thesuse2000

Thanks Reading Mom - I think you're right, but that doesn't seem to be applying to me. People with the same number of posts as me have other titles - mine stays the same...

Your liver sits on top of your stomach, so the surgeon needs to prop it up out of the way to get to your stomach. The smaller it is the less likely your liver will get damaged in surgery and it also provides more room to access the stomach and work properly - and quickly. Surgery is safer overall because of all this when the liver is smaller. I've heard stories of people waking up from surgery without the actual bariatric procedure being done because the patient's liver was too large to safely go ahead. After my two surgeries (lap band and revision) the first thing I asked after waking up was how my liver was because I was so worried about it. Both times I was told that my liver was perfect. I will stick to my pre-op diet again this time for the same reason. I want to do everything within my power to ensure a safe, complication-free surgery.

Hi there - I'm getting band to sleeve revision surgery on June 16th. No one can (or should) tell you not to worry about complications - there are risks for all sleevers, but unfortunately the risk is higher for us revisioners. We have scar tissue that has to be removed, along with the band, and generally the longer the surgery the higher risk of complications. I'm worried about this, but I think that the benefits clearly outweigh the risks (for me anyway). I know that I can't maintain a healthy weight on my own, and my risk for a range of serious health issues will just increase over the years. Statistically, my longterm outcome looks much better with surgery than without - but of course any of us could land on the wrong side of those statistics and be the one in hundreds/thousands that has a really bad outcome. Just like - I could have a heart attack next year if I don't do it. All we can do is look at the evidence and make the best choice we can. I wish you the best!

You'll need at least a few days off - obviously your surgery day and the day or two after that when you're still in the hospital or just getting home. What I've learned on this site is that everyone is different - some people go back to work in less than a week, others take up to 3 months off. If you can keep it somewhat flexible and check in after your surgery before committing to what day you'll start working that would be ideal.

Hi all, Something I wonder about is whether there is any difference in success rates for those of us (like me) who have struggled with food and weight since childhood vs those who weren't overweight until well into adulthood. I've had major fluctuations over the years but I haven't been a "normal" weight since I was 8 or 9. I'm 46 now. It's hard for me to imagine that ever happening! Although I really want to believe it could. If anyone has stats is love hear - or just to hear from people like me who did achieve success with the sleeve. Thanks! I am so loving this forum these days as my surgery date approaches.

Just reading through this thread now - I was so glad to see that you're planning to move forward with the surgery! I am SO impressed with how well you've done with that diet! You are clearly incredibly disciplined and committed which means you'll do great after surgery - and you won't become part of the 95% of people who regain weight lost on diets! Like others I really hope your boyfriend comes around and supports you! My husband is against the sleeve because he's scared that I'll end up being one of the rare few that have lifelong complications. But he will support me anyway. He accepts that it's my decision - I'm sure it helps that he has not taken my advice about his health decisions, so he knows he can't blame me for doing the same. I look forward to seeing your updates - in awe of your strength and how far you've already come!

Whoohoo!

If insurance wouldn't cover my revision (which they are - yay!) I would have likely gone back to Mexico - either Ortiz or another - I would have to do research on the best surgeon for sleeve, which I haven't done. But I know he was doing sleeves back in 2008 when I was there, so he definitely has lots of experience. The thing that makes me nervous about going to Mexico for the sleeve is the risk of leaks and other complications in the first month after surgery. I would want to have a bariatric surgeon/practitioner in my area that I have met with and can go to if any emergencies come up. Not sure if that's common practice at all, but I would want that security if possible. That said - I do recall calling the OCC (Ortiz) after my lap band surgery with a concern and one of the doctors called me back immediately and spent a good 10 mins with me on the phone - so patient and helpful. They're very nice there. I'm sure you'll do great.

Hi Jane - I'm having the same surgery as you on the same day! And also in NYC, but at NYU with Dr. Ren Fielding. I'm getting anxious too! But also kind of excited. Good luck to us!

Thanks all - especially quince and joat - so happy to see your responses!! I look forward to being able to post my success story in the future for people who are where I am now... . Very inspired by you guys!

I'm scheduled for June 16th - getting excited! I had my lap band surgery with Ariel Ortiz back in 2008. While the band didn't work for me, I had a great experience there. Wishing you the best!

I am totally with you! Here's to me-time!

Wow - that's fast Par1959! Amazing what a range there is... I like my job too, but it's very all-consuming. I just look forward to checking out for a bit and making me and sleeve my number 1 priority.

Wow - I'm jealous of you two! My surgeon advised 2 weeks off. That still feels like a long time to me... I'm with you knitlil09 - I was feeling guilty or worried about taking time off - now I feel entitled to take time to take care of myself (for a change). Shelly75 - as a teacher you're probably on your feet and more physically active than most, so I suppose that makes sense to take more time - that seems much longer than most though! Glad you were able to make it work!

Thanks for posting this article - I love it! I'm pre op for sleeve (but post op for band, but never got "thin" with the band). The first item on her list - power - is something I think about a lot, and something I worry will lead me to self sabotage if I don't stay conscious of it. I experienced abuse as a child and I yearned to grow up and get big enough so that I could not be physically dominated and hurt. I know I don't need size, especially fat, to protect me anymore, but psychologically I do think that my size gives me a sense of invulnerability. Like the woman who wrote the article I plan to focus on building strength and muscle as a way to combat this issue. I should think about self defense classes too. Not so much that I'll need it, but I think it will help me feel safe and comfortable at a smaller size. I also love her perspective overall - very positive. I think it's important for us to love our fat selves, even while striving to become thinner.

Hi there - my date is June 16th and I just met with my surgeon last week and learned about the same thing. I assume we shouldn't feel too thirsty, as you mentioned, because of the IV fluids. Fingers crossed!

Wishing you the best for a healthy surgery and recovery!

Yes - another thank you for sharing your story! So glad you're doing so well. I can only hope to have an equally smooth recovery!

I wish you a speedy recovery. Thanks for sharing your experience - it's important for people (especially those who haven't yet had sleeve surgery, like me) to hear the negative stories along with the positive ones. This is serious business. So happy that your husband took care of you and that the problem was found!

So sorry to hear this! The good news is that they found the problem and dealt with it. This is one of the risks of surgery unfortunately, but it was caught and you will heal in time and do great. I imagine the worst is behind you now and positive healing and success are ahead

Thanks for posting! Good to hear first-hand accounts. Glad you're feeling okay!

My surgery date is a week after yours - June 16th, so I'm working on the same question! What I've got on my list so far is: protein shakes (of course) - I've been sampling to try to find ones I like broth V8 thermos for taking cold or hot liquids out as needed various chewable vitamins - I ordered a sample pack from celebratevitamins.com - haven't tried them yet.. I'm concerned about having to maybe travel for work while on pre-op or mushies so I also bought a cooler lunch bag and a food canister - like a thermos but for solid food I look forward to seeing other suggestions. I'm sure I'm forgetting a million things! -Susan

So sorry to hear about your experience! I hope you're able to get past all these issues soon. Are things getting better at all over time? I sure hope so...

Wishing you the best! I'm converting from band to sleeve on June 16th - I'm already nervous! So happy for you that you're about to start on your new journey - You'll do great!

What an amazing accomplishment!! As so many others have said - SO inspiring! My surgery is about 6 weeks away. You give me the hope and confidence that I can do it too!