Elidh

Unless I’m wrong, it appears Amfit bars are available in UK, not US. If someone has a US source for these, please let us know. I’d love to try them.

I should have added - although my sleeve gastrectomy is mentioned on my id, the main reason I have one is I had a heart valve replacement a few years ago.😊 If I had just had the VSG, I probably wouldn't wear one.

I have a “my id” that slips onto my watch band. What I like about it, is that it’s a QR code that links to the website so you can change the info, meds list, etc., as needed. Getmyid.com. (and, no, I’m not affiliated ……)

It’s up to your insurance and/or the surgeon. There’s no one answer - they all differ.

The pancreas produces other enzymes besides insulin; for example, trypsin and chymotrypsin to digest proteins; amylase to digest carbohydrates; and lipase to break down fats. So it is possible for some types of cells in the pancreas to function correctly and others not.

I had protein shakes (I think 4 or 5/day, unlimited broth, SF jello, tea coffee). The limited choices of liquids was actually liberating, for some reason....

I was on a 2-week all liquid pre-op diet. Fortunately, I felt happy during it. I didn’t agonize over what I could or couldn’t, should or shouldn’t eat. Every day brought me closer to surgery, and that was exciting.. On the evening of Day 13, I got a call from the surgical nurse letting me know all surgeries were cancelled due to Covid. This was in March 2020. So I had another few months of food funerals, but nothing too crazy. When I was scheduled again for VSG four months later, I was happy to go back on the liquid diet. I knew I could do it; the first time was a rehearsal! I guess it’s all a matter of attitude and keeping a positive mindset.

High BUN with a normal creatinine could be due to dehydration. (Disclaimer: I’m a veterinarian 😊)

I had VSG July 2020 (at age 68). so that puts me at about 2 1/2 years out. I started at 200#. My goal was about 139, but I have been stabilized at 144 for over a year. In fairness to the program/procedure, I haven’t exercised as much as I should have. I can eat whatever I want, no intolerances, but I try to eat protein/ veggies /fruit/ whole grains. I don’t care for carbonated beverages , so no worries there. I limit myself to eating 4 times/day. No grazing. Maybe about 4-5 ounces of wine at dinner a couple times a week. Blood pressure improved. A little loose skin, but I probably won’t have surgery. Absolutely no regrets or complications!

I took my regular meds the day after surgery, not crushed.

Fiber supplements, colace, Metamucil - NOTHING worked for me until I started Miralax. Now I take it once daily.

Aileen - welcome! Click on the Forums tab at the top of the page and go all the way down to “Other Types of Weight Loss Surgery & Procedures”. Them, select the Gastric Balloon Forums. Good luck!

I use an electric blanket and wear socks to bed year ‘round now! 🤪

Hi janice78. Is it 1 1/2 weeks, months, years?

I was 68 when I had my sleeve. My BMI was not high enough to have insurance pay for it, so I self-paid at great expense! I only wish I had done it years earlier - I hadn’t realized it was an option!

Wow - you’re an inspiration! What a pretty, joyful smile!

It took me about 17 months to lose 54 lbs. I didn't think it was hard. The restriction really worked for me and I haven't been tempted to eat between meals.

I had no gas pain, either.

I am 5’4” and was 200 lbs. when I got my sleeve in 2020. I got down to 146 and have pretty much maintained that weight for a year. I would love to lose another 10 lbs but, I confess, I don’t exercise quite as much as I could, and the nutritionist suggested light weight training, Someday…..

Hi Jessica, Here’s a link to a bariatric surgery outcomes predictor that many professionals use: https://michiganbsc.org/DecisionTools/

I have central, not obstructive, sleep apnea so, no, having the surgery and getting down to a “normal” BMI did not have any effect on the sleep apnea ☹️

I started piano lessons. Hard to eat while I’m practicing, but I can sip on water and coffee.

That’s a very individual thing and preferences vary, but I’ve always enjoyed New Balance shoes.

Hi Bluemoon, no I don’t mind saying. It was $25K at Cleveland Clinic (CC), including all the pre- and post-op nutrition, psych, etc. appointments. I could have found a cheaper place, I know, but I had had a heart valve replaced at CC two years earlier, and just felt comfortable there. I had initially gone to CC looking to get a gastric balloon, but the surgeon said they didn’t do those any more there. He recommended a sleeve or bypass (I hadn’t realized that was an option, even as self-pay), and the rest is history. Worth it? Absolutely! Wish I’d done it years earlier!