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Hi , so I have my first appointment in the next couple of weeks, exciting! I'm getting mine through the nhs as I have no ways of self funding, I can't get a loan as I wouldn't be accepted , anyway my question is has anyone had their op at luton and dunstable hospital? How long did you have to wait for surgery from your first appointment at the hospital? I'm hoping my surgery will be this year . Thanks

I didn't have to do all that. I did bloodwork, ekg, 1 psych eval, 1 nutritionist appt. I had my initial appt, did that stuff, got the call with my surgery date, had the surgery 2 weeks later. From day 1 to insurance approval was 2 1/2 months.

I have Blue Shield my surgery was approved a week after PC Dr submitted. They have a lot of things they want you to complete but all in all I feel more prepared because of all the meetings (virtual) I attended. I learned a lot and am as ready as one can get (I think)! Sent from my SM-A135U using BariatricPal mobile app

Hey all, it's been a bit since I was on here last. So, I figured I'd talk about the appointments so far. I'm still pre op and don't have a surgery date yet and I more than likely won't for awhile. Which sucks🤷‍♀️ but oh well, we all know it takes time. I had my first official appointment last month with my first official weigh in! They gave me a weight loss goal to reach which they want me to be in 150 to 155. According to the BMI chart that still makes me overweight, but that gave my that goal so that I dont get discouraged and its more realistic.My ultimate weight loss goal is to get down to 125. I've been overweight/obese my whole life and I just want my weight to be considered a normal weight, you know? Probably not a good mind set right? I already had one of the classes I need to take required by the surgical team. Which was the importance of exercise. Which went great. I also met up with the bariatric psychiatrist for a mental health evaluation. This week I have a huge appointment coming up on Friday. The appointment consists of a bundle of testing. Blood work, EKG, chest xray(I believe). I meet up with the nutritionist, I meet up with the physical therapist too (I think that is what it is) and after all of that I have a regular followup appointment to go over the bundle testing that day. So Friday is going to be a long day haha. The next appointment after that is another follow up and lastly I have a behavior modification class scheduled for October. After those appointments I think all that's left is another appointment with the nutritionist, another class and follow up appointments. What are the appointments you guys have to go through before even getting a surgery date? sorry for all the writing, but this is the only place I can really talk about it since I want to keep this journey to myself. Until I am ready to announce to people. Which that won't be until I lose a significant amount of weight. Thanks for listening!

Hi Shannon, I live in Pennsylvania, and I am scheduled for surgery Tuesday (16th)… I’m 48 and have similar goals as you. While I’m not a veteran, I have friends who are 7-15 years out and I grilled them about several of these things so I will share my experience this far and some of theirs. Let me just say there are tons of people who will help with their experience also… and one of the things I learned from this board is everyone is different. (I love this app and the people on here - they are so awesome!) 1) I have IBS (largely well managed) and dealt with constipation after my c-sections as well. The high protein pre-op diet made that flair up for me. In addition to water (I struggle with that) and hitting my other liquid goals, I add miralax once or twice a day (depending on my needs) to help keep things moving. Also moving around - walk, walk walk… even puttering around the house. Moving helps keep things moving. At the first sign of things not cooperating I take an approved laxative by my program. That’s my last resort (because that is never fun) but I know my body and I know when it’s necessary - so if I catch things early enough a partial dose (I prefer liquid to pills) is usually enough to keep things productive. 2) I have digestive issues with artificial sweeteners. So I like Sodastreams water enhancers (Bubly) zero calories, zero carbs. But lately I’ve enjoyed my zero water filter enough to not bother with the flavor. I can easily work 3 20 oz bottles of water (some days 4 or 5). Keep in mind I’m pre op… but I’m hoping that post surgery I will be able to get back into that habit after surgery, because I too have kidney stones and am eager to avoid that. Right after surgery they all warned me I won’t make my goals most likely - but to do my best. With time it will come. Broth and bouillon have been helpful in hitting (and exceeding) my goals. So I will use those to work towards my daily goals. 3) Depending on your surgery - will depend on the long term possible side effects, one of the reasons I’m having sleeve (shorter potential list). However my surgeon balanced it by saying the potential side effects of not doing it the surgery or taking other steps to loose weight (prolonged joint deterioration, effects of high blood pressure, high cholesterol, cardiac disease, elevated risk of cancers and although I’m not diabetic - eventually I’m likely to be, liver disease, etc) are equal or greater. On balance the surgery is a toll that helps me improve more than it risks in my case. 4. Hormones can be real - hunger, menstrual, general emotional. I was told that some women who stopped menstruating, would start again… (also warned to watch out for later in life babies), some women who have fertility issues, see a reversal… weight loss - especially large amounts, can result in an estrogen release (hormone swings). There’s no guarantee of if my hunger hormone will be gone - or how long. Everyone is different in that area. My hubby and I had a talk of what to possibly expect after (throw back to postpartum depression). Prepare for the worst and hope for the best. I have Virtual appointment already scheduled with my therapist for the week following surgery and recurring every two weeks after (with the options to call if I need to see sooner and ability to cancel if I need to rest and not up to it as long as I check in). I’ve been seeing him for a while now to adjust to life after a car accident. I also have my pcp follow up scheduled and my endocrinologist scheduled within a few weeks after my surgery so I will have those check-Ins to help with anything non-surgical that might pop up. I have some help lined up (kids, husband and one friend I told what I was doing) just in case I need a little extra help right after. However the rest of my family (siblings, parents, extended family and others) know only that I’m getting a hernia repair and that I started working with a nutritionist pre-op and will continue post op due to some other health issues … which is not untrue, just not the whole truth. I’m taking care of me first for the pre-op and the post-op recovery. I’m hoping by doing that, I can reduce my stress and help manage any of the hormone fluctuations that MIGHT pop up and well as focus on meeting my nutritional and water goals. I hope this helps!

