Search the Community

I want to apologize. It bothers me that people don't feel comfortable coming to get support because they feel negative about it. I do not advertise my size or photos or weight or anything online for the most part due to this issue. I saw it become a "race". No one needs that. What about a dedicated area for "slower losers"? Would that help? Would focusing on just losing help? I got a lot of flak about the weight loss and I come from a different viewpoint but the fact remains I didn't get the support from my surgeon that I felt he should and could have given. So I'm sympathatic to peoples' statements and want to know what they think might help.

Wow thats amazing I am almost 23 weeks out and I still can only eat 1/2C. I understand the size of the new stomach is different with each surgeon. The hunger feeling can be from gas some of the others have mentioned gas feels like hunger so I got gasX and it helped squash that feeling. You really have a great weight loss already hope you have continued success.

Congrats on the start of your journey! I have Basic Federal Blue Cross Blue Shield, and I had surgery in Texas. My doctor just documented that I came into his office for weight loss management. He provided the insurance company with a letter explaining that the surgery is medically necessary, provided my weight history for the past two years, and listed the diets I have tried within the past five years. It was a one-page letter. The beginning of the entire process was a breeze. It got really annoying once my surgeon's office turned in everything to the insurance company. It was submitted August 21. They sent a letter to my surgeon on September 7th requesting documentation of the nutritionist visit (that was already submitted). We didn't get the letter until September 16th, and it was re-submitted. I called the insurance company on September 19th to make sure everything was okay. They said that I was approved. My surgeon's office called, and they told them the same thing. So we scheduled the surgery for October 3rd. On September 29th, my surgeon's office called for a pre-certification (something they do a few days before the surgery). BCBS said that I wasn't approved, and they are waiting for the further documentation. After we provided a "approval code", they said it was a "reference" code and not an approval code. Needless to say, I wasn't actually approved until a million phone calls later - the Friday before my surgery on Monday. I was a wreck - had been on a liquid diet for two weeks not knowing if I was even going to be approved at the last minute. SO, my point is - stay on top of everything. When you call, get a reference code to each conversation. When they say you are approved, have them fax you a copy (the mailing takes forever). If you have any questions, feel free to contact me. I am two weeks out, and would do every single thing all over again. I'm down 25 lbs since the beginning of my pre-op diet. Such an amazing feeling! Good luck with everything!!!

Sleeve patients loose weight at a slower rate than RNY gastric bypass patients. They also seem to experience a plateau more often. [Although a 6 month plateau seems extreme.] I am 28 months post-op RNY and lost most of my weight during the first 6 or 7 months and then leveled off. A sleeve patient might expect to lose weight over the entire first year or even more. I would look closely at how you are meeting the program requirements and see where you might be falling short. Weight loss is generally achieved through portion control and the avoidance of grazing.

I'm not sure where you're located but Dr. Ayoola (pronounced Eye Ola) is located in the Dallas area. I have a friend who had a sleeve to DS revision. She loves this doctor, and trust him completely. She's very happy with her revision. Now Offering Telehealth Visits | Weight Loss Specialists of North Texas: Weight Loss Specialists: Denton, TX & Flower Mound, TX (drayoola.com)

