Jlkhollins

I can't say enough wonderful things about Dr. Schroder's whole practice! I had amazing care, great follow up, and unbelievable results. And, he is my biggest cheerleader! Good luck with your journey!!!

She definitely doesn't sound like a good fit. If you need to see someone else, let me know. I can give you the name of the psychologist I saw. She was great...albeit a little slow on paperwork. But, overall a really good experience.

Who did you see for your psych eval? I saw someone Dr. Schroder's office recommended and it was relatively painless. I had been through it once before with lap band and knew the questions they were going to throw at me.

I am six weeks out of revision surgery (January 29th) and down 55 pounds at this point (way more weight than I ever lost with lap band). I saw my surgeon for a one month follow up last week and am amazed at the amount of damage that was done to my stomach by the band. He told me that the band had adhered to my stomach and was eroding through. He said there were small holes throughout my stomach where the band had attached itself. He was able to fix everything in one surgery (thank god...no way I could have done two surgeries) and I have been on the mend for a month and a half. What is amazing is that I had no symptoms of anything that could be wrong. No fever, reflux, etc. The only time I suspected anything is when I would go for fills and the band would be unfilled and I could actually feel it pulling my stomach (worst feeling ever).

I was originally banded in Richmond, VA in 2008. I've gained and lost the same 50 pounds 4 times in the last couple years. I was never truly successful with the band and have had a whole host of complications. After jumping through hoop after hoop for the last two years I have finally been approved and will have the devil band removed and the surgery revised to the gastric sleeve in February 2015. I am anxious, afraid that I will fail at yet another procedure, but cautiously optimistic at the same time.

Hi everyone!! I haven't checked in, in forever! I have been following everyones posts and am glad to see how well everything is going. I had my surgery on January 29th and it went really well. I was a revision from lap band to sleeve and the surgeon found some issues with the lap band, but was able to clean everything up and perform the sleeve. I have never felt in such control of my food choices in my life. No cravings, no binges...just normal eating (well, if 1 oz is normal). I can go out to dinner with friends and not be concerned about how much of my favorite food I will eat. It is such a freeing feeling. I started this journey at 350 pounds, 325 on the day of surgery. I am now sitting at 295 and am losing consistently...so 55 pounds gone so far. I will never see 300 again and am only 95 pounds from my goal (which is anything under 199). I am glad to be back here and watching the success everyone is having! Jennifer

Bleachie: I had surgery with Dr. Schroder three weeks ago. If you would like to chat, I can fill you in on my experience. Good luck with your journey!!!

I had surgery on Thursday morning in Richmond, VA and returned home (four hours away) on Sunday. I was feeling great right after the surgery. Out of bed two hours after, walking, talking....I felt strong. Liquids have not been an issue...they go down easy in small sips. I've had a fair amount of gas that is working its way out in all sorts of interesting ways. My abdomen is sore and looks like I got beat up. Today was the hardest day by far. I took both Diluadid and Zofran last night and slept fourteen hours without waking up (so uncommon for me). When I did wake up I was nauseous (I imagine this was lack of liquids) and just felt without energy. I felt dizzy, light headed, and like I couldn't do anything. My partner got home from work, made sure I didn't fall over in the shower, and then took me out to walk around Barnes and Noble. We stopped by the local Japenese restaurant and I picked up two containers of miso. This seemed to work like a charm and moved all sorts of gas out of my belly. I know this is a journey and I keep reminding myself I am at the very very beginning. I am blessed to have an incredible support system. However, I am still terrified of complications. What if I get a leak? What if I die? What if I fail at this like I did lap band? Has anyone else struggled post-surgery with fear about complications? When is it safe not to worry anymore?

I am a week and a half out of surgery (had revision surgery on 1/29/2015) and the nauseousness in overwhelming. The Protein shakes that were palatable pre-surgery make me nauseous just to look at them. I am fine to get in all the liquid I need, but the Protein Shakes are just too much. This didn't start until a few days ago and today I have declared a Protein shake free day in order to give myself a day to readjust. Has anyone else experienced this? How long did it take to overcome this? Jennifer

I was sleeved on 1/29 and went back to work for the first time today. I was able to make it 2.5 hours before I came home to rest. The biggest obstacle for me is fatigue. The first couple of weeks you are working to get adequate hydration and Protein. I am planning on going back part time next week and then full time the third week. Like you, I have a desk job that sometimes requires that I am out in the community. Jennifer

I had surgery on 1/29 and still have left shoulder aches...no stomach pain though. It never hurts to check in with your surgeon or the nurse at the surgeon's office. Better safe than sorry!! Jennifer

I had surgery on January 29th in Richmond, VA. I had a revision surgery from lap band to VSG. I am doing well....only have a lack of energy and slight nauseousness. I hope everyone is doing well!!!!

