Elidh

I was self-pay with a BMI of about 34.

Yup, water weight. I was advised to not weigh for 3 weeks after surgery. If you can resist weighing, you’ll get a pleasant surprise when you finally do!

Congrats on your bypass! No worries - thin liquids will pass easily through your pouch. I was able to drink pretty large swallows a day or 2 after surgery. Once you transition to soft foods, you WILL feel the restriction!

Refried beans with melted cheese on top was a fave.

Refried beans with melted cheese on top? Yum!

That’s a great NSV! Congrats!

Years before I had VSG, I tried the keto diet. Gained 7 lbs. in one week, so I went off it. I am almost 2 years post-op and do not use the word “diet” for myself, as diets have always failed me. I eat intuitively and so far, it seems to be working for me.

After surgery, wait 2-3 weeks to weigh - I know it’s tempting, but the accumulation of fluids in tissues can freak you out. After that, I weighed once a week and have continued that routine (I’m almost 2 years out).

Yeah, Cleveland Clinic. I had other health reasons for choosing CC even though it was costly.

I had VSG at a hospital, was self-pay ($25K - ouch). It included one night at the hospital but, honestly, I could have easily gone home the same day. No real pain for me, just minimal discomfort, controlled by Tylenol. Folks’ experiences vary greatly.

I am a few months short of 2 years post-VSG and have lost 25% of my body weight. Have been steady at this weight for about 6 months now. This Michigan Bariatric Collaborative has an interesting outcome predictor calculator. https://www.michiganbsc.org/DecisionTools/

Whether or not to wear a medical ID is certainly a personal choice, based on need and comfort level, I should think. I don't wear one because I was sleeved, but wear it due to other medical history that would be important for emergency personnel to know if I couldn't tell them myself.

I bought a medical ID sleeve that fits my Apple Watch band. It has a QR code that links to a website where you can enter (and change, as needed) your medical info. The website, MyID Shop, has other types of IDs (bracelets, etc.).

From day one post-op I was able to sleep flat on my back and sides.

Fair winds and following seas!

I was diagnosed with sleep apnea several years pre-VSG. After VSG, about when I got down to BMI 26 or 27, I was having a lot of apneic “events”, so my sleep doc had me in for another sleep study: this one was more sophisticated. It turned out I have CENTRAL sleep apnea, not OBSTRUCTIVE sleep apnea, so, I’m going to be on the machine indefinitely, as central apnea isn’t really related to being overweight, as I understand it. The problem’s in the brain 🤪. I’m just happy to be able to sleep, even with a mask!

Yup, or ask your nutritionist.

I had no energy issues after about 3 weeks post-VSG. Have fun!

I had surgery in July 2020 and last night was able to eat just one of small sized soft tacos. I was VERY full!

I was self-pay at Cleveland Clinic. Package price (sounds the same as fourmonthspreop) was $26,000 🥴

My hunger is not as strong now as it was pre-sleeve. I love food, and before surgery I would eat huge portions, eating past satiation. Now, after a small portion, I feel quite full and can’t possibly eat another bite.

Whaaaa??? That’s tomorrow! Good luck, and we’ll see you on the other side!

Hi haloheather. This is definitely a question for your bariatric team! You need to contact them soon before you get too dehydrated!

Just remember: the weight they predict is only an average - you could be higher or lower! They predicted right on for me (I'm about a year and a half post-op), but I still want to lose 10 more pounds.☺️

FYI, this is an outcomes calculator that many bariatric professionals use: https://mbsc.arbormetrix.com/Registry/public/calculator/uiCalculator/7?menuId=1013 When you fill it out, hit the button at the upper right of the page