Jump to content
×
Are you looking for the BariatricPal Store? Go now!

New to the site and still deciding...



Recommended Posts

My name is Lisa, I am 29 and from Maryland. I have battled my weight my whole life, but especially struggled in the last 12 years. My highest weight ever was 270 lbs, but I am currently 250 lbs at 5'10". In muy early 20's I was able to get down to 180lbs, but in a very unhealthy manner, using diet pills and horrible eating habits. In the past 8 years I have yo-yo'd my way to my highest weight last year, then went to a physician assisted weight loss with phentermine last year and got down to 235. That only worked for a few months, though I took it for a full year. I have since developed high blood pressure and my doc advised me to stop taking the phentermine if I stopped losing weight. I have a friend who got the sleeve last year, it was the first I had heard of it. I had heard of gastric bypass and the lap band and knew people who had had those procedures. Neither seem appealing to me. The bypass seems way to invasive and the lap band I know someone who had repeated complications and dumping syndrome. I have though about it somewhat secretly for a year, and have recently started really discussing it with my husband and doing heavy research with my insurance and with my work. One big concern is the lifting restrictions I work in health care and there really is no form of "light duty" in my line of work, but luckily I have short term disability. I also keep having second thoughts about not being to eat what I want for the rest of my life, but then I think that just shows my addiction that I am scared to not be able to eat crappy food. My husband has said he will support my decision, but I also don't know what I want to tell others. I almost feel embarrassed to tell friends and coworkers, like I failed all other weight loss pathways. I have never felt that way myself toward others who have there surgery, because it really is a big commitment to weight loss and healthy eating. But there is still a part of me that wishes I could handle it without surgery, but my history shows that I can't.

So I guess my main questions to those who have had VSG are:

1- Have you had and major complications from the surgery?

2- How long were you on restrictions from lifting?

3- How long were you in the hospital after surgery?

4- What did you tell friends and coworkers?

5- Do you have any regrets about having the surgery?

Thanks for any support you can lend to me! :-)

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

1. I had no complications from surgery and only took one dose of pain med when I woke up then didn't need it anymore

2. No lifting anything over 15 pounds for 6 weeks

3. I was in the hospital for one day, surgery at 12:30 and was released the next day around 1:30

4. My kids and husband and best friend knew prior to surgery. After surgery, I told my parents and immediate family. I don't plan on telling coworkers. it's none of their business.

5. I have NO regrets!

I'd say do it now if your insurance covers it. Why yo-yo for more years if not necessary. I'm 49 now and don't ever remember being the same weight for more than 6 months at a time since my mid 20's. I'm always trying to lose weight just to gain it all back and then some. I'm just glad I was able to get the sleeve now while I'm still young enough to enjoy life! Good luck with your decision.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Thank you for your answers! That all seems very promising. The only concern is no lifting for 6 weeks for me means no working for 6 weeks. Which with short term disability is ok, I just hope my employer is ok with it.

But you are so right about yo-yoing for more years. I know it is hard on my body and just leaves me feeling miserable. Then second I get a step ahead I take 2, sometimes 3 steps back. I am just so tired of it and ready to be healthy and stay healthy. I know that I will probably need the counseling more than just prior to surgery, but to help get me through at least the first few months. I know it won't be easy, I am not expecting a simple solution. Just a tool to help me control myself.

One other question for ya. I have read and watched blog about hair loss, and that worries me. I have heard taking Biotin and niacin helps to lessen the Hair loss. Have you had any issues with that at this point? Again, thanks for your help.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Lisa,

