palomarules

My story is long and complicated, so I won't go through all of it. For background information, I was sleeved 2 1/2 years ago after a disastrous experience with the gastric band . I reached my target weight within a year and have been pleased with my results. Admittedly I have been lax with my multi Vitamins because of my slow esophagus, but most days took a Multivitamin and additional Iron. In any case, I began to have problems with balance, exhaustion, tremors, headaches, heavy legs, shooting pains in my legs and arms, tingling sensations, hearing loss, occasionally slurred speech and numbness in my extremities. I was sent for an MRI because the doctor thought that it could be MS. The MRI showed lesions on my brain, but the neurologist said that I did not meet the criteria for MS. He sId that I must be suffering from depression or stress. Well, I didn't feel depressed or stressed about anything other than the symptoms that I was experiencing. No one asked for a blood test or about my WLS, and I'd not considered that WLS or nutritional deficiencies could cause neurological symptoms like the ones I have been experiencing. Absolutely all of my symptoms including the brain lesions were caused by inadequate doses of nutritional supplements. It is a cautionary tale and one that more people need to know about. I noticed that not many people commented on this post, but a lot more should be shared about the neurological symptoms that WLS can provoke.

Hi there, We were in contact some time ago and I said that once I reached another Paris sleever, I would organize something. Well, it seems that Jodi has fallen off the face of the earth because I can't find her anywhere. If ever you would like to meet or just talk, call me at 0617020289. Pam

The other day I came across a before picture (day of surgery) that shocked me. I generally made sure that I wasn't photographed. I really look like I must of been in the midst a nervous breakdown! Here is me now. I couldn't be happier!

We have roughly the same stats and being both excited and terrified are the right emotions. Just know that your life is going to change for the better-- you will essentially give birth to a new you!

You will get there! It is impossible not to!

Please don't despair when I say you want the weight to come off slowly, but really you do. It allows your body to adjust to shrinking-- especially your skin. I am a year out and I honestly don't remember how I got here. It wasn't by any means fast, but I stopped obsessing about the scale and concentrated on how to feel good through the process. I'm as skinny as I was in college and I feel blessed.

It actually went on for a couple of weeks. I was trying to rush myself into the next phases. Remember, doctors are not taking into account your personal experiences, they are just making generalizations about what they think you should be doing. Because you went from the band to the sleeve and had the hernia removed (and possibly had a damaged esophagus like me), you shouldn't pressure yourself to fit in the mold of the virgin sleever. I know that my situation is perhaps a little more fragile. You don't need anything ripping apart your throat or stomach. Stay liquid until your stomach tells you it can handle more.

I have a piece of toast with butter and jam, along with a coffee. I love salads and eat a lot of veggies. Can't eat meat or much fish. Can't eat acidic or gas producing foods or much dairy, but I do like yoghurt as a snack. So my diet is really veggie based with moderate dairy and very little carbs. I hate feeling full or forcing myself to eat when I'm not hungry. Most days I struggle to get a thousand calories. I am not wanting to lose anymore, so I do try to get eat to maintain my weight.

I had practically the same surgery a year ago. I felt terribly sick in the beginning and thought that I was going to die on a couple if occasions. Don't despair. Let the sleeve show you what it needs. Be kind and patient with the process. I think that for the first couple of weeks I could only have Popsicles. I couldn't do the protein shakes. Don't force anything drink plenty of water and get good sleep. All of that helped tremendously.

I also started with at a lower weight, 208lbs in May 2013. I live in Europe and the doctor never suggested protein drinks or diets and I'm down to 124lbs. I know that my luck will come back to bite me in the ass, but for now I love my results. It has to be said, I don't eat much and make sure I get vitamin supplements because I'm maybe too thin. I know that my weight will creep up in a couple of years so, I remain cautiously optimistic.

Hi, I was sleeved by Dr. Renaud Chiche at American Hospital in May 2013, but I actually live about 45 minutes from Paris. I have made contact with another sleever, Jodi, who has been a great support. We should try to all meet up soon.

Hi, FairySleeve, I just saw your post and am happy to talk to you. I was sleeved 14 months ago and am delighted with the result! It was a hard slog in the very beginning, but it am one of those people who can say, "I love my sleeve!" Are you in Paris?

Sleeved May 28th SW 202. CW 164. BWL. 38lbs Goal. 140lbs

Well, I've talked of nothing else for the last two months and hours from surgery my anxiety has finally taken hold. I have had terrible indigestion and headache all day and I can only attribute it to nerves. I think I need we'll wishes and maybe a little prayer. For the first time my husband said to me that he thought I was brave. I really appreciated that because no one wants to have to do this to their body. I'm just trying to save my life and be their for my family. Wish me luck!

You girls a fabulous! Thanks so much. The worst is over and it wasn't that bad.

I felt incredibly achy while in recovery and I thought for a minute that there would be no relief, and suddenly I was in my room feeling alright. I was told that I shouldn't try to move, but I remember hearing that the sooner you can get up, the better. So I got out of bed intermittently. I have been on an IV drip for three days, but am going home today. I have only been able to sip small amounts of water, but because of the IV, I've peed out nearly four liters. Some of it is my own water, I hope. I have not had anything to eat since Tuesday evening and don't miss food. It would be great if I felt like this all the time. Recovery has been much better than I thought but now I just want to get home.

I am only three hours from my surgery. The hospital is great, the staff warm, but I still had a sleepless night last night and am dreading the first hours post-op. I had the tiniest bit of ambivalence last night, then took a picture of myself and knew that I was doing the right thing. Wish me luck!

Hi Jodi, I have spent the day running around trying to get communications going between AHP, Dr. Chiche and my insurance company. I just got my final accord for the surgery tomorrow. Yeah! The girdle is made by a company called OBESINOV, not the most attractive name. The orthopediste I was spoke to is called Mme. Benaddi at 0649167805 Can I give you a call tomorrow for a pep talk? Thanks for all your help, Pam

Hi Jodi, It was so nice to have your message. I live in Normandy but come to Paris quite frequently. I am an American married to a Brit and have been in France for over 25 years. I'm assuming you work at AUP, as its in the 7th. Would love to meet at any time that works for you. Best, Pam