Monisue

Congratulations Bryan! I'm glad that other VSG'ers have given you such factual and realistic advice. Yes, there could be a problem but the percentages are very, very low. Do what the Doc says and stay positive. That said, I was sleeved Oct. 18, 2011 and it has been the BEST thing I've ever done in my life. I'm down 56lbs and feel FANTASTIC. I'm in the best mental state I've been in for years and I think the elimination of so many unhealthy foods has been the key. I use to be in love with food and now I'm in love with feeling energized. The first few days are tough but doable. There was for me some crazy head hunger and food withdrawls the first few days. Be prepared and they will pass. I'm so very happy for you. All the Best to you.

Wow, you look fantastic!

Hey Tiffany-Congrats on your success. I was sleeved Oct. 18th. I was 230 the day of my surgery (down a good 15 from the pre-op diet). I'm at 6 weeks out and weigh 215. My two week check up was 222. When I had my consultation in Sept. I was at 254. Sooo...15 lbs since the sleeve. How are you doing with food? I've not had any food issues. I do worry that I'm able to eat more than I should for this stage. 1/2 -3/4 of a cup is very doable. Trying to stay focused on Protein first and a bite of a veg or soft dairy after.

Loved reading your post. I share your attitude in wanting a healthy body with strong muscle and maximum nutrition from my food. Congrats on your efforts and success. I'm 6 wks out and also have a "sleeve of steel." The joy it brings me to eat small amounts and feel satisfied is amazing. It is time for me to really start rebuilding my muscle loss from the past few months and I hope I'm able to, like you!! Thanks again for sharing. Monica

Thanks to both of you. I'm four weeks out and have had the same questions and similar experiences. I'm also able to eat a 1/2 cup of food and do find myself wanting to top off. Great advice!

Day 19 post-op and so happy to be here. Until September I'd never heard of a sleeve gastrectomy and was not looking at doing bariatric surgery. Being overweight/obese most of my adult life I assumed I'd carry the burden and the health consequences to my grave. I was diagnosed with diabetes in 2004 and have done a fair job of losing small amounts of weight, eating clean food and staying active BUT not enough to stop it's progression. At the age of 54 SO much of my mental energy has been spent on what to eat, how to eat it, shame over emotional binges, isolation due to my size and downright self- loathing. Several people I know had the Lap-band and I was curious about it. I got on the internet and Googled surgeons in the Dallas area (not my home) and filled out a form requesting information. That same day I got a call from a representative of Dr. Nicholson's Clinic and shared my heart and they offered a solution/tool in a Bariatric Vertical Sleeve. To make a long story short I planned my trip to Dallas for an informational class and personal Dr. consultation. I was sold and set my surgery date for Oct. 18th, 2011 at Forest Park Hospital, Dallas, TX. I was about a month out of surgery when I started doing some research and asking different questions. Because I live on a ranch an hour drive from any medical services the sleeve is an ideal choice. Three weeks post op the risk of surgical complications are nil. That has been a big peace of mind for me. I started my pre-op diet on Oct. 4th and found it to be a bit of a struggle. I despise sweet, milky drinks and gagged down Slimfast, HoneyMilk and Carnation Instant Breakfast Sugar Free. I did not know about the Bariatric Advantage Products or Unjury.....boy I wish I had. If I had one piece of advice it would be to hunt like crazy till you find something that you find pleasant and drinkable. It will make the days after surgery much less stressful. I've since ordered some of the above products. During this time I also meet with the psychologist, nutritionist and went through the pre-admit process. The whole time I wasn't sure I would go through with it. The Nicholson Clinic is really good about letting you know that you can cancel or delay until you are ready. Even the night before going in I was not sure. So many changes, so much to give up, so much unknown. It was by faith and the grace of God that I made it to the OR the next day.....and sooooo thankful that I did. My check-in was noon on the 18th of October. It went smoothly and I was in the holding area shortly after that. My husband went with me and was a huge support. It is good to have someone with you. Being dehydrated made some of the IV stuff a bit trying but that was over quickly and I was resting when the anethesiologist (sp) came in. I'd had a horrible cold the week before and had a nasty cough. He promised me he would get that cleared out and he was true to his word. Don't remember a thing after he injected a relaxing med into the IV. Woke up being moved to my bed. The whole day I kept dozing off and dreaming that the surgery was the next day and feeling the dread. Then I would realize it was OVER and feel utter elation. The 24 hour hospital stay is a bit of a blur. Good drugs. I will say that it was challenging to get up and walk regularly, not drink, and battle a crazy head hunger. I just wanted to eat big bites of some comfort food like mac and cheese or enchiladas. I thought I was starving to death and ask myself what the heck had I'd done. It was an internal battle. I'm not sure if anyone else has had a similar experience but it has really reinforced for me the need for the Sleeve surgery. It will be the tool that helps me finally overcome obesity and achieve my goals in life. It's just too short to waste sitting around in a love affair with food that doesn't love me back. Leaving the hospital and going to a hotel in the area worked out fine. I slept and sipped. On day three I was able to stop the pain medication and Tylenol...both were so sweet and gagging that I did better without. I used ice packs on my left side and it seemed to help. I must say that the pain was more than I had expected but not anything to keep someone from doing it. If I could have choked down the meds I probably would have taken them a few more days. Also, do practice sipping before your surgery. I used the one ounce cup for a week before just to get the hang of it. A week post-op and I was able to drink at just the right pace without thinking about it and loved feeling normal again. On the 8th day I flew home and had a 2.5 hour car ride. It went great and there is no place like home! I really began to heal quickly once I was in my own home. I've been following the Dr.s orders as well as possible and was back in Dallas for the 2-week post op exam. I've lost 22 pounds, yea, and can begin soft foods this coming Tuesday! Hello scrambled eggs! One note, I had really felt sore on my left side and was concerned that there was a problem. Turns out it is text book for week 2 due to the healing process and increased activity. This may not hold true for all Dr's patients but for Dr. Nick's he adds extra stitches in the left side muscles and they begin to pull. Who knew? Living in an isolated area it was recommended to me to find an online support group. My nutritionist suggested this one. I look forward to this part of the journey! It will be a pleasure to hear about each of your stories and learn from the experiences of others. There is no time like NOW! Source: Day 19 and I Can't Stop Smiling!

