Search the Community

Yes ma'am. After you talk with your primary, they'll referral you through IEHP. I think I received a call from Dr. Krahns office, 2 or 3 weeks after my appt with my PCP, telling me about the seminar. They hold it I believe twice a month, at like 6 or 6:30 pm at St B's (in a conference room by the cafeteria)... Once you confirm the seminar, you'll get a packet and info to fill out (basically asking what have you tried to lose weight and medical history). I filled mine out before the seminar since I arrived early. During the seminar there'll be some people who work in his office there telling you about the four different types of bypass' and go over any questions you'll have. I think by the time everything was said and done and questions were asked and answers, I think i was there for 2 ish hours. About two weeks I received a call from Dr. Krahns office to schedule my first appt. My first appt was Dec 28th, and there they double checked my medical history and talked about with surgery would be best for me. I was given a giant packet to study and keep for after surgery and was given a "quiz" packet to answer to return back in at my next appt. I was also asked to follow a low carb, high protein diet and to lose 5-10% of weight. My next appt is Feb 2nd, with my PCP for my medical clearance, and also Dr.Krahn's office. Hopefully I'll get my surgery date and do the other necessary requirements done for surgery.

Hi TeeJay! Thanks! I can relate, if I only drink water it goes down hard and gags me, but if I put in AW Root Beer flavor (SF of course) I can do the 16.9 oz in about 20 minutes. Some people here say do not use flavors because of the artificial sweetener but that has been a godsend for me. Today Friday is 10 weeks exactly since my surgery. Nobody said it would be easy and for those people who think this is an easy way to go, well they are mistaken. But I feel good most days and if I don't it is usually my own fault. What part of MD?

I was sleeved on Tuesday 11/13! Came home from the hospital yesterday, still felt pretty shitty, but today I started feeling more like me, like a tired, sore version of me, but, still. I keep feeling the urge to burp, but they're not really coming out. I'm excited to be starting my journey. I bought some powders?utm_source=BariatricPal&utm_medium=Affiliate&utm_campaign=CommentLink" target="_ad" data-id="1" >unjury unflavored Protein powder - hubby has been adding that to everything for me. I still haven't felt the "full" feeling, but I get scared and stop eating after a little bit. I had a half a small mug of chicken broth for bfast. half small mug homemade potato garlic Soup for lunch, same thing for dinner. Small cup of sugar free caramel pudding. And then Crystal Lite. All with Protein Powder added into it to reach about 35-40 grams of protein for the day. He said get to 60, I just don't feel the urge, but I may try for another 5-10 in a little bit. Does this sound about right? My doc, I gotta say, I'm a huge fan of what he did for me, but his personality and everything else = toilet. Not big on the small talk/bedside manner at all. After surgery I didn't see him at all, the next day I breifly saw another doc from his practice that I'd never met before, and then on checkout day he came in, pulled out my drain, told me to make an appointment for 2 weeks, told me I was going home, and left, total of about 2 minutes facetime, 5 if you include pre-op! But, it seems he did a good job, so, I can't complain. I just feel a little bit unsupported by the doc in all this. He didn't tell me what to do, as far as the gauze/bandages on my wounds, if/when I should replace them. He said to eat full liquids until I see him in 2 weeks and follow the paperwork I got on my first visit (back in August) but only because I thought to ask as he was walking out the door. The nurses in the hospital were well informed thankfully, and they said he's like that with everyone. Always seems to be in a rush! Ah well. I'm sleeved, and I didn't want a real clingy doc that wanted to see me all the time anyway! Thank goodness for my online research because I'd be totally lost!!

I don't usually take anything over the counter for it, but I do drink plenty of extra Water to help flush everything out. I was banded six months ago. For many months, my TOM was 10 times worse than normal and I had symptoms that I don't usually have. I think it was hormones trapped in the fat cells that were being released. It does not seem to be uncommon for rapid weight loss to affect us in this way.

OK I'm gonna vent a little. I'm a person that never gets sick. And I can set up an alarm w my TOM it's always on time. As I am preparing for my surgery April 10 my TOM disappeared, (no chances of me being pregnant at all) I only spotted. Then I feel like I'm getting a cold. And now that I'm doing my preop diet I'm waking up w bad headaches and I can't take meds. Maybe I'm stressing too much. I've never had a missed TOM.