Hi. I've been suffering from pcos since teenage, having all the symptoms like weight gain, facial hair, irregular periods etc.. I have had my gastric sleeve in november 2020 and lost 25 kg in total. I have seen improvement with my pcos symptoms, for example getting a regular period cycle, less facial hair and obviously weight loss. Now, almost after 2 years my period cycle is getting irregular again. Increasing 2-4 days every month. For example, 30 days cycle in June, 34 days in July and 36 days plus (still missing) in August, and I'm definitely bot pregnant. Has anyone else had the same problem? I'm really worried that my Pcos might kick.in again. My weight is on a stall, as I'm not doing much at the moment. Please share your experiences Thank you Sent from my SM-N960F using BariatricPal mobile app

Not yet I go see my Dr next week Sent from my WTCELERO5G using BariatricPal mobile app

I may need to have a hiatal hernia repair after mine. It’s been 9 months, I take 80mg omeprazole, sleep on an incline and the heartburn still wakes me up every morning. Surgeon said the he would only do it after it had been 6 months since my last surgery (gall bladder). I’m worry that it will be nearly as bad as my first surgery, DS, which took 5 weeks before I could work again.

I had to buy smaller clothes after 2 weeks because of the presurgical liquid diet (2 weeks), then I lost a lot immediately post surgery, and it hurt to much to put on any pants other than sweats. I only bought sweats as I lost over the past year since I had kept all my smaller sizes from years back. I only just bought real clothes after 6 months out. I didn't buy anything before surgery. 9 months later and I have given away my entire wardrobe, sizes 14-28, and am only buying 2 outfits for any given size while I wait to level out.

Hi! I'm in Central Oregon, having surgery in Bend. I just completed my requirements. My insurance is an instant approval, so I know I was approved on Friday. I was told that my surgery will be either September 12th or 30th. I just have to wait for a phone call from the scheduler this week, to confirm! Jeanne

Can I say I’m tired of all things vegan? Is that allowed? No? It has become increasingly difficult to cook three types of meals so I’m going to stop, again. 🤣 Sorry about the job but you’re right, their loss.

My name is Shannon, I live in Oregon but will be having surgery in Nampa Idaho. Anyone else??? I am 56 and want to feel better for the rest of my life. I don't want BP, Cholesterol, bad knees, sleep apnea, and other issues to stop me from living a full life. At least another 15 or so years! I have been working towards this surgery a few months. I am currently at the point where they are submitting my papers to insurance this coming week. I am so excited! Stopped smoking now 48 days, has to be 60 days for surgery. I am thinking late September, but probably October for surgery after all is said and done. Who knows lol. I have a couple concerns and would interested in knowing what you do. 1. Constipation. I had in after my third C-section (many years ago) and it was horrid! I want to do everything I can NOT to have it. What do you do? 2. Any secret ideas on how to get water in, other then sipping all day? I will do that, but I have history of kidney stones and need to make sure I get plenty of liquids, 3. For those who have been doing this years, what side effects or issues have you seen, say after 10 years? My husband, while he is being supportive, is not fond of the surgery. He is worried what effects I will have later on in life. 4. Hormones..... My daughter has PCOS and wanted to me to ask the Dr about hormones and how this effects me. He told me that actually it will get better. That part of the stomach taken out has hormones in it and will reduce any issues. What have you seen or heard? Thanks!

I agree all of it is over whelming some days. I have not stopped soda or coffee yet, gonna work on that this week. I find the mind likes to play tricks on you. But we have to be stronger. Or at least that is what I think haha

Other than being super tired the first couple weeks, and feeling like i did 100 situps (I didn’t take any pain meds after the first day), my recovery was also uneventful. No nausea, no gas pain, no throwing up. Granted, I barely ate those first couple weeks, but I didn’t really want to anyway (which probably explains why i was so tired). Am pleased with my results P.S. im almost 4 years out now, reached goal at 7 months, and been maintaining below that goal to this day.

