tamou37

Marhaba!

Hi guys, so this isn't sleeve related, but I just wanted to ask... are you native-born to where you live in the Middle East? If not, what took you to the Middle East -- work, family, etc?

I used to work in El Cajon, CA, where there is a very large population of Iraqi refugees. I LOVE the people, the food, the music, and even started learning Arabic! I kind of gave up on Arabic once we got to the writing part, though.

I hope to visit one day! My husband wants to go to Abu Dhabi (specifically for Formula 1 racing, of course), but I would love to visit Lebanon.

Hi there, yala come and visit in Abu Dhabi . I am in Lebanese Canadian married to a British. When were you sleeved????

Hi! What a small world! I am from the greater London sprawl originally, but my home address in the UK is my cousin's place in Bristol!

I am doing well, thank you. The pain is controllable and far less intense than I imagined it would be six days post-op, and I am having no problems in keeping down reasonable quantities of clear fluids, which is great. I am having my first follow-up at AUH on Thursday, followed by a stomach X-ray to check that all is well internally.

No, I'm not a teacher. I used to be many years ago (and an international credit manager, official guide to the Paris sewers, intellectual property barrister and lawyer-linguist inter alia - I've had what these days they call a portfolio career!) but I now work as a linguist for the UN. That's what brought me to Beirut and it's the UN health insurance that covers CMC.

It would be great to meet up in July! I'm not sure how I can let you have my e-mail address without it appearing everywhere here, but we'll think of a way! I'm staying with a friend till Friday and only have my iPad with me, but once I'm home and have my laptop, I could set up a temporary e-mail address. That may be the best way to do it.

All the best,

Janet

I have sent you a private email to your inbox on this forum. talk soon

Hi, Tamou37! Yes, the big hospitals here are really expensive. I went to AUH for the expertise (my endocrinologist said that Dr. Safadi was the best in Lebanon and once I met him, I felt could trust him completely), but I had the operation done at CMC for the comfort! Luckily, it was covered by my health insurance through work and when I 'checked out' today, I only had to pay US$7 - after five days in a hospital that felt like a hotel and a life-changing operation, $7!

I have been living and working in Beirut for four years now and have really enjoyed it, but later this year I am moving to Kenya to take up a new post in Nairobi, so it will be all change once again. New body, new challenges!

All the best,

Janet

CMC is great. Didn't know some insurances cover it.

How is the recovery going?

Will be in Beirut in July, maybe if you are still there we can meet up for coffee.

Are you a teacher?

I am married to a Brit from Bristol. We met when I used to live in Canada but we live and work in Dubai now.

Talk soon

Just got my surgery date today (to be confirmed) in Abu Dhabi. I will be sleeved if all goes well on July 2nd YAY!

Tamou, thanks for all your help you have been such a support - and desertmom too!

xoxox

Just drinking Jeera Laban Sweetsusie- YUM

You are welcome darling. You will rock your sleeve.

I read on another forum about people adding fat to their high Protein diet to brake a stall. Just wondering if any one has tried that.

I stalled at 3 weeks and again at 7 weeks. not sure what to do next.

Love me some labaneh lol

Badek to send you some Labneh all the way to the States lol

I'm a Brit in Beirut. Still in hospital 3 days post-op, but - all being well - will be discharged on Sunday.

Medical facilities here are fantastic, expertise second to none and my surgeon, Dr. Safadi, is simply wonderful.

Hi Janet,

I met Dr. Al Safadi last summer but decided not to have the surgery in Lebanon as AUH was too expensive hospital for me. Hope you are enjoying my lovely Beirut. cheers

Hiya. Was sleeved on 26/2. Lost around 30 pounds but not sure if thats ok or too slow. How is everybody doing with weight loss?

I am 7 weeks post op and lost around 35 pounds. Slow loss but I dont seem to break my stall.

How many pounds have you lost in 6 weeks? you look awsome

Welcome all, it is nice to meet new people in the Middle East as many people in this part like to keep the surgery secret.

