Carrie

I think it's an easier question to ask who doesn't have heartburn around here...lol. I believe a majority of folks that are less than a year out are on PPI's. I'm on Nexium but still take Gaviscon for emergency fire melting moments!

I was referred to Dr. Manuel Castro by another member of this forum. His front office is okay. His wife is the office manager and she knows her job is secure, so don't expect special treatment. It's important to remember, you aren't looking for a friend, you are looking for a QUALIFIED and SKILLED surgeon with experience. Stay AWAY from Frank Felts he just started doing sleeves and won't admit how many he has actually done. I've asked him myself because I was considering using him prior to meeting Dr. Castro and he was worse than a car salesmen, no direct answers.

It maybe my thyroid. I haven't had it checked since I was in the hospital and my levels were within normal limits. I am on Synthroid and take it as prescribed on an empty stomach and I wait almost 2 hours to eat afterwards. I'm going to have to find a new GP in Washington, once our move is complete to keep track of everything.

Yes, I am. I get more protein than he recommended, I'm taking my vitamins, I usually get my water in. It's just a mystery to me. I believe I heard someone say something about being tired around the 6 weeks time frame but I don't remember who or where I read that.

Sure I have a generalized blog talking about family and our move primarily. It's at http://new2washington.blogspot.com/

It's been a while since I've updated my progress. Things are almost completely back to normal in our household. As normal as one preparing for a cross country move can be at least! I am feeling better and better each day and getting more and more adjusted to life "on the other side of VSG". I would like to thank everyone for the advice, tough love and all they gave me during those first few dark weeks. I sincerely mean this and hope that I will be able to help others who come out in a simliar disposition as I did afterwards which seems to be few and far between.

Premera Blue Cross for Microsoft Employees and Spouses just denied mine for a second time. I shall continue.

My doc advises to look for food choices that have less than 10 grams of sugar and 10 grams of total fat instead of counting calories. If each meal has 10/10 then you are looking at 30 grams of sugar and 30 grams of fat per day. Do that and drink as much water as you can handle. I read somewhere the reason they make us drink so much freaking water is because it flushes the fat out. Worth a shot at this point. Best of luck to you!

My next door neighbor took our 5 year old to school as her daughter goes to the same school and she and I are friends. Hubby picked her up after school and got them dinner THEN brought them by to see me. I was very happy and uplifted to see my babies. So that might help, to have them come after you've slept a bit and the nurses have a chance to get any pain issues under control.

A quick update on me, I ended up getting the Mirena IUD for the second time. I had it put in the first time within a couple months of giving birth to my 2nd daughter via c-section. I'm not sure if it had to do with the recent childbirth or what, but it was horrible, the insertion didn't hurt but the constant spotting for 4 months made me switch. I went back on the pill, then had this surgery and wasn't sure if the pill was being absorbed being as I was spotting so much and I don't want anymore kids at least that's Hubby and my vote at this time thus nothing perm. I went back last week and had Mirena #2 placed. The insertion was extremly painful for some reason yet the spotting stopped after 2 days. So one body two totally different results with Mirena, the only difference is 2 months after childbirth vs almost 2 years afterwards.

First off congrats!! Secondly. I had the Lap Band from hell during my second pregnancy. I literally lost 40lbs WHILE pregnant without trying. I delievered a very healthy 8 pound baby girl. Get the nutrition the doctors and nutritionalists advises and yes, the baby will take what it needs from your body. Also don't be shocked if you get VERY frequent ultrasounds. I got at least 10 during that pregnancy because of my weight loss to make sure she was growing correctly for her gestational age. I always got good news and it was just horrible having to lay there and look at pictures of my unborn baby.....NOT!! lol

Sounds like YOU were the pop tart that night!

I'm wondering how long you guys HAVE to wait before you can lay down? I know it's not best to eat and go to bed even for someone without this surgery. I've had a couple "episodes" where I waited over an hour and still had reflux symptoms after laying down. Thanks and I hope everyone has a great Sunday!

At least you're not in Texas. But that's kinda like what us ladies who wear Spanx feel like.

is that considered a NSV? Picture this, I had on a pair of "tights". I decided to be nice to myself last week and purchased a pair of leather mid-calf boots and wore them both for the first time tonight. As I stood up I realized my tights looked a bit baggy, upon investigating I found that my crotch was at my knees. :thumbup: After tonight I have learned not to trust anything that isn't a snug against me. :001_tongue:

Okay I know I need to stay away from youtube but I've been watching videos from others who've had VSG and some of them videotaped within an hour of coming out of surgery. This one poor woman kept begging for more drugs she hurt so badly. I was already ready to call and cancel this morning two days pre-op but my hubby reminded me with two kids under 5 I won't likely be able to line up help, financing, etc again for another year or two and how horrible it's been the past 6 months of being on liquids and having sharp pains. They have in a way become normal for me which is wrong I know. My 5 year old has started telling us her stomach hurts when she eats so she doesn't have to eat whatever she doesn't want to. :001_unsure: I keep telling myself I'm doing this for my kids, I'm doing this for my kids. I'm scared to death. Take it this woman may or may not have had surgery before but going from how I feel today (normal to me) to that isn't on my top 10 list. :001_rolleyes: I've had 2 c-sections (old school vertical style) and Lap Band Surgery. Other moms please tell me how bad a revision really is.

I guess since you are happy about it then Congrats!! I'm on Synthroid, the most annoying thing about it is it must be taken 1 1/2 hours before eating or drinking.

I'm just curious what most folks take for pain. Personally, Tylenol reduces fever and that's about it. I was told no NSAID's. I was also told that my birth control pills were ineffective and I had to switch methods so I had an IUD put in yesterday. OMGOOODNESS, it's bad. I've was up half the night having flashbacks of my first 18 hour labor at least that ended with something cute and loving. :thumbup: Are you guys taking Advil or anything?

Hello. I'm 2 days away from being a month out. Most docs who want to keep their license only give the Dilaudid and good stuff immediately after surgery. I was off pain meds by the end of the first 3-4 days which I believe is average or even a little longer than average. Like everyone else I have my good days and not so good days. I have 6 incisions that are almost completely closed, one is being a bit unruley about it. All are red compared to my really pale skin and need time to "mature" and lighten up. I had the Lap Band Laprascopically (sp) and I know the scars will eventually look like scratches. You will continue to feel a little bit better each day, the main thing is to get as close to your Water and Protein goals your doctor sets each and every day and keep up with your Vitamins especially the B12 it will keep you energized and the protein helps in healing the trauma caused to your body by the surgery. So just hang in there!

Yes, I gained 7 pounds while in the hospital. I can assure you it wasn't from fine dining. lol. They had me constantly hooked up to IV fluids. My first night home I peed 5 pounds off! I'm sure you will have a simliar experience. I almost wanted to sleep on the toilet I was there so much. Best of luck to you!

I know this sounds corny, but he has to get used to not using food for enjoyment. Perhaps make him TWO coupon books. One innocent one from the girls for free hugs, back scratches, fetch dad a protein shake from the fridge. And a "grown up one" from you for other favors if you know what I mean. I would also put a couple coupons in for romantic walks as he will need encouragement the first few weeks to keep going. :thumbup:

I asked about Paraguard and my doctor told me that it increased bleeding and cramping. Mirena is apparently used for those who have heavy bleeding problems.

Thanks, I think everyone has a duh moment..lol

Why must us ladies have all the fun? Why can't men have like bad diarrhea or something? lol