Janae

Beef Fajitas without the tortilla! Fajita meat, sour cream, guacamole, grilled onions, salsa. My favorite meal!

i'll add: Having to use the regular blood pressure cuff at the doctor's office rather than the supersized one

I'm with Swizzly. I have never stopped drinking before, after or during meals. Our pyloric sphinctor (between the stomach and intestine) is stil intact, which means our stomach will empty in the same manner as a non-surgical person. I agree that there is a lot of information being given out, even by surgeons, that is based on Roux-en-Y surgery that is not applicable to sleevers. The bottom line is I decide what is best for me. If my doctor's advice makes sense, I follow it. If not, I put it aside. BTW, my doctor has no restrictions on drinking whatsoever! 1

I do sometimes get "stuck air bubbles." It is just slightly uncomfortable and resolves within 30 seconds. Not a big deal.

Dr Marvin did my surgery and he is quite wonderful. He is double-board-certified in general surgery and criticall care medicine. His staff was very helpful throughout the process. The only negative think I can say is that there wasn't much nutritional support post-op. I already have a lot of knowledge in this area but some may want to establish a relationship with a nutritionist. You couldn't be in better hands than Dr Marvin for your surgery!

I found that Prilosec works better for me than Nexium. I have had very bad reflux since surgery. I now take Prilosec twice a day and it keeps it under control. Up until 6 months out I was taking Prilosec and LOTS of Tums. It's important to stay on your anti-acid medication as this reflux can lead to a condition called Barrett;s Esophagus, which can be a precursor to esophageal cancer. Hang in there and take your meds!!! It's still soooo much better than our pre-surgical condition. Good Luck!!!

I worked for general surgeons for several years (the same specialty that performs the sleeve) and none had ever seen or heard of a titanium clip ("internal staples") migrating and causing a problem. I suppose theoretically it is possible, but the chances are extremely low, probably barely over zero.

Congratulations on your surgery!! I'm 55 and 7 months out. I am glad I waited for the sleeve as opposed to having the RNY years ago. Good things come to those who wait!!! I love my sleeve and wouldn't trade it for anything. I'll bet you will feel the same!

Here is the link for BCBS Illinois bariatric surgerymedical policy:: http://medicalpolicy.hcsc.net/medicalpolicy/home?ctype=POLICY&cat=Surgery&path=/templatedata/medpolicies/POLICY/data/SURGERY/SUR716.003_2011-03-15#hlink Also, be sure to verify that your plan hasn't specifically excluded it. You can find this in you plan document, which you should have a copy of. Good luck!

I have lost 70 lbs in 7 months!

I knot is hard when you don't see the weight loss you expect post-opt, but you are down 31 lbs total - forever!! That is fantastic! I honestly think that if your surgeeon has you on a pre-op diet, it affects your post op loss in the beginning. It seems that our bodies will lose for a while, then needs an "adjustment period" before it starts losing again. It looks like you have hit your first stall and need to keep on doing what you're doing until the weight loss starts again! Keep your chin up -- you have lots of weight loss in your future!

I drink carbonated diet soda and have no problems whatsoever. I occasionally eat fried food and I have no problems either, but I rarely eat it b/c I have just lost my taste for anything greasy.

I have had problems with acid since my surgery on 3/10/11. I am totally happy to report that at 6 months out, it became completely controlled by Prilosec twice a day. Up until then, I took Prilosec 2x/day plus ate two Tums anytime I felt the acid burn in the back of my throat. IT REALLY WILL GET BETTER!!! It would be interesting to know if, after 6 months, anyone else still has uncontrolled acid reflux. Does anyone still have acid issues more than 6 months after surgery that cannot be controlled with medication?

Awesome!! You look like a younger, happier you!! congrats and keep up the good work!

I "recovered" from a two MONTH stall and dropped 9 lbs on Sept 6. No more loss since then even tho I'm doing all the right things. But I know I will keep losing and so will YOU!!! YOU ARE NOT ALONE!! Keep the faith and the weight will continue to come off.