UTGal99

Oh No! I hope you get all that worked out. I hate to hear you have had complications. Do you have medical issues that would complicate the procedure? Here's wishing they get that fixed soon

Don't mean to be rude but what is your age? If you are in your 40's or 50's maybe you are entering menopause which could be affecting your TOM????

Is it that way forever or just a period of time until hormones balance out?

Thank you for the feedback, guys. O.T.R.sleever, I would think they will just include it in the services too but just want to be sure.

I don't live in Knoxville or TN anymore for that matter. My hubby's job had us transferred to WV. Fortunately, we are only about 5 hours from Knoxville so I can go back for regular visits and of course, football season!

Yes, the UT stands for University of Tennessee. That is my alumni. I grew up in Knoxville and all my family stil lives there. I visit often. Us Tennessee gals need to stick together!

Here is a good guide to follow: Women Age Underfat Healthy Range Overweight Obese 20-40 yrs Under 21% 21-33% 33-39% Over 39% 41-60 yrs Under 23% 23-35% 35-40% Over 40% 61-79 yrs Under 24% 24-36% 36-42% Over 42% Men Age Underfat Healthy Range Overweight Obese 20-40 yrs Under 8% 8-19% 19-25% Over 25% 41-60 yrs Under 11% 11-22% 22-27% Over 27% 61-79 yrs Under 13% 13-25% 25-30% Over 30%

Congrats - pics, please!

Congrats - looking great! Keep it up and in no time you will in the 200's - woot woot!

For those that have had a VSG and wear a Medic Alert Bracelet - what does it say on the back of your medic alert bracelet? Did you put VSG, Vertical Sleeve Patient, etc.?

Thank you for that encouragement! As I am getting very close to scheduling surgery time. I appreciate the insight into what lies ahead. I am sure I will be looking for the hand holding and support here soon too! Congrats to you! Awesome work - keep it up!

P.S. Once you lose a bunch of weight you won't care who asks you. You will be so proud! You will want to shout your success from the rooftops.

Your anatomy changes signifcantly with a vertical sleeve gastrectomy. The medic alert bracelet is there to notify any paramedics and medical staff should you need to be intubated that anatomy is not normal and be careful. The last thing one would want is for them to damage to the sleeve because they were not aware of it. It is for your safety and protection. If you are concerned about people asking what the medic alert bracelet is about you can always wear a decorative bracelet and/or necklace. Here is a great website that makes very attractive, unconventional medic alert bracelets with style! No one would ever know and all medical personnel are trained to look at bracelets, necklaces, etc before administering care. http://www.laurenshope.com

I know exactly how you feel! I wish I knew what "it" was too. I battle it everyday!

That is scary to me. I am still considering the surgery but don't want a portion of an organ removed from my body that assists and/or helps control body temperature. WOW!

I have head hunger all the time. I am looking for food even when I know I am not hungry. I wonder how much the hunger hormone, ghrelin, plays a part in that? Will be great after surgery since they remove that portion of the stomach.

You look great! So happy for you - keep up the great work!

Wow, I am really shocked you can eat all that stuff as of week 2. I would have thought it would be liquids only for 2 weeks??? I am pre-op so I don't have any experience with what to eat and when. Congrats on your success thus far!

6 bands have broke? Wow! What in the world do they think is causing that?

I worry about the same thing. I like to drink with a meal too!

How come the wait is so long before surgery? September 17th seems like a long time. I have yet to be sleeved either, but just curious if this is the norm?

So awesome! Congrats! I agree - pics, pics, pics!

I am not sure about how long for the concern of leaks; however, the staples are made of titanium. They do not fall out. Scar tissue will form around them; but they are not dissolveable.

What size bougie did each person have?

I joined this forum as a pre-op patient seeking answers to my questions regarding the VSG procedure, complications, life after, advantages/disadvantages, etc. After reading some of the posts I am scared to death! Some of the side affects of the surgery (hair loss, etc.) concern me. I know I need to lose the weight and get healthy but at what cost will the surgery bring me? I am afraid that I would fail, I am afraid I would have serious complications, I am afraid of having 85% of a major body part removed and what if I need it? I know that overeating and living the lifestyle I do has got me to this point, but I am scared I will miss food, I am afraid I could regret it. I am so VERY VERY scared. Am I just not ready to have this surgery performed b/c I am so shocked by the things I have read? Does everybody stress this bad considering having this done? Somebody, anybody convince me that this is the right thing to do....