Mw9955

Dr Watkins, I had my GPS done about 7 months ago by Dr Corvala... I am doing fine, weighing in at about 135 from about 190... But I worry now thinking that a perforation will be inevitable - is there anything that I should do to put my mind at ease? Thanks!

Dr Warkins - thank you so much for posting this info. You are a true professional for presenting possible complications as well as the benefits. If gastric necrosis occurs, what options does the patient have? Thanks again!

Genepha! Our thoughts are with you.. The first week was soooo hard on me - but you will feel better day by day.. Take care of yourself and I am rooting for you!

What a wonderful and beautiful family!

Hello! OMG - I am glad that you are doing well after that excruciating time! I have to admit, I have not been really scared through this whole process (GPS in August by Dr. Corvala) BUT after reading your post, I am scared shi*less!!! Seriously, I don't know what to think.. I never thought of the blood flow restriction, scar tissue build up, or the stitch holes "eating away." Please keep us updated - it makes me think of scheduling a flight to see Dr. Watkins and have a reversal done! Get rest and best wishes!

Congrats!!! I heard nice things about Dr Rod... Good luck!

Yay!!!!! You are doing awesome. You got it Mellifrits - exercise is essential for a healthy success. After my stall, i recently started a light workout and the weight is going down again - 143 lbs as of this week! I look healthy and am perfectly happy at this weight, but just wanna tone up a bit. I am sooo happy with my gastric plication surgery as well - and wouldn't change a thing! You go girl and thanks for posting your success!

http://www.verticalsleevetalk.com/forum/83-total-gastric-vertical-plication-sleeve-surgery/ Hello again! It's the Total Gastric Vertical Plication Thread.. I remember you posting a few months back about your experiences with Dr. Rodriguez.. A few gals are having some stalls and it would be good to hear from you - I also recall when you hit a slight stall too. Thanks so much and congrats once again!!!!

Melifrits! It's good to hear from you and congrats!!! Do you mind posting on the GPS thread your success? There are quite a few ladies who could really use your words of encouragement right now. Thanks!

Hello Karen! No problem - hang in there and keep positive!

Hey there! Yes, the first few weeks after GPS - my weight loss dropped to about 1 or 2 lbs per week. But important question for the original poster - are you able to eat much less than prior to the surgery? If yes - than I wouldn't worry. Take that 1 or 2 lbs per week and after several months, and much weight will come off. I just hit 5 months and I am 41 lbs lighter! I am happy about that although I was a bit miffed during the first two months, but I would much rather have the weight come off at a more "normal rate." I know we all spent a lot of money - but try to stay positive and look at the long term, k? As long as you are able to have a small appetite and are exercising a bit - I think you are on the right track! Best wishes!

Hello all! I just wanted to post my progress, since it has been a while... Just like TP - I had a lower bmi (31) and would not change a thing regarding my plication with Dr. Corvala. Yes, our weight loss may be a bit slower - but this week I passed five month since surgery and I dropped exactly 41 pounds. I must admit that I don't always eat the best and lately only walk my dog for exercise, but I feel great. I was wearing a size 14 prior to surgery and now just bought a size 6 pants - very snug, but it zips up!!!! Take care everyone!

Hello! I went back to work two weeks out - but had to leave early that day and I needed to take another four days off.. I wasn't ready, but I don't heal as well as others - Never have! So if you are like me, I would say that 2 to 3 weeks is safe. But I have heard of others going back after a week or ten days! I couldn't. Oh, but then again, I have a semi-physical job... Good luck! GPS was the best thing I ever did - lol, besides having my daughter : )

Hi Genepha! I have not had any problems with fruits or veggies yet so that will be a plus for you coming from the band. The only problem I had was trying a little salmon on day 4 - I ate too fast and too much and well, I didn't do that again. Chew very slowly at first. I still chew a bit slow, but not like the first few weeks. To be honest, sometimes I will sneak one drink of my boyfriend's pepsi - but not more than that. Same thing with a bite of cake or a cookie - the great thing is with this surgery, I am able to stop at a drink or a bite or two! I could never stop before. Take care and best of wishes to you 

I just calculated my percentage of excess weight loss on livestrong.com - and I was surprised to see it was 20.4% in 12 weeks! My loss is slow compared to others, but I started out a low-BMIer at about 31% - so that must be the reason for the slower loss. Good news is that my BMI is finally out of the obese range and my cholesterol is down from the extreme high risk category. So for me, I am looking to get to 130lbs... I will keep y'all updated - hope you do the same!

