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  1. #1
    Gastric Sleeve Member calicojack42's Avatar
    I have had a gastric sleeve.
    Surgery date
    08/12/2013
    Surgeon
    Dr. Firas Hamdi
    Join Date
    Mar 2013
    Last Activity
    07-28-2014 08:02 AM
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    Middletown, NY
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    Question So nervous about this. It's like standing in-line for a huge roller-coaster.

    My BMI is currently 50.2, and I am getting a gastric sleeve this summer. After years of yo-yo dieting, I feel this is the only option I have left, though it kinda leaves me feeling defeated by my own lack of willpower. The whole thing leaves me with some questions. Forgive me if they'd been answered time and time again in this forum.

    1. How was the recovery?
    2. What has your weight loss been like so far?
    3. Do you feel satisfied after eating, or do you still have the compulsion to stuff as much in as possible?
    4. Do you regret getting it or has it been a generally good experience?


    I hear there is a "food mourning" stage for some people, and I think that might be the hardest peak to summit, my whole life has been centered around food- every vacation I have taken has been focused on what I could eat when I got to where I was going- I think that refocusing my priorities might be the hardest part.

    Some days I can't wait to get it done and over-with, but then I think about how I'll never again get to wolf down a whole plate of Phat-Thai, and I kinda feel sad.
    <a href="http://www.myfitnesspal.com"><img src="http://badges.myfitnesspal.com/badges/show/946/3635/9463635.weight-lost-md.gif" border="0"></a>

  2. Gastric Sleeve Surgery With Weight Loss Agents
  3. #2
    Gastric Sleeve Member Hopefloatsup's Avatar
    I have had a gastric sleeve.
    Name
    Judy
    Surgery date
    09/11/2012
    Surgeon
    Dr Almanzo
    Join Date
    Aug 2012
    Last Activity
    04-25-2013 10:55 PM
    Location
    Appleton WI USA
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    114
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    Default Re: So nervous about this. It's like standing in-line for a huge roller-coaster.

    Hi Welcome
    My recovery was uneventful. Not one single complication. My only regret.....not having steri strips put on my incisions after the staples came out. My incisions would have healed faster.

    My surgery was September 12th. I am down 67 lbs. I think I am right in the middle with regards to how fast it is coming off. I am not losing as fast as others, but faster than some. The stalls play with your head...... but don't get discouraged....your body continues to shrink even when the scale doesn't move.

    I do feel satisfied when I eat. In fact I fill up very fast. I still have a problem with putting too much on my plate....like I used to eat...sometimes I forget that I had the surgery.....I can eat just about anything without a problem except for fried foods. I still have to be very aware of the mindless eating. I have days where I find myself grazing mindlessly....especially if I am having a stressful day.

    With the weight loss I have been able to move easier and have gotten into a good excercise routine. I swim almost everyday and recently added pilates to my routine. When the weather here in Wisconsin gets better I will start walking again. I hate treadmills.

    I don't think I will ever regret having this surgery. It is the best thing I have ever done for myself.

    Good luck....and many blessing in your journey.....Hugs Judy



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  5. #3
    Gastric Sleeve Member aclabombard13's Avatar
    I have had a gastric sleeve.
    Name
    Angela
    Surgery date
    05/24/2012
    Surgeon
    Terence Clarke MD
    Join Date
    Jun 2012
    Last Activity
    09-02-2013 09:43 PM
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    Clifton Park, NY
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    Default Re: So nervous about this. It's like standing in-line for a huge roller-coaster.

    Hi and welcome First of all let me say that there is no reason to feel like a failure for coming to this solution. I believe that this is a brave thing to do and a real solution to our weight problem. I think it takes a very strong person to admit that they need help and can't do it alone. YOU are that strong person, so Kudos to you! Now to answer your questions;

    How was the recovery?
    Well, it's major surgery... so it's certainly not peaches and cream. I had never had anything other than oral surgery before, so I really can't compare it to anything else. I have been told that it is about the same as any other abdominal surgery (ie. gallbladder, hernia, c-section). There is a lot of soreness in the first couple weeks, but I was feeling good enough to return to the gym at 10 days. If it says anything, I can hardly remember what it was like now.

