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POSTED UNDER Gastric Sleeve Surgery REVIEWS

Jumping the hoops for Gastric Sleeve surgery. I could really use some support/advice. - Slidell, LA

ORIGINAL POST

I am a 47 year old married mother of 2 boys. One...

countrycarrie31
I am a 47 year old married mother of 2 boys. One is grown and the other is 13. I formerly had the lap band and did well. I lost 80-100 pounds. I had major trouble (multiple infections and slippage of the band) I finally had to have the entire system removed after the 3rd infection. I was so done with all of it and I think I really gave up for a time. My current weight was 315 pounds when I went to see my weight loss dr about 3 weeks ago. I am currently 308 pounds. I have my psych eval tonight, already cleared by my cardiologist, I have to have blood work and see my primary dr next week for clearance and then I see the weight loss dr the following Monday and then I should have a surgery date. I am having a lot of physical problems that should disappear when I lose enough weight including sleep apnea, chest pain, high blood pressure, high cholesterol etc. I could really use some support. I don't really want to tell too many people this time around. It always felt like people watched to see what I was eating and it made me uncomfortable. Maybe I was just internalizing but I am keeping my circle small except for all of you. Any advice for comments?

Replies (98)

August 4, 2016
I'm type 2 diabetic, and I'm already off insulin! you have to through your whole self into this. I know people are watching me since I've had so many other losses and gains, but this feels different. Mostly because the hunger is not there, the longing for pasta and all the high carbs, is not there. I feel in control, which is something I haven't felt in a long time. But it takes dedication and commitment to win this war! I have really bad feet, they are flat and achy. Already, even though I've lost a total of 36 pounds, I feel soooo much better. Hang on, stay strong, bear down and do this. It is a life saver.
August 4, 2016
Thank you so much for your comment. I am so tired of being sick and tired. My son is 13 and my husband is a normal weight and active too. I want to do things with them. I want to play basketball in the driveway, go kayaking and bicycling with them. The little things I am missing out on are what I am looking forward to the most. Regaining my health and well being. I'm not even nervous. I can't wait to get started. :)
August 4, 2016
I agree with you with the gastric sleeve the hunger is gone . The lap bad does no do that. However for most of us that have been struggling with our weight most of our lives it is mainly emotional eating, but II say to Country Carrie DO IT . It is life changing, but worth it. I have mine on July 15th and I already lost 14 pounds.
August 4, 2016
congrats candy0930. that's awesome. I was sleeved on 7/25 and down10 pounds, plus the26 I lost before the surgery. I've been an emotional eater my whole life, my family doesn't know what to do with me. LOL
August 4, 2016
that the attitude! you know what I want to do???????????? Not get a worried and sick thinking about whether the dang belt will fit me on the airplane or get stuck sitting next to someone large. The seats are ridiculously small, but I have a panic attack every time I fly. And I fly quite a bit. Heck, I might even sit in the middle seat. Hang in there, life is beautiful when we get healthy and fit! keep me posted of your journey.
August 8, 2016
You are so right about the plane thing. That is an issue for me too and it is sooo embarrassing to ask for a seatbelt extender. The last time I flew I kept the extender so I wouldn't have to ask again. Haha! Soon I will be able to give it back. :)
August 8, 2016
I weighed in today, down 13 pounds from the surgery on 7/25. It is this kind of result that makes you want to jump for joy.
August 8, 2016
That is amazing!!! :) I am so excited to get going. I did my psych eval on Thursday
evening. Cardiology is complete and I did bloodwork today. I see my primary at
the end of this week and then back to the gastro doc on Monday to hopefully schedule surgery! :)
August 8, 2016
Hang in there, once you have your date, the time flies by!
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August 4, 2016
I also formally had the lap band. I had it removed June 3rd. I am scheduled for the sleeve Sept 19th. I have to say I had the band for 8 1/2 years lost 100 lbs. I had a good run with it but it had to go. I have gained 1/2 that back. I am looking forward to my new journey to begin. Best of luck to you.please keep us posted of your journey.
August 5, 2016
Hello! I've not had the sleeve yet but I've been told that this particular surgery is more effective than the band...and less likely to have complications. So, just because you had complications with the band doesn't mean you will have the same complications with the sleeve. I'm not going to have my surgery until the end of December...so we're in the same boat with waiting for tests & approvals....keep in touch and we can support each other! :-)
Good luck!
Dee
August 5, 2016
countrycarrie31, you will get a lot of emotional support, and tips about eating from this site. Until someone has stood in our shoes, they have no idea how we feel when they stare if you go to pick up a piece of cake or whatever at a restaurant. Anyway, your body is yours; and no one has the right to tell you what to do with it. If anyone you don't want to know comments about how much weight you are losing all of a sudden, just answer with ''I know! I don't know how! And I have been eating everything I want to, like cakes and chocolates, but my metabolism must have changed or something, because I eat, and eat, and eat and am getting slimmer!'' After everything you have been through with the lap band, I think you are very courageous going for the sleeve. You could have just given up, but deciding to try again to lose is a testament to your committment. I will follow your progress, and wish you good luck every step of the way.
August 16, 2016
Thank you so much. :)
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August 5, 2016

Hey there! Welcome, and thanks for sharing your story with us. I hope you'll get lots of support from the community. Have you checked out the Sleeve Gastrectomy forum yet? It's a great place to find others who are going through the same experience, and gives a good opportunity to build yourself a solid support network, especially when you're planning to keep your circle small. Here's a good post to get you started. Hope you'll enjoy reading it, and maybe we'll see you chatting in there soon :) Good luck, and please keep us updated.

