Brian66

The feelings you have are completely natural. I was pretty much where you are one year ago and I was nervous. I was worried about the chances of complications and the fact that I might not be around to see my children grow up if anything happened to me during the surgery. Here I am almost about 11 months post surgery and I have lost 120 pounds. It has not been a complete walk in the park, but having the sleeve has given me a tool to enable me to lose weight in a way and in an amount that was never possible for me. Just today, I was looking at pictures taken last Memorial Day weekend and I can hardly believe it is the same person. My advice to you is to keep researching and read as much about the surgery as you possibly can so that there are no surprises. I found this site to be invaluable in preparing myself for the surgery. At the end of the day, this is the best thing I have ever done for myself and my children. Good luck to you and don't let the fear keep you from making this amazing journey. Brian

What a great post. I can so identify with everything you wrote. I am single dad to three kids (16, 11 and 10) after being widowed four years ago and they are the primary reason I decided to have this surgery 11 months ago. I took them to the beach yesterday and could not help but think of how different it was to be there with them this year than in past years. My surgery truly has been a miracle in my life. Good luck and God bless you as you continue on your journey. Brian

Hi Bert, If you are anything like me, you'll find that is a big adjustment not being able to eat the way you have up until now. I think I went through a bit of a mourning period in the beginning. I always thought I was just a "big guy who loved to eat," but after the surgery, I was forced to look at the way I ate and I learned that I was really eating emotionally - I ate when I was happy, sad, angry, mad, bored, lonely, frustrated, etc. Once I had the surgery, I had to deal with all of those emotions without the support and comfort of my best friend -- food. I think the first one to two months are the hardest, as you learn what and how much you can eat and it can be frustrating. A lot of it is trial and error and the errors are not pretty. Don't be discouraged, it gets easier and the rewards are amazing. Here I am, just about 11 months out and 120 pounds down. Although it was always my goal to lose this much weight (and perhaps a little more), I don' t think I really thought it was going to be possible in such a relatively short period of time. At the end of the day, this surgery is the best gift I could have given myself and my children. Good luck to you on your journey. Brian

Welcome, Chuck, to the first few days of the rest of your life! You are going to love your sleeve. Take good care of yourself and follow doctor's orders with regard to Water and Protein intake. I had my surgery 11 months ago (7/13/2010) and I am down 120 pounds. It is, without question, one of the very best decisions I've ever made. Good luck to you as you travel this amazing journey! Brian

Congratulations! I happen to think the 13th is a very lucky day to have surgery. I had mine on July 13, 2010 and things could not have gone better. Here I am, just about 11 months later, 120 pounds lighter! Good luck to you! Brian

I was a huge Diet Pepsi addict before my surgery -- I couldn't even tell you how much I drank on a daily basis, but it was a lot. I was not able to give it up before surgery, but I don't think I ever really tried. I think I had my last glass at about 8:00 pm the night before my surgery. I really missed it in the beginning and, in fact, I had a dream about DIet Pepsi on one of my first nights home from the hospital. I didn't really feel any physical symptoms of withdrawal, but I think that was because I was on iv fluids and pain medication in the hospital. Not a bad way to go through withdrawal. I've struggled a little bit with finding a substitute for the diet soda and I find I still miss the idea of it at times - the coldness and the carbonation. I used some of the flavor packets for Water (crystal light, etc) but they didn't really do it for me. I did discover Diet Snapple and that is what I drink most of the time. I've accidentally taken sips of soda once or twice since the surgery and I find I don't care for the taste at all. Very chemically. As I said, I still miss the thought of my beloved Diet Pepsi every so often, but it is a small price to pay for the 120 pounds that I have lost! Good luck! Brian

Congratulations on a terrific week! Enjoy everyone of those NSVs and look forward to more in the weeks and months ahead! Keep up the good work! Brian

Good Luck!!! You are going to love your sleeve!!!

