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I misspelled it, but ghrelin is a hormone that your stomach produces that triggers hunger. It is mostly produced by the greater curvature of the stomach, which is excised as a part of the sleeve operation.

Thanks for the mosquito reminder, funkeechiggen!

Calcium Citrate is absorbed MUCH easier than carbonate. It's usually a bit more expensive, but well worth it.

My experience certainly does not parallel yours, but the main deciding factor for me in choosing sleeve over band was the virtual elimination of grehlin. Just my opinion, but I think that's why the band fails so many people, because it does nothing to eliminate physical hunger. (HEAD hunger is another matter altogether, and we ALL have to beat that!) If you do decide to go with a sleeve, PLEASE don't be disappointed if your surgeon wants a 'resting' period between band removal and sleeve surgery. He would only suggest that if he was sure it was in your best interest. Good luck on your journey, and I hope you make the healthiest decision for you.

I was sleeved on the 24th, and this morning feel MUCH less bloated. Pretty comfortable, actually.

I know what you mean! I'm 50, and honestly cannot imagine myself thin, as I have been overweight since childhood. But just because I can't imagine it, does not mean I'm not going there!

I'm with you on this one, sister. Very early mornings are usually cool enough to walk. You've done fantastic so far, just get in what you can, stay hydrated, and be patient. Fall will be here soon enough! Goals excellent, but PLEASE don't beat yourself up if you happen to fall shy of one. This is a life-long change, and as long as things are going the right direction that's what counts.

Gongrats! I had 3 months with Aetna, but I took what the nutritionist had to say to heart. I realized that if I didn't come to grips with my relationship with food, that I would not succeed. I know you already know this, but it can't be stressed enough that the sleeve is just a tool. Without hard work and lifestyle changes, we will not succeed. Hope the approval process goes well, and look forward to seeing you on the loser's bench!

11 pounds a month is a very healthy rate! Sounds like you're doing fantastic!

Kudos to Baylor Trophy Club. I was a bit nauseated the morning after surgery, and had my nausea medicine within five minutes!

Dr. Kim explained to me that it lets him see the stomach and the staple line from the inside. I don't know that a man's stomach is bigger, it just seems a reasonable assumption. We may end up with the same diameter, but if men start out with a longer stomach, it must then have a larger capacity.

Those don't sound like horrible quantities. I'm only 3 days post-op, but would not mind eating that much in one go as long as it SATISFIES me. I would much rather have a slightly higher capacity than the complications of a too-small stomach. I've wondered for a while if a man's stomach wouldn't end up with a bit more capacity than a woman's with Dr. Kim, since he uses the endoscope instead of an actual bougie. Curious to hear what Dr. Kim's other patients have to say as well.

I was sleeved on Tuesday, also by Dr. Kim, and go for followup/staple removal next Wednesday. I'll try to remember to tell you what it is like. So far recovery is going pretty well. Good luck to you!

I was just the opposite. I used BariEssentials with skim milk and was almost constipated.

Awesome! Inspirational stories like yours help keep us all on track. Keep it up, you CAN do it!!!

SMO = Super Morbidly Obese, generally BMI 50 or greater.

My surgeon was Dr. Kim, and I have zero complaints about Baylor Trophy Club. My wife has been in and out of hospitals numerous times, so I do have a basis for comparison. Good luck on your revision!

Passed the swallow test! just finished my second ounce of water. Hopefully get to go home this afternoon. EVERYBODY I've met here at Baylor Medical Center Trophy Club has been nothing short of awesome!

Day three post op, doing pretty well! Am up to 2 ounces in a go now. I apparently had a hiatal hernia, so I assume it's still a little swollen there, and I have to straighten my abdomen if I'm sitting in order for things to go down, and burps to get up. This is a weird feeling, having to MAKE myself drink something! I'm just not hungry (although a slice of toast does sound tasty. No, I will NOT cheat!). Slept well last night, took the dog on a short walk this morning. Much nicer than walking laps around the kitchen. Will be happy to eat again, but I am patient. One advantage of being 50 I suppose. Going to nominate my wife for sainthood; she's been TOTALLY supportive and helpful! Living the metamorphosis and loving it!

Finally posted my pics, I hope I did it correctly! 2 days post-op and doing pretty well, I think.

Everything went very well. i used Baylor Medical Center in Trophy Club because they were on Aetna's network. surgery was approximately 10:30 am Tuesday, leak test was around 9:30 Wednesday, and I was home by 3:00pm. I felt extremely well-treated by all the staff and nurses there. I've only used pain medicine twice, both times at night to help me sleep better. It does hurt a bit more to lay on my side, and I'm a side sleeper. right now I'm just working on getting my liquids down. I'm already up to two ounces per serving, but I'm about a minute between sips.