I am Canadian Lebanese lives in Dubai. Had surgery around end of Feb. Losing slowly.....it is really frustrating. Started training in the gym last week and feel really good and energetic about it.

I can eat anything. Tried high Protein diet but didnt work for me and really stalled me so now I eat some healthy carbs. My favourite is whole grain with some Labneh on it.

What is your weight loss progress like???

Thanks ladies. Can not wait to stop on the scale and find good figures.

Desertmom, we should go for a walk 3 times per week around Marina walk.

See soon.

Xo

Is it normal to have a stall at 2nd week post surgery. what is your experience like. thanks

Lol, nice I like it. I am going to surprise my family in July. I haven't told any one from my family or friends back home about the surgery. I live in Dubai so going back home in July will be a shocking surprise to everyone. can't wait.

Hi Gutless,

I am almost your age. My experience is really tough. I have had eight failed (IVF+ICSI). I put on around 45 pounds in the process. Now doctor advised me to lose around 70 pounds before I try again. I know I am getting old but sometimes being overweight does not help with getting pregnant quickly. I was sleeved on 26/2 and hoping to lose around 75 pounds in 6 months. Doctor told me if my blood test shows no Vitamins deficiency by the end of 6 months and weight is stabilized, I can try for a baby. Just my experience. good luck with your decision.

A friend nurse advised to me to have Anis herbal tea (Yansoune) twice a day and it really helped with lots of walking. I was sleeved on 26th and the pain from gaz was worse than surgery itself. You will find in the international food section.

Are you feeling hungry after the surgery. I am starving for food. My friend said it is stomach acid but medication is not helping and I am worried I will have the same during solid food stage.

Hiya. I had my surgery on 26/02/12. It is taking me around 45 min to finish half cup of broth. Sometimes longer. I am adding yogurt to my food tomorrow will see how it goes.

Hi Rob. I have been to Norway 4 times already. Trondheim and Oslo. what a beautiful country. good luck with your weight loss.

Hello. Thank you all. Sleeved last sunday on 26th. The first three days were horrible and full of regrets. Feeling better each day and started moving around. Will keep you posted.

I need to ask this as I am constantly thinking about it.

People that are 2 years and longer post-op,if you counted your calories,how many calories do you eat per day?

I know that while losing weight the dr's want the 600 to 800 calories,60 -70grams of Protein ratio but how many calories can you eat a few years down the line when you are now a thin,healthy, well adjusted, normal person? I can imagine living on such low calories for a period of time (have done it as I am a failed bandster...lol) but I remember how little energy I had for doing sport like playing squash,running,spinning class.

Can you ever eat like a small,normal person and not gain weight? My adult daughter is very tiny,loves food,healthy food and she is a snacker,mostly fruit...she has treats when she feels like it but there is no emotional component in her relationship with food....food is not part of the fun in life..lol.

See,I ask this as I am dreaming of a day that I can go to that restaurant and eat half a sandwich and be satisfied...or eat half a slice of birthday cake and enjoy it tremendously but recognize when I feel full and then stop as I am satisfied.Well,I'm dreaming!

xxo

Hey, I sent you an email. talk soon

Hi all. For all of you who had their surgery with Dr Chris, what is your experience like? have your met your goal? any complications? would you recommend the band?

I am still confused between the band or the sleeve.

sharing your views are appreciated.

thanks

youre not in the clear unless your stomach is 100% healed & you take another swallow test. they dont ask u to do so but its the only time youre in the clear 100%.

wishing the best. Really a difficult time for you but I am sure soon things will get better. keep us posted.

oh wow so passing the leak test doesnt mean we are immune. .....I am scared and already moved my surgery few times.

Hi Jasleeve, hopefully things get better soon for you.

Did your doctor do the leak test next day post op or during operaton??? do people get leak post op despite passing leak test in hospital? Thanks

People are just being ignorant and judgemental....I live in Dubai close to the city where this patient died. People here are not too open about their weight issues.

why it is so important to do our own researches on doctors and hospitals:

http://gulfnews.com/news/gulf/uae/health/woman-dies-after-weight-loss-surgery-1.972280