I would agree that Roslin can be less than warm and fuzzy, but I could not be more pleased with the results of my surgery. My experience in general is that surgeons are not known for the wonderful bedside manner. As a doctor friend (non-surgeon) once told me -- "there is a reason they cut people up for a living." Having said that, I think Roslin knows what he is doing and I would not hesitate to recommend him. Brian

I just feel like I have to share the events of this week with someone and this seems like a great place to do it. On Wednesday, I had a check-up with my surgeon, Dr. Roslin, and he was really happy with my progress. I am down about 120 lbs since my surgery in July and my blood work looks good except for high triglycerides which I am working on (damn my penchant for cookies!). I am especially thrilled about my blood work because I have struggled with getting my vitamins in and now I feel that I have that situation under control, except for my calcium, but I am working on that too. Dr. Roslin thought I looked "svelte" -- I don't think anyone has every used that word to describe me, so I walked out of the office on clouds. I'd love to lose another five to ten pounds and since I have not really been exercising, I think that is possible with some exercise and some slightly better eating habits. Yesterday, I decided to reward myself with a new suit for work, which I desparately need. I've been trying to avoid buying any until my weight stabilizes, but I really need one. Last summer, just before my surgery, I bought a suit at my highest size ever -- a 54. I hated to buy it and it felt like a tent, but my niece was getting married and I really had no choice. I was shocked and thrilled to find out that my new suit size is a 42 regular and then have the salesman tell me that I should probably have the jacket taken in a little! I honestly thought I would start balling right there in the three way mirror! FInally, after being widowed four and a half years ago, I am dating a really nice woman. I met her in November when I was pretty far along in my weight loss, but I've been honest with her about the surgery since our second date and she has been really supportive and complimentary. I really enjoy being with her We had a wonderful dinner together Tuesday night and I find myself really caring about her and thinking about her a lot and I am pretty sure the feeling is mutual. After being so sad for such a very long time, it is a wonderful feeling! I can't be sure that this relationship wouldn't have happened without the surgery, but I don't think my heart and head would have been in a position to pursue it without the newfound confidence that this surgery has given me. What an amazing difference these last 10 months have made in my life! If there is anyone out there who is on the fence about having this surgery -- my advice is to do tons of research, get comfortable with the procedure and your doctor and then, GO FOR IT! If you are like most people on these boards, you will never regret your decision. Thanks for being out there to listen, guys. I can't imagine where I would be without this board to support and guide me! Brian

Welcome Pasquini, I am a 44 year old man and had my VSG surgery on July 13th. I've lost about 120 pounds since my highest weight of 300 pounds and I couldn't be happier with my decision. Good luck to you! Do your research on the procedure and your doctor so that you are comfortable with both and you will do great. Come to this site often. There are some awesome people here and the information you will gain from the experience of others is invaluable! Brian

I really have not taken any Vitamins consistently since my surgery on July 13th. I've been honest with my surgeon, who tells me that this "is really not a good idea." I'm not quite sure what the problem is. Are there any other sleevers out there who will own up to not taking vitiamins? I'm looking for some motivation to get on a Vitamin regimen, but I can't seem to find the motivation within myself. Generally I feel good and I've done incredibly well in losing weight - I am down about 115 pounds since starting the process, but I am wondering if I am going to regret not being more diligent about the vitamins. I'd really appreciate hear some thoughts on this. Thanks, Brian

ToDream, This is a very personal issue and one with which I struggled. Ultimately, before surgery, I told only my mother, my children, my brother and my sister-in-law (my wife died four years ago). I simply told people at work that I was having minor surgery -- "nothing major, just something that needs to be taken care of." I have always felt that it was a very personal matter and I just didn't want to listen to other people's horror stories or opinions about my decision. I did a ton of research and was very compfortable with the procedure and with my doctor. I had the surgery on July 13 and it was late August when people really started to notice -- I had probably lost about 65 pounds by that point. I did tell the truth to family and close friends at that point, but most people I have told that "I am working with a doctor and a nutritionist." Most people seem satisfied with that answer. I am sure that some people have figured out that I had surgery and that's fine as long as I didn't have to listen to their opinions about it. The people I have told have been very supportive (how can you argue with these results), but I am still glad that I didn't broadcast my decision to the world. Good luck to you, Brian

Ultimately, no regrets at all. That is not to say, however, that it has been a complete walk in the park. The first six weeks were more than a little tough as I learned a new way of life with respect to eating and food. Although I expected that there would be a physical adjustment to learning to eat a lot less food, I don't think I was adequately prepared for the psychological adjustment. In the weeks and months following the surgery, I had to come to terms with the fact that many times I was eating out of lonlieness, boredom, sadness, anger, frustration, etc. After the surgery, I had to learn how to deal with those emotions without my drug of choice -- food. The good news is that as the weight begins to drop off (and it will) those feelings were easier to cope with and handle. Today, eight months after my surgery, I can say without a moment's hesitation that this surgery was one of the best things I have ever done for myself. Good luck to you. Brian

