sleepeone

Last night my husband Gordon & I were at dinner @Superior Steak House celebrating his birthday, (we both were "dressed up"). An old friend that we had not seen in a couple of years came by totally disregarding me and angrily told Gordon "Man, I didn't think you were the type to dump a perfectly good woman for this "younger cupcake" I really thought you & Linda were soul mates" He then looked at me and began to tell me how "wonderful" Gordon's Linda was , so I said thank you and told him next month we will be celebrating 31 years together and that's when he realized it was me! After the usual OMG you look fantastic, he left & Gordon and I continued our dinner but I do believe Gordon's smile was a little bit bigger I know mine was. I look in the mirror and am just now (11mths out Sleeve) seeing the new slimmer me that everyone around me has seen for months. [sharedmedia=trackers:tickers:1098]

I had the Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy - Laparoscopic in August 2011, performed by Dr. George Merriman in Shreveport, LA. Prior to the surgery I was clinically labled morbidly obese, weighed 248lbs (at 5' 2"), wore sizes 24, and took over 8 different medications for high blood pressure, cholestrol, acid reflux, constant headaches plus medicine in connection to my Multiple Sclerosis. Now 11 months later the only mediciation I take is the one for my Multiple Sclerosis. I am only clinically labled overweight, weight 160lbs, & wear size 12. I feel better than I have in over 30 years. I find I smile more and am more comfortable in public situations. The surgery was non-eventful and recovery for me was quick without any problems. Dr. Merriman has an extremely supportive staff and is always attentive if needed. There's a private facebook support group of Dr. Merriman's patient that has provided the necessary emotional support after such a life changing undertaking. Although I still have about 20-25 lbs that I wish to lose the aspect of having a more healthy body and upbeat outlook on life is one of the biggest accomplishments that this surgery has give to me. In a sense the VSG & Dr. Merriman has given my life back to me. I can shop for clothes without being embaressed, fit comfortably in airplane seats, cross my legs again, knees don't hurt, And although I still have slight issues related directly to Mutiple Sclerosis I get around easier and have more energy. My general & neurology doctors are very pleased with my overall health which is great. Personal relationships are better than ever since I am not self-conscious of my weight. Life is good. <a href='http://www.verticalsleevetalk.com'><img src='http://www.verticalsleevetalk.com/tickers/16943-sleepeone/bodyweight.png' /></a>

Many surgeons that offer "self-pay" will also offer payment plans, I know mine does. Again you will have to check with the specific doctor that you choose. %20%20"]http:// [/url]

Wow, first Kendra breath and relax. One of the hardest decisions is making the decision & committment to which ever WLS is best for you. You've already made the decision to have WLS so now you can proceed just remember to continue to ask questions. Every WLS is different for each person so what I tell you or what you read on post/blogs are of course only our experience and opinions. We are not replacement for medical advise. You should be able to go to www.obesityhelp.com/find/bariatric-surgeon/PA/ which should give you the weight loss surgery doctors in Philadephia area along with reviews and doctor data. As far as pre-surgery diets, psche evaluations, or talking with therapist ; that is going to be determined by a number of factors, which doctor & his requirements, what requirements your insurance co might require, your own personal needs. (I myself , I'm in north louisiana, had my sleeve surgery 4 weeks after my first visit with the doctor, only had to do 1 week before the surgery pre-op diet, never had to do psche evaluations or talk to any therapist.... I had to talk with nutrionist and my surgeon has a private facebook support group that I actively keep up with) The price of sleeve is going to be dependent on where you have it done location city wise, the surgeon, the hospital, etc. Knowing your insurance covers 80% is great. (My insurance also covered 80% and if I remember right my out of pocket was around $2,500.00 for everything, surgeon, hospital, anesthesia, xrays, lab ) Whatever WLS you and your doctor decide on will be a life long tool for you to lose the weight that prevents you from living fully, but it will be a change so like I said before always ask questions , get as much information that pertains to you personally as you can get. WLS can and will change your life. [sharedmedia=trackers:tickers:1098]

I use Protein "shots" ......2.9oz of 25grams protein in a tube called Profect. I order a mixed case of 4 different flavors and it is sent directly to my house. Go to www.Protica.com. There are different flavors and they are not that bad, and since you drink it down in 3-4 "shot like slips" you really don't smell it.

2 week pre op lost 13 lbs 9 weeks post op lost 31 lbs Total weight gone = 44 lbs and counting [/img]

I'm 2months out and I'm only "eating" 2-3oz , still just simple chicken breast, tuna, baked fish, hard cheese or laughing cow on saltines, innards of baked potato, soft fruits, things like that. I was able to find a company that provides Protein beverages that actually has different flavor options and you can put them in the refrig so you can drink them cold. They aren't super great tasting but at 2.9ozs I get 25grams of protein in one nice tube (drink them like "shots") and if I have 2 a day along with my food I can boost my protein to the 70grams that the doctor wants me to get in. (They are called Profect see www.protica.com). I'm hoping I'll be able to increase the food intake but for now it seems this is all I can handle. http://tickers.TickerFactory.c[/img]om/ezt/t/wD2NZZd/weight.png[/img]

I had sleeve surgery Aug1,2011. Did not experience any Pain except for the first few hours after surgery and the pain med they gave thru the IV were enought to take care of that. Was lucky never experienced the shoulder /gas pain that others spoke of, so I think everyone is different. I experienced exteme nauseousness from all the IV antibiodics that they give you. I kept getting meds for that. Spent an extra day in the hospital due to that. When I went home my I had no problems, the incisions healed quickly, had no pain, and was so surprise that I was never hungry, never. Important to follow the diet (water/fluid) set by your doctor so you do not get dehydrated.