LCS

Thanks for your input. I am a very slow loser, and I am wondering if that has an effect on hair loss. I never lost lots of pounds in a short time, and maybe that's why my hair hasn't been affected that much. At least it would be one positive about slow losing.

Hi There, Stalls are exasperating! Everyone is different, and so its hard to say that a stall begins and ends at a certain time. Just know that they are part of this process. My doctor says that things are shifting around in your body, and you may still be losing, even though the scale says otherwise. I hope so, because I am 4!/2 mos. out, and I have stalled 3 times. Each time, it has lasted for a few weeks. All of a sudden, I will begin losing again. I am not a fast loser, so stalls are even more aggravating. I decided not to get caught up with the scale thing, and I just try to adhere as much as possible to a healty diet. It doesn't seem to matter if I am being extra good, the stalls come anyway, but they do pass. Good luck, and don't get discouraged.

I was only rescheduled once because he had an emergency. I sometimes think that he has a more hectic schedule because he is a general surgeon as well as bariatric. If I were you, I'd ask why this is happening so often. The office staff always seems very obliging. Maybe they'll explain.

Hi There! How exciting for you! Congrats on getting a date! I was sleeved 4/19/11. Best decision I ever made. I thought I would really miss the food, but I don't because I still eat just about everything. I don't eat a lot of it, and that's the good part, and I get to eat what everyone else is eating. Of course, the junk food is a no no, but it was always a no no. Can I get it down? Absolutely! That's where you must stay strong. The sleeve helps because you don't have that gnawing hunger. I feel very satisfied, because I found out that you don't have to eat a great amount to enjoy the food. Anxiety about the procedure is very normal. I felt very much like you. Keep positive. Good luck!

Hi There, I had a band to sleeve revision done by Dr. D. on the 19th of April this year. He was wonderful. Gentle, caring and very cautious. I had one night in the hospital, and after a week, I felt really good. You will have a drain for a week, because he believes in them, but there was really no pain involved with it, it was just annoying. Once he took it out, I felt I could do anything. He's a great doctor. You'll see. Good luck.

I had to diet for 1 week prior to surgery. I drank Unjury protein drinks, which my doc said is one of the best, and best tasting too. If you have 2 weeks of this strict diet, at least drink a protein drink that doesn't make you gag. I was also permitted some yogurt, (sugar free of course) and some fat free cottage cheese. Call and ask your doctor if you can have some of these. Sometimes when you call, they allow you to add. It can't hurt. Good luck . I found the preop diet to be the most difficult part of this journey. But, it too will pass.

Hi There, I was sleeved on April 19th of this year. At the 3 week mark, I hit a plateau, and lost nothing. It lasted almost 3 weeks. I then began losing again, until the 3 month mark. For the entire third month, I lost almost nothing. As soon as I entered my 4th month, I started losing again. I'm beginning to fear the number 3. Hopefully, I won't have to worry again until year 3!

My doctor told me that our bodies are shifting around the weight, and not to worry. (easy for him to say, he's skinny) He said this is when we lose the inches.

I feel so much better without the band, I will never miss it. I especially don't miss the stuck feeling and the need to vomit after many meals. I also don't miss the yucky feeling of the port.

I was told that I would probably have a 1or 2 night stay. It was a 1 night stay, as I felt I could go home. Glad I did.

Good Luck!!! I was so happy to get it over with. The anticipation was the hardest part. You'll do fine.

I felt exactly the same way. The entire journey seemed surreal to me. People would ask me if I was excited, and I was not. I wanted it, but it was brain numbing to me. I think that we all feel this way to an extent, some of us more than others. I still felt that way as I was getting into my hospital gown in preop. I finally began to "come to" after the surgery. You will too. I am pleased to say that it was not as bad as I anticipated. I am almost 3 wks. out, and I feel fine. Know that you aren't alone, and what you feel is very common. Good luck.

I was sleeved by Dr. Domkowski on the 19th of April. I think he is great! I never experienced the shoulder gas that many many people had. I asked him about this, and he said that he found if he heats the Co2 that they use in surgery, the gas pain isn't as bad. He is definately right. I did have gas pains after surgery of course, but nothing that couldn't be handled with a pain pill. He is caring, and wants you to ask him absolutey anything. You will have to have a drain in for a week. He is very definate about this. I tried to weasle my way out of it, but he wouldn't budge. I survived it. Honestly, I have had a very easy time of it, and I had a lapband removed and then the sleeve done. Eating has not been a problem at all. So far so good. Incision pain was quite minimal. You will do just fine. You're in good hands.

