Papillon

Has anyone had WLS from Dr. Podkameni? He is one of the surgeons at Banner Gateway in Arizona.

This is a really good article that describes what an "Emotional Eater" is. www.wlslifestyles.com

You will start feeling stronger every day. It took me almost a month or two to feel back to 80-85%. After 3-4 months I was 100% again. Give yourself time to heal!

You will totally get there too!!! Keep up the good work!! At the begining I did Water Aerobics and that is a workout that I could do at my heaviest!

Wooohooo!!! Doesn't it feel amazing to be able to run? I had given up on that particular activity years ago and to be able to do this again is amazing!

He will be missed! My husband and I both really admired him and appreciated his expertise for this surgery.

I find that if I am distracted I don't run into this as much as if I am sitting at home watching TV for example. I had been having a small snack after dinner but I am now trying to knock that out and not do it anymore. Sometimes liquids help - nice big glass of ice tea for example. For me it depends on what I am doing... I am trying to be aware of this so I don't go back to bad habbits before surgery. I do get hungry but it is nothing like is used to be. Now it is something like.. oh I should eat... (get distracted by the computer) one hour later oh yea I was going to eat haha.

You really need to search your soul. The sleeve is just a tool after the surgery the only person who is there telling you what to eat is you. It is a constant choice. My relationship with food had to change and that was one hell of an eye opener but it has been worth every step of the way to feel better and have more energy! I wish you luck with your journey. The liquid diet is possible... if you are having a hard time with just the shakes call your doctor and see what other options they recommend. Good Luck!

I am with the other people who replied... try to take the scale out of it as much as you can. I noticed a lot of changes in my body that were not noticable on the scale early on and even now. I have curves and changes in my waist line (woohoo) Try to get in that dreaded E word as much as you can. I know it can be rough at the beginning but it makes a huge difference. My husband and I attended water aerobics at the start and I think that helped a lot! It is a nice way to exercise that isn't high impact on your joints.

At the begining stages I had to drink atleast one protein shake a day. Now I can't stand them... lol The Premier ones from Costco (Chocolate) are the best of the brands I tried. Refrigerated they are not bad at all. I have the protein bars now and I take one with me as a just incase I don't have a chance to stop for lunch or dinner before rehearsal kind of thing.

Rock it!!! Doesn't it feel amazing?? Now the next time you are at the store pick up a 50lb or 75lb bag of dog food... it is an eye opener. I can freaking run on the treadmill now... at my starting weight there was no way that could happen!!!

I took the full three weeks off from work. I could have gone back after two and probably been fine but I wanted the extra time to heal. I was easily tired during this time. No problems with energy now.

Honestly the six months seemed like a major pain at the time but looking back I am glad I had them to get my thoughts in order. My surgeon also required a two week liquid diet before surgery. This alone was the hardest thing I had to do before surgery. I am glad that he required it. It made the transition easier after surgery to liquids, mushies, and now solid foods. I kept telling myself that if I couldn't get through the two weeks there was no way this was right for me. I had my surgery almost a year ago now and I don't regret it. I feel so much better. It was a hard decision and I recommend you really do some soul searching. Food will become a different thing to you after the surgery. Gone are the days I could eat so much I was unable to move... I haven't had pizza in more than a year and honestly the only thing I miss is bread. I haven't been eating any carbs (with the exception of fruits and veggies). Enjoy the journey and learning a different way to live.

I have several scars but they are small and I don't mind. They are worth it for the weightloss.

Nearly one month out and I am feeling amazing. I am getting used to the size of food I need to eat. I do not feel hungry. There are a few times when I have had short term desires for other foods but the results from my weight loss have made it a lot easier to ignore them haha. As many of you know I am an opera singer. I am happy to report I have not had any problems with my voice. The only thing I am noticing is that I do not have quite the same amount of stamina when it comes to breathing. It is gradually improving though and I am not worried. If you are considering this surgery I urge you to do your research and think about it long and hard before you do it. I have no regrets but I am also very glad I read a lot about the surgery before jumping in.

Another thing that saved my husband and I through the soup stage was to go to PF Changs and ask for their soup broth only. The Wonton soup and Hot and Sour are great and feel good on your healing tummy.

I figure it is about time for an update. I can't believe it has almost been a year already... I had my surgery on September 13, 2010. It has been a roller coaster of an experience. From not being able to eat anything that wasn't blended to unrecognizable to crying the first time I tried on a pair of jeans in Old Navy and realized I could actually shop there and BONUS the jeans I grabbed were too big. (that never happened to me!!) I have had a hard time with sweets but both my husband and I are doing great. If I had it to do all over again I would do it! It was a rough month right after surgery but how I feel now is worth every moment it took to get here! I am astonished that I have lost 93lbs. I feel like a different person. When I look in the mirror I have to take another look because that skinny girl can't be me. : )

I sing opera. I was very worried about the surgery before I had it. I thought my voice would change. It hasn't!! If anything I have more energy to do some of the crazy things directors ask of you. I had a few months where it took time to get my support back under the voice but I am doing great now! I don't regret for a moment making this change!

You will feel better in a month or more. I noticed at the beginning I was out of breath and tired a lot quicker than I had been before the surgery. Now I have a ton of energy. I am not feeling winded at all and believe it or not I actually "jogged" on a treadmill. I never thought that would happen~!! Hang in there and use the breath thing the doc gives you after surgery. It helps.

Let us know how you are doing when you can! I am sure you are on your way to recovery as we speak. Sending you a hug!

Wishing you all the best in your journey Floppie. Stay positive before surgery and take things one at a time! I admit I felt fine the first two days after surgery... the third day was rough!! I also came off the morphine so my body was able to realize it was hurting. They hospital was really good to me and my husband. Before you know it the hard times will be over and you will forget you even had surgery! Listen to your doctor and follow their advice!

I had the gastric sleeve on September 13, 2010. It was the best decision I have ever made for myself!! Recovery takes awhile but if you keep positive and take one day at a time the weeks after surgery will be a distant memory in no time. The liquid diet for two weeks before was rough but I kept telling myself if I can't do this how am I going to make a life change?? I am now down about 63 lbs and I feel amazing!! I went from a size 24 jean to a size 18 (and these need a belt) It is scary going into surgery but if you have a really good surgeon and no other problems that would increase your risk you will be done and back in your hospital room before you know what hit you. My husband and I had surgery on the same day. He is doing amazing also he is down 80+lbs and we haven't felt this great in a looooong time. I wish you the best in your journey!! I was afraid but now I am excited!! It can be a challenge making the right choice for food after surgery but I remind myself that I had surgery and that alone helps me to make a good choice. Do I slip and eat icecream once in a blue moon... yea I am human not a super hero but, I can always get back on track the next day. Good luck!! Papillon.

I am pretty lucky.. my Mom and Grandmother know and they are both really supportive! I am looking forward to seeing everyone. I have to admit I am astonished with how much food people can eat now.. I never noticed before.

That is great!! I have started taking water aerobics and I highly recommend it!! It is a workout but nothing like pounding yourself to death on a treadmill.

I have UHC insurance and the entire surgery was covered. I had a $150.00 copay and a few other doctor visit charges.