...and I don't mean the temperature! OK, this will sound like bragging, and it IS a little, but remember where I'm coming from: I had been obese my WHOLE LIFE. I first had to wear size 38 jeans in junior high school. And now I'm wearing size 34, bordering on size 33. I was at the gym this morning -- it was arms day, biceps, forearms, trapezius, and deltoids (shoulders) -- and was working out HARD. I was looking in the mirror to check my form, and suddenly I thought -- who IS this guy? I realized that I'm looking... well... A-MAZ-ING! I mean I'm 42, so I don't look like a kid; I have laugh lines on my face, and (when I don't shave my head) a little gray around my temples. But my shoulders are broad and muscular (amazing what deltoid workouts will do, guys; wanna look broad-shouldered and thick through the chest? WORK. ON. YOUR. SHOULDERS!). My chest is just slabs of flat, hard muscle. My forearms literally RIPPLE with muscle when I move my fingers. My legs are turning into little tree trunks, and a lot of HARD work on my glutes (butt) has rescued me from the dreaded "white guy ass" -- I am getting a nice, muscular butt. I still don't like my midsection; the remaining flab and loose skin are all there, but sometimes when I move and the light is right, you can see my rectus abdominis quite clearly. Another term for rectus abdominis? SIX PACK! ME! A SIX PACK! I wished I could have taken a picture to show you, but I'm not THAT vain; I don't bring my camera to the gym with me I have to compare and contrast this with just two years ago, when my face was lost in a SEA of chins. My legs were big, but it was all just flabby, jello-y fat. My arms were big... with fat. They JIGGLED. And my midsection... oh dear god, what a train wreck; I had to wear size 3XL shirts just to avoid too much plumber's crack! I couldn't walk 200 yards without being tired. My feet hurt all the time. Men treated me with scorn, and to women I was simply invisible. Now, men often do submissive body language (you know, hunched a little shoulders and eyes down) or challenging, threatened (puffed up chest, swagger, frightened/"tough" glare) body language. The one thing they don't do is scorn me. And women... well, as often as not, women have a sort of "hungry" look in their eyes when they're looking at me. I've even caught women out with their husbands/boyfriends "checking me out" and then looking away, embarrassed when I smile at them. Am I bragging? Yes, I am. But this is all so bloody new to me. I'm a hunk! I have to avoid turning into a vain douchebag (and this obviously borders on douchebaggery already), but I figured that "Gastric Sleeve Surgery Success Stories" was the place to put this bragging if anything was. Two years ago, I was obese, depressed, hated my body, sore, sick, tired, a clear "beta male," invisible to women, and probably on a fast track to diabetes, heart disease, cancer, or some other form of slow, painful death. Now? I'm fit -- within 2% of my "normal" body weight according to the height/weight charts. I can run several MILES without running out of steam or injuring myself. I lift weights nearly every day. I am happy, healthy, have a strong libido, a good sex life, and I *like* what I see when I look in the mirror. I would NEVER have believed it possible two years ago if you'd asked me. NEVER. And, while I'll take credit for eating right and going to the gym/doing other physical activities regularly, the weight loss and health I owe completely, 100% to the sleeve. THANK YOU, SLEEVE. Getting the surgery was the single best decision I've ever made. It saved my life, literally -- it's given me a whole new me, one that I never would have believed I could be. Thank you, sleeve.

Thank you too Kim, My surgeon said the same, it’s because I don’t have as much to lose... still, I’m very jealous of your 14lbs right now... that’s double my loss [emoji17] Sleeved: 2/12/2017 SW: 209lbs/95kgs

Yup. I think we've got someone here who thought it would be cool to mess with a weight-loss board.

I can't say that I drink 10 drinks a day but I would consider myself a heavy drinker. Often times, I can drink a few beers and take quite a few tequila shots. I don't get any more buzzed with my weight loss. The downside is slower weight loss. I lose 1 lb a week. I probably would be at goal if I didn't drink so much. I've lost 65 lbs in 16 months. Just be aware of the downsize. Drinking is fine in moderation. Maybe you could cut your drinking in 1/2. That would be good. Good luck with your decision.

Thanks Steve! About an hour away, offically in Katy. Thanks good luck with your weight loss!

based on your ticker you had little compared to some to loose believe it or not the initial weight loss is the greatest but our bodies adjust even though we aren't loosing weight on the scale your body is changing it will go down just not as fast as you would like the more you have to loose the faster it is in the beginning. i was loosing 2 1/2 pounds a day in the beginning but not towards the end. take a picture and put it side by side a week later you will notice a difference. Just remeber we didn't gain the weight overnight and we won't loose it that fast either. btw i'm not saying becasue you have little to loose that it is a bad thing.

as long as you are losing, then i say you are doing great such a pity you cant see that...but you will just because the scale is not moving as fast as we'd like, by continuing to eat right and exercise, the weight loss will catch up........if you lose inches, you my dear are losing weight.. remember where you started........better now huh?

