Beader

Hi Everyone, My surgery is scheduled for November 29th. I'm looking forward to changing my life even though I'm a little scared about the "permanent" part of the surgery. My story is so much like everyone else. It's been about 10 years of being obese and having low self esteem. My marriage is in the tubes, my husband hates me being so fat and I think it has ruined things between us for good but this is something I have to do for myself. I currently have a band which has been leaking and not working for me for quite a while. I have some questions about the conversion surgery and eating habits afterward. One thing I hated about the band was that I had to cut my food into pieces about the size of an eraser, the size of your pinky nail. I couldn't taste any food with that little morsel plus even though I chewed that small amount to death, sometimes my food still got stuck. I prayed I would make the bathroom in time when I was eating out. I was very unhappy with the band and I was wondering if it's the same eating situation with the sleeve? Do things get stuck, do you have to cut your food that small forever, and how was the conversion surgery? Pain, recovery time and is there a lot of vomiting from different eating situations? Also, are there things you can't eat any longer. Thanks so much for any comments. Good luck to all of you Elaine

Like I said before, I LOVE to know the pros and cons! Thank you so much for all that great information. I have a much better idea of what to expect now thanks to these posts. Initially, you'll have to eat small bites, and chew to mush, but not because of the pouch/stoma combination like what you have with the band. It's simply because of the swelling and trauma your stomach endures after being sleeved. But, it doesn't last forever. I eat normal sized bites and chew like a normal person and have since being about 7-8 months out. I never did the pencil eraser sized bite thing, but I did chew to mush. Digestion begins in the mouth, it prepares the stomach to accept food so it's important to chew well. As for pain post-op, it was minimal, except for the incision where they removed my port. I had a flipped port that had migrated so my port area was full of scar tissue and adhesions. I still have sensitivity in that area even at nearly 29 months post-revision. The gas pains are the same, the sipping post-op is the most often reported side-effect of sleeve surgery regardless if a patient is a revision patient or a virgin sleeve. Food can get stuck if you eat too fast, or don't chew well enough. I've never had a true stuck episode like I did with the band. Personally, I think the band helps us beat the eating curve with the sleeve. The key to sleeve eating is 1) measure your portions by volume 2) chew well 3) do not eat and drink simultaneously 4) and stop looking for this elusive full feeling, undereating your sleeve will give you 2 things a) keep you from overeating keep you within your dietary guideline for calorie/protein/carb intake I do not eat until full or stuffed because it leads to that "one last bite" syndrome and inevitably that one last bite is going to come up. I puked enough with the band so I have zero desire to do it with the sleeve. I did it a couple of times early out. I didn't get a full signal for months, and even then it was and still is a single hiccup. I don't rely on a full signal to tell me to stop eating. Finding satiety is the key for me to stay successful. As time progresses, the sleeve matures to maximum capacity, and your capacity will change so learning to measure food, not eat until full or stuffed has served me very well in maintenance by keeping me from overeating even though I can eat double the amounts I could today from what I could eat at 2-3 months out. There are no foods that I can not eat. Scrambled eggs still sit extremely heavy in my stomach, but poached, deviled, egg salad, hard-boiled eggs all work fine. Pork chops for whatever reason are heavy as well. We quit eating pork products 2 years ago after my husband's last deployment so I don't miss them at all. Best wishes with your revision. Getting rid of the band was the best thing I ever did for myself and my life. I've had an amazing 2 years post-op, and look forward to my future.

