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I've been doing a lot of research on VSG and found great news coming out of the Second Internationa Consensus Summit for Sleeve Gastrectomy in March, 2009. "During the consensus part, the audience responded that there was enough evidence published to support the use of VSG as a primary procedure to treat morbid obesity and indicated that it is on par with adjustable gastric banding and Roux- en-Y gastric bypass, with a yes vote at 77%. CONCLUSION: SG for morbid obesity is very promising as a primary operation." *The Second International Consensus Summit for Sleeve Gastrectomy, March 19-21, 2009. (2009) Q-Sensei Another article stated that: "There are signs of progress with multiple insurance companies. It should be expected that in 2010 sleeve gastrectomy have its own code and a formal acceptance." http://bariatrictimes.com/2009/06/18/laparoscopic-sleeve-gastrectomy/ Yippee!

I started weight-training 6 weeks post op. I have worked up to 2.5 miles on the elliptical machine at an 8 mile a minute pace, plus 45 minutes of weight training and 10 min of core training. Outside of the gym I walk 3 plus miles a day and am a HS football and baseball coach and am very active with my athletes and my children at home. Plus we are getting ready to move so I am packing and moving boxes everyday as well.

I have wrote on this topic before, but it doesn't seem to go away. It is my very mixed feelings about a good friend who also had gastric sleeve surgery. Let me start with a little back story...I met my friend our senior year in high school. We clicked right away and soon were thick as thieves. He is a gay male that went through the very painful "coming out" after high school, in our late teens / early twenties. I supported him 100% in everything. When his mother was unable to accept who he was,( he was raised by a single mom as an only child) I stood by his side. As he went through the first years after coming out, learning how to navigate the gay world, I was there too. We were the best of friends. We took vacations together. We worked at the same hotel together for a couple of years. And he was there for me too, as my friend. As our lives took twists and turns our friendship remained. Over the years we had falling outs, but always made up. One year we had a gift of the Magi moment at Christmas when we gave each other the exact same gift! ( A framed picture of the two of us- we both had the exact same picture made into a 5x7 and framed ) About 13 years ago ( early 2000s) my friend was diagnosed with Hodgekins Lymphoma. By this time he had a partner for several years as well as his mother did come around to accept them. I was there for him any time he needed me, but I was more in the background by this point. I am happy to say he beat his cancer and has been free and clear for 10+ years. The point is, we have been close friends for over 20 years. Also during this time we have been diet buddies. There are countless sets of "before" pictures of the two of us as we were determined to work together to lose weight. We joined a gym together when my marriage ended and I needed to get back my life. We tried to influence each other in good ways, but we also sabotaged each other at times too. Over the last few years both of us gained a LOT of weight. Granted during this time our lives have taken us in different directions, but we have kept in touch. I have been over for birthdays and holidays. He has come to see me during my various stays in the hospital for blood clots. We have stayed friends...Until recently. Now I feel our friendship has been slipping away and it has me feeling all kinds of emotions. I had my surgery on October 21, 2013. I made the decision to do it the previous July and started on the path in earnest in August. When I told my friend of my decision he surprised me by saying he was thinking about it too. He had once before set out to have the Roux-n-Y done, but "chickened out" after the informational seminar. He said he had been thinking about surgery again and had happened upon gastric sleeve. We talked at length about the surgery and I told him I had made my decision, and would support him whatever he chose to do. Several weeks later I hear from him to say he too has made the choice to have the sleeve, but his mother is not happy about it and his partner is against it. I go back into supportive friend mode, the same friend who was there for his coming out. We talk and share ideas and plans and information over the next couple of months. As my surgery grows closer and I am going through the pre op steps I share it all with him, to let him know what to expect. I have my surgery and he comes to visit me, once bringing his mother along. This helps her to accept his decision and from that point out she begins supporting him. (although his partner was against the idea up until he had his surgery) Shortly after my surgery I notice the first shift in things with my friend. He isn't as chatty. He doesn't seem to want to hear about what I am going through during my recovery and first weeks after surgery. I know he is now in his final weeks prepping for his own surgery and maybe that has a lot to do with it. All I know is I need MY friend and he was pulling away. He did no kind of dieting before his surgeon ordered pre op diet. While it was entirely his choice, I was trying to suggest maybe he change some of his eating habits on his own to help him be successful. Maybe my advice hit him the wrong way, I don't know. He had his surgery on 12/17/2013. He used a different surgeon and hospital so his experience was quite a bit different than mine had been. While I was wanting to talk and compare and support one another, he was just not interested. The last time I have physically been in his company was shortly before Christmas, about 5 days after his surgery. He stopped by my house to drop of CANDY!!! ( at this point he still wasn't "with the program") He has decided to blog his experience. This has been how I have kept up with him, through blogs. He no longer calls me. I have to call him several times to finally hear from him. He has done amazing in his weight loss. Being the over achiever he is once he sets his mind on a goal he was in the gym exercising by 3wks post surgery. He goes to the gym 5-6 days a week. (gets up at 3:30am and goes before work) He has a personal trainer he works with. And all of this makes me jealous- I admit it. I am a single mom. I can't get up and go to a gym at 3:30am. I can't go during lunch for various reasons. I could go after work, but feel guilty taking my daughter from a sitter where she has spent the past 9 hours only to drop her in a daycare at the Y. ( only place I could find that has child care service available for it's clients) I know they are excuses, but they are valid. I do not have the finances my friend has to hire a trainer either. This is where our different lifestyles play a huge role. His ability to focus more on himself has helped him achieve greater results than I have been able to. Ok, there is the whole genetic thing that he is a guy and men lose faster than women blah blah blah. I get it, on an intellectual basis. But to see his blog saying how he has lost 96lbs since his pre op diet started 12/7 and how great he has done. He has never stalled. ( I did at about 3wks out) He has only started to have to deal with thinning hair.( mine has almost all fallen out and I wear a wig) The jealousy is a stupid feeling, but I think it is because he has turned away from me. Had we been there as friends to support each other, I think I would just be happy for him. But I have learned about his life through Youtube! He changed jobs, I found out on a blog. He got a new cat, I found out on a blog. He gives shout outs to those who have supported him ( his mom, his partner) yet I was the one who has always supported him and he has forgotten me. It hurts me deeply. I have wrote this before and it was suggested I tell him. I just haven't had the courage. I know I need to, but I am afraid. I am afraid that the reality that our friendship may be gone will come true. It does happen, I get that. I even posted about it on another forum yesterday. I just feel this is different. We have gone through so much and have been friends for so long. I truly thought both of us having this surgery would just be another way our friendship could evolve. But it has not. I am so proud of him and happy he has had such success. At the same time I miss the friend he was....