Did anyone drive the day of their surgery? You are not allowed to leave the hospital/surgery center, etc. without someone else to drive. You should get whoever is driving you to get whatever you need at the pharmacy on the way home as this will probably be the time you'll be the most comfortable for the next several days (due to anesthesia). Stock up on what you need food/liquid wise before surgery. For those banded awhile, does anyone still consider diet pills to curb their appetite? (yes I know that's what the band is for, but I read a lot of comments about not feeling restricted, so I'm curious) Restriction/satiety takes a few months to master...and you must follow your new eating "rules" and doctor's recommendations. I would not use diet pills they are NOT safe and definitely not if they are not prescribed by your PCP. Weight will not drop off quickly...it is a gradual loss. So yes "that is what the band is for" but you ultimately control what goes into your body and how much exercise you do which dictates weight loss. What is the earliest you went back to work? I had surgery on a Friday morning and went back to work (mostly desk job) on Tuesday (Mon was a holiday). I was extremely tired, stomach was sore, and if I had days to stay home I definitely would have. You will survive, but you would rather be laying down. The stairs might not be a good idea so you may need to take a few extra days for those. I figure I'll try going back the 2nd day for a few hours at least. The second and third days were absolute HELL pain wise for me and my worst. Especially since sleep was almost non-existent, I had no desire to drink anything even Water, you need to heal/get on a good med schedule for at least 3 or 4 days.

I am really working hard to get all my ducks in a row for an approval in May. I am counting on approval based on medical necessity due to co-morbidities. I take medication daily for diabetes type II, hypertension and high cholesterol. All is controlled and stable with meds. I have also just begun seeing a podiatrist for bone spurs, they are now giving me orthotics and I have a sleep brace. I am also now seeing a gastroentrologist for GERD. This just developed three weeks ago and I had an endoscopy today. I was thinking it would be in my interest to have both of these drs (pod & gastro) also write a note on my behalf to support medical necessity. They may not be co-morbidities but these new medical issues would be greatly helped by weight loss. Has anyone else been this route?

You look GREAT!!! I love your hair.

Thank you I really do need help! how much do I eat how often? I'm not taking any protein shakes as they are horrible, I hate water so I drink tea with sweetener, I was walking three miles a day x3 times a week but iv stopped as it didn't help with weight loss at all,I do take all my vitamins and get monthly b12 injections,I'm hungry all the time I logged on MFP religiously for first 5 months averaged 900cals but iv stopped that too,I don't have set meals or food I just grab bits of the kids dinners I feel like I have no restriction lately and due to this intense heat iv been eating ice cream not much a little child's portion, I'm tired all the time but all bloods are normal,hair is coming out by the handful but I'm ok with that I'm just so sad that I haven't reach even halfway to goal like everyone else seems to be,I don't understand it I'm 38 I lost 10lbs in the 2 week pre op diet so I assumed that I could lose lots but that was the only time I lost a big amount,while I'm glad due to the sleeve I haven't gained I feel defeated and everyone around me who asks how much iv lost give me that look and say is that all?

Hi I was wondering if anyone is steroid dependant? I take cortisone tablets every day which makes you gain weight. I am due to be sleeved in 6 weeks and was hoping someone could tell me how their weight loss is going ?

I hear you and I get it. Notice my weight loss. And I had my surgery in December. You are nearly half way there! I applaud you!

oh, congrats on your weight loss, way to gooooo woooo hooooo Stay strong and keep doing what ever you are doing you are worth it!!!!!!!!