Thank you! I appreciate the comforting words… they are a big help. They did ask me to bring a few specific things along (an inhaler and the medications they want me to take that morning) and suggested a case for my glasses … so I’m trying to make sure I get those things in. I think I’m wearing a loose dress that day (bought it on clearance this week at Kohl’s) and I’ll wear that home to make that one less thing to pack. I keep going back and forth about taking things with me or having my husband just bring them in as well.I have to check their visitor policy - to know if he has a limit of when he can come in. Our local hospitals don’t restrict support persons (family/significant others), so I’m not sure what this hospital does.

Has anyone else developed this after surgery? I will be at three years in September and my symptoms are worsening. I wear a monitor but find that I am crashing more and more. Yesterday my glucose dropped to 301 They are sending me to Barnes Jewish Hospital in St Lewis to evaluate my pancreas and are saying I might have to have part of it removed.

My surgery is this Wednesday, BUT it felt good cooking for my family the last 2 weeks and not feeling bad that I couldn’t be enjoying it too. And knowing that I am making changes for the better. I was dreading the liquid diet… now, I’m not.

Hi, I’m looking for others who’ve had a revision WITHIN the first year of their original VSG? My reflux is AWFUL! And my weight has been at a stall since month 4. A lot of that due to food choices. The worst the reflux has gotten, the worse the carbs have gotten. Anyone had a revision so soon and was able to get back on track? My revision is due to reflux.

Take lots of pre op photo's and measurements. Don't be worried when the 3 week stall appears, you are not doing anything wrong.

I usually wound up doing both - in the morning for weight (that's when it is most stable and less influenced by other day to day variations - and then before dinner to get the BF at its best time. So much for those who say we shouldn't weigh more than once a week! The key there is not to agonize over day to day variations and recognize that they are going to happen and are normal.

Hey love, during my two week diet I had cucumbers with tajin seasoning which is a lime and Chile seasoning I also had a turkey sandwich I know I was not supposed to but I did. You should be 100% fine.

Hello, I got my surgery on August 2nd, and wow it’s been a crazy experience. I have not been able to keep much down. Pre op I was doing great with protein premier but now I’m not I throw it up. I tried Isopure and it taste so bad to me. I was given the okay to start on puréed foods but I can’t keep it down without having a feeling that I’m choking. Trying to keep water down has been horrible I could barley get in 16 OZ. The worst part is that I’m about to hit my two week post op mark on Tuesday and I’m still not doing well. It’s really mentally draining.

I’m three years out & I have times I’m not hungry. Recently had a month of being hungry not hungry but I’m a little sadly back to my usual eating. I go out often & order an entree or a main depending on the restaurant. An entree is about the right serving size for me & when I have a main I regularly only eat a bit more than half. (I’m not afraid to ask for a doggy bag.) I am aware that I’m more likely to get the foamies or for my restriction to kick in when I dine out. I think a lot of it is a psychological thing for me though: I consciously or subconsciously get anxious it might happen & so it does. Doesn’t stop me going out though. I wonder if some of your reactions are similar - psychological - especially as there doesn’t appear to be a physical reason as yet??? When my dad had a mega chemo dose to wipe out his immune system before undertaking stem cell replacement, he developed psychologically induced nausea & vomiting. His haematologist explained it as being a learnt behavioural response. He had had such terrible nausea & vomiting his mind & body expected he’d always be nauseous & vomit. Apparently it’s a bit like people continuing to experience sea legs when they get back on dry land & they bounce & sway about as the mind & body think they’re still on a boat & need to move with the waves. (I’ve experienced that - it’s a really strange feeling.) It’s just a thought. Our mind & bodies can react in many weird & unexpected ways. I hope this can be sorted out for you soon. Where in Queensland are you?

I was also told no on gum from my surgeon. Found this info online not to chew gum after their weight loss surgery. First, some gums can have a lot of sugar, which contributes unnecessary calories into the diet, making it harder to lose weight. But, even if they opt for a sugar free version, chewing gum can cause problems in bariatric patients. The act of chewing gum allows air to enter into your digestive tract. For people who haven’t had bariatric surgery, this may not cause any problems. But for bariatric patients having air in their digestive tract can lead to gas and abdominal discomfort. In the first few weeks after gastric sleeve, gastric bypass, or lap band surgery, some patients report excess saliva. Chewing gum can also lead to saliva production, potentially compounding their problem. Another problem with gum chewing after bariatric surgery is the potential for any swallowed gum to cause a blockage. After gastric sleeve, gastric bypass, or lap band surgery patients are educated to chew their food thoroughly to a paste like consistency. As much as you chew your piece of gum, it will never be such a consistency. The wad of gum can potentially lead to a blockage if swallowed. Most do not find the risk worth it. A great place

My stall came at 3 weeks and lasted a full 5 weeks!! I was about to pull my hair out over that one so I truly hope I dont have a second stall lol. I have been gradually losing 2-4 lbs a week once the stall passed. So I am on average right now with my monthly weight loss according to my team and others in here as well. I take what I get as long as its weight loss and no weight gain. Every number gone is a win for me.