Tiffykins

I was on TPN (total parenteral nutrtion) for over 2 weeks because I had a leak with my revision and could not have anything by mouth, no water, no ice, nothing for that time period. I went a total of 22 days with nothing by mouth. TPN is essentially a nutrtient based Fluid that is fed by IV. I had a central line catheter in my left bicep that fed the nutrients directly to my heart. It is comprised of all the daily nutrients and essential Vitamins I needed. It contained 1800 calories. Normally, if no complications come up. Most patients go home on clear liquids, and slowly progress through different stages in the diet. Ask away that's what we're here for.

Since it's not excluded, you should be good for coverage if a complications should arise. Your follow-up care labs, and so forth can all be ordered by your PCP/PCM and then forwarded to your surgeon if that is not part of your package with your choice in surgeon. I hope that helps.

I'm an insurance agent so I can only from my experience. When there is an exclusion in a policy such as bariatric surgery, any complications/problems associated with that said excluded service/surgery will be excluded as well. I know some people have had part of their hospital bills covered after a complication, but it all truly depends on how your own personal policy spells out exclusions, and how the hospital codes the bill to the insurance company.

Hey Carol, I had both of my surgeries here in Florida. My band with a civilian surgeon (complete nightmare) and my revision was performed by a military surgeon (lifesaver). If my insurance would not of covered my revision, I would of gone to Dr. Aceves for the very reasons you listed. I'm sure you would head to an ER or urgent care facility if you did have complications. I have heard of a lot of patients that travel abroad discuss it with their PCP/PCM to ensure that they are on-board to help with any aftercare you may need. Prescriptions for nausea or reflux if you have that issue would be a big one for me if I had to travel abroad.

Congrats on your decision with Dr. Aceves. You'll love the sleeve, and be so glad to be rid of that band. I had the most discomfort/pain around the area where they removed my port. I also had a lot of scar tissue and adhesions taken down which helped end the pain I had in my abdomen. Keep us posted on getting your date ! ! ! I'm sure the sleeve will get you to goal.

Congrats ! ! !

Hi there, and welcome to VST. Congrats on your surgery, and we'll all be waiting to hear from you once you are able to post. Take care of yourself, the sleeve is amazing, and I'll keep you in my prayers and thoughts for an uneventful surgery and recovery. Best Wishes ! ! !

The ones I bought are 5000 mcg, and the dosing is once daily. They are little capsules filled with a powder. I never really took them on a regularly basis. Kind of one of those things if I remembered, I took it, if I didn't, I didn't take it. But, my nutritionist told me I could two daily if I really want to see any results. Again, I never really took them consistently.

I'm back in chat tonight ! ! !

Nutrasweet/Aspartame is just wretched in my opinion. I still think it tastes horrible after surgery. I can tolerate it in small doses, but it takes quite a bit to disguise Protein tastes. I like the option to purchase online, plus I enjoy ordering a "sample pack". I typically am not a chocolate fan, I do enjoy French Vanilla flavored stuff, and I wasn't a huge fan of the super fruity flavors. I did like the Cappucino nectar flavor. The texture, smell, after taste and grittiness is most important to me when it comes to choosing a protein supplement. I would not be more or less inclined to purchase a protein supplement from someone who manufactured/marketed the product regardless if they had surgery or not. Quick Shipping (reasonable shipping costs and methods) Ease of Ordering Product Quality/Quantity vs. Cost Would all be my deciding factor on ordering protein from any site. Fancy packaging, celebrity endorsements don't "mean a hill of beans" to me. I want to be able to drink it, like it, and not puke it up. Hope this helps.

I agree with a lot of what Chancie shared. My mindset with food has completely changed. It's more a "eat to live instead of live to eat" mentality. For me, I've only had one occasion of "buyer's remorse". It was on Thanksgiving, and I was so mad because that was the one day a year, I was "allowed" to binge, gorge myself with yummy food. All of my in-laws chowed down for at least an hour, and I ate my portions then went outside, and walked around, kicking rocks and kicking myself in the a$$ for having surgery. But, then a couple hours later when everyone else was miserable, I was bubbly, chipper, and feeling good. Then, I went and ate a little bit more. It's an emotional ride for sure. I had issues with food not being appealing and just eating because I knew I had to. But, it subsides, you learn to listen to your body, and your new stomach RULES THE ROOST. You don't question it, you don't curse it, you just do what it says. That's how I was early on. Now, I live a normal little life, and don't really think about food. I plan meals for my family. I buy little foods for me for lunch and a few Snacks here and there. But, life becomes so much easier once you are a couple months out. That post-op diet is a trying time, and learning your stomach's new attitude is really the most difficult part of the entire journey.

