fourthsisfour

Hubby and I went to Costa Rica 11/2013. We told family doctor when we got back. She was a bit taken back then move on to why we were there. Two weeks after our return he ended up with a very serious.....unrelated to vsg.....intestinal issue and had 3 feet of small intestine removed. The staff at hospital...especially doctors....were very judgmental and did not understand how we could possibly leave our "fantastic" medical system to have this done. Well first, our system/insurance did not pay for it here. And second, the care we received in Costa Rica was far superior to our system here in the US. I've been an RN in this community for 30 years and I did not take going out of the country lightly. My main concern was if we had complications when we returned home would we be able to get treated. I know how surgeons are and they don't like to mess with other surgeons' work. Our VSG surgeon assured us that he had three affiliates here in Florida to care for us if needs. Not in our town, but within 3 hours. Fortunately, the surgeries were smooth and accurate and the best thing we ever did. Do your homework. Good luck....it's a leap of faith but most people don't seem to have regrets.

Hubby and I both had VSG in Costa Rica Tuesday, 11/26/13, by Friday we were seeing some sights, and Sunday we flew home to Florida. Monday I was back at work as a nurse in a doctor's office. However, I could only make it for 6 hours a day for a week as the recovery fatigue was incredible. The second week I was able to work full days, however, I did not lift, push wheelchairs or stretchers for six weeks. I did nothing else but go to work, necessary errands, and rest for about a month. It was a concern when weighing pros and cons of surgery how I would handle not working if things didn't go well. We were so fortunate to have successful surgeries and easy recoveries.

Hubby and I were sleeved in Costa Rica on a Tuesday, released from hospital Wednesday, relaxed on Thursday, and went sightseeing around Costa Rica Friday and Saturday, flew home on Sunday and back to work on Monday. I'm 53 and a nurse and he is 60 and drives an hour to work at a desk job. We both experienced some fatigue after about 6 hours of work and that first week back we cut our days short by about 2-3 hours...but we were back at work. We used all energy on work for a couple of weeks, and made no other commitments. We were committed to following all rules and rested when needed, and were fortunate to have had good recoveries. Prior to surgery, I, too, was afraid of complications with not only a negative health outcome, but missing work and potential judgement and criticism for doing something that is technically elective, but to those of us who have tried everything without lasting success, we know is a last resort. We made our decision based on risk vs. benefit, and came to the conclusion that the roads we drive each day on the way to work posed more of a risk than the sleeve surgery with its very low complication rate. It was very encouraging to me to read about peoples' journies...good and bad...and very few people said they had regrets. Even those with complications whether minor or severe, were encouraging despite their challenges. Life after surgery is an adjustment, but becomes a way of life...with occasional tiny guilt free treats and tinier clothes. Think positively, do your research, follow the rules, ride out the challenges,and enjoy new health. Good luck with your journey!!!

RJ....Pink is our new black...embrace it and strut it!

Couldn't have said it better, Madam Rev. Mine started two weeks ago..right at three months..I'm hanging on for the ride, and not doubting my efforts to prevent the hair loss. Like you, I'm on target with nutrition and products! but it is what it is. You look great, by the way.

Absolutely!!!! Never too old for pink...and you look great!!!

Me too..I'm at about 3 months. It started last week out of the blue. Clumps in my brush.. Hairs falling everywhere. I have well over 60 grams of protein and take 10,000 of biotin a day. This happened to me a few years ago big-time when I lost 45 pounds in 11 weeks and I was told by weight loss center it is from rapid weight loss and to be expected. Since my VSG, I have lost 35 pounds for which I'm happy, but I do not consider 35 pounds in three months rapid weight loss ( I'm stalled). The good news, it grew back even thicker. I'm not happy about this, but may be a small price to pay for the good health I'm working toward. I was hoping to escape hair loss with the amount of protein I take, but unfortunately not. I'm trying to keep it all in perspective and be happy for the opportunity for VSG, safe and successful surgery and easy recovery, and I'm a size 10. I may be a size 10 with an itty bitty skinny ponytail....but a healthy size 10! Accentuate the positive!!!

