TracyBar

Hello, I'm in the early stages of research and discovery regarding the sleeve. Many questions and much angst! I asked the facilitator for the clinic I may go to one day about what happens to a person that's had this surgery and they reach old age with little to no appetite? When we're older our appetite naturally diminishes. How will it affect us when we're old? She couldn't answer that so I will ask my doctor when I speak with her. Do you have any input? Is this a question that occurred to you and you sought an answer to? Thanks!

I haven't yet met with the surgeon but I did ask the nurse about the pre-op. She said the pre-op is 1-2 weeks, perhaps depends on surgeon, and makes the surgery a bit more safe by shrinking the liver. I think it might make the liquid diet a bit easier to adjust to after the surgery if you've gotten used to it before. I have also heard another slant to this - that some surgeons want the patients to be as healthy as possible up to surgery date and some don't believe in extreme cut-back of calories for this reason.

Today I saw the psychologist. Nothing like what I thought it would be. The process to this surgery and the support I thought would be there may not be there much at all. She looks more at what the behaviours are of the patient, nothing much else, and assesses if the person can manage the life changes after. They're so busy! Slammed with back to back appointments and short on dieticians. It's early days yet I suppose. So I asked the Psych to tell me not only good outcomes but some of the feelings from people (if there were any) with outcomes that didn't make them very happy. She said that for some they say they don't feel good - this did alarm me. I don't feel good now, it's my goal to feel better after this surgery, not feel sick and tired much like I do now! How do you all feel after the surgery? Good , bad, somewhere in between? Once I pass nutritionist (apparently I haven't proven that I can make changes yet!), then I will likely meet the surgeon in January....

It could be acid reflux. Anxiety can cause it - try taking an antacid to see if you get some relief. Acid reflux isn't always a burning feeling. It's often a lump that won't go away, and sometimes you may experience a lot of coughing or attempting to clear your throat often. Hopefully the antacid will work!

Good to hear from you and that all went well!

I had 1st appt with nutritionist today - she said that, of those I'll see (nurse, psych, and her), she is the biggest hurdle for potential surgery patients. I didn't really figure out until after my 1st appt. that my acceptance into the program doesn't mean that I'm accepted for surgery. She said that proper nutrition after surgery can be difficult - and if there are issues pre-surgery, then it's up to her to report whether she thinks a patient is a good candidate for surgery based on how she feels they'll do afterward. I can appreciate this. I won't do this if somebody truly feels it isn't the right thing for me. If I'm not a candidate then I'll have to lose weight by dieting - we all know how that'll go - I'm not where I am today because I'm a successful dieter! Or more to the point, successful at keeping the weight off after losing it. I know for certain now that the time it takes to get to the point of surgery is necessary for me. I still can't imagine actually getting the surgery done - I obviously need more time to decide on this. One thing she did say is that for the patients she sees 6 months after (about) surgery are ecstatic about their progress. Perhaps I need to hear more positive now rather than negative. Is it perhaps a normal thing for them to tell you the hard facts and scary stuff in this stage?

Oh yes, I do get that. I mean in theory of course. It's early days and I feel like there's a lot more info. to learn - and I glad to have the time to do so. Fact is, I could lose the weight but not keep it off in the past. The good thing about the surgery is that it will help achieve weight loss and help to keep weight from coming back. I'm on board with the food tracking - and after a long while I'm sure it'll become second nature. I don't see this as easy at all - on the contrary - I'm preparing myself for an enormous life change. And I want all the facts. I am craving right now though, positive feedback from the medical professionals. I'm sure it'll come.... It's part of your education process as the patient. She's basically letting you know that this only succeeds if you have your mind committed, and you're able to discipline yourself to follow a program, and modify your behavior. It's important to understand the level of change this surgery demands, because it's profound. So she's trying to prepare you for that...and of course, if you can't follow basic instructions, how are you going to succeed post-op? None of these surgeons' offices want to have failures on their stats. They want success stories. You are already limiting yourself by letting your "old mind" take control, even in your post. "We all know how that (dieting) will go..." or "I didn't get this way because I'm good at dieting!" That has to change, and yes...it takes time to get there. If you are thinking that *snip snip* and you're done, magic weight loss...you couldn't be more wrong. It takes a lot of discipline. The surgery helps by removing the insane hunger pangs and growling and mind-warp that causes for the first six months or so, it puts a limit on how much you can eat in one sitting...but you have to manage your intake to make sure you are meeting Protein goals, you have to track that and your Water intake, and long-term you need to have the skills and tools necessary to track your calorie intake, track how much you're burning, figure out how to maintain your weight, all of that. This surgery is only one component of a much larger process...and you need to be ready for it. If you're not, there's no point in getting an operation that will ultimately fail because you didn't get the mind part right. The mind part is 80% of it, because that's what will take you through the rest of your life. You gotta be ready and committed to change.

Deep breath! And your new life begins... good luck and God bless!

