My Story From Southeast Asia

**VnGuy** · 07-18-2012 08:44 AM

Hello all. I was sleeved on July 9, 2012 at Bumrungrad International Hospital in Bangkok Thailand. I live in SE Asia and this is a first rate Cigna certified hospital. I was very fortunate to not have to jump thru so many hoops to get approved. My company doctor approved me and that was it. The whole thing was about 2 months. I was low BMI but back and knee problems made the surgery necessary for me. Even considered low BMI (37) I still need to lose 100 lbs to get to my goal weight. I'm tall so I guess the weight just spreads out.

The first night was awful. The gas pain is unbelievable and my only complaint about the hospital here was they are stingy with the pain meds. Night two was much better and night three I was feeling fine.

At my I week postop I was down 5 kg or about 13 lbs. I am not hungry. I eat 7-800 calories a day just to get my protein. That includes 2 scoops of protein in something. To my surprise I have no problem with solid foods. I know you will all freak out about going solid so soon but my doctor insisted that my stomach was fully healed and as long as I don't overdue it then nibbling on a slice of ham is not going to harm me. So far I have eaten eggs, chicken and ham. I chew really good and have no problems. I have noticed that some foods make me feel queezy for about 30 minutes but I'm still figuring out which those are. I am never hungry but I do miss the taste of some things. My moth is kinda blah all the time.

I wish I had a little more energy and I notice that I don't feel full. I usually stop eating because I feel queazy in my head or because of gas. Really, I don't feel anything in my stomach. Kinda strange. The hardest thing to follow for me has been not drinking before or after eating. But I don't do, drink that is. Also I have noticed a few nights of heartburn but prevacid seems to take care of it.

Anyway, that's my story for now. I'll keep you posted.

**Gayle** · 07-18-2012 09:23 AM

Thank you for posting your story. It sounds a bit like mine. Low BMI (mine was 35.4) but attending problem (mine was severe and worsening diabetes 2).
I am glad that you are eating and not experiencing difficulties. You really shouldn't be, so your surgeon must have done a good job!

Welcome to the ranks!
Hugs

**Jackie W** · 07-18-2012 09:51 AM

Welcome..sounds like u are doing great..I never had any problems with food once I was given the ok to start eating solids. I have determined that all doctors are very different in their approach. After I had my surgery done I was given the ok to eat puree foods a week after surgery..Now the doctor is making them wait a little longer..oh well..

**VnGuy** · 07-18-2012 10:46 AM

Gayle

My surgeon explained to me that the stomach heals very quickly because of the amount of blood flow to it. I realize that seems at odds with other doctors so i hope no one goes on the defensive about that. He also does 3 rows of staples and then does stitches over that. He did 2 leaks test and so I figured taking 1 bite was not going to hurt me. So far I have not eaten more than a slice of ham and slice of cheese at one time, chewing it very carefully. The doc also took detail pics of the procedure and showed me everything. So far all is good. I have one more appointment before I return to my work in Vn.

I hope no one thinks I am telling people to go solid sooner. I'm not. Listen to your doctor.

Take care

**ninaricci46** · 07-31-2012 12:32 AM

Hi VnGuy
Can you send me a Personal Message on this forum with the details of the surgeon you used, was it very expensive as I am in Australia, had a gastric band for 2 years with heaps of problems, will have it removed within the next 2 months and then want to go to Thailand to have a sleeve operation. My BMI is not that high now, but my weight is jumping coz the band is not inflated... so the surgeon here said that my BMI is not high enough and refuse to do it.. I have had my full body tuck done at Yanghee hospital and they were wonderful...