SParkle

Just wondered if anyone used Arnica to help with internal bruising from the surgery, either before or afterwards?

Tiff - good point..... I know my surgeon does use Heparin. I used arnica about 4 yrs ago when I had a breast lift, and my plastic surgeon was fine with it, I had minimal discomfort from bruising. I know this is a totally different situation, so figured it doesn't hurt to ask....

Good points Avilda...... I will be asking my surgeon about it, just wondered if anyone else had used it.

Think positive - 17.2lbs down?? Way to go hun.....and over 3 points off your BMI! Keep smiling, you'll be fine. Kathy

Good to hear you're doing well, 21lbs down as well! Keep up the good work. Kathy

I bought 2 of these yesterday to make some ice pops with! I have the problems where here in Spain, ice pops which are sugar free are virtually non existent, and I thought these are great as I can just make the flavours I want, without the hassle of having to buy a pack of 10 where I hate most of the flavours. Not cheap but they are silicon and they work great - i have tried them with some no added sugar pineapple juice as a trial then they are lush!! Kathy

Sadly my Mum passed away last year (Alzheimers) but I know she would have been horrified at the thought of surgery for me.... I'm slowly changing my view on who to tell, so far my hubby and my best friend know, as I had to get another take on it, so had to tell my mate. But we go out for quite a few meals and I have a feeling as time goes on there maybe comments about eating disorders, so feel in the end I may end up telling more people than I thought. I can only advise that try and list the reasons why you want it done, not only the really obvious ones, but the small things that people without weight issues don't even think about. Shes your Mum, and she loves you, and will want to protect you,, so you need to make her also think about the protecting you against gaining more weight and the health issues involved with that too, and for your future with your family. Good luck - I don't envy you that one, as I know I won't be telling my Dad....I just don't think he could cope with it all. Kathy

Its a homeopathic remedy, but helps to reduce post op bruising and swelling. "How Can Arnica Montana Benefit My Healing Journey? The Arnica Montana products featured in the Store can help reduce post-operative bruising (ecchymosis), swelling (edema), and discomfort. Arnica Montana is a natural and safe homeopathic remedy that is frequently taken in oral pill or cream form. Grown in mountain regions, this homeopathic herb not only helps reduce bruising and swelling but also promotes healing and lessens post-operative pain and discomfort. Because Arnica Montana is a natural, safe remedy, it is known for having virtually no contraindications, no drug interactions, and no side effects. How Should I Administer Arnica Montana? Arnica Montana is typically taken in pill, pellet, or capsule form to help reduce bruising, swelling, and post-operative discomfort. For best results, do not eat or drink for 15 minutes before or 15 minutes after taking this homeopathic remedy. Ingesting food 15 minutes before or after you take the pill will diminish the effectiveness of Arnica Montana. Additionally, handling the product with your hands is not recommended. Once your wounds have healed and closed completely, Arnica Montana topical creams and gels may be also be applied over the surgical areas to reduce post-operative symptoms." "Is Arnica Montana 30X appropriate for an individual who has had gastric bypass surgery? Yes, because the homeopathic medication is delivered sublingually and not through the gastrointestinal tract. Following gastric bypass surgery, many patients have a difficult time obtaining a sufficient quantity of the micronutrients (Vitamins & minerals) required for good health. At the same time, a dramatically reduced stomach size makes it difficult to take certain supplements, especially tablets. This becomes important should the gastric bypass patient elect to have surgery down the road (e.g., body contouring), as nutrient deficiencies delay the healing process. Because Arnica Montana is delivered sublingually, most gastric bypass patients do not have any difficulty taking the homeopathic remedy." "

Excellent! I expect nearer the time there will be quite a few more too....I'm trying to get my pre op diet out of my dietician before I go for my pre op tests, not sure I'll manage tho, so may have to wait until 21st before I know how long the pre op diet is for. The suspense is killing me as I know they can vary SO much!!! Kathy

Good luck!

