I just wanted to feel better. Ex-Army, avid power lifter, but gut, diabetes, high blood pressure, sleep apnea - ENOUGH. All that is gone now. Feeling great with regimen of yoga and racquetball. But now at 248 lbs, I just feel great. No longer snoring, gut is going down, A1C is lower. It's worth it! I just feel so much more alive and food is not a real priority. Just don't think about it as much. Updated on 1 Jul 2018: I’ve gone from 301 to 237 in a little over 3 months. I did not think about this before but my ???? is measuring an entire 7” from almost 6”. No joke, so that’s one benefit of losing the weight. It was always there but now more noticeable when flaccid as well as aroused. ???? wife is happier! So far a combo of protein and veggies, racquetball, yoga and weights for toning. Gym 5 times a week. No excess skin either, all muscle underneath. Updated on 4 Aug 2018: 229 lbs from 302 March thru August, 73lbs down. Yoga, eating right, racquetball! I feel great. A lot more energy, A1C is down, blood pressure is better! My lust has also increased, poor wife! ???? but I feel great and I can see the results. I was worried about the gastric sleeve! It was so worth it. I know they see wait a year to drink, but I’ve been cool with a margarita here or there!
I'm 29, married with 3 kids, I'm 5'4" at my heaviest weight I was 260 this is over 50% of what I normally weighed even after having 2 kids. For some reason after I had my last child I wasn't able to loose weight in fact I kept gaining and gaining. All my family is morbidly obese in fact I had an uncle who was almost 900 lbs. I don't want to live this way any more, I want to be able to be healthy and enjoy life with my kids. This whole process has gone faster than I ever Imagined. I had my initial appointment on March 04 2016 and was required to have an EGD, Blood work, and a physiatrist approval, and a nutritionist appointment ($50). After all that was said and done I got a call on 04/19 that I was approved and we set a date. I started my 2 week liquid preop diet on 04/20. Whoa what an adjustment, the first 4 days were horrible but now as I get closer to my sd it gets easier! I started at 260 and now I am at 249, 2 days before my surgery. I've lose 11 lbs just on the liquid diet. My surgery date is 05/04 exactly 2 months from my initial visit. I'm very blessed that my insurance has covered it and between doctor appointments and parking fees my total OOP is under $700. That of course doesn't include the cost of the preop diet or any bariatric vitamins I will have to buy. I will update any progress I make, and let you know how the surgery goes! Updated on 4 May 2016: Had surgery today at about 12. Staying over night but hoping for 2 if pain does subside. My blood pressure is getting higher now it's 150/93, so I might need medicine to get it under control. When I woke up in the recovery room I didn't know we're I was but I was in pain and I screamed at them to cancel the surgery. The nursed laughed and says oh sweetie it's already done. ???????? Updated on 7 May 2016: Stayed overnight in the Hospital on Wednesday but they sent me home on Thursday. Once they gave me pain medicine my blood pressure dropped. I've been walking around a taking sips of water often. But there is no way I'm near the 48-64 oz of fluids they recommend. I tried chicken broth, jello, sf popsicles but nothing is agreeing with me. As soon as I eat something my stomach hurts. Today I tried some of the GNC lean 25 protein shakes and I drank about an ounce and that was it. I'm worried about getting dehydrated since I'm not getting fluids down like I should. I've also still been in quite a bit of pain, although I have been walking around. I have also taken gas-x and milk of magnesia (yuck) to try to get rid of some of the gas pain and the feeling of constipation (TMI I know). I'm ready to start feeling normal again, how long did it take you to start feeling better? And how do I get some fluids down without feeling like crap? Updated on 20 May 2016: I had my 2 week post op yesterday. Everything went good. I am finally feeling better! The first week was rough. I had excruciating pain from my internal stitches I guess ripping for about 4 days anytime I would get up it felt like someone was pulling my insides apart. I am finally able to eat purees but because my stomach is so tight still I am only getting down about 40 gms of protein a day and not enough fluids so I need to try to up my intake. I also bought Genepro medical grade protein powder from amazon and been putting that in my foods everychance I get, its not too bad. I am pleased to say I am down 4 BMI! Its been officially a month since I started my preop diet and between the preop and post op I am down 24 lbs. I also got the all clear to start swimming and going to the gym. Hope to update you with some pics pretty soon. :)
I had the VSG single incision procedure with TLC in Houston. Two week pre-op liquid diet. Since I started the pre-op diet a month ago I've lost 28 pounds already. Complications/side effects: Horrible bowel movements on the pre-op diet and after the surgery. About a week after they cleared up. Post surgery, the pain in my abdomen was bearable- it was mostly from the port incision. TLC uses an On-Q pain pump. It took a full two weeks for my ab muscle to heal. The gas pain after surgery is the worst; it feels like something is pushing on your whole ribcage. The only cure is walking it off. It will go away. I'm on the puree part of the post-op diet now. I feel full on 1/4 to 1/2 cup of food. It's hard to stay hydrated and eat enough calories because the signals are gone and you get full so fast. I find that flavored water and zero-calorie sports drinks go down way easier than plain water. When I get tired of protein shakes, I mix protein powder in some sugar-free pudding. The best purchase I made for this whole thing is a Magic Bullet- that little blender makes life so much easier. **Note- I paid cash for my surgery, but I did get a significant discount on the hospital fees because I had a hiatal hernia that was repaired during my surgery, which was covered on my insurance.
