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Call your doctor and get a more effective painkiller. I didn't feel any pain for the 3 days post up bc I took oxycodone as directed. Don't suffer if you don't have to.

If you feel like talking, there are several of us on here who have had strictures, I had an RNY, have been fighting it and jejunal ulcers since October 2018, a month and half. after my surgery on September 5th. Been a long time,healing, but I am hoping,for resolution soon. In the meantime I have learned to roll with the punches. My journey has not been average, that's okay, I am a Limited Edition anyway. And still in most ways I am much better than when I started. My High Weight was 365+ on a 5ft8in body, I am now just a skoosh over 200 pounds, haven't been weighed for maybe a week, 214 then, been losing about 3-r pounds a week so maybe 210? In some respects it is what it is, but I try to keep my fluids in, on a pureed diet basically, a lot of soups, broths, protein shakes, that is what my pouch accepts and handles. Had a PICC line for 3 months, was being fed TPN 12 hours a day, have had mutiple endoscopies, I think 13 Lifetime, another scheduled June 12th, have had to have an Iron INFUSION in March, but afterwards I did find renewed energy. What next? Don't know but I am a resilent old chick and I WILL,MAKE IT THROUGH. So I'm here if you need an understanding virtual shoulder to cry on, okay? 😝❤🌈

Some of the flavors are really tasty,some aren't, that's the way many things in life are, I believe I liked the Cream of Mushroom the best. A little watery but remember I was raised on 4%milk and real butter, my aunts. cooked like a threshing crew might be happening by, always enough a stranger could be fed, one Aunt always set a place for Jesus, the fact he never quite showed up didn't deter her.

Hey there! first off congrats on making the decision to do this! I agree with the other posts about who you tell is your own business, people will prob get suspicious, but the bottom line is you made the decision along with your dr about doing something that is medically necessary for you!! I have not told many people including family about my decision bc unless they are personally going through this they might not understand that this is beyond diet and exercise in most cases. I had my surgery 7 days ago at REX with DR NG. You are in the best hands with the Drs and staff affiliated with Rex bariatrics! They are extremely organized and caring. It took my insurance 6 months but It went pretty fast because you are constantly keeping up with monthly nutrition, education classes, and dr appts. I had a little pain in recovery but the anesthesiologist was right there with me asking me how I was feeling and pushed more pain meds into my IV. I really didn't need anything but Tylenol after. I have had 3 c-sections so I always compare everything to that and this was nothing in comparison. I was up walking the same night as surgery ( a little drugged up but walking, and the nurse let me hold onto her) I had some discomfort swallowing liquids but I think its to be expected while you are healing. Everyone experiences something different so don't be afraid to speak up and be pro active in the hospital so they can make you comfortable. I was nervous about nausea so I let the drs know and I didn't have any probs. I was in the hospital for 2 days. Im still recovering and the only set back Ive had is an unfortunate delayed allergic reaction to the solution they prep you in before surgery. this is only a 1% chance that this will happen ,- I should go play the lottery! Id be happy to help with any questions you might have especially since we are with the same group of drs. Don't let the fear of the unknown make you second guess your decision. I met a couple of gals during my classes, we stay in touch daily, one had her surgery before me and one is going in several months.. it helps having someone who can truly relate to what you are going through, we genuinely support each other!! maybe our paths have already crossed, maybe they will in the future, in any case Im not far away!

I told a few close coworkers when I felt comfortable in doing so. Of course my husband and kids know. One of my sisters and one of my best friends. I think that’s a lot of people. I’ve been laying low while I’m working on myself, inside and out, because I don’t need any outside noise, especially if it’s going to be negative. And you kinda know who’s gonna be supportive and who won’t. Tell whoever you feel comfortable with and be vigilant in protecting your peace and energy. If someone comes with that BS, stop them and let them know their opinion isn’t needed, in a nice way of course lol

I've perfect vision my whole life. I'm 54 and in the last 5-7 years I developed an astigmatism out of the blue. I have 20/60 in my left eye now. On top of that I need +2.50 reading glasses to read. Could it maybe be just aging? That's what my eye dr told me. Also, before surgery I would get blurry vision at night. My endo told me it was from my high bs. I hope you find an answer!

