Smooth Sailing for Anyone?

[Everything 388]

Hello everyone! I am new to this forum but have been researching for a while. I am scheduled to get the gastric sleeve week after next. I am a low BMI and self pay. Because of my low BMI and no other real health issues, I was not required to do the two week pre-op liquid diet nor the Endo. My health is generally good except for degenerative disc disease and back pain. I am 41 years old and hoping to lose about 60 pounds. I have already had my gallbladder removed. I do have insurance but it will not cover the procedure. I am reading all of these threads and have growing concern about complications. Being self-pay I know that any additional procedures will come out of my pocket. I would like to know — has anyone ever had a trouble-free surgery? Every post I read seems to talk about some sort of complication, pain, vomiting or other problems. Has anyone had a relatively easy sleeve procedure? Thanks!!!

[Jazzy1125 1,010]

I was sleeved on 11/8 and have had zero complications. (knock on wood). The only thing I am dealing with is Constipation, but am now taking ducolax per my surgeon and so far this week it has been much better. Other than that. Nothing. I woke up from the anesthesia and not once used the pain meds in the hospital nor after discharge. I was up and walking same day. Had surgery on a Thursday and was back to work on Monday. Once I was cleared for exercise right before Christmas, I went back to my ballroom dance classes and am now going to the gym. I will be 3 mo post op on Friday. I have not experienced Hair loss as of yet, but am expecting to have to deal with it as I hear it is unevitable, but will see what happens.

[Everything 388]

Jazzy thank you so much!!!! I am so relieved to hear you had a easy procedure and all went well. I am hoping for the same of course. Thank you for your comment- it has built my confidence!!

[GreenTealael 25,601]

Hi,

My journey has been relatively easy. Yours may differ of course. I would focus on your particular surgeons results rather than a smattering of random complications you may never see.

[Everything 388]

Thank you Green! Reading all of this stuff has really got me in my head. My surgeon says because of my more or less good health I should really not have any problems. Thanks again for the encouragement!

[Healthy_life 1,437]

20 minutes ago, Everythinganna said:

I would like to know — has anyone ever had a trouble-free surgery? Every post I read seems to talk about some sort of complication, pain, vomiting or other problems. Has anyone had a relatively easy sleeve procedure? Thanks!!!

Pain was managed with medications. I bounced back from surgery quickly. No complications.

[Everything 388]

Awesome! Thank you Healthy for sharing. This is making me feel MUCH better. I have been in the hospital twice before and both became extremely complicated situations. My hospital bill (8 day stay) for my gallbladder removal was $108,000. The other occasion I had to be life flighted out of state to give birth to twins. That bill was over $200,000. If something like that happens to me this time it would financially devastate me. Hopefully all goes well. I am in desperate need of a breast reduction and want to get off of pain meds for my back. I will keep thinking positive!!!!

[Everything 388]

I don’t have anybody locally here to talk to and my Dr is almost 3 hours away so I cannot participate in his support group. Again— I most definitely appreciate your feedback!

[Healthy_life 1,437]

Talk with us any time.

There is a lot of information on this site. Goto the search box at the top of the page. Look up topics that your interested in. Ask us anything.

[Swanton_Bomb 522]

It isn't easy, and I did have pain, but it was very well managed with medication. I have had terrible Constipation, but as much as that sucks, it is a small price to lose as well as I have. Overall it has been easier than I anticipated, I was afraid of unbearable pain, starvation level hunger and vomiting, and I didn't have any of that. I am starting to lose my hair, and this has by far been the worst of it, and I'm extremely upset by it, but I have yet to see an after picture of anyone that has gone bald, so I am hoping it resolves soon. It's not easy but it's worth it.

[Everything 388]

Thank you Swanton! It’s amazing how a couple of positive comments can get a person back on track. Im feeling so much more excited now!!!

Yes, I am a little worried about the hair issue to and have looked at biotine(?). I haven’t started taking anything yet. Did you try any remedies for Hair loss?

[GreenTealael 25,601]

Awesome! Thank you Healthy for sharing. This is making me feel MUCH better. I have been in the hospital twice before and both became extremely complicated situations. My hospital bill (8 day stay) for my gallbladder removal was $108,000. The other occasion I had to be life flighted out of state to give birth to twins. That bill was over $200,000. If something like that happens to me this time it would financially devastate me. Hopefully all goes well. I am in desperate need of a breast reduction and want to get off of pain meds for my back. I will keep thinking positive!!!!

WTF Health insurance company do you have that's making you foot such high med bills?

[emoji738]

[Everything 388]

No - sorry! I didn’t end up having to pay that balance but they did send me a copy of the bill. When I saw those numbers I was astonished. That’s what got me worrying about being self pay with complications for this procedure.

[Everything 388]

I’ve been seeing posts about people having sepsis and being hospitalized for months. Just basing off my past experience I’m thinking those cases would easily be hundreds of thousands of dollars. I am just getting to a place financially where something like that would totally destroy me. I’m trying to buy a house and I would definitely have to file bankruptcy If I racked up some huge self pay bill for a complication. Basically I’m thinking worst-case scenario. But you guys have helped me get some perspective.

[GreenTealael 25,601]

Ok well any complications (if they happen at all) try going through your primary physician/emergent care (just keep surgeon looped in of course) so health insurance covers it. Play them smart.

[emoji738]