KK66

As I sit here, 2 lbs lower than preop weight; I can't help but ponder this question. What if I don't lose weight after this? Crazy, huh? Perhaps it comes from all the years of yo yo dieting, losing and regaining, and just plain giving up some days. I just feel so yucky right now. My tummy is covered in new surgical scars and bruises. I am exhausted, weak and uncomfortable. I feel a little frightened that this won't work for me...that I will be that one exception to the rule. As a nurse, it sounds nuts, but its just the way I feel right now. I'm not used to being home, not working, and taking time just for me. Too much time to think I guess. Thanks for letting me rant! (PS, I am five days post op) Krissy

Thanks everyone! I knew I wasn't alone, but its nice to hear it. My good friend just took me out for a mani pedi, so it was great to get out and about (plus pampering!) I feel a little better today, and have drank a fair amt of fluids already today. Lets hope tomorrow is even better!

After I take a larger than usual sip, or a bite of pudding or yogurt, I experience a squeezing, cramping quality pain in my sleeve area. It lasts only seconds and is not accompanied by nausea or vomiting, but it does take my breath away. Have any of you experienced this? I am three days post op. when does it stop?

I sooooo understand. I was never a good liquids person prior to surgery and now, four days post op, it's almost unbearable. V8 juice, SF popsicles, chicken broth with a few teaspoons of flavored instant potatoes works well, as does campbells tomato soup with milk.

I am thinking since it is so brief, it is fine. Cold liquids tend to aggravate it.

I had one in, and it was inserted while I was under general. I am thankful for it, as they were pumping 150cc an hr into me, which would have meant very frequent trips to the bathroom and no sleep,

Same reasons for me. I don't have high cholesterol or diabetes. Borderline hypertension, but nothing more. The sleeve was just a better choice

I am 46 years old and a nurse in a Boston hospital. I have a 22 year old son who has not been the easiest to raise (too long to go into). He did give me my beautiful granddaughter, Gabriella, who means the world to me. I love to cook and have loved it since I was a child. I am known as the gourmet cook and local sommelier in my friend and family circle. I love to travel, especially to the islands. Looking forward to Europe next year. I have a greyhound, Lola who is six and an 18 year old cat, Bows. I have an amazing boyfriend, Carlos of six years. He is originally from Peru, and has been here since his teens. I have traveled to Peru with him and actually went to Machu Picchu--amazing!. He is ten years my junior. My weight does not define me, but it does hinder me. Tomorrow starts today.

Wow! You look wonderful. I have 20+ years on you and I can only hope I do as well.

Hi everyone. I had been thinking about weightless surgery for about 5 years. I guess my final decision to move forward was the birth of my granddaughter, Gabby who turns 3 on Christmas Day, coupled with the fact that i have had hip dysplasia since childhood, and now my left hip needs replacing. I am only 46 years old, and this is no way to live. I want to be the cool Mimi to Gabby that she deserves. I need to be in good shape, both mentally and physically to do that. I am also hopeful that the hip pain will be decreased with the weight loss. I had my VSG two days ago, and I cannot believe that part is over. When the day was approaching, I was beginning to have doubts. The thought of removing most of my stomach was gut wrenching (pardon the pun). Well, it's all over now and I am recovering nicely. My incisional sites do not have any pain, but my new stomach doesn't seem to like cold liquids at all. It seizes up and cramps with each sip. Pain lasts only about 4-6 seconds, but it tends to take my breath away I start my full liquids and supplements tomorrow--actually looking forward to having some SF pudding, Campbells tomato soup and my protein shakes. I am sick of broth, SF drinks and jello (ick!) My boyfriend of six years has been awesome throughout all of this. I wish everyone well in their journey as well!

Thanks for such a sweet response! Did you retain a huge amy of fluid post op? I am a nurse, and I am used to my patients experiencing this after surgery, but I have seriously gained about 8 lbs in fluid! I feel like a bowl of jello...hope I will diurese over the next week or so!