After decades of dieting, I finally decided to get wls. I made the decision last year, and have been planning away ever since. Unfortunately for me, my insurance plan has a bariatric exclusion, so I am paying for my procedure out of pocket. The $16,500 is what this procedure is going to cost me in total, including consultation fees, pre-surgery endoscopy and labs, and my sister's flight so she can help me out as I recuperate. Anyway, I call this part 2 of three life changes because I promised myself 3 things when I turned 30 three years ago: to switch careers successfully and eventually earn a doctorate; lose my excess weight for good; open myself up to love and be loved! I am well on my way to the first accomplishment (I'll receive my bachelors of science in nursing this December, and am applying to grad schools) and working diligently on the 2nd and 3rd. This wasn't an easy decision, but I am so happy this is happening. My surgery is scheduled for the Monday after I am done with school. As the song says, "the wait is the hardest part!" I would do this tomorrow if I weren't worried that the post-op recovery would interfere with school! Also, I won't lie, I've been considering surgery in Mexico. At the moment, I have about 75% of what I need stashed away, and I worry about how I am going to come up with the rest.....
I started my journey towards obtaining the sleeve in March 2015, I went to MD Toby Broussard in Oklahoma because of good price and good reviews. Initially I was going to pay out of pocket because I thought I didn't have co morbidities aside from my BMI being 39.8 so I thought that I didn't qualify. My doctor sent me for a sleep study and it turned out I have Obstructive Sleep Apnea, he sent me for an EDG and I also have GERD. With these co morbidities my AETNA insurance will pay for my surgery and I can have surgery here in Houston so I'll be much closer to home with MD Sherman Yu at TLC surgery clinic. I might have to put some money into the surgery but not as much as before. After 3 months of nutrition classes and Medical follow ups I finally have a surgery date 7/13/2015!!! I am super excited and ready for changes!!!! I have started making a few healthier changes in my diet like exchanging regular sugar for truvia and coconut sugar instead of regular refined sugar, going fat free on all foods possible. I have joined a Zumba club near by which is really fun!! I am suppose to start my pre-op diet tomorrow 7/1/2015. Any recommendations on protein brands or flavour's? Thanks!!!
I was always thin as a child and into my twenties until I had my first daughter at 28. Pre-pregnancy weight 130- full term pregnancy weight 208 - post pregnancy weight 183. My first diet experience took me down to 153. The next thing I knew I was back to 183, then two more pregnancies and I was over 200 lbs post pregnancy weight. My heaviest weight was 263. I am now at 240. Over the years I've lost and gained the same 80-100 lbs time and again. Then came thyroid disease in my 40s, menopause in my 50s and now bone loss and arthritis in my 60s, which limits my exercise. I'm sure many of you have a similar story. I beat myself up for many years and of course the "thin" world cannot relate and can be cruel. I went to counseling and the whole thing was an uncomfortable experience. The counselor was a string bean who never had a weight problem her entire life. Her approach was that there must be some psychological problem that drives me to eat and make bad food choices, etc. I came out of it feeling worse about myself than when I started. What is wrong with me that I cannot get control of my weight for the long term???? What I now know is there are many factors involved. It’s not just your genetics, willpower, exercise, or eating habits. What it takes to balance the weight equation that leaves so many struggling, is a balancing act of each of these elements. All of this has led me to researching weight loss surgery as a tool to help me regain control of my weight. I've learned that the gastric sleeve procedure removes the part of your stomach that creates the appetite hormone ghrelin. After this procedure most people have less hunger and combined with healthy food choices, exercise, and portion control, allows for weight loss success. I know it's not a magic bullet, but a tool to help me get to a healthy weight again. Hopefully the smaller stomach sleeve will help with portion control for the long term, so I can drop the pounds and get to a place where I can move and exercise again and still breathe and not be in pain. My insurance requires 90 day doctor monitored weight management prior to surgery, a psych exam, a BMI of 35+ with co-morbidities. I saw the surgeon earlier this week and am on a plan to complete requirements and have surgery in late June. For now I am working on gradually increasing my exercise and practicing portion control. I am also trying to eat more often, but smaller meals per day and trying to increase my water intake. I see the weight management/nutritionist the end of March. Dr. Yu wants to do an EGD to check if I have a hiatal hernia, which is scheduled for early April. I will try to find a picture and will post updates periodically. All of the experiences I read on this blog greatly encourage me and give me strength and confidence to embark and complete this journey to health and fitness. I hope my story brings strength and encouragement to others contemplating