Hi - I'm wondering if there are tests that are typical for those undergoing sleeve surgery, and perhaps atypical tests that could be done dependant on a specific patient. When at my intake appt. the nurse said they would test me for reflux (a probe I'm assuming) because I've been prescribed medication for occasional reflux. This led to her suggesting that I would then be a better candidate for gastric bypass if I have reflux. This is something I couldn't do as I have bowel issues and I understand dumping is not uncommon in gastric bypass. I think maybe I ought to have gotten into a bit more detail on the issues I do have! I'll have more opportunities to do so though... Thanks for the input!

That actually made my jaw drop! Makes me wonder if this kind of insensitivity carries into other aspects of her working relationship with all employees. Perhaps once you've had the surgery you'll gain a ton of confidence (and be so dang hot!) you can quit and find a supportive workplace. If not, I'd be finding ways to let her know what an unkind and low thing that was to do to you. I may be jumping to conclusions here; maybe she's just totally brainless - but seems unlikely that anyone could be just that stupid! Let it go - don't let it get in the way of your recovery - stay positive. You're going to do great!

mr1121 - can they decline you if you smoke?? My surgeon didn't make quitting a requirement for his sleeve patients unless they were very high BMI. However, quit beforehand if you can. I smoked up until the morning of the surgery and now I'm trying to quit. I haven't smoked since that morning which was 5 days ago but MAN, it's sooooo hard to quit when you're giving up so many things at once. Wow - good for you! It would be a monumental task to quit smoking - but quitting while giving up so much - wow. I don't smoke but I did at one time, albeit close to 30 years ago! I couldn't be a smoker again - I saw what it did to my father - horrific things like losing a leg (and STILL trying to smoke after the surgery!). The addiction is terrible. His quality of life until he passed away was extremely poor. It didn't help that his spouse kept smoking even though he had gone through so much. My mom quit smoking about 30 years ago and she enjoyed good health until she recently passed (dementia). So it can be cleared from you system and you can gain those lost years back. Good luck to you!

Hi - I haven't had surgery yet. I can relate to your comment about being angry that others have a great metabolism and can eat how they want - while I have a very slow one and seemingly gain weight smelling food! Worse for me was growing up in a family of slender siblings and parents. I was the black sheep, the odd one out. I felt it too and that feeling has stayed with me. I tried to just let it all go, accept who and what I was. That just led to giving up totally on caring for myself and gaining even more weight; wasn't such a great plan! Fear of surgery - well, that's normal. I've been put under a few times now and I did o.k. Your team will run all sorts of tests on you to make sure you can undergo the surgery without risk. Try to believe in them. Your best bet is to ask them questions. Write them down and ask - this should allay your fears.

You've done some experimenting!

There are many fruits and vegs I can't have. Big difference when I stick with the ones I can! Strawberries I can have - but obviously not until I'm healed due to the tiny seeds!

I don't use any of those either.. only Stevia .. and I believe the Syntax nectar is made with Stevia .. its not bad at all .. I have several flavors, right now I'm drinking an Orange Cream one I hope you manage to find ones that you can use .. OK I just looked it up and the Premier Protein & the Nectar powders use sucralose(splenda) which were also ones my Lyme doc said were ok for me to have .. Splenda and Stevia were the only ones Thank you! I haven't tried either of those sweeteners. I'm not sure about Stevia but that's a good one to speak to Nut about

Welcome! I go through this forum now since I haven't undergone surgery yet. If you look at the right side of the screen under Recent Topics you will see a short list of topics recently posted. If something looks interesting you can read and reply. I'd be happy to be your buddy but I'm far behind you since I just started my pre-op appointments and won't likely have surgery until perhaps next summer. You could post something saying you're looking for those having surgery in November and then follow those people?

Good for you! You're one step closer :-) Not good you have to pay out of pocket for psych eval - is it costly? I'm in Canada - I don't have to pay for anything - I don't know how many sessions I'm entitled too but I have group employee benefits I can go through too if I want to go more.

This is a good question since I see the dietician on Monday and will have a few questions on this. My issue is I can't use artificial sweeteners (no sugar alcohols at all - sorbitol, mannitol, xylitol, etc., no aspartame, etc. (badly affects my lower intestine and causes near instant diarrhea). I have to say I'm concerned about what I'll be able to use. I'm also lactose intolerant! *sigh* I feel I may get stuck with some disgusting no flavour Protein Powder and I'll be dying to find something to flavour them. I was thinking real vanilla (like the pods). I wonder if it's o.k. to scrape natural vanilla into a shake?

Hi - I'm in Canada and asked the question "why do you take so much of the stomach?" (my husband was shocked by how much they take too). They said 'it won't work otherwise. All surgeries carry risk - we can't cut 1/2 out and then it doesn't work and then go back in and do it again. Research and experience says that 80-85% is what we take out". (she did talk about bougie, but I remember nothing of that!). Get a different surgeon. I wouldn't advise going through this without at least a 2nd opinion since the 1st surgeon isn't jiving with what everyone in here has learned.

mr1121 - can they decline you if you smoke??

