920amy

If I think I'm getting hungry, I drink about 4 oz of water or iced tea (whatever your SF drink of choice is) then I wait. Often times I find I was just REALLY thirsty, and the drink solved it. Good luck!

Suannesh, Not to sound cocky or devalue what you're saying, but yes, I did love being obese. I am 31 (very young), never had any co-morbidities, I am successful in my career, because I'm not 'attractive', I am in finance, and women trust me because I'm not a threat to their marriages, men trust me because they have no ulterior motives towards me, and my husband is also morbidly obese, and he loves me just the way I am and was. I chose to have this surgery though because I realized I am not invincible. I didn't want to end up like my father with his failing knees, enlarged heart, and high blood pressure, I didn't want to end up like my mom with her triple by-pass, and out of control cholesterol. I love food. I know what I have to do to be successful, and I can't and won't be able to ever eat the way I used to, I also have no desire to. I chose this surgery so I could choose life, so I could reclaim the future that I don't yet have, because I know I wouldn't have always been 'healthy' at more than 100 lbs over weight. For me, 30 was the magic 'invincibility' is now over, number. To anyone thinking about this surgery, even if you are happy and fat now, think about what your future holds. That's what I did, and I haven't looked back since! Congrats to your success, and congrats to both of us for taking this journey!!

I am about 2 1/2 months out, and have started seeing more and more going down the drain, in my brush, and on the floor. I am getting it chopped tomorrow morning! I am excited! I will have 14 inches to donate! I'm doing it while I still have enough for someone to benefit from, and if it falls out after it's cut off I don't think I'll care much. I knew this would probably happen, so before I even got the surgery, I said when it starts to go, it's all gonna go! Besides, new hair for a new body? Heck, yeah!

I was in a similar boat. I have been over weight for only about 7 years, I got into a deep depression and gained over 100 lbs in less than 2 months at one point, and never was able to keep it off after that. I did not have any co-morbidities, and my Dr. would always say 'youre so healthy for being so big' Gee, thanks?!!? I started working with a bariatric surgeon and then my husbands insurance changed, they specifically excluded any type of surgery, if I would have done it stateside, it would have been 16k out of pocket! I ended up going to Mexico, and I don't regret a single step of my journey. I knew this was the right decision for me. I've met many people, on this forum, and when I was in MX, that had lower BMI, or were having the sleeve for 'different' reasons, and I felt bad they were judged harshly by their Dr's, some by their family and friends, for wanting to do what they knew was right, and would save their lives. Don't let anything hold you back from this! Fight fight fight!! If you know it is right for you, do it! I am happy to help if I can, even just to lend an ear. Self pay in Mx for my surgeon was only $4,750.

sbekch, there's always Mexico if you don't get approved! Have you looked for another hospital even if it is out of your area that would work with your insurance? I know there are many Center for Excellence hospitals, maybe travelling would be a pain, but I have to agree with some of the otehr posters, you might be less happy dealing with these people after the surgery. Why do you think you won't get approved? WHy did the PA try to get you shut down to begin with? Have you tried to personally reach out to teh new PA and connect with her so you stand out in her mind? Just some suggestions, I hope your situation gets better either way, and that you are able to have the surgery!

I have had smell and taste changes. I can't stand the smell of seafood now, and I used to love it, also the taste is overwhelming. I hate the taste of bacon now, it tastes salty and greasy. I also can't stand the smell of raw chicken. I also have found that things taste very salty. Any kind of strong flavor is off putting to me. I have heard this will change back after 6 months or so, but I'm not sure at this point, some things I won't mind, like bacon, it's not good for me anyway, but I used to LOVE seafood! Don't worry, you're not going crazy, and you're not the only one!!

Welcome! I hope you will find these boards an inspiration, a motivator, and also something to be able to connect with. I am in a small town, and had VSG in Mexico, so these forums are my support group, my therapy if you will. We share, we complain, and most of all I like to think we support each otehr pretty darn well. I was sleeved 11/0312, so I'm still new to this journey, but I think this is one of the best things I could have ever done for myself. Message me anytime, and good luck on your journey!

I have seen a few people that have had leaks 2-3 months out, I was told I would still be a leak risk up to 6 months out, so I guess like anything, it depends on which Dr. is giving you what info, I think it sounds more reasonable to think 1 month and you should pretty much be in the clear though. I was told after about 18 months your stomach will have grown over the staples.

Yes, the biggest thing will be being able to pick her up I was restricted to not being allowed to pick up anything over 25 lbs until I was 2 months out. On the bright side though, I felt good enough to do just about any activity again after only about 2 weeks. No more pain, soreness, etc. Everyone heals differently, I would think even though you could not lift her, you would still be able to cuddle her, maybe if you have one of those carriers that you wear like a sling, nless she is too big for that? You could still sit and hold her in your lap, but I think it would be tough to get around being able to pick her up and hold her for your own safety. Talk to your DR. and see what he reccommends. Good Luck!