the gastric sleeve procedure. Updated on 5 Mar 2014: I will have to be on a liquid diet 2 wks prior to surgery and the final four days of that will be clear liquids. I understand this is to shrink the liver for an easier surgery. I have been sampling protein shakes and have ordered my liquid vitamins for post surgery. I know I have lots of time yet, but bariatric items are expensive I've found, so this allows me to spread the cost over the next few months so it won't be so much all at once. I plan to have my pantry stocked with whatever I need for each stage following surgery, especially those first four to six weeks. I see the dietician/nutritionist once a month until surgery so I will update with any new information I learn. Thank you all for your continued encouragement . Updated on 18 Mar 2014: Just got back from a Spring Break vacation in Phoenix and am really proud of myself as I lost 5 lbs while on vacation!! That's a first. We did lots of walking and on the go everyday so combined with a meal replacement shake in the AM and two reasonable small meals, I had good success. I also made sure I drank 64 ozs water everyday, which was easy in dry Phoenix. We'll see if I can keep it up now that I'm back home. I saw the psychologist today for the first part of two sessions. She basically took my history, asked some questions about the particular procedure I have selected, asked about my surgeon of choice and my feelings, thoughts and fears about the surgery itself and the lifestyle changes I will make. I took a written pre-bariatric questionnaire of about 175 questions. We will meet again in April. I am still experimenting with protein powders and recipes and decided to make a notebook of my favorite recipes for each stage of pre and post surgery. My first dietician appt. and weight management class is day after tomorrow. Will post again then. Enjoying the journey thus far. Updated on 18 Mar 2014: A few pics of the "heavy me" so I can compare with the upcoming "new me". Updated on 28 Mar 2014: Went to my first class last week and was given a sample menu plan and encouraged to stop caffeine drinks and diet drinks with artificial sweeteners, like Crystal Light, etc. Not sure I can do that completely. Especially when I go on the full liquid pre-op diet. I can only take so much of the milk based protein drinks as I prefer flavored waters and teas. I have heard many of you say Crystal Light has been their saving grace and I feel the same way. What have your doctors said regarding this? I am still working on trying to increase my activity but it is slow going as I can only walk a quarter of a mile (about 20 mins.) and my left hip and back hurt so bad I have to stop. I am praying it will be easier when I've dropped some of this weight. Insurance says I cannot have a gain between my first class and my last one in May. Now that it's a requirement, I'm hungry for all the things I shouldn't eat, but mostly BREAD. I'm sure it is a psychological head thing and I've heard I will go through similar challenges after the surgery. I tell myself...you can do this, you can do this, and try to find something to do to distract myself. Updated on 3 Apr 2014: Had my second session yesterday. Got the results from the questionnaire I completed the session before and I am mentally "normal" and cleared for the surgery from an emotional standpoint. I shared with my counselor about all the things I'm doing to prepare for the surgery and getting my support systems in place so when I have challenges (and I will - that's life) I will have steps in place to deal with them. One of them being able to journal here and share with all of you. Some other things I've done is make a list of 50 things to do instead of snacking. I've also written a list of the things I hate about being fat. I'll review these often to keep myself reminded and motivated. I also have the option of scheduling one on one appointments with the nutritionist at my surgeon's office should I reach a stall or need any help with food issues. I'm already learning that my war against fat (and it is a war) is won day by day and battle by battle. What I'm about to undertake is not a "diet" but a lifestyle, and though it will enable me to lose weight more quickly, I will continue to have challenges. I am doing everything I know to prepare for them and have my battle plan in place! I also found out about a wonderful app for my smartphone from my counselor, called "Lose It", I can even sync my Bluetooth scale and Fitbit to it and have everything in one place to track my food, weight, and exercise! I can set multiple goals for short term and long term and track each separately within my account. The fitbit tracks my movement and sleep patterns and will even let me set a silent vibration alarm to wake me in the morning. My Lose It app will also send me reminders on my phone when to take vitamins/meds, drink water, and eat my snacks. I continue to try recipes and save my favorites for post-op. A great website for this is The World According to Eggface. The writer, Shelley, had a gastric bypass surgery several years ago (lost 158 lbs.) and has developed many recipes which are suitable for the puree and final stages of bariatric weight loss surgery. Updated on 11 Apr 2014: I did not get on the scale all week as I was discouraged it was moving so slowly. Glad I did! Pre-op weight down to 230 lbs from starting weight of 241at my first visit to the surgeon. Now if I can do that again between now and mid May, it should be a good loss before I start the pre-op diet in June. I must say I have to give credit to a new APP I downloaded on my phone called Lose It! It helps me track everything I put into my mouth and my exercise, water, and weight. I have a Bluetooth Smart scale and it sends my weight