Nasty being a source of extra income to the doctors (grrr) but had to laugh at your healthy fatty comment - pretty much me ! thanks - good to know!

Shelterdog64 - thank you thank you. Your post was heartfelt and felt as though you were speaking to me in person - very helpful. My youngest turned 11 in July and she is a motivation for me. I've spent the last couple of years in a real funk - work has been so stressful for me that I come home and isolate myself in the den just to try to refuel myself mentally to take on another onslaught at work. I have distanced myself from her in too many ways and I feel sick to my stomach when I think about it. In such a short amount of time she'll be old enough to not want to spend any time with me - in fact, the main reason I'm so upset about the amount of time until I get this surgery is the age she'll be when I'm down the weight and feeling better physically and mentally (that's the outcome I hope for of course!). So, this led me to dealing with my feelings now before it's too late. She doesn't really care how fat I am, she just loves ME. I go back and forth on the food - sometimes I worry about it and other times I think no big deal. The ONLY real worry I have (and this is likely due to not enough info yet) is the nutrition part. I can't have dairy so I'll be limited with Protein shakes. I have to follow a specific diet (not weight loss diet, there are foods I can't digest properly) so that will limit me a bit too. It concerns me that the portions are toddler sized. How does a full grown person live on such small portions the rest of their life and stay healthy? Nutrients from real food is better than that from a Vitamin. I'm sure all these questions will be answered Monday when I see the nutritionist. I think one of the biggest things I wonder about is what you and many have said. That they regret not having this early - is it that good? See, I can't imagine it! lol That it's the best thing they've ever done. Again, really? The best thing you've ever done is starve yourself to skinny and eat like a toddler for the rest of your life, never be able to drink a liquid with food, never have sparkling Water (or beer, etc.), have to sip liquids all the time, etc. etc. I'm NOT meaning this to be directly at you - just in general from what I've read - but it goes around in my head in a loop. Questioning the validity of the surgery - on one day it's a good idea, the next a really bad one! lol I can't imagine how people have done this without the preliminary work-up, the care and appts. etc. There are SO many questions and it's so life-changing (positively and possibly negatively) that time is needed prior to surgery. I'm happy for the wait and I'm not if that makes sense. Anyway - thanks for being such a great help! Where in WA are you? I grew up in Vancouver (BC) and often drove down to Bellingham and area to shop - was a 45 min. drive from my door, cross the border and arrive at shops! Loved it....

Hello - I've started with my appointments - 1st appt. with intake nurse done, and this Monday Nutritionist. Soon after that Psych and Nurse again. Then it'll be 3 months before I see a surgeon, a further 6-8 months to surgery. So - I have plenty of time to wrap my mind around the surgery. It worries me that I feel even more reluctance to have the surgery now than I did a couple of months ago. I just cannot imagine actually going into surgery and I can't wrap my mind around my life after surgery. Is this a common feeling? I'm very focussed currently on whether I will indeed appreciate the more slender me. I keep feeling like I will regret it like nothing else in my life, meaning giving up the life I've always known. Maybe it's my age! (I'm 54). I don't even know how I got to this place - both my current weight, and also how I ended up pursuing this surgery. 6 months ago I didn't even know this surgery existed - and here I am in the process of having it done! Maybe it's because I'm just 'used' to being who I am now? I'm 5'-5" and my weight is 267 lbs. I KNOW I'm way overweight - but it's ME! I just don't know what to do with these feelings. Perhaps the psychologist appt. will be helpful... I very much want to be slimmer and all the great things that go along with that. I'm pretty healthy - I only take one pill - 5 mg. Lipitor - nothing else. The intake nurse said this is good - that going into the surgery healthy means a better outcome. She said waiting until I'm sick is not good - I guess my mind is searching for a 'real' reason to do this - if I was really sick, had diabetes and a host of other weight related illnesses then I could JUSTIFY the surgery. Would be great to hear if others had maybe some of these thoughts and feelings, have had the surgery, and can give me insight. Thanks!

I'm 54, no surgery date yet. Had 1st appt. with intake nurse. Won't see surgeon for a few months then surgery will be 6-8 months from then. About a year wait. I'll be 55 once I actually have the surgery.

I was asked if I had reflux and I said I've had a bit of it but it's not bad at all. And I believe I got only because of weight gain anyway. I'd never had it prior nor with my 3 pregnancies, apart from one 10 min. episode with my 3rd pregnancy and it was awful. I haven't experience anything like that again. I don't want bypass for many reasons -but the main one is the bowel issues, dumping. I have bowel issues (all my life). The surgery would just make life even more miserable for me. I'll discuss this with the surgeon. But I would imagine they'll want to do the probe on me too.