Flagstaffian

Shells, you are a goddess and I just said a prayer for you...You're beautiful and I can't wait to hear how your recovery is coming along!

You are so beautiful!! Your pictures & your story are definitely an inspiration for me. Keep up the great work! Sarah Flagstaffian

You are a rock star and you WILL make it through. PS- There is a youtube video with Dr. Aceves (Mexico's sleeve guru?) talking about diarrhea and "going to the bathroom after VSG". Sorry to be so blunt, but we're all in this together! SF

I am 5'1", weigh 262#, and am currently in a size 20 pants/jeans, XXL tops...ugh. Not to be negative, but I can't wait to dump Todd. (Todd is what I named my fat when my therapist decided I needed a name for it...as in, Todd, get off my back! And Todd, quit following me around! I can't quit you, Todd! Except now, for the first time, I have hope that I really can quit Todd!) (((HUGS))) Sarah Flagstaffian

It's 09:54 here in Northern California, so that means you are sleeved, my friend! Best wishes and God bless! Make sure to update us when you can! (((HUGS))) Sarah Flag

I am currently pre-op with the Dept. of Bariatrics at Kaiser Richmond. The bariatrics team there FORBIDS the use of protein shakes, before or after surgery. I specifically asked my doctor about the reason for this, and the best thing he could tell me was that 1.) people use them as a "crutch" and 2.) he has seen people gain weight from drinking protein shakes. Neither of these things sound like medical facts, and I SOOO WANT to get some shakes (I like Premier Nutrition's chocolate), but I am trying to commit to following my dr's instructions to the letter. It seems like 99% of doctors recommend the shakes...grrr....but I guess some just don't I really don't understand how one woul d get in all their post-op protein without them! I guess I'll find out eventually

Hells YES, I'm telling EVERYBODY! I am proud of myself for making a decision to live a life of happiness and health! I can't wait to meet sleevie! (((HUGS))) Sarah Flag

Sunshine, I am still pre-op, but I have read other posts like yours. It seems like a lot of times, that feeling of hunger your have is either : head hunger OR INDIGESTION/HEARTBURN?! I have read of many, MANY people getting a prescription for Prilosec (omeprazole) and their "hunger" feelings vanishing. it may be something worth trying. Good luck! Sarah Flag

Paola, you are so right. Why do extra damage if VSG gives you very similar results? And how interesting that your dad is a doctor! I hope he was supportive of your decision in the end (to be sleeved). You are a beautiful girl and I wish you all the luck in the world next week for recovery!! Sarah Flag

GIRL!! I have the exact same feelings as you about bypass!! It's like you read my mind. Plus, my mom died 1 yr after a bypass due to complications (but that was 10 years ago, and I know there have been improvements since then, but still...). I'm not sleeved yet, but I am about halfway thorough the pre-op hoops & I feel more sure every day that it is the right thing. hey- we even have the same ticker!! I am looking at a possible surgery date of 03/30/12- not officially scheduled yet...when's yours? (((HUGS))) Sarah Flag

Now that is one amazing NSV!! Congratulations to you! (((HUGS))) Sarah Flagstaffian

Hey Sleevers! Happy New Year! I am currently in the process of losing my last 10 lbs before Kaiser will schedule me for surgery (yay)! I'm 29, have been overweight my whole life, and I don't want to spend the NEXT 3 decades of my lief like this. I am wondering, outside of the standard co-morbidities that improve (cholesterol, T2 diabetes, etc), what kind of health effects you have seen in your body as you've lost the weight after a VSG... Obesity affects nearly every body system. Even my worsening carpal tunnel syndrome is possibly due to this! I am beginning to have foot pain, skin problems, back aches, etc... I would love to hear about your positive "health surprises"! Like, things you might not ven have though of! (I tried to find a forum on this and counld not.) Thank you, & ((HUGS))! Flagstaffian

Hey peeps!! That is EXACTLY what I am talking about. Things like - Rosacea clearing up?! Who would have thought?! But, wearing your fat suits literally drags down ALL of your systems in the process of living each day. No more swelling ankles? Finally! One of my biggest NSV's will be to one day wear SHORTS or a skirt that shows my legs! I've never, ever done that. About the carpal tunnel- obesity is (obviously) not the cause, but it exacerbates the condition by applying extra pressure to the carpal/neural pathway (the tunnel). I am hoping by having this one surgery, I can prevent about 10 other surgeries in the future! But dang it, Kaiser told me to lose 9 lbs in the next 3 weeks...or to reschedule my appt w/ the psychologist Time to cut the carbs and increase the walking!! Thank you lovely ladies for your wonderful stories. This community is the BEST!! (((HUGS))) Sarah Flagstaffian

Thank you, Pdx. I definitely need to ask specific questions about that during my next appt.

