Hopeful Spirit

Hi: Hope you are "holding up" okay. Even though I haven't had surgery yet (due 10/17), I have a particular concern about GERD. I evern posted a question about it on this forum, but only received one response from someone who didn't have it before surgery and had it after. The research that I have done (and what they tell me at the hospital -- Mass General in Boston) is that some people develop much worse cases of GERD after Sleeve Surgery and Some don't. It seems to be a toss-up as to what result you have, and it looks like you are on the "got worse" side. I am taking Prilosec now and have been for several years. I will definitely continue taking it. I think if you stick with that and follow up with your endoscopies, you will be okay. So sorry to hear of yoiur distress. But it looks like you are doing soooo great weight wise! You are a real inspiration to me! Hang in there.

Good luck tomorrow! All best wishes. Sorry you are so nervous, but I totally understand. I am nervous NOW and I am not having my surgery until October 17th! Don't know what I will be like the day before. BUT you see, you will be all finished then and will be able to respond to my hysterical post for support by telling me "Oh, it isn't ANYTHING!!" I will be thinking of your tomorrow. All good things! Phyllis aka Hopeful Spirit

Hi. Welcome to the club!! I am 65 but will turn 66 on October 1, 2011. My VSG is scheduled for October 17 at Mass General Hospital in Boston. I didn't think there were many of us out there getting this operation over 60 years of age. There aren't many hopsitals in Boston who will accept people over 60 or 65, but Mass General seems to do it all the time. I am 150 pounds overweight, have been overweight my whole life and just don't want to live out my last 20, 25 or hopfully 30 years like this! I think you kinda get the picture when you are looking at the rest of your life. I sure want to enjoy it as much as I can. Health problems will always be there, but why make it worse! Where will you be having your surgery? Sorry to hear about your stress test, but will they give you another one? Let me know how you are doing and if you do get a date. Best, "Very" Hopeful Spirit

Hi MeMeMEEE! Thanks for the quick response! Sorry I messed up my first reply to you. I have to learn how to use these forums. What you say is not good news at all. I am really beginning to worry about my GERD getting much worse than it is already. How are you coping? Did your surgeon talk to you about this before surgery? My surgeon didn't, but another doctor mentioned it. If anyone else can shed light about the GERD problem, please chime in. I am wondering now if the VSG is the right procedure for me. Thanks so much for your comments!!

Hi Everyone! I will be having my VSG on October 17, but am wondering about my Gastric Reflux. While doing research on the sleeve, I noticed that in several places, it was noted that it would not be a good idea to do the sleeve when you have GERD because it may make the symptoms of GERD worse. I know it "solves" the problem of GERD when you have Gastric Bypass, but is it different with the VSG? Has anyone had any experience with GERD symptoms before and after surgery? Thanks for any info you can give on this. Hopeful Spirit!

Hi GeLu and Congratulations for getting your surgery date for the Sleeve Gastrectomy! I remember when I finally received my date -- which is October 17th. I felt like a huge weight was lifted off my shoulders. I could now begin to plan the rest of my life. Everything felt like it was on "hold" for more than a month. I still have nutritionist and therapist appointments at the Weight Loss Clinic as well as a group meeting, but I think I need that -- at least the therapist and group. I must admit that I am not crazy about my nutritionist. Anyway, Best of luck to you, and I will look forward to following your success!!

Oh my God! Did you just have your surgery last week?! Hope you are doing well, or at least over the "worst of it." Love to you.

Hi everyone! So interested to support & share with you all and learn from your experiences. I will be 66 yo when I have my VSG on Oct 17, at Mass General Hospital in Boston. I think I am older than everyone here!! Any "Children of the 60's around? But even though I hope to retire sometime in Jan, 2012, I am still young at heart and LOVE young people. So much to learn from you. Lots of appmts with Nutritionists & Psychologist at MGH, and medical tests. Not all hospitals will take someone older than 60 or 65 for tlhis type of surgery, but I found a brave surgeon. A little scared after You-Tube videos , but will still go for it. I have been heavy my entire life and DO NOT want to live my last 25 to 30 years (hopefully) unable to get around -- not to mention move! -- because of my weight. I think my heart will thank me too. So here I go on my journey. Let me know how you are all doing!

Thank you, thank you, thank you.

Thanks, and I will "keep a look-out" for you. You still have a little way to go, but there is so much support here, I am sure everyone will be "with you". I will not be too far behind. Thanks again.

Hi and thanks for the welcome! I know I am very new at this forum stuff, but how do you get your picture and your weight loss ticker to sho up on your posts? I have it all on my profile, but it didn't show up on my post. Did I forget to check something somewhere?