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Disclaimer: These are strictly my opinions and in know way mean to deter anyone from pursuing VSG. I was sleeved on October 18, 2011. In addition to my new stomach, I've got new realizations about things and would like to share... This sleeve thing is MAJOR surgery. I knew that when I was going in, but you dont fully understand the magnitude and seriousness of it until you wake up with that pain in your gutt. I was not mentally prepared for this surgery. Yes, I had the psych eval. Yes, I researched every possible thing I could think of to make sure I was prepared. I read posts from people who were newly sleeved and complained of pains and troubles during their recovery, but I definitely lived in that "That wont happen to me" world. I figured those people had to be doing something wrong to cause them so much grief. Boy did I get a wake up call after my surgery. Getting sleeved removed 85% of my stomach. My desire to eat for no reason in massive quantities is still very strong. I wish I could sleeve that part of my brain. I havent stopped wanting to have some steak and fried chicken since my surgery. If only they made lobster flavored ice pops, I might find some of my desire to eat real food quelled. "Sharting" is no joke. Dont take your gas for granted, it may be more than just air in that bubble. You will question your decision to get sleeved. You will feel trapped when you realize that there is no turning back. Unlike conventional diets where you can cheat just a little and get back on track; if you try and cheat with a new sleeve, you could kill your self. There are an awful lot of food commercials on tv. No wonder our country suffers so much from obesity. While in the hospital most of the commercials I saw were about food, cars, and Kim Kardashian's wedding. Learning to read my new stomach is still kinda hard even after 6 days in. It gets frustrating, and at times it makes me angry. My old stomach would growl, I'd overfeed it, and all would be well. This new stomach is so picky...sometimes what I think is a small sip will piss new stomach off, and new stomach will give me the worst spasm ever. New stomach dont take no s***. Coughing, sneezing, and laughing are tools of the devil. Boy do they hurt like hell. I thought my couple of days in the hospital would be good for me because I'd be able to get some rest. WRONG! I didnt get more than 4 consecutive hours of sleep at a time because there's always an injection that you need to get, or some kind of medication, or a doctor needs to see your incision sites, or the nurse needs to check your vitals, or they need to deliver your nasty fluids for you to try and ingest, or someone needs to clean your room, or they want you to walk, or you gotta go to the lab and drink that nasty stuff so they can check for leaks, or you gotta go pee, or someone wants to offer you communion, or your roommate's family comes to visit and is loud and smells like cigarette smoke and cabbage and stays until visiting hours are practically over in addition to that hospital bed being hard to get totally comfortable in. I cant stop thinkin about food and what the first real spoonful of food I'm going to have is. Someone asked me if I would do this again. I havent had any weight loss yet, so I'm not totally sure. I'll have to revisit this post and answer once I see the difference in a couple of months. I just hope this pain and discomfort and food craziness in my brain is all worth it. I think my biggest problem is that Im throwing a tantrum because i havent had real food in over 2 weeks. I know restriction is the only way i will lose weight, but I really resent not being able to do what I want to do - be in control of what I want to eat and when. For now my sleeve is calling the shots, and that's a harder pill to swallow than the Prilosec the doc prescribed for me.

You know I do not think we mean to say things to hurt peoples' feelings. You just do not know the tone of the written word, was in wriiten in anger or trying to make a point that I have been there so here is my experience. People who are new either know everything or are feeling so lost and need to know everything. As someone who is more than 2 years post opt I STILL come here for support and advice. There are a few really nice people who have been banded more than 2 years and they have great advice and can point you in the right direction if you need help. There are a lot of people here and we all are different. I agree we should all be nice. I have had to say sorry a few times myself and it did not kill me. But I think our longeterm Bandsters deserve more respect than what they are given. And I am not talking about me I am still learning. Cheri

I am scheduled to be at the hospital at 3:30 am and surgery is supposed to start at 5:30am. I'm as ready as I'll ever be. Yesterdayy I went for a 1 hour full body massage and today I got my eyebrows arched and had an indulgent pedicure. When I'm feeling better (after surgery) I'll go to get a manicure. Maybe I'll manage to put on some lipstick in the hospital. I've always thought I was cute so I try to keep my looks up, but I'm gonna have to 86 my old phrase (cute in the face, thick in the waist) and think up a new one. Decisions, decisions. :aureola:

Wow! Getting my band next week. You all are so encouraging...thank you!!! So happy I made this decision!

Sweetybabs, for me it wasnt really about the pain. I had to come face-to-face with my problem of grazing. The sleeve does not allow me to just eat because I'm bored, or in a greedy mood. I was resenting the restriction aspect of it all, and threw a fit when I realized that there was no turning back. I'm doing much better now, and have come to grips with the fact that this is THE ONLY WAY i will be able to lose this weight. I'm still craving my favorite foods, but am finding consolation in the fact that I will be able to indulge in them (tho in very small quantities) in due time. The physical part of me is healing, and I"m still massaging the mental part of me to match my new sleeve. Sheesh...3 nine pound babies huh? *bows down and fans SweetyBabs feet* Recovery will be a breeze for you because you are probably one of the most positive people on this site, and a positive attitude will def get you thru with flying colors. All the best to you!

I am 6 days from surgery! I get on here several times a week to stay up on the latest and greatest news on the sleeve surgery. I love the comments, warning, postive thoughts and prayers. I can see how the pain would make you second guess your decision. Most of us have zero tolerance for pain...me included. However, I know the pain is coming....much like pregnancy and childbirth...we have to metally prepare for the pain. I gave birth to three 9+ pound kids...so I think I got this! Check back with me next week to be sure....LOL Pain is more of a mental disability than a physical disability...so that is how I plan to cope. Keeping a clar mind...stay mentally busy and pray A LOT!!! I wish you a fast recovery and the same to all of us who are waiting to have our "new stomachs"! God bless!

Wow, I here ya , your words of exactly my thoughts too, yesterday I was one month post op and i still am having little regrets, but day by day it does get easier!!!! I keep telling myself that I want to live healthy, I want to see my kids grow up in to adults and have their own familys, when you start feeling low and down just take out a piece of paper and free write all the things you want to do once your weight is down and you are able too, I want to go hiking again and camping in the mountains, I want to fit in a air plane seat confortabley and not have to get a seat belt exstention, I want to fit on carnaval rides again !!!! This isn't easy but we have made our choice and now we just need to take it one day at a time and this to will pass, we once again will and enjoy our food, Keep your head up and shoot me a message anytime !!!!

Thank you for the pointers Cheri!! <3 We did start a secret facebook group already to keep us chatting and encouraging. There are 7 members so far. If you are going to be a november bandster add me as your firend and send me a private message with your surgery date and I will get you in the group!!! Stacey Diederich-speager Lets go November 2011!!