Hi and welcome I'm not really knowledgeable about the US and the insurance systems, but one thing did occur to me. Have you any previous records of your weight? If you were Xlbs lighter 2 yrs ago, then could you not go in with the argument that in 2 yrs time you'll be Xlbs more... and so on.....possibly costing them more money during the next few years when some of the co-morbidities start to set in. - Perhaps also if you have anything vaguely relevent in family history to throw at them as well?? Stay ever hopeful! good luck Kathy

Sounds like you're doing well Kymmi. I read somewhere that the surgery can play havoc with our cycles as well....and as I always feel nauseous during the first day of mine I am hoping beyond hope that it doesn't happen to me!! Good luck and keep up the good work. Kathy

Thats a fab result - Well done! You must have such a huge grin on your face!!! Kathy

What about food flavourings? I have coconut, vanilla and chocolate essence in the fridge which don't contain sugar... couldn't you mask them by making them taste of something you like? There must be loads of flavourings available. (Forgive me if I'm way wrong on this one, just guessing!!)

Hi and welcome I'm one of the lower BMIs going for the sleeve - both the surgeons I had consults with (here in Spain) said that at around the BMI of 35 i would be ok for the sleeve. I'm not sure at what point they say no on the BMI scale, but I know the things they looked at for me was either the band or the sleeve. I'm also a self payer, having no co-morbidities, and while the budget was important, my life is more so. Do use the board to gather as much information as possible, see as many surgeons as you can to get a feel for who you are comfortable with, not only for their track record but to trust your life with. I've had previous surgery, and saw 3 surgeons for that, and in the end went with the one priced in the middle of the others, because with all the research I felt he was the man for the job. I wish you luck in your decision - and know everyone here will help out with any info that they can. Kathy

Hi Brian and welcome My thoughts go out to you for your loss, and although you have your reservations about the operation, I think its possibly the most wonderful thing you can do for yourself and your children - loosing the weight will mean your quality of life with them will be so much better. I'm not sleeved yet, so can only offer support from the non sleeved side of the bench as yet, but wish you luck in your journey. Kathy

Mine said he would use a 32. It does sound like a huge size, but Tiffs pictures are a good reference to show the differences - which in reality aren't much between the sizes. Maybe think about comparing the size 48 to your current stomach - so it'll still be a lot smaller. Was he adamant about using this size or could you ask him to go smaller?

Good luck Sassie - I'll be thinking of you.

Thanks Lori...... I was aware so many people had surgery coming up in May, but didn't know many with June dates - so its nice to know theres a few more joining me - you should put a call out to all July ones, it'll soon come round, and will give you extra time to get ready for it all. Good luck Kathy

Hi Surgery Buddy! Like you I would love to fast forward to about 4 weeks post op!! But I guess we'll just have to be patient! Good luck

To the OP : Certainly the 2 consults I had, both surgeons said I would get a dvd of the operation, which would show me the removal. As stated most surgeons give quite a strict eating regime for the post op period, working your way slowly thru the clear liquid, full liquid, mushies then soft food stages, theres several links on here which has been posted by sleevers which would help you see the different variations on this to help with your research. I wish you luck in your research... theres a lot you need to be aware of before you make this decision, so to be fully informed is vital. Kathy

What a fab recipe.... I'll have to try these out! Presumably you could even mix in a bit more Protein if you wanted to as well. Thanks for sharing. Kathy

Hi there Congratulations!! I'm scheduled for 10th June, so we might be around the same time. Like you I'm also starting to prepare things, clearing out food cupboards, starting to use a Protein shake for Breakfast, smaller portions, upping my exercise to maximise my fitness for the surgery. Keep us informed on how your month is going, and when you get your date thru. Kathy

Hi Christie Good luck with your consult...let us know how you get on. Kathy

Hi to you both - Don't know about you but I hate having to wait so long!! Its only 'cos we have to go to a wedding at the end of May, so that dictated the date really....I know it'll go quick in the end but can't wait until I am on the losers side!!