My understanding is that you have to have serious mental illness (schizophrenia, bipolar, etc.) that is untreated and that would leave you in a place where you are unlikely to follow the directions given. At most, during the psychological clearance counseling would be recommended. Hope this helps! = ) Jennifer

Hello fellow bandsters/VSG'ers, I had my surgery on 1/29 in Richmond, VA. The band was removed and revised into the gastric sleeve in one surgery. The surgery itself lasted about 1 hour and fifteen minutes. I was in the hospital for a day and half and now staying in a hotel in Richmond until I can head home. I am working on liquids...and more liquids and trying to understand this new stomach, which is a lot different than my old. Can anyone tell me what your post-op (first few days after surgery) was like? I am incredibly sore in my abdomen, but have no other pain. I am off of narcotics at this point and just managing by moving (lots of walking). How long was it before the swelling in your abdomen went away? What was drinking like for the first week? I am getting fluids down but occasionally hear a gurgling noise. I imagine my stomach is still swollen and wondering where the other half (or more) went. Jennifer

My revision went great!! I have no pain, am up walking and feel some much better than after lap band. The hardest part was the IV. Eight sticks. Eight. Oye. I am glad to be on the other side !!!

So, after two years of work (and fighting insurance) I am now just a few hours away from revision surgery. I am nervous...because it is surgery. And, I am nervous because of the increased complication risk with lap band to VSG surgery. I keep telling myself I am in the best place possible for this surgery...no health issues, not on medicine, no serious complications with the band (other than not losing weight). But, I'm still afraid I won't wake up or I will spring a major leak, get sepsis, and die. Here's hoping that my wild imagination is just that....wild!

I am sitting in a hotel room in Richmond waiting for 7:00 am to get here so I can check in at the hospital. I am nervous...because it is surgery. But, I feel like I am in competent, capable hands. I am a little extra nervous because my surgery is a revision from lap band to VSG. I understand there are increased risks, and I am just hoping that I remain healthy through this process. Good luck to everyone going tomorrow!!

When my surgery was sent to the insurance company for approval my approval letter came with a date of January 27th. The doctors office assured me this date was inconsequential and the insurance company knew it would change. Like you, I am headed in for surgery on the 29th....I will be checking the weather forecast. Jennifer

My band is coming out next Thursday and being revised to the gastric sleeve. The surgeon I am using (Dr. Schroder in Richmond, VA) says he sees a lot of lap band patients who are looking for a revision due to complications with the band. He does it in one surgery. In fact, I had pre-op today and he said it only adds an extra 10 minutes to the surgery to take the band out. He removes the band, cleans up the scar tissue, and performs the sleeve. Jennifer

When I had lap band surgery in 2008 I did so against my surgeon's recommendations (he wanted to perform gastric bypass because of the amount of weight I had to loose). I picked the band because I wanted something that was reversible, plain and simple. I've had a whole host of complications, never found true restriction, and have gained and lost the same 50 pound 4 times. My biggest issue with the band is that I cannot eat the foods I am supposed too. Fruits and veggies have too much Fiber and lean Protein tends to be too dry. And, the band is picky (I often say it has a mind of its own) and what I can eat one day, I may not be able to eat the next. So, it is reversible and I am having a revision to the gastric sleeve on the 29th. I understand where you are, I've been there. You will know what decision is right for you. I don't regret the band. This journey gave me enough time to get my head in the right spot and be ready for the permanent change that comes with the sleeve. I wish you luck! Jennifer

I love this!!! My dream is to be on the hunt field (fox hunting) riding my horse, laughing, as we canter and jump in the crisp fall air. My goal is to be back in the saddle by June. LET'S DO THIS!!!!! Jennifer

I just sold my three year old draft cross mare (horse) because I couldn't get my weight under control and get her trained. Her potential was going to waste because I couldn't stop eating. I am looking forward to buying another horse this summer and actually being able to ride and train again! Jennifer

Good for you!!! Making the call and asking for the referral can be the hardest part. I hope you find a therapist who will be a good fit for you and will help you make the changes you are looking for. It may take trying more than one therapist, but the right one is out there. = ) Jennifer

One of the most important part of this journey is the mental change that has to be made in order to support the physical change. I am a military brat and grew up all over the world (Okinawa, Korea, Guam, everywhere in the United States). We PCS'd every two years and I know the strain and toll that takes on a family. I would recommend counseling to give you a consistent support system and also someone who is going to give you honest feedback. I put myself in therapy two years ago to support the change I am making and feel this has helped get my head in the place where I can be successful with the sleeve. Good luck and you've got this!! Jennifer

I am on the 29 th as well in Richmond, VA.