seniorsleever

I am only 5 weeks out, and yes, I have some regrets. I wish my doctor had told me I couldn't take NSAIDS for my osteoarthritis. My knee is killing me, and Tylenol doesn't help. I wish they would stop showing restaurant and fast food ads on TV. I want pizza, Italian food, Mexican food so bad! At this point I am second-guessing my surgery. But I know that a few more weeks from now I won't regret it at all. I could never have lost this much weight on my own, and I know it won't come back. I have never vomited, but I have felt like I needed to on occasion when I ate too fast. I am looking forward to being able to eat things that are forbidden right now. (I love salad!) In short, I think most people have a few weeks of thinking "did I do the right thing, or have I made a big mistake?" even if they won't admit it. It's only natural to feel that way when your diet is so restricted at first. But in the long run, it will be the best thing I have ever done for myself.

Doug, dude--you forgot the refried beans!! LOL! Boy do they taste good after having liquids for awhile. Especially with cheese and salsa added.

And it comes in several flavors. I didn't care for the grape, I drink orange or blue raspberry. I use Isopure Zero that I get at The Vitamin Shoppe.

I'd bet your clothes are fitting looser, though---

Good luck, Heather! May the scale gods smile upon you!

We all know someone who can eat everything in sight and not gain weight, don't we? Well the sleeve just levels the playing field. We may not be able to eat that much, but at least we aren't controlled by slow metabolisms and overeating anymore. I really feel lucky when I hear one of my friends talking about going on a diet again (and again.) My diet is hardwired in now, and I don't have to really think about it. And when I lose all this weight, I don't have to worry about gaining it all back, and more. No easy way out, just the permanent way out.

That's great! I have a long way to go, but I know I'll get there someday. Keep up the good work!

I'm getting my treadmill today. 5 weeks out, I've been walking with my hubby when we can, but it gets hot quick here in south Texas. So inside is the only way to go. I've been trying to save up the money since surgery, and I finally got enough for an entry level model. I may upgrade later, but basic walking is all I need for now. My knees are a problem--osteoarthritis-- so I want to concentrate on my stamina, not speed. Congrats on the Gazelle--looks like fun.

Only a total jerk of a doctor would be upset about an 85 pound weight loss! Congrats on that, Rootman! I'm glad your doc is so supportive.

I just turned 55 yesterday. I am almost 5 weeks out, have lost 30 lbs and am in a major stall--but I am getting smaller in clothing sizes. I figure I will lose some, then my body rearranges everything, then I lose some more. I'm trying not to get upset about stalls. I'm going shopping for a treadmill today--maybe that will help.

Good for you, Bob! Sounds like you are on your way to that healthy life we all want. Welcome to the forum. Ask anything--someone will have an answer for you!

Go ahead and tell them. They are probably worried about you, and may feel better knowing it is nothing serious. This happened to me--I had not told my son and DIL about it, but I couldn't have the kids over, so I told them I was having lots of tests done. My son assumed the worst, and called me very concerned and asked "Mom, what is going on with you?" So I told him. He was so relieved, and has been supportive since. Hope this helps.

There's a great tutorial for the ticker: http://www.verticalsleevetalk.com/topic/13516-ticker-tutorial-for-vst-lbt-with-pictures/page__p__115605__hl__%2Bticker+%2Btutorial__fromsearch__1#entry115605

It could also be that your stomach is still swollen from being sick. When the stomach swells, it doesn't get bigger--it actually gets a smaller lumen, or inside diameter. Think of it this way--the tissue of the stomach swells to the inside as well as out. So the opening inside your sleeve would be reduced by swelling. Give it a few more days to get back to normal. I bet you will be able to eat what you could before.

You look MAHVELOUS, dahling. You give me hope for the future. Thanks for posting your photos!

If it is the insurance company requiring the weight loss, it is to be sure you are really serious about working toward you final goal. If it is the doctor's requirement, it is to shrink your liver so it will not be in the way during the surgery.

Mine was self-pay, and yes, I did have to get a psych eval, a nutritional consult, and all the labwork and other tests the doctor requires. I also had to go on a pre-op diet and lose ten pounds or the surgery would have been cancelled. These are things your doctor requires, not the insurance company.

My thoughts are with you--you'll do great. My hysterectomy was the start of a whole new life. Things just got better and better after that. May it be the same way for you!

