vsgm
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Everything posted by vsgm
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Vsg Negative Reference In Book 'weight Loss Surgery For Dummies'?
vsgm posted a topic in Gastric Sleeve Surgery Forums
Am approved for surgery but have been struggling with whether or not to do it. (analysis paralysis, chicken, etc.) Main concern is any potential long term negative consequences. So in reading the book 'Weight Loss Surgery for Dummies' (suggested by my bariatric team) Chapter 3 explains the various surgery options. It says "In the 1980's the term 'stomach stapling' referred to vertical banded gastroplasty' and goes on to say 'the failure rate for VBG was very high'. My question: what has changed that now makes the vertical sleeve (which uses staples from top to bottom) different/successful? -
You are going to be VERY successful with this surgery because you are already committed to doing your part!!!!!! Once you have the sleeve AND are still doing what you're doing now you will be AMAZED at how quickly you will progress! And the fear of yo-yo'ing like so many of us have done will be squelched because you'll have a permanent tool!!!! I was sleeved 2/13/12 and had lost about 40# in the 2 yrs prior to. Since being sleeved 10 months ago I've lost 80lbs!!!!! Still have about 10 to go but am so thrilled with how awesome this has been. So I wish you the best of luck & continued success.
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I just have to shout to the world "I can wear a size 8.....SIZE E-I-G-H-T......jeans now!!!" This is sooooo exciting for me especially after a VERY hard year of losing my momma/best friend/mentor. She would be Sooo proud of me and I am so happy at this moment. For anyone out there who is just starting their journey -- YOU CAN DO IT. I was sleeved 8 mths ago, on 2-13-12, and have lost 75# since surgery date. More if u count the months leading up to it. And lots of inches. So from a women's size 22/24 movin on down step by step until today's unbelievable moment of standing in that dressing room asking myself "What are u doing trying on a size 8 jeans crazy woman???" then....shock & awe! They actually fit. <head shaking> Did I purchase them you ask? U betcha baby. Abso-fricken-lutely!! (pardon the language). My sleeve has been rockin my world for the past 8 mths, but in full disclosure, I drink LOTS of H2O and worked out several years before surgery consistently (elliptical & hand weights) 5 days/week for about an hour and I continued and still do and always will. It was for my sanity really (stress reliever) but dang I think it's paying off. So CHEERS to all you in the same boat or just getting in the boat!! I'm cheering for you!!
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That is awesome. Congrats!!!!!
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My Journey Through Photos
vsgm replied to sfernandez2828's topic in Weight Loss Surgery Success Stories
*gorgeous*!!!!!!!!!! -
Hi I take Meloxicam (generic Celebrex) every day with no problems. Am about 7 mths out, was able to restart it about 4 weeks after surgery. Dr did have me continue with Omeprazole(?) which I think protects the lining of your stomach.
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Approved For Sleeve On Septmber 6. Any Advice?
vsgm replied to leener's topic in PRE-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
Hi nice to meet u - welcome!! 6 mths ago I was where u were and now I can honestly say WOW this is the best thing ever because it FORCES u to stop eating before u ridiculously overstuff urself. It is the tool I needed because that in conjunction with daily exercise will produce amazing results which will leave u incredibly happy and others in complete awe! Good luck to u and please re-post after surgery and tell us how ur doing!!! It'll be a FANTASTIC journey!!! -
Yes I bet emotions are all over the board and patience is THIN on day 5 of the pre-op!! Totally remember that phase!! :-). But u know what!?!? YOU ARE GOING TO BE THIN TOO VERY SOON!!!!!!!! Yippie!!!!!!! Get ready for an AMAZING ride!!! The week after surgery is going to be hard - be mentally prepared for that and remember it won't last forever. Each week will get easier but do follow your dr's orders and timeline for progressing into 'normal' foods. You will likely need to dig deep within as u will probably see many people who act differently when u have the surgery. Many supportive but also some who aren't. So post here and vent here -- it's okay that's what it's here for. Sometimes we all need a reality check and just know we've all been thru the same emotional roller coaster. But for me, at 6 mths out it is an INCREDIBLE outcome. Takes some work - its not magic...well not completely - but u do ur part and ur sleeve will give u the goal u r looking for!!!!! God speed and prayers for Monday and fast healing. Keep a positive attitude -- u r so fortunate to be doing this!!!!! :-)
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9 Months Post-Op Progress Picture
vsgm replied to ashleyxx's topic in Tell Your Weight Loss Surgery Story
WOW u look awesome!! My daughter says WOW too!! Way to go!!!! That is an AMAZING transformation. Be proud of yourself -- you deserve it!!!! Enjoy every moment! -
9 Months Post-Op Progress Picture
vsgm replied to ashleyxx's topic in Tell Your Weight Loss Surgery Story
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Seconding Guessing Here @ The Last Minute...surgery On Saturday!