Hi Sarah, and welcome to VST. We're all here for you throughout your journey, and I wish you the very best. I had the band and it was a nightmare. Luckily, I was able to revise to the sleeve, and I'm living a very normal, healthy life. If you have any questions, or concerns, feel free to post away. Someone will have an answer for you ! ! !

So, I had my appointment with my PCM this morning. We discussed the Wellbutrin for me, and he thinks it's a good idea to try it for 1-2 months. He doesn't want me on it longer than 4-6 months. I know it takes 2-3 weeks for it to build up in my system so I'm setting a quit date of March 1st. He thinks that is reasonable. In the meantime, I will be cutting back significantly, and considering taking up crocheting to keep my hands busy. He also said that my resting heartrate being high is normal considering my heart was used to supplying blood to a much bigger body, and volume of cells. He said my heart and lungs sound great, and actually even better than last years physical. He noted last year that I took deep breaths, but had uneven breath sounds. It's probably because of all the fat in my upper body. I decided to shop at the base exchange today and bought 2 new pairs of SKINNY jeans, and they are ADORABLE ! ! ! Size 11 in juniors, I was so shocked. I could fit into a 9, but because I still have some hips they sat a bit low and made me uncomfortable. I also went and had my labs pulled today, and stopped by the surgeon's office. He's booked until February 8th. With the crisis in Haiti, he is coordinating the relief effort with doctors and surgeons. He is the director of medicine/surgery on base. Least to say, he's got his hands full. They did record my weight, and wanted to make sure I was feeling good, and didn't "need" to be seen. I told Capt. C (my bariatric nurse/coordinator) that I just want to know my lab results, and I'll see Dr. R in February. All in all, today was a great day. I'm home now enjoying some teriyaki noodles, and surfing the net. We're grilling out some T-Bones for dinner, and I haven't decided on the side dishes. Oh yeah, they were having a "case" sale at the base shoppette. A shoppette is a convenience store/gas station, and if it's a Class 6 shoppette, it's a liquor store as well. Guess what they were having a sale on? ? ? Liquor, beer and wine was all on sale. I picked up 4 bottles of Forest Glen wine. I came home read the prescription information on the Wellbutrin. It says I can't drink when taking it, so I'm not starting it until next week. I'm not drinking 4 bottles of wine over a weekend, but I'm going to have a couple of glasses.

Yeah, vacation may be a little bland without the martini, but I bet you'll not even be in the mood for drinking by that time. I had 3 abscesses develop 6 weeks after my revision that landed me in the hospital again for 7 days. I had drains, and antibiotics and all that fun stuff all over again. They think little microscopic bacteria was stuck in my abdomen from the leak, and they formed pockets. It was a pain in the butt, and very exhausting. I was my surgeon's first leak. Not really proud of it, but he did an amazing job saving my life. I know in my heart of hearts (after reviewing pics/xrays/video from surgery) that my stomach was damaged by the band. It really wasn't my surgeon's lack of experience or "fault".

You look so amazing ! ! ! I can't even see any clutter. . . Congrats ! ! !

Lucy, first off I want to say that I'm so sorry you had to endure all of those visits and frustrations. I know complications are very difficult physically and emotionally. I try not to forget about my complications, and I do try to be there others who have or are struggling. Please know that if you need anything, I'm here for you. You'll be in my prayers, and I honestly believe things will get better. There are many trials that I've endured during my recovery, but I overcame them, and am better today than I have been in years. Unfortunately, somethings, some people just need more time.