I just had my first (and maybe only) consultation with my surgeon, Dr. Aaron Baggs at Kaiser Richmond. I explained to him the reasons I wanted the sleeve over the other WLS types, and he approved wholeheartedly...YAAAAY!!! The even BIGGER and BETTER news is that I lost 3 lbs over the holidays!! OMG, I can't believe it! I was trying to be good, and I guess it (kinda) worked So, according to Dr. Baggs, I only have to lose 10 MORE POUNDS to be at my goal weight for surgery. A 13 lb total weight loss...with a BMI of 52....before getting my surgery scheduled...this seems low, but if you can't trust your surgeon, you're in trouble! I am choosing to put my faith in G-d & my faith in the Bariatric Team at Kaiser Richmond. I can't help but wonder though- is this normal? It is only about a 5% reduction in weight. I'd love to hear some other voices on this. ((HUGS)) Sarah

I have a surgery center (Kaiser Richmond) that is 100%, unabashedly, militantly, ANTI-PROTEIN-SHAKE. My surgeon said I won't suffer or not heal from not having enough protein the first few weeks. It seems like the biggest reason he could give me was that people use it as a crutch...but seriously...is there any other way to get protein in for the first few weeks??

THAT is a genius idea, my friend. I have been worried about how I will fund the "non-food rewards" that we're supposed to give ourselves for reaching mini-goals (pedicures are expensive!!). I am going make me a money jar!

I had a consult with my surgeon yesterday, and he wanted to "check out my belly button"...I wonder if he uses the spider, and that's why he was "pokin' around" down there...?

That is so interesting. I am glad that there is this worldwide community where we can share things like that. Like, I found out yesterday that I LOST weight during the holidays (i am still ~3 mos. pre-op)...it was only 3 lbs, but I felt RAD.

Your ticker is showing now, yay! Have you forwarded a message to an administrator?

Hello there! I am sorry to hear that you're feeling so weak, but judging by what the other Talkers say, it's pretty normal. You DID just have major life-changing surgery! I just had my surgical consultation yesterday. I only have to lose 10 more pounds to get to my pre-op goal weight! The reason I responded to your post is that it is very concering to me that your surgical program did absolutely no follow-up with you. I guess it is a business, but I have to wonder, what are you doing during recovery? Do you just meet with your PCP back at home? You are totally, 100% RIGHT to be a bit miffed on their lack of caring. It seems odd that they would have no contact with you after the surgery. I wish you the best of luck in your weight loss journey, and a happy new year~ Sarah Flagstaffian

Thank you for that, Lissa!

Hi everybody! I have been reading (lurking on?) this site's postings & blogs for about a month now, but I've finally decided to join. In my head, I have been considering WLS for a long time now, but my mom died 9 years ago due to complications from a gastric bypass, and the thought was (previously) terrifying. Now, as I turn 29, and am at my highest weight EVER (266#, 5'0"), I realize that VSG surgery may in fact be the best option for me. I've been on Weight Watchers 3 times, and tried Opti-fast last year through Kaiser, but I eventually just gain back the weight that takes so long to lose. Gastric bypass surgery makes me VERY uncomfortable, and the Lap-band scares me because of the foreign body inside of you...so that's why I feel like VSG is the sensible middle ground. My family all lives on the East Coast, but I do have 1 brother, an amazing boyfriend, and 3 of my best friends here in NorCal and they are all being extremely supportive about my interest in WLS. They want me to be healthy and to live a long time! In July, I asked me PCP at Kaiser (NorCAL) Walnut Creek about a referral to the WLS program. I have attended the info seminar AND the 5 hour Orientation at Kaiser Richmond. The #1 reason that I am writing today is: I have my meeting with the surgeon next week! Currently, my assigned surgeon is Dr. Aaron Baggs, and I have read good things about him on this site. But, I am so worried that I will "freeze up" at the appointment, and forget what to ask him! I am hoping that some of you in VST land might be able to give me some ideas about the kinds of questions I should be asking the surgeon? I will also need to tell him at the meeting that I want VSG above the other types of WLS- any pointers on how to broach that topic? PS- I am also terrified because I am a HUUUUUUGE wuss when it comes to pain! HUGE!!! Sometimes when I read your posts about post-op drains, pain, incisions, etc- I feel queasy and light headed. Do you think this means I am not a candidate? i'd love your input!! Hugs, Sarah (Flagstaffian)

Hi guys, newb here. I have tried to join a few groups on the site: VSG in your 20's, NorCal, etc... Everytime I click "Join Group", the site gives me this error message: VerticalSleeveTalk Message Invalid Link: The security key for this page is invalid Retun to this Group's Home I have tried on a desktop PC AND an iPad...so what am I doing wrong here? A little help from the loser's bench, please ((HUGS & Happy Holidays))) Sarah Flagstaffian