iegal

My fellow sleevers...Pre & Post op....I cringed when I saw this post. What a low blow for someone to say to you. God is merciful, great and loving. He provided this surgery for those of us unable to overcome our battles with weight. Agree with a lot of previous posts. Pray for peace on this issue as this is an optional surgery. Yes, I look better but this surgery was more about taking care of my health that wearing a size ____. The ways for me to serve are so much more broad now since I physically have abilities where before I had so many limitations. Remember, His grace is sufficient and I am thankful everyday for my sleeve. Peace to those in emotional turmoil.

Hi NtvTxn & Foxbins! So glad to see you post. I am up about 8 pounds from my lowest weight, but I am okay with that since I felt I was a little too skinny. I am wearing a size 6-8 depending upon maker and I am a tall girl over average US height by a couple of inches. My weight is still below surgeons goal. My skin is a little saggy in the neck and my turkey arms will not go away. My hunger has returned but it seems to be at night and I do not feel it in the morning. Struggling a little. Still have no regrets though. This sleeve is the best thing I have ever done for myself. Wish i could say I was like Foxbins and running marathons...you go girl!!!! Living like a normal skinny person should live. Smaller portions, treats every so often and shopping is a little out of control. Hugs to you both! Keep in touch as you are my inspiration during this weight loss journey we shared.

You are invited! Please join several us for face to face support group get together at a mall location in the Inland Empire. We meet around 10AM for less than two hours. Please contact Sleeve 4 me for detailed information. Hope you are able to make it.

Congratulations on the first step of getting approval. Will look forward to all of your upcoming posts.

Hi Suzanne; I only see a link to Dr. Aceves website...and I am seeking outside sources. Went to Newsweek to see if I could read article. None listed, can you send a link to article you state is listing Aceves in top 25? Not seeing any facts here. Did a search on Newsweek with Aceves name and came up blank. Also I went to Johnson & Johnson website and did a search on Aceves, again came up blank. Could these be ads on his website? Again, all I am asking for is independent sources which haven't been provided. Simply going to a surgeons website does not substantiate any of your claims. Please back up your claims and provide links as I did. My surgeon has companies write about him on their website, national media sources contact him for interviews/demos about new WL procedures, and major medical companies seek his advice. Also I provided links that prove my surgeons pioneer status along with his expertise as being the first US surgeon on three different weight loss surgeries. Now that is impressive. Find another WL surgeon in the US or world that has these credentials. Go ahead. See I really did my research, extensive research. There is no one, US or Mexico that can match him. But this is not about my surgeon vs. your surgeon because you and I are both winners (or losers.) YEAH Where is all of the independent support of significance for Aceves? There is none. Sounds like unsubstantiated advertising or marketing junk. Not denying that he does a lot, but higher quantity does not equal higher standards or expertise. Hugs for you too! No regrets, I love my sleeve.

Can I recommend you all make a list of top ten reasons you are having surgery? This will help out when you have those doubts. You can pull out before surgery and reread to calm your nerves. You can pull out the days after surgery when we sometime doubt what we have done. Looking back is easy. Looking forward is brave.

Really only you can make this decision. The sleeve works but if you are not sure, don't do it since it is non-reversible. Ask yourself: Where will I be in another year if I have VSG? Dream big. Now where will you be if you don't have surgery. Why have I failed in the past? Do I need this tool to be successful long term? Be brave while being reasonable. I know you will find an answer. Good luck! No regrets, I love my sleeve.

I was lactose intolerant for three or four months after surgery. I drank it only when needed, not as a supplement. Can't remember gagging on it so it wasn't horrid. Don't drink it anymore, so it wasn't great. You are eating to be healthy so do what is best for you...with your surgeons blessing. Good luck in finding what works best for you.

Thank you for posting how your really feel. You will feel better, it just might not be tomorrow. This journey is not always easy but the results are so worth it! Hang in there hon. We are here to hold your hand through the rough days. We will cheer when you have great days too. Hugs. - I love my sleeve and have no regrets.

Where were you and your creativity two years ago? Thanks for sharing!

