Elidh

ER!!!

I had no gas pains whatsoever. I was worried before the surgery about the pain other patients reported, mainly because I cannot take narcotics (cause violent vomiting in me). I expressed my concern to the surgeon/anesthesiologist, and they gave me a TAP block during or right after the procedure. That and Tylenol completely controlled the pain. I felt quite fortunate. Hey, I see you’re a retired nurse. I’m a retired veterinarian. 😉

Yup, agree that fluids go right through. Not to worry!

Hi Elizabeth! I was sleeved a year ago at 67 and feel better than I have in many years. I had a smooth recovery and continual weight loss, although very slow at this point. Slow and steady wins the race (well, not in the Olympics). Good luck, and ask any questions!

Nice photo and well done! You deserve to be proud of yourself!

I just passed my one year VSG surgiversary. Things have gone real well for me, and for that I’m grateful. 1) How long will we struggle to drink Water? I was able to sip water (baby sips) just a few hours after surgery. I never really struggled. 2) I've seen that some people say they will almost always vomit after eating or drinking? I have not vomited or even felt nauseated since the surgery. 3) Will I be able to swallow the meds? I was able to swallow my pills the day after surgery and thereafter - no problem. 4) Will we feel tired and impaired due to the limited food and water we can take? You may feel tired for a few weeks, but I think that is more due to being post-op/post-anesthesia. YMMV, but I haven’t struggled with hunger. 5) I was made to understand from the doc that dumping isn't common for the gastric sleeve. I haven’t experienced dumping. 6) I currently do not have GERD, but is this something I should expect to occur after the surgery? I didn't have GERD pre-op. After the surgery I felt an occasional slight gnawing in my stomach. The surgeon put me on omeprazole for a few months. It worked, and I have been doing fine without it for several months now.

Ugh. You deserve so much better. I’d switch to a new doc if you get the chance.

I’m trying to get rid of most clothes as they get too big. I’ve always had “fat clothes” and “thinner clothes”, but now I don’t want to accept the notion of gaining weight again. A few things that I really like - I may get altered to a smaller size.

Tastes differ widely, as they do for protein shakes. I prefer Power Crunch bars.

I was self pay. My initial consult was in January 2020 and my surgery date was scheduled for March 2020. So it can happen pretty fast, depending on the facility (I used Cleveland Clinic) (Of course, COVID happened, and the surgery got postponed 4 months, but that is not likely the case now)

ebonymc, there’s no room for negativity. If someone tries to talk negative to me about my decision, I just don’t engage with them. They’re not worth my time and it’s none of their business!

I was 67 in July 2020 when I was sleeved. Blood pressure is normal now and my knees don’t hurt going up stairs. I have much more energy. Wish I had done it sooner!

Agree with what others have said. Similarly, I went to a bariatric surgeon to see about getting a gastric balloon, and the surgeon said the balloon (and lap band) had poor long-term results and he recommended sleeve or RNY. (I got the sleeve). 😊

I just passed my one year anniversary and I am down to losing one pound or so A MONTH! Most weeks are plateaus anymore, but the overall trend is still losing, albeit slow. Hang in there!

I just said a prayer for you - you got this!,

Yup, agree with others have posted. I didn’t weigh until 3 weeks post op. Just stay away from the scale for now - let your body eliminate the fluids and you will most likely be pleased with the results after that.

Hey, riverwaters, I am a fellow buckeye and was sleeved in July 2020! You’ve done great, and I really enjoyed reading your story. Thanks for sharing!

Chris, your story is so inspiring!

I like Bariatric Advantage Multivitamin Chewy Bites.

Congrats, Kelly! I also had my surgery in July and am losing between 0-2 lbs monthly. It can be frustratingly slow, but we just gotta look at the big picture!

Well done, you!!

Ocean Spray Diet 5 is delicious - it comes in several flavors, but to me, the ruby red (grapefruit) is the best!

Skinny Me, if it was immediately after your surgery, I would think it was gas, but this far out post- op, you may want to have it checked out ASAP. It could be cardiac-related. Not trying to scare you, but just to give you peace of mind.

Hi Ladidi and welcome! It is not uncommon at all for 60+ folks to have bariatric surgery! I was sleeved last year at age 67. No adverse events, and I had a successful recovery. Go for it!

before and after. The stomach is not left free-floating afterwards.