Chris Lee

Looking for any sleeve patients in eastern WA / west idaho?

hello Bev1018, Even though I am 5"8' and started my sleeve journey in Nov. 2016 I too was told you haven't tried hard enough, there are other options...don't eat, run, exercise more... always others opinions. When I was referred by my general MD after several years of trying options and processes I didnt think that I would make the cut. First in order for my insurgence to cover it I had to meet a certain BMI range, if that range was not met then I had to have second and third life conditions - high BP, liver problems, high cholesterol etc. Well I made the BMI by 1 point, and because of my BP ranging very high to very low, but never normal i was qualified. I started my 4 mandatory appts. and dietician counseling in Dec. 2016. I had my last pre-appt on 4 April and had VSG surgery on 18 April. It was rough for a bit after surgery as I had my gallbladder removed 3 days later. Now going on 5 months out its good. I also heard that by opting for surgery i was taking the easy way out... just remember none of these peopke have walked in our shoes oh wait our body and our life. If your not "as big" as other feel you should be just know that makes the process easier! Do what you need to for YOU! Best of luck to you Christina

Looking for anyone with fibro who have been sleeved. Are you still taking meds? Any change in pain?

your gallbladder is on your right side. If you still have yours and did not have any gallbladder testing prior to surgery it is something to consider. I woke up on post op day 4 with r sided pain waited a day, same pain next day, called my bariatric surgeon. Was told to go to the ER. Next morning had to have me gallbladder out. Better safe than sorry

3 weeks post op VGS, 2 weeks post op gallbladder . This week I am hungry ALL the time. Suppose to be on pureed diet, 1/4 cup 5-6 times a day. well I realized its been more like 1/2 cup meals of what ever. Wasn't given too many specifics at 2 week post op buy NUT, other than make sure it is pureed! so as I look in my food journal there are some random items. I also notice in the evenings I am finding myself "craving" things. I am drinking nearly 60+ oz of H2O daily. Was told not to worry about supplements/vitamin intake right now or protein/calories No real weight loss since second surgery. Only down 22 lbs in 2 months. I have had the regret and thoughts of what have I done since surgery but was feeling really good this past weekend. Lots of energy, did some gardening, house cleaning and other activities. Anyone with thoughts or helpful suggestions please comment

Funny you should ask. I had my gallbladder out 5 days after I was sleeved. I realised I may have had some minor issues with it over the last year but never caused massive problems. 3 days after my sleeve surgery I started having pain on the right side. My bariatric surgeon had me go to the ER and after CT blood work and ultrasound it was found to be my gallbladder and the next morning I had surgery.

Thank you everyone who comment. No I am not taking an antacid as I was told not to since I had my gallbladder out 5 days post-op. I will look at some tomorrow. I have now gained 5lbs since posting the first thread of being Hungry.. I only drink plain water or with a wedge of lemon. I can not tolerate artificial sweeteners (never could due to IBS) I am not a meat eater prior to surgery but trying to do some such as tuna, and chicken. Tuna is settling but the chicken pureed is not! 60-80gm of protein seems impossible! I have had cottage cheese and ricotta. Thanks again for all the assistance, I pray things improve!

Where to begin... when I started questioning my decision prior to surgery and now that I am 3 weeks post op I have still have had those moments occasionally , but loosing the "regret" feeling slowly. I also had to have my gallbladder out 5 days post op from my sleeve surgery so that I'm sure hasn't helped. I do feel I have more energy. I have been doing all sorts of stuff too include mopping floors, planting flowers and gardening, pulling weeds, mulching, preparing for a rummage sale, and keeping up with my 3 year old grandson on a daily basis since the 1st of May, which was about 2 wks post op sleeve, and 8 days post op gallbladder. I didn't have the best support going into this as my spouse didn't feel surgery with a unreversable outcome was a great choice. It has gotten better and he has become supportive most of the time. I have lost about 22 lbs since my pre-op appt which gets me down when I read others blogging about 30-50lbs losses at the same time post-op but at least its a loss. Keep your chin up and focus on one thing you really are looking forward to after the weight loss like in 6 month to a year. I'm told its so worth it.