Thanks Suzanne. Appreciate that you understand we all have choices. So important we question our surgeons on hows & whys & be aware of most up to date proven techniques/options available for Vertical Sleeve surgery. Since I didn't stay in a US hospital, rates of infection did not concern me. But by going home that night you could say my infection rate was ZERO since I didn't get an infection. Curious, Googled worlds top ranked weight loss surgeons and NOTHING came up. How do you come up with Aceves being in top 25 in world? Understand I am not saying he isn't...one of my SoCal buddies was happy with her experience, but I want facts, not just statements. (My career is showing) Need you provide a link to independent (not published by hospital or surgery center Aceves is associated with in any way) national articles/news reports (as I cited three sources above) that lists Aceves being top 25 in world as stated. Yes, I trust you, but verify your information so others here have content not just opinions. So many surgeons bio's state how they are weight loss pioneers...but do we as patients ever question how they are the best...the top. Throwing out statistics without facts is unacceptable. Please back up statements with sources or state that your statements are opinions...not facts. It is acceptable to say your surgeon is best in your opinion. I like that you are proud. I am proud of your results and help to others. Can you provide any other links from outside sources that list Aceves as pioneer? (as I sited with my surgeon) What ongoing education does he take to improve his skills or is he stagnate and not up on latest VSG techniques? I self paid for my surgery, insurance did not cover it. Outpatient surgery is not for those who have no support. As you can see by the video, lady in video is mid-50's, not that much younger than you and she had an amazing recovery as you view her 2 days after VSG. For people researching WLS they need to understand that many surgeons, not just mine, are doing outpatient surgery with same results as seen in nationally televised show about VSG surgery. Me too. I would recommend my surgeon...if you can get an appointment. Many people here have had success with his partner though. Looking forward to reading all of the outside articles, outside ratings & medical research firms who seek out Aceves advice. Thanks in advance to for all of your time! Hugs - I love my sleeve and have no regrets.

I am not going to be popular here...because most of you are Dr. Aceves patients. Well here i go putting a target on my back. I really struggle to post this fearing attacks. I am not attacking you, only correctly incorrect statements. Sure he is a good surgeon and qualified. But statements made above are totally false. Tired of being told what is substandard when you misunderstand practices for VSG and only accept how Dr Aceves does surgery. So glad you are happy with choices available for you...that is why we are all so fortunate. VSG can be done as outpatient surgery and it is not barbaric nor substandard in any form. Many US surgeons now practice VSG as outpatient surgery. Most surgeons and hospitals make more money if you stay in the hospital, not if surgeons/hospitals discharge you same day. IF hospitals are in it for money, they want to keep you in hospital longer in increase bill...at least in the US. I post my surgeons records so you do not call him barbaric or inexperienced. Also so you do not question his proven methods backed by a superior safety record. His safety record far surpasses that of the averages well known weight loss surgeons in US. My surgeon is not a God, just a good man helping people lose weight for the last 14 years. He did the first LapBand placement in the US and you can see him on national News including national TV news shows & national newspapers. For Allergen to choose him, wouldn't you agree he would have to be stellar? http://doctorsofweig...n-quebbemann-md He did the first single incision VSG in the US. For TransEnterix to choose him, again his record would need to be the best in the nation and without blemish. http://www.transente...urgical-system/ He did the first US placement of the Reshape DualBallon. http://reshapemedica...or-weight-loss/ Again, for third company to choose him as the FIRST surgeon there would have to be something special...say extraordinary about him, his knowledge, his follow up and commitment to safety of each and every patient. He had operated on several Hollywood stars who can pay for the best...like a good lawyer, you get what you pay for. He is a humble doctor who spends almost 50% of his practice teaching other surgeons up to date practices or procedures or working with medical companies on up and coming procedures or how to improve existing devices. His surgery methods can not be called into question with all of this acclaim. Surgeons clammer to have him when they learn these new procedures. And yes, he does outpatient surgery. Why? For the money? No, because outpatient is safe for VSG if you have the right surgeon with experience and follow up. Watch video to see a patient 2 days out of surgery. She went home night of surgery to her own bed, just like I did. Video is from fall 2010. All of this to say...I went home same day, only took liquid pain meds once on day three and that was to sleep had no leak test, no drain without any dire outcome as posted on this thread. I slept in my own bed that night with little discomfort. No nurse waking me up, no IV's, no cathedar, no drain and no strangers...just me in the comfort of my own home. Experienced only minor discomfort compared to my c-section. This was possible due to an experienced surgeon. If Mexico your preferred option... Aceeves sounds like a great choice! Good luck in your journey!

Listen my dear Coops; We are sleeve sisters from two years ago. I still write about you often to others who struggle with their weight loss or in contrast to how slow they are losing. Attempt to convey your persistence and determination when other VST members "pass" you to goal in shorter time frames. Think children's tale of tortoise and the hare. You are the hare. Oh...who wins in that fable? You do Coops. Even if you never lose another pound you have won. Look at the thread of how many of us have regained weight. I have put on 7 pounds from my lowest weight. I would do well to be more like you. Good habits will follow you for life. Coops, you are held in high esteem. Hugs for always being here.

