DeeDee58

Hopefully you have sought medical help. I had a hole detected a week after surgery was in the hospital for a month ($145,000) and then seven weeks later ran a fever and was readmitted to the hospital with a hole (can't even say leak, it was a hole!) and had to have surgery again. I had significant fluid in a collapsed left lung (took over a quart of fluid out of my lung). Needless to say, my VSG has been anything but easy but I do feel like I am finally on the road to recovery. Don't ever hesitate about symptoms you feel uncomfortable with - it is your health. I hope you are doing well.

I am so shocked that they performed surgery without doing a pregnancy test. Crazy enough, I am 54 still having periods (uhg!) and prior to having surgery (same day) they did a pregnancy test to confirm I was not pregnant and I had no indications of being pregnant (thank goodness and I think it's highly unlikely given my age). I have read where most doctors indicate they do not want a pregnancy until a year or two has passed. My prayers are with you and congrats on your first child...they are a blessing!

Hey team, well, my slfeeve did not teurn out quite the way I plan. Has surgrery , feflt good for less that a week and then it it was all down hill from their. I have been in the hospital since April25 and it is now May. I have a leak and their apporch is to withhold all food/liquiuids from my stromach until it it is fully healed. This is has been the hardest time of my life. I have a very good American surgeon, but life happens. Please do not think this only happens to other people. My medical bills are accumulating faster than I can place in a pile. We all like to think this happens to other people...well I guess I am the the other person. Forturnately, I'm healing and the docs think I might actually get out of her by the end of next week. I just know...it's been the hardest time of my life. would I do think again...don't know. I cry in bed becasuse after 3+ weeks in the hospital...I want to go home to my bed.

Its good to hear from you. You know how very difficult this has been. My doctor just came by. Patience is the key and I have very little if any left. I think they will try another barium test on Tue to see how much is left to heal...we were getting close. He said the good thing, my nutruition has never bee better having been feed liquid high quality food. Please keep me in your prayers..it's what I need the most. Diane

Came home yesterday afternoon afterhaving surgery on Tuesday morning. You guys that travel are tougher than I am. Lots of nausea, had to stay in the hospital one extra night because of it and I was not getting enough liquids in. I can't sugar coat this - this has been a difficult surgery for me. With the help of my sister this morning, I weighed 210. Pre-diet: 224 Day of Surgery:218 4 days after surgery: 210 Still having significant pain. Liquid viocodin is nasty. I managed to get in about 32 oz in today. Please keep me in your prayers and I hope to write more tomorrow. Diane

I'm headed to the hospital at 8:30 in the morning. I really did want to eat "real food" this afternoon, but stayed with the surgeon's request - just clear liquids. I thought he really would not want to see steak in my stomach in the morning (yuk!). Whether you all realize or not you have been courage builders and sustainers as I moved through the process. Thanks to all. Take care and I'll try to send an update later in the day tomorrow - my wonderful husband is never without his laptop and the hospital has WiFi. Diane

Glad to hear Tiffany is doing so well. Please give her our well wishes. What a wonderful gift she received from you by accompanying her! Bless you. I see you are from Seattle. I lived there from 2005-2007 (actually lived in Issaquah and worked in Seattle). I miss the beauty of the Pacific Northwest. If it were not for grandchildren (the joy of my life) I would move back. Have a safe journey home. Diane

Stacie, I'm a newbie so I don't have experience with the sleeve (going to the hospital tomorrow for the "event"), but I know when I read someone in hurt, pain and frustration. Please know you are in my thoughts and prayers for all of this to pass so you can enjoy your beautiful daughter and life once more. Diane

Hi everyone. I have posted once, but been a reader for about a month when I started this journey seriously. My surgery (VSG) is scheduled for Wednesday, the 21st here in Austin, Tx. You all have helped me get to this point, reading of your own personal journeys and reading the support you provide to one another. Such an awesome group! Per my surgeon, I will spend one night in the hospital. My surgery is scheduled for 10:30. I have never had surgery so this is a new experience for me. Surgeon has me on a two week pre-op diet of a minimum of 70 grams of protein and no more than 30 grams of carbs daily. The carbs have been the roughest. I have been close most days, but been more at 40 rather than the 30. Any doubts I'm having feel like anxiety rather than legitimate questioning of whether this is the right thing to do. For the first time in my life, I feel like I am doing something just for me. Wish me luck and please add me to your prayers. I'll let you know how it goes....Diane

Your advice is great and it could make for a great story...telling all my friends that I asked for a "cocktail" right before surgery! By nature I am a positive person so I hope that helps in my recovery. I have read your story and it feels like you you are the dorm Mom on these boards...a compliment that looks to be well deserved. You have really gone through alot to get to the point where you are today. I'm starting to visualize myself as thin again...it's been almost 10 years. When I left work in the fall I weighed 235 pounds (at 5ft.2.5 in.) and with the anemia (lost apetite) and then on my pre-op diet I am down to 219. I can't wait to become a bench player with the rest of you losers:001_rolleyes: I'll check in prior to leaving for the hospital...thank you, Diane

Thanks so much for your well wishes. I can see that my husband is a bit nervous as well. He has been very supportive in the hope that this will improve my significant back pain as well. When are you having surgery and are you staying in the States? I see many folks on here going to Mexico - personally, I was not open to, but certainly it is a personal decision for each of us. Please keep me updated on your progress post surgery. I'm glad that I am currently not working so I do not have to worry about rushing back to work. Just need to be ready to go on vacation to Wyoming and Colorado on May 23rd. Sounds doable? Take care and keep in touch. I wish the very best for you. Diane

I have been reading these boards for about a month. At an information seminar my surgeon mentioned the Vertical Sleeve and after a ton of resarch, to include this board, both my surgeon and I agree that I am a great candidate for a VSG. I was never keen on the lap band and feel strongly that this is the best decision for me. And, I am pumped. I was attempting to fast track this (self-pay);however, my blood work indicaed I have Iron deficiency anemia. So, I am now taking mega doses (under Dr. supervision) of iron. I'll find out this week if this will delay my surgery. Thank you to all contributing membes on this board - you make a difference. Having this kind of informaton forum and caring and support is awesome.