Hey Sabrina, and welcome to VST. You've had a heck of a journey thus far. As for my band complications, I had a flipped port from early on, and it caused a lot of pain and discomfort. The tubing was actually tugging on my stomach in addition to all the other wonderful "band" issues. So, I was able to revise to the sleeve. As for your concerns, I was not released to drink alcohol until my 3.5-4 month post-op mark. I have a glass of wine a couple times a week. It doesn't get me drunk faster unless I drink it quickly, then the drunk wears off, and I maintain a nice relaxed feeling. I'm 7 months out, and I indulge in a soda once a week, once every other week. It takes me 2-3 days to drink a soda because I don't drink it all the time. Some doctors are absolutely against them. Mine happens to believe that they are just wasted calories and that it will not stretch out the remaining. We do not have a pouch like RNY or band patients so it's a little different. My post-op diet for the sleeve revision was 2 weeks clears 2 weeks full liquids (I did a week doc progressed me to mushies) I did mushies for awhile with some soft Proteins for 2-3 weeks then onto regular food. You'll need to stick to the post-op diet because healing of the staple line is completely different than with your band surgery. Food particles, seeds, and chunks of stuff can get in your staple line causing infection, irritation and lead to a leak. I had a leak 2 days post-op revision, and it wasn't fun at all. I was in ICU for 5 days, on a ventilator, and had a slim chance of survival. The leak was successfully repaired, but I was on a pic lin in my arm being force fed 1800 calories a day through a TPN bag for over 2 weeks. I didn't have anything to eat or drink for 22 days. NOTHING no ice chips, no Water, nothing at all. Just my opinion, I think 6 weeks out is way too early to consume alcohol. Your stomach has been traumatized, and will still technically be healing. I've heard people talk about stomach burning, but wine (Riesling) hasn't bothered me at all. Keep us posted on your journey, and I'll be looking for updates.

I'm not looking at getting any plastics done for a couple of years. 1) we are going to be having a baby hopefully by this time next year 2) it's recommended to wait at least 1 year after making your goal weight before considering plastics. I have quite a bit of excess skin, but I don't really care. My skin is "snapping" back, but I have flabby arms and my inner thighs look pretty rough. My stomach skin is going to be wrinkly and gross, but I'm pretty "whatever" about it. I can't sun bathe (high risk for melanoma) so the desire to run along the beaches in a bikini will never happen. I'm pretty content with how I look. I still have a fat roll on my lower abdomen that is shrinking, and definitely getting smaller. Thank you for the sweet compliments. I look really great with clothes on, naked 'ehhh' not so much. But, I'll accept the saggy boobs, excess skin over the fat rolls and roundness.

Unfortunately, the closest Whole Foods from us is either in New Orleans, LA, (4 hour drive) or Birmingham, AL (5-6 hours, or Jacksonville, FL (about 5.5 hours). We're up in the NW panhandle of Florida, and it's pretty rural and all military. I asked the commissary manager yesterday, and she said she would see what could be done, but she's never seen it carried at commissaries. I'm checking some of the higher end grocery stores in our area. YAY, I found some ground buffalo at Publix supermarket. They have a good variety of organic and higher end produce. Looks like I'll be making a trip up there within the next couple of weeks. I only have 3 pounds of ground venison, and a couple packages of some venison round steaks. He said they carry frozen bison steaks and buffalo steak strips in their frozen food department. I'm so excited ! ! ! Thanks for the tip.

Thank you I bookmarked it so I can pass it on.

Great News Marci ! ! !

Hey Pumpkin, and welcome to VST. I have zero regrets about revising to the sleeve after having the band. As for how your stomach will feel, it's different for everyone, but my stomach feels normal. I do not have gas all the time, I rarely burp, or expel gas. I haven't thrown up in months, and I slimed a few times but nothing like what I did with the band. Sliming happens early on when you are trying to learn to eat slowly, and really get in tune with your body. I take big gulps of water/liquid no without issue. I can drink through a straw now. I couldn't before because it put too much air in my tummy. But, now, I guess I would have to say I feel pretty normal. I burped a lot for a couple of weeks post-op when I was on Clear liquids. It all dissipated, and now I rarely ever have any type of gas issues. I'm 7 months out and am never hungry. Literally, my stomach never growls, I never think about eating. It just hasn't returned for me, and I'm hoping it stays that way because it's a pretty awesome feeling. I don't suffer from head hunger because my mentality with food has changed. I do allow myself to have "treats" occasionally, and do not deprive myself if I want something. I can literally eat anything and everything I want just in smaller portions. I honestly don't regret anything. Even getting the band taught me a lot, and going through the revision definitely taught me even more. I'll throw out my 2 cents that I don't believe any of the WLS are truly reversible. The band can be removed, or unfilled, but your anatomy is forever changed with that thing wrapped around your stomach. Research, research, and research some more. I did a lot of geeky research on gastrectomies for cancer and ulcer patients considering those surgeries have been performed for decades upon decades. There are long term results published for the VSG, I can give you some links if you would like.