Sleeved&Hopeful

I have heard of some RNY'ers revising to the duodenal switch and being much more successful. I have heard of successful "band over bypass" people. I guess I just would worry if I were you that the band is usually temporary (usually a maximum of 10 years, and that's if you're lucky, before the band gets taken off). If I were you, I'd get the DS. Dr. Ponce De Leon in Tijuana, if I am right, can do the duodenal switch. I have also heard of Dr. Ungson in Mexico who is supposed to be the best DS surgeon in Mexico. Maybe you can get in touch with him. I have heard that Dr. Almanza does the duodenal switch on occasion, as a matter of fact, i've read about it being done. However, I think it might be much more difficult for him to do the bypass to DS because perhaps he isn't experienced enough to do it confidently. The band may work for you. Who knows? I just am saying personally I would choose the DS if you have the option to get it. It's got a much better chance of long term weight loss.

I have to tell you I am SO sorry. I , too, agree that if you could have foreseen this happening you could have just gone to Puerto Vallarta and had the sleeve surgery and a lovely vacation. That is absolutely sickening that you are having to go through this. I was like the other poster and assumed that once the insurance company sent approval over, that it was said and done. I obviously don't know squat. I went to Mex to get surgery because I knew I couldn't get it paid for here in the U.S. I tell you this, if I ever need chemotherapy or radiation I am going to Mexico. I don't want to worry about paying for an insurance company in America back for something I thought was covered! I agree that you should get a lawyer after you've tried getting on the phone with the insurance company. You should call them and ask them exactly what happen and why they are now going to ask for money back. If all else fails, find out how much the hospital charges for self-pay. I absolutely agree with the other poster who said that. If something bad happens and you do have to pay for it, you should be able to get it drastically reduced. This would be after you try to get a lawyer and see what you can get done.

I absolutely agree with that. You still feel hungry for a while and the liquid does not make you feel full. Trust me, the minute you try something with substance you will KNOW you have been sleeved. You will get full really fast!

You look fab! Rock that bod! Im so happy for you. 3 hour work outs? Hardcore!

I hope things get better for you soon!!

Those are the best celebrations of all!

Congrats! You're a success! I bet you feel like a million bucks!

Hey there. i can tell you that you won't feel so restricted with the sleeve that you can only eat cheese or chips or chocolates (slider foods). That is what kills the weight loss. You will be able to eat chicken, meats, veggies and more a month or two after surgery. You will be able to eat more healthfully with the sleeve. I think it was scary to go into surgery but once it was over, I felt like it was the most simple surgery I'd ever had done! I've had several surgeries and this was the easiest recovery. best of luck

Hey guys, I know this may sound weird but I'm almost 3 months out and my bra size hasn't changed. I mean there is a little more room at the top and on the sides, but seriously, same bra size! Pant sizes have changed, but nope nothing in the boob department. I mean, I know some people may think that's a weird thing to complain about but I was hoping it would go down at least some. I don't mind if my boobs go down a cup size or so. Does it just hit you all of a sudden when you are farther out or what?

I hope you start feeling better soon. Those first weeks are the hardest. It really is like breaking an eating addiction.

Congrats to all the newly sleeved people! I am almost 3 months out in a few days! Still is quite an adventure!

Congratulations on your great success!

Hey guys! Feb 3rd sleever here! If you need a pal, I am here!

hahah!

Miguel thank you for sharing your important story. So you are saying that getting back to basics is a bit easier with the sleeve than before surgery? The little tummy is still working, huh? Staying away from those sliders sounds super important.

I am just going to give you a big hug. Tell him you've only gained a few lbs and he must be a moron. I am sorry, but you have to tell him the truth. Let him know you have NOT gained "a lot of weight". I personally feel strongly about this. This is what causes eating disorders. Once he realizes he's an idiot, he will probably shut his mouth. I am almost as mad as you and it didn't even happen to me! Bless your heart, seriously! You have done a fantastic job with your weight loss and your husband obviously is being an idiot in this situation. Seriously I think he must be a bit insecure or something. Maybe he thinks putting you down will keep your self-esteem a little low so you won't go looking elsewhere. I really don't know. I just know you need to tell him he's dead wrong about a big weight gain ! OK, I will stop ranting. I wish you all of the best. I know how it feels to be hurt by someone you love on this sensitive subject.

Great job! Fantastic loss!

You are beautiful! Very lovely lady. Bet you are getting hit on a lot :-)

It may take a little longer to hit your goal now that you are 7 months out but don't be discouraged! A lot of people take 12 months or even longer to lose to goal. Not everyone hits goal at 6-7 months. I've read many posts about people hitting goal around 12-15 months post op. Seen a few that hit goal at 18 months. Be patient with yourself. You already must feel a thousand times better and the last bit is just slower. Relish in what you have lost, keep doing the right things, and you will get there. You already know the light is at the end of the tunnel, now you just have to wait to get there. You just need to bask in the sunlight, relish the blessings, and keep a bright smile on your face. It will come.

Just watched the video! Now that's a flat tummy! It looks really good.

Oh I am having to learn my lesson with eating fast. I'm so used to it. I'm about 2 1/2 months post op and it is a daily struggle to chew slowly. I have had the foamies/spit ups that come up a few times. I have also eaten a few times to an uncomfortable point and am trying to avoid that at all costs. It's still a learning process for me at this point.

Thanks guys. After re-reading this thread I am totally horny. Now I have to wait until bedtime to try and get some.

You know, I usually don't like to comment on someone's weight loss. I am afraid that it will come off as rude. Every once in a while, if it's someone I know well, I will ask. My cousin's wife was sleeved and I had no idea. She had lost a LOT of weight. I had to ask my Mom how she did it. LOL. I didn't want her to be upset if I said something about her weight and make her feel like she was inadequate before. She was always lovely. I don't know her that well at all. Anyway I am just saying that you don't know the circumstances so I am always concerned. I worry they will take it the wrong way like they were "too fat" before. So it's just difficult.

Congratulations on your life changing upcoming surgery!

Those first couple of weeks are hard. Some people have a harder time than others. Just remember there is light at the end of the tunnel and you will slowly start to feel better.