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VSG stories **fertility trigger warning**
SleeveToBypass2023 replied to KGreen's topic in PRE-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
I also have PCOS. I had my son naturally but then had 10 losses before I was diagnosed with PCOS (even though I have all the classic signs and symptoms, not a lot of doctors knew about it). This was back in 2005. I went on birth control for a few months, then had to take Metformin and Clomid to get pregnant with my daughter. I had her in 2006 (my kids are 8 1/2 years apart because of the PCOS) and after I had her, I was never able to get pregnant again. My hormones are all over the place and I CANNOT lose weight and keep it off no matter what I do (I always have initial success but it never lasts). I was told that bariatric surgery is huge in helping PCOS patients get pregnant because weight loss is the #1 thing that helps. It *can* help with hormones, but not always. The weight loss is really the biggest factor for PCOS patients. But that can also make birth control pills (which regulate periods, add estrogen to low estrogen hormones) more effective, as well as fertility meds (Metformin and Clomid, Femara, etc) more effective. Also makes your body healthier for pregnancy (almost no diabetes or high blood pressure issues). So the surgery is definitely huge for helping PCOS patients have a baby. Good luck!!! -
Confused by Consult
SleeveToBypass2023 replied to Imortalcandy's topic in PRE-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
My thoughts are that you need a new surgeon. If you have reflux, DO NOT get the sleeve. It will likely make it a lot worse. I was able to choose between bypass and sleeve because my A1c was less than 7 and because I don't have any form of reflux, so I chose the sleeve. My husband has GERD and a higher A1c and was advised that bypass is really his only option. Sometimes those that never had reflux get it with the sleeve and have to revise to a bypass to resolve it. And while the sleeve has less risk, the bypass does give about an extra 10% of weight loss. So definitely find a new surgeon. -
Confused by Consult
Tina 2.0 replied to Imortalcandy's topic in PRE-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
Can you consult with anyone else? There are huge differences between the two procedures. I have read several posts on here about folk’s revising the sleeve. If you don’t stick to the guidelines you can just eat less crap and still regain the weight. Tmw my con worker is going from sleeve 8 yr ago to a RNY. The doctor should really be looking at all of your needs and concerns to help you decide what is best for you. -
April 2022 Surgery Buddies
mlortega replied to Crinkles's topic in PRE-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
I feel you on the mourning the food addiction all I want is to eat until I’m full it’s crazy how fast you have to come to terms with your addiction. Many times I wish I had never done this but I also recognize that that’s the addiction talking and that I will find more fulfillment in choosing to be healthy. Just have to keep the mindset I know I shouldn’t be weighing myself but I think after all the dieting that never stuck all the working out and the weight I would shed and quickly gain back the fact I’m watching the scale consistently show me I’m dropping weight it’s helping me realize that I made the right choice. I’m dreading the stalling period already but I’m getting better and not checking everyday but I have a smart scale called Fit Track Pro and every time I weigh myself it keeps track of it and I can watch it decrease and it also measure BMI muscle mass water intake and visceral fat of course not as accurate as the doctors office but it’s a very nice tool that I have I’m glad your feeling better if you ever wanna chat lemme know I’m always down for conversation ❤️ -
Hitting Rock Bottom...
Jaelzion replied to carrielee's topic in General Weight Loss Surgery Discussions
I started at 5 feet tall/250 lb, so very close to your stats. It was pain that drove me finally have the surgery. I had a broken down knee that doctors wouldn't replace unless I lost weight. So I had the surgery in 2019, lost 130 pounds and had my knee replacement in 2020! It's a long process, with lots of ups and downs, but my quality of life is SO MUCH BETTER now. I wish I had done it sooner! Don't get discouraged by all the hoops you have to jump through, just take things one step at a time. Best wishes! -
I had my first consultation with my Bariatric surgeon today. I said I would prefer a sleeve but that maybe a bypass is better for me because it seems to have a better long term outcome with keeping the weight off. He said that both procedures have the same long term weight loss it’s just up to the patient to eat right. He also said that you cannot stretch out a sleeve. The one that really surprised me was when I said that I have reflux and I don’t want a sleeve to make it worse, we’ll he told me that both can give you reflux and that I’ll just be on Prilosec either until it resolves or forever because it’s perfectly safe. What is everyone’s thoughts on all of this? He did elude to the thought that he only does bypasses on extremely large unhealthy people.
