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How well were you prepared for your diet by your medical team?
Loder77 replied to Creekimp13's topic in Gastric Sleeve Surgery Forums
I had one of the best teams there are. I saw my nutritionist every month until my surgery which was 6 months later. I saw the nurse and doctor every month also. I was given all the information I needed and then some. they were always available if I had any questions or concerns. my surgeon even gave me his personal cell phone number because he didn't want me to talk to someone on call if I had an complications or concerns. he wanted me to get ahold of him directly. I was on clear liquids the first day but on day 2 I was allowed to drink shakes. he tried it with his patients and found they did really well with the shakes. I wish everyone had the team I had. I cant say enough good things about them. my surgeon is even at every monthly support meeting. He is very caring and down to earth. -
Struggling with pre op diet
JeezLouise91 replied to JeezLouise91's topic in Gastric Sleeve Surgery Forums
Really yeah that's scary when you know that food cravings lead to complications! To be honest though, I don't know what I would of been like if I just had the surgery when I should have. I would of liked to think that because everything was going as planned I wouldn't of caved in. But it's very hard to say when it hasn't happened! I'm going to try my best to snap out of it. I just had a hot cross bun ffs . Tomorrow will have to be a new day Surgery due January 17th 2018 CW 238 GW 133 Instagram: jeez_sleevedlouise -
TV Shows About Weight Loss
Nat2.0 replied to Steely's topic in PRE-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
Katkatlady612... That sounds like a horrible, hurtful comment your cousin made. I'm sorry. I sometimes watch "Extreme Weight Loss" or "Fit to Fat to Fit Again." I find those both inspiring and the Fit to Fat to Fit show is interesting because personal fitness trainers purposely gain 40 - 70 lbs then have to work along side their "clients" to lose it and get fit again. The other day my husband happened to flip to "My 600 lb Life" and then I had to listen to him say, "Oh my gosh..." "Oh geez..." And just moaning and groaning as he watched the people on tv. Mind you, my husband is 6'4" and 200 lbs. He is totally tall, lean, and fit. He has never had a weight problem and he does not understand how complicated the struggle is. I said, "Why are you watching this??" I asked him to just change the channel and to stop watching because he just doesn't understand. It made me teary eyed to listen to his judgemental reactions and groans. (No, it is not easy going down this road with a husband who is skeptical of the process and thinks this time will be no different ,or that if it's just going to make me eat less then I should save myself the time, money, and pain and just eat less and move more). Like you, I do not have a tough turtle shell and my personal weight struggles and issues run deep. -
Struggling with pre op diet
kitty1392 replied to JeezLouise91's topic in Gastric Sleeve Surgery Forums
That seriously sucks. But here are my two cents: I had a hard time sticking to my pre-op diet. I then had a super hard time with my post-op diet. To the point of cheating a few times and putting myself at serious risk of complications. I assumed post-op would be easier but it wasn’t, and the stakes are much higher. I got lucky and nothing happened, but in retrospect I should have sorted out my issues with food before I had surgery. -
How well were you prepared for your diet by your medical team?
sleeved2win replied to Creekimp13's topic in Gastric Sleeve Surgery Forums
I was given the same detailed instructions but mine were very different than what I've read/seen online. I was only on clear liquids for a few days after surgery. I could have certain liquidy solids (like pudding, yogurt, cream of wheat, cream soups) a week after that, and then puréed a week after that, and right now I'm eating stuff like chicken, sausage, etc. without a problem. There's not a standard plan. I think it varies depending on your surgeon, and your progress, and your personal set of medical complications/pre-existing conditions. That's my inclination, anyway. But there's one thing that's exactly the same everywhere I've seen-- there's no going back! This is a lifestyle change. No exceptions. It does seem like some people miss the memo on that, so I see what you mean, Creekimp13. -
I Think I'm Doing Everything Wrong...and Shrinking
Engelyn replied to Raffi's topic in Gastric Sleeve Surgery Forums
You're welcome. My answers to those questions are thus: 1. How long did you go before having your first drink? 8 days. 2. Have you had any MEDICAL complications with your surgery that were attributed to drinking alcohol? None so far, but it hasn't been long for me. 3. Have you gained back significant weight from drinking alcohol? Not applicable to me because I am still in the losing phase. I do feel that I would lose faster if I went absolutely dry but I will not be doing that. 4. Have you developed an alcohol addiction post VSG after having been able to control your drinking before? I am drinking less than I was before surgery. I do not think this will be a problem for me, but again I am not that far out yet. Furthermore regarding food, I am having a similar experience, I am able to eat only about 1-2 oz (by weight) of food at meal times. So, that is hardly anything (like 3-4 bites). So intake for me is typically 2 protein shakes, yogurt and for dinner 1-2 oz of food, and water of course. -
I Think I'm Doing Everything Wrong...and Shrinking
JavaKnut replied to Raffi's topic in Gastric Sleeve Surgery Forums
Myself and others that I know in the area have all been told no alcohol for a year. The reason not being completely on the intolerance, but more on the higher likelihood of alcoholism and addiction since it takes so little to get the buzz. Take a look at how and when you are eating. If you are grazing on stuff throughout the day, then that could be why you are only tolerating small amounts of non 'real-food.' I was told to eat at least 2-3 hours apart. No liquids 30 mins before or 30 mins after. To each their own. I hope you don't get any major complications from your current path. -
Nausea every time I eat - 3-4 weeks post op
JavaKnut replied to loveflowers's topic in POST-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
I went through a similar path. Make sure you stay on the liquids. The constipation stage was horrible for me. Brought out roids and I won't even get into that. I ended up taking daily probiotics and adding them to yogurt or pudding, and every other day had probiotics that had added fiber. I think the brand was Culturelle? I stole some from the supply for my kid - but the adult version is just taking 2 of the kid doses. I started with kid doses (one packet of powder). Just make sure you get those liquids for sure. I have heard the biggest contributor to readmissions and complications ends up being dehydration. Back in the day I would just chug a bottle or two of water and catch up, gone are those days! -
I was sleeved December 26, 2017 with no complications. I must say this first month has been tough with the post op liquid diet!