@lolo2020, I am not sure that the benefits wear off entirely, but it depends on what benefits are really working best for you. If this is just about restriction, your capacity to eat will increase over time. Call it stretching for the sleeve or something else, but it happens to everyone. Your stomach will never go back to the size it was before the operation. I suppose it could if you abuse it, but it's unlikely that will happen. It will get larger though over time. Even if you can eat 1.5 plates of food--you probably could eat 2 or 3 before the operation. That's still a big reduction in quantity--not as much as right after the operation though. However, if your filling your plate with pasta and fried chicken, 1.5 plates will send you back into obesity quickly. On the other, the sleeve (even at a larger size) will still be an effective tool if you're fill it with healthy foods. The other benefit of the sleeve (and probably the most important benefit) is the metabolic effects of the surgery. I am not really sure how long the metabolic changes caused by the surgery last. Maybe they are permanent, but my guess is that these benefits also slow up over time. The studies just aren't conclusive on this. I don't think that you're capacity to eat or your metabolic changes ever go back to what they were before surgery, but the effects may still lessen over time. In the end, maintaining this weight loss comes down to how we use our time during this honeymoon period. If we use this time to change our lifestyles and get healthy new habits, I think the benefits will be sustainable in the long run. That said, it's not easy to predict the future and the long turn outcomes for VSG patients 5-15 years out is still yet to be determined. One thing is certain, if we don't make major changes to our diet and exercise programs, we will not be have successful journeys. I know that no matter how the world sees me (and I am thin now--not just thin for me, but really in good shape thin), I will always be an obese person that struggles with weight. I am doing very well right now and I am 100% committed to this program. I want this to be a lifelong success. I also know that if I am not careful and let things slip, I will end up back where I was eventually--even with the sleeve. Here's the deal--and I am going to tell it like it is. I didn't get fat by accident. I did it to myself over time--making excuses for why it was ok to eat badly and not exercise. I lied to myself and anyone that asked. I had a great excuse for everything---but it was all BS. I am not going back to being that person. There is nothing cute or beautiful about being fat. I used to joke about it all the time when I was heavy--but it's not funny at all. Being fat sucks!!! Feeling ill and sweating through my shirt just walking up stairs sucked!!! Being too tired to play with my kids sucked!!! Having constant back and knee pain sucked!!! Having to take injections for Type II diabetes sucks!!! I having to take 12 pills every night before bed for all my medications sucked!!! Having high blood pressure sucked!! Everything about being obese sucked!!!! Not being able to buy clothes off the rack in a normal store sucked!!! Being told that if I don't change my eating and exercise habits I may not be alive in 10 years sucked!!!! I am finally where I need to be in terms of weight and health and I pledge to God I am not going to squander this second change!!! No f**king way!!!!! I worth more than that and I have too much to live for!!!! Here's what I have to live for: Here's a recent picture of me (I think it's from May 1?)

I have a dietician to see for the rest of my LIFE, that's the way Ohio State University,is set up and what they believe. Oh they are Good Good people there! It's a little like adoption , you are in their lives as long as You Live!🌈😝👍And I am very lucky to have found them. The program that I did at another Center of Excellence hospital- based program , same city, but different people, different attitudes, found out after all that they did not like me, didn't care if I could do all the things they requested ( and since there was a gap of 16-17 months I had to do each twice) The surgeon refused to do my surgery and forbid his partners, the only ones at this particular hospital,to perform surgery on me. Talk about a Death Blow to my emotions, didn't not make plans for suicide because I was at the apathetic end of depression, Why try THAT? I couldn't even succeed at that, just leave permanent scars, and I would have to explain why I could not even succeed at something so simple as Offing Myself! When I finally settled down a little bit of crap has been added to my state's history .Now they are attempting to remove Statue of Limitation on rape, especially referring to human trafficking, Ohio like many other Midwestern states has a bad reputation for boys and girls getting kidnapped into this seamy underbelly of vice. Perverts seem to. ❤our healthy corn-fed appearance.

I start to feel that feeling too, a little below my chest. I have learned to stop eating when that happens, bc I don't feel "full" yet, but I know from experience now that if I keep eating, I will be miserably full for the next 30-60 minutes (I haven't thrown up since my surgery, but I've had extreme discomfort from eating too much, and I think I've learned from that.) I think you're right though, feeling 'full' now is not going to feel the same as it did before the surgery. Sent from my LM-V405 using BariatricPal mobile app

Not feel like everyone is looking how much and what I order bc of my size. Love that I can control myself when eating now. Easier to make better choices and when I don’t make a good choice not binging on what ever food it is.

To look in the mirror and recognize myself again. To be able to play with my kids and not be winded or barely able to get up off the floor bc my back, hips, and knees hurt so bad. To shop for clothes that I like and not just what fits and is comfortable. To finally dig those tubs of skinny clothes I’ve been hoarding out and try my old jeans and bras on! To do basic things easier and not get out of breath: clipping my toenails and painting my toes, going up stairs, etc. To not have to worry about my thighs rubbing together and if I brought anti chafing gel/powder lol. To have energy to do anything and everything!!

Okay so I swear that for the first 6-8 weeks after being sleeved my stomach would NOT stop growling. It was weird bc no feeling of hunger was there, but my head kept trying to tell me it was time to eat bc my stomach was making nonstop gurgling noises. I learned to embrace the gurgling and would even make jokes about it. Now that I’m 3.5 months post-op, the gurgling has slowed down, but it still happens from time to time and it just cracks me up. The other day I was in a Pilates class and it was gurgling so bad the instructor noticed. all I could do was shrug and move on. For the record, I wasn’t even remotely hungry when it happened.

Interesting. I’m using the patches right now, but I’m using them with a dash of skepticism. I saw a ton of reviews saying they worked and their labs were fine. I switched to patches bc the pills cause stomach cramping. Hmmm... 🤔 Good to know too about the Ursodial. It hurts my stomach too, but I get it’s a necessary evil. I’m increasing my protein and water to see if that will kick my stall to the curb. Thanks for the info.

Right now I still get full off of 2.5oz of chicken or beef (always grilled no fat or sauce added) so if I eat veggies it’s usually between meals. An example of a “snack” would be 4 raw broccoli bite size pieces dipped I 1 T of hummus OR 1/2 a large pickle. I’ve done so well since I had my sleeve and it’s so scary bc really this is my first “stall” I’ve had. It’s like my body doesn’t want to get into the 160s at all despite eating the same foods I’ve always eaten 😒

My nutrition class says 1 cup 3x a day for sleeves. I prefer to eat 1/2 cup 3x a day to keep a lower bs, but once my diabetes is in remission I will go to 1 cup 3x a day.

You called telling them you were feeling sick and they told you to see a mental health professional? That would have made me feel bad as well. Maybe you just had a big bc you’re feeling better now right?

I’ve noticed recently that I am able to eat more than I was before. I had one occasion where I ate too much and got sick in the past but other than that I have eaten small, below the size portions that I should (bc I stop as soon as I feel anything). Is this normal? I have had a huge fear since surgery of screwing this up. I know I haven’t overeaten over and over to screw it up but how is it I’m able to eat more? I am still losing. Slowly but surely. Goal Dr set was 145. My goal is 135. Started st 231 Pre op-221 Current weight-143 I am very happy with the weight loss. I just want it to stay off.

So I hadn't lost weight much weight in 2-3 months had been upsetting bc I was only 5 months out. I decided Monday I'm doing a reset. 3 days clear liquids. 4 days full liquids. 1 week soft foods. (this is my own plan not doctor) I am happy with the reset so far! I was 187 and day 3 I'm 183. I am getting full again and noticing a difference. I feel like I did in my 2nd month. I'm happier and more optimistic about the weight loss. I'm almost to goal 170lb I'm so excited!!! I also found walmart had their own brand of SMART with electrolytes. I love it!!! Im curious how does everyone do their reset? Was it successful? Did it kick your metabolism back into gear? Sent from my SM-G965U using BariatricPal mobile app

Thank you...I will give it a try. It is so odd bc it is the only one that hurts. Sent from my SM-N960U using BariatricPal mobile app

Sorry for the delay in response! My pre-op appts took a while bc I had to have a sleep study. They were really booked up. I had my initial consultation in October 2017 and had surgery in March 2018. I scheduled all the pre-op stuff myself. I had to have a mammogram too. The surgeon basically gives you a honey do list depending on what they think you need and what your insurance requires. Some people have to have nutrition counseling too.

Since starting my preop diet, I have lost 54lbs. 54lbs in 9 weeks just seems insane to me. I’m super proud of myself bc I wouldn’t have been able to do this without the surgery, but I still worry I’m losing to quick. Anyone else had this concern? Here are a few progress pics:

Sorry, i know i am late! I had my surgery on 5/6! First couple days weren’t too bad! Prepare to stay more than one night in hospital because some doctors require it if you haven’t passed gas! Thankfully mine did not! Remember to walk walk walk after surgery! The gas pain is unreal! No one could have prepared me for it! So walk it out! Once i got home it was a little harder for me. For one i am a side sleeper. I am still laying on the couch bc i cannot lay flat or on a certain side. But i hear this gets better with time and everyone is different! I still struggle with getting the right amount of water and protein in! At first just the sight or smell of food made me want to throw up, but not i am hungry but it is still hard to get them down because i feel so full constantly! Also, the feeling of not pooping for 6 days is completely weird lol! I had to have the doctor order me some Miralax to help my process along quicker! Prayers for yall who are having surgery this month! It’s been rough but i know will be worth it!