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April 2022 Surgery Buddies
mlortega replied to Crinkles's topic in PRE-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
My pain is on the upper right side incision I don’t know if you had the sleeve or not but I have 5 lil incisions kinda all in random spots the upper right where they went through the most stomach muscle is pretty sore but not sore enough that I can lay on my stomach and side if adjust carefully I recommend a pregnancy pillow they are fabulous after weight loss surgery. My liquids and protein intake has upped substantially so I’m really happy about that and I’m losing a bout 1-2 pounds a day so far so I’m pretty pleased my energy is up to I had a busy day today of errands and walking and I’m still pretty good. Wbu?? -
First plateau at 9 months post op
lizonaplane replied to Rey Rodriguez's topic in POST-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
Three weeks is barely a stall! I know people who stay the same weight for months, then WHOOOSH! lose a few pounds. It is definitely harder to lose weight as you get closer to goal/a healthy weight. -
I think the quality of the food is more important than the quantity of the food. Plus, one day of eating 1400 calories is not going to cause you to gain weight. Were you eating protein or chips and cookies? Were you eating real food or drinking a milkshake? There were times at 11 weeks out when I would eat about 1000 calories or more, but I still lost weight. It was mostly days when I had exercised a lot or was awake for longer than normal (like had to get up at 3 AM for a flight). You should eat when you're hungry, but make sure your eating healthy food, and that you're experiencing TRUE hunger not head hunger, thirst, or some other emotion.
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I felt the same regret the first 2 weeks after surgery. It was really intense and felt like I didn’t care about losing weight anymore. I didn’t even look at the scale, but I could still see my body changing. It is a lot like postpartum in a way, and I am grateful to have a lot of support at home. Everything is looking a lot better now that I’m doing at least puréed foods, but I still struggle a lot. The past couple have days have been great compared to those 2 really dark weeks. My care team told me that I will probably experience the stages of grief, and eventually it will get a lot better.
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To help we need a little back ground information. Please tell us your height , weight and age. Then how much weight you have lost. Then if you could tell us what you ate for the 1400 calories. It may be a very simple fix. Do not beat yourself up its only one day
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1. How long after surgery did it take for you to notice that you were losing weight? Literally - within days. My face started slimming out before I could comfortably get out of my recliner, haha. 2. What was one of your favorite items to eat right after surgery (would love recipes)? RIGHT after surgery I was on a clear liquid diet for a week, then full liquids for another 2 weeks. I really liked the Gatorade Zero protein - got some protein in, and it worked well to mix my daily dose of Miralax into. On the puree stage, I loved some beans (black or pinto) pureed and then heated up with a bit of cheese and a drizzle of taco sauce. YUMMM. 3. How long after surgery did it take you to feel amazing? I had a lot of post-operative pain because of some complications, so I struggled with pain for the first 3 weeks. Once that deep muscle pain finally went away, I felt awesome really quickly. About the time I got to start eating some foods instead of only liquids. 4. When exercising, was it hard to get in to the habit of doing so? If it was hard, how did you keep yourself motivated? Some days are harder than others for sure. I'm 2 months post-op, and am motivated by all the non-scale victories - like being able to fit into the jeans that were too tight when I had to go back to the office! And I'm finally under the weight limit for my bike so I can ride it this summer! I started with walking and at firt could only make it down the street and back, and now I walk every day because it's my calming practice. I exercise 60 minutes a day most days now at 2 months post-op, mostly walking but some swimming, strength training, VR boxing... I'm constantly amazed by how much more ENERGY I have now!!
