to do because I NEED to consume a lot of protein but the shakes have become SO DISGUSTING to me that I could probably make myself vomit by just thinking about them! What am I gonna do??!![/quote']

May I offer some different ideas as to the Protein shake issue?

Are you currently drinking the creamy or milky ones? For some reason those make me ill after awhile (I am pre-sleeve) but I can't stand the thought of those for any length of time.

Maybe something like Nectar's Lemon Tea mixed with Water? Designer whey also makes these "to go" packets, something like crystal light, they aren't too bad and you can sip on those like water. There are a few unflavored Proteins out there, mixed with tea or your diluted fruit juices isnt bad. powders?utm_source=BariatricPal&utm_medium=Affiliate&utm_campaign=CommentLink" target="_ad" data-id="1" >unjury brand seems to be the best for me. Unjury also makes a chicken broth protein when mixed with warm water isn't too shabby. There is sodium in it, though.

Just a couple of different options and maybe something in there may sound pretty good.

Woah' date=' woah woah. Hold on a minute. No one is "bashing" people who are "negative." Go back and read my post. All I said is that when I found this site I was clicking on all the "concerned" threads only to find people were being cautioned about leaks and other scary stuff and it scared the (bleep) out of me. Like everybody here, I just went through a tough life changing surgery and didn't want to see stuff like that, especially if I wasn't going through it myself. All I said is that I avoided this forum because I saw to much of that stuff, and I did what worked best for me which was to avoid this site. I'm sorry that iggy had a bad experience but I need to stay focused on a healthy recovery. I wish her the best.

I am not saying that everything is TOTALLY perfect for me. I have a couple issues since surgery, one that is becoming a major one for me is Protein shakes. I did a 28 day pre-op diet which I consumed two shakes per day, and now I am 12 days post op for a total of 40 days, and I literally can't stand the site of protein shakes anymore. They literally make me feel physically ill!!! I don't know what I am going to do because I NEED to consume a lot of protein but the shakes have become SO DISGUSTING to me that I could probably make myself vomit by just thinking about them! What am I gonna do??!![/quote'] oh i hope you didn't think i was implying this? Because i wasn't. I was just saying i got past my complications personally. I won't live in the past about them. They can happen to anyone and everyone should be preapared for the possibility. And i totally feel you about the shakes they really bothered me in the beginning. I found matrix mint cookie now though and am in love...

I am so lucky...I still love protein shakes. Always have, even way back before surgery. I do believe they are an aquired taste, especially whey protein. They are heavy on the stomach. You might try changing things up. Try some soy protein every once in a while. Or casein protein is excellent for just before bedtime because its slow absorbing so it will continue to feed your muscles longer while you sleep. I also rarely use milk, I use water with my protein.

Another thread I'm about to leave because its become about Iggy again she came on her once and no one replied to her negativity and she went away... Then her people came on with a dig here and a dig there why?? This has nothing to do with this thread! But once again she has taken center stage

Oh and by the way I feel you frank on the protein shakes but give it time. I went from wanting anything but those soon after surgery to drinking them now because nothing is really "fun" to eat anymore so at least they are easy

May I offer some different ideas as to the Protein shake issue?

Are you currently drinking the creamy or milky ones? For some reason those make me ill after awhile (I am pre-sleeve) but I can't stand the thought of those for any length of time.

Maybe something like Nectar's Lemon Tea mixed with Water? Designer whey also makes these "to go" packets, something like crystal light, they aren't too bad and you can sip on those like water. There are a few unflavored Proteins out there, mixed with tea or your diluted fruit juices isnt bad. powders?utm_source=BariatricPal&utm_medium=Affiliate&utm_campaign=CommentLink" target="_ad" data-id="1" >unjury brand seems to be the best for me. Unjury also makes a chicken broth protein when mixed with warm water isn't too shabby. There is sodium in it, though.

Just a couple of different options and maybe something in there may sound pretty good.

Thanks for this great info! I am drinking the Whey chocolate powder stuff from Walmart mixed with 2% milk. (Please don't tell me that 2% milk is to filled with fat, I drank it for 28 days pre op and lost 49 lbs.) They have become disgusting to me.

Please tell me more about "Maybe something like Nectar's Lemon Tea mixed with water?" Is there "flavorless" protein that actually does the job????

Another thread I'm about to leave because its become about Iggy again she came on her once and no one replied to her negativity and she went away... Then her people came on with a dig here and a dig there why?? This has nothing to do with this thread! But once again she has taken center stage

Oh and by the way I feel you frank on the Protein shakes but give it time. I went from wanting anything but those soon after surgery to drinking them now because nothing is really "fun" to eat anymore so at least they are easy

WTF....the OP mentioned her specifically in the very first post so how does it have nothing to do with her? Then when she did post she cracked a joke and then said she hopes every one has a good recovery...where was the negativity? I don't think every word that comes out of Iggy's mouth is golden, but honestly the Iggy haters have got some blood red colored glasses on.

WTF....the OP mentioned her specifically in the very first post so how does it have nothing to do with her? Then when she did post she cracked a joke and then said she hopes every one has a good recovery...where was the negativity? I don't think every word that comes out of Iggy's mouth is golden' date=' but honestly the Iggy haters have got some blood red colored glasses on.[/quote']

Mr butter.

Nothing that comes out of her mouth is golden. A couple of days ago she actually said that she wished leaks on other people because they were stupid.. And he mentioned someone with an "I" that could of been anyone.. Just wish there was a thread that was normal once in a while that's all!

Maybe I need to go elsewhere or Maybe everyone she eat a piece of cake and calm down

Oh and I love the WTF classy

I sailed through surgery and recovery. Lost the diabetes, high blood pressure and sleep apnea after two months. I have posted this before plenty of times for those looking for stories. Heck, I was horseback riding after my 2 week follow-up.

I also read extensively about the complications before I had my surgery. I vowed to stick to my pre-op and post-op diets and to eat Protein first to 70-90 mg, cut the carbs, drink my Water and take my Vitamins so I would succeed.

There was one lady who had a horrible time of things just about when I was to go in. It didn't bother me a bit. It just wised me up.

I find that this forum is more positive than negative actually. There are so many success stories that I found myself more hopeful and happy. I just knew that I would succeed too!

I thank God that I wasn't subjected to nothing but flowery posts. Sure, YAY for you, but tell me about the constipation and slimes and gas pain so I know what the heck to do about it.

There has to be room here for the people who have troubles too or it turns into some kind of never-ending group hug. Nice, but silly in light of what's at stake here.

Mr butter.

Nothing that comes out of her mouth is golden. A couple of days ago she actually said that she wished leaks on other people because they were stupid.. And he mentioned someone with an "I" that could of been anyone.. Just wish there was a thread that was normal once in a while that's all!

Maybe I need to go elsewhere or Maybe everyone she eat a piece of cake and calm down

Oh and I love the WTF classy

I apologize for my "wtf" remark, but we all know exactly who the op was referring to so let's not pretend otherwise.