Top 10 Tips For Before and After Gastric Sleeve Surgery

UPDATED FROM countrycarrie31

Waiting on a surgery date

countrycarrie31
I have officially jumped through all the hoops required by my insurance company. I completed a psych eval, cardiac clearance, primary physician clearance etc. The file has been submitted to my insurance co for final approval and then I will get a surgery date. Praying for God to move the mountain that the ins co can be and so I can move forward quickly! :)

Replies (15)

August 18, 2016
My insurance came back with approval in less Than a week. Everything happens fast at that point. I am now under one week to my surgery date. If you want the preop diet to go easier, start now by dunking the protein shakes and bars for at least one if not two of your meals. Then have a reasonable dinner. I think this has really been my saving grace. the last ten days of the diet have gone as well as can be expected. You are in the home stretch. Remember this is for your boys and future grand kids as much as you.
August 18, 2016
Thanks Greg. I really appreciate the support. :)
August 23, 2016
Good luck! I had my surgery last September, the VSG, and it was the best thing. I did have complications afterwards and still do, so that is something a lot of ppl did not talk about on the online stuff I read. But nonetheless, I am so happy for the ways it has helped me change my life! I wish you all the best. If you have not already joined some of the Facebook WLS groups, please do because they really made a difference for me, so supportive and great for advice and asking questions. There is a secret closed group only for women and I can send you an invite if you like. If you want any 1:1 advice feel free to send me a message.
August 24, 2016
Thanks so much! Yes please send me the invite! :)
August 24, 2016
Ok, whats your name on FB.
September 25, 2016
Calinabi I just joined the group and getting prepared for VSG surgery. Can you send me an invite to the private WLS Group please. I would also like to talk to you if that's alright.
September 26, 2016
Surething! Ok, 1st i have to send u a friend request. After you accept that, i csn send the closed grp invite. Whats ur full name on FB?
October 26, 2016
Can you please send me a invite as well. I am considering having this done and have a lot of questions. Thank you in advance.
October 26, 2016
whats your real name on facebook. I have to friend you first, then after you accept I can add you to the group. That's the way FB does the closed groups. :)
November 6, 2016
Hello can you please send me the invitation for Facebook thanks
September 24, 2016
I am in the same situation. I just had my band removed Thursday I should get gastric sleeve in a few months
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September 25, 2016
Good luck and keep your surgery to yourself. I was open about it and was criticized about having the surgery as much as I was about being over weight. I had my sleeve done in 8/30 and I feel great! SW 245 CW 220.
September 25, 2016
I agree that who you tell is your business!!! I feel badly that you were criticized about it, pvinson0607! Just goes to show you that some people just aren't happy unless they're making others miserable!!! For myself, the people I tell are close friends and family....because I don't feel it's anyone elses business. Although, I stopped caring and wanting other people's opinions and long time ago. So long as God and my husband are happy with my choices, I'm good! :-)
October 1, 2016
Gastric sleeve... Best decision ever!!!
UPDATED FROM countrycarrie31

I have a surgery date!

countrycarrie31
My surgery is scheduled for September 26th! I could have had it next week but I feel like I need the extra few weeks to prepare myself. Yesterday I started cutting out any snacks in between meals.
I felt like I was starving when I got home. I am guessing it is head hunger mostly and I need to get a handle on it. I've already cut out soda and sugary drinks. I had a half cut tea this morning but it will be my last one with any real sugar. I picked up a box of Truvia so I am prepared that way. I don't want to go with things like equal and Splenda because I know they are really bad for you. I am going on a shopping trip soon for all the things I will need after surgery. My Dr only requires a liquid diet the day before surgery. Is there anything additional I need to be aware of or any tips. I am a determined lady going into this. I have to....for me. I want to feel good, live and not just be a spectator. Wish me luck! :)

Replies (6)

August 30, 2016
You are taking the right first steps. Sugar and high carb snacks leave us feeling hungrier. They just don't stay with us. If you like yogurt, try some greek yogurt, most are good sources of protein, but watch the carb count. I will be praying for you. I wish you all the best, and success. God Bless You. Barbara
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September 1, 2016
You are going to fantastic this time so hang on there when it gets rough congratulations on making the decision to get healthy
September 24, 2016
You can do it!! The truvia will take a little getting used too, but stick with it your taste buds adjust to the sweetness. Much better option than any other sweetener. Don't forget a good book!
September 24, 2016
Good luck and keep us posted!
September 26, 2016
Hope all went well.
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October 3, 2016
Yaaaaayyyy