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VSG stories **fertility trigger warning**
LilaNicole20 replied to KGreen's topic in PRE-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
Well, while I haven't ever been diagnosed with PCOS, I am experiencing infertility. I was pregnant once, for 25 weeks and then my babe experienced fetal demise and passed. We got pregnant naturally but not since 2020. I just had RNY on March 8th and I'm hoping we see a positive test in our future, again. Infertility is frustrating and painful. just hang in there. I had the surgery for fertility reasons, too. Hoping this provides my body room for my eggs to release freely and to safely bear another child. Congrats on taking control of your life and your circumstances. I'll be following you and your story ... maybe we both will get our rainbows! edit: Not sure if you have it or have heard of it, but I use an app called Glow to track my cycles. There is a community section on there (similar to this) where you can search for weight loss surgery, vsg, gastric bypass, etc. and read the stories and experiences of people on there. You can, of course, post as well. It's a little more focused on the PCOS and fertility angle than just general weight loss. Food for thought. -
VSG stories **fertility trigger warning**
ElleyOtter replied to KGreen's topic in PRE-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
I have PCOS and struggled with infertility back when we were trying to conceive my kiddos (now ages 5 and 7). I'm only 2 months post-op RNY, but I'm hopeful that this WLS will help with my PCOS symptoms. I was told to use two forms of birth control for the first year, because the rapid weight loss and resulting hormone fluctuations can make people SUPER fertile, and my program says not to get pregnant for the first 2 years post-op. Only 2 months out and I can already tell this is the best decision I've ever made for my body. I've lost a fair amount of weight before, but with my PCOS it's always like swimming against the current and I always wind up gaining it back plus 20 lbs (like, EXACTLY 20 lbs, for some reason!) The weight is coming off so much more easily this time, and I can already feel that it's going to STAY off and not be an endless struggle. My skin has cleared up, I've got less peach fuzz facial hair (no more shaving my sideburns, yay! lol). And my abdomen, which is where I carry the most of my weight and has always been the last place for weight to come off, is now one of the fastest shrinking parts of my body! Excellent. Sending you loving and positive vibes on your journey! -
Gall Bladder problems After VSG?
Toomany#s replied to Crisscat's topic in Gastric Sleeve Surgery Forums
I worked in surgery and the surgeons used to say “Fair, fat, female, forty and fertile” to describe a lot of gallbladder patients. It’s very common even without weight loss surgery. -
VSG stories **fertility trigger warning**
KGreen posted a topic in PRE-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
Hi I’m just looking for some people who are going through or have been through the same. I have really PCOS (Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome) I have tried for years to loose weight and it has impacted on my fertility hugely for the last 3.5 years. I have decided on a VSG (hopefully at the end of May). I am so angry that it has come to this as my only option and feel completely abandoned by the NHS. I know that this surgery will change my life and hopefully for the better but the permanence is bothering me. Is there anyone out there who has had their PCOS symptoms improve with VSG? What is the post-op like? Please help, I’m in so much turmoil about everything and it would be amazing to not feel so alone. -
Alcohol is a Transfer Addiction !!
