Piplula

LoL! I AGREE! STRAWS ARE GOOD FOR US! I don't get the excessive gas thing..I mean I do, but I can burp..and burp frequently and more so than before surgery ..so I don't understand that reasoning at all. If I am traveling, it's hard not to drink without a straw. And quite frankly, I think I am getting more air in without the straw. Go figure! Sent from my DROIDX using VST

Oh..thank you all! I can suck all the air out of the air before I drink...I though it might be related to gas..but I didn't want to stretch the pouch...That makes me feel way better!! Sent from my DROIDX using VST

I had to share. I have lost 26#s...I have WAY more to go but, for me that's alot. I want to encourage anyone reading this who hasn't had this done..it is worth it. I had complications and I would do it again in a minute. Now that I am better..I plan on increasing my activity level.. Sent from my DROIDX using VST

Hello all. New to the boards. I had my sleeve done 4/3. I had a very sharp pain past night and felt a lump if you will and push it back in..complete relief doing that as well...called my dr. and he said it may be a hernia. Did anyone have a hernia so soon after surgery? Did you have to have it repaired or did it or can it heal up on its own? I am scared to death it will pop out again. I don't see my doctor until 4/30 unless it starts to pop out again. Thanks for any advice/encouragement.

Hello all! I had my sleeve on 4/3...and I have lost weight since surgery. But...I have a question for you all. Do you ever doubt yourself? Wonder if it will actually work for you? I know this sounds completely mentally, but I find myself afraid that it won't "work"..just like everything else I have tried worked then failed. And the worse part is it is working! Did anyone feel like this...or is it just me?..Thanks for you input!

fraternity. Instead of Greek letters, our shirts will have the letters VSG. LoL...could add my new fraternity letters to my old fraternity letters! Sent from my DROIDX using VST

LOL..you are absolutely correct!!! Sent from my DROIDX using VST

Hi innerme! I too have Cigna. I would call Cigna and ask exactly what else is needed. Hopefully..you have made copies or asked for copies of all letters, labs, chart notes, ect. If not, request them from your case worker. Ask the Cigna representative point blank "what paper is missing and I will get that to you so we can resubmit the request. I had a great experience with my clinic and I had a checkoff list so I did everything that was asked of me according to the checklist which included 6 months worth of going to my PCP monthly to check in for weight checks and setting goals. If you know that you have met all of the requirements set forth by your Cigna plan, I would call Cigna and ask for all documents that were missing and ask if this can be resubmitted once you obtain them. Don't give up! I spent 8 months working on my requirements..once I knew I had everything..and I would call and recall...and recall again to make sure my patient representative had everything ..then my request was submitted and I got approved in 2 days. There were times some of my papers weren't sent, so when I would go to me PCP, I requested the forms while I was there and would personally fax the information to my VS Dr. And then I would call to make sure they received it. I know its a pain..but please...PLEASE don't give up on yourself...keep on keeping on! Never take no for an answer! Let us know what they say!!! Sent from my DROIDX using VST

Thanks Coops and everyone for the encouragement. I was sleeved 4/3 & so far have dropped 20#. Of course I have not dropped a size..I need to lose about 180 more...bit its a start..I have been following my guidelines...and the biggest problem I have is Water...I reflux it...but I hear that will be better...I loved water prior to surgery and unsweet tea..rarely drank sodas..so that wasn't a stretch for me...but I am trying!!!! Sent from my DROIDX using VST

One of my very favorites! "Success is not final, failure is not fatal:it it is the courage to continue that counts". -Winston Churchill Sent from my DROIDX using VST

Well let me rephrase that ..it has all the Iron I need...you may need more according to your current HgB status...check with your dr. Sent from my DROIDX using VST

Yes..you need Iron and the two Flintstones Complete have the iron you need! Sent from my DROIDX using VST

I bought Opurity Vitamins for bypass and sleeve paitents...They were ok prior to surgery...BUT..now that I have been sleeved...I can't tolerate them...so my dieititan recommened Flintstones Complete and I chew two tablets per day. They go down fine! Hope this helped! Sent from my DROIDX using VST

