dandeegan

I had a catheter too, for a day. It wasn't pleasant. And I've noticed a substantial difference in visible length and definitely a difference in "blood flow". I still have the fat cushion around that area though. Wish I could stick a straw in there and vacuum it all away

I'd say stop thinking about it and do it, but find a different doctor. If he's quoting you "20% chance of a leak" then he isn't that good. My doctor was completely confident, didn't mention any increased risk (but he did say it was extra work) and acted like it was no big deal. He did the operation and nailed it. I was banded in 2008 with a different doctor. I spent 4 days in the hospital because of complications, could barely walk for a few more days when I finally went home, ended up with all kinds of problems (food getting stuck constantly, mainly), and lost less than 70lbs total. I started gaining weight back in less than a year. I had the band to sleeve revision with the aforementioned doctor August 20, 2013. I was in the hospital for 2 days, had no trouble standing up and walking around, and overall had 1/100th of the recovery time than when I got the band. Between the pre-op diet and the surgery, I've lost over 80lbs already and the only difference I really have between pre-WLS life and now is I eat a whole lot less, and burp a whole lot more. Do it!!

I was a 48, and in 8 weeks (two week pre-op diet and 6 weeks from surgery) I'm wearing a loose 44. When I was buying the 44 pants a couple of nights ago, I had to keep my hand in my pocket to prevent my shorts from falling down. Pretty much none of my clothing fits me anymore. On a side note, I can't believe how much weight I've lost in such a short time. It doesn't feel real. I haven't even started back at the gym yet!

Hello all, I'm pretty new here. Just wanted to say I'm glad to see an area that is centered around male-related issues. The information in here will be very helpful for me! Most of the weight loss forums/communities I've seen are mostly women for some reason.

Yeah I did notice that many of the man room threads are invaded by women. That's just how it goes. They can't avoid the temptation of putting their two cents in about.... pretty much everything. My girlfriend concurs with this assessment haha.

What Vegas said answered it for me with two of her statements: I am not getting that chest pain that is so uncomfortable anymore and Being full feels closer to the old days. She said she's 3 months out, so perhaps over time we'll get to the point where it at least resembles the same old feeling! Everyone's different of course.

Hello all, I was sleeved on 8/20, so I'm right at my one week mark. A few questions/concerns have popped up for me since I've been home and healing (the healing process is pretty rapid I might add. Every day there's a noticeable improvement in how I feel). When I eat (well, drink, I'm still on liquids) and I get full, it more or less just feels like a bunch of pressure in my chest. I have yet to experience a good old-fashioned "boy am I full!" feeling. Once I am healed, will this basic sensation return, or will for the rest of my life know that I should stop eating when I start to get a pseudo-heart attack feeling of pressure in my chest? If I'll never feel full again the way that regular non-sleeved people do, then uh.... bummer! Currently, I get nervous every time I drink my full liquids because the pressure in my chest is unpleasant.

Thank you, Vegas! This is the exact answer I was looking for. Appreciate it!