Creekimp13 replied to BigHarleyGuy1's topic in WLS Veteran's Forum
ANY addiction can be a transfer addiction after a bariatric surgery messes with your food addiction. About a year after surgery, I noticed I liked to go gambling more. (not an insane amount, but instead of going maybe once every three months or so and taking $50, I was going maybe twice a month and taking $100. One month, I went once a week) I'm thrifty, so I noticed the casino losses in my budget right away and said....oh, hells no, this has to stop. So, I quit gambling entirely. Dodged the bullet on that one, thank goodness. But....of course.... that void looked for another way to rear its head. I started buying way too much **** on Ebay and Amazon. Late night purchases. Ugh. When I identified that issue....I quit, and promptly started hitting thrift stores and buying too much crap. Just kept swapping out one source of instant gratification for another....kinda like food. Addiction is a real thing. And finding healthy ways to deal with that need for instant gratification (and the hidden **** that drives it) will always be something I deal with. Very often when I hear people talk about regain... they will beligerantly insist that they don't have problems with food addiction or disordered eating. And I always think....oye. This ain't gonna end well for you. Admitting you have a problem is the first step, imo. And I know that sounds cheesy...but it's true. You need to get your head around your blind spots and confront them. Understand the behavior so you can change the behavior. I'm 4.5 years out, maintaining my weight loss (very proud of this)....but more aware than ever before how food addiction has impacted my life and my habits. Also, more aware of what drives my addictive behaviors. Still workin on it, man it's hard! Parts get easier, parts get harder. Just gotta keep fighting the good fight:) -
I hear ya. I had VSG in 2018, didn't lose all I could have, lost 65 pounds, then gained back 30 during COVID. Just recently lost the 30 back, but I still need to get down 30 more pounds at least. The good news is that the surgery still is the tool that keeps me from eating too much food. It stops me when I'm full. I can still lose weight. I'm focusing on protein, very few carbs.
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Looking for some opinions on this...
I♡BypassedMyPhatAss♡ replied to SleeveToBypass2023's topic in General Weight Loss Surgery Discussions
It's really hard to say what will be the best choice for you until you get closer to goal weight or the weight you level out at. One thing to take into consideration is the diastasis recti muscle. That muscle is often separated due to pregnancies and or obesity. If that muscle is separated, it will be very noticeable once you lose weight and once the excess skin is removed. If you Google diastasis recti, you will see for yourself what it looks like. Then imagine removing all of the skin the way a panni does. That's what you'll be left with post panni (this is only if you have a separated diastasi recti) so it's all theoretical at this point. So with a panni only, it's possible to have a flatter lower abdomen, but a protruding area right down the midline. As far as lipo goes, I've never heard of lipo being added to a panniculectomy, because generally speaking, panni's aren't a sculpting type of plastic surgery. It only removes excess skin. Tummy tucks usually always include some lipo, even if it's only gentle feathering. Because tummy tucks also include muscle tightening, so it's a sculpting type of plastic surgery. So lipo is used to let's say, sculpt the flanks, etc for more shape and definition. My PS is one of the professors at the local university, so her fees aren't as pricey as a PS in private practice. She operates at the best hospital in my county and since she's a professor, she has a lot of residents coming and going during her surgeries because it's a teaching hosptial. So her fees are less. She did my fleur de lis but submitted to insurance for a panniculectomy and she didn't charge me anything further. You might find a surgeon willing to do the same. I would say keep researching and learn all you can now, but know that until you get closer to goal and consult with a PS it'll be difficult to say what direction you should go in. You might have an intact diastasis recti and a panni is the only thing you will need. You never know until you see where you land on the other side of weight loss. P.S... Real Self is a great site to research plastic surgery procedures. You can read patient stories and see pics, and see fees and reviews of the surgeons. I wish you the best on your journey! -
Revision Supervised Weight Loss Question
Daddyof4 replied to Juniper123's topic in Revision Weight Loss Surgery Forums (NEW!)
Hi Juniper, I was in about the same situation. I got my band in 2012 and started having significant reflux last summer. I had my band unfilled which helped the reflux but I packed on 40 pounds. I went to Inova Bariatrics and talked about revision to bypass; they said I had to go through the whole program again, which I did. I did not have the supervised diet part and I continued to gain weight until I went on the 2-week liquid diet just before surgery. I had the band removed and the bypass done March 21. I have Federal Blue Cross and they approved as soon as I met the requirements, including cardiac clearance, primary care physician clearance, etc. I don't quite get where your diet supervisor is coming from; I had comorbidities in addition to the high BMI - reflux was one of them (high bp was the other). I think your doctor is right that the reflux should be enough because reflux is one of the signatures of the band. I wish I had known that in 2012 - I would have done the bypass then instead. If you stay with that practice you might be stuck (pardon the lapband pun) doing as the diet supervisor commands. Different practices have different rules. I like my practice very much but they're in Fair Oaks and Woodbridge, likely a huge trip for you. Remember, even though the pre-op diet is very difficult the reward will be worth it. You can do this! -
I had a sleeve in 2017 and told my best work friend and parents. When I started losing weight so rapidly, people thought I was dying, like from cancer or something. And I had no idea until said work friend came to me and was like “this is getting out of hand, how have you not heard anything, say Something!” Ha. Now I’m doing a revision to bypass and I am shouting it to the world. I’m so excited! And definitely want no one to think I’m dying!
