az062217vsg

So I had VSG 3 years ago, and my BF just had the same procedure done 2 weeks ago (different surgeon/hospital). I feel like he is not following his surgeons guidelines, and I'm not sure how much to worry/comment on things I observe (we live together). After my surgery I don't think I ate "real" food until 1 month out (starting with eggs and other really soft options). He is 2 weeks out and eating salmon, chicken, beef, etc. (mostly from restaurants where it's questionable how they really prepare the food (from a nutrition standpoint). Per his surgeons protocol he should only be doing pureed. Also, I know everyone is different, but I was NEVER hungry until about 6 months out and he says he is hungry often and I see him looking at the fridge/pantry throughout the day. Also, he is not taking vitamins and calcium consistently, not getting in enough water, and not tracking protein (but I haven't seen him drink a protein shake, so he's just getting it from whatever he's eating). He is losing weight, I'm just worried he is going to mess something up or stretch out his "new" stomach too soon before he gets to his goal weight. 3 years out I have DEFINITELY stretched my stomach, and wish I had kept to the strict diet even longer than what my surgeon recommended (e.g. protein shakes). Any advice? Or am I overreacting?

Has anyone had revision to a surgical Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy with a non-surgical Endoscopic Sleeve Gastroplasty? If so, what was your experience like? Where did you have it done? Who was your doctor? Cost? Thanks!

Thanks! What was your recovery like? Similar to VSG with different stages of food (liquids, puree, soft foods, all foods)?

So before I get started, here are my stats... Surgery Date: June 12, 2017 Surgery Type / Cost: VSG - Self Pay (~$19,000) High Weight: 216 Low Weight: 125 Current Weight: 150 Goal Weight: 116 Between relationship stress, COVID stress, and just life I am now up to 150. I need help to get back into the "sleeve" mind set. I REALLY want to avoid revision surgery. Any suggestions? My pouch has definitely stretched. I can eat a lot more than initially after surgery (not like right after obviously, but the first year or 2 after). Help!!

Thank you all for the comments! I'm definitely eating too many carbs, so I'm going to first try replacing 1 meal with a protein shake and start counting calories. I also dug my bike out of storage. I like in Arizona, so I can't do much outdoors in the summer, but it's finally getting nice out!

Hi all, I am 9 months post op from VSG. I’m wondering if it common to develop hypoglycemia post op? My bariatric NP ordered a 3 hour glucose tolerance test and my glucose levels were below normal. If you have experienced this, what did they do? Is it long-term? Thanks!

I had VSG in June 2017. I've had to get IV fluids 3 times since surgery. I'm starting to feel dehydrated once again, but I hate to call my NP again requesting IV fluids. Before surgery my mom warned my surgeon that I get dehydrated easily (always have), but he shrugged it off and said I'd be fine. I've tried various water bottles, alarms, etc. but just can't seem to get enough water in me! Any advice?

This is great info. Thanks all! I left a message with my NP today to chat.

Hi all, In the past month I've fainted twice. Fainting is not new to me, used to faint due to dehydration Pre-op, so the first time I fainted (in Vegas, no alcohol) I thought it was due to dehydration so my NP ordered for me to get IV hydration. Today I fainted again (this time in a Verizon store), but didn't feel it coming like I usually do, and after fainting I've been more tired than normal and kind of nauseous. I called my surgeon's after hours number and my surgeon doesn't think it's hydration related because I'm further post-op than typical for dehydration to occur. He said just to rest, eat a snack, keep drinking water, and call the office tomorrow for an appointment and maybe some blood work. Has anyone else experienced something similar? If so what was determined as the cause? Thanks!

Thank you both. Calling first thing in the morning!

I am day 3 post-op and am trying really hard to get all the water in too! I found that standing while drinking helps some (relieves some pressure), also I tend to alternate between warm, room temp, and cold water.

Sorry you are dealing with this. I had issues with my PCP office, too. She didn't know anything about weight loss surgery and it was a challenge (and stress) to deal with. She eventually wrote me a letter (somewhat inaccurate), and I was denied. I ended up paying out of pocket, and will be getting a new PCP very soon!

I had 2 protein shakes (breakfast and lunch) and one somewhat normal/high protein meal for dinner. Basically just needed to stay under 1000 calories, which was pretty doable given that two meals were protein shakes. I would suggest stepping outside of the vanilla and chocolate shake flavors. I found strawberry, banana, and cookies and cream to be pretty good too!

My FMLA paperwork was pretty general, and didn't need to specify weight loss surgery. My surgeon's office just said "General Surgery" under specialty (which he is), and gave the frequency of follow-up appointments and any recovery time needed immediately following surgery. HR could easily figure out that I had weight loss surgery if they google my surgeon's name, but so far my HR rep has been really understanding and helpful!

I have my surgery tomorrow! Need to be at the hospital at 5:30AM and surgery is at 7:30AM. The hospital is about 45 minutes away, and I have to shower and do other things to prepare, so it will be an early morning!!!

Surgery went well! Only stayed in the hospital 1 night. Didn't have too much nausea or pain, just took Zofran and Tylenol occasionally. It is definitely a full-time job getting in enough water and protein!!

I have my surgery tomorrow! Need to be at the hospital at 5:30AM and surgery is at 7:30AM. The hospital is about 45 minutes away, and I have to shower and do other things to prepare, so it will be an early morning!!!

Went really well. I got to come home today.

Unfortunately I just got word that Aetna has denied my request. My BMI is too low and I don't have a qualifying co-morbidity. I'll be moving forward with self-pay. My question for others is, where have you applied for/received financing (if you have needed to)? My surgeons office recommends Prosper Healthcare Lending, but depending on the interest rate I might look at my credit union. Any feedback is appreciated!

It will be just over $18,000. Thanks!

I just turned 25 and I'm having surgery next month.

I went through all the insurance requirements just to get denied. However, I think my surgeon would have still required a psych consult, nutrition consult, and upper endoscopy prior to surgery.

Moving forward with self-pay. Just paid the anesthesiologist, $1025.

Got my date today! June 12th!

BMI is 38, I have my surgery on June 12, paying out of pocket... insurance denied.