I am 32 years old and have decided to have the sleeve surgery. After, having my sister begging me to have a weight loss surgery.I would always start the process and then i would quit. I have been overweight for about 10 yrs now...In August my husband cousin thought about having surgery and when she went they denied her due to she didnt have any health issues and wasnt overweight...anyways so she thought about me and brought the information to me. Well after reveiwing the information i decided to make a appointment. I saw the video and had been to seminars before. So my first appt was September 21, 2011. I thought this is a new journey for me. I was very nervous took my sister in law with me. After being there i decided i want to do it. Next step was nutritionist and mental doctor. on Sept 28 2011. Due to having gone to my first appt and they told me to drink plenty of water...i said ok no problem...yeah right i loved to drink soda and it was going to be hard. But i did it....I went to my appt on Sept 28, 2011 and the following day had labs,,,waiting on response i was getting a little upset. on wed Oct 19 2011 they called me to let me know that my doctor was leaving the practice and if i wanted to wait until he establish his practice of do my surgery earlier. i said earlier...so I will be sleeved on Oct 27, 2011.....a little scared and nervous. But as well excited to a new life, i thank my husband cousin for the supporting me and my family and my husband for being there for me before the surgery and i know he will be there after....will keep posted.

Hiya Kittylove, OMG, I thought I would die!!! Nine days it took, and honestly I am not regular like I was before banded. I found through trial and error what works for me in helping me get some relief. I eat prunes and rasins. Occassionaly prune or grape juice. Not too much because these contain a lot of sugar (carbs). However, it helps and does not affect my weight loss. Now, since you just got banded you can not eat these itmes, Keep taking the stool softner. Drink lots of Water, Oh, also I do drink an 8 ounce glass of water mixed with metamucil every day, this I find helps me too! I am almost going every day now. (knock on wood), but it did take a very long while before this happened...

I gained all my pre op loss, about 8 pounds, while in hospital with the IV's and stuff. It took about 5 or six days to get unbloated and all the weight went in one day. 2 weeks and 4 days into this and have lost 20 pounds. It does get better.

leepers said it best. fills are a personal decision. your doctor will guide you and ask you questions about how you are feeling. most doctors side on the side of caution, so if you don't want a fill he/she won't do it. good job on the wt. loss. you are doing well.

I have not yet achieved restriction. In order to avoid overeating, I weigh my portion, plate it, and leave the kitchen to eat at the table. I don't allow myself to eat more. It sucks. REALLY sucks. But I do it. I do think that everyone who's able to work with his/her doctor to ensure adequate restriction does reach a point where it's no longer possible to overeat without consequences--AND to feel satisfied. The satisfaction part is really important, IMO--isn't that why we did this in the first place? From reading here, though, it's painfully obvious that there are many doctors who resist adjusting the band appropriately. I really don't know what their rationale could possibly be---there isn't a legitimate one. But many seem to have the attitude that patients have to exercise control above and beyond what is truly necessary, IMO. My doctor's stance is that adjustment decisions should be made based on subjective data (how I feel), and objective data (how I'm losing). I'm losing quite well, with no restriction at all. But while my stomach capacity is small, it empties rapidly--so I'm hungry soon after eating. In his book, that is a valid reason for a fill. He is even willing to schedule fills at my request FAR earlier than he expected would be necessary. I am SO grateful for this. Some other doctors feel that as long as there is loss, there is no need for a fill. IMO, this is ridiculous. All of us have shown, over and over, that we can lose weight; the problem is that hunger drives us to overeat and therefore regain. It seems as though this approach feeds in to the same old diet mentality, viewing weight loss as a moral issue ("if you just had willpower, you would do it"), and completely ignoring the physiological. Why these doctors even bother to wrap bands around their patients' stomachs baffles me. All that said, I think that as long as you have a doctor who's willing to take your comfort into account, you WILL reach the stage where you cannot overeat. After all, isn't that the purpose of the band?

Well its almost 48 hours after surgery, and things are good pain is an average of a 3 1/2 worst a 5 1/2 not so bad. gas today is the worst. Feels like im going to give my self a hernia at the slightest attempt to push it out. so really careful about that. other then that this is cake. no hunger yet. I've lost 15 pounds since the 10 day pre-diet to now so 15 pounds. I was 290 im 265 now since I started with Swedish weight loss. Dr Ross McMahon is a mad genius and I highly recommend this surgeon. Down to earth with the highest level of confidence he his in him self he instills that in you. Made me soooo comfortable. I give him a 12 out of 10!!! life is good even in pain:) only negative is im a non- smoker (I quit 1 1/2 years ago) and am coughing up blackish green thick phlegm all day today. Anybody else have this?