So excited for you! Please post to let us know how you are doing in recovery.

First of all, I know we all want to be stellar stars and lose quicker/more than anyone else but this is not a race. Some lose a lot, some do not achieve goal ever. One of my SoCal buddies at two years out still has not hit goal. She is not thrilled but at the same time glad she had VSG surgery. What I see as discouraging is when others compare themselves to others. We are not competing here but cheering each other on to victory...shedding pounds forever together. Look ahead to the fact that pounds will come off, even if you are just average. Remember, we all lose differently. Different surgeons have different diet plans, so when you say you are sticking the letter...which letter? I posted a couple days ago a thread with many VSG diet plans I have collected over the years. Here is thread. http://www.verticals...-to-download/�� So what works for one sleever might not work for another.Having been a former diet professional (I mean I tried every diet on the market both clinics & TV claims & pills & shots) nothing worked other than low carb for me before the sleeve. So guess what...after the sleeve the best way for me to lose weight was low carb. I kept my carbs below 30 gm. Got this suggestion from a VST legend, Tiffykins. Everyday I walked for at least a half an hour, no excuses. Took my supplements every day. Drank my Water & got in my Protein...no excuses. I was militant in my pursuit of goal. What I am trying to say, is if there was only one way to lose weight someone here would have published it. Find what works for you and stick with it. You might have to make minor changes along the way. Be flexible. Be willing to add calories during a stall...crazy as that sounds. Be willing to have a discouraging week or two. Be willing to just go forward and stay committed. Give it a solid six month try and then worry about percentages of where you are and where you still have to go. Good luck, you have already conquered the most difficult part of the journey. Hugs. I love my sleeve and have no regrets.

Thank you for letting us know how you are doing. Remember to sip often, rest often and walk often. Walking helps with gas pains. Congrats!

I had mine during surgery No problems. Just call your office and let them know. You really don't lose a lot of blood during lapriscopic surgery.

Everyone is different and my signal has changed. At first I could only measure my food since I didn't have a full signal. Next I got the slimies. Think drool like a dog out the sides of my mouth without warning. (not pretty either) Up until about four months ago I sneezed when full. My DH would laugh..."you are done." At two years out, now I just measure the food when at home when putting it on my smaller size plate. When out at a restaurant I use my hands as a guide. Protein first, nothing more than a handful. Congrats on being sleeved!

Nice! Don't think you are a slow loser. One lady on here sleeved in 2010 took almost two years to reach goal but she kept on plan. So, stick with your diet plan and keep up the great numbers. Wow! 72lbs gone forever. Work that sleeve!

Good for you going on a long walk! Yes, you still have to sip for quite a while. It will be the new you, stopping every so often to take a sip even if you don't feel thirsty. By the time you feel thirsty you are depleted already. As for the future... I can take big sips now but am still unable to chug an entire bottle. Restriction works...yeah! No regrets, I love my sleeve!

Wish I could tell you that tomorrow will be dramatically different, but I would lie. Each day is a better day. Remember no one promised this would be easy, but the results are totally worth it...that I can promise. Hugs. No regrets, I love my sleeve!

You can do this! Agree the liquid diet was torture but this is for your benefit. Now pat yourself on the back for doing well thus far and continue on. Congrats on your upcoming surgery!

Welcome to onederland!

Everyone is different but I am the same way at two years out. When i eat a lot of carbs my weight goes up. Right now I sit 7 lbs higher than my lowest weight since I eat potatoes, chips, rice, Beans, bread and all the other stuff including candy occassionally. Listen, I had this surgery to be healthy first above being skinny. Skinny is good but not at the cost of being miserable. I look at it as I am okay being a size 6/8 rather than a size 4/6 if I can enjoy my life and not be militant about every bite. I am still well within a healthy normal BMI range. Still about 10 pounds under surgeons goal and with menopause going on now, this is a miracle. So I chose to be healthy and happy, not just skinny. Once a week I try to have an all Protein diet (under 20 carbs that day) so I can eat the carbs the rest of the week. Now, you have to make a decision: What do you want? Best wishes! No regrets, I love my sleeve.

Not all surgeons use a drain. Be happy yours is up on latest techniques and doesn't use one. No drain for me. I was outpatient too.