I'm just 3 weeks postop, but here are mine: 1. I used to take one Micardis and two metaprolol every day for my BP, and my doctor was thinking of increasing them. Since surgery I have had 1/2 a metaprolol tablet--only TWICE! and my BP is normal. 2. I am losing slowly--but it doesn't freak me out, because I know it will come off. 3. I was miserable, now I feel good about myself. 4. I fixed myself two scrambled eggs the other day. They tasted great! but I had to feed one to the dog. 5. I find that my underwear is getting really loose on me and I don't have to lie down to pull up my jeans anymore. 6. I am getting excited about seeing people I haven't seen in a while. I want to see their reactions. 7. I have hope for the future now. 8. My fingernails are growing at twice their normal rate.

I also went to this site referenced above and read all the fine print. I noticed that under the section marked "Public Comments," this comment and rebuttal was printed: "Comment: Another commenter agrees with the changes as well but recommends that the list of obesity-associated co-morbidities be a complete, inclusive list to prevent inappropriate denial of service. The commenter goes on to state that covered procedures should include the laparoscopic vertical sleeve gastrectomy and duodenal switch procedures.Show citation box Response: We appreciate the suggestion that morbid obesity multiple co-morbidities be a complete, inclusive list and will consider it as one of many recommendations in revising the benefit policy. We disagree with the commenter's suggestion that vertical sleeve gastrectomy (VSG) and biliopancreatic diversion with duodenal switch (BPD/DS) should be covered under the TRICARE Program. The evidence evaluating the safety and efficacy of BPD/DS and VSG do not meet the program specific standards of reliable evidence. Existing data does suggest the use of these procedures is a possible benefit to some patients but there is incomplete information to predict the effect of long-term outcomes. This lack of information relating to the long-term outcomes is a matter of concern to the Department. Medical literature indicates as well that well-controlled trials are needed to determine both short-term and long-term safety and efficacy of BPD/DS and long-term (> 5 years) weight loss and co-morbidity resolution data for VSG. The Agency will continue to monitor the development of the literature and the status of ongoing well-controlled clinical trials regarding the effectiveness of the laparoscopic VSG and BPD/DS procedures. At such time when the reliable evidence demonstrates that these bariatric surgical procedures have proven medical effectiveness, the Director, TMA will initiate action to cover these procedures." I have placed a call to Ms. Gail Jones, who is the contact person for this information. She was not in, but I left a message for her to call me back. When I get anything definitive regarding the possible coverage of VSG, I will post it here.

I didn't quite make it, but I'm just 3 weeks postop today. SN................Starting Wt........Current.......Goal.....Lbs to Goal Avilda...............275.....................187............177..............10 BlackBerryJuice.........208..........145..............145................0 Brendasgonnalose...335............224.............225................-1 BonnieEJune . . . . . 325........................271.............275............-4 bugwitch....................291..............285...........283..............2 Cherice95405..........248...........177............ 164...............13 Chilo1.....................216...........158.............154................4 Cludgie................235..............210...............209..............1 Coops ...................238...........183...............177..............6 Cwalker.................250...........180...............170...............10-- made it to 171.2 did not make goal but happy with what i did for nat makeing it to the gym Daisy......................237..........138...............130................8 DJackson..............229.............213..............215................-2 HollyW...................259............214..............215..............0 Ibejjo.....................249...........249...............229.............20 Juliarh...................230............211.2..............215................-3.8 Kimmes................239.............197.8..............200..............-2.2 Kgremmy.............225.............190.8..............199...............-8.2 Laylasmojo...........242............180...............170...............10 LeslieH.................212...........204................199..............5 LilMissDiva...........235............221.8.............220.............1.8 livelovelaugh.. ...236............ ..207........ .....189..............18 Mellifrits...............210............132..............125................07 Meriteri................240............177..............170...............7 MichelleLee..........252...........222................199...............23 MINI-Me...............203.............124.6...........125...............0 & holding! mlr777................200.8...........174.6...........160.............14.6 Mommy2Girls.......275...............240............228..............1 Moniluv.................190.............181...........178...............3 MRSKOUBIK...........317............252.............255..............-3 NannieG . .............250. ..........153........... 150............... 3 OregonDaisy . . .. . . ................135 pattimomof3nj......203.4...........157.3............155................2.3 missed it by that much! PlannerGirl………..…327…..……..275…….........255………….....20 Sailorgirl................240............220.............200..............20 Secret Surgery34....205............174...........165................9 Seniorsleever........290............262.5.............260..............19 missed by 2.5--early days yet. Sleeve 4 me.........166...........159..........159....................0 Sweatinitout..........245............170.............160..............10 tlang262 - Texas.....240..........240..............230..............10 Yolanda240.....236.................191..............170..............21

LOVE the picture of you and hubby with son on the beach--the look on your son's face is priceless!

Good luck, Shaundra! You're on your way to a better life!

Thank you so much for posting this! I printed it out for future reference.