I have been thinking about wls ever since it became a procedure that insurances would think of covering (so years), and I too work in healthcare (ER at a level 1 Trauma Hospital). Not sure what you do in healthcare, but as much as there is not a light duty in our field, we both know that if need be we can get the help we need to lift the patient or anything heavy. I have not had the surgery, but am just waiting to finish my 6 mos supervised diet, I hope to have the surgery July/August of this year. This 6 month period I am finding is giving me comfort as the more information I gather and get closer to my goal of surgery. I read the good and the bad, take it all in, similar to attempting to get a complete H&P from a patient who has short attention span who keeps getting distracted. Everyone's story is so unique, take them all in and make the decision that is right for you. The complications from this surgery are similar to those of other major surgeries, up to and including the possibility of death. But you have to weigh out the pros and cons for YOU this is your decision. I have not found anyone, even those who have had complications. who would tell you that they would not do it again, although I am sure they are out there (this does not include those individuals who have passed due to a PE or complications from surgery). The hospital stay is normally overnight or longer if you have complications or pain control issues. As far as if I have I told friends, a couple very close friends, but no I am not telling my co-workers as a whole, it is very personal to me and my decision that only I can make so I will only tell those who need to know. I know I will be out of work for 2 weeks (as there are driving restrictions imposed by my surgeon). I don't know if this helps, feel free to message me privately if you have any questions that you are not ready to post. This is a great forum and good luck.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I have heard from another member who takes Biotin regularly (and started couple weeks before surgery and she has had no increased Hair loss. That was a huge concern of mine too.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Hey! I'm in MD as well. I just went for my consult today to start figuring myself out. I have been researching this stuff like crazy. I can understand where you are coming from. I have only told 3 ppl and it's not due to embarrassment, it's just I want to make this decision on my own.

This is my first post and got excited to see a MD'er! I'm a nerd! :)

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

:)

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

1- Have you had any major complications from the surgery? No complications :)

2- How long were you on restrictions from lifting? I was restricted for 6 weeks. I work a desk job, so I only had to take a week off from work.

3- How long were you in the hospital after surgery? Two days.

4- What did you tell friends and coworkers? Nothing. I didn't tell a soul about the surgery. I didn't feel like hearing anything negative about it.

5- Do you have any regrets about having the surgery? No, not at all! Best decision I ever made for my health and happiness!

Bonus Question - Yes, I did experience some hair loss for several weeks around 4 to 5 months post-op. It was really unnerving to me when it started falling out in fistfuls. However, as obvious as it was to me, it was not noticeable to anyone else and after a few weeks it stopped. I took my Vitamins including Iron and Biotin regularly and that didn't stop the hair from falling out, but it may have reduced the extent/duration of it.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

At this point I have only told my friend who had the sleeve, my husband and my sister that I am considering VSG. For me, it would be hard not to tel my coworkers, at least the ones in my dept. We are a somewhat tight knit group and with being out of work for a few weeks, they will be very curious. They are all aware of my weight loss struggles though, so I my just let the ones in my dept know what is going on. I talked to my manager and she is talking to HR about light duty. I am a physical therapist assistant at a nursing facility so I spend much of my day lifting people. Even if they give me the high level patients, there is always the risk that I will need to lift or assist a patient if they being to fall. I don't want to put my patients at risk and I am sure my work won't want to be liable. But I will see what comes of that and be thankful I signed up for short disability last year.

And hey there, fellow marylander! I have done an online seminar and quiz, but have not set up a consult yet since I was making sure my insurance and work wouldn't be an issue. I will most likely have to wait until the fall due to finances, so I am not sure if I should go ahead for the consult now or wait a bit. I hate waiting for anything once I make a decision to go for it. haha Good luck with your journey! :)

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

My name is Lisa' date=' I am 29 and from Maryland. I have battled my weight my whole life, but especially struggled in the last 12 years. My highest weight ever was 270 lbs, but I am currently 250 lbs at 5'10". In muy early 20's I was able to get down to 180lbs, but in a very unhealthy manner, using diet pills and horrible eating habits. In the past 8 years I have yo-yo'd my way to my highest weight last year, then went to a physician assisted weight loss with phentermine last year and got down to 235. That only worked for a few months, though I took it for a full year. I have since developed high blood pressure and my doc advised me to stop taking the phentermine if I stopped losing weight. I have a friend who got the sleeve last year, it was the first I had heard of it. I had heard of gastric bypass and the lap band and knew people who had had those procedures. Neither seem appealing to me. The bypass seems way to invasive and the lap band I know someone who had repeated complications and dumping syndrome. I have though about it somewhat secretly for a year, and have recently started really discussing it with my husband and doing heavy research with my insurance and with my work. One big concern is the lifting restrictions I work in health care and there really is no form of "light duty" in my line of work, but luckily I have short term disability. I also keep having second thoughts about not being to eat what I want for the rest of my life, but then I think that just shows my addiction that I am scared to not be able to eat crappy food. My husband has said he will support my decision, but I also don't know what I want to tell others. I almost feel embarrassed to tell friends and coworkers, like I failed all other weight loss pathways. I have never felt that way myself toward others who have there surgery, because it really is a big commitment to weight loss and healthy eating. But there is still a part of me that wishes I could handle it without surgery, but my history shows that I can't.