vsgm replied to mrslittle's topic in PRE-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
I asked myself this too. Self answered: "Yes u could do it. But it won't be permanent and the chances of u regaining it and continuing to yo-yo are very high." I feel like this is going to be the tool I needed to make it permanent. -
Top 45 Things I've Learned- 5 Months Post Op
vsgm replied to LacieMC's topic in POST-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
Wow wow wow. As if I was reading my own diary!!!!!! I am just two weeks away from being "5 months out" and hopefully will be just a lil over 60# down at that point!!!! A-M-A-Z-I-N-G!!!! Your list was RIGHT ON!! And so good for both those of us who've gone thru it and those who are getting ready. Great post! -
Seconding Guessing Here @ The Last Minute...surgery On Saturday!
vsgm replied to mrslittle's topic in PRE-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
Do not talk yourself out of it - - think positive!!!! It'll be the best thing you've EVER done for yourself!!! Realize it's not a miracle, you DO have to follow your dr's orders and do your part on the protein and water and putting good stuff in instead of some slider junk that can still go down...BUT if you do your part and add some exercise YOU WILL BE AMAZED. I was just as nervous and anxious leading up to the days just before and even being wheeled into the surgery room. But I kept praying "Lord don't let me chicken out and Lord please protect me and help the surgeon be successful..." I am so thankful I did it and while I know you're completely serious about your nerves and anxiety, try to believe me that it'll all be okay and you'll be lookin' FINE in a matter of months. -
Your nerves are normal!! Try to relax and just pray for God's strength and blessings. You will walk out of there a day or two later and be headed towards a better you and healthier future!! It'll be exciting!!!
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So I am having the hardest time getting in a rhythm now that I'm 8 weeks post op and can eat most anything, in small quantities. I find now that my choices aren't 'controlled' and limited I lean towards making bad choices again! liquids or soft mushies. I'm unfortunately an 'all or nothing' person so I'm now reverting back to 'liquids & soft proteins' instead of trying to eat like a sensible person. I know that's not good but I don't want to stop losing as I have a good 50# more to go (have lost 40 in this first 8 weeks but it's slowed to a halt the past week when I've added in normal things here or there.) Ie., the other night before bed I found myself making 1 piece of toast, justifying 'it's just 1 piece of bread and it doesn't bother my sleeve'.....but c'mon Mary!!! Carbs are not my friend at all. I can have pure Proteins all day and throw that 1 piece of bread in at night and bam, straight to my hips. PMO!!!!!! Anyone else struggle with getting into a healthy/sensible rhythm after 2 mths or so and still being able to continue losing at a decent rate? I'm so frustrated with myself!!!
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Good luck for a smooth trip & adventure!! Happy healing! Understand about your 7 year old but this is well-deserved time for u and he'll be amazed as u shrink over the next we mths!! Enjoy!
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Does anyone know if you can take Miralax AND Benefiber both daily? I've always been very regular but since about 3 weeks post-op til now (2 weeks later) I'm def not regular....the only way I can go now is with the help of Milk of Magnesia or a (shhhh) suppository. Don't want to keep that up, so I started taking Benefiber several days ago but still no regularity so I'm thinking of starting the Miralax again. Just wondering if I can/should do both each day or if that somehow contradicts each other. Any info appreciated!
