Halfagain

Hi All, I've been reading everything I can find on the sleeve. My surgery is coming up in December for the sleeve. I had my lap band removed in September. I'm 53, will be 54 when sleeve surgery occurs. I'm just saying hello, and looking forward to getting to know you.

I'm sort of surprised you didn't get a reminder text or call. My dentist, several doctors, and even the vet office all do this, although I am sure they aren't required to do so. It does help counter situations like this. Try to not take it personal, you are a responsible person who is making life changing decisions. You can set this aside and move forward.

Congratulations! I'm not far behind you. I was banded 12/2001 and had the band removed last month. I have sleeve surgery in December. I hope you will share your progress along the way.

Here is a yucky thought, hopefully it goes in this same thread, but allergies can also cause a lot of nasal drip (back of throat). I would think that could affect upset stomach the first few days. Surely it's not that uncommon and the doctors office can make some suggestions to help curb this issue before it gets to far out of control.

Thank you all for your suggestions.

12/16/15. I have a upper endoscopy in November, and pre-op diet starting just before US Thanksgiving. I'm doing my best to relax and not get nervous about life changes overall that are coming. I've started walking more to start a routine. I've been sampling some shake samples as well.

Treadmill at home, I bought a couple treadmill DVDs "hikes" to watch on the tv (setup in front of the treadmill) while I walk. I can listen to the DVDs sounds or play music and zone out.

Today I got the call. I'm Aetna approved for adjustable band removal next week, and a new sleeve to finish off 2015. I am still in shock to be over this hurdle, but very excited! My desk/computer job gets very busy at the end of the year. I'm slating Wednesday sleeve surgery and time off through the following full week for recovery. However band removal I have only put in for Thursday removal and back to work Monday. I'm hoping that short of time off works out. Any insight from those who have gone before me is appreciated.

Please don't take this as personal criticism, but I think the thought that US care fusses and falls to care for patients is perhaps what I too thought of a few years back. They do the needful, in a stellar way. Kudos to our medical, caring doctors and nurses! However they just are stretched so thin with staffing and patient load, it only feels like they wake you up ten times in the middle of the night ????. I had surgery in TJ Mexico a few years ago in a older hospital, and I've been with my husband as he had surgery in a top rated US hospital recently. I would rate the care and availability of the doctors and nurses near equal.

Andromache, my sister had self pay for her band in Mexico. You will do fine. The time is slipping past quickly!

Thanks Natalieg1962. Your post woke me up. I have a three week pre-op diet starting end of November. I found a site I could get samples of various protein shakes that were on the prescribed approved list. Sounds like I'd better start tasting them and figure this out! I've had the samples 5days now and have put it off. I know I like the premier protein from Costco, but three weeks of three or four a day -I'd like more variety, (not just taste, but thickness and even hot vrs cold) and to mix the benefiber right in there at the start. Previous experience has told me I will have a lot of problems if I don't get more fiber with the protein shakes.

Just remember, you don't have to be strong all day, just for the next hour (or half hour if that helps). Breaking through each mini goal, is a pat on the back. Restart your next goal as the last one ends. (Yes without giving in to the temptation in between) How do we get to our goals? One step at a time. You can do this!

Hi Giselle426 I am thinking of you and your struggles with losing weight. I will be coming into the sleeve in December 2015, after having my band removed in September 2015. Thank you for sharing your journey thus far, and I hope you will continue to keep us posted. I have seen some great responses/ideas here. I plan on incorporating some of these myself. Hi KathyRS, I am sure I am not alone in the group who thinks of all the wrong things I have done, and forgets to look at the right things. I appreciate your reminder. In the past I have found it hard to diet at a 80% effort. If I wasn't 100% on plan I would just backslide into old habits. While I plan on 100% effort coming up in December, are there any books or things I can work on so I have more of a mental safety net if I do mess up on a meal, so I don't give myself the allowance to just throw out the entire day? Thanks again Giselle426 and KathyRS.

Vitamins are hard on a empty stomach. Especially the ones that have iron. I hope you get the cause figured out soon.

My sleeve surgery is 12/16/15. I will be pre-op dieting starting 11/24/15 so USA thanksgiving dinner is off the table (pun intended), and Christmas I will be newly sleeved. I don't look at it as missing food events. I still have the meaning/spirit of the holiday without the food focus. I can enjoy family, music, sending cards, etc and I will be excited to be steps ahead towards a healthier more active me. This will be a holiday season of new beginnings, for all of us Nov/Dec/Jan starters.

Awesome! Dec 16th is my date for sleevage

Maybe a pros and cons list would help. I'm sure you have researched and have lots of knowledge on various weight loss processes or diets. I hope you find your certainty for your journey whichever path it takes.

In 2001 when I had my lap band placed, I remember my Mom asking why I couldn't just pretend I had the band and eat like that. Bless her, she was serious. It was her pull yourself up by the bootstrap attitude. (I can't hardly bend enough to reach them these days, let alone pull myself up). After much explaining, and more so after the surgery was done, she came around and was a big supporter. Mom passed away a year and a half ago, but I know she would support me in my revision to a sleeve (even if it had to be after I had it done to get there). Best wishes to you. I'm glad you have a plan in place.

Best wishes! I'll be sending the positive vibes your way.

Thank you Cowgirl Jane. I really appreciate you sharing your experience. I'm glad you are happy with the revision!

Congratulations on your decision, and date! Getting your mind made up, and having a plan of action are not always easy. It is awesome to have your fathers support too. While I have much confidence in surgery options in Mexico I understand making your family comfortable. You won't regret having a close to home surgeon and support. It really is nice if you can swing it.

PCPs are humans with budgets and health coverage too. They should understand self pay options and the need to be frugal. If you have a need for the procedure, a qualified team, and facility in Mexico, your PCP should understand and even support you. Be sure to request a medical report, tests, etc from the events in Mexico so you have them for future reference and to provide if ever requested by a doctor in the future. Actually even for those having surgery in the U.S. Hospitals and doctors do not keep these records for more than several years. Good luck!

Thank you for your response! 3 day was confirm today as well by the surgeon. He did say I might be in some pain but able to work my desk job.

I too was banded in 2001. Today my band was removed. I have wanted it out for years, so I am really happy to be done with the band. There were many reasons, but mostly I could not follow the protocol with a decent fill without reflux, daily vomiting, and I had a slip along the way so was cautious on any fills after that. Even when the band was unfilled I still had issues with it. I will be sleeved in December. My surgeon requires a 3 month wait between the two surgeries to allow the stomach to recover from the callous that forms under the band. For the band removal, I could not eat or drink after midnight last night, and my surgery was at 7:30 AM today. It took 90 minutes, recovery time was about 60 minutes, and I was home by 10:00AM. I'm just amazed at the speed to complete this removal. I don't want to jinx anything by going on how great this has been. I have waited so long, and here it is done in less than 3 hours. I am very sore where my port was removed, but I'm told that will only last a short time. I am looking forward to mid-December. Just the upper endoscopy and registered dietitian steps to go before then.

I never could get used to a CPAP and had to get a Bi-level machine that reduces pressure when I ex hail. I didn't realize there were other options besides the Cpap at the time, is why I am mentioning it. Good luck, I hope this gets resolved fast for you.