Ok so.......I am happily married and have been with my DH for almost 7 years. When we met I had a one year old son whose father wanted myself and our son when it was beneficial for him to have a family! AH won't cry about it, I only wanted a relationship with him for the stability it would give my son. Didn't work and God blessed me with the most wonderful husband and father to our children! Ok fast forward 7 years my son is turning eight yay and we have three additional children. My son's biological father whom he has not seen in almost 6 yrs does not call, write, email anything he has abandonded the role of a father and we are fine with that! Well I have to go to court next week and I am hoping to get him to sign over his parental rights! Mind you although he has been an absent father he has actively pursued certain "relations" with myself (yeah right buddy)! He never saw me at my highest weight as I moved out of state and the majority of my weight gain was rapid and within the last 2 to 3 yrs. Well I am down 40lbs almost to the weight I was when we last saw each other and I plan on losing another 5 to 10 by the time I have to go home for court next week. I am willing to resort back to the original post-op diet for a few days of Clear liquids just to blow his mind! ok so that is person number 1 who will need to close his mouth. #2: Growing up I was extremely skinny and the majority of my family.......NOT.....as I got older and began having children and gaining weight they went from calling me anorexic to fat....well guess what they can say hello to my little friend. None of them know that I have had the surgery but they all seem to have an accurate count of every pound I gained! Well I cannot wait to see every one that made the comment ooooh how did you get so big? or Oh you can't call that baby weight! I might carry around extra tissue for the drool. I made a post a couple of weeks ago about how I do not like taking photos well I ahve been snapping like crazy. I finally see a change when I look in the mirror. My surgery scars are no longer a mile apart, those boogers are right there close together! And possibly my favorite NSV was when a young lady I know said I hope I look like you do after 4 kids when I get older. I smile so much now........no one knows my secret but all see my progress. Guys that are pre-op it is worth it your quality of life changes drastically after the first 7 days post-op! And each day it gets better and better! Go for it. I am 2 1/2 months post op and down 41 pounds and I feel like a new woman. I made a decleration that I would not turn 30 fat and this time my words are not full of hot air!

Sorry, no - my band was done at Baylor Dallas on 12/21/10 and my sleeve was done at Baylor Carrollton on 12/28/12. Doesn't Dr Nick use Baylor Plano?

I am 2 years post op. I've lost 100 lbs but recently(during the holidays) gained back 10 lbs. I am very afraid of gaining back the weight. I'm not really feeling the band and can eat almost anything. Once in awhile, if I eat bread too fast, I get that "full" feeling but that's it. After 2 years, is it possible that I need another fill? Does your stomach change over time so that you need the band adjusted again?