Hello! I choose the sleeve because I had severe endometrosis and my GI dr. wouldn't touch my intestines because I had adhesions for days. My main concern was malabsorption issues..I didn't want them. One of my family members had RenY done..and had dumping syndrome alot..and she felt miserable...alot. So that is why I chose the sleeve. GOOD LUCK! I am two weeks out and feel good.. Sent from my DROIDX using VST

I had posted eariler about a possible hernia for me..but it ended up being a hematoma in the abdominal muscle ..so that is a blessing...a hurtful one..but still a blessing.. I have a question..i am 2 weeks out and when i ate...I have alot of mucous ...when does this stop so I don't swallow foods five times before they go down? THANK YOU FOR ANY ADVICE! I appreciate it! Sent from my DROIDX using VST

Hey Lissa The hematoma is a small one that occurred when I had a coughing fit...I ripped a stitch and the hematoma formed. Where it is locates it should reabsorb ..so that is good! I don't get sick per say when I eat...its like I reflux snot "sorry I know its gross" I have read from others that they experienced something similar and it passes by the month marker...My dietitian also notes it passes... I just wondered if anyone else had experienced this..but I have noticed other sleevers diet orders are way more conservative than mine...but I haven't had any intolerance other than milk...so I am not surehow why there is such a gap in the diet from clinic to clinic. Its such a specialized procedure you would think there would be.more continuity ..but that probably isn't so because not everyone tolerates foods at the same rate. Thanks for the help! I will definitely keep an eye on the hematoma. I am taking it easy and hopefully..my body will so its thing! Sent from my DROIDX using VST

I am sorry to hear about your father. I will be thinking about you and your family. Sent from my DROIDX using VST

Oh yeah..I have noticed huge differences in eating plans. I am to eat real..soft foods ...the first week was full liquid...I am eating soft meats about 1-2oz 2 xs/day...and continuing to get the majority of Protein from supplements ..I am allowed soft vegetables as well...looking forward to a salad...I am losing as well...As far as sliming...I "slime" after the first swallow...so I figured it was a side effect of surgery...I just have a spit cup..the food goes down..up slime with no food...sorry..I know its gross...I hope it passes soon...surely it will...Thanks fir your help! Sent from my DROIDX using VST

Sweet...I am 1 hour from Memphis...so we are close! Sent from my DROIDX using VST

I am also in Tennessee. I sleeved 4/3 this year. I am 15# down now. I went to Vanderbilt to have my done. I would love to have all of us chat if possible! There aren't many groups in West Tennessee at all! Sent from my DROIDX using VST

I am two weeks out and I am allowed mushy real foods...like chicken...fish..that I chew the heck out of...and on my diet sheet..it does say diet soda...BUT...it must be completely flat...no bubbles at all...so..that one does sounds a bit strange if he meant for it to be carbonated ....I would be afraid it could cause a leak from the pressure...I would go forward cautiously...and id you have a dieititan that was part of the team...ask to see her/him....they are the food experts... Sent from my DROIDX using VST

Oh I am so hoping that will be me. I was 367# at my surgery date on 4/3. I am now 352 # as of 4/16. I have thought to myself is this enough...will this work...I want my 11 year to sit in my real lap..just once before she will think she is too big for that...I want to ride roller coasters again..and just be free of this prison of a body that I made myself to be. Your story has inspired me. I just pray ..."please let that be me...please ..PLEASE ..let that be me! Thanks for sharing ...I wasn't happy at the s ale or myself this morning ....but that gives me hope. Sent from my DROIDX using VST

Oh no...I am glad you found you clot...but once all is healed...and things will go the way they are supposed too...maybe it will be better...I think I have a hernia and will be following up soon...I hope all goes well with you too..hang in there... Sent from my DROIDX using VST

Thank you for the encouragement. Its in my head...so I will take it day to day and tow the line the very best way I can....any weight loss will mean an improvement in my overall health...whether its 20# or 200#. Thanks!!!!!

Oh I am so happy for you..I can't wait for that to happen to me as well!