TaiDyed

Hey Emily, I had the band (2008) to sleeve revision on 8/6. Also had the hiatal hernia repair as well. Couldn't convince my surgeon to take the gall bladder at the same time and will have to go back in a few months to have them take that out (have had gall stones for a few years, but no complications so far). All in all, life is good. Started on regular foods and can get down most anything, just a whole lot less!! I will say that by day 1, I didn't miss my band one bit!! I haven't gotten sick, no foaming, no getting stuck. The minute I feel full, I stop eating. The digestion process tires me out a bit, but I am working on understanding what foods make me feel more tired than others. Definitely, if it's higher in carbs, the harder my body has to work. Or so it feels. Congrats on your revision and best of luck to you!!

I cannot believe that it's been 23 days since I had my surgery! I honestly do not know where the time has gone. I am down 26.5 lbs since starting the pre op diet. I am in the midst of the 3 week stall, but know that after nearly 6 weeks of being at 500-800 calories/day, my body has some serious readjusting to do. I've been back at the gym for 2 weeks and every day feel a little stronger. I'm looking forward to going back to kettlebell classes next month. I know that is going to be a huge help in dropping weight and reshaping the body. So many of us starting this journey together! We are amazing!!

Thank you for this explanation. I completely understand you wanting to avoid this at all costs. I really hope you are able to find a way to incorporate foods other than what you listed in your original post into your diet. Please be kind and patient with yourself and stay positive that you will be able to get past this!! Wishing you strength through this challenging time.

I know a lot of people who really do not care for the Isopure Protein drinks, but I have found them tolerable. With 40 grams of protein per bottle, I think it's an excellent option. The hard part is finding a flavor that works best with your taste buds. http://www.theisopurecompany.com/en/drinks I was sleeved Monday 8/6...today is day 4 and I am able to get down much more liquid than I could days 1 and 2. Give yourself time and be patient. Small slow sips. I hope you get to feeling better soon.

First off, so glad you are taking the initiative to see a therapist. I hope that you will be able to work past this and find a way to incorporate new foods into your diet that will allow you a healthy lifestyle that is rich and fulfilling. I'm curious to understand what it means to "dump". I know what I've read, but what does it mean when it happens to you? What types of foods have you eaten that have caused this? I hope you are able to work this out and find a happy medium.

I am so thoroughly impressed and in awe of those of you traveling so far to have this surgery. What an absolute commitment and speaks volumes about your strength and determination. I realize that the reason for this (some, not all) may be because you are self pay, and perhaps if insurance covered things on your end, you'd be able to have things done closer to home, but the fact that you have made this choice is really amazing!! I'm just so proud of all of us!!Regardless of how we got here, we are here and by the end of this month we are going to be one amazing group of August Sleevers!!

I had to buy Protein powder from my doctor's office. It's not the worst ever, but I've had better. I agree with @nikkrew on the Premier Protein drinks. They are small and compact and pack a whopping 30 grams of protein. I buy the chocolate ones at costco. Not a huge fan of the Isopure, but am tolerating them. I know right now how important it is to get my protein in no matter what during these first few weeks post op. I'm really looking forward to being able to get my protein fix with real food somewhere down the line. Good luck with the pre op and your 8/20 surgery!!

That is awesome!! I have my follow up next Thursday and hope to soon be back at water aerobics and spin classes. This week, I'm sticking w/ walking and trying my best to listen to my body.

dizzylizzy83 - oh no, I'm so sorry to read this. I hope they are able to figure out the error and get you in today. Keep us posted. I will keep my fingers and toes crossed for you!! JLOR - Good news indeed. The pre op diet really helps get you prepared for afterwards, so do your best on it. I had a few slips here and there over my 2 week pre op, but for the most part stuck to it and managed to lose 15 lbs in the process. Good luck to you!! pdog - I am going on a few hours shy of 48 hours and I understand what you are feeling. I haven't had much nausea, but the pain is probably about a 6 or 7 on a scale of 1-10. Which is much higher than what it was while in the hospital. But then, I had a pain pump and a bed that was adjustable. I am finding that holding a pillow tightly to my belly helps relieve some of the pain. Just take it slow. Give yourself time to heal. That's what I keep telling myself. I'm confident that by this time next week, we will be feeling so much better!!

Oh thank you so much for this! I am just waking up to day 2 post op and this made me laugh and think, yup, that's me!! I am trying really hard to listen to my body but it's talking to me in a foreign language. Really looking forward to being a week or two out and moving past all the uncertainties. Thanks again for your honest and humorous post.

Sleeved yesterday. Home this afternoon. Challenging to get comfy in my bed...especially since I'm a stomach sleeper. The pain meds are helping. Really looking forward to getting past the first week.

Hey Randgalt - I had a small hiatal hernia that was discovered when they went in to remove my band and perform the VGS. I'm not sure about the cost as it will go through my insurance. Wish I could tell you more. I suppose it's always a possibility for many having this surgery. I've also heard of people ending up with hiatal hernias after having WLS. I seem to recall a few friends who had the gastric bypass a few years back and were actually hoping to end up w/ a hernia so they could have it fixed and seek a tummy tuck at the same time. Not exactly sure how that one would work? ______________________________________________________________ QOTD response from a few days back: Since we are now a big 'ol (soon to be small) sleeve family----lets share some information about ourselves!!! Name- Tai Age- (if you wish) 43, but will be 44 on 8/17!! Location- Long Beach/Signal Hill, CA highest weight/current weight/ goal weight- 289/206/140 Anything else you'd like to share? I'm a HUGE Foo Fighters fan, love going to concerts, have met some of the most amazing people from this crazy online world, even met my husband online in 1999. I'm an extremely happy and social person. I love my life and enjoy my job. The one thing I am unable to get a handle on is my weight. And it is the one part of my life that frustrates me the most. I'm ready to move towards living the life I deserve to live...happy with me and my body.

Hey there...well I'm now on the other side of the sleeve. I'm tired and s bit uncomfortable but otherwise just fine. Doctor said it went well. Took the band out, biopsy the liver (standard procedure I'm told), aid the sleeve and fixed a small hernia. Pain meds will be helpful. Gas is annoying but happy to be done with the surgery. Now comes the work.... :-)

Today is the day. I've got the iv in my hand. Now I wait. Upon checking in, the lady taking my paper work says that I look too small for this surgery. It messed with my head for a bit. I am sure she meant well, but it isn't what I needed to hear on top of already being scared. Regardless, I am here and ready to have my band removed and wake up sleeved. Thinking of all who are in surgery, on their way to surgery or have had their surgery. Will check back in when I'm able.

Of the 2 week pre op diet, today was the hardest!! Tomorrow morning cannot get here soon enough. Good luck to all the August 6th folk!!

How the heck am I suppose to sleep tonight? Have to check in by 6am! It's only 8:45 on Sunday night and my head is racing a million miles a minute. Looking forward to being on the "other side" and in recovery. Good luck to everyone!!

Hi mczoo33/Klyn - I sent you a request via FB as well. It will be much easier to keep up with a FB group page, especially on a smart phone from the hospital and while recuperating. Thanks so much. Any additional support we can lend each other during this crazy time is going to be so helpful!!

8/6/12 - band to sleeve revision bright and early!! Tomorrow is going to be a very long day getting through with only liquids for the day...but Monday will be here before we know it! Good luck everyone!!