notsofluffy

Dr. Jossart, What is a better option for those of us with high BMIs? I am a 440 lb woman, fairly health and active at 32 years old with some early DMII, PCOS, sleep apnea and hypothyroidism. Is a sleeve the best answer? My reasearch on 65+ BMI is restricted to the RNY, their is little info (that I could find) on the success of VGS or LAP/Realize bands. Tracy:svengo:

I happened to see a post on another thread about one Sleever needings 24 oz of Fluid each am for her pills, got me thinking. I take a handfull of pills each morning, at least one is a horse pill. Anyone have advice on if I need to talk to my Doc about getting the pills in a crushable form? (which sucks because some of those taste H.O.R.R.I.B.L.E :scared0: if they just melt on my tounge a little). Tracy

Thanks Tiffy!

Jilly, That is great to hear! My other surgeon was Dr. Joya in Puerto Vallarta. I don't have any concerns that made me think Dr. Aveves, more for a slightly cheaper price, easier to get back to if f/u needed, and that the docs check on you in the hospital. I have heard some great things about Dr. Joya from people in the Washington area, several of them RNs like me, so I didn't change my mind lightly. I was looking originally at OBC, but the nutritionalist Miranda required that I lose 75lbs before surgery, they will not do anything unless your BMI is 55 (?) or less. I did try to lose the weight on Medifast, but the soy in the drinks made me very ill feeling all the time. And if I could lose 75lbs by myself I would have already!:scared0: I must admit that OBC telling me I was to fat for WLS really messed with my head, as I was seeing it as my final option. I'm glad I researched more and found Dr. Joya and Dr. Aceves. Tracy

Anyone tried Jayrobb's whey or Egg White Protein drinks? Jayrobb.com: Jay Robb Whey Protein with Stevia and Natural Flavors. I was going to try the Hemp protein, but the protein to carb ration is inverted and if you do buy the one with high Fiber the protein count is only 9 / serving / 100+ Kcals. I have a long history of weird intolerences to different foods. :001_rolleyes: I got a sample of the Whey Protein Drink and I'm interested in the egg white protein. I try to go natural as much as my carb craving allows (evil evil fast food places). Anyone tried? Like/hate? T

thank you everyone for your support! I am very excited to schedual my surgery. The seminar in Seattle is the final step to make sure it's for me. I'll keep everyone posted!

Jilly, How are you doing now? I am getting ready to schedual my surgery (just need a coupld more things to by 100% sure). I am leaning heavily towards Dr. Aceves, I'd love to hear how your doing now! Tracy

I was going to go with Dr. Joya in Puerto Vallarta, he charges 10,000 for the VGS and $500 for insurance if you have complications while in PV. I have seen some good things on her about Dr. Aceves, anyone have a good or bad recommendation?

Anyone tried Hemp protein powders? I am intolerent to whey and Soy protein powders!

Tiffykins, Thank you so much for your comments and sharing your story on other threads. I must admit that reading your comments is what made me decide to pursue the sleeve. You are an inspiration! Tracy

I would love to keep in contact with you through your experience! I actually travel to Seattle a few times a month as I have several buildings I oversee their (I am a corporate RN). So I will wave too :biggrin0:. I am actually going to Swedish next wed eve for a seminar on the VGS / BAND / RNY. Though I am 99% sure that the VGS is for me. Congrats on the first losses! I am only a week out but other than minor discomfort, I am doing great and couldn't be happier. The weight this first week is just falling off. I know it will slow down, but that's ok too! Slow and steady will be just fine! You are just south of me! I will wave the next time I got to Portland to visit my sister : )

Rose, Do you mind sharing who you went to see for your sleeve in Mexico? tracy

Lee, I actually found the link to VST on Laptalk as well! Best link I ever found. I actually watched a co-worker nearly die with the RNY (stomach puch too small and too much intestine removed), so i never wanted it. But seeing the poor statistics on the band, that was a hard hit for what I was seeing as my last chance! I want to goto one seminar to be sure I'm on the right tract for me, but then I'm signing up!

Kelkie, I am going to Mexico for mine in about a month. My insurance won't even CONSIDER it. Cost is 10,000. Tracy

Les, Thank you for your comments. I am finding myself doing a bit of soul searching as I move from my plan for the LAP or Swedish band, which I am seeing has a poor success rate, to the VGS. I am a nurse, so the idea of removing part of an organ is hard to stomach (Pun intended :thumbup:). But the more information I read and the great comments I have read on this sight is really pushing me to the VGS. The lack of maintance is definatly a positive. I'll keep everyone informed of my progress and how it is working for me. Tracy

Hey guys! I am planning to have surg end of March in Puerto Vallarta with Dr. Joya. I am still debating the Realise Band vs. the VGS. I am 440 lbs and 32 years old. I am really seeing this as my last chance before comorbidites set in. My goal is to get to 180 lbs (my high school graduation weight). Anyone else out their with post experience after the VSG? Tracy

Carla, How did it go with Dr. Joya?! I am scedualled for surgery with him the end of March. Tracy

Hey everyone, I am looking for information from anyone ABOVE 60 BMI that has had the Gastric Sleeve. My BMI is actually 71. My research so far has showed that the VGS is a "better" surgery for those of us witha higher BMI. Anyone 400+ had the surgery? Especially those at least 1 year out. Tracy:thumbup1:

Thank you for the information Phyl! It is scarry I was set in my goal of the Realize band, now I''m not sure. The statistics of 25% of Banders that have it removed after 2-3 years is a difficult decision to re-think. Tracy

Anyone banded that had a BMI of 70+? I am 440 lbs and just starting to get co-morbidities. The doctor I plan to see in Puerto Viarta, Dr. Joya is recommending I get the gastric sleeve, I would really rather get the LAP or Realize band. I'm looking for success stories for the 70 BMI crowd!

The Huber needle is a non-boring needle. Normal needles punch a whole, these slice so that the port membrane can re-seal and not leak.