MINI-Me

"Statistics" stated that I was a prime candidate for the Band. And, I probably would have gone that way EXCEPT: I have 3 friends with Bands - none have met their goal weight, all have had severe complications and 1 has major scaring. I have 3 friends with RYN - all have regained weight (one is still losing, but very slowing). One has regained and is now larger than pre-surgery (and 2.5 years out from surgery). I have 2 friends with VSG. One has made goal and kept it off for 2 years this coming February. The other is still losing, but doing very well. Based on that "personal" experience ... what would you choose? I wanted a PERMANENT solution & knew my issue was overeating due to the lack of a "full feeling". Yes, I have to work my sleeve. No, it is not a miracle cure. BUT, I firmly believe it has saved my life. And, it was reassuring to know that I don't have to have a stomach to live. Not that I want the medical concerns that come along with that, but at least I know I have options. How much experience does your surgeon have with the sleeve? Do you think he may just be more comfortable with the LapBand due to his experience. Now ... I don't know your surgeon, so this is not directed at him ... But I've heard that some doctors push the Band because it's a known money generator due to the costs of future fills/unfills, slippage correction, revision, etc. My surgeon does Band, Sleeve, RYN ... I had the option of the first two. He firmly believes that the Sleeve will one day be the "Gold Standard" and replace the other two. Do you have the option of seeking the opinion of another surgeon? Only you can make the decision. Maybe check out some of the Band forums and get their thoughts. After all, we are a little biased here! Best of luck!

Diva - you made me smile for the first time today. THANK YOU! Love the avatar - you are lookin' goooooood!

If it works for you, then it's NOT a no-no. I was never a heavy duty carb watcher either. I focused on Protein and keeping calories at a specific level (different depending on how far out I was).

Thanks Diva ... from my other post today, you can see that I really needed to read this today. You ROCK!

Thanks everyone ... I will keep at it. It's just so discouraging to be doing the right things & watching the scale go in the wrong direction. I am so terrified of "gaining it all back" that I'm obsessing. Tomorrow is a new day!

Thank you. I am really feeling low today - I hate how the scale can have so much power over me. My clothes even feel tight today. I followed your advice & looked at some pictures. It helped.

Thanks for your kind words. I live in the Pacific Northwest. What really bothers me is that I looked back at my tracking since having surgery ... I have NEVER had a "gain" like this unless it was right before my period. Ugh!!!!!!!!!!!

Congratulations Tiff. What a great NSV!

Thank you so much for sharing your story. What a wild ride you've had on this journey! Congratulations!

CONGRATULATIONS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

That is so awesome!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Enjoy, enjoy, enjoy!!!!!!!! Celebrate - you have earned it!

Try not to worry so much. I wish i could have taken my own advice those first few weeks. Almost every Protein I tried made me nauseous & I just couldn't get in it. I was told that in those first few weeks, you really need to focus on hydration. Get in as much protein as you can, but push the liquids, liquids, liquids. This will all be a blurred memory soon. I promise.

I'm sorry to tell you that almost EVERYONE has this breakdown around 1-2 weeks out. I know it's hard & I don't know why it happens (some theorize that it's estrogen in the fat cells and others just because of the emotional/physical trauma that your body has gone through). There is no denying that it sucks ... but the good news is that it doesn't last. You will start seeing that scale go down & that is a huge lifter from the depression. There may even be times again when you feel low about the surgery (don't even get me started on those dreaded stalls) ... but that is the best time to come out here & get a pep talk. We are with you!

Dayle - Welcome. You've found the right place if you want to "co-miserate" or "celebrate" with people who know EXACTLY what you are going through. Feel free to message me as well. And, I've found that the more I posted or asked questions the more people popped on to say hi or provide advice. Glad you found us. Don't be shy, pull up a chair & tell us about yourself.

I had my surgery with Dr. Umbach last January and I agree - he rocks. Felt comfortable with him and his abilities from day 1. I look forward to hearing more about your journey and anxious to watch your progress. Thanks for your post. I'm glad to hear that your mother is doing so well. I was like you, unfortunately, and thought that maybe I had been run over with a truck. Day 4 was a turning day for me as well. Merry Christmas to you both!

Like Tiff, I've been drinking diet soda also. I started at 3 months out - it did feel a bit uncomfortable at first, but now it's no problem at all. I definitely drink less because it "fills me up", but I enjoy some almost every day. That being said, if YOUR doctor says no, then YOU should follow their advice.

People say dumb stuff ... And, it goes to show that everyone has self-worth and body issues - no matter what their size. Try to let it roll off. Chin up!

I think it's going to be hard for you to get an un-biased viewpoint on this forum. Many of us had VSG quite simply because plication wasn't being done or not well known. For me, I think I would have still picked VSG given what I know (and that is very little about plication). I liked the permanence of VSG. I also have concerns about food getting caught in the folds of the plication - will that cause irritation, infection, etc. Plus, there seems to be so few doctors that do this procedure. The same can be said about VSG, but at least it's more "out there" ... my doctor is following my progress to educate himself about VSG for other patients asking for WLS advice. I love my sleeve - I love the restriction - I love how accountable it makes me. So, I have no regrets. I might feel the same way about plication, but I can't say since that wasn't an option for me. Best of luck in your investigation and your decision. Best bet? Talk to your surgeon and the both of you decide the best option for YOU!

I know it's easier said than done, but try not to worry about it. Right now, the most important thing for you to do is push fluids. Get in as much Protein as you can, but being just under 3 weeks from surgery, you really need to focus on your Fluid intake - dehydration is no fun. Is your surgeon local? if so, you might want to call & see if they can give you IV fluids. Or, they may have other suggestions for you. Keep your chin up!

Can you believe you are in an 8????? 4's ad 6's are just around the corner!

My first few days were no picnic either. But, the good news is that it really does get better each day. You should be turning the corner any day now!

The one I put the link for is Lily of France. I had never heard of them before, but tried them since they have the Push Up Pads. Glad I did. They seem to hold up well to washing and provide support in all the right places. Plus, the straps are adjustable to work with many shirts and tanks.

Shopping at Kohl's gets me in so much trouble. It seems like the more I buy, the better coupons they send me. And, then I get Kohl's cash & I spend even more. I love the Croft & Barrow brand. I definitely have transferred my addicition for food to shopping. My husband used to hate going shopping with me, but now he loves coming along. Probablly something to do with me being willing to try anything on & the huge grin I get when I have to ask for a smaller size! Happy Shopping everyone!

Tiff - I'm sorry you had to go through that, but at least you've made peace with it and have a plan. I have also had trouble finding a bra to make the girls look like they are still there. Lots of skin, but no fillin'. I don't know if you have a Kohl's, but I've found these to be amazing ... my husband says that it looks like they haven't changed at all when I wear these. Of course, he then accuses me of false advertising. http://www.kohls.com/kohlsStore/womens/intimates/bras/pushup/PRD~612013/Lily+of+France+Striped+Convertible+Personalized+PushUp+Bra.jsp