I have United Healthcare, and I waited 2 weeks. When I was approved, I was called within the next week with a date. I have heard that most insurances are faster than United, so you may hear faster. I hope so, and good luck.

I am 11 days post op, and I thought that I wouldn't be experiencing this any longer. I feel hunger a few times a day. I am on pureed food, and whatever I eat tastes so gooooood! I just wish that between eating I didn't have to feel this hunger. I thought it would be so much easier without the hunger pangs. Will this continue forever?

I'm not on any acid reducers. What are some of them? I'll give it a try.

I used very little of what I brought, because the hospital supplied toiletries. I had to wear those socks, so I didn't wear any slippers. I wore the hospital gown the entire stay. What I did use was a small firm pillow to hold over the incision spots when I was up and walking. It helped with the soreness. Also I brought a large safety pin to pin my drain to my gown. It worked very well. I had read it on one of these threads. Good luck! I'm 63 and I did just fine, and so will you. Linda

I guess I'm one of the lucky ones who have very supportive friends and family. But I know where you're coming from. I think our society is so youth centered, that they consider anything done at an older age as a waste of resources. If you couldn't get it right by 60, then give up. Well, we're here to prove that philosophy wrong by living a long, healthy and productive life.

Hi, I'm 1 week post op and started pureed food today. I wasn't able to get much down for breakfast, but lunch and dinner were another matter! I had pureed lentil soup and probably had 4 tbl. I stopped, but I could have had more. For dinner I had roast chicken pureed with a bit of suffing and broth. Then I had some green mixed veg. baby food.(2 tsp) and then 2 tbl. of butternut squash. This is my first day! Could it be that I am so happy to eat real food again, or should I be concerned? What do you think? Linda

Hi! I'm 63 years old, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, type 2 diabetes, and a band that never worked for 6 years. I am now 5 days out from sleeve surgery. I feel good! So if you think you're too old, what does that make me? The point is, I want to continue to get old. I understand your cautiousness, but what's the alternative? So, 58 sounds pretty good to me! Good luck! P.S. I already had to cut my bloodpressure meds in half.

Well, the day has come and I will be sleeved tomorrow! I have to be at the hospital at 6:00AM. It seems so surreal to me. I am so nervous because I am having the band taken out, and I've had it for 6 years. I can only imagine the amount of scar tissue that I have. I hope that it goes without a hitch. The worst case scenario is that he won't perform the sleeve and I will wait about 5 mos. for it. It's tough when you have readied yourself emotionally for months. Am I whining? Don't mean to, just thinking out loud. I know that you out there will understand. Wish me luck, and I'll update when I get home. Thanks everyone and God bless this site. Linda

Glad someone else is going through this! I am on full liquids and I really didn't think I'd have to worry about hunger. Well, the ol' demon is here again. As someone mentioned, I just want more substantial food. Tired of sweet shakes. I had some cottage cheese. (3tbls) and was surprised how easily it went down. I guess I was expecting some resistance. Hopefully, this will pass. Hang in there, and I'll try to do the same. I know what you mean about the pizza. It's getting more difficult to be around my family at meal time. It was easier preop if you can believe that.

Well, I am now officially sleeved. Joined all the other losers on the winners bench! It's good to be home. It wasn't as bad as I thought it would be, even though I have a drain that I have to wear for a week. The band was removed and the sleeve done without a hitch, so my doctor tells me. I had some real concerns such as my age (63) and the band (6yrs). I have to give a shout out to the wonderful nurses on the bariatric ward of Sebastian Hospital in FL. They were the ones that kept me going when things got tough. So understanding and well versed in the VSG. Well, now I just rest for this week. I'll miss Easter dinner, but I don't really care. Isn't that wonderful? The toughest part right now is getting down the liquid. Little tiny sips, but if I don't get it all in, that's ok. It will get better all of the time. For all of you awaiting the surgery I send my very best vibes. I think the toughest part was the preopt when they ready you for surgery. I was petrified. Again, the nurses were so calming and they kept telling me how glad I will be to have it done. Take care all of my preopt buddies, and thanks for all your support. Linda

Hi There, Well, I'll be sleeved by Dr. D on Tuesday. I am having my band removed, and then the sleeve done. Everyone I've spoken to seems to love him. Hope I feel the same on Wed!LOL