    What has your weight loss been like so far?
    I am 9.5 months post op and have lost a total of 129 pounds! I lost 30 pounds on my pre-op diet and 99 pounds since surgery. I am 4 pounds under my goal weight and working on stabilizing my weight. I am 5'6", so weighing 131 pounds is a very healthy weight for me and really at the low end of where I want to be. My BMI is 21.1 now, it was 42 when I started my journey

    Do you feel satisfied after eating, or do you still have the compulsion to stuff as much in as possible?
    I do feel satisfied after eating now. It was hard in the beginning because sometimes you don't feel good after eating. You lose that sense of pleasure you get from eating for a while. It comes back a little, but not to the same extent (at least for me) and I think that is a good thing. I can still eat indulgent things... I just don't do it all the time and don't eat ridiculous portions. I can kind of enjoy things without feeling so guilty. There are still times when I wish I could eat just a little more, but I feel full as if I ate a huge meal. I like that my restriction keeps me under control!

    Do you regret getting it or has it been a generally good experience?
    Regret???? Certainly NOT!!!!! Best decision EVER! By no means has this been easy, but the reward far outweighs all the negatives. I actually developed a complication that only occurs in about 10% of patients (a stricture). I lived with it for about 5 months before really bringing it to my doctors attention. It caused me to vomit fairly often... a lot of foods did not agree with me (or just wouldn't pass really). I had an endoscopy around 6 months post op and my surgeon dilated the stricture and it's mostly been smooth sailing ever since. Even with this complication, I couldn't be happier with my decision and wouldn't hesitate to do it all over again, stricture and all, to ensure the same results.

    There is definitely a food mourning period, everyone deals with it differently. You will have good days and bad days. But the best days will be when you realize you need all new clothes because everything is hanging off you; when you find that you no longer need to shop in the plus size stores anymore; when you can cross your legs; when you can paint your toe nails without having to hold your breath; when you realize you have the energy to get up and MOVE! I promise that it will all be worth it... just push forward! It really is my one true with that ALL the unhappily obese people knew just how much better it was on this side of things and that there really is an answer. Hang in there and keep going



    Trip to NYC Dec 1, 2011 - around 270 if I had to guess
    PCP Appt. March 1, 2012 - 260 lbs
    Bariatrics March 23, 2012 - 257lbs
    Day of Surgery May 24, 2012 - 230lbs
    39 Days Post-Op July 2, 2012 - 199lbs
    247 Days Post-Op January 25, 2013 - 135lbs GOAL

    "I'd rather LIVE my life than EAT it!"

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  7. #4
    Gastric Sleeve Member Its_Me's Avatar
    I have had a gastric sleeve.
    Name
    Jill
    Surgery date
    10/22/2012
    Surgeon
    Dr. Oliak
    Join Date
    Aug 2012
    Location
    SoCal
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    3,099
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    Default Re: So nervous about this. It's like standing in-line for a huge roller-coaster.

    A roller coaster ride is a great way to describe it - you are excited to get on the ride, yet apprehensive and nervous.

    1.How was the recovery? I've had a c-section, appendix surgery and gall bladder surgery so to be honest I wasn't the least bit nervous and anxious about this surgery at all. I was prepared for the recovery but honestly I was a piece of cake. I think I have a pretty high tolerance to pain, so that helps, didn't even use the pain meds the second day/night in the hospital. The most annoying thing was the drain (and some people dont come home w/them) but I am a tummy sleeper so sleeping w/the drain was the hardest part for me. Once I got that removed, I slept so good!

    2.What has your weight loss been like so far? I had surgery in October and have lost 61 lbs, 14 of it pre-surgery. I guess I am average. I didnt' start working out until January, probably should have done it sooner but w/the holidays life just got in the way.

    3.Do you feel satisfied after eating, or do you still have the compulsion to stuff as much in as possible? Yes I feel completely full and satisfied, a weird new feeling for me. And yes, I do still have the compulsion to stuff as much as possible, thats my brain talking. Unfortunately the sleeve has no effect on your brain. But the good news is, you just CAN"T stuff yourself at all.

    4.Do you regret getting it or has it been a generally good experience? My only regret has been that I wish I'd done it sooner.