So I am 14 days post op sleeve, 8 days post op gallbladder removal and still find myself asking why? My preop diet was 2 weeks protein shakes,broth, clear liquids, sf jello, cicles,( had big issues all my life with artificial sweetners and again since these are highly encouraged items for fillers) Was able to add some fresh fruit to shakes which I did most often as I wanted to chew something. No major issues or problems. Was sleeved on 04/18/2017. Unremarkable surgery, went home the next evening. First four days not too bad, had to force fluids more than I thought but did ok. Fifth day a different story! Right sided pain, low fever.... trip to ER, +test, +ultra sound, +CT = trip to surgery = Gallbladder removal. During surgery to remove gallbladder, Spill of gallbladder contents, external drain in place to remove infection, added day in hospital. Home again. Today is pureed diet start! Suppose to be a good thing, and it was. Had grilled pork tenderloin, baked potato, broccoli and cheese! PUREED, 1/4 cup! Walking daily - quarter to half a mile. Not tolerating the bariatric version of vitamins or calcium so taking Flinstones. Still only have five people who know I had surgery (as I'm not blessed with a supportive extended family) but proud of the ones I do have The scale shows about 22 pounds lost from my preop appt with the surgeon 29 March until 30 April. Its something but I guess I am expecting or desiring the big numbers. I haven't found a protein item I can tolerate since preop. Any suggestions? I know that protein comes once you can eat again but I wonder if that's part of my sluggish feeling? I am at 4 -5: 1/4 cup feedings, but never feel full. I am not tolerating SF items still or fake sweeteners get a bloated feeling, very nauseous and upset bowels so avoiding those items at all cost. Have tried the Whole Earth brand stevia/monk fruit blend if absolutely needing a sweetener. My diet can be anything pureed or in pureed form... meat, eggs, casseroles, pastas, etc... says my guide book. I just can't help that I keep wondering why did I do this? was is worth it? what will the end be like? Is there an end? I just read more blogs tonight about people who have met their goal weight but aren't happy? If anyone can tell me this is just a phase, once more weight is lost, once I can swallow pills again, or meet small milestones it changes please do! Right now I just feel like a person with seven new incision decorations who is hungry, grumpy, and not any better for the two week war I've been part of!

I was sleeved on 4/18. discharged from the hospital the evening of the 19th. Took one dose of the narcotic pain meds-liquid, and one zolfran. Since then have used liquid Tylenol twice. My right side is more sore and tender than my left. I had sneeze pain this morning has I had three sneezes in a row. Ugg! I have managed to consume all the full liquid diet items but also trying to get in 64 0z of water. I fell short on the water amount yesterday as only got about 44oz.. Also suppose to be sipping on a protein shake throughout the day but only consumed half of one. Not too bad with the gas pains. Started passing gas the day after surgery. I hope this is as bad as it gets. Healing thought to those of you having troubles. They say it gets better!

I was sleeved on 4/18. discharged from the hospital the evening of the 19th. Took one dose of the narcotic pain meds-liquid, and one zolfran. Since then have used liquid Tylenol twice. My right side is more sore and tender than my left. I feel the sneeze pain has I had that experience today with three sneezes in a row. Ugg! I have managed to consume all the full liquid diet items but also trying to get in 64 0z of water. I fell short on the water amount yesterday as only got about 44oz.. Also suppose to be sipping on a protein shake throughout the day but only consumed half of one. Not too bad with the gas pains. Started passing gas the day after surgery. I hope this is as bad as it gets. Healing thought to those of you having troubles. They say it gets better!

Today is post op day 1! And things are going really smoothly and really well! I have started on Clear Liquids consuming Water , a popsicle and liquid pain meds. I have been up walking walking walking and so far knock on wood I have not had any gas pains yet. If I am able to continue with the clear liquids and not have any nausea /vomiting and the pain is under control (if there is any ) I will be able to go home possibly later this afternoon early evening. So far this has been rather easy and I would like to thank everybody for the positive vibes, prayers, and encouragement leading up to surgery. Now to start looking weight! I know you go home possibly bloated and weighing slightly more but right now I feel like I am just a walking barrel of liquid. Amy suggestions on how to get the weight loss going?

I have UHC but in the Pacific northwest region. I was required 3 months of supervised dr visits , psych eveal, labs, EKG, and attend the surgical groups class. Once I attended the classes they pretty much knew I would be approved . Once the actual request was sent I had an answer in 2 days.

