Just beginning.....

[pinkbarbie 101]

I'm (sort of) just beginning this process of looking into the sleeve. I'm in Houston and two years ago, I looked into having the sleeve done but my doc, dr. Hollis, pushed the band. After having an EGD, I got chemical pneumonia(painful) because I had coughed up some stomach acid while I was under. So I took time off and tried other things but nothing seems to be working.

Fast forward to now, I went to True Results and they are still pushing the band. I am self pay and was told they won't even do self pay sleeves. So, I called NeWeigh on the referral of a friend. They said not to do band, sleeve is a much better option. I had already decided that's what I wanted so now I'm filling out all their papers and have a phone consult next week. They really seem nice. I just hope I have as much good luck as my friend.

However, I'm having anxiety and worrying about problems. I have a thirteen year old who is disabled and I need to recover as soon as possible. What is an average expectation for recovery?

[pinkbarbie 101]

I forgot to tell my stats. I'm 36 5'8" 265 lbs BMI 40.5

[Texasmeg 568]

It sounds like you have been through a lot. I was sleeved Dec. 31 and spent 2 days in the hospital. After a week, I felt ok, just tired. Before 2 weeks, I felt pretty normal. I didn't have complications, but they can happen. Good luck to you with whatever decisions you make.

By the way, I'm in Dallas. Dr. Cribbins did my surgery - he is terrific.

Edited January 29, 2014 by Texasmeg

[FitnFabfor2014 358]

Hi pinkbarbie,

Welcome to the forum. Yes, I absolutely agree with the above post. Everyone is different. I was in the hospital for 2 days also. They gave me wonderful pain meds in the hospital, ahhhhhh. I had a lot of pain when I went home because I had a drain (popped percocet's religiously). I was miserable (lots of pain). After the drain was out, I was good to go. I didn't need any pain meds, I was just very tired also, and a little sore, but nothing major. I took 3 weeks off work (just to be sure). This is my first week back to work and it's actually going very well. No pain at all. Cheers to you and a successful (pain free) recovery .

[magtart 603]

I'm in Houston. I used the New Start Program at Memorial Hermann. My surgeon was Dr. Ricardo Bonnor and surgery was done at Memorial Hermann-Memorial City. I just went to the New Start website and completed their online questionnaire. They called me the very same day to get the ball rolling.

[nesa83 89]

I'm (sort of) just beginning this process of looking into the sleeve. I'm in Houston and two years ago, I looked into having the sleeve done but my doc, dr. Hollis, pushed the band. After having an EGD, I got chemical pneumonia(painful) because I had coughed up some stomach acid while I was under. So I took time off and tried other things but nothing seems to be working. Fast forward to now, I went to True Results and they are still pushing the band. I am self pay and was told they won't even do self pay sleeves. So, I called NeWeigh on the referral of a friend. They said not to do band, sleeve is a much better option. I had already decided that's what I wanted so now I'm filling out all their papers and have a phone consult next week. They really seem nice. I just hope I have as much good luck as my friend. However, I'm having anxiety and worrying about problems. I have a thirteen year old who is disabled and I need to recover as soon as possible. What is an average expectation for recovery?

I'm in Houston also dr Terry Scarbourough did my surgery. He was FANTASTIC. I stayed in the hospital for 2 nights and 3 days. I had horrible nausea on day two then it went away came back week 2 dr said it was ketosis then. Pain wasn't bad I made sure to take my pain meds on time for a week. I had more gas discomfort then anything. I know how hard it is to have a disabled child my older sister is a special needs child. So I suggest get someone to help out with for the first week at least. At the end everyone's recovery is different. You just have to take your time. The best of luck to you!!!

[McButterpants 2,846]

Hi there and welcome.

I had my surgery done as an outpatient - I was in at 6:00 am and out by noon. I had no complications and very little pain. I took four pain pills, but mostly to sleep, not due to pain. My recovery was uneventful.

As far as caregiving - I was self-sufficient on about day 2 (so if I would have had a hospital stay, that's about when I would be released). Caregiving could probably start around day 4 or so, but I wasn't cleared for lifting more than 10 pounds until about week 4, I think.

Best of luck to you! This is a great forum to get information and network with people who are going thru the same thing you are!