Madame R....that's a wonderful victory!!! It's great your sweetie pie didn't mind. Mine is the same way and gets a kick out of male attention I get because he knows I'm leaving with him. Conversely, I feel happy for him when he is appropriately flirted with. We were sleeved on the same day and he has lost 57 pounds and I enjoy watching his ego inflate and his confidence grow. Guys need it, too. Keep up your good work....you can go ahead and, like they say. "dance like no one is watching", but I guarantee that someone IS watching you!! (My sweetie would be watching you...lol).

Tampa Bay here (Palm Harbor). Glad to be here with my weight loss...I've lost a lot of insulation.

Hubby and I were sleeved same day in Costa Rica. No drain for either. One night stay with discharge to hotel. We both had uneventful recoveries. I believe it is up to the surgeon.

Ualaw08, so glad hubby is ok. Each day will get better and then a new normal just kind of happens. Life is good!

UALAW08, good luck with your surgeries. My hubby and I were done same day on 11/26/13, and we believe it has been easier as we both are on the same agenda and meal plans. The surgeries and recoveries were smooth, and we support and compare notes daily. Our meals for the two of us are about 1/4 than one meal for one of us before. We still can't get over that for about three weeks we shared and egg. I'll be anxious to hear your progress. We do not have any regrets, and I hope you and hubby feel the same! F

I was sleeved on 11/28/13 in Costa Rica with a BMI of 32 with co-morbidities. It would not even be an option in the US. I have lost 29 pounds since then, and it feels slow, but even with stalls,the weight is coming off consistently. You are correct it may be slower with low BMI..kinda like all the times we would be on a diet and when you get toward that last 10-20 it feels impossible, but it is not impossible now. The sleeve you are about to get is a tool for your lifetime. I was tired of swinging up and down in 40 pound increments every couple of years and the potential health risks that go with it. My sleeve and it's restriction is already preventing me from a major binge. I try to stay on program, but if I take a bite or sip of something not on program, the sleeve holds me back from eating the whole enchilada! Also, sugar does not sit too well, which is what I was hoping for. I'm 5'9, late build, starting weight 219..current weight 190. Goal...I don't know...160-170... Let's see where my body goes. My husband was sleeved same day as me with a starting weight of 280, BMI 42.... He has lost 50 pounds as of today and his BMI is 33. We expect his weight loss to slow down as he gets closer to his goal of 210. He may actually get to goal before me which we will Celebrate like we do every pound that is lost. Another thing that I have dealt with is despite my weight, I was only about a size 12 some 14's. I do not mind telling people about my surgery, but I consistently get comments about how I'm so tall, carry my weight well, etc....why would you take the easy way out? I hold firm and explain it is for health reasons....and this surgery is not the easy way out. It is a huge decision and commitment for the rest of your life. My boss, who is a doctor, asked me if I realized I'll never be able it pig-out again. I responded that I'm quite aware of that, and that's the idea. It's about health...not the size 8. We all have the same physical and emotional weight issues whether 400 or 200 pounds. We all do this for our own reasons. Our recoveries were easy without issues, and we have no regrets. Good luck with your surgery and your new journey!

I was sleeved 11/26/13 with a BMI of 31. Even as self-pay, I was an exception due to my co-morbidities of diabetes, hypertension, and everything that goes with obesity. My surgeon evaluated my situation, and said he is in agreement with eliminating co-morbidities before they eliminate you. Many people said I looked great and did not understand why a 5'9", size 12, Zumba fanatic would do this. I was 280 pounds 25 years ago, fighting co-morbidities, swinging up and down in 40 pound increments. I have about 25 pounds to go, but if my body won't go there, I have a tool that I take very seriously. This is the last time I lose 40 pounds. I'm never going back.