Day Dreamer

Too much information might be the problem in my case. I have researched and researched (forums, medical blogs, news, etc) till I have almost talked myself out of any surgery. I think I am fairly intelligent, and capable of fully understanding that any surgery comes with risk.... but, after reading about port flips, many, many slips, tubing wrapping around intestines, the Band attaching to organs, countless infections and tons of people going for Band to Sleeve revision - and more. Ugh. I was hoping this was my thing. I have studied it for years. Knowing countless friends to have RNY and Band with wonderful results - only to find out that they secretly had issues. Why didn't they mention it? Why didn't I notice? I am really disappointed. I feel like it was my duty to do adequate research but now my Band buddies accuse me of digging too deep; they seem to be disgusted with my interest in finding out as much as I can. One even got upset when I showed her a picture of what the stomach looks like when the Band is removed (not gross, just dead-looking white/grey tissue where the Band was, surrounded by healthy pink stomach tissue). She said it upset her. I am sorry but I have never been big on the whole "Ignorance is Bliss" bull. So here I sit, wondering if I should proceed with my WLS journey or continue to fight this losing battle on my own ..... and since when is too much information a bad thing?

So I am doing my research and bouncing back-forth between the Band and the Sleeve. I have some questions and would appreciate any feedback possible!! - How does the Dr remove the CO2 after the surgery? - What do you if you have "trapped" CO2 post surgery? - Do they test you for leaks before you leave the hospital? (US Dr and COE Hospital) - Are there post op leak test? - How will I know if I have a possible leak? - Do you leave the hospital with antibiotics? Pain meds? Can you even swallow meds that early post op? - Do the staples stay in for life? Do they dissolve over time? Need removal? - How do you get adequate hydration with only small sips of water and having to wait so long after eating? (This is going to be hard for me, as I am a gulper!!) Thanks in advance!!

Tiffykins, how do they get the gas out when finishing the surgery? How does the gas "pass" post surgery? Not to sound naive, just confused! Thanks

I totally get how people fail the Band, but how do you fail the Sleeve?? Thanks

Thank you all for the wonderful input. One thing I never considered was that a lot of complications were related to people not following the rules. Never crossed my mind or equated. But now that you have pointed it out, it sort of makes sense *nodding head*. I think I have the willpower to stick the rules. I am pretty much a rule follower in life - just never had strict rules about food. Again, thank you for the inspiration because I think you all opened my eyes. Complications? Yeah I know they are out there and anything could happen, but why increase the chance of complications by not following the rules!!! Very good info indeed. + rep for you all!

Sounds crazy right? Somewhere in my mind, I thought I was normal / average sized. Ok, except the days when I saw someone starring in mirror back at me and she was 400lbs heavier than I really am... total body dismorphia. I have friends that were the same size and told me how well I "hold my weight"?!? That led to not worrying about little gains here and there. Then one day, my 4y/o daughter told me "When I grow up I want to be pretty like you mommy... just not fat". Ohhh dagger through the heart... My 4 y/o knew what I denied myself to believe. I was a fatty. Is there a 12 step program for admitting this?!?! *Shouts to the world* I AM A FATTY, I ADMIT IT! Sadly, the world shouts back "We already knew that; what mirror were you looking in this whole time?" I refused to let anyone take my picture. I know how to hold the camera at the right angle and use the right lighting to make my FaceBook pictures look ever so slim and sleek. I was only hiding it from myself. Everyone that knows me, knew how I looked in person. So between the ups and downs of body dismorphia, I have imagined myself to be a slvet size 12 to a size 6XL +++. My mind was playing tricks on me and the hardest part was admitting my real size (18 btw). I still had my skinny mind set, but I was living in my fat body - I just couldn't admit it. So here I am. I am admitting to myself that I have a problem. I am fat. I let myself get this way from years of overeating and no exercise. Would you believe I was a Soldier? Would you believe that was 6 years ago? I won't tell people because I know their reaction. They look me up and down and say something along the lines of, "Oh, I wouldn't have pictured you as the soldier type". Dagger. Yes, I beat myself up a lot. I can't help it. I was running 4 miles a day with 75 lb ruck. I was fit and happy. I lost myself. I lost the admiration of my hubby. My ex-Army buddies think I am a total loser. And now... my beautiful little girl sees mommy as a big fat wad. *tears* /end pitty party for one

At my seminar, it was suggested that you do 10-14 day clear liquids - as that is how the Dr limits his leak #'s. If I can manage the full 14 days of clear liquids, I am all for it if it limits my chance of leaks.

