denalisa

My mom had her sleeve done in September of this year and never felt quite right but she kept waiting for things to get better. They haven't. She went to the ER a month ago and is still in the hospital. She has had one exploratory surgery, one to try to repair her leaks, two bear claws, one stent, and later this week they are going to try placing one more stent. If this doesn't work she will have another major surgery where it sounds like they will disconnect her stomach from her esophagus, some how seal them off, let it heal for three months, then go back and reattach things. I admittedly do not have a good grasp on this surgery but it terrifies me. It terrifies me that we have had numerous ups and downs over the past month and it keeps going from bad to worse. Has anyone had a similar experience? Thank you. Sent from my iPhone using VST

Well I think things are still getting better. Her blood counts are close to the normal range - for the first time in three months - and the hole is getting smaller. Her doctor was hoping it had closed all the way when they did a contrast study yesterday but it is getting smaller so I'm still feeling hopeful. Thanks again for the thoughts and prayers.

She's still in the hospital - getting close to three months now. It sounds like the leak is starting to heal and her white blood cell count is finally getting close to normal. I think we are looking at another month of healing time. Thank you for the thoughts and prayers.

Hi, thank you guys. She is in the OR now getting a second stent. The surgeon does not sound overly optimistic but we are hoping for the best. I imagine she will do a swallow test tomorrow morning. It's time for some good news. Sent from my iPhone using VST

I'm so glad you posted this. I've been wondering the same thing. I'm six weeks out and hope that there is a time - SOON - when I don't have to worry about excess hair.

I was really worried about this too but I didn't need anything (or use anything) except for my phone, charger, and toiletries. I did need stuff once I got home - jell-o, broth, protein nectars. Good luck to you!

My surgery date was 6/12. I was kept in the hospital an extra night because I was not peeing and that's basically my ticket out this afternoon. I went once but the measurer was not there. Overall I'm feeling good but bloated. I feel like I'm sucking down water but my bottle is still almost full. I've been doing laps around my little area in the hospital and this helps tons with gas pains. I'm showered, dressed, and ready to go but I need to show them that I can pee one more time.

Well I made it through surgery and have gone for a walk. I just have to say that I'm so proud of all of us for doing this. I think it can be a tough decision to make and I know that my last 24 hours were a bit nerve wracking. I'm excited that we have this opportunity to live a healthier life. Am I feeling sentimental or is it the drugs talking?? At any rate, I hope everyone is recovering well and good luck to tomorrow's group, you'll do great.

IV is in and my belly has been thoroughly washed for the third time. There's no turning back now - deep breaths. Good luck to all other June 12 sleevers!

I hope everyone is doing well. Tomorrow is the big day for me and I've been going from excited, to crazy nervous all day. Up until this morning it didn't seem real but after spending the day in the doctor's office and hospital for last-minute stuff it's very real. I'll be focusing on positive thoughts.

I am also still pre-op but I started cutting my coffee intake by 1-2 ounces per week. It took me about eight weeks to get totally over it. Every once in a while I'll still go get a latte but it's just not what it used to be and I'll only drink a little bit. I did have lots of days where I felt like I was in a fog and couldn't think - it's amazing how addicted we get. I'm SO happy to have kicked the habit and don't have to worry about those debilitating withdrawal headaches.

I'm June 12 with Dr. Wittgrove.

I'm a school counselor and have four more days of school and 11 more days until surgery. I'm super excited for both and thankful to have the summer off to recover (from both).

Skane, Dr. Wittgrove is doing mine.

Thank you and best of luck to you.

Hi - I am getting sleeved on June 12 and overall I'm super excited. I've only told a few people - my husband, mom, three friends, a coworker, and most recently my dad. Telling my dad was the hardest of all so far. I was expecting a full on lecture and negative statistics, BUT instead I got a "way to go!" This made my day today and has made me more confident in my decision to have surgery. I love this forum and have responded to a couple of posts, but I feel like a voyeur so I thought I'd better introduce myself. I'm from Alaska, but I'm having surgery in San Diego with Dr. Wittgrove because I've heard great things about him and his staff. I'm just so happy to have this opportunity (and for good insurance). I'm ready to be healthy and have energy again. And I can't wait to post my own before and after pictures.

Thank you and good luck!

Congrats! I'm June 12 too in San Diego. It's coming quick.

And I forgot to say - go to the doctor without them telling me I'm overweight, stop taking my blood pressure medication, and not have my PCOS hormones balance out.

To... run, go hiking, not have anxiety about airplane seats, stop avoiding eye contact with people who knew me in my skinny days, ride a roller coaster, jump on the trampoline with my son, have ENERGY, and go to a gym without feeling like I don't belong. And yes - I too want to paint my toenails without feeling like its a major event to reach my feet.

I have to have that too and I'm going to be in a hotel room with my mom and son - good times. I hope you're doing better!

I so hope that this happens immediately. I'm having surgery in San Diego in June and I'm from Alaska and I'm a hot, sweaty mess in temperatures above 65. What a great NSV, thanks for sharing.

PCOS is one of my major motivators too. I don't mind having little to no periods but I do mind my hairy chin. I'm lucky my little hairs are so light - I don't think people notice them.

I have told my husband, mom, one coworker, and two friends. I'm afraid to tell my dad because I'm afraid he will give me a big lecture and tell me that I should be able to lose weight on my own. He is a marathon runner and has never had a weight problem. I need to tell him though because I feel like I need to be up front with him - and tell him why I'm not visiting him this summer (we live in AK and he lives in Kansas). I anticipate telling people that I've had surgery if they ask me how I'm losing weight, but I'll see when I get there. I'm scheduled for June 12 and I'm super excited.

June 12!