My workout regimen goes as such: 20 minutes cardio on the elliptical at an 8 mile minute pace CHEST AND TRICEPS: incline dumbell press 4 x 10-12 flat bench dumbell press 4 x 10-12 flat fly 4 x 10-12 push ups regular, military,diamond 3 x 25 tri press with rope Handel 4 x 8-10 " " with Z bar 4 x 8-10 overhead tri press 4 x 10 SHOULDERS, BACK, AND BICEPS: Overhead dumbell shoulder press 4 x 10-12 front/lateral raise 4 x 10-12 Lat pull downs 4 x 8-10 LAT rows 4x 8-10 single arm dumbell rows 4 x 10 each arm upright rows with Z bar 4 x 10 shoulder shrugs 4 x 10-12 dumbell curls 4 x 10 per arm hammer curls 4 x 10 per arm Z bar preacher curls 4 x 10 LEGS: squat jumps with medicine ball 4 x 15 Leg press 4 x 10 quad extensions 4 x 10 hamstring curls 4 x 10 lunges with weight 4 x 15 per leg calf raises 4 x 15 all exercises 30 second rest between sets. I do one section per session on a 3 day split. So chest and tri on Monday, back big and shoulders on Wednesday, and legs on Friday. On my days off I still walk about 3 miles a day. On workout days I still also walk 3 miles on top of my cardio.

@@laurenella82, no, I had not reached that point but my mother had it in both knees and was in a wheelchair for the last 10 years of her life. (She passed in 2009 at 80.) Seeing all she went through is what got me started on this journey. She endured so much. I'm sorry to hear of your diagnosis. Perhaps you can have a replacement?

Angela - at 1 WEEK OUT, I was on clear liquids (for 10 days), then full liquids for 10 days, then mushies for 10 days, then food as tolerated. If your doctor gave you yogurt in the hospital and you've eaten all the things you have eaten and haven't had any pain or nauseau, I seriously doubt you've caused any damage to your stomach. I would say continue on your program the way you are being careful to eat soft/blended/non-spicy foods for at least another 3-4 weeks. it sounds from all that you've said that your body is adjusting fine to your new diet. I am sure you have not sabotaged your weight loss now or in the future, IMO.

I would email Gaby and ask her - tell her what you've been doing. I don't think it will hurt you -- I know I that everytime I crushed my pills and mixed them with Water, I threw up. I started crumbling them intead of crushing them and taking them with just a tiny bit of yogurt or applesauce (this was about 10 days out). I know others have swallowed their pills since the day after surgery. I think it best to go to the source and ask Gaby (or Nina or Renee) and see what they have to say. Let us know.

Chargers56, I am a Kaiser pt here in Los Angeles. I went through the 6 month classes through Baldwin Park Kaiser. They request that you lose 10% of your weight by the time you finish the class. Kaiser does do the RNY/Sleeve and Band. They discourage the band though, because there are problems that are arising for the long term pts. But they still do it. I am actually going to my consultation today (09/21/09). I was going to get the band originaly but have now changed my mind and will be asking to get the sleeve. I have heard of some SD pts that are coming down to South bay Kaiser to get the sleeve. Just go through the process you wont regret it. It does take time ... good luck :scared0:

http://theworldaccordingtoeggface.blogspot.com/2007/08/pureed-foods.html?m=1 HW 493lbs 3/2/16 SW 416lbs 1/10/17 CW 411lbs

Me too! Good luck!!!! Starting weight 367 CW 335 Sleeve scheduled for Dec. 19, 2016

Puddin - I always joke that I love pleasures of the flesh. food, sex, perfumes, bubble baths - anything that makes me feel good I love! I broke up with my boyfriend of five years a little over a year ago and have not had sex since. I oogle men and sometimes feel like a guy myself. But while I have had a handful of opportunities to have sex, I have always turned them down. My reason - if I do it once, I'll have to start over getting used to not having sex. It's like detox. lol Sounds silly, I know, but it's really how I feel. The first few months of not having sex is SOOOO difficult - I don't want to waste it for a one night fling that might not even be any good. I'm waiting until I'm dating someone so I can do it 10 times a day. That's the fun part of a new relationship! Good luck with the "detox"!

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Hi! I too have PCOS. It certainly makes losing weight harder. I've had PCOS for about 20 years, but was only diagnosed about 10 years ago. I'm 31 days post-op and I've lost 20 pounds all together. (Including pre-op). The hunger issue I think is mainly mental; however, cravings are still tough. I've determined that life is just not fair, and so I just deal with the PCOS as it comes. This works for me anyway. I know losing is going to be harder due to the PCOS, but I also work in the medical field and I know that weight lifting helps the most with buring calories and fat and adding muscle, which ultimately increases the metabolic rate. Good luck!

