whosaysyoucant

My PCP was the one who recommended me looking at WLS. I, initially, told her she was off her rocker! But since I have so much respect for her, I did some homework and we discussed it at every turn. It's a very long convoluted story from start to surgery one week ago today - but she has been my BIGGEST cheerleader all the way! I am so happy for that first conversation we had about WLS. She could see the struggles I had with continually riding that weight loss roller coaster. I am sorry for you that your PCP is so short sighted!

I had my sleeve done on December 26th. Merry Christmas to me!!! I live in NE Iowa. However, I had the surgery done by Dr. Baker in Fridley, MN.

Congrats on the weight loss!!! As far as what to expect on the waiting game, I don't have any idea what to tell you. From what I have read on here, it seems to be all over the map on how this goes. My process doesn't seem to match any that I have read so far. I had met the surgeon and done all of the pre-requisites by the time my approval request went in. Due to switching doctors and clinics and an illness, I actually had approval for awhile before surgery. I wish you the best!

http://bakerbariatrics.com/postop.htm

I, too, was laying on my side within hours of the surgery!

As someone said above - everyone is different. I happen to have had very minimal pain. I have taken no pain killers since living the hospital. Dr. Baker encouraged me to take a one dose of liquid pain killer before I left the hospital. I really didn't want to but since he suggested it - I did it. I had a hysterectomy last December and had no pain killers other than what went into the IVs during surgery. I am lucky and can't complain at all!!!!! Hope things are improving for the new sleevers!

Wow, normally if anything, they extend u another month. Just try not to stress and have a positive attitude. U can do this. Make sure you give answers you mean and not what you think they want to hear. That will haunt you in the end. They want to make sure you are where you need to be when you have this...trying to help set you up for success!

Good luck to those having the surgery today!!! I had minimal gas. I purchased gas-ex. Did not use it. I got up and walked the hallways the minute they let me. I think that is important!!! Positive thoughts headed your way!

I have the same dilemma especially when I have to have withheld fluids for over 12 hours. I was not excited about having my iv started be fore the surgery. As many pokes as I had, I can't complain. The nurse covered my arms in warm blankets before even prodding for a target. After removing the warm blankets, she manipulated my arms and wrists looking for the best target. Before poking me, she injected lidocaine in the target area. The first location was a failure. However, I couldn't even feel anything. She placed an iv successfully at the second location. She and the anesthesiologist both told me that once I was asleep that the would be placing an iv in a more suitable place and with a better gauge needle. They did this to reduce the stress on me even though I wasn't really bothered by the attempts. Sure enough, I woke up with an iv line in a different location. I thought it was great of them to do that!

My doctor determined how much I needed to lose prior to surgery. I only had seen him two months prior to surgery. I had started "officially" another month earlier with a nitwit from another bariatric clinic. I was approved instantly. My surgery was delayed because I had gotten a nasty ear and sinus infection. My primary physician had prescribed prednisone - which is a no no prior to surgery. Therefore, I had to wait an additional three weeks for surgery. During that time, I lost the remaining goal that my surgeon had given. Prior to surgery I had the psych evaluation, physical, ekg, lab work, structured weight loss. During the EKG, it was discovered I had an abnormal heartbeat. So I ended up with a echo cardiogram also. All came back good. So I am five days out. I have lost 6 pounds since the surgery and 27 pounds since I met Dr. Jeff Baker in October.

I had my surgery on the 26th. Knock on wood I have had absolutely no pain. I have had no pain meds since leaving the hospital. I do struggle getting all the water in - but that seems to be improving. Started drinking protein shakes today...and spending at least 30 minutes walking daily since Saturday. My biggest fear was leaving the hospital. I had to travel 4+ hours for my surgery and the weather has been anything but cooperative. Good luck on your journey - I have no regrets!!!

My surgeon is Dr. Jeff Baker. http://bakerbariatrics.com/ I had may trials and tribulations before ending up at the office of Dr. Baker. I must say I am very happy that things worked out they way they have. Dr. Baker has been nothing short of wonderful, compassionate, and, oh yeah,...a skilled surgeon! I can't say enough good things about my care so far!!!