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I Think I'm Doing Everything Wrong...and Shrinking
RussT replied to Raffi's topic in Gastric Sleeve Surgery Forums
Feel free to do what you want to do with your own body, and you are perfectly within your rights to do so, but I think you set a bad example. Even if only one person decides to disregard their doctor's orders (like your example with alcohol) and they hurt themselves or complicate their health, then you have contributed to it. -
Thinking About Gastric Sleeve
PrayingForWeightLoss replied to AstroCat's topic in Gastric Sleeve Surgery Forums
I was sleeved July 2017 and weighed 233lbs then. I had been through every diet known to google and I would lose a bit of weight, plateau then gain the weight back and more. I am a health professional myself and know that every surgery has risks. However, there has been a lot of research and improvements done such that bariatric surgery is now a very safe procedure. Complications still happen to some but the risks have been significantly lowered over the years. I am one of those people who had zero complications. The surgery is one of the best decisions I made for myself and my health. I have lost close to 60lbs now, eat well and exercise regularly. I am now more positive, confident and generally relaxed. Hope you make the right decision for yourself and your health. -
Complications after VSG -First Week Status
Creekimp13 replied to VSG-Gal's topic in Gastric Sleeve Surgery Forums
VGS, I apologize if my post felt like a personal criticism. I'll admit I could have worded it more gently. I'm just absolutely dumbfounded that no one told you that putting 20 ounces into a 4 day old stomach...in 15 minutes....is incredibly dangerous. I'm also at a loss as to why you would not go to the ER if your medical group advised you to. You've just had major surgery. Difficulty breathing or pain with breathing is a documented sign of a leak. Why not be safe instead of sorry? I genuinely hope that you're ok and that the pain you are experiencing is minor and not a complication. Best wishes to you. -
Complications after VSG -First Week Status
VSG-Gal replied to VSG-Gal's topic in Gastric Sleeve Surgery Forums
I may not have made the best choice by eating more than I should but I was never told I shouldn’t eat more than a certain amount at a certain period. It’s absolutely disgusting that fellow bariatric posters would think I’m faking this post or post negative comments to others!! Shame on you! We are here to support each other, not necessarily our choices but if you can’t answer my questions or provide insight without insult don’t bother posting. On a Side note, I agree with @nomore fatty patty @low bmi sleevein regards to doctors treating you here regardless of where you got your initial surgery done. But I think you do need to do considerable research for an experienced doctor in Mexico to reduce your risk for complications. Read reviews and try to get a recommendation from someone who has had it done there already. i already plan to call the doctors office first thing in the morning and had previously offered his nurse to take any test or see my doctor that day if necessary but neither was asked of me, so how can I take the ER suggestion seriously. -
Complications after VSG -First Week Status
Losebig replied to VSG-Gal's topic in Gastric Sleeve Surgery Forums
If the dr said go to the ER you should. Not being able to take a full breath could be a sign of a blood clot. With that said I had something similar. I had a lot of pain breathing in right after surgery on my left lower chest. The pain went away, but taking a full breath was hard for a couple days. Due to another complication I landed back in the ER and they did a full work up. They found a small pleural effusion on the lower left lung, which I’m guessing caused the initial pain and breathing issue. They said it was common after surgery and they didn’t need to treat it (it also wasn’t related to the complication I had). You may have something similar, but should get it checked out! -
Side Effects of Gastric Sleeve Surgery?