Congrats on your loss!!! I am sure you will find good homes for your clothes!

Hey Kara, I am following you on YouTube. Just watch those nasty comments. Some people have to disable comments on YouTube. I can't wait to see you change!!!

I have heard of people taking Synthroid for Hypothyroidism and them BOOM magically they are cured and taken off the meds?!?! I really believe it was a misdiagnosis because Hypothyroidism not cured with weight loss. (I have a co-worker that claims his thyroid magically worked after taking meds for 1 year and losing weight... Hmmm) I have searched high and low for medical proof. The most I have found is that certain foods hinder your thyroid function. By eliminating those foods, you can help boost function but not cure it. In fact, my Dr has assured me, I will be on Synthroid for the rest of my life. I have a extremely low functioning thyroid (my Dr referred to my thyroid as being DEAD!) and I take 125mcg per day. My endo put it to me like this: take the Synthroid for the rest of your life to help perk up the thyroid or have surgery to take out the thyroid and continue to take meds for the rest of your life. Wow... real win-win situation there. Also, I believe the dose of Synthroid is based on your thyroid function, not on your weight.

Just bought some Atkins Mocha Latte RTD shakes and they are fab! My kids wanted a sip (those little choco-holics) and even the kids like them! That says a lot! I tried Muscle Milk Lite but it had that chalky taste. I order unjury samples but have not tried them yet. Good Luck!!

Hmmm... I would like to clarify this statement by saying.. many self pays either have a exclusion in their insurance or they have NO insurance. If you have Bariatric exclusions, your insurance may not cover removal. If you have NO insurance - well, that's not rocket science either - you will be a self pay again. Many bariatric groups offer complication insurance to self-pay clients especially for these reasons. Anyway, good luck to the topic starter.

What kind of shakes are you drinking? They may not have enough protein in them and that is why you feel hungry again. Give us a break down of what you eat/drink (protein count) and when - that should help to figure it out!!

I am torn really. I have no co-morbidities. So part of me thinks, I need to suck it up and lose it on my own. I suppose if I had a co-morbidity, like Diabetes, I would feel that the Band helped to save my life. Thanks Mike, I will read your blogs now!!

Oh boy.. going to his seminar on the 22nd... wonder if this will be the 2nd time I cancel on that group. Have you had any resolution?

I thought I was the only one... I wrote letters to every important person in my life before my back surgery. I have two daughters and I wanted them to know that I love them more than life. I wanted my family to understand that if something happened to me, that it was my choice. I wanted to be healthy and be around for a long time but God had other plans for me. Thankfully, when I woke up in recovery (full on crying and tears BTW) - I had no reason for them to read my letters. There I was, awake and alive!!! Pain, yes but alive!!! You will be fine. I will keep you in my prayers for a safe surgery and quick recovery!!!

I had spinal cord surgery one year ago. I am still in pain but it is much less than before. I hope that the shots work for you. I will keep you in my prayers Good Luck

I am so sorry for your pain and wish you a speedy recovery. Has your WLS Dr explained anything about the infection? Please keep us updated!!! Sending best wishes your way!!

I am not sure where Georgetown is...I am new to KY. I will Google Dr S today. Dr. Oldham did not show up to the seminar. The coordinator and insurance lady gave the seminar. It was very one sided toward the Band because the coordinator had the Band. She had no details on the Sleeve and I left there a little disappointed. I haven't given up on this group, yet. But I am still considering a group out of Louisville because they do not charge a program fee and Bluegrass does ($500). How do you like your Band to Sleeve revision? You know, I have heard a lot of people say that many Dr's won't touch you if your surgery was done by another doctor. Interesting.

Good job! You look amazing!!! Keep up the good work!

Congrats ladies!! You are one step closer to the new you!!

Have you looked into http://www.carecredit.com/ ? I went to a seminar on Saturday and a few people were self pay using this financing program. Good luck!!