    Start weight: 286 (8/28/12)
    Pre-op weight: 272 (10/22/12)
    Goal to weigh what my drivers license says: 225 (3/9/13)
    First goal weight: 199 (7/20/13)
    Second goal weight: 186 - 100 lbs lost ( )
    Third goal weight: 175 ( )
    Fourth goal weight: 150 ( )
    Final goal weight: remains to be seen

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  9. #5
    Gastric Sleeve Member shortcakesmr's Avatar
    I have had a gastric sleeve.
    Name
    Mikia
    Surgery date
    03/28/2013
    Surgeon
    Dr. Terracina
    Join Date
    Feb 2013
    Last Activity
    09-17-2014 04:13 PM
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    Newport News, VA
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    Default Re: So nervous about this. It's like standing in-line for a huge roller-coaster.

    Angela, I literally busted out laughing when I read the line where you said, "when you can paint your toe nails without having to hold your breath!" I've done that soooo many times and can't wait for the day when I won't have to!!!!!!!!!!

  10. Gastric Sleeve Surgery With Weight Loss Agents
  11. #6
    Gastric Sleeve Member ACE's Avatar
    I have had a gastric sleeve.
    Surgery date
    09/13/2011
    Surgeon
    Rothchild
    Join Date
    Aug 2011
    Location
    Colorado
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    Default Re: So nervous about this. It's like standing in-line for a huge roller-coaster.

    You describe this experience very well it is a lot like that roller coaster there are god and bad times for us all on this journey but the end result for me has been worth every second of it. I had been searching for an answer to my obesity for so many years but I was caught in a vicious cycle centered around food. I asked doctors for help again and again with no answers until I asked my new doctor in 2011. He referred me for surgical weight loss and today I am 115 lbs lighter and so much happier and healthier.
    I am not going to address all your questions I think that has already been covered well but I do want to say about not having food obsession. I still battle that demon and at times a lot more than others. I have days where I can go most of the day and be fine with my meals but around 3pm something comes over me and I there are times i get this raging food obsession issues and the only thing I can think about is food. The other hurdles aren't so bad but for me this is the worst i am fighting this last 20 lbs off and the food obsession has been in full force the last few weeks.
    For you this might be different so don't be discouraged by it.This is a lifestyle change and it does take you doing it right after surgery but when you mentioned not having willpower I want to say I had NO willpower and I felt like that surgery wasn't going to work for me. I couldn't stick to my meal plans but after surgery i woke up feeling "fixed" like they had operated on that part of my brain that tells me eat it ALL NOW. Like i said the obsession still happens but I can eat one piece of pizza and not go back for more .

    This has been the best thing i could have ever done for myself and I hope you can conquer any fears and do i for yourself. best wishes!
    "Its Not Hard Its Just New!"
    Transforming from caterpillar to butterfly to phoenix!


  12. #7
    Gastric Sleeve Member ACE's Avatar
    I have had a gastric sleeve.
    Surgery date
    09/13/2011
    Surgeon
    Rothchild
    Join Date
    Aug 2011
    Location
    Colorado
    Posts
    1,506
    Said "Thanks" 181 Times
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    Default Re: So nervous about this. It's like standing in-line for a huge roller-coaster.

    You describe this experience very well it is a lot like that roller coaster there are god and bad times for us all on this journey but the end result for me has been worth every second of it. I had been searching for an answer to my obesity for so many years but I was caught in a vicious cycle centered around food. I asked doctors for help again and again with no answers until I asked my new doctor in 2011. He referred me for surgical weight loss and today I am 115 lbs lighter and so much happier and healthier.
    I am not going to address all your questions I think that has already been covered well but I do want to say about not having food obsession. I still battle that demon and at times a lot more than others. I have days where I can go most of the day and be fine with my meals but around 3pm something comes over me and I there are times i get this raging food obsession issues and the only thing I can think about is food. The other hurdles aren't so bad but for me this is the worst i am fighting this last 20 lbs off and the food obsession has been in full force the last few weeks.
    For you this might be different so don't be discouraged by it.This is a lifestyle change and it does take you doing it right after surgery but when you mentioned not having willpower I want to say I had NO willpower and I felt like that surgery wasn't going to work for me. I couldn't stick to my meal plans but after surgery i woke up feeling "fixed" like they had operated on that part of my brain that tells me eat it ALL NOW. Like i said the obsession still happens but I can eat one piece of pizza and not go back for more .