I personally had surgery with Dr. Illan back in October and had an amazing time. I have been very successful as I will be 4 months out later this week and I am only 19 pounds away from my goal weight. I just got back last week from being down there again as my mother decided to also get sleeved and as I had such a good experience also chose to go with Dr. Illan his coordinator Omar is great makes sure all of your needs are meet.. If you have any questions I would be happy to answer them

I was banded on 11/30/10 and at the same time had my hiatal hernia repaired. Ever sense then ive got really bad back pain mid to middle. My doctor doesnt think it has anything to do with that and thinks i strained my back some how. Which i have no clue how i could have done that. Has anyone else had this problem? Because im in so much pain. Thanks

I’ve had migraine since I was 14. Had surgery 12/10/19 down 34 lbs and my migraine are horrible! I have had one for every day for almost a month! I am currently waiting for insurance approval to try Botox!! My family all seems to think it’s bc I’m not eating enough and there are days I feel feel pressure to eat more! I think I’m eating too much I feel like I should have lost more by now! I struggle to get in exercise because of the migraines! Hopefully I get approved to try Botox My current migraine meds are not working!

Unfortunately many parents don't realize the damage they do to their children in regards to weight. Especially around 8-10 years when children are a little more self conscious of their bodies and don't know any better that they're still growing! i was a skinny minny growing up. I do recall my mom calling me fat out of sheer jealousy when I was 16 or so. That lie led me to start believing I was. So I delved into exercise/nutrition. Kept it off till about 8 years ago. My grandmother did the same stuff to my mother, as yours did. So young in age, she put my mom on diets. My mom is still morbidly obese with stage 4 cancer, diabetes, and neuropathy issues. I can honestly believe that if the parents were to not have made weight the issue, or suggest bikeriding (as you said), you and my mother would have turned out quite different. I don't do this with my kids. They're young, 3,7, & 12. I heard my stepdaughter mention something about calories in a yogurt. I told her she had no business worrying about that because her body is still growing. I make it a point to not share my struggles out loud or with my kids as well. They don't even know about my surgery. I'm sorry you had to go through that. It hits hard for me because of where my mom is in her life that started in childhood.

Just 22 more LOOOONG days until I'm finally banded. My thoughts are racing around in my head. I'm freaking a bit today, I'm nervous, and I am so anxious to get this over with. I'm ready to start my pre-op diet, this way I know I am doing something to prepare for surgery. I've been reading a lot on the "complications" board, and I have to be honest, It freaks me out a bit. I think the most thing I worry about is erosion. I read on one of the boards that 25% of banding patients will have to have thier band replaced or removed. Thats a pretty high number. But, i guess I'm hoping I'm the 75% that wont have to have anything done. I'm just nervous about everything, I think the not knowing is scary. I know a lot about the band, but everyone is different, how will I handle th band? Will I be an accessive PBer? Will I not lose weight? Will I be a failure? Will I , Will I , will I? The list goes on and on. I just don't want this surgery to be another "diet" attempt. I am so sick of failing at every diet. I always do so good, I lose 20, 30, and even 70 lbs, and everyone goes on and on how great I look, then its like I wake up one morning and gain it ALL back. Why? I still haven't figured that out. Its like I eat one thing and I put on 20 lbs. I swear, I can gain 10 lbs in a night, and I'm NOT lieing. I've done it, I swear it. I hope this time next year, I can reflect on my journey and say this was the BEST decision I had ever made. I hope to say I have lost 70 lbs, or 60, or even 50. Scale this morning 229.2 (I'm about to throw the scale away, I promise.)

I can't believe I'm on day 10 of my 10 day pre-op diet & that I'll be sleeved tomorrow! liquid diet went really well, day 10 is a little different w/ just the Clear liquids, but so far so good. I'm thankful for my early morning check-in (5am!), I wouldn't want to wait longer w/ nothing in my belly! Been really enjoying hearing how well those who have been sleeved are doing... it's really encouraging & helps relieve any anxiety I might've otherwise had if I were doing this on my own. Also really enjoying participating in the FB group.

Glad all is well. My surgery with Dr. Nick went very well too. I am 10 weeks out and feel great! Keep sipping and walking. Try and get some Isopure in you as soon as you get home. It will help so much with the healing from the inside. Stay ahead of the pain, and sip, sip, sip and walk, walk, walk!

My program is St. Peters Bariatrics in NY. Surgeon is Mehul Trivedi, Surgical PA is Tyler Chenel. They are wonderful charismatic skilled professionals. I don't See Trivedi often and I'm cool with that. I prefer he works on maintaining his skill level by going to conferences, updating training, clocking surgical hours etc. That is his craft and I'm thankful for it. No complications not even nausea, it's like I never had surgery at all. Chenel is wonderful, also highly skilled and friendly. 10/10 recommend. HW 270 SW 238 CW 182 VSG 11/7 [emoji146][emoji146][emoji146]