Great question and awesome video. Thanks everyone...I really learned a lot!

Glad it went well...it's so great to be on this side of the surgery. Congratulations!

Hi Gina! My hospital had one available if you ask for it. I requested one not knowing how it would work. I was very glad I did. It wrapped around my mid-section and was secured with a velcro flap. When I got up to walk it was such a nice support. Just as Flygirl said, things feel weak and loose. The binder really helped. However, after several days I no longer needed it. Also, do get a small firm pillow. Coughing and sitting up was much easier. I'm 23 days out and I still brace my tummy when I sneeze or cough. You will be so glad you did this. All the best to you on your surgery and recovery!

I was sleeved Oct.18th, 2011 in Dallas. Dr. Nicholson at Forest Park. I'd love to be added to the roster. Thx!

Welcome! I'm fairly new and have found the site to be an excellent resource for information and support! I look forward to following your journey.

Hi All, I was sleeved on Oct. 18th, Forest Park Hospital, Dr. Nicholson. I just began soft foods and they are going well. I can eat about 1/2 cup per mean and find I am satisfied as long as I wait about an hour before drinking again. I still have pain/soreness on my left side and run out of energy after a full day. I'm inspired by all those walking so much. I've got to do more. This is a great thread. I'm happy to have found ya'll. I want to know how to get that fun ticker on my profile and other info. Any help there?

Hey All, I'm on day 21 after being sleeved on Oct. 18, Forest Park Hospital, Dallas Tx. Dr. Nicholson did the surgery around 2:00 pm. It is wonderful to have the last 21 days behind me and am thrilled to be able to eat soft foods. I may never drink another sweet, milky beverage..brrrrr. Except for some continued soreness in my left side I feel great. Bending over is the worst......great excuse to slack on housework! Ha. Anyway, I just got on this site a few days ago and am thrilled to find so much support and information throughout the community! Hope everyone is shrinking fast and feeling fine.

Amanda, just want to encourage you to keep in touch with your Dr. and try to stay positive. I'm 21 days out and have not experienced gagging or nausea. I do know a certain percentage of patients do. Keep us posted and I'll be thinking of you. Maybe contact your Nutritionist for some support.

Wow, thanks for all the resources. I'm also glad to know that a heightened sense of smell and taste is normal......finding a protein source that is tolerable is HUGE.