Tele move is D.O.D VA sponsored class for exercise, diet , and weight loss. If you are a veteran most VS Hospitals/clinics offer these classes

Today was my vertical sleeve gastrectomy surgery. I have been out of the OR .for about 8 hours and doing remarkably well.I am on a morphine PCA so my pain right now is at a zero, and well controlled. Not looking forward to having that discontinued in the morning and switching to oral meds but I know that's the next step. Still NPO except for mouth swabs no drinking or eating of any kind at this point.Surgery was unremarkable with a good outcome no problems. Anesthesia was a little rough coming out of as I was very very groggy and just wanted to keep sleeping. But after about two hours I finally was able to focus and carry on conversations.I am now an official sleeve patient starting the next chapter of this journey!

Tomorrow is the day! I have to report to the hospital at 0900 tomorrow morning. Then the fun begins. I will be on the other side of the scale soon!

My instructions say " Do not shave any area that may be involved during surgery (with a list of anatomy parts that may be subject) pre-shaving may cause infection" Well I am not wanting assistance with that as I manage fine now so I will continue to take care of this matter as I do with my showers each morning! I do know from experience as a military medic "hospital shaves" are not always GQ standards!

My situation might be more detailed and spinal related as I have already had two major back surgeries in Feb. 2016 due to sciatica and nerve compression at the L5-S1 level. I under went the second surgery about 48 hours after the first due to my spinal cord collapsing onto the right side causing further damage to the nerves and needing a lamenectomy in the vertebra above and below the original location. All that being said I now have permanent numbness in my right foot and calf. Still experience shooting pains from time to time in the buttocks with no relief. I again have been referred to a new neurologist to see if there are other options. After dealing with my symptoms and pain for nearly 6 years, going to chiropractors, orthopedics, having steroid injections and intradermal injections I still am not 100%. I am hoping with weight loss after being sleeved I may find relief. If you have to seek further treatment make sure you have a neurologist operate, not ortho!

My surgery date is almost here! Most people are excited, some nervous, others both. Me well I'm not sure what I am right now. I have had 4 major surgeries in the last two years with lengthy hospital stays. I think being sleeved should be easier as it has been a conscious decision to have this procedure and one I wanted. However I am rethinking things as it seems more people are writing about the severe surgical pain, gas pains that wont go away, the inability to even drink water, or eat and heartburn that becomes a permanent part of everyday life. If anyone can give me some good insight it would be greatly appreciated and helpful

Shy1, Thank you for you reply! Glad to know I'm not the only one feeling this way. I keep having people say if you have been able to loose weight before surgery then why have surgery. Uggg!

That is great! I love reading about the success people have and you are for sure a HUGE success! I am being sleeved on 18 April 2017 so just starting this adventure. I am also 5'8. My starting weight was 248lbs, I'm down to 226 according to my house scale which is usually off a few pounds . I hope i will be as successful as you. Thanks for sharing!

I have to limit the Popsicles because even though they are sugar free they still have calories and i have restricted calorie intake during preop diet

No i dont have BCBS, I have Military/ Tricare. Not that I know of did they take a new bmi Christina

my insurance required you be 18 yrs or proof of bone growth completion. A bmi of 40 or higher or if bmi is 35-39.5 patient must also have other indicator(s) -cadio vas disease, diabetes, obstructive sleep apnea, hypertension, artery disease, pulmonary hypertentopn or other contributing factor. I will be inpatient, one or two day stay, depending on fluid intake, nausea, pain status. I'm scheduled for laparoscopic and i hope it goes that way.

Tasha, Thank you foe explaining . I was asked by another Washitonian if I was going with Eviva too but they never told me what it was. I only had to have three month of monitored dr visits, so I chose to use my surgeon. It was no big deal. Each appt went over weight, BP - as mine is high and a indicator being used for my justification for sleeve, diet intake and any other questions I had. I also had to have an ekg, labs, and pschy eval. All of the later were good. Yes a week from today is my surgery. The hospital called today to pre-admit me. I'm not nervous. I have had 4 major surgeries since Feb 2015. Unfortunately they all had complications which either required longer surgery time, readmit to the hospital or a second surgery. So I am being told I should be freaked out about now....LOL. I am excited, ready for it to be done. I think I have more concern over the loose skin issue. Christina