wannalise

Was an absolute game changer for me. Three years ago this month I was walking (actually on a break from work walking to my car to get a 44 oz diet coke and a giant cadbury bar) and just by walking broke my foot. Yup. Broke the damn thing. ( I will also have you know that I still went and got the soda and chocolate) Ever since then and actually way before then even, my feet hurt all the time. This last summer I walked all over Universal Studios and got to the end of the day and realized I wasn't in pain. It was amazing to me. I have a crummy back and that is partly just a hereditary thing, but preop I had been at a place where I was throwing it out (like can't move got stuck on the floor) every couple months minimum. I haven't thrown it out once since surgery. Obviously we will still have to deal with the damage we have done to our bodies by being obese, but I hope that this really makes a huge difference in her pain, and I promise it will make a huge difference in her life. Anna

Hey lady! I am right with you, I am trying to maintain a good attitude about it. The thing that has gotten to me is that not only do good habits yield good results, but for me good results also yield good habits. I am really having to stay focused to not totally lose my motivation, so you are my hero! You are still fighting the good fight and getting your exercise in. It will go slower, but it will go! You are still doing so well, and I hope you know what a great support and inspiration you are to me and to others. Hang in there my dear! Anna

I have no great advice because I have been fortunate enough to not experience this, but it is the kind of thing that you also have to trust yourself, if you don't feel like the dr's are doing all that you think needs done speak up. You really are your best and only advocate. Good luck and hopefully they find a whole lot of nothing! Anna

You are totally normal! We have all had these worries and wonders. This is what I had to realize. If you have surgery the risk of complication is there, but minimal. If you stay you are taking greater risks: * 80% of type II diabetes related to obesity * 70% of Cardiovascular disease related to obesity * 42% breast and colon cancer diagnosed among obese individuals * 30% of gall bladder surgery related to obesity * 26% of obese people having high blood pressure Best of luck to you, I wouldn't change any of this and you have loads of support here on the boards. Anna

