sheetmetalgirl

I had a vsg in June of 2013. Prior to surgery, I lost just over 40 pounds (over about a 6-7 month period) and lost about 40 pounds within the 4 months post-op. At that point, I had my gallbladder removed and then it took about a year to lose another 10 pounds or so. My lowest was about 50-55 pounds from surgery weight and around 90 from my highest. Over the past year-year 1/2, I have gained back about 40 of the 50-55 lost since surgery. (But I am 2 sizes smaller than I was at this same weight before, I'm guessing from the muscle mass change) Looking back, I think it's odd (and a bit unsettling) that my surgeon talked to me about revisions the day I had my initial consultation for the sleeve (it was also pushed VERY hard for me to go with a lap band).I find this so unsettling because I realize now that he knew at the time my insurance will pay for revisions. I knew nothing about them then, and still know very little. I never ever not even once have got sick after eating. I also have always found this odd, because I don't really know of other people who never experienced that- not even one time. I followed the food "rules" fairly strict for about a year- year 1/2 post op, but admittedly have slid off of that wagon over time. I started doing half marathons (I am a mostly walker, but some walk running usually for the second half of those) last year and have done 6 of them this year along with the prep for that and various other exercise. Anyway, I have been thinking about this for quite a while and finally decided to try to see another doctor because I really have not so great vibes from my original surgeon. I am seriously considering a revision, but it has been hard to come to this place mentally where I have accepted that it just didn't work out for me like I thought it would. I don't regret it at all, and have made some serious life changes that have stuck all this time. I'm looking to see if there are others in this group who have been where I am right now for support and possibly advice. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

Thank you... I definitely plan on seeing an endocrinologist to rule out some other issues, and I am planning on seeing a different bariatric Dr. to get another opinion. My dr rarely has time to meet with patients unless it's the consult visit and I really dislike his PA, so I'm hoping to have some productive discussion about my options Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

We're you on meds for high or low blood pressure?... I used to be on a diuretic for no reason other than I retain fluid... no high blood pressure just fluid retention, but that landed me in the hospital because it lowered my already low blood pressure. Now I'm on a med to up my blood pressure and just have to deal with any swelling. No more diuretics for me for sure. It seems most people who have no issues are on meds for high blood pressure, which is a whole different ball game, that's why I ask

When I've done the diet resets I do like one week liquid diet, one week puréed, one week soft... etc. so it's not just for one week, it's like two months, and I might drop a pound or two, but my weight fluctuates so much it's hard to know what's a real loss and what isn't. The blood pressure med is basically makes me put on a lot of Water weight..... I am interested to find out what an endo says, but I'm waiting for the 1st of the year to go once my flex account has money in it again before I subject myself to a bunch of testing again. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

According to my insurance, I'm a candidate... I would just go through the same process as before basically. If you originally lost less than half of the excess weight after the 1st surgery and it's been over two years, the rest of it is the same as getting approved for the first surgery. I've done the reset diets, but doing like each phase for a week instead of just a day or two. No success with that either. And I don't have PCOS Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

I wore a cgm earlier this year for a week, and never had a high blood sugar. I even ate a high carb dinner with dessert afterward on purpose to see what it would show. I also had a new sleep study done a few months ago, and they said I do not have sleep apnea any more. Those tests were done because I feel exhausted a majority of the time. I also work full time, I'm a union steward which takes up personal time constantly, and I am taking 6- 9 credit hours in college each semester. That could have something to do with that too, but since I've had the low blood pressure, I'm tired a lot. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

I get that the food rules are forever, but I didn't sign up for a surgery to only lose what I lost. 20lbs of the 40lbs I've gained was gained in one week after being put on a new medication for low blood pressure. I think I have a low thyroid, but my primary dr doesn't agree. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

Hi, I am about 2 1/2 years post-op sleeve and I am not 100% sure, but I have a good suspicion that I may be experiencing dumping syndrome. I have never had any issues tolerating foods, no nausea, vomiting, and other than the first few weeks post-op no diarrhea. However, the past few months I have had several times that I have had diarrhea, stomach cramps, cold sweat, and nausea very quickly (15-30 mins maybe) after making a poor food choice (like the three frosted cookies I had this morning) I'm wondering if anyone else has had the dumping syndrome show up late in the game like this....

I would not let that keep you away from your surgery. The wls journey can be a very emotional one, yes. I would highly recommend going to a counselor/therapist for ANYONE both pre and post op wls. As for the meds, you may have issues, you may not. BUT, that is an issue that can come up at anytime anyway with those types of meds. Stay close to you doctors be open and upfront about everything. Keep a journal and if you don't have someone to vent to, seriously consider a therapist (or even a support group) for the first 6-12 months post op. So many changes happen so fast. No matter what obstacle comes your way post op, you will more than likely be very satisfied with your decision if you follow through. The fear of the unknown holds us back, and many times we find out later there was nothing to be afraid of.