Welcome and Good Luck Nikki! You are going to love your sleeve. Follow all the instructions from your surgeon and come here often for information and support. It is a great community and has helped me tremendously. You are going to do great!!! Brian

Congratulations. I know I feel a little thrill evertime I wrap a towel around my waist and I don"t have to worry about it falling off. Also, in December, I stayed with my kids at a nice hotel in Dallas and was able to wear the robe provided by the hotel. That was a first time experience for me. First time that one of the "one size fits most" robes really fit me!!! Sometimes it really is the little victories in life that can mean the most to us!! Keep up the good work!! Brian

I'm a single dad to three great kids -- ages 16, 11 and 10. Life has not been easy for them since their mom died four years ago, but they are generally doing great and I am very proud of them. They are probably the primary reason that I had this surgery last July -- I really felt like I needed to get my health under control so that I would be around as long as possible to take care of them and be happy and healthy while doing it. Anyway, last weekend, I came home from shopping and my son was in front of the house playing basketball. As I came into the house, I stopped to talk to him for a minute or two about who knows what. A little while later, my older daughter tells me -- "Dad, I was looking at my window and got a little scared to see some strange man talking to Kevin, but then I realized it was you!" She made my day! Brian

Sounds like you are doing GREAT! Keep up the good work and watch the magic of the sleeve work in your life. Good luck to you! Brian

Hi Guys, I am feeling good about my weight loss - I am down about 115 pounds from my pre-surgery weight and people tell me I look great. I feel great and I am thinner now than I have ever been in my adult life. So what's the problem? I have seen some very dangerous habits developing in the last few weeks and months. When I get home at night - I start grazing. I'll eat crackers and Cookies -- even chips and pretzels sometimes. Never many at one time, but over the course of an evening and on a weekend, the numbers are adding up. Cookies have always been my downfall and they still go down way too easily. I almost feel like, since I am so limited as to what I can eat at a meal, that I have a license to snack with abandon. I haven't been losing much weight lately and it is easy to see why. I am petrified that I will not only stop losing, but that I'll start gaining. Of course, I have a lot a guilt and it brings back a lot of negative feelings that I used to have on the "diet treadmill." Not sure if any of you have any thoughts or words of wisdom, but I just thought it help to voice my feelings and share my "secret." Brian

Thanks for the feedback and the suggestions, guys. That's why I love this board so much. Tiff and Rootman - I love the description of food being a "lover of choice" and needing to change the relationship. I think's that's been very true for me, especially since my wife died four years ago, and I've used food to combat the feelings of anger, lonlieness, sadness, exhaustion. It caused me to gain 35-40 lbs following her death which were really the motivating factor in me seeking out this surgery. In the days immediately following surgery, when I really couldn't eat, I was scared because I had to face some of those feelings without my favorite "friend" or "medication." I suppose it was foolish to think that those habits, ingrained over many years, would die so easily. The good news, if there is any, is that I've become aware of the pattern before I've really started gaining. Now I really need to focus on changing my habits and making better choices. One of the things I really need to do is to get my butt moving in terms of exercise. I have not really done any serious exercsing other than walking in the days immediately following the surgery. I'd love to lose another 10 lbs or so and I have a feeling that exercise, along with the better eating habits, will go along way towards making that happen. I really do feel like I've been given a gift in having the opportunity to have this surgery -- I could never have imagined being in the position of wanting to lose "just another 10 lbs" instead of the 100+ that I needed to lose. I really don't want to blow this wonderful opportunity. As always, thanks for being there to listen. Brian

Congratulations on this wonderful news! You have been such a source of strength and encouragement for so many people on this journey -- it is wonderful to see such a wonderful blessing come your way. God bless you and your family at this exciting time. Keep us posted and don't forget to share pictures along the way! Brian

Welcome Diane and good luck to you as you start this journey! This has been one of the best decisions I have ever made! Brian

Congratulations! I was very apprehensive about telling my mother about my plans to have surgery. She was. of course, very concerned but she ended up being very supportive and, like me, she has been thrilled with the results. Good luck! Brian

I was very nauseated immediately following my surgery as well. I found that whatever the anti-gas medicine the doctor prescribed for me really helped reduce the nausea. Good luck! It will get better! Brian

Yesterday marked 7 months since my surgery. I feel great and hope to lose another 10 pounds. My daughter put together the attached pictures to show the transformation in my appearance. I hope you can view them. Thanks for all the support, encouragement and information I have received on this site. Brian