PdxMan

Well, I'm guessing there is some mis-information regarding the "leak after 2 years". Either she didn't understand what her Dr said, or the Dr had been mis-informed or was quoting a case which had other issues. As has been mentioned, approximately 6 weeks post is the window where leaks can occur. This is the time when the stomach forms scar tissue over the staples which then completely seals the stomach. If your staple line hasn't healed over in 2 years, well, then ... you've got something else going on and would also have issues healing after bypass, so ... As far as the diabetes cure rate of 60%, I have not heard of that either. A recent study with 25 GBP and 12 VSG patients indicates the outcomes are similar: http://jcem.endojournals.org/content/early/2013/09/19/jc.2013-2538.abstract which has held true for me. I know my cousin, who got the GBP 3 years ago is struggling with weight re-gain. His sister has had all kinds of issues with bowel obstructions and malnutrition issues. As far as what Drs are telling you ... well ... a salesperson with red cars is going to tell you red cars get better gas milage ... know what I mean? (they are going to sell you what they know ... just as I am )

Well chewed gummy-vites a few days post.

I, too, would like to understand your post better. As the 545th posting on a thread that stretches 28 pages on a web browser (mobile devices will be different), how can you say this is not representative of VSG patients? Albeit, I believe there are varying degrees of quality in the postings as I don't believe the original intention of the OP intended people who are only a few weeks post-op to report their gains as I am confident they were able to lose that weight shortly after. But, I think everybody's contribution here is very relevant to someone who is researching. That is why it is pinned. These are real, dyed in the wool VSG folk ... real world stuff. If someone researching wants additional information on someone's experience, I can think of nobody better to contact them then through this thread or VST ...

Well, I think it largely depends on you and what could be personal triggers which may sabotage our efforts. Let me put it this way ... if a recovering alcoholic told you that drinking a particular energy drink reminded them of drinking margaritas, would you suggest they continue drinking them or find an alternative? If candy bars are not a slippery slope for you, then I would say the Quest bars are a great way to get your Protein on the go. But if it could possibly be a trigger, then ...

A Google search for Naugatuck, CT wls support returned THIS: http://group-weight-loss-support.meetup.com/cities/us/ct/naugatuck/?psize=64&radius=25.0&allGroups=false&show=results Perhaps find something here or search through the other Google search results.

Congrats! I hope you feel as great as you look!

Wow ... you are a brave woman. Congrats on being on the other side. I'm sure you will do great in your recovery. When do you fly back home?

I treated sharp white cheddar like it was a cracker. Such bold flavor, which I was DYING for. Anything to cut through that acetone mouth from ketosis.

Canned tuna mixed with ranch on sharp cheddar cheese. So good to chew again.

I see there is a Fresco Style MexiMelt, but not sure exactly what that means, though I see the site says it is a 25% reduction in fat. If you are not ordering it Fresco Style, the nutrition information on these is not the greatest. 7 grams of saturated fat, 730 mg of sodium ... OY! And it is a soft tortilla, so the breads is basically nutritionally irrelevant while taking up so much valuable stomach real estate. Perhaps just try to eat the insides of a Fresco Style if you are in a pinch. ** Edit *** To the OP, once you progress to solids and begin with the routine of eating lean Protein first, then you will get the expected restriction.

I think it all depends on the person. At 3 months, mine were still pretty noticable, but it didn't stop me from going to the swimming pool. I didn't care. At about a year post you would have to know where to look to notice them.

That is a difficult question to answer because everyone may have a different understanding of what "excess weight" is and will be difficult to quantify. Does excess weight mean weight as it relates to goal? If so, then I lost about 140% as my original goal was 200#, but the lowest I saw the scale was 159, which was too low for me so I got myself up to the 185 and am holding there, so that would then be around 120%. Does excess weight mean as it relates to fat? Even at 159 I still had some fat ... I think ... or was it just excess skin? But even now at 185 I definitely have some fat, so I would say I would be at 80% excess weight loss. Forgot to add, 27 months post-op. Got to 185 initially in 8 months. Was at 159 at 14 months. Got back to 185 at 19 months.

It definitely comes more with solids as the liquid in the soft mushy foods is going to help the food move through the stomach quicker, thus you don't feel the restriction as much or as long. Also know that the feeling of full is going to be somewhat different and difficult to understand at first. Just take things slow, don't rush to eat. Put your utensil down in between bites and assess how you feel. Chew well and don't drink liquids just before during or just after eating. You will come to know your new "full".

