Snufflegus

I am so proud! That is for sure, I've never felt like a failure just feel like there needs to be a next step. I know I can do it, because I have

VDLT - I have moved from Florida....guess I need to update my stats. Haven't been on in a while. I now live in Arkansas.

Yes I apologize! I had VSG in 5/13 and my GB removed in 4/14. My weight loss is not a failure by any means. I just need to reconsider my choices. I am considering RNY or DS. Yes 125 lbs is HUGE and a big deal but still at 345lbs not where I need to be.

Long story Short -- I had VSG 5/2013. I successfully lost 125 pounds. Not giving excuses just giving background, I was a self pay patient; and my surgery was scheduled and about two weeks later found out my step-daughter was taken from her mom and put in foster care. Everything was paid and I could not back out, so I proceeded with surgery. I stuck to my guns through all of the stress and changes, it took us nine months to get her out of foster care and into our home. Life changed at that point as well going from an us, to we have an 8 year old in the house, which is fine! She loved to eat the food I prepared and is not a picky eater by any means. I had to have my GB removed right around the 110 pound loss mark, i though okay this is my restart moment. Took the momentum and was in an epic stall for about 6 months. Got the scale moving again and it stopped. We have now moved closer to home and family, and I have maintained my eating. I am now considering revision, at my HW of 470, losing my 125 has given me a start but is no where close to where I need to be. My insurance will cover part of the surgery, and am going through Rehab to see if they will cover the remaining portion. I have a general practitioner here, that many years before my VSG was my doctor and saw my struggle with weight; I know he will support my decision and be helpful in any way. My biggest question is does any one have experience with Rehab OR insurance covering revision? I'm sure I will have a lot of explaining to do regarding WHY the first surgery didn't "work." When in reality I don't think it was the best surgery choice for me at the time. Any thoughts or ideas would be great! I appreciate all of the support that has been given over the years, ready to get get healthy and stay that way!

I found an awesome clerk at Vitamin Shoppe who made me several different trials in the store so I didn't even have to buy it. I found Muscle Milk brand settled the best. I like every flavor I have tried. My biggest helps were unjury chicken soup, easy to mix into soups and such to bump the Protein. I also now at over a year out will sprinkle some on my steamed broccoli or other meals to boost protein on days im short. The other is using chocolate or strawberry Protein Powder and mix it into greek yogurt. I couldnt do isopure. There are so many things that change post op as far as your tastes.

Water is a neutral ph so with the acid in our stomachs it just doesnt jive. I drank lemon water from week 1....I couldnt handle the sweet of crystal light at the time. Was drinking g2 and lemon water. I got terrible heartburn from water. Now it only happens if I chug water. (15 mo out) At about 1 month I got one of those bottlws that lets you infuse your water using various fruits. That was a nice treat last summer to use fresh fruit but still get in my water. Good luck! Just trial and error!

Breathe! Its going to be an amazing day!

I had mine removed at 8 months. Was having terrible attacks worse than the pain after sleeve surgery. I ate a bland diet from then until my surgery. It was fairly easy and home same day. They say being a woman your 50% more likely to have issues and then add rapid weight loss both cause gb issues. My surgeon said his rate was about 30% of his weight loss patients have to have gb surgery within 2 years :S

My surgeon wouldnt do it with the sleeve as I had no stones or issues. 8 months post op back to the surgeon I went with GB issues. The attack pains were worse than the pain from my vsg surgery. If they will do it it will probably save some pain and an additional surgery down the line.

I was able to take a shower and remove bandages 3 days after leaving hospital. So 4 days post op. I was not to swim for 1 month.

My hubby and I both had vsg last summer. We went from no visits to full custody of my step daughter who is 8. She is a blessing as she loves veggies and dislikes most carbs (she eats spaghetti with a few noodles and more meat/sauce, will pick chicken out of rice, etc.). She was not here for the surgerys but adapted right in as we were further out. The hardest hurdle will be the first few months. Once you are back to normal foods they will adapt with you. The one thing that amazes me that I love is being able to keep up with her while she runs and plays or sitting on the floor playing dolls for hours without havibg to readjust because my legs or back were hurting or falling asleep . Just let them be apart of the planning. Perfect time to teach true portion sizes, if you want seconds okay but your starting with your veggies and Protein etc. Use them as motivation to go walk or bike ride they will love the extra time they get I was 14 when my mom had bypass surgery and we as a family worked hard to support her because we knew she had to succeed for health reasons.

You will be perfectly fine! I was 469 day of surgery and mine was laproscopic and they had no issues around my liver. I only did a 2 week diet so with all your hardwork your liver is in excelle t shape!

You will do amazing!

My pain would start anywhere from 30 minutes to 4 hours after eating. Usually later at night before bed. Diarrhea and sharp pain (hard to breathe) on the middle or right part of my abdomen were the start. Hot and cold sweats, no position was comfortable, sitting in almost a squat doubled over was the most comfortable. I did not have any gallbladder issues prior to surgery, but had my gb taken out at 8 months post op due to the pain. I told my surgeon the pain during an attack was worse than the pain I experienced waking up from sleeve surgery. If its uncomfortable dont question go to your doc to get it checked out.

So from support groups I'm apart of the vomiting is normal. So is the nausea. I was nauseous for the first 2 weeks. Simple things like plain water gave me heartburn, so I took a ppi religiously. Just keep your head up and remember tomorrow will be better. You are doing great!