Sosewsue61 replied to low bmi sleeve's topic in Gastric Sleeve Surgery Forums
Cashews for constipation!!! (lol) And not much else, there are learning curves and adjustments in the beginning - belching, farting, learning portions, minor food aversions, exhaustion, etc. It varies and changes as you progress. True complications are rare - but you can look that up. Major side effects are usually GERD and strictures and this is not predictable as to who gets these. -
mexico sleevers
NegreteLove replied to low bmi sleeve's topic in Mexico & Self-Pay Weight Loss Surgery
I was sleeved by Dr. Arellano with Mexico Bariatric Team in Mexicali. Wonderful surgeon and great team of people. His surgery price includes one year of follow ups and he is available night and day with any issue question or concern you may have. I had my surgery 12/20 without complications. Hw 274 Sw 252 Cw 226 Sent from my SM-J327T1 using BariatricPal mobile app -
I am 6 days VSG post op with a small hernia repair. On day 1 after surgery I was surprised I could finish 4 oz of their thinned cream of wheat the hospital served me per doctor recommended menu. I was heavily medicated through IV however so if I had any pain from it I didn’t feel it. On day 2, I had lunch before they discharged me. A cup of thick blended beef stew. I was able to finish that with some tightening/cramping of my stomach at the opening, followed by gurgling noises like air bubbles coming up. I took a few sips at a time but food never tasted so good after two weeks of pre op liquid only diet. Even if food was blended, it was thick and savory. Day 3 to Day 6 now is where this gets interesting! With hospital Pain meds wearing off, I started feeling pain on my left side if I tried to take a full breath, much like a person would feel if they suffered fractured ribs. I thought this was normal since I’m feeling soreness because our stomachs are on the left side of the body and it’s very likely my stomach is swollen and it may be impeding my lungs to hold air at full capacity. That is until I message my doctor on day 4 and told him and he said for me to go to the ER?! I had no nausea, chest pain or fever and didn’t feel like it was an emergency situation so I didn’t go. I have the same discomfort now at day 6, it’s Sunday, so I will call their office tmw but DID ANYONE EXPERIENCE THIS left side pain where they felt they couldn’t take in a full breath of air without pain/discomfort like a bruised/fractured rib feeling? Day 4- I wanted to test the limits of my pouch and see if It can handle thinned out rice porridge yet. I just couldn’t handle another day of liquid only. I was able to drink in 20 ounces of this thick soup! I had some pain just at the entry point of my stomach followed by gurgling and bubbles to which my doctor said is normal for 1-2 weeks post op but other than that I’m shocked I could drink/eat that much on day 4! Have I stretched my stomach to failure?! Have any of you tried eating/drinking more, earlier than you should and what resulted? It seems at day 6 my pouch is at full capacity to handle a full size meal if it can take in 20 ounces within 15 minutes
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Rather than focusing on the very low risk of surgery complications.....focus on the very REAL risk of obesity related cancers, heart attack, stroke, diabetes, and reduced mobility. If you frame it in your mind as something you must do to prevent harm coming to you....instead of something that could cause harm, you might be less afraid. The odds are in your favor of the surgery doing much more good than harm. PS...the first time I went in for a consult for weight loss surgery was almost 20 years ago:) Got it done in December and wish i'd done it years ago:)
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You guys, I’m back!!! Took a much needed break from the forums after leaving my abusive ex . I was battling severe depression around April-May & some stemmed from obsessing over my hypochondria . I’m glad to say that almost a year out from VSG(MARCH 13) it’s still the best DECISION I have ever MADE . I eat what I enjoy in smaller portions and I have maintained my weight loss and continue to lose. I have not reached my goal weight of 120 but I’m down nearly 70 pounds. I have had ZERO COMPLICATIONS. god bless you all
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Having had several experiences in this area, cheaper should absolutely not be the goal when considering skin removal surgery. I have had a brachioplasty (arm lift), full abdominalplasty (tummy tuck), Breast lift with augmentation and a full face lift. Consider interviewing several plastic surgeons and choose one that you are comfortable with because you will build a relationship with them that will last quite some time. Many people do not realize that plastics is not a simple surgery where you go and have a consultation, the surgery and a simple follow up. Our bodies require many many many sutures that can require months and months of follow up care. The after care you receive following plastics is just as critical as the surgery itself and if you choose a doctor that is closer, they usually cover all of those visits. Even if you only plan to have one procedure now....check out the team because once you have one and see the results you might find you want to go through the next step. I was very thrilled with my team and my results and because of that I had more procedures that I ever thought I would. And let me tell you, it is no walk in the park. Plastics is painful and long road to recovery but absolutely worth it when you choose the right team. I have had no complications and because I stuck with the same surgical team, I have been treated to free laser treatments for the bruises following my face lift and even free Botox for 2 rounds in my chin. I researched for many many months and what I learned was, do not focus on getting it done cheap, focus on finding the right surgical team. You need to be very comfortable with who you are working with and the approach they are taking with you. You are in control.