Hi, VSG friends!! I know this question has been asked a million times but every one of us has different circumstances! So, here I go, and I apologize for this being kinda long to begin with! My name is Dana and I've been married 12 years to my wonderful hubby! We have 2 gorgeous girls (ages 9 & 6) who I homeschool! We've been trying to have one more baby over the last 5 years, but have been unsuccesful. I have PCOS and have been on fertility meds off and on and every time I take the meds, I gain 10 lbs. So, I started out 5 years ago weighing about 225 lbs and I now weigh 288 lbs. We've decided to leave the fertility drugs alone forever, choosing VSG instead and if we have another baby when I get healthy, we'll be overjoyed.....if I don't get pg, we'll count our blessings and move on! I had a friend ask me the other day if we were still trying to get pg. I paused before I answered her because I just didn't want to tell her about WLS!! So, I told her we weren't trying anymore, but I was going to see a dietician in January (not a lie, I am to meet my pre-op requirements!) and see if I can get some help losing weight. Ok, I don't mind telling people I'm having WLS AFTER I've already had it. It's the before part! My hubby is chairman of our church's deacon body and although our church is loving and supportive, I will be the FIRST person to have VSG or gastric bypass in our whole church, not to mention as a person who holds several leadership positions. I'm not at all sure of what reaction I'm going to get. I KNOW a few people would try to talk me out of it and tell me I just need to pray for more self-control....just a few, but I'd really rather avoid any negativity altogether! Do you agree?? If you were me, would you wait until after to tell? The other issue I have is when to tell our parents. With my in-laws, I'm not worried about them being unsupportive necessarily. They won't be thrilled, but I don't think they'd discourage me. It's more that my MIL worries and when she worries she gets horrible migraines! With my parents, it's a bit stickier. I don't have a good relationship with my parents right now. My mom tried to committ suicide for the second time a year ago and it was then that I finally realized that we've had a co-dependent relationship my whole life. I started setting healthy boundaries, my parents didn't like it, so we only see them on holidays/birthdays now. Their choice, not mine, but I decided a year ago that I would be healthy mentally and this year decided that my body needed to reflect the new health on my insides!! Anyway, what would you do? I was thinking about calling and telling both sets of parents the night before my surgery. I think they'd all be upset if we told them after the fact!! I'm having my sleep study done on January 5th, my diet consult and psych eval on January 12th, then we submit everything to my insurance company and I should have a surgery date in February! I'm so excited and feel so blessed that I have a hubby that is so incredibly supportive. I can't hardly wait to start my new life!!! Thank you to those of you who made it through all that!!

Im on day 10 of mushies and feel like i can eat more and morr every time. Does this mean my sleeve pouch stretched? im so scared to have messed this up

I hear you on the deductibles! Milk that free healthcare as much as possible. Yoga is fantastic. At least, it should be. Not tremendously easy to do when you are larger (despite what those "Plus Size Yoga!" books claim. I want to pursue that after surgery, it's supposed to be great for your mind and body. I also plan to get a personal trainer, dependent upon whether I can find one that doesn't charge a small fortune. I don't think I will need them too long, just a few months to tell me how to do things, which exercises to focus certain areas etc. I haven't seriously worked out in over a decade, and I highly doubt the exercises I did then as an athlete would be the best idea now. I also have a nice expensive elliptical I hope to actually be able to use. I purchased it at my highest weight, then swiftly realized that if I used it for me than 10/15 minutes my knee would swell to the point I couldn't walk. Yeah... my knees haven't taken this whole being 280+lbs thing very well. The thing that I am looking forward to exercise wise is to be able to go for a run. I used to love it. Hopefully, I'll get back to doing morning runs every day.

I am going to be having surgery at the end of the month and I have heard some many things on what you can and can't have before and after surgery. So what are some of the best things to have for your liquid diet before surgery as well as after?? Also I'm a spark girl(single mom works 8-10 hr days so I need my energy) is that something you can have after surgery? Again any advice would be great, so confused about everything you read cause you see so may different things different places. Thank you in advance

hey have you tried Click protein powders? comes in vanilla latta or mocha flavors. Add a bit of ice and skim milk it like a frappacino. actually pretty good. i have one a day and it like a treat. http://drinkclick.com/ i was banded on 12/19. feeling good. Have a great NewYear! suzi