So here are my questions: 1. Why isn't the surgery more well known? The sleeve has only been used as a stand alone procedure for approx 5 years. Prior to that it was the first stage surgery for people who were too obese to have gastric bypass initially. Many people were having the surgery and losing enough weight with the sleeve alone, that it became a stand alone procedure. 2. Since I am considering the surgery, but have a lower BMI, would any US doctor perform this surgery for me if I paid out of pocket? Most surgeons look for a BMI above 35 so you would need to ask, this would be a case by case issue. 3. I'd love a realistic idea of pain involved post-op. Is it an ache? Please describe. This is one of the variables that I have had a WIDE range of responses to. My pain was minimal, but I did have a spinal block which surely helped. I have since had two friends who had surgery and both had enough pain that they needed pain medication, but not to the point that it was unmanageble. 4. I inquired online and was given the name of Dr. Jose Rodriguez in Juarez, Mexico. But most members (including my friend) seem to have had the surgery performed by Dr. Alberto Aceves or Dr. Alanza Reyes. They seem to perform the most number of sleeves. Any feedback on any of the above doctors? I can only speak to my own experience. I had surgery with Dr. Aceves and had a very positive experience. I have emailed that experience to several others so if you want more info then email me and I will send it to you. (wannalise@hotmail.com) 5. What do you feel like when you eat after the surgery? What is "foaming"? Is eating uncomfortable or painful? How long until eating (not over-eating) feel normal? The first few weeks you are just doing liquids/soft foods. I had to eat very slowly and eating wasn't uncomfortable so long as I paid very close attention to my full signals. For many (me included) the first few weeks when you drink Water it feels very strange, for me it felt very heavy and almost painful, I had to play around with it and either add crystal light or drink it ice cold and I am just fine. Foaming or slimeys is when you are overfull (or for me) when you consume to quickly, your body produces lots of extra saliva the way you would if you were about to throw up, only all you do is slime. It is disgusting and will quickly teach you how fast you can eat or drink. (My worst slime experience was with ice water that I apparently guzzled) I am not sure what you mean about feeling normal about eating. I am able to eat ANYTHING just in really small portions and that has been the case for several months. After I got back onto solid foods it took a while to be able to fully enjoy spicy foods, but I do now and am thrilled about it! 6. I would prefer to have a slightly larger sleeve so the weight loss is more gradual and my weight manageble. What are the options? Depends on your surgeon. I know there are some who are willing to do larger sleeves, I would want you to really talk this out with them. If you don't need extreme restriction or only need it for a short time, this may be something that would prove to extreme for you and eventually very frustrating, because it never goes away. I still can't sit down and eat a big old cheeseburger, this is what I want and needed, but there are still days that I want to eat the whole damn thing. 7. I am freaked out by two possible side effects: gall bladder problems (very painful) and hair loss (doesn't sound too preventable unless the weigh loss is more gradual). In the US, doctors use a medication aimed at preventing gall bladder issues...is this standard in Mexico and is it effective? I already don't have a gallbladder, but even if you went to MX I am sure that you could request the medication. The hair loss thing is in part to rapid weight loss, loss of estrogen, and just the result of trauma to your body. I won't lie it sucks. I followed all the rules to a T and like clockwork at 3 months it started and as I approach 7 it is slowing way down. 8. Any regrets? Or any tidbits you wished you'd know and prepared for before hand? I have no regrets. It is awesome to be able to say that with all honesty. The stuff that I would encourage you to be prepared for are not the physical things, you really have to learn to be aware of yourself. Most days that feels really awesome, I had no idea how much I had become detached from my own actions. Also, there are some who say this is effortless and for them it is, for me that is not true. I have worked my a** off. The difference between this and a diet is that I like my life. I see results, I don't deprive myself, and I am in a position where for the first time in years I trust myself. I know that what I say to myself is true. 9. How difficult is the post-op diet? I like soup, chili, etc. but not so sure I can handle "mushy" food... Post op was not bad for me (mushy was my least favorite though) but if you can do Soups you will be just fine. I was rigid about that phase, I had the surgery in Mexico and I refused to wreck my investment because any complications would have been catastrophic for me. Look at the post op stuff as temporary and a part of your healing, it is the way to take good care of your body and you need to do it! Keep asking if you need any other questions answered. Be very careful in making your decision, it really is permanent, but for me that is (most days) something I take a lot of comfort in. Good luck! Anna

Deep breath! Nezzie you are just 5 days out from having 80% of a vital organ removed. This will sound crazy, but don't even THINK about weight loss right now. That is not your job just yet. Your job is to heal. Thats it. Focus on being hydrated first, your body can go without the total amount of nutrients for short periods of time, your body can not go without hydration. I found myself in a similar situation where I would throw up (the very little amount of things I could get in) and would then be very careful, well I learned the hard way that dehydration not only comes after vomiting, but can also cause more vomiting. So.....my point is you will have plenty of days to work and worry and lose that weight, but not yet. Just take care of yourself, be patient with your progress and don't compare it to others, and you will feel better soon. Anna

You are a rockstar! I am really excited for you and can't even imagine what being a size six could possibly feel like. Thank you for your support and encouragement through this whole thing, you are an excellent example to me of combining exercise and healthy eating to have an overall healthful life! You really are one of my heroes! Anna

You are well on your way. Your surgery will be here soon and it sounds like you have an excellent outlook and support system in place. There will be times where you feel like no one understands what you are experiencing, but guess what? We will. Post anytime, this is an excellent forum for support. Welcome aboard! Anna

Okay so I posted a lengthy number the other day, just am so excited to be in a place I have NEVER been before. Thanks again to all of you who support and encourage me! I am getting married next year and though I hope to be down another 60-70lbs my friend and I went and tried on wedding dresses! I didn't need a plus sized dress. So here I am, crazy face, but cute dress!!! Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy Surgery (VSG) Forum - wannalise's Album: On My Way! - Picture Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy Surgery (VSG) Forum - wannalise's Album: On My Way! - Picture Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy Surgery (VSG) Forum - wannalise's Album: On My Way! - Picture (Tiff I am becoming a picture whore too!)