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3 Weeks Po And I Can Easily Eat 4 Oz Of Soft Foods?
vsgm replied to something2think's topic in POST-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
This is an interesting topic.......I too sometimes feel like I am able to have more than I should? but in reality it still really isn't that much. I think it really depends on WHAT it is....my protein shake I can drink relatively quick (not guzzling by any means but not taking an hour like the first few days) but something like baked potatoe I feel full within about 5-7 bites. So it kinda varies with the item.... I'm hovering around 600 calories a day right now unless I workout and then even with an extra something (banana, yogurt) I'm still barely at 500. Seems like I should up that total to speed up the loss of lbs, but it's kinda hard since I'm still on 'stage 2'....(weird..."hard to up the calories??" that's a new one!!) But seriously I think whoever said their NUT said stay around 1000 is prolly the right idea. -
1 Week Post Op... My Experience So Far
vsgm replied to jetpilot's topic in POST-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
Sounds like you are progressing very well!!! Keep it up and keep drinking lots of water and getting your walks in now that you're home! It's going to melt off so fast you won't know who you're looking at in the mirror!!! :-) -
Stick to it...not sure what day you're on of liquids but it does get easier about 3-4 days into it because you stop craving the carbs and sugars...I'm not sure on 'why not meats' but my guess is just because they want you 'detoxed' and cleaned out really well prior to surgery....if the doc ordered it I'd follow it to the 'T' so that you are doing your part to make the surgery go as smooth as possible! You can do it - hang in there!! Just keep thinking about the end goal! This is a BIG event and you are prepping your body for the ride of its life!!!!
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OKAY....this cracked me up!!!!!! I can imagine the "yeehaw" on the gurney...that is too funny. It's amazing how well the anesthesia (sp) works...last thing I remember was saying repeatedly "Are you SURE I'm not going to be awake while you do the surgery?" I'm sure I said that like 4 x and apparantly it knocked me out soon after becuz I don't remember a THING after that!! Love it! :-)
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Surgery Is Set For May 1St! Im So Excited I Cant See Straight!
vsgm replied to kellythestarr's topic in PRE-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
Kellythestar!! U *should be* excited!!! This is the coolest thing for those of us who have struggled and yo-yo'd forever!!! I was sleeved 2/13/12 and, praise God and knock on wood, have had no problems. Sure the first couple days after were not a party but they were doable and soon u feel better & better every day!! Since the week b4 surgery til now I've lost 30# so believe me it will work for u and u will not have all that much hunger. Only periodically do I notice I'm a bit hungry which is prolly when I've gone more than 2-3 hrs without getting in some protein. U really aren't hungry and when u do eat, it is very minimal and u r so full!!! I love it!!! I'm excited for u and believe u r going to do great and recover fast!! Best wishes!! -
Good luck to you all who are getting sleeved soon!! I was the queen of jitters/nervousness pre-op and literally drove myself batty going back & forth between worry and excitement. I was sleeved 2/13 and can tell you thus far I am so thrilled with how well it's gone from surgery to post-op recovery to now. The first few days after surgery weren't 'easy' but they were do-able. A little pain med liquid and lots of rest and Water and frequent short walks around the house or neighborhood and you'll recover great. Follow your doctor's orders! Best wishes for speedy recoveries and keep us posted! p.s. take chapstick to the hospital if you don't like dry lips! Not sure if it was the anesthesia or what, but my mouth was sooooo dry for a couple days post-op and I was so thankful to have my chapstick! :-)
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jlweb23: Wow! Sounds like you had quite a rough time! So sorry! Hopefully you can take it easy for a few weeks and just let yourself heal. It sounds like your stomach really needs that time to heal so I would follow just what the doctor orders (liquids) and let it heal. Also I know how tempting it is to want to take the kids to the zoo when you wake up feeling great, but don't over do it - - I literally had to force myself some days to chill and not get over excited when I was feeling good or I would definitely overdo it. For a change in liquids from your EAS protein drinks (I like these too! fast & good protein), you can blend some other protein drinks (strawberry fatfree yogurt with some vanilla protein powder and water/ice, etc) so you're still doing liquid but also getting your protein. Watch that belly button too if it is still oozing any yuck - c/b infected so I'd keep an eye on that. Lots of water and REST REST REST! You're losing so keep the faith!!
