jsousa

Hi All - I have been lurking on this board for a good year. I am 47 years old and mother to seven year old twin girls. My BMI is around 35. I have co-morbidities so my insurance WILL cover WLS (I've checked!). I have severe sleep apnea (75 event an hour)…to the point where the pressure is so high on my machine I have to tape my mouth shut….its awful. My rational side understands the statistics around wls and I that it really the only intervention that actually works. I know I can't do this myself - I've done the yo-yo weight thing my entire life. I want off the bi-pap and to be around for my daughters and husband….. I even pretty much have a surgeon picked out and just need to get the ball rolling. However, I'm stuck in a couple of places mentally.
First, I'm concerned about the first few months post-op. I had a terrible illness a few years ago and I felt like I was going to die. Fatigue was one of the main symptoms….the kind where you can barely get out of bed…and I'm terrified of that happening after surgery for the months where calories are very low. Secondly, I spoke to a NUT at the program I may go through about the calories a year out from the vsg and she said its about 1200 to 1400. I am 5'10" and my BMR is around 2300 (according to my BodyMedia device) so I would waste away at that amount. When I asked about the calories being too low…she basically blew me off and said "I wasn't ready." I get that my BMR will go down a lot….but I doubt that low.
For the folks who have had the vsg, what is your experience with fatigue? How about maintenance calories for a tall woman? Thanks in advance for your replies!

You should definitely get in touch with your surgeon or PCP about this. Untreated heartburn can cause serious problems! They may want to change your PPI, up the dose, etc. If you have been in touch with one of them and they haven't been able to help you, get in touch with another physician. You shouldn't have to suffer with this.
A few things you might want to try to see if they help you (assuming you haven't already):
--don't eat, or drink anything other than Clear Liquids, starting 3 hours before bedtime
--cut back on coffee and acidic (tomatoes are often a problem for people) and spicy foods
--sleep with the top portion of your body elevated - get a wedge pillow designed for this -- and/or sleep on your left side
--if you sleep wearing pajama pants, undies, anything with elastic around the waist -- stop!
--go for a walk after dinner
Good luck!

I am 60. I was sleeved Apr 15 2013. I am doing great. I have lost 31 lbs since my pre op diet 7 weeks ago.