I did have a drain, I was sleeved Nov 3rd, and had a drain until Nov 7th. I felt a MILLION times better once that thing was out! I could not believe how long it was when they pulled it out!! I thought no wonder I couldn't bend over, no wonder I frlt so much pressure in my abdomen, no wonder I couldn't get comfortable at night! Once it comes out, I hope you feel better also!

Yes, the protein in those shots are from collogen, they are not bio available, and also can cause dumping. Whey protein concentrate, or whey protein isolate are the best types, so to speak. You can't absorb more than 30-35 grams of protein at a tiem anyway, there is a section on one of the forums under protein shakes where you can order tons of samples. I ordered a bunch to try them all, and then ordered the protein I liked best from the samples. Good luck!

I went back to work pretty much right afterwards. I got back from TJ 4 days after surgery and started working again, then only a week after that, I went to Vegas on vacation for about 2 weeks and walked all over. I am a Mortgage Broker, so mostly, I am at a desk unless I'm with clients, but it's still pretty stationary work.

I don't think it would be too much, but are you actually digesting it? I know that if you have more than 40 grams at a time, you are most likely only utilizing about 30 of it, the rest is getting flushed out. I would talk to your NUT. Depending on your activity level, and size, you may need 80 grams a day, see what your NUT says.

My DVR line up is much the same, one night they did a special on donuts, and at 11:00 at night my husband and I got up and made donuts because they looked so good! LOL. Now I just get disguisted with the commercials even

I have the opposite problem, I mean food still tastes bad, but it's not that is tastes bland, it tastes over seasoned. I can't stand bacon now, 3/4 of things taste too sweet, too salty, or just plain too something. It's like taste bud overload. I do like my mother in laws cooking now (she doesn't season anything) so maybe it's a blessing? I also can't STAND clam chowder, it all smells and tastes like rotten dead fish, gross! I do like plain chicken, and plain tuna salad, but mostly I'm just drinking shakes

Jessica, have you talked to your psychologist about this? Have you thought about getting counselling to work through the issues you are experiencing? Sadly the statistics are not good as far as 'transferance addictions' and VSG. Some people can turn to alcohol, some to gambling, and some to shopping. Also, some people still over eat, and then vomit often. I am not saying any of these things will happen to you, but unfortunately they can. The only advise that I can give you is to try taking to a counselour now so start working on these things so hopefully you can make your life better, and avoid having such a tough time before you get the VSG. Good luck!!

Ortiz and Lopez are great! Welcome to the losers bench!

What you are feeling is perfectly normal! When you drink or consume liquids that aren't very thick, you're not going to feel very full because your polyvoric valve is not being closed. You read people saying they are stuffed after 3-4 bites because they are talking about solid protiens like chicken or beef. The more solid the food item, the more it will close the valve, and the faster you will get full. Don't worry about feeling full now, you will have PLENTY of full feelings later! Don't worry, and congrats on being sleeved! Woo-hoo!

I'm pretty sure you can have any of the protein powders 'hot' as long as you don't exceed 120 degrees. That seems to be the magic number for protein powder, and the reason being is because once you get to 120 and over, the protein literally starts to cook, and it clumps up, kinda like eggs. I've have the chike coffee drink hot (115 degrees) and it was good, didn't clump at that temp. I've also had some of my chocolate Myoplex drinks hot also, just keep it at 120 or less and you should stay lump free!

vonego, the other thing to remember about salads, is that they are really a lot of water and air. If you take a huge salad and pack it down, you find a lot of the volume is just air between everything. Also, if you are eating lots of leafy greens, they contain lots of water, good fiber too though! I would not worry about being able to eat a lot of salad.

Best of luck!! Abraham and Eduardo are wonderful, you're in great hands! I reccommend the Jello at the Marriott!

One thing that might 'help' is try blending some ice with your protein shakes, it will make them thicker, and it will take you much longer to drink them, but you will get the 'full' feeling fast since the thickness will close your valve partially. Blending your protein with ice won't hurt you either, but it may help you to begin to feel full if you're curious about the sensation. The thicker/more solid the food you put in, the more you feel the 'full' feeling and faster.

Good Luck!!

Lace, you will start to feel 'full' restriction soon, but on liquids it's hard to, because your polyvoric valve isn't closed with liquids. Don't worry, this is normal. Once you move to soft food and solid proteins, you will be AMAZED how quickly you feel and get 'full'. Even now though (I had surgery Nov 3rd) I don't feel 'full' the same way. Before, i would feel full in my belly, now I feel full in my throat/chest, and it's more of a feeling of discomfort than a 'good' full feeling. Don't worry, what you are feeling now is COMPLETELY normal! Congrats on starting your journey!

Wini, I was sleeved Nov 3rd by Dr. Lopez, I went through Ronda at ALighterMe I have nothing but GREAT things to say about Dr. Lopez, the hotel, Eduardo, Abraham, the hospital, it was SUCH a great experience! Feel free to message me, I'd be glad to answer any questions you have. I would do it again in a heart beat!!