palomarules

I just learned that I will have surgery May! I saw the surgeon today expecting to be told July, but was told that I could only have it at the end of September! i panicked because I have mobility problems and need this to happen soon. I remembered that i had a trump card (really good private insuance) and suddenly his tune changed. He then said "I cant next week, but am free the following week." I'm stoked. I'll be a May sleever!!!

There has been much discussion on the issue of to tell or not to tell. I have decided to limit this news to only one person, my husband. I really didn't want to tell him either but felt that in case of problems he should at least know. I even regret telling him because he doesn't understand obesity or my struggle, and is mostly concerned that by my getting the sleeve, it will have an impact him. I have tried to explain what I'm going through, with my mobility and energy, but he won't really engage in a serious discussion about it. He just says nothing. Unlike some of you, I could never share this with my mother either, because when I start trying talk about myself, she shifts the subject to herself. I guess that I sound both embittered and misunderstood, but if I had the kind of support I needed, I wouldn't need a forum or a support group. Everyone needs a witness as they try to get through life, someone who really understands where they are coming from. The sleeve is a personal choice that is not up for discussion or debate with anyone who has not had it. So, I don't choose to share it with anyone but the members of this forum. Is it cowardice? I don't think so -- it's just my business.

Hi, I'm an American living in France waiting to get the sleeve. Please talk to me.

After living with the band for years, with endless discomfort and reflux issues, I discovered that I was suffering from a fairly acute case of esophageal dilation and the doctor scheduled me for band removal. I was told that my esophagus needed a rest and that I couldn't have a revision for at least a year. That was in January 2012. I have subsequently gained all the weight that I have lost and have also developed problems with my spine and knees --all weight related. In any case I have been taking care of all my exams in prep for the sleeve and when I had the endoscopy today, the doctor says that I still have a distended esophagus along with lesions from my days with the band. Has anyone out there had this kind of complication and gone on to have the sleeve? The doc didn't say that I couldn't have the sleeve done, but maybe esophageal lesions and dilation coupled with having on 15% of a stomach is a step too far. My joints would argue otherwise. Please advise.

Although new to this forum, my weight loss story is as old as sin. I am actually a veteran of the gastric band which was very effective for weight-loss, but a disaster in every other way. After the birth of my twins and the unexpected death of my brother a month later, I became a compulsive eater. I went on anti depressants which made me feel suicidal and my appetite increased to such an extent, I no longer knew who I was. I felt constant embarrassment at this new body and knew it represented just how out of control my life felt. The sleeve obviously didn't exist at that point, so I got the band and lost the extra weight and then some. The effect of the band was that I had to live with reflux and pain for ten years, culminating to esophageal dilation and eventually band slippage. I complained to my surgeon that I didn't know how to eat properly because only processed food would go down and he couldnt offer any advice. I lost 80 lbs and looked good, but I knew that I was really very unhealthy. The band was killing me and had to come out. This happened in January 2012, and despite my best efforts to keep the weight off, it has all come back, but has brought with it terrible joint issues with my spine and my knees. I am now using a cane and the only thing that will alleviate this pain is substantial weight-loss. All of the doctors agree that although I have a BMI of 34, surgery is the only way I can guarantee regaining my mobility. My biggest problem is that I live in France and the doctor-patient relationship and the protocol is very different. For example, there has been no mention of a pre-surgery diet, Protein shakes or anything like that. The nutritionist-endocrinologist has given me supplements to take before and after surgery, but thats it. Given my experience with the band, I would trust the advice from this site more than I would trust the french doctors. I am having the endoscopy on Friday and my final meeting with the surgeon to get my date. I am very excited and am counting on my new friends for guidance and support.

I guess I am most concerned because the diet has not been mentioned, when it seems fundamental for everyone else. As i mentioned, I got little support when I had complications from the band, or for that matter, little support or advice before I had it. I was not on supplements except for the ones I put myself on. I think I will go ahead and put myself on protein shakes just to avoid any problems.

Hi, I'm new to the site and will get my date soon. I live in France and have a place in Dinard, not too far from you. I'm eerily not nervous at all and keep projecting myself into my size 8 future. Just think in six months you will be use to your new stomach, wearing a new wardrobe and having so much more energy. Keep your eye on the prize.