So I guess my main questions to those who have had VSG are:

1- Have you had and major complications from the surgery? No so far 3 weeks pot op

2- How long were you on restrictions from lifting?

1 month- you could go on disability or FMLA

3- How long were you in the hospital after surgery? I was in for 1 day

4- What did you tell friends and coworkers?i flat out told them I don't card what people think of me , I did for my health.

5- Do you have any regrets about having the surgery?none so far. Iam enjoying my sleeve, best decision I ever made.

Thanks for any support you can lend to me! :-)[/quote']

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

You said "I also keep having second thoughts about not being to eat what I want for the rest of my life". This for me now is 20 minutes when I'm at a restaurant with friends until I'm at my new "full", or at Christmas dinner when everyone gorges for hours, but they all feel gross after -- I don't! And those few minutes when I'm sad about being different and unable to binge pale in comparison to the months I spend being ridiculously happy/confident, showered with cute male attention and staring at myself in the mirror.

1- Have you had any major complications from the surgery? Nope - nothing!

2- How long were you on restrictions from lifting? Six weeks from anything over 20lbs I think, I only had two incisions, so I didn't follow this too exact... and was still fine! If you are a nurse, care aide or moving/transfering people, take a good two weeks off for sure!

3- How long were you in the hospital after surgery? 2 days in Hospital, 2 days at a hotel post op

4- What did you tell friends and coworkers? I told them I was having surgery - I was vague with the nosy people I didn't like. Some got the details, some didn't. Now I think most people know. I haven't ran into a single person who has said anything negative. The important people care enough that they want you to be healthy and happy no matter what road you take. I armed myself with statistics about the sleeve, just in case I ran into a Negative Nelly.

5- Do you have any regrets about having the surgery? That I didn't do it earlier. I'm 28. I wish I would have done this at 20. I feel like I'm reliving my life the way I always pictured it to be. I have guys fighting to buy me drinks, dance with me and kiss me on NYE. I don't feel like I will have to settle on "some guy" because no one else will ever be interested -- I can actually find someone worthy of ME. I finally have the confidence I always wanted and it shows to others. My relationships have gotten better now that I'm happier too. I can hang out with my brother and he's not ashamed. I can be in the jumpy houses with my neices and nephews. Life is better.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

1. no complications because of the surgery.

2. For me 12 weeks cuz of the jobs I do.

3.Just over night.. home the next day after a swallow eval to check the sleeve.

4. I did tell my co-workers after the surgery.. I found them to be very supportive.. especially at the hospital.. all the encouragement I received from them.. keeps me going..

5.Not one regret.. well one.. I didnt do it sooner.. I didnt have health issues going into surgery.. other than being overweight.. Im happy to report that since my surgery on dec 20 ive lost 80lbs and its only been 3.5 months.. :)

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Regarding hair loss....after washing my hair two days, I clogged the drain, but I still have lots of hair...lol I started taking Biotin starting my 3rd week when I was cleared to start Vitamins. So who knows, I may have had even more Hair loss. Fortunately I have thick hair.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now

  • Trending Products

  • Trending Topics

  • Recent Status Updates

    • vsg.with.sharon

      Hey everyone!
      I’m new here! Looking for some friends! 🥰
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
    • LeighaTR

      Four days post surgery. I am sipping as fast as I can and getting NO WHERE near the goal of 60 - 80 grams of protein or the 64 oz of liquids. I just feel FULL. I don't know if it can still be the gas build up (I would think by now that would be gone) but it is a struggle to drink. And so far I have not had the nausea or spasms and don't want to wander into that territory by pushing too hard with liquids. I about passed out today as it was my most "strenuous" day. Went from second story to basement for shower and I was sure I was going to pass out. Looking back on my last few days I have had a total of less than 1000 calories. Am I just not getting enough nourishment in me? Once again a friday where I can't get ahold of the doc until Monday rolls back around so I am hoping maybe someone here has some experience on how to keep energy going. I do have fibromyalgia too and that may be where some added fatigue comes into play. How did you all fair with the goals the week after surgery?
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
    • Doughgurl

