Tana_Q

I had to truly LOL. I've been injecting myself with Lovenox (blood thinner) 2 x a day for 4 years now. I will have to do so for another few months until I can switch to oral meds (haven't tolerated them in the past). Many people inject themselves with meds everyday including insulin. When I've been in the hospital, I won't even let the nurses give me my shots, I know where the good spots are on my tummy!

Thank you Linda for that powerful post. My Dad dies when he was only 40, from a massive heart attack. I was barely 13. I do NOT want to do that to my own son and that is one of my reasons for doing this surgery. That blog is ridiculous and her bias is crystal clear.

Wow, you look amazing, like a totally different person! Thank you for sharing and what a great idea. I'm going to write a letter to self too.

You look amazing and what a great story!

Congrats for those going to Mexico. I must say that ya'll truly impress me as I would be more nervous than I am now getting on a plane to do this! Kudos to all of you!

Very well said. I don't see anyone here bullying the OP.

I have something else to add to the discussion. If anyone EVER feels like they are being given poor care while they are still in the hospital, please be your own best advocate and speak up. You can start by asking for the charge nurse. Then you can ask for the nursing supervisor. If it is during the day you can ask for a patient advocate or patient representative, all hospitals have them or have someone acting in that capacity. If you still feel like your voice is not being heard ask for the hospital administrator. I actually do agree with Kim that it is in one's best interest to have a friend or relative stick close by if possible. If you find you really don't need them, send'em home! But also remember that the vast majority of doctors and nurses WANT to help you and want you to do well. Also remember that not everyone dressed in scrubs that comes in your room is a licensed professional. In some hospitals housekeeping and nurse's aids wear scrubs too. Also if speaking with staff is not getting you anywhere, have your family call and inquire too.

I'm sure there are some from LI here. I'm waving at you from Westchester Cty. ::::::waves::::::

I believe that the OP really feels something awful happened and an injustice was done to her. However, as a RN of almost 16 years (8 working in the hospital), I have had a few patients who dramatize things due to various reasons. Medication given in the hospital can make one wonky. Just the fact of having surgery can make one "off" for a bit. There are times I was accused of hiding the call button when in fact the patient dropped it on the floor! The fact that OP lost so much blood can temporarily deprive the brain of oxygen. That also can cause perception to be way off. OP claims the whole state of LA is corrupted? Come on. OP I am sorry that you had a complication and were so sick for a bit. Yes, you could be recalling everything correctly. BUT, if a medical review board and all those lawyers don't agree with you then maybe, just maybe you are not remembering correctly? I also think you should get to another surgeon and get checked out. I also think maybe it would help you to talk to a professional about this as you do sound traumatized from it. Best of luck.

That's really frustrating. I hope your surgery happens soon!

I just wanted to say thank you Tiffykins for all this information. Like the OP, I want to get pregnant after having the sleeve. But I'll wait the year even though at 43, time is running out for me too!

Period related. I got so heavy that my period recently stopped. My last cycle was in Nov. and I am definitely not pregnant. I'm wondering if any of you in the same boat had your cycle return post-op and how many months did it take? I know everyone's body is different but just trying to get an idea. Thanks!

Very real, I loved it. I feel more prepared when I read experiences like this.

I am still a few weeks pre-op but I'd like to hear if your shoe size changed at all after surgery? If so how long did it take? In the past 8-9 months I packed on another 60-70 lbs (yikes). This was on top of already being morbidly obese. Anyway, my shoe size went up, most likely due to swelling. All my life I was a 9, sometimes I could fit an 8 1/2 even. But now I am solidly a 10. I cannot fit into any of my old shoes and resorted to wearing Crocs clogs for comfort. So has anyone else had this happen and then their shoe size went back to normal? I need hope!

I've told quite a few people as well. My boss and a couple of coworkers know. I am a home care nurse and have told some of my patients. I actually have a couple of patients that have had other WLS. My family is a little worried as they don't know much about WLS and they are just concerned. But they are still supportive.

Well the stomach is a muscle too so I would suppose that some people might find it moderately painful. But of course the laparoscopic incisions are small so that is better.

Congrats on your decision and great that your family is so supportive!

I'd also suggest posting more here. I find the support and information here so valuable. There are many people here who struggle and many who are really successful too. There is so much to learn even after surgery.

All these responses make me very happy for all the cute shoes I have!

Thanks for the replies. Yes I SHOULD be asking my Gyn/OB but I haven't been there in about 2 years. Why? Because I'm super embarrassed about how huge I've gotten. I know it's stupid and I will get back there this year.

My date is the 15th, 4 weeks from now and I cannot wait for it to get here! I hate that I am so darn impatient. I feel like all I think about is the surgery. What helps take your mind off of it? And how can I make time fly? LOL.

Thanks so much. I really can't stop thinking about it so giving in to the obsession! I am going to start liftinettg my arm weights at least and ing my Spring cleaning done early. I'm starting my own pre op diet on Monday. I've had my food funeral and didn't gain any weight from it at all. Now is the time to lose a bit more before the big day. Good for you for doing 6 weeks of it! Wouldn't it be great to go to sleep and wake up and it's surgery day? I swear I feel like my life has temporarily stopped and will start up again when I get my sleeve! Yes, you're right of course. I have been good with my chewing but definitely need to work more on the not drinking w/meals. I will make a plan too, thanks! Diet starting Monday (how cliche right?) I'm going to spend some quality time with my son this weekend and try to pass the time. I've also started working on some of my craft projects that have been pushed to the side. Sewing is busy work! Thanks everyone!

These replies DO help a lot. I was thinking that I have all these great shoes that I'll never be able to wear again. Now I know to hang onto them, so glad! I was thinking it'll probably be about 6 months post op before I can wear them again.

Nice waist there! Congrats and keep up the good work!

You are exactly right, pain is very subjective. However I've read many references to the Sleeve pain being much less than C section pain. Just the thought makes me feel better and hopefully it's true for me too!