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First plateau at 9 months post op
Guest replied to Rey Rodriguez's topic in POST-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
I think you can lose as much weight as you choose to in principle - though it will be progressively more difficult. As ever, decreasing calories in, increasing calories out will do it. -
Looking for some opinions on this...
SleeveToBypass2023 posted a topic in General Weight Loss Surgery Discussions
Thinking about after I eventually hit my final weight loss weight and am stable. I was going back and forth about a panniculectomy once I'm able (mostly because my insurance will cover it) and while I know it won't tighten any muscles, I'm hoping it will be flatter and my clothes will fit better (I'll be having my surgery on May 3rd at age 43 and looking to hopefully have my surgery about a year and a half later). I've already had 2 kids, I'm a grandma of 1, and I'm not going to be wearing any bikinis or crop tops lol So I don't care so much about tummy tucks but I do want my excess skin removed and my stomach flatter. I hope it'll happen with the panniculectomy. HOWEVER, I've been seeing posts about people not having belly buttons and not being evenly shaped, and that had me concerned. So then I started thinking about having the panniculectomy (paid for by insurance) and then paying the difference for a tummy tuck and lipo as needed (or maybe just lipo to even everything out???). I'm confused about the best way to go that also won't cost a fortune. I know a panniculectomy is more expensive than a tummy tuck, so I'm thinking if I just maybe add lipo to it or even the tummy tuck and lipo, the cost shouldn't be too high, right? UGH. I know it's a ways out, but I need time to save (I'm the sole breadwinner in my family, so I'll need every bit of time to figure out what I'm doing and save for it). Thanks in advance for any help and input!!! -
Gall Bladder problems After VSG?
Arabesque replied to Crisscat's topic in Gastric Sleeve Surgery Forums
Gall bladder removal is not uncommon for anybody. Gall stones can form for a couple of reasons: high cholesterol, rapid & excessive weight loss, menopause, or high bilirubin levels. So it makes sense why many bariatric patients have their’s removed at some point. Some people can have gall stones for years that only rumble a bit so they don’t know they have them. They’re discovered because of the pre surgical tests so some people have their gall removed during their weight loss surgery. My stone was discovered during a scan to see why my liver function was off about 7 months after surgery. I’d have no symptoms but last June I really knew about it - very painful!!! So my gall was removed about two years after my sleeve surgery. Mine could have formed because of the weight loss, menopause or because I have high bilirubin levels. It was an easy surgery. My surgeon used the same incisions from my sleeve surgery & I was home the next day. I did have more muscular discomfort & gas pain though. My diet is generally lowish fat so I don’t have issues with that. But I have noticed every couple of weeks that I have a bout of diarrhoea (manifests more quickly than ordinary tummy upset attacks). My sister-in-law is the same. We think it’s a build up of digestive acids because the gall isn’t there to regulate it anymore. -
Sigh** definitely can relate to your post. You’ve gotten great advice so far. I too was in a stall that lasted a couple weeks. I’m 7 weeks post op: so mine was right on time lol I was the same weight for a week then I gained 3 lbs, then another 2, then back down again. This week in happy to report my first stall which I aptly named Olga.(great suggestion from a wonderful person on here to name stalls) it made it fun to give if a name. I made her my friend and I also understood that my body just maybe needed a break from losing. But I was also constipated. I took some milk of magnesium and that was quickly rectified. Good luck!