to the APP whenever I weigh. The scale also measures BMI, fat percentage and hydration. I heard the new Samsung Galaxy 5 phone tracks your steps and physical activity everyday. I ordered a Fitbit wrist band that is supposed to sync with the Lose It App also and record my daily physical activity/calories expended, etc. It really does help in making me aware of where I'm at with diet, exercise and water. Cool tools to help me get where I want to be. Six weeks to go to complete the weight management requirement for my insurance. I will try to lose as much as I can between now and then so the surgery will go well and hopefully help me get to my goal weight sooner! All of you are encouraging me so much - and helping me to be prepared for the changes and what to avoid and what works well. As someone said - Onward and downward (with the lbs. that is)!!! Updated on 24 Apr 2014: Well, I'm down 19 lbs since first seeing the Dr. 2/24. Was 243 on my first visit and weighed in at 224. Today the nutritionist led the class. She had bypass surgery 12 years ago and shared her story. Basically the class was a Q&A. Feel like I'm on track. I've quit sodas and caffeine, I'm working on increasing my activity level. My Fitbit has really helped in that area. A great investment to help me keep aware of my activity level, my food intake and sleep patterns. OH! I am down one pant size. One more class to go in late May and then I wait for the insurance company's approval. I'm thinking of going on an all liquid diet once the final paper work is submitted so I will be ready for a quick surgery date and don't have to wait another two weeks to complete the liquid diet. I am going on a family reunion trip to Canada in mid August and want to be on regular food by the time I travel if at all possible. I've added photos taken today. Updated on 24 Apr 2014: My EGD surgery was changed to 5/5/14 due to scheduling conflict for the Dr. He wants to make sure I don't have a hernia. If so, that will change how they approach the surgery and they will take care of it at the time they perform the sleeve. Updated on 6 May 2014: Had my EGD yesterday and the Dr says he will repair the hernia when he performs the sleeve surgery. I suspected I had one as I've had GERD for years and occasionally severe enough to cause chest pain and pressure in the upper stomach and chest. I will be glad to have it repaired. Down 22 lbs and hope to lose another 10 -12 before surgery. I spoke with a bariatric nurse with my insurance company today who will be my case manager. She will call me monthly once I've had surgery and is available as an additional resource post surgery. I also found out that once the Dr's office submits the file for approval, it will only take a couple of days to get approval provided everything is in the file that they require to make a decision. Good to know since I am hoping for a surgery date no later than mid June so I will be on regular food by the time I travel to Canada in mid August for a family reunion. Updated on 15 May 2014: I am down to 218 lbs (25 lbs from 243 on Feb. 24th, and down 4.5 inches in the waist). I hope to lose 4-5 lbs more before the final weigh-in that goes in my file for insurance approval. Insurance does not require a certain weight loss, but encouraged me to lose all I can so the surgery will be safer and go easier on me. My surgeon requires a two week liquid diet prior to surgery to shrink the liver, so I will actually start that on Monday, May 26th. If I get a quick approval, as I hope to, I will be half way through the liquid diet and hopefully can get a surgery date for the week of June 9th. WOW! I just realized that is just 3 1/2 weeks away. Updated on 29 May 2014: Completed my final WM class today (down 30 lbs. since first class in March) and nutritional counseling to prepare for surgery. Lost 2.5 inches in neck and 4 inches in waist. File being submitted to insurance tomorrow and should have surgery approval on Tuesday. I wanted to start pre-op diet today but was told NOY to start until I see the Dr. again for pre-op session and lab workup. Have to complete two week liquid diet prior to surgery so looks like the earliest date is week of June 16th, which is about a week later than I had hoped. I am going to Canada for family reunion in August and wanted to be on regular diet before I leave. Depending on how I do, I may still be on soft foods and just beginning to introduce solids. It will be interesting to see how I will travel and get acceptable choices for a soft diet. Once I get to my relative's home, I'll be fine with access to blender, etc. but two days travel getting there will be a challenge. Guess I could take baby food jars (YUCK!) with me and eat those if no other alternative. I will add some current photos this weekend. Updated on 4 Jun 2014: My ins co called today and said I do not qualify for coverage of the gastric sleeve as my BMI is under 40 ( when I began this journey it was 39.9). If I had comorbidities it has to be over 35. My high BP does not qualify because it is being controlled with THREE medications. I had a sleep study done two weeks ago that showed some obstructive airway events so waiting to hear if the doctor recommends a CPAP. If he does, then I will qualify, but have to get all this finalized by the 18th when my surgeon has a peer to peer appeal hearing with the ins co approval committee or my case will be closed and I will have to start all over again and go through another 3 month waiting period, psyche exam, weight management, nutrition counseling, the whole deal. Please join me in praying that the sleep study report will be finalized and will qualify me for the surgery by the 18th, as I cannot afford it as self pay. I am just so disappointed - all this hard work - I'm down 30 lbs and