Four... no matter what language you say it in... I just fit into a pair of size FOUR jeans... yes, me! I love thrift store, bargain hunting. Its a huge thrill to me to find something that i love for less then $10. From my amazing, full length wool coat for $8.88, to my wool peacoat for $6.88 to my Ralph Lauren cords for $3.33 or my Stuart Weitzman pumps for $4.50... I love a bargin, but I have to admit, pulling those 4's off the endless jean rack and looking at them and thinking "no way" - to them sliding in and fitting me perfectly... shocker! Do I think every pair of size 4 pants will fit me... not necessarily. But I had someone tell me that my other jeans were looking too baggy on me - they were 6's... Its time to do some more shopping... I just love my sleeve!! The other nice thing about thrift store shopping... when something doesn't fit you anymore, it doesn't hurt so much because you spent so little on it, you can just put it back into the circle of life at the thrift store and find a new treasure... and it helps a good cause!! My daughter is getting married this saturday, and my son leaves for London the day after Christmas to participate in the New Years parade there... so my next week will be crazy - so my guess is, this is my last post before Christmas so... Merry Merry Christmas to everyone. Hold your loved ones close, make sure they know you love them. Be a blessing to all you come in contact with, and the best gift you can give yourself, is to help others in need! Lori You can read the rest of my blog posts about my journey from band to sleeve here: search for Lori's Blog at occforum or follow me on facebook! https://www.facebook.com/LoriOCCMedical

Again thanks @@JHDR thanks hun I'm glad that I can offer some encouragement for those considering WLS or just getting started. @@SharBear617 thanks girrrrl yes i definitely feel younger and in these pics I DO look younger! @@My4Brownies hang in there take your time. Stick with what works i think even when i could have purees I still stuck to my shakes, yogurt, cheese, and Soups. Keeping up with the Protein count is hard enough. Lol @@gustavio yes i have to agree. I never thought I'd say that either! Initially I wanted to be like a 2!. It's about feeling good in your own skin not numbers on the scale. I think about what weight could I get to, gain 10 lbs (although it's not happening) and still look great. @@HARTMOM Thanks babe I am ready to slay! Lol Sent from my SM-G900P using the BariatricPal App

Well,,, all I can say is it's S L O W!!! On one hand, I'm sad that it's not going faster, but on the other hand, I'm eating ice cream and chocolate way too much sometimes. It's hard to break 19 years of bad eating habits and the band doesn't curb those cravings. If I had given MORE thought to getting a more detail surgery, I might have considered the sleeve. But it is what it is and at least I'm going in the right direction,,, be it slow or quick,,, I'll get there,,, by October of this year, if I want to be at my goal, I need to buckle down and try to get 13 pounds per month off. I can do it IF I work out! Wish me luck!!!!

WOW Paula, First Congratulations on your bandiversary! And thoes 10 tips are wonderful Thank You! You have done GREAT!!! I know one day I will be there too. Keep up the good work your not far from that 130!!! Great Job!!

you are going to love it there! They all treat their patients so well and Dr. Campos is sleeved too. I didn't need any help as I felt just great by the time I got home from the hospital. I hope you do too. Things to have when you get home, are sf popsicles, and hopefully you'll be able to stand some sort of protien drink to get some Protein post op. A lot of people don't like Isopure, but it's full of protein and I didn't think it was all that bad. It's not anything I would want long term, but for 10 days on clear liquid, I could handle it. Feel free to send me a PM if you have any other questions. I adore Dr. Aceves and everyone at that hospital. I would love to go back just for a visit!

I had my surgery on 10/30 and was back to work on 11/5. I've got a desk job.

I pulled muscles in the lower part of my abdomin at about 9-10 days out, I was just bending too much, take it easy on the bending.

DH = Dear Husband I am not sure with the sleeve, but I had sex with my husband about 10 days post-op my band surgery. John, my husband, was deployed during my revision to the sleeve June 3rd, and he didn't get home until September 30th. From what I've heard from others, they were able to be intimate once they were pain free, and comfortable. Of course, you can't be a contortionist immediately post op, but take it easy and be gentle.

Hi slpcat...hope I didn't sound like I was prying about your height and weight A larger person could expect higher losses. While we'd all love to drop 10 lbs a week, that is not always practical or healthy. When I'd get a fill, I'd often have a larger drop than normal, due to taking it easy on my stomach for a bit. So, the 4 lbs per week might not continue to be the rule. For what it is worth, and in my opinion, I'd stay where you are at for a bit and see how it goes. If the losses stall, then go back in. If you keep losing and maintain restriction then yeehaw! But, I am pretty conservative in my approach to fills, and so is my surgeon. I have been overfilled, and it is no fun at all. For me, 0.5cc made a HUGE difference. As a note, my restriction level comes and goes. This seems to be common among bandsters. One day I can eat just about anything, the next day, not so much. My surgeon says it is natural, and that the stomach moves around a bit within the confines of the band making it feel tighter or looser. Depending on where it is riding on any given day. Besh wishes in your decision! Denise