I have to be on full liquids for two full weeks post op, then puree then mushies. I dont think I will be eating solids for at least a month.

I actually made something similar last night for dinner. 8 ounces Simply Smart milk with one scoop of Chocolate Whey Protein and one TBSP natural PB, 3 ice cubes..whirled in blender. No splenda for me, I find it too sweet sometimes in these drinks.

I think this surgery can bring out the best and for some, the worst. Unfortunately, when people know you are doing something that will benefit you and not them, something that will make you healthier and more attractive, and not them...they scour, they belittle, they make snide comments and make you question yourself... I chose to tell only those I implicitly trust, starting with my loving boyfriend and my best friends. They have been nothing but supportive, albeit a little concerned for my safety and wellbeing. I too, have struggled my adult life with an extra 60+ pounds..that I have lost and found several times over. I have horrible hip arthritis, and know that my total hip replacement is around the corner. I am having surgery to better my health, get in shape and face my hip surgery in good form. Keep your chin up, your heart and mind open to those who love and support you. I would be candid and forthright with the others and simply say, if you cannot support me, or keep your negative opinions to yourself, lose my number.

Best of luck today!

Best of luck!

I'm glad you pulled through. What a horror show for you. It must have been extremely stressful and scary to go through all of this! I don't mean any offense to those who have had their surgery in Mexico, but the thought of having it done there just frightens the hell out of me. Maybe it's because I'm a nurse...but I just wouldnt feel safe having this type of major surgery (or any surgery) there. Is it a large number of patients? Is it primarily cost driven or that they relax the qualifiers to have WLS?

Hi everyone New to the site. Long history of yo yo dieting, pills, plans, yada yada. Never really heavy as a child or teenager. Entering perimenopause (46 now) and it's a lesson in futility to lose and keep it off. The 30 lbs I lose keeps hunting me down, finds me and brings more friends! Completely frustrated. I have a 2 1/2 year old grand daughter now and I want to have the energy to continue to enjoy our times together. In addition to being heavy (okay, obese according to BMI chart), I was born with congenital hip dysplasia and now I need a hip replacement (putting off as long as possible). I am hoping lowering my weight will help with delaying this. I am not trying to be model thin, but I think getting down to 160 would be both achieveable and realistic. I am petrified of bypass or sleeve surgery--and not really sure if my BCBS would cover it. I am a nurse at a Boston hospital, so we have a weight center (scheduled an appt) I am interested in any advice, information you can give me. Will there be much down time? How did everyone do post op? How quick did you lose? Sagging skin? Pain? Post op complications? Thanks to everyone. Krissy

Good Morning to everyone. I am exploring options right now. BMI around 40 (5'5" and 235 lbs). I have already met with my Weight Ctr here in Boston. Comprehensive (nutritionist, MD and psych components). Lap band would be the only consideration from a surgical standpoint,as it seems to be the least invasive and complicated. May start with Meridia. Not sure. I eat well, balanced diet, and exercising quite a lot. I don't know if BCBS of Mass will pay for a lap band, as I do not have other co-morbidities (labs all normal, no hypertension). I do have some arthritis in my left hip and right knee, but nothing else to speak of). I feel I need a push in the right direction......:help:

I am still pretty nervous about the whole thing in general. I am a nurse, so a little knowledge is a dangerous thing. Surgery always seemed like such a sell out for me, personally. My sister had gastric bypass and looks horrendous. Hair loss, skin sagging and generally unhealthy. On the flipside, my sister in law had the LB and looks phenomenal. I don't even know if my insurance will pay for this procedure, so that is another subject. The one thing that seems to bother me is the lump that you can feel just under the skin (the port?). My sister in law let me feel it, and I have to admit, it creeps me out a bit. I would be excited to put weight gain behind me once and for all. I am so frustrated with yo yo dieting, and all the strenuous psychological and physical work that I have put in over the years.