was ready to start my 2 week liquid pre-op diet and I get this news. I am determined to keep going, whatever it takes to get to a healthy weight and BMI again, but not sure I can do it without the help of the surgery. I've never been able to stay on a healthy eating plan for more than 4 months and I am approaching that in a few weeks, and felt I have been starving this whole time - don't know if I can keep it up long term with my stomach at regular size and producing ghrelin. Updated on 4 Jun 2014: Just posting a few pics after losing 30 lbs after completing my 90 day weight management program. Down two sizes in pants and one in tops, but not sure if it really shows or longer hair just makes my face look slimmer. Updated on 9 Jun 2014: I spoke with a patient advocate and was encouraged to appeal my ins co denial to cover the surgery. I also got the results of my sleep study and have sleep apnea and will go overnight to the sleep lab at the hospital to have them monitor me and get my pressure settings for my CPAP machine. I also got some high blood pressure readings that were taken at a local urgent care over the past 16 months that should help to prove that my blood pressure is NOT under control most of the time even on 3 medications. There will be a hearing on the 18th and this additional information will be submitted to the insurance company. Hopefully the initial decision will be reversed and I will be cleared to set a surgery date before the end of June. Updated on 17 Jun 2014: My surgeon had a peer to peer phone conference on Friday with my insurance co. and explained about the sleep apnea recently diagnosed. They requested documentation and it was faxed late Friday. Today my doctor's office called to say they received official approval and the surgery scheduling coordinator will be calling me to set a date. Thank you all for encouraging me and praying with me that this decision would be reversed. Now I've got to psyche myself up for the liquid pre-op diet. I CAN DO IT!! I didn't come this far for nothing and I want the surgery to go as smoothly as possible with NO issues from a too large, inflexible liver. Updated on 25 Jun 2014: I am scheduled for surgery Sep. 8th. Pre-op appt to get lab order is 8/22 and I start my all liquid diet 8/25, when I return from my family trip to Canada. Feels so good to know this is really going to happen. Enjoying all of your posts and making notes so I will be as prepared as possible. EEEEEEEE!!!!!! (squeal) SO HAPPY right now. Updated on 22 Aug 2014: Saw Dr Yu today and the nutritionist for my all liquid pre-op diet guidelines. Also got my post op prescriptions to be filled before I go into the hospital. I start the diet Monday and find myself thinking about having a favorite meal every meal until then, but I don't want to regain the weight I've lost, so I'm sticking to my 1000 calories/day. The doc said he was very happy about the 36 lbs I've lost while waiting for surgery. Said I may not lose much on the liquid diet sine I've already lost all the easy weight. (Easy weight my a_ _! I worked hard to lose this 36 lbs.) Trying to work up a schedule of meds and liquids for post op so my daughter and mom and dad who will be helping me when I return home from the hospital, will have an idea of when I should be taking meds, vitamins, etc. Got a script for Stadol nasal spray for pain as I cannot tolerate the codone meds. I've never taken it before so not sure how I will respond to it. I also found out I will have a Qi pump while in the hospital. Will probably have to stay 3 nights instead of the usual two for everyone else as I have a clotting disorder that will have to be monitored post surgery and have a higher likelyhood of bleeding since I will be on high dose thinners starting 12 hours after surgery. They want to get my blood at the right level to prevent a clot but keep me inpatient so they can check daily for leaking and excessive bleeding of the stomach. They would rather have me bleed than clot, so a little longer stay than most folks. That's usually how it is after any surgery I've had. I had a pulmonary embolism in July of 2009 and don't want that to happen ever again as it was NOT a pleasant experience. I'm trying to psyche myself up for the liquid diet. Hope I can stick with it! Updated on 25 Aug 2014: I have been very busy helping my daughter with her newborn so haven't thought much about food until now...almost bedtime, and my family's usual snack time. I'm trying to be satisfied with a Crystal Light fruit punch with protein powder, but can tell I am going to miss chewing big time. Day 1 down, 13 to go! Lord give me strength! Updated on 28 Aug 2014: It's a good thing I'm seeing such good loss since I STARVING TO DEATH!!!! This liquid thing is tough. Have to keep busy, busy, busy, or all I think of is FOOD. Can't remember when I last weighed 204. Hope it continues through next week. It would be great to be in the "1"s before surgery. Updated on 3 Sep 2014: Well, i am not doing so good. I have not been able to totally adhere to the liquid protocol I was given. I have eaten vegetables in soup a couple of days but have kept my overall carb count below 50grams so I will stay in ketosis. Not sure how the Dr will feel about that but it is what it is. This is REALLY hard for two weeks!! The problem for me has been I miss chewing. I get a film on my teeth and a yucky taste in my mouth from the protein drinks and not enough variety. I caved at day 6 and day 9. I am at 202 lbs. Hope to get in the "ones" before surgery day next Monday. I am down one pant size and two sizes in tops, down two sizes in bras also. Will try to post a pic on Sunday for my pre-surgery picture. So, down 61 lbs from my high weight of 263, and 41lbs from my weigh in when I got my surgery referral from