First of all, I want to say you shouldn't get down on yourself for deciding not to have the surgery and thinking you could do it on your own. You DID do it on your own. Unfortunately, losing weight, both pre and post-op is the easy part! As you have found, it's maintaining the weight loss that's the real challenge. I like to think of my sleeve as "Weight Maintenance Surgery" instead of "Weight Loss Surgery". I was a pro at losing weight. I did it MANY times over the years. Keeping it off was always where I failed. The good news is, maintaining my weight post-sleeve has been a whole different experience. I reached my goal weight right around the one year post-op mark and have been maintaining below for almost 7 months now. That is much longer than I've ever maintained any weight loss in the past. There are a few things that make maintaining post-WLS different than maintaining after a "diet". First of all, you are never "done" with your sleeve. When losing weight through a "diet" you always have this goal weight in mind and can't wait to reach that goal and be "done". The problem is, as soon as you are "done" you start slacking on the exercise and go back to eating crap and the weight starts to pile back on. But with the sleeve, it's always there, restricting your intake. You are never "done" with it. The rules about putting Protein first, taking your Vitamins, drinking your Water, not eating and drinking at the same time, not grazing.... all of those things are truly lifetime commitments that you can't just revert away from once you reach your goal weight. In the vein of your sleeve always being there, another thing that would always happen in the past was something would happen in my life to derail my weight loss or maintenance. An injury, an illness, moving, starting a new job, etc. Anything that threw me out of my routine would send me into a spiral where I would regain weight. Now, my sleeve is there through all of that stuff. I can't just stop using my sleeve or ignore my sleeve when life happens. For example, I had a CRAZY summer/early fall. My sister and her 4 kids moved in with us when she split up with her husband. Meanwhile we decided to sell our house when we looked at a new one and decided we wanted to buy it. Well, we hadn't been planning to sell our house for a few more years, so it was a mad scramble to do a ton of home improvement projects we'd put off, get the house ready to show, show the house, and sell the house. Then we had all the stress of buying the new house and moving as well. It was complete madness. I went almost a full 5 months without a regular exercise routine and I had insane amounts of stress to deal with on almost a daily basis. I managed to maintain my weight loss for that full 5 months! Yes I was stressed. Yes I was out of my routine. But my sleeve was still there for me every single day, every single meal, and every single snack. Do I still have to WORK to maintain my weight? Of course! I'm training for a half marathon, so I am exercising every single day now. I still consciously think about everything I eat and make sure I reach my protein goal of 100 grams every day. I still make sure I have water with me at all times. I still eat on a schedule to avoid grazing. I still make an effort to avoid slider foods. I still take all my vitamins every day. I still don't eat and drink at the same time. I still plan ahead to make sure I have access to appropriate foods if I'm going to be traveling or doing things outside my daily routine. So there is a lot of effort to be made and work to be done, but it comes as second nature after 19 months.

I've never figured out how you can make a meal last for 30 minutes and still have it hot. So I wouldn't worry about it. Just eat your cream of wheat while it's hot and enjoyable, but be aware that you aren't just scarfing it down. Savor every spoonful and if it's gone in 10 minutes, it's gone. .

Week 23 Last week’s weight – 198.4 This week’s weight – 200.8 Total weight gained this week – 2.4 lbs Beginning weight – 246 lbs Total weight loss since surgery – 45.2 lbs Average weekly weight loss since surgery – 1.8 lbs Ugh! I gained 2.4 lbs this week. It is not too surprising. I was gone for the past five days on an anniversary trip with my husband and my eating (and drinking) was way out of whack - plus I didn’t get any strenuous exercise in. I got some exercise in…walking instead of driving in a car but nothing too noteworthy. I also got my period three days ago and I am sure that is not helping. It is a little discouraging to see my weight above 200 again. I missed five days at Crossfit but went last night and this morning (I’m trying to do it at least 3x a week for the first month). I am dog/house sitting for the next 10 days and I am hoping to keep myself on a pretty tight eating/exercising plan during that time just to get back on track. Hoping to report a loss next week.

I haven't done the surgery yet however I will be traveling internationally for 10 days exactly 2 months post op. I've been really looking forward to the trip. Has anyone traveled 2 months post op? Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

this is me about 10 years and 100 pounds ago and here's me now 🤔 Luella [emoji5]

My surgery is Monday....I'm just excited. So far, I'm not allowing myself t'o go to the fear side. I telling myself I weighed all those things a long time ago....and there is no reason to re-hash all that again.... so far that is working for me......and if things get too bad my surgeon gave me 10 Valium that I can take and budget between now and surgery day....So far I've saved all of them.....When I start having trouble sleeping at night I'll take one. Try to be excited, you've already done enough worrying!