VSG-Chris-NV

Hi Chris. How do you feel? Do you have alot of pain? I just keep reading some posts and the negative ones scare the crap outta me. I know everyone is different so I shouldn't make myself nuts. Please keep me posted on your progress. Hi cherylmonz, Thanks for checking in, I appreciate it. Today is day 3 post op and I feel ok with pain ranking about 2 out of 10. I have been very fortunate so far, as some of my surgery mates are having more pain then I. Today was the first day I have been out of the house doing things. I had some pressure in my stomach area but after a few minutes I would belch and I felt fine. No real pain but I do have Hydracodone if needed. Just remember if you have to take pain pills break/crush them if you are a new VSG'r. I took one my first night home crushed with a little bit of Protein shake and was fine. Yep, there are a lot of negative reviews out there, try not to let those consume you....I had to stop watching/reading those as it was scaring me. I wish you the best and if you have any other questions let me know. Best Regards, Chris

Hi swtpea637, I will honestly share I was terrified before I met the "good" surgeon who did my procedure. Primarily because when we did the consult his bedside manner was lacking and he used terms that didn't make me feel comfortable. My initial surgeon that I considered was pushy, used terms like "fillet" and also even said he may get in there and have to abort the process. Because of that experience I was very hesitant and actually decided against the surgery. That was my motivation to try something else which ultimately failed and I ended back up at the surgery option. I found a new surgeon that ranked highly and is the Director of Surgery at LVWCC. With the above said, I have no regrets about the surgery and so far am pleased with my recovery process. The nurses and surgeon told me I did great and I was up and walking within 2 hours after surgery. Keep in mind I was walking slowly and I felt like a gas bubble. During the surgery they will inflate your stomach area with nitrous oxide which causes your mid section to swell up. This is normal so they can get the lapri-scopic equipment in there and have room to manever. After surgery you will be uncomfortable due to the gas and it will take 24-36 hours to work its way out of you. You will have hiccups, belching and the not so polite toots. Don't worry no one is going to think anything of it, I was embarrassed at first. Once your able to walk, try and walk this will help with the above and will make you feel better. The hardest part for me was waking up from the anesthesia, I was wrestling around as I came too. That lasted 15 minutes, then it subsided. All and all I am happy with my decision to VSG and I am sure you will be too. I am day 3 post op today and the bruising I had from the stomach shots subsided and really just getting use to my intake limits. Right now, I am taking about 64 oz Protein a day (Oh Yeah Shakes) and keeping Water down nicely. I am sure you will be fine and your surgery and weight loss goals will be a success. If you need a pal to talk with please let me know. I wish you the very best!! Chris

Hi Forum, I am new to the site and wanted to share that I had my VSG surgery on June 4th. I selected Dr. Atkinson from Las Vegas Weight Control Center and had my surgery at Desert Springs Hospital in Las Vegas, NV. From pre-op to 2 days post-op I am happy with the service I received from the LVWCC and Desert Springs Hospital. They were all very caring, informative and the post-op recovery was amazing. The nurses at Desert Springs (Tessie, Dena, Kim, Meghan) were great. My journey started several months ago after I was so disgusted with myself, nutrition and inconsistent weight loss results. I am a 38 year old male, who is 6'2 and pre-op was 325 lb. I have struggled my entire life with weight loss and obesity. I have tried everything from exercise (which helped) but it alone was not enough, Nutri System, Injections and in the end they all delivered failed results or inconsistent weight loss for me. As a result, I developed depression and struggled with other aspects of life as I felt I was being consumed by weight. Often times, friends family, etc would say "you look good", "you don't need surgery" and "you carry the weight well" This never helped and it only made me feel worse. Several months back, my partner suggested that I reconsider VSG because initially I was scared of the procedure. After weeks of consideration I took the steps to schedule my consult with LVWCC and Dr. Atkinson. He was calm, not pushy and answered all of my questions making me feel at ease. I had a bad experience with another local doctor who used the term "fillet me", which made me feel uncomfortable. I was a cash pay customer, so I didn't have the many insurance hurdles that are required. What I can tell you is that 2 days post-op I feel good, with only minor stomach pain. Thus far, I think the worst part about the entire experience was waking up from the anesthesia, it was tough for me. I stayed one night in the hospital and had hiccups and belching...even with a lot of walking. Day 2, hiccups, etc are gone except for minor wound pain but i have been able to keep liquids down no problem. As my journey continues I will post additional information. For those considering the surgery, don't be scared but remember to find a surgeon that you are comfortable with. That is very important and will give you peace of mind. Any questions, please feel free to notify me. Chris

Hang in there, I had those same emotions and now that the procedure is done I feel relieved and am on the road to the new me. I had my VSG surgery on June 4th, if you have any questions let me know. My surgeon advised me 2 weeks on liquids only and then puree for two weeks and 4-6 weeks can introduce solids based on how I tolerate them. So far, I have had no issues keeping down Protein shakes & Water. Best Regards, Chris