Hello there! My best advice if you are going with GPS is to follow all the rules - seriously, no soda, high protein, very little junk and exercise! I just started light exercising and you won't believe the difference - my appetite is even less and hardly any junk food cravings just from adding exercise. I, like many of us, scour the Internet for GPS info - and frankly it seems that the traditional sleevers are losing weight a bit more quickly, but I couldn't be happier that my stomach is intact and there is less chances of complications. Good luck!

Hi Sarah! I think all of us with GPS have slowed down after week 6 or so... But, you really need to use and see this surgery as a tool as a springboard to healthy eating. At first, I thought a bit like you - I spent all this money to be able for the surgery to work on its own!!! But that is not the case sweetie... You must be mindful about what you are eating. Try this - eat healthy Protein and veggies (and no sugary liquids) all week long while at work, and then let loose (within moderation) on the weekends. It will help you get through the week knowing that you will enjoy the foods you really love on the weekend. Also try at least a brisk walk a few times a week. I am afraid to say that without mindful eating and some exercise, we will never achieve our desired results. Hang in there honey! When the weight loss slowed down - I thought to myself, why didn't I try bypass or the traditional sleeve? But we all did some research and I pretty much knew going into it that this surgery requires a lot more healthy choices... Believe me, I am like you - it is a battle with work, college, and being a mom... But I have to keep focused. And 33lbs is a lot in 11 weeks! Take care! Mari

Hi JustJen - I am still here lol.. My weight loss has slowed down for me (I started out with about 60lbs to lose)... I have lost about 25 lbs since my surgery on Aug 3rd.. I have not really been working out though - just walking the dog twice a day, but I have a moderately strenuous job - so lots of physical activity during the day... I have read many of us who have had this surgery are kind of experiencing the same things - big loss the first two or three weeks, and then about 2-ish (for me about 1 to 1.5) pounds per week.. Don't completely quote me though, its just from the few posts I have been reading.. It's all up to you, I would rather have a slower weight loss than have most of my stomach removed.. Hmmm, just me though.. If you follow the recommended diet and exercise, I am sure you will have faster results than I :biggrin0: Good luck!

Thanks Joanie! It's more like 6.5 weeks, but that's okay. I feel better now - sounds like we started about the same bmi! Hope we have an awesome 2011 : ) Mari

Hello! 6 weeks = 22 lb loss... Which is okay for me - I have about 35 more to goal :thumbup: Seems less than others.. No excuses here lol, but I have not been working out :blushing: just walking the dog nightly... My bf tells me that by not being on a structured work out session, I am not doing the GPS justice :thumbup: I told him when I am ready, I will... :biggrin2: I am doing very well with my eating and Protein intake though. Ck - you are doing outstanding and I love your blog! :scared0:

Hello and congrats itsabouttime! I went back to work at 11 days post op, but felt pretty sore... But it all depends on how you heal... Are you normally a fast healer? I could not have done it in 7 days, but was ok about 10 days out, but then again I am not at a desk or in air conditioning a lot at work - so you might do fine... Good luck!

After reading oregondaisy's post - I change my mind... I am also a private person and wouldn't personally do it, but to each their own! And also depending on the compensation lol! But you look so terrific! :thumbup:

I think it's terrific! You have been such a help to us here on the board, and you will now be able to inspire so many more! Rock on chica!

Hi Julie and Carol! I am 10 days post and I just started walking a little.. You guys are doing great and help keep me motivated!

Diane!!! Congrats : ) Your story will help so many of us! Your positive attitude and not to mention all your effort will definitely get you there. Take care!