youknowit

This is great information to have! Thanks so much for sharing with us... these are the kind of questions I often come up with, but can't find concrete answers. Glad to have you here, Dr. J. :001_unsure:

Hi Tiff, Though I am not a doctor, I have taken Wellbutrin off and on for a number of years. I can say that this antidepressant (from my research and observation) has few, if any real side effects that are negative. One possible "side effect" that you'll find in the literature is appetite reduction, and there are lesser or no sexual side-effects, like other anti-depressants. I have also taken Zoloft and Prozac in the past, with mixed results... I did have sexual side-effects on those, but nothing else. I hope your Quest to quit smoking is successful! I know it's hard, so hang in there! :001_unsure::blushing:

Thought some of us might find this story interesting... The Surgeon General’s Weight Struggle - Well Blog - NYTimes.com

He is actually a good guy... and I know he works with another sleeve person here on VST. I was JUST now able to switch to him, I am in an HMO and had to get special permission and jump through extra hoops to get to this guy... So I'm going to stick with him. My plan is to do the tests, go see him, and tell him what I am doing at our next appointment. He can choose to fire ME if he wants, but I'm going to stick it out with him if possible. The reason I had to switch from the HMO doc I had was... everytime I was assigned a new doc, after about 6 months, they would quit. As of late, after I got really sick last spring and (sadly) the good doctor I had quit (again) and I was assigned to this truly evil nurse practitioner who actually yelled at me when I came in to see her, telling me I shouldn't expect to get anyone to see me, because I went to Mexico for surgery... I was so sick, I was stuck with her... so once that long ordeal was over, I started looking for a new (real) doctor, and found this guy... I really just wanted to be sure to start off on the right foot with him, which is really the only reason I saw him BEFORE getting the sleeve. I'm hoping I will get to see Dr. A by the end of this month... Though I'm sad that I won't be there with all of you... Here's to a fantastic journey for you! :thumbup::biggrin0:

Hey all... So I saw those Protein bullet things at my local costco the other day, but can't find them on the Costco website. I was able to find Muscle Milk protein at Costco as well, and you can check it out online... Maybe this will help. A lot of people seem to like the muscle milk. Costco - Your search for "protein" produced 2 results

I thought I had posted to this thread the other day, but I guess I didn't... here's what's going on with me... ------------------------------------------------------------------ Hi all... bummer news for me. I won't be coming down to see Dr. A on the 22nd. My doc here in town wants me to have blood tests and follow up with him, and the soonest I could get back in with him is that week of the 22nd. So... I guess we shall see what he has to say, and then get the ball rolling. Before I go, I did want to share with you what my local doctor said to me today... he said that even though I lost weight with the band, and have gained back since I lost my band... he doesn't think that being 210 pounds warrants another weightloss surgery. This, I thought, was odd... considering my past success. It was kind of crushing. I shut down when he told me that, because I was about to bust out crying... Anyways, that's my update, friends. I'm sorry I won't be there with all of you, but hope that I will be going down for surgery soon!

I'll be rooting for all of you, and am totally jealous that I can't be there with you! :001_tongue::thumbup1: Good luck everyone, and here's to your sleeve! :biggrin0:

Janep -- Can you tell us more, or direct us to the links where people discussed regain with the sleeve? That worries me, as I thought the sleeve was pretty much "stretch-proof". Are the people regaining long-term sleevers, or are they eating high-calorie stuff, like shakes? This makes me very nervous... I'd really like to know more... Thanks! :001_smile:

My research has yielded mixed information. I do know that he has done very few sleeves, but has done many lap bands. Are you getting a sleeve or the band? How much are they charging you, total, and how long will you be here in Vegas? Best of luck... the weather here has been great lately. :001_smile:

Hi all... bummer news for me. I won't be coming down to see Dr. A on the 22nd. :frown1: My doc here in town wants me to have blood tests and follow up with him, and the soonest I could get back in with him is that week of the 22nd. So... I guess we shall see what he has to say, and then get the ball rolling. Before I go, I did want to share with you what my local doctor said to me today... he said that even though I lost weight with the band, and have gained back since I lost my band... he doesn't think that being 210 pounds warrants another weightloss surgery. This, I thought, was odd... considering my past success. It was kind of crushing. I shut down when he told me that, because I was about to bust out crying... Anyways, that's my update, friends. I'm sorry I won't be there with all of you, but hope that I will be going down for surgery soon! :confused1:

Wow, this is interesting... and a bit scary. How is this possible? Science amazes me every single day! :confused1:

Judy... I like your style, very empowered. I agree with you, which is why I don't think it's anyone's business. It is my body, it is my money, it is my life... and I really don't give one S@!# what other people think... which is why I don't want to hear it from them, which is why I keep it to myself... None of their business is none of their business, if you know what I mean. I commend those who want to share their experience with others, regardless of judgment... But I don't think it makes anyone a better or worse person for choosing to keep this to themselves, or for telling it from the rooftops. :thumbup:

Hi Sarita/All :smile1: Ok, so here's my take on this... people are judgmental. Not a big revelation, I guess. :thumbup: We know this, because we are all guilty of this sometimes. We don't want to be judged by others, so we don't say anything. We know that even if people say they aren't judging us, often they are. This, we know, because we are all guilty of this, again, from time to time. Here's why I chose (when I had the band) and will likely continue to choose not to tell people about my sleeve... I've heard, right in front of me, both friends and family, talk "S":cursing: about weightloss surgery, everything from "only a crazy person would do that," to stuff like, "that's the lazy way out," to "just stop eating," etc... I feel pretty certain the rest of us on here have heard this, or might have even said this ourselves at some point. We're conditioned by society to believe BS like this, with mixed messages behind images, words, etc. On the other hand, we're also conditioned by society to believe we're not "ok" being fat, which is also another issue, but I don't want to digress... Anyways, I live in Las Vegas, and have had a number of discussions with people/friends here regarding this issue. I find it interesting that the world (read: USA) has most definitely decided that plastic surgery is ok (this is VERY true here in Vegas), but those same people would criticize someone for having weightloss surgery. Which one might save your life? Not the fake boobies (even so, they're fine with me, if they make someone happy). :biggrin0: Anyways, I know how you feel about being disingenuous about your weight loss. It's a tough call. If you tell people, they WILL have an opinion, even if they don't share with you... If you're fine with that, go ahead and tell people. You may find some people will genuinely be interested and want to know more. You may also find people who are very judgmental. It's really up to you. It's not lying or wrong to keep something personal (like your body or your health) to yourself... in my opinion. And, if you change your mind later, that's ok too. I would just say you have to do what you're comfortable with, while remembering... once it's out there, it's out there. Best! -- :001_smile:

Thanks, Barbara, you too! This is going to be great. :biggrin0: Where are you flying in from?

I'm looking forward to "moving forward" past this band/bs part of my weightloss journey! :thumbup: Can I ask you a couple of question?... if you don't want to answer, that's ok, but I figure it doesn't hurt to ask. And, I'd be happy to hear from anyone on here that would be willing to share... First, what stage of the game are you in right now, meaning, are you on Clear liquids still? When were you able to start taking "pills", and how is that going for you? Second, did your doc give you or prescribe for you, Nexium? If so, are you taking it as a pill, or are you dissolving? Third, did you take GasX strips or anything like that with you to MX? I did last time, but didn't need it. When I had my band, I needed it, and didn't have it, go figure. :smile1: Also... is there anything you would recommend on getting things ready at home BEFORE I leave for surgery? I know this thread might not be the right place to ask these questions, but it seems like you've been through very similar experiences as I, and so I'm curious to know more about your experiences, and anyone else who might want to share. :biggrin0: Thanks again for your help and support. I hope you are feeling better soon and less sore... Keep us all posted on your progress... how's the walking going? :biggrin2:

Hi All.... I've scheduled my surgery with Dr. A for Friday, January 22 (arriving in Mexicali on Thursday, 1/21). Buying my plane ticket tomorrow morning... So, it looks like I'll be there with a few of you ladies and gents... If anyone is arriving on Jan 21 with surgery on Friday, I would love to be in touch... as I'm coming down alone as well, and it would be great to hang out. I've been to Mexicali once before, for band removal, so I feel pretty comfortable with it, and going alone isn't a big deal... it might just be fun to know someone else is near by to chat, or whatever. :thumbup: :smile1::biggrin0: If you want to PM me, or say hi here, that'd be great. As for everyone else who'll be there that week/weekend, can't wait to meet you all as well! :biggrin2:

Hi Bernadette, Sounds like you went through quite an ordeal! I'm so sorry... It also sounds like your band and mine were erosion-twins. UGH. They had to cut my band out of my stomach in a few places, it was so eroded... and just like you, I didn't know anything was really "wrong" other than the leak... so I too might have gotten to a point of no return (major infection and/or death) had this information not come to light when I went in for my sleeve revision/band removal. It was bitter sweet having the band out, and not getting the sleeve, but I must say, that was for the best. Especially hearing how it all went for you, that was me, and that was some SCARY stuff, as you know very well. :frown1::svengo: I'm on the schedule as of today, with Dr. Aceves office, for Friday, January 22. It's starting to solidify in my brain... I'm doing this. I must admit, with the band BS and such, I'm scared, but excited. I really hope everything goes smooth as silk. Having gone to Dr. A for my band removal, he'll know exactly what he's dealing with on my tummy, etc, and this helps ease my mind a bit. Please keep your fingers and toes crossed for me... and let me know how you are. I'm just so sorry you went through all that pain. I didn't even get the sleeve when band was removed, and my pain was pretty intense as well... Chat soon! :crying::crying:

glad you all made it through safe and sound! :thumbup::001_smile: Fab... can i ask what they told you about your band and the damage? initially, back in march 09, i went to be revised from band to sleeve (my band sprung a leak and was non-functional)... but when they got inside there i was so badly eroded, they wouldn't do the sleeve, they had to cut the band off of my stomach in the three places it was so eroded, and fix all of those issues... i was a bit sad that i didn't get my sleeve at the time, but now i'm glad that i didn't (i will soon)... it would have been too much for me (sounds very painful). i'm so glad to hear you are doing ok. i'm just wondering what your docs said, because i knew before going in to surgery something was seriously wrong with my band (besides it leaking), but was rather surprised at how much damage that little piece of plastic (or POS) did to my body... here's to your sleeve! :thumbup:

This is a rare complication, but I also had a leak in my band... 2.5 years after initial implantation. Ugh. I lost a LOT of weight with the band, never had the "typical" band issues... Then, it was gone. I'm planning to revise to a sleeve here soon... Wasn't able to do so at the time of removal, due to severe erosion into my stomach (can I say as a side note - Allergan and my original doctor - Not Dr. Aceves - told me to "keep it in there, it's no big deal"... hello?!). Anyways, if you ever want to chat about this, PM me. I know this is so hard and scary. Here's to your sleeve! :001_smile::thumbup1:

Congrats! Your rock! I remember this feeling (back when I had the band, and almost made it to goal - but did make it to a size 8/10), I could barely get my mind around it... I remember shopping while still losing, and I always thought I was a bigger size than I actually was... It was a mind-f every time I had to shop... I would still go back to the size 14 or 16 or 18. Or a large or XL. And was always shocked, and almost confused in a way, that I was a Medium shirt, or a size 10 pants. Did you ever go through this? Perhaps I am nuts (ok, I am, but you know..). LOL Congrats on an AMAZING milestone! YA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! :ohmy::w00t::wink0::thumbup::scared0:

Has anyone heard of or tried Unjury? This was brought to my attention by a sleeve-friend today, and I looked it up. Sounds like something to try? UNJURY Protein for Weight Loss Surgery Patients: WLS Protein, Bariatric Protein, Gastric Bypass Protein, Lapband Protein

Be afraid, be very afraid! :scared0::ohmy::wink0::wink0: Hope to see you there, Gary!

Personally, I never told anyone about my band, and I didn't feel the need to explain myself. I plan to take a similar approach to my sleeve. My mind may change, about telling people, later on... but my personal feeling is... people should MIND their OWN business. :thumbup::001_smile: If it comes down to it, you can always say you are watching what you eat, and compliment profusely, the food you did "try"... hope this helps.

thank you. i'll be sure to check out these other options you mentioned.