I'm absolutely with you all the way on the band issue. I can't wait to have it removed. I went through such an emotional roller coaster when it wasn't working for me month after month paying hundreds of dollars of co pays for nothing as it turns out. It had a leak that was not able to be detected for 3 years. Finally, they believed me and found it. As we speak I have a dull ache in the band area. I hope it's nothing but just knowing I have this thing in me doing nothing kind of freaks me out. Going to the doctor tomorrow for my pre-op appointment so I'm excited to get the ball rolling. I'm scared but still can't wait! Thanks for your information. I'm a detail person so the more information I get the better. I like know the pros and cons of it all. Thanks again! Hello- Congrats on your decision to revise. For me, it was totally worth it. Pain is not really an issue with the sleeve surgery. The drain is the worst of it. I had a residual ache from where the drain was after they took it out. It lasted a couple of weeks, but really only othered me first thing in the morning. I found the recovery with the sleeve much harder. You are very limited in what you can eat / drink because of the trauma to your stomach. Once the first 8 weeks passed, I was much happier. Some people take longer to heal than others. The first several weeks you will eat the smallest little thing and you will have to chew it up to nothing. Also, you will eat 2 bites and be shocked that you can't eat any more. Also, when you eat, it will be a loud, gurgly production. I also found that eating just made me feelweird - as if my body was sending all the blood to my stomach to eat and the rest of me just felt strange. This only lasts a few weeks, but can be a bit discouraging. After the initial shock wears off your body, you start to feel normal again. Personally, this is everything the band promised to be, but was not. It's not always an easy journey because of the emtional issues around food, but it does work. I was so happy to have my band out - the first thing I did after surgery was reach for my port site and smile when there wasn't a chunk of metal under my skin. Also, right before surgery, they unfilled my band. I stood there thinking that this is the LAST TIME someone will stick a giant needle in my stomach - YYAAAYYYYYY!!!!!!!! Good luck--

Thank you so much for your responses. I realize everyone is different but it helps to talk to others with the same situation or close to it. I take in what everyone says and just hope for the best. I think these forums are so great. I look forward to keeping you posted with my success and hearing from you again. Good luck to you too,

Hi Newbie! OMG, my surgery is scheduled for Nov. 1st and after reading your post, I'm so excited I can't stand it. 67 lbs is so awesome, I can't figure why you would have any disappointment. That's a little over 2 lbs a week which everyone I spoke to says that's about right. That amount of weight loss in 7 months is just a dream away for me. Don't be so hard on yourself. Be happy you're not in the same place as you were a year ago. I haven't decided whether or not to tell anyone yet. I failed with the band that I had gotten in 2008 (well, it failed me with a leak that they couldn't find for three years) but I'm afraid if I don't do well with the sleeve, I'll look like a total loser with two failed surgeries. Not a good attitude, I know, but reading this makes me sooooooooooooooo hopeful. Thanks so much for your post and keep on keepin' on. As they say, "you've come a long way baby". lol

Oregon-thanks! I might look into that book tonight. I thought just having a foreign object in my body would be enough motivation . Well, I'm by no means giving up. I'm curious though. I thought you can get fills even years out if you feel your eating more . Is that something you can do? Janke129- same thing with me! Once the holidays hit... You're so right about what you said especially having a place to come to where others understand! It means a lot. Thanks! Phyllser-YOU SAID IT!!! We all have to keep on keepin' on. I think I'd do the same thing wanting to be tighter. I hope that works out well for you. Long- :redface: for the 5 lbs. You are so close to goal. You'll do it. Keep up the hard work. LynnT- Be careful with the protein. I wanted to do the same thing filling up on the protein but my nut. said too much protein drink can affect your kidneys. I haven't done it since-only one 35mg. drink a day if that. Thank you all for all your comments. They all were very helpful and encouraging. I will not give up. Have any of you ever checked out Rob Nevens Skinny Switch Secret on line? It seems like a great program for people that don't want to bother thinking about what to have. Once he gets your info, he does a whole weeks menu for you with only the foods you like and you get the recipes too. His plan is to rev up your motabolism by eating well two days and then indulging during one meal the third and then you repeat that. Every day is different food if you choose. Not sure if I'm doing it yet, probably not but it sounds interesting and my friend lost 4 lbs in one week. Has anyone tried this? It's only 5.95 per week. Thanks again everyone. Have a great week.

