KellyL

I have seriously been considering that too. But I didn't know you could do private groups so maybe we should do that instead? Most of my family knows about my plans for wls but a lot of school and childhood friends don't.

Congrats on 3 more lbs, that's awesome!!

Yes it is great, a place where ppl understand and know what you're going thru. Free too, can't beat that.

It sounds like you're doing great as far as weight loss!! Congrats on being sleeved! You are getting adjusted to a whole different way of eating, so that's not easy I'm sure. It gets better every day, don't get discouraged.

I'm trying to figure out my date too, and it's kinda difficult! But yes if you do it at the beginning of May it should give you plenty of time to heal. Good luck!

Congrats!! I know you are so excited!! It's awesome you have someone to share your journey with.

I love this thread too. I definitely don't want to become a slave to the scales, so I like the idea of sizes. Sadly though, I have no idea what to shoot for. Like some of you, I will probably start out with one size, then lower it as I begin seeing the shape my body takes as I lose weight. Maybe a 10 or 12?? Y'all are blowing my mind with the single digit talk, never did I think that was even possible. But I do need to consider it since I am 5'4" and pretty small boned. I've never done a lot of clothes shopping anywhere due to my weight. However, I know I have a Diva trapped inside me anxious to eacape. I LOVE shopping for purses and shoes. I have lost weight pre-op, about 30 lbs, and I went and bought a pair of yellowbox flip flops in size 6!! I think they are made a little small, but my usual size is 7-7 1/2. It's weird to already need a smaller shoe haha. I've dropped a size in pants too. I'm in 24 pants now. I am getting antsy now and I want my sleeve NOW lol. Y'all are so inspiring!

Hi, can't answer your question cuz I'm pre-op but I wanted to say congrats and good luck for an easy and speedy recovery!

I am pre-op but concerned about this. Alot. I am planning on trying to add the unflavored unjury protein to everything. Like to V8. It sounds nasty now but I hope I can do it post op. Otherwise it's on to plan B. And there is no plan B so I'm screwed! Lol

How exciting for you, congrats!! It's great that you have a sleeve buddy. Wishing you both an easy recovery.

Think of all your NSV(non scale victories), make a list to refer and add to when the scale just won't budge or the number just won't drop fast enough. How much better do you feel? Has your mobility improved greatly? How many size pants have you dropped? How many inches have you lost? Your health has already improved a lot!! Have you been able to stop taking any meds? (diabetes, blood pressure). You're doing great and it's only gonna get better! Celebrate it all, not just #'s on a scale.

Also something to consider, is he insisting on the RNY because he feels it's best for you, or is it because it's what he is trained and more skilled in? I personally would want a surgeon that is skilled and experienced with the procedure I felt the most comfortable with. I called a dr in my state to inquire about the sleeve. The person that answered the phone said that he did not do the sleeve. I said, well that is really the one I felt most comfortable with. She then proceeded to tell me "Oh, it's not up to the patient which procedure you have, it's the dr's decision". I said that I completely disagreed since it's my body, my health, and my life we're talking about. I have researched this for 7 yrs. And I know my health issues. Of course this dr would recommend the RNY if it's the only one he does. Also they get to bill anywhere from $20,000-$60,000 to our Ins Co for the RNY. I am not a dr myself but I do recommend researching the complications and regrets boards on OH. To me, the whole gold standard thing is outdated. Good luck in your journey!

Were you perhaps having to say no to invitations newly pre-op due to a liquid diet and healing? If so, they may have thought that was a permanent no now that your eating has changed. They simply may not know you are interested or may be doing it thinking they are being respectful to your situation. They may think eating out could hinder your progress, or that it's disrespectful to eat tempting foods in front of you. Whatever the reason, you should make some calls and. Invite people to hang out and show them you still want to socialize.

Awesome update!! Thanks for taking the time. We all need to read these experiences. I loved hearing about the traveling and clothes swapping. I hope to travel more post-op and I've been curious how it would work with a sleeve. Congrats to you both!!!

I would definitely find out how many sleeves he had done and his complication/mortality rate. The leak test is very important to me personally. I am going to MX and I really want that reassurance. I know it could still happen later but I want to leave there ok.

I can't hardly stand any of the protein drinks i've tried so far. But I am eating the Pure Protein bar in chocolate peanut butter. They grow on you. Lol. First time I tasted I wasn't impressed but now i look forward to it. I have 1 for breakfast everyday. I got it in WalMart. They sell a lot individually so you can try without having to buy a whole box. They are 20g of protein.

How exciting! Congrats!

Hello, I was wondering how many leak tests you had with Dr Kelly? Did you feel your pain and nausea were well managed? Were you offered something for your nerves before surgery? Thanks! Kelly

Yes that is the purpose of the drain I do believe. I thought I remembered someone mentioning 3 leak tests i just couldn't remember who. Understandable you might not know if its during surgery.

Very very helpful thank you so much!! I am just trying to be fully prepared. I have had 2 children, hysterectomy, tonsilectomy, laporascopic cholecystectomy (gall bladder) so I'm no stranger to this stuff. Of all those, the tonsils were the worst. Except for my children, all my ops were done in my 40's! I am hoping it's comparable to the gall bladder since that was done lap and it was my easiest recovery. I really appreciate everyone sharing info with me!

Thanks for replying! I will probably need something if they will give it to me. But I also feel that way about flying lol. I'm sorry you had difficulty with anesthesia, thankfully you got better quickly.

Thanks for your reply Ampsgirl! Sounds like you had a good experience, and your weight loss is great! Congrats! Everyone seems to like Dr Kelly a lot. This is very reassuring.

I am concerned about this for when I am post-op cause I am pretty sure a lot of my eating pre-op has been out of boredom and for entertainment. I am planning on trying to stay busy by doing things like walking, participating on these message boards, shopping, etc. I would love to go on a vacation but I probably won't be able to afford it after self paying for my sleeve. I might be able to swing a couple of short weekend trips to visit family.

I am sorry you've had problems but it's good that you got it checked out. The hiatal hernia is most likely causing a lot of your problems with acid that is why most surgeons repair at the same time they do the sleeve. I don't think it's likely that you suddenly got the hernia post op. You may have had it pre-op. As high as 85% of overweight ppl have hiatal hernias. Now the narrowing is a post op complication, but i don't think it's real common for the sleeve. It's strange to me they are already talking revision to rny but not a hernia repair. Good luck and feel better!!!

Congrats, your doing awesome!