      2 days until I fly out to San Diego to have my Bypass Surg. in Tiajuana Mexico. Not gonna lie, the nerves are starting to surface. I don't fear the surgery itself, or the fact that I'm traveling alone, but its the aftermath that I'm stressing about the most, after this 8 week wait. I'm excited to finally be here, but I am really dreading the post surgical chapter. I know its going to be tough, real tough and I think I'm just in my head to much now that the day i here. Wish me luck, Hopefully I'm one of the lucky ones, and everything goes smoothly. Cant wait to give an exciting update,. If there is anyone else have a June bypass or even a recent one, Id love to have someone to compare war stories with. Also, anyone near San Antonio Tx? See ya soon with the future me. 💜
      · 3 replies
      1. Phil Penn

        Good Luck this procedure is well worth it I am down to 249.6 lb please continue with the process..

      2. Selina333

        I'm in Houston so kind of near you and had the sleeve in Dec. Down 61 lbs. Feeling better. Was definitely worth it. I hope the everything is going well for you. Update us when you can!

      3. Doughgurl

        I am back home after my bypass surgery in Tiajuana. I'm post op day 4. Everything went great! I guess I'm one of the lucky ones who have not encountered much pain at all, no nausea thus far and I'm having no problem keeping down broths and water. Thank you for your well wishes. I cant wait to keep up this journey and have a chance at better health and simply better quality of life. I know there will be bumps in the road ahead, and everything won't be peaches and cream, but at least I have a great start so far. 😍

    • LeighaTR

      I am new here today... and only two weeks out from my sleeve surgery on the 23rd. I am amazed I have kept my calories down to 467 today so far... that leaves me almost 750 left for dinner and maybe a snack. This is going to be tough for two weeks... but I have to believe I can do it!
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
    • Doughgurl

      Hey everyone. I'm new here so I thought I should introduce myself. I am 53y/o and am scheduled for Gastric Bypass on June 25th, 2025. I'm located in San Antonio, Texas. I will be having my surgery in Tiajuana Mexico. I've wanted this for years, but I always had insurance where bariatric procedures were excluded. Finally I am able to afford to pay out of pocket.  I can't wait to get started, and I hope I'm prepared for the initial period of "hell". I know what I have signed up for, but I'm sure the good to come will out way the temporary period of discomfort and feelings of regret. I'd love to find people to talk to who have been through the same procedure or experience before. So I look forward to meeting you all. Hope you have a great week!
      · 2 replies
      1. Selina333

        I'm so happy for you! You are about to change your life. I was so glad to get the sleeve done in Dec. I didn't have feelings of regret overall. And I'm down almost 60 lbs. I do feel a little sad at restaurants. I can barely eat half a kid's meal. I get adults meals often because kid ones don't have the same offerings at times. Then I feel obligated to eat on that until it's gone and that can be days. So the restaurant thing isn't great for me. All the rest is fine by me! I love feeling full with very little. I do wish I could drink when eating. And will sip at the end. Just a strong habit to stop. But I'm working on it! You will do fine! Just keep focused on your desire to be different. Not better or worse. But different. I am happy both ways but my low back doesn't like me that heavy. So I listened (also my feet!). LOL! Update us on your journey! I'm not far from you. I'm in Houston. Good luck and I hope it all goes smoothly! Would love to see pics of the town you go to for this. I've never been there. Neat you will be traveling for this! Enjoy the journey. Take it one day at a time. Sometimes a few hours at a time. Follow all recommendations as best you can. 💗

      2. Doughgurl

        Thank you so much for your well wishes. I am hoping that everything goes easy for me as well. We don't eat out much as it is, so it wont be too bad in that department. Thankfully. Also, I hear you regarding your back and feet!! I'd like to add knees to the list. Killing me as we speak! I'm only 5' so the weight has to go. Too short to carry all this weight. Menopause really did a doosey on me. (😶lol) My daughter also lives in Houston. with her Husband and my 5 grand-littles. I grew up in Beaumont, so I know Houston well, I will be sure to keep in touch and update you on my journey. I may need some advice in the future, or just motivation. Thank You so much for reaching out, I was hoping to connect with someone in the community. I really appreciate it. 💜

  • Recent Topics

  • Hot Products

  • Sign Up For
    Our Newsletter

    Follow us for the latest news
    and special product offers!
  • Together, we have lost...
      lbs

    PatchAid Vitamin Patches

    ×