I think we tend to believe only obese folk have self-image issues. I believe it is more prevalent than we think, even for skinny people. Just remember these are her issues, not yours. A tactic people often use is to try to project their insecurities upon others so they can feel "normal". Be your own person and don't let these people bring you down.

As I posted in another thread HERE: http://www.verticalsleevetalk.com/topic/96538-confused-feel-the-same/ I think the people who don't have issues don't post about it. Like you, they feel guilty or since nothing bad is happening, they just don't post. Like product reviews. People will write to complain, but not say everything works as expected.

And the fun has just begun

I also got this surgery because I knew my obesity was going to kill me. How many morbidly obese people do you see over 60? Not many and I worry about what the quality of life would be if I were able to make it there. I wasn't able to keep up with my kids, either, which was discouraging. I'm not going to lie and say vanity had no role, but for me, it was more like icing on the cake if my wife found me sexier or the usual discrimination aspects of being overweight were suddenly not apparent in my life. The Drs were going to put me on all kinds of medications and I just wasn't going to go down that road. I needed help and for me, the sleeve has been a life-saver. I wish you well on your journey with the sleeve. I have learned so much about myself, my relationship with food and how I am enabled to lead life without this coping mechanism I once abused.

How long ago were you sleeved? If you are early post-op, you may still be pumped full of liquids from all the IVs. Also, the pure stress of it all may be a contributing factor. Of course, always contact your medical team for all health related issues.

As someone who had to rebuild a server this past weekend in an emergency situation, I can appreciate when things don't go quite as well as anticipated. We hate computers as much as we love them. They'll get it figured out, but you are right .. an update would be appreciated. ** Edit ** Sorry ... powder Room. Didn't check.

Well, my capacity is about half of what you guys are able to eat. But, when I was exercising like you guys are, my capacity did seem higher ... wonder why that is ... Like Butter, I pretty much stay away from the starches and breads. Maybe a bite or two. I get about 1,400 calories a day, I would estimate. More now with Halloween candy all over my house ... (First Halloween party tonight for Scouts) I am just over 2 years out.

Don't feel bad about what you are experiencing. From my experience, and from what I have read here, what you are going through is quite normal. I would estimate almost everybody has at least one day where they say to themselves, "OMG, WTF did I do to myself!?" But, just to let you know, 20 pounds in less than a month is freaking awesome. When have you ever been able to do that and know that it is going to stay off? Obviously your expectations for initial weight loss were not realistic, but your reality is still VERY good. As far as talking to your psy, there is an old saying: We are only as sick as our secrets To not share something you know you need to would be worse than not sharing at all, in the long run. Tell me, what would be the worst thing that could happen if you do talk to them? What could be the best? I have found that, "Patient, HEAL THYSELF!" seldom works. It is my belief that pretty much every person getting WLS has issues with their relationship with food, though only a small percentage will admit to it and an even smaller percentage will seek help to deal with it. Each of us must find our own way and asking for help does not mean we are weak. Quite the opposite, actually.

Yup, so you have to know you are not gaining fat, so it has to be Water weight...

My insurance doesn't cover any bariatric procedures, so I was self-pay. I believe you can petition your insurance with the backing of your surgeon and PCP and all the other things supporting VSG no longer being seen as experimental. It takes awhile for things to get across the right person's desk.

How do they have you getting protein in during the first 6 or so weeks without protein drinks? I know some people can handle pureed meats, but I was not one of them. Good, nutritionally balanced liquid calories early out were the only way I was able to survive the first 6 weeks.

This is what I call a CYA NUT. Covering their rear if you don't lose at the rate you expected. "Well, you had a cup of coffee 2 months ago and I told you not to, so, there you go." Eeesh! You are going to have to find your way with the guidelines. The problem is, some people take things too far. "Oooh! I can have a cup of coffee!! Starbucks venti triple cream blah blah blah, HERE I COME!" To the tune of 800 calories ... "But you didn't say I couldn't have coffee ... " Some of the sports drinks have a ton of sugar as do a lot of juices. They are empty calories. If you are buying broths and stews at the store vs making them yourself, they have a TON of sodium in them, but when you make it yourself, you can control these things. The bottom line is to be changing how and what we eat. If you want things to change, then you must be the instrument of change. The sleeve is a tool to use to lose weight, it will not do it on its own. I like to say ... my sleeve will help me move mountains, but I still need to bring a shovel.