Hi Everyone, It's been a very long time since I posted but I'm feeling very defeated right now and thought I'd share and hopefully get some encouragement. I had my (Lap) surgery Oct. 10th of 08 and I was so happy and positive and optimistic. Didn't have any problems. I was so anxious to get started with my new habits, new life. I knew I was finally going to do it. Besides, how could anyone be so dumb and blow it after going through so much to get there in the first place? Well, it's been almost 4 months, I lost 25 lbs and most of that was in October and thankfully have not gained any back. However, I still have my bad habits of snacking, and not exercising (even though I joined a gym earlier this month). Unfortunately, I sprained my ankle a few weeks ago and still haven't healed totally so I've been staying away. Excuses. I can't understand for the life of me how I could be so foolish in keeping up old habits and not going for the gold when I have it in the palm of my hand. As far as my fills, I only have 4cc's (which has taken two months to get to) and it doesn't seem to have a big affect on my appetite. Food does get stuck when I don't chew well enough but I can still EAT. I have tried cutting my dinner portions down to a dessert size plate so that's one good thing but the snacking, cravings, and not walking or exercising is making me feel so defeated. I wonder what it's going to take to change me. Foolishly and being totally desperate, I bought "Think and Lose" from the TV add which teaches you to more or less hypnotize yourself or to train your brain to chose good habits, etc. lol I have to laugh myself at that. Haven't even looked at it yet. :thumbup: The nutritionist at my doctors office who gives me the fills said I'm too hard on myself and I've been loosing every time I go and the fills have not served their purpose yet and I have to be patient. Hopefully that has a lot to do with what's been going on with me and why I've been so discouraged, but I'm so worried that I won't be able to straighten myself out. To make things perfectly clear, I know snacking once in a while is OK but I snack EVERY DAY! I just feel hungry all the time. Or maybe it's head hunger. Sorry for the long message but what I want to know is, if anyone out there has felt the same way and when they finally had the proper amount of fill, did you get on track and start losing 1-2 or more lbs a week? Thanks so much for listening. :scared: Help!

Hi, I had my surgery on the same day and I have the same thing. I asked my surgeon what the hard lump was and he said it was fat tissue. I thought it was the port but he said it was probably two inches below my skin and the hard lump was fat. I still don't get why it would be so hard but that's what he said. I plan to ask him how long it will last at my next appointment.

Where do you get gel sheets for scars? I never hear of them. Good idea though, thanks

I hope not too but the good news is that today it started feeling a bit better. I will definitely let the doctor know on Thursday for my 1st post op visit. thanks Denise:smile:

Hi, I'm back with another pain and I was wondering if anyone else has had this. (where have I heard that before) I just had the band and hyadal hernia surgery Tuesday and everything has been going well except for some discomfort. Yesterday I woke up with an excruciating lower backache. I still have it today and I can't even stand up straight. I never had a backache like this before and I don't know if it's surgery related or a cold settled there. Can anyone help? On a lighter note, I just found this site that someone suggested that is wonderful and thought I'd share it. It's theworldaccordingtoeggface Great recipes. Thanks for any comments.

Hi AthinnerDenise, Can you tell me where you get the powder probiotics and what the exact name is called and who puts it out? I like the option of taking something besides a pill and having something in place of yogurt sometimes. Thanks!:crying:

PJ, Thanks, I might just try the yogurt. Sounds good to me. Thanks and good luck getting off the BP meds.

I'm sure that would work but not sure if I could have pudding every day or always remember to mix it with something. Did you do this with Probiotics and could you taste anything different? Thanks

Hi Pati, You probably know this already but when they did your surgery they had to see what they were doing so they had to blow your stomach up with air. When they're done they stitch you up and the air/gas is still there and has nowhere to go but throughout your body. Right after surgery mine ended up in both my shoulders and boy it was painful. It was hard to breath even. They tell me to walk, walk, walk, and that will cause the gas to dissipate. It takes about 3-6 days to go away. I'm hoping anyway. I just had surgery Tuesday and it went from my shoulders to my stomach back to my shoulders and is now only in my stomach. Can't wait till it's gone. I've lost 17 lbs but don't look it at all because of the gas. This too shall pass.

Hi Flowers, The pills I have and have had are in capsule form. Not sure if I can open them and empty them in glass of water or not. I'm thinking, not. Thanks.

Does anyone take Probiotics? I've always taken them but now the pills are too big. Are there smaller ones out there?

Chel, I did call my doctor and the nurse said she didn't think that was a good idea. Can't do anything that exercises the stomach muscles. I told her I did the Gazelle last night for the gas pain but I was doing it very gently. She said that was OK as long as I was careful. I decided to wait out the pain and skip the Gazelle. I don't want to mess anything up as I'm really doing well so far.