It is generally considered a no-no after wls. Don't swallow it and you will be fine. As for rule breaking, I am 2 1/2 years out from my sleeve, and there isn't a rule I haven't broken at one time or another. I say the fist 2-3 months follow the rules like your life depends on it. After that, you have to adjust things to fit your lifestyle. You will find out what works for you and what doesn't. (Like what you can tolerate, what you can't) After the initial healing period is concerned, being strict is going to influence your weight loss. The more you follow the rules the more you will lose. It's important to build good habits, because it IS definitely possible to regain later. The first year is when you will have a huge amount of success with your weight loss. As time goes on, you settle into your new normal, and if you allow bad habits to come back, you will regain. So, will gum kill you after wls? No, but you can have some serious issues if it's too soon after. Just remember that breaking the rules can be a slippery slope. Make sure you decides before hand where you are drawing the lines with yourself, so you can continue to have success.

My hair loss started about 3-4 months out and peaked around 5-6 months after my surgery. I am now almost 2 1/2 years out and my hair seems a little bit thinner than it used to be, but nothing noticeable to other people. My hair was pretty thick to begin with and it was long (when straight it reached my butt). I had it cut to shoulder length about 6 months after surgery and have kept it that way since, but I'm sure it would look just fine grown out now. The hair loss was an emotional part of the process for me (even though very few people say they noticed), but like every other part of my journey, I wouldn't go back for anything in the world. The positives have always outweighed the negatives for me.

Don't know if that link will work correctly but anyone can go to their support groups the info is easy enough to find from their website

Hannarbrts- there are support groups at Norman regional hospital http://www.normanregional.com/en/service_4.html?f04f38769227f9970dd8afa63da06810=143&class_id=143&service_line=Support%20Groups

Hi! I'm in Yukon! Didn't go through weight wise but I know someone that did. He's done fabulous with his surgery.... Good luck!

And it seems like just a few days ago I was getting this whole process started it moves quick once you get started. It may not seem like it at the time but it does.

I've never had any children and the last surgery I had was an outpatient cyst removal on a hand when I was a kid. So I don't have much to compare this to. Never had any broken bones. Lol like I said I am probably just a big baby

And now that I came home I used some gas x strips and that really helped now I'm moving around a lot better

Well, honestly I'm probably not the best person to ask bc I'm really a big baby but the morphine pump they had me on in the hosp didn't work near as well as the liquid lortab I'm on now (had the pharmacy flavor it bc it's nasty!)

I had surgery on Wednesday with dr Ronnie Keith in Norman and I went home this morning. I've been doing pretty well. Just trying to get fluids down keep walking and keeping pain managed.

I can feel it already. I am currently engaged (been together for 2 1/2 years) and I just know that our relationship won't make it through this. We haven't had any big issues throughout our relationship. At first when I told him I was thinking about WLS he told me I "wasn't that big" ( he didn't know my weight but I was 295 and am 5' 5") He eats VERY unhealthy and he was told his 5 year old daughter needs to lose weight at her last dr appt. I try to talk to him about eating better but he wants no part of it although he says he is "supportive" he doesn't realize that to me that means we all need to make changes. I just know that after my sleeve I will be forced to choose either taking care of myself or staying with him. I have never broken up with anyone (always been the dumpee) I can't stand the thought of it but I know where it's headed.... This sucks

I know!!!

@buplee lol guess you missed the part where he's been cheating on me for almost 3 years! My life is MUCH better without that loser! I was never saying the surgery has to have a negative impact on relationships, although it is common. I just knew that as all of this has been coming together in my life, things in the relationship were beginning to surface. Thank the Lord above this all happened a couple weeks BEFORE my surgery rather than a couple weeks after.

So in case anyone wants to know how this went down, the relationship has ended. I found out he had been talking to other women on a very regular basis throughout our entire relationship! One of them was his first ex-wife. I think we will remain on decent terms but that relationship is definitely OVER! And btw surgery date will be June 5th

You weren't kiddin'! Surgery date is June 5th

I have been thinking about WLS for quite some time, and I have found myself to finally have the health insurance, time away from work, and finances to maybe make this thing happen. My father and step mother each have had the band with (in my opinion) lack-luster results. My step mom did have quite a but more luck than my dad, but it seems that they both have had some issues with the band and I just knew I didn't want to go that route..... Initially, I really was leaning for the RNY but the no NSAIDs thing I don't think I can live with because I don't know what health issues I may have in the future so I don't want to cut such a broad class of drugs out of the picture. I am currently 295 5'5" with no diabetes, no joint issues, no hbp,etc. etc. My only real issues are occasional sinus stuff and migraine headaches that I have had off and on since I was around 9 or 10. Basically I want to hopefully get this weight off before I end up with those issues. I have talked to 3 different WLS drs offices and went to two of their seminars after deciding against my dad/stepmom's surgeon. I have settled on Dr. Ronnie Keith in Norman, Ok. & have my first appt with him and the nutritionist in a couple weeks (per insurance must see nutritionist 1x/month for 3 months prior to surgery) I have been obsessed reading everything I can since I have decided to pursue this option further. I have done the weight watchers, calorie counting, exercise, personal trainer, diet pills, all that fun stuff and I haven't had any long term success. I am hoping I will gain the tools and knowledge I need through this to make it work for me. I don't have the greatest support system.... Far from it and that is one of my biggest concerns. Anyways, I have been lurking for a few days and this site is fantastic I hope to meet other people who can relate to me for once!