my GP in late Feb. 67 lbs to goal to lose post-op. Do I dare shoot for that by year end? I would have to average 4.4 lbs per week until year end to reach it. I know there will be stalls from time to time so a better time frame would probably be by Valentine's Day. Updated on 5 Sep 2014: Attended a support meeting last evening provided by my surgeon's office. Both pre and post op patients attending. Talked about eating myths after WLS and guidelines for the four stages of eating after surgery and then for those post op about staying on track long term and the importance of attending meetings at least quarterly to avoid weight gain again. I spoke with the nutritionist after the meeting and told her I hadn't ashered to the liquid diet entirely. She said as long as I ate protein and non carbohydrate veggies and stayed in ketosis, the liver will still shrink and become flexible, but to try and adhere until surgery day on Monday so my stomach will shrink also and make for an easier surgery. She suggested freezing my protein drinks/shakes so I can satisfy my chewing need. 3 days to go! Updated on 9 Sep 2014: All went well but had a restless first night. Throat is very dry. Lots of pressure on my left side. Hope to get my drain bulb pulled todsy. Updated on 12 Sep 2014: Had my sleeve on Monday and had to go to ER Tuesday night with severe pain on left side going all the way through to my back. I had a large cyst on my left kidney that hemmoraged. Lost 4 pints of blood. Getting transfusion of two bags of whole blood and a bag of platellets. Get more tests tomorrow to find out if bleeding has stopped. Appreciate all your prayers. Updated on 17 Sep 2014: After 8 days in the hospital following my kidney hemorrhage, I am finally home. VERY WEAK and still some infection but on liquid antibiotics now. Got to start full liquid diet a couple of days ago but find I cannot stomach the taste of protein shakes/drinks, or anything sweet or salty tasting. I was on IV vitamins and iron in the hospital and now Doc wants me to take liquid version but I cannot tolerate them either. My stomach hurts when it is empty and hurts when it is full. I have acid stomach and especially bothersome at night. I take acid reducer but it doesn't seem to help. IN the hospital they were giving me Carafate which coats the stomach and prevents ulcers. I did not have as much trouble with it on that. I am going to talk to my Dr about getting a script for a bit longer until my stomach is healed. I know I am not getting enough protein and liquids, but doing the best I can. He said as long as I am getting at least 24 ozs per day I should not get dehydrated. Not sure if I am getting that or not. I enjoy SF popsicles as they make my tummy feel better, hydrate me, and satisfy the chewing, I miss. Hopefully this phase will pass quickly. The Dr suggested I make some protein popsicles out of my powder and cyrstal light to help me get in more protein. Not sure how many ozs a pop is, but I guess every little bit helps. I weighted 202 when I went in for surgery and weigh 199 today, so only down 3 lbs in the 9 days since surgery. (Had a 6 lb gain for the first few days following, but have lost that now.) I'm in "onederland"! 59 lbs to goal. Need to go lay down, I'm exhausted! Thank you one and all for the prayers and well wishes. Updated on 22 Oct 2014: I never thought I'd get into a size 12 again. Visited my daughter a couple of weeks ago and she gave me a size 16 pair of jeans she used t wear. They were a little loose in the thigh area but fit in the waist. Now they are getting loose in the waist also so time to shop as I don't have anything smaller than an 18 in my closet and the one pair she gave me. I went to Old Navy and was expecting to fit into a 14 in the flirt style but they were too big in the thigh area also and a little snug in the waist. The saleslady suggested a different style called sweethearts and they fit fabulous in a size 12. I couldn't believe it. I am now in size 14-16 tops and size 12 jeans, and I still have 35 lbs to lose to reach my goal range of 135 - 140 lbs. I started this journey in size 22 or 24/3X plus size tops and 2X plus size jeans and had to shop at plus size stores and departments in the mall stores and now can shop in the regular misses department and regular stores. The problem is now there is so much to choose from and so many more styles to choose from that it is taking forever to shop and figure out what styles are becoming on my new body and shape. A fun problem to have though. I have hit a plateau on weight loss but this shopping trip lifted my spirits and I honestly don't care that the scale is not moving. At my last postop meetinig the nutritionist said that I will not lose like I did before the surgery at a few lbs a week but rather lose at a rapid pace a few weeks and then stall a few weeks, but my overall average will be about 3-4 lbs per week when all is said and done. It is actually a good thing I have slowed down. My skin is hanging off my upper arms like a bat. I also have lost volume in my cheeks and my eyelids are sagging (especially in the AM when I first get up). The eye doctor said if they sag a little more, my insurance will pay for eyelid surgery because they will begin to block my upper peripheral vision. Maybe a little Juvederm will help my fill in the hollows of my cheeks. I'll wait until after the first of the year and save up for that. Prayers and good thoughts going everyone's way. ZenLady, you've been in my thoughts today. Hope all is well. My camera was acting up so will get new battery and post a pic soon. Updated on 23 Oct 2014: Wish I had a better fitting top for this pic. It is so big that I had to bunch it up in the back and clip it to stay snug so you can see the weight loss. I seem to be losing