Jane_J

Hi, I had the menopause unexpectedly early and was finished by 38 so I can relate to you there. Are you able to take any HRT? I did till I was 50, it helped keep my sanity, the menopause made me very depressed and that contributed to more weight gain too. I am lucky that I have not had cancer though. This was over 5 years ago though for you so you should be able to be treated as normal now. I would recommend you do this op as I have got so much healthier without the weight. I am not taking any meds now and feel 100%. Good luck with whatever you decide. Jane x

Did they not give you anti-nausea drugs??? I had them intraveneously the moment I told the staff I felt sick when I had my op. That must have been really horrible for you, but I think your treatment was unusual from what I have read on these boards. Jane x

Get a straw and blow into it like kids do. After a minute it will be as flat as a pancake! Jane x

Good luck, will send supportive vibes! Jane x

G, I hope it all works out for you. Jane x

Over a year ago I paid ?5,200 which is now ?6,500 which is just over $10,000. This was in Europe in Czech Republic. I would have been flying from the UK though. If thays any help getting price perspective. Currency fluctuations are a bugger!! Jane x

Hi Sarah, I am very intersted in how you get on. It sounds like a good surgery. The only reservation I have is the non-removal of the grehlin secreting portion of the stomach. I am not sure how important this actually is but as I have been told this is key to the feelings of hunger. I would love your op to be better as I have a daughter who would probably need it later. Jane x

Hi Lis Lu, My input, if it's ok with Radgen! 1. I wouldn't anyway. 2. Total b*llocks. 3. Yes, more important to keep hydrated and walking. Jane xx

Hi SC, I am so sorry you are having this horrible time. I never had the band, just the VSG, but this site has lots of people on it who have revised and are very happy with the new weight loss tool. I hope you decide to go down this route and your insurance company pays for it. Tiffykins is probably the best person here to talk to in your position. Let us all know how you are getting on please. Jane x

When I was heavy the most I could do was walking, and I just upped that when I felt able to. Just a little walk in the evenings will burn calories (especially if you are carrying alot of weight) and will also help with constipation. And remember it's not a competition to lose the fastest. I was quite slow really but the main thing is I got there and seem to be staying there. Jane x

I think you should talk to a guy called Jaffa Steve. Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy Surgery (VSG) Forum - View Profile: Jaffa I think he is banded and is getting a revision. I am sure he said he was a pilot. Why not PM him. Jane x

I stopped the protein shakes as soon as I was on solids, except for the occassional top up. There is no way this side of Hades I would have one again now!! I just use the Atkin Day Break bars to up my protein when needed. And scrambled eggs and well chewed steak!! Jane x

Mini-me, I am so happy for you. It's wonderful. Jane x

Hi Lisa Lu, I went through all sorts of ups and downs especially in the 1st 6 months. The other posters are right, it will come OK, I think we underestimate how stressed our bodies are by an operation with general anaesthetic followed by a prolonged period of low calories. My energy levels now are sky high but I can remember feeling like I just wanted to stop. The closest to it was when I was pregnant with twins and they were leeching all the goodness out of me. I did my best to ensure I had all the vitamins I needed, plus calcium. I did not bother with iron but I am not sure if that was a good or bad decision. I hated iron suppliments when I was pregnant and could not face them again. I am post menopausal though, if you are not it may be worth looking at. Jane x

Hi L, I seem to have stabilised at my current weight of 136/7 lbs and it's easy to up your intake to more calorific food, like peanut butter, cheese, beer, wine, that sort of thing. As long as you get your protein and healthy salady stuff in 1st there is always a little leeway for goodies when you get to the end point of the weight loss journey, which is rather nice. Jane x

I have struggled with this too (literally!!). It's hard to get enough roughage. I ended up using lactulose (15ml) plus a probiotic drink or capsule daily until it moved. This worked best for me. But so soon after surgery I would call your doctor who will probably tell you to get plenty of Fluid. Good luck. Jane x

Judy, 4 weeks out already!! Just a thought, could you ease your milk craving with cheese and yoghurt/fraise?? That must count as real food!! You are doing great, it's amazing the difference between surgeons regimes isn't it. Puts the requirements into perspective too. Jane x

Hi Globoie, You probably have lots of swelling and water retention goin on inside you. As soon as that the weight will drop. Its the immutable laws of physics so hang on in there mon brave. Jane x

Hi Dee, take a look at Cosmetic Bliss too. I used them and was very impressed. Their price includes airfare as well as hotel, clinic, all medical fees. I could not fault them. Jane x

I am 14 months out now and I completely agree with Netherfield. I would do it all again if I had to, it was one of my better decisions in my life. I find it's easy to keep the cals down and the Protein up. Jane x

No I don't think it will. I think blood markers if any would not really be any different from someone who has had cold sores round their mouth. Please don't worry about this. Jane x

Hi Globie, Loved the rant, made I larf, the drinks really suck don't they. I have just finally thrown away a huge container of a particularly expensive fruit flavoured one I bought in desperation in the early days, it was so vile I cannot even to start to describe the cheesiness combined with the synthetic flavourings! The Atkins ready made shakes are nice but pricy. Jane x

Hi Globies Mum, main thing is water and walking, plus rest and love. Sounds like you have all those things covered. Calories not important right now, protein is, but you can afford a few weeks with it low, as the stomach is healing. She should have enough reserves to cover this period, so just do the best you can and don't stress yourselves. Keep an eye on any fever though. Jane x

Well done Globie, just take it really easy and look after yourself, cut yourself major slack now and be your own best friend. You are on the way to much better things. Jane x

I would take a small tupperware box and a fork to work with a knob of butter and 2 eggs in it. At work at about 8:30 I would crack the eggs, add milk from the coffee milk in the fridge and use the firms microwave to make myself scambled eggs. At your stage you will need only one egg!! Also the protein shakes with skimmed milk, you need a hand blender though I found. Jane x