Hi Patty, I'm a neighbor, Beacon Falls. I had Dr. Erhlich at St. Vincent's Hospital. I was treated very well in the hospital. They all couldn't be nicer. Everyone from admissions to the nurses to the aids, the doctors, just everyone was great! I had and have a little discomfort with the gas and one incision but otherwise I'm following directions to a T and I believe that's why I'm doing OK. That's so great that you no longer have to take the diabetes meds and it's good that you're feeling so good. I'm really looking forward to that. Tell me, how on earth do you tolerate pureed chicken. I've been trying to talk myself into that, although I'm not at that stage yet (just banded this past Tuesday) but it's very hard. It sounds so gross to me. Did you say you added anything to it? I might just skip that but I'd like to be able to tolerate it. Thanks for the message, it was helpful.

I'm glad I'll only have to suffer for a short while longer even though I know everyone's different. I don't have much of the wind but the funny thing is that I can't burp! I feel as if I have to but I just can't. I know things will get better so I'm just going to hang in there and hope it doesn't last too long. Thanks for replying Katydid. Have a good weekend!

Hi! I finally had my surgery Tuesday and everything is going well except the gas that is traveling to my shoulders. It was easy to walk the halls in the hospital but at home it's more difficult. Does anyone know if doing a gentle walk on the Gazelle would be OK and if it should help. It's the only way I could think of to get my walking in the get rid of this pain. I live at the bottom of a big hill and don't feel I can handle walking it. Any comments would be appreciated. :biggrin: Thanks!!

Hi Everyone! Not sure if anyone remembers me and I noticed there are a lot more new banders out there too. That's great!!! It's been quite a while since I last posted because I was waiting for an approval from UHC. Well, I'M APPROVED!!! I actually got approved two weeks ago and I'm already 1/2 way through the liquid phase UGH. Surgery date October 7th. I'm so excited and by Monday I'll be a mess, probably a bit scared too. For some reason I've been thinking about all the things I won't be able to eat any more:biggrin:. Might be chicken (which we eat atleast 3 times a week), pasta (my favorite food, I'm Italian), panini sandwiches (no more bread I was told), etc. Why am I thinking of all these things now? Maybe because I haven't eaten in 5 days and I've been cooking for my family...torture. Oh well, I think of it the same way I did when I was in labor. "This is the pits but you know it'll be over tomorrow (in my case, next week) HA! [ Phyl, thanks so much for the help with the letter. I had them send that with all the other stuff and I was approved in less than 2 weeks! By the way Phyl, how do you get the camper and bible verse on your message? ] Long, you're fortunate to have such a supportive husband and I'm so glad you got that great boost in confidence. Looks like everyone else is doing great too. Well, good luck to all of you banders and soon to be banders. I'll keep you all posted.

These CT threads aren't very active are they? There has to be more CT banders out there. Anyone out there have United Healthcare and BMI's between 35 and 40 with only ONE co-morbidity??? I'm not banded yet but all my paperwork is in and I'm MORE than anxious. I have severe sleep apnea and borderline high cholesterol but that's it for the ones the insurance companies accept. I have severe back pain, knee and feet pain, very low energy daily, some depression due to weight. I'm on acid reflux meds and anti depressants. Oh, also, I have been to every weight loss center in the greater New Haven area, Weight Watchers about 9 times and the last time was August 07 to Feb. 08. That's six months but not sure WW counts. I think without a doubt they should approve me but I'm really nervous about it. Any one have a similar situation? Any input would be appreciated.

Hello Anyone!!! :cool2: Does anyone out there have Dr. Ehrlick and United Healthcare? I've been trying to get info from the insurance co on what exactly I am covered for and I can't get anywhere! For three days it was the epitome of frustration dealing with them. Going from one department to another and back. Narrowing it down even further, is anyone retired from SNET and have United Healthcare? Long shot but I thought I'd ask anyway. :thumbup:)

Thank you Bandofgold,MaryD and Long2bThin for your response. Like Mary said, I'll just have to wait to see what my insurance company says. I'm just glad I'm back in the running for the Band. Thought I didn't have a 5-year history of BMI over 35 but my dr's ofc gave me the wrong info and it turns out I do! Not sure if my insurance co requires one or two co-morbidities so that could be another problem but at least I know my bariatrics ofc will fight for me now. I can't understand why the insurance company would want to pay $4K for the apnea test when they just payed for it two years ago. Is it the surgeon that requires it or the insurance co? Hope you are all doing well with the band. Long2bThin, I'm sorry to hear about your other surgery. Can't recall now if you already had it or are going to, but I'll keep you in my prayers either way. :thumbdown: Gottaluvme