Angie, It has been waaaaaaay to long, but I am happy to hear that you are enjoying your nights! You have done an amazing job, your body will let go of those last pounds, but don't compare your speed to those who had way higher BMI's it will never be the same (that being said, my weight loss is slowing down and it is frustrating!) You are a beauty and deserve all the best. Good for you for continuing to fight the good fight and I am so glad to hear there is a new fella in your life. You deserve to be treated well. Take care! Anna

Yes, it is very doable to get financing, shop around. My fave option and the one I ultimately went with was medchoice. I know that surgery loans also does financing. Some surgeons have their own financing programs in place, and many of the loan providers require that the surgeon you are going with is one of their providers. Good luck! Anna

Thank you for your friendship, support, and guidance. I really do love and appreciate you! My friends all know about "you know Tiffany from online" I am so grateful and happy to have you as a friend.

As I sit here and try to say what the last six months has been for me it is really hard to formulate into words. A few years ago I remember watching shows where people had WLS and feeling like they took the easy way out. Mind you I would watch these shows at 200 then 250 then 300 lbs. Telling myself all along that when I was ready I would be able to buckle down and lose weight. I have since learned that weight loss surgery is not the easy way out. Many talk about this being effortless for them and that has not been my experience. I am doing it, my mind and heart and body are changing every day, but this has not been easy. It is hard to go from a life where you are able to find peace or pacify your feelings with a soda, a treat, or with the feeling of being so full that you are distracted from all other feelings. After surgery I was confronted with all new feelings. I was forced to feel discomfort, and I have realized that without discomfort we don't grow. I feel like I was a generally happy person preop. I had a healthy outlook on life. I thought I was attractive, always had friends, had a man in my life who I loved and who loved me. Now I feel like a fog has been lifted. Every aspect of my life is better and it was already good. Six months ago when I headed to Mexico to get surgery I felt like I was going in my own rebellion. Those around me loved me and wanted to support me, but many didn't understand, had seen me struggle to lose weight in other areas, or were afraid that I didn't understand what this would mean in my life. I listened to all those opinions and then trusted myself. I knew what I needed and that it was time. I went alone to get my surgery and my days there are a strange fog. I remember staying in the hotel the night before surgery with a strange excitement knowing that my life would never and could never be the same. Those who were worried and struggled to support me have been my biggest cheerleaders. I have since had 2 other friends get surgery and we are all on this weird journey together. I don't want to sugar coat this whole experience, I have dreams about drinking soda (something that in my waking life I have chosen not to do) I have had mini tantrums in my head when I can't eat the volume that I was accustomed to. I still have to be very mindful of why I am eating. I have discovered that if I am not careful I can still be eating out of boredom, or other emotions. I used to tell myself that was okay as long as I was eating healthy foods, but I have experienced what it is to trust myself and be in control of my actions and know that it isn't about what I am eating, but why. I have learned to enjoy food more. I eat such small quantities that I refuse to eat things I won't enjoy. I still have treats, but I am aware of myself when I do and I savor them. To those of you considering having this surgery, it is not easy, and I know that in my case I will always have some of the same struggles mentally about keeping a healthy relationship with food. But, I will also say this, my knowledge of myself has increased. I feel like as my booty shrinks I grow. I have enjoyed loads of NSV's. I have collar bones, my cholestorol is down 70 points, my feet don't hurt, I am energetic, I have no need to take antidepressants because my hormones are in check, the jeans I buy don't have to come just from Lane Bryant or online. I can walk into Old Navy and grab jeans off the shelf. I am happier and more at peace than I have been in years. The first pic is preop/The second is from my recent trip back to Mexico with my friend who also had surgery. I had just gotten out of the pool and was jumping on a hotel bed so please excuse the crazy, but please note the happy! Anna

I love it Carrie! Though the "grown up" gifts may need to be given creatively for the first little while!!!!

Ask him about the scale, some of us do better having it, some do better spacing our weigh ins out! That you even ask and want to be sensitive to him will mean the world to him.

I had to chill about calories and protein for a while to. I was super dehydrated and had to drink orange drink from McDonalds and I felt super guilty, but believe me your goal at this point is just to get hydrated, you will have plenty of time to track all the other fun stuff, honest!