    This has been the best thing i could have ever done for myself and I hope you can conquer any fears and do i for yourself. best wishes!
    "Its Not Hard Its Just New!"
    Transforming from caterpillar to butterfly to phoenix!


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  14. #8
    Gastric Sleeve Member calicojack42's Avatar
    I have had a gastric sleeve.
    Surgery date
    08/12/2013
    Surgeon
    Dr. Firas Hamdi
    Join Date
    Mar 2013
    Last Activity
    07-28-2014 08:02 AM
    Location
    Middletown, NY
    Posts
    52
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    Default Re: So nervous about this. It's like standing in-line for a huge roller-coaster.

    Massive thanks to everyone- I wasn't expecting such a quick response :-) I think I'm going to like this forum! I just watched the procedure from the eyes of the physician on YouTube, and that headed off some other questions. I think that the weight loss will ultimately lead to increased activity as I really do enjoy walking (as much as I can handle right now) and I actually do a 5K fund-raising walk every summer.
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  15. #9
    Gastric Sleeve Member
    I have had a gastric sleeve.
    Name
    Helen
    Surgery date
    03/07/2013
    Surgeon
    Mr. Sutton
    Join Date
    Sep 2012
    Last Activity
    06-18-2014 12:21 PM
    Location
    UK - Midlands
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    Default Re: So nervous about this. It's like standing in-line for a huge roller-coaster.

    Hi well done you for joining this site!! - I have found that it has been so full of information and really supportive. I am now 4 days post op so will tell you whilst it's fresh in my mind about my surgery. I was terrified pre op but had a great surgeon and anaesthetist. I was anaesthetised inside theatre, on the operating table where I chatted to the scrub nurse who was setting the instruments up. We all 4 chatted about people we knew in common (I also work in theatres but not at this hospital) so I felt a lot more at ease. My surgeon was fairly strict and said if I hadn't followed the pre op diet to shrink the liver then he would take no chances, insert a balloon and postpone sleeve surgery. I knew this in advance so I stuck to that diet (only one I've managed to stick to in 20 years!!!!) anyway, lost 18lbs pre-op and the surgery went ahead . I'll be honest the first night was sore!! I always sleep on my side so sleeping on my back was uncomfortable for me. Recovery gave me extra opiates which I should have refused as I know (but forgot amid the pain) that too much opiate given to an obese person means that it is stored in fat cells alongside drugs from the anaesthesia. As opiates cause respiratory depression, it meant that as I tried to sleep I would stop breathing and awaken gulping for air!!! A bit scary !! And this lasted another night so they gave me O2 for night sleeping. Next day I was up and about walking - its the best and quickest way to get the CO2 gas insufflated out of your body as this causes pain under your shoulders. Another great tip for getting any post op mucous off your chest is a lovely warm steamed shower!! Although I didn't feel like one the day after surgery - its one of the best things I did. So , no worse than the lap Chloe (gall bladder removal) or my c-section. My main struggle is - and wait for it- I'm struggling to manage the diet - I have no appetite at all!! And worry about getting a) enough nutrition/calories for energy and b) hydration. The one thing that did bother me was I lost 18lbs pre op and kept thinking -"have I been too defeatist?should I have tried harder? And then saw two other sleeve patients on my ward who were twice my size and felt does everyone just think what a waste? Of money - shes taken the lazy /easy option? But after 20 yrs and no success I think I was just kidding myself!! I've been home two days and have cooked two meals for my family, and although it smelt great I did not feel hungry at all!! My current weight loss now is 2st (28lbs - 18lbs pre-op) but its early days and as long as it goes in the right direction.... Gawk I've really waffled on - just keep positive- keeping asking questions - you can't be too informed!! And everyone on this site is soooo helpful!! It certainly helped me make my choice!!! Xxx


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  17. #10
    Gastric Sleeve Member JABBER's Avatar
    I have had a gastric sleeve.
    Surgery date
    01/24/2013
    Surgeon
    Dr. Pomp
    Join Date
    Dec 2012
    Last Activity
    05-03-2014 02:39 PM
    Location
    Long Island, NY
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    Default Re: So nervous about this. It's like standing in-line for a huge roller-coaster.

    Well - you are right you'