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Just starting - Kaiser Fontana
niseys4 replied to baribetty's topic in Gastric Sleeve Surgery Forums
Ok heres why I feel Kaiser is the best @ WLS in my opinion. Both of my adult daughters & 1 of my sisters had WLS all have different insurances but they did not have the before wls education like kaiser offers. so they experienced some complications that couldve been avoided! For example they were tested for the H-plora virus but not informed that they were positive & treated before the surgery so both my daughters had to suffer with that terrible, terrible pain & had to take very strong antibiotics! 1 of my daughters who just 2 mos ago had her surgery not only had to suffer with the H-Plora but had to be hospitalized for 4 days because her surgeon stapled part of her stomach to narrow which made her suffer with reflux! Shes better now & has lost 30lbs since her surgery! My sister is a year post op & is still having trouble reaching her protein & calorie goals due to the fact that she was not educated enough on how to eat after wls like Kaiser teaches! I have read other sad experiences plus the nurse that was taking care of my daughter while in the hospital mentioned how the kaiser patience were treated better compared to others with a different insurance. Meaning that kaiser offered more treatment coverage! So this is some of the reasons that lead me to believe Kaiser has the best WLS program other than for those who pay out of pocket with PPO insurance! -
Help! Increased heartburn AFTER my RNY - 4 wks post op
James Marusek replied to Miserable's topic in Gastric Bypass Surgery Forums
Your diet look pretty bland as you said. You are taking Prilosec, which is a proton-pump inhibitor, so that is good. Could be an ulcer. According to the internet: Nausea and vomiting are the most common complaints after bariatric surgery, and they are typically associated with inappropriate diet and noncompliance with a gastroplasty diet (ie, eat undisturbed, chew meticulously, never drink with meals, and wait 2 hours before drinking after solid food is consumed). If these symptoms are associated with epigastric pain, significant dehydration, or not explained by dietary indiscretions, an alternative diagnosis must be explored. One of the most common complications causing nausea and vomiting in gastric bypass patients is anastomotic ulcers, with and without stomal stenosis. Ulceration or stenosis at the gastrojejunostomy of the gastric bypass has a reported incidence of 3% to 20%. Although no unifying explanation for the etiology of anastomotic ulcers exists, most experts agree that the pathogenesis is likely multifactorial. These ulcers are thought to be due to a combination of preserved acid secretion in the pouch, tension from the Roux limb, ischemia from the operation, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) use, and perhaps Helicobacter pylori infection. Evidence suggests that little acid is secreted in the gastric bypass pouch; however, staple line dehiscence may lead to excessive acid bathing of the anastomosis. Treatment for both marginal ulcers and stomal ulcers should include avoidance of NSAIDs, antisecretory therapy with proton-pump inhibitors, and/or sucralfate. In addition, H pylori infection should be identified and treated, if present. So the other two things they recommend is (1) stay off any NSAIDs, such as aspirin and Excedrin (which contains aspirin) and a host of many other NSAIDs and (2) make sure you were tested for Helicobacter pylori infection. This is a common infection that is hidden, so you may be a carrier and not know it. It can also be a hard bug to kill. I would make your surgeon aware of the difficulties you are experiencing. -
Here's a reality. You have to prove that you have the self control to not hurt yourself and create a medical emergency. Surgeons fear non-compliant patients....because they have complications and it makes the surgeon look dangerous. My surgeon was brutal. We had to lose 10% of our total weight...to get approved for surgery. Took me six months, but I faithfully lost the 27 pounds he required to prove I could stick to a diet. Surgery isn't a magic cure. If you don't get control of your eating habits and learn to eat the right things, you're dead in the water. Surgery will not work for you. Losing 30 pounds before my presurgical liquid diet....was child's play compared to the hell of the starvation diet both before and after surgery. Don't for a second think that losing weight before surgery is "the hard part"....it's tough, but it's the tip of the ice berg compared to what's next...and if you're not up to it, you might want to reconsider. Just being honest, folks. Wishing everyone success and good outcomes.
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Smoking...struggling to quit for surgery
Nagas1234 replied to vanelifejourney's topic in PRE-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
I must've been lucky because my surgeon only required me to not have a cigarette starting the day b4 surgery. After surgery, it was all up to me. I had absolutely NO complications and no pain whatsoever. Then again, I am a veteran when it comes to surgery. Sent from my SM-N950U using BariatricPal mobile app -
I had planned to be out 10 days (most of which my office was closed for the Christmas break, thankfully, because I work at a university) but I had some complications and definitely wasn't ready to go back after 10 days. I ended up taking 2+ weeks, and on week 3 I worked mostly from home, to ease back into it. I would say give yourself at least 7-10 days but plan for the possibility that it could take longer to feel ready for work.