In 2015, I was at my highest weight ever of 420 pounds. I had high BP, High Cholesterol, Acid Reflux, Sleep Apnea, and had just been told I was diabetic with a BS of 7.5. I didn't have insurance so I searched around and finally found Dr Dirk Rodriguez in Dallas, TX who would do my VSG for 10,000 cash. I had my VSG on 6/23/2015. After a few weeks recovery, I began walking then fast paced walking, I introduced intermittent jogging, then jogging with intermittent sprints, inclines, stairs. I started bicycling. I got to where I was jogging/running 5 miles a day and cycling another 5-10 miles a day, every day. I was going to a gym and doing some strength training, hitting the rowing machine, doing some kickboxing classes, etc. A little over a year later, I was down to my GW of 190 pounds. Every single one of those comorbidities....GONE!! No more medicines!! I swore that I would never regain that weight, I felt better than I had my entire life. But then reality set in, you see, that whole year that I was doing this extreme cardio and other exercising, I was living off of my savings, not working, so I had all the free time in the world to focus fully on losing the weight. But, then I had to get back to work, my savings was pretty much gone. I am a career crane operator, over 20 years, it's all I know and it pays very well. It is also a very sedentary job, just sitting in a crane all day for 12- 14 hours, 7 days a week. Needless to say, it gets boring. I began to snack (graze) throughout the day. I mostly still eat healthy, just too much, that coupled with the fact that I have no time for all of the intense exercise I was doing....I have regained about half of what I lost. I am now back up to 320 pounds. So, since I have no intentions, at 45 years old, of trying to change careers, I have decided to try a revision to the Mini Gastric Bypass. I am hoping that the restriction of the sleeve, coupled with the malabsorption of the bypass, as long as I keep eating healthy, even if it's a bit too much, it will even things out. I know that I need to work on the grazing habits. I also know that I need to try and make some time somehow to get in some kind of exercise, even if only 15 minutes a day. I am scheduled for my revision on June 15, 2019, almost exactly 4 years since my VSG. I will be going to Mexico this time simply because it is so much cheaper, but also because I know the standard of care down there, especially at Bariatricpal MX, is just as good, if not better, than most in the US. Also because the Mini Gastric Bypass is very common there, but not so much in the US. I will be using the very well known and highly recommended, Dr Jalil Illan. I can only hope that I will have as much success this second time as the first. I do consider my VSG a success, I just don't think it was the right procedure for my specific circumstances. Hopefully, with the MGB, I will be able to lose the weight again and keep it off long term this time. For anyone considering weight loss surgery....If fear is holding you back, find a way to get past it. It truly is a great tool. But it is just that, a TOOL, it is not a miracle cure for obesity, you must put in the work, make lifestyle changes, dietary changes, a lot of times it means social changes. A lot of people can be negative or become jealous because you are getting healthy and better looking and they are not. I say this, if those people are unwilling to support you in your efforts to do whatever it takes to be a healthier you, then they are not worthy of being in your life. I know that is a harsh reality but in the end, you need to do this for YOU. It is your life, not theirs. You are the one suffering from Obesity and all the myriad of illnesses and complications that come with it. Do you want to be able to play with your kids, your grandkids? To see them grow up? To see yourself live longer, healthier, happier? To be able to do all the things you have been dreaming of your whole life? Do you want to finally, truly LIVE?? Then do it. Don't let anyone stop you, don't let fear stop you, don't let insurance stop you. Definitely don't let YOU stop you. Get up! Take back your life! Fight for it! Good Luck. YOU'VE GOT THIS.

I just recently had gout. I'm 11 weeks post-op. I've cut shrimp totally out and watching my red meat. It seems to be getting better. I took half a dose of steroid, but my bs was too high, so I stopped. I Hope he feels better quickly!

Thank you....With the RNY, there are two suture junctions (anastomosis) which is how they form the "Y". With the MGB, there is only one anastomosis. In an MGB done as an original surgery, they would leave the duodenum attached to the remaining stomach that is left after creating the sleeve, this would allow for the stomach acids to still flow down the intestine and meet the food further down. The newly created sleeve gets attached approximately 7 feet further down on the intestine. This MGB procedure couples the restriction of the sleeve with the malabsorption of bypassing the duodenum and most of the jejunum. This procedure is far less complicated for the surgeon, there are less complications health wise for the patient like bile and acid reflux that can be very common in both the sleeve and RNY. It is less time under sedation, as well as less recovery time, from what I have read. Now, the question I have yet to have answered from anyone is how this procedure differs in those of us who have already been sleeved and no longer have that remaining stomach attached to the duodenum, and therefore, no stomach acids flowing down to aid in digestion. If/when I find out, I will try to remember to update this. I should add that, even though the MGB seems to be the far better choice over RNY, it is still fairly new and not yet approved by the FDA or the ASMBA (American Society of Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery) so there is most likely no US insurance that will cover it and also very few US surgeons who will perform it. It has become the preferred procedure of surgeons in Mexico and other countries that don't have all the strict bureaucratic BS to deal with.