BMWSistah

LivingFree! Great testimony! Thanks for sharing.

Do you think counseling could be beneficial?

I'd like to chime in again. ???? There will be swelling of the pouch immediately after surgery that will only allow you to eat/drink a very small amount. Some hunger will return, which as someone else said it's probably "normal hunger" which I'd never known. I've struggled with my weight as long as I can remember. I faced the fact I needed help and had to do something extreme. I didn't talk to many people because I didn't want any negativity. I'd prayed and done extensive research and was confident of my decision. While prepping for surgery I attended some support group meetings and asked questions. I joined BariatricPal and was greatly helped. I read a some books, one by a doctor who specializes in VSG another by a public figure who'd had gastric bypass and gained quite of bit of lost weight back, later to lose it and keeping it off. When I completed the intake form for my surgeon I was surprised to see all the methods I've used throughout my life trying to lose weight. My surgeon commended me on my previous efforts and said he thought I was an excellent candidate. Knee pain immediately went away. Diabetes under control. Blood pressure under control. More energy because I'm not lugging around as much weight. More active than I've ever been. Confidence greatly increased. Helping others who are considering or have had VSG. As I see my progress I'm inspired to exercise and have found a site where I take walking/running challenges and receive medals (another inspiration). My first 5K was so amazing and something I could not have done a year ago. All of my doctors are so pleased with my improved health and I feel better than I EVER remember feeling. Post-op everyone has different experiences. For me beef doesn't digest well; sometimes I have to make myself eat because I'm not really hungry; formerly a sweet lover, my cravings are fewer and easily satisfied with a small amount or a sweet protein bar; my body doesn't do melted cheese well; layered pasta dishes don't agree with me, tried a potato chip from a friend's bag and it didn't digest well. One of my friends can no longer tolerate creamy foods. One still craves crunchy salty snacks and has found bariatric replacements that also have protein. Life is full of chances and choices. I was taking a chance with my life by being morbidly obese. I made a choice to take a chance on the surgery.

BMI was under 40 so I was required to attend 7 consecutive weigh-ins which included visit with nutritionist. That was the best thing for me because she gave me a list of post-op changes and I slowly implemented them. Also had to see psychiatrist, cardiologist, primary physician and have colonoscopy. December 2012 orientation, November 2013 surgery.

The real question is "How bad do you want your new life?" Some people want it bad enough to do whatever it takes to succeed. The surgery is a tool but we have to work the tool. They operate on your stomach but not your brain. One of my pre-surgery requirements was to see a psychiatrist for them to determine whether I'd be compliant, among other things. At my monthly weigh-ins I saw a nutritionist who gave me a list of things I'd do differently after surgery (e.g. eating and drinking at least 30 minutes apart, not drinking with straws.) My surgery was November 2013. I've lost 80 lbs. since them and have 30 lbs. to goal. I exercise 4-5 times a week, follow doctor's directions, take vitamins, eat or drink until I'm satisfied. I don't count calories. You're right Ghrelin producing cells are removed. These people may be "head hungry"; eating when not physically hungry or continuing old habits. Consuming the correct amount of protein, vitamins and water became easy after the first week. I can say this is the best thing I've ever done for myself. I never want to endanger my health again, go back to feeling and looking the way I did or have wasted my time or the insurance company's money.

Hi Sabrina. After much research and talking to successful bariatric patients I had VSG November 2013. It's the best thing I've ever done for myself. My health has improved tremendously, I feel great, look great and feel more confident than ever. Often people see me and don't recognize me. Bariatric surgery is worth the changes and sacrifices if you're going to own the process. There were criterion I had to meet for my insurance company (e.g. 7 consecutive months of weigh-ins, blood work, visiting several specialists). From my December 2012 orientation to my surgery date I was completely focused on fulfilling the requirements. I followed the directions given at each appointment. At my monthly weigh-ins I was able to meet with a nutritionist who gave me steps to help ease me into my new life (e.g. not drinking within 30 mins of eating, suggestions of Protein brands and Vitamins, etc.) Remember the surgery is to our stomach not our brain. My surgeon and I discussed weight and BMI goals at my 4 month appointment. He's surprised at how far ahead of statistics I am but he sees my determination. Since November 2013 I've lost 80 lbs. with 30 to go. Take your vitamins (order samples from various companies in advance). My worst day was the day after surgery. Four to five times per week I'm on the treadmill 35-40 minutes. Success has come without me counting calories. I eat until I'm satisfied which is usually after 2-4 bites. Ensure you intake the amount of protein and Water recommended. There are so many forms of protein that you don't have to get bored. The bottom line is "How bad do you want your new life?" Don't let anything or anyone stop you from making this tool work for you. It's imperative that you know you've found what works for you and be brave enough to work it.

Getting sleeved was the best thing I've ever done for myself!!! I was sleeved 11/19/13 and have lost 70.1 lbs. I'm in Onederland, a place I haven't been in 35 years!

Congrats to everyone!!! Keep up the great work! I was sleeved 11/19/13 and am down 70 lbs. I'm extremely pleased as is my surgeon. I feel amazing! Most weeks I walk 35 minutes 3-5 days on treadmill. My clothes size has gone from 22/24W to 16M.

Everyone is doing great!!! Congratulations!

Congrats!!

My surgery was November 19, 2013 and my surgeon was Dr. Mubashir Sabir of St. John Providence Center of Excellence. He and his staff were the perfect match for me.

Anyone one in Canton, Westland, Northville or Novi, MI

My experience was the same. My surgeon said many patients don't want to transition and he didn't make a big deal of it. When I felt I wanted to try something, I did. I was sleeved November 19, 2013 and still mostly drink shakes. You'll change at the right time for your body. Keep up your good work!

I was sleeved November 19, 2013 and am down 50 lbs. Doctors say this is a rough year for gastrointestinal viruses. Got one Christmas and had it for about 14 days and couldn't keep anything down. Became extremely dehydrated, spending 9 hours in ER getting fluids and anti-vomiting meds. Regaining strength and working on rehydration. At a follow-up after virus doctor says some stomach pains I was feeling were starvation pains because sometimes I'd forget to eat for over 24 hours. I move whenever possible...currently teaching myself Cupid Shuffle from YouTube and walk 30 minutes. Have to be reminded often that my surgery is only 2 months old and I had nasty virus setback. Being sleeved is the best decision I've ever made. It will work well for all of us. My nephew was able to overlap his arms while hugging me and said, "You're getting tiny!" I'm on less medications and feel fabulous!

Congrats! Thanks for sharing...encouraging.