Day 19 post-op and so happy to be here. Until September I'd never heard of a sleeve gastrectomy and was not looking at doing bariatric surgery. Being overweight/obese most of my adult life I assumed I'd carry the burden and the health consequences to my grave. I was diagnosed with diabetes in 2004 and have done a fair job of losing small amounts of weight, eating clean food and staying active BUT not enough to stop it's progression. At the age of 54 SO much of my mental energy has been spent on what to eat, how to eat it, shame over emotional binges, isolation due to my size and downright self- loathing. Several people I know had the Lap-band and I was curious about it. I got on the internet and Googled surgeons in the Dallas area (not my home) and filled out a form requesting information. That same day I got a call from a representative of Dr. Nicholson's Clinic and shared my heart and they offered a solution/tool in a Bariatric Vertical Sleeve. To make a long story short I planned my trip to Dallas for an informational class and personal Dr. consultation. I was sold and set my surgery date for Oct. 18th, 2011 at Forest Park Hospital, Dallas, TX. I was about a month out of surgery when I started doing some research and asking different questions. Because I live on a ranch an hour drive from any medical services the sleeve is an ideal choice. Three weeks post op the risk of surgical complications are nil. That has been a big peace of mind for me. I started my pre-op diet on Oct. 4th and found it to be a bit of a struggle. I despise sweet, milky drinks and gagged down Slimfast, HoneyMilk and Carnation Instant Breakfast sugar free. I did not know about the Bariatric Advantage Products or powders?utm_source=BariatricPal&utm_medium=Affiliate&utm_campaign=CommentLink" target="_ad" data-id="1" >unjury.....boy I wish I had. If I had one piece of advice it would be to hunt like crazy till you find something that you find pleasant and drinkable. It will make the days after surgery much less stressful. I've since ordered some of the above products. During this time I also meet with the psychologist, nutritionist and went through the pre-admit process. The whole time I wasn't sure I would go through with it. The Nicholson Clinic is really good about letting you know that you can cancel or delay until you are ready. Even the night before going in I was not sure. So many changes, so much to give up, so much unknown. It was by faith and the grace of God that I made it to the OR the next day.....and sooooo thankful that I did. My check-in was noon on the 18th of October. It went smoothly and I was in the holding area shortly after that. My husband went with me and was a huge support. It is good to have someone with you. Being dehydrated made some of the IV stuff a bit trying but that was over quickly and I was resting when the anethesiologist (sp) came in. I'd had a horrible cold the week before and had a nasty cough. He promised me he would get that cleared out and he was true to his word. Don't remember a thing after he injected a relaxing med into the IV. Woke up being moved to my bed. The whole day I kept dozing off and dreaming that the surgery was the next day and feeling the dread. Then I would realize it was OVER and feel utter elation. The 24 hour hospital stay is a bit of a blur. Good drugs. I will say that it was challenging to get up and walk regularly, not drink, and battle a crazy head hunger. I just wanted to eat big bites of some comfort food like mac and cheese or enchiladas. I thought I was starving to death and ask myself what the heck had I'd done. It was an internal battle. I'm not sure if anyone else has had a similar experience but it has really reinforced for me the need for the Sleeve surgery. It will be the tool that helps me finally overcome obesity and achieve my goals in life. It's just too short to waste sitting around in a love affair with food that doesn't love me back. Leaving the hospital and going to a hotel in the area worked out fine. I slept and sipped. On day three I was able to stop the pain medication and Tylenol...both were so sweet and gagging that I did better without. I used ice packs on my left side and it seemed to help. I must say that the pain was more than I had expected but not anything to keep someone from doing it. If I could have choked down the meds I probably would have taken them a few more days. Also, do practice sipping before your surgery. I used the one ounce cup for a week before just to get the hang of it. A week post-op and I was able to drink at just the right pace without thinking about it and loved feeling normal again. On the 8th day I flew home and had a 2.5 hour car ride. It went great and there is no place like home! I really began to heal quickly once I was in my own home. I've been following the Dr.s orders as well as possible and was back in Dallas for the 2-week post op exam. I've lost 22 pounds, yea, and can begin soft foods this coming Tuesday! Hello scrambled eggs! One note, I had really felt sore on my left side and was concerned that there was a problem. Turns out it is text book for week 2 due to the healing process and increased activity. This may not hold true for all Dr's patients but for Dr. Nick's he adds extra stitches in the left side muscles and they begin to pull. Who knew? Living in an isolated area it was recommended to me to find an online support group. My nutritionist suggested this one. I look forward to this part of the journey! It will be a pleasure to hear about each of your stories and learn from the experiences of others. There is no time like NOW!

Yes, take a small, very firm pillow to brace your belly with! I had a cold and cough before the surgery and boy did it make a difference to have something to push into. Also, ask for a binder. My hospital provided one upon request and it really helped with those first few walks and bathroom visits. You'll do great.