more in the legs which were already thinner than the rest of me. The big roll of fat around my middle will be the last to go I'm sure! Not brave enough to post a pic with shorts or underwear. Nobody wants to see the fat apron on my lower pelvis or the sagging breasts - including ME!! Just happy to be in my size 12 jeans! Updated on 8 Nov 2014: I have been on solids a couple of weeks now and can only eat about 2 oz of meat at a meal. I get too full and know if I push it, I will start to hurt. My doctor says it is because everything is tight at first. I had a hiatal hernia repair and the opening to my sleeve is REALLY tight. Have to chew, chew, chew and even take a few sips of water with food or it just won't go down into the sleeve. He says in time it will loosen up and things will get easier. He said I will know when it happens as I will be able to gradually eat more and should not have to drink with meals then. I see him again in two months. I have only lost 32 lbs since surgery 8 weeks ago, but that is an average of 4 lbs/wk, which is what I was told to expect. The majority of that was during the first month. I've had stalls over the past month, but again was told that is how it is after the sleeve. They say I will probably not lose as quickly as others who have 100 lbs or more to lose. I lost the majority of my weight (61 lbs) in the weight management program my insurance required before surgery. Post surgery I gained 6 lbs from swelling and inflammation, and now have lost down to 177, for a total loss of 86 lbs. Only 37 lbs to goal, but it will most likely come off very slowly now. I hope to be to goal by Valentine's Day at the latest. I would probably do better if I could exercise more but am restricted from anything except walking due to the hematoma on my kidney. Over exertion will cause it to hemorrhage again they say. All in all, I am very pleased with my progress and especially the knowledge that I can keep it off now. That is still foreign to me, and find myself wondering from time to time if it will really stay off. I know there are some who gain again, but NOT if they are eating sensibly. If they gain more than a few pounds, it is because they are either: grazing (eating too frequently), eating sweets, eating high fat foods, or drinking high calorie beverages. I had a friend who had a serious binging problem and would eat ice cream and drink milkshakes (several times a day) and she put half her weight back on before she got counseling for her binging problem. She is back on protein shakes and a sensible diet now but she is still in treatment for her emotional issues that drive her to binge. I also learned at post surgery nutrition class that about a year to 18 months out, we can handle more food and tolerate sweets again without it making us feel sick. Need to stay aware of that and not eat more or sweets, just because I can. Updated on 12 Nov 2014: Wish I could exercise. I'm sure it would melt off if I could be more active. Anyway, 24 lbs to my goal of 150 (the weight I was briefly and felt the best at over 26 years ago after my last daughter was born) and 39 to the doctors goal of 135. He says I need to be at the bottom of my weight range so I have room to float as my weight will fluctuate about 10 lbs over the course of a year once I hit goal and he wants me at a BMI of 25 at the top of my range. We'll see. I am 5 feet 6 inches tall and will be 63 next month. I don't need to weigh what I did in my twenties. Clothes are already fitting well and looking good. Another 30 lbs and I should go down another size at least. I am in a size 12 jeans that are actually baggy in the thigh and butt, but fit just right in the waist, and in a 14/16 or large misses top. I have always carried most of my weight on the top half of my body . I have an apple shape, rather than a pear shape like most women. I was always broad shouldered and a little on the busty side. When I put on the weight it went to the waist line first. I looked like a barrel on toothpicks as my legs and thighs were the last place to gain. My legs are already super thin and I have no butt. I don't want to lose anymore on the bottom but the top half is REALLY resistant. Lots of sagging skin under the arms and on the tummy. So far spanx wear is keeping it all in place but don't want to have to wear it in summer as it's so dadblasted (Texas adjective ;-)) hot and humid here in Houston. We'll see where things are next spring before it gets too hot. Updated on 29 Nov 2014: Went shopping today as the last jeans I bought (only a few weeks ago) are so loose and baggy in the rear end. I am down to a size 10 and weigh 172 lbs. Wearing medium and large misses size tops depending if they are form fitting or not. Could probably wear all mediums if it were not for these "D" cup breasts. The scale has only moved a few pounds since I shopped last but I guess my body is still changing and adjusting to the weight I've already lost. NO complaints here! Had 23 of my family members here for Thanksgiving Dinner. Many I had not seen since last year and others before the surgery. They were astounded in the physical change and said how I looked like a totally different person from last year. We brought out some old family photos later and they pointed out that I now resemble the Cathy of my 20s. Have to admit I did not eat as I should but the scale hasn't moved up or down, so that is a good thing. Of course I did not over eat as the sleeve limits my volume, but I did have a taste of seasonal dishes like sweet potatoes, stuffing, etc. I also had a bite of pumpkin pie and a couple of ounces of wine. I found I enjoyed the ham more than the turkey. It was still great to prepare favorite dishes and watch everyone enjoy them. Thought it might bother me that I could not partake as in years past but it wasn't a problem at all. I bagged up about 6 kitchen size plastic bags of clothes and took them to Goodwill. Felt a little wierd - found myself thinking "What if I need these again?" Dear Lord, I pray I never do, but after 30+ years of wearing plus sizes, it just does not seem possible that I can stay this small and never need them again. I went to the Dr. last week and he ordered some tests as my blood pressure was high and it had been low even before the surgery. He thinks there is some kidney damage from the hemorrhage I had to my left kidney after the surgery so I am on a new BP med but at a low dose to see if it is enough to control it. Other than that, all is well. I am so glad I had this surgery and am loving my new life and all the energy I have. Updated on 18 Dec 2014: I am finally in the 160s as of today. The weight is really coming off slowly now but in all honesty I have not been getting in all my protein lately, so that is probably why. Also kind of glad it slowed down so maybe my skin won't sag so much. In a size 10 jeans and medium and some large tops. Feels so good! I am having some blood pressure problems still since my kidney hemorrhage, but other than that I am off all meds. Having some additional tests to determine if there may be permanent damage to the kidney from the hemorrhage that may be causing the BP issue. Will try to get a picture posted soon. Charging my phone now so can't take one at the moment. Hope everyone is doing well. Want to see some progress pics from some of you on your reviews. Hardly anyone posts pictures and you will want to see your progress later so get them posted, Ya'll! Updated on 3 Jan 2015: Am posting a picture I took today. Not feeling the best as I have the flu and an ear infection. Still enjoying the journey and no regrets for the choices I've made for VSG. It was a year ago today that I determined I would pursue my journey to health. Saw my PCP, got his support, went TLC Surgery Associates a month later and am 98 lbs lighter. Lost 61 lbs during the seven months prior to surgery, gained 6 lbs in the week after surgery (9/8/14 surgery date) due to swelling and inflammation, and 43 lbs since then. Not too bad for a 63 year old lady I guess. Wish I had done this years ago! Updated on 7 Mar 2015: Seems I am stuck at 160 lbs and wanted to be at 150 by now. I am happy with my pant size 10 but wanted to be in a medium top and usually have to wear a large. Oh well. No guarantee the remaining 10 lbs will come off the top anyway. I am still having problems with my top blood pressure number which is too high but that is due to the hemorrhage I had after my surgery. Everything else looks good according to my last labs. I have lost a substantial amount of hair but can see it is beginning to come back in a few places. I continue to take my biotin (10000 mcg) and get in 80 - 100 grams of protein per day. So glad I did this surgery and not a single regret. Updated on 2 Nov 2015: Just posting a new pic. Not much to report...weight stays between 160 and 170. Will increase my exercise when cooler temps set in to stay and hopefully get into the 150s. Finding I can eat more and can tolerate sweets now without any problem. Have to watch that. Wasn't a sugar craver before surgery, now I am. My weakness was always breads. Now can't hold bread as it expands and causes discomfort in the sleeve. I still have to eat every few hours or my stomach gets empty and growls really LOUD!! and sometimes hurts too. I haven't been drinking enough lately so will try to increase liquid intake and see if that helps the between meals hunger. Still have blood pressure problem with the top number due to scarring on my left kidney from the hemorrhage I had last year. Dr. is suggesting I have a stent placed in the main vessel of that kidney to open it back up from the scarring and hopefully will take care of the high pressure problem. Not looking forward to another surgery but been on 5 different meds and none of them are controlling it. Doing great otherwise. Did not have to have a skin graft for the cancer on my leg last spring after all and no further problems there but have to watch it for several years to be sure as it was a stage two. Will update again at 18 months post op and let you know how I'm doing. Pray all of you are having success on your journeys. Updated on 31 Oct 2016: Haven't been on site in so long but life has been busy and hard over the past year. I lost my father last fall and my mother earlier this month. Mom was disabled and required daily care but she was the glue of our family and will be so missed. I pray my four siblings and I stay close as I've heard some families don't stay as close after both parents have passed. None of us are so close geographically that we see each other all the time so I will make an extra effort to continue family get togethers at holidays and so forth. This has also affected my eating habits. I am not as conscious of what I choose as I once was and have found I definitely have a sweet tooth now. Now that I have more free time, i plan to get back to more physical exercise. My lowest weight post op was 157 lbs and a size 8 pants and medium or size 10 tops. Sadly I have regain and now weigh 177 and wear a 10 -12 pants and large or 12-14 tops. I always said if I went back up just one size, I was going to get back to basics and here I am so I will go back to drinking 4 protein shakes per day and an evening meal of protein and non-carb veggies with no more than 800 calories per day. That is the plan that allowed me to lose 61 lbs on my own before the sleeve surgery and hopefully it will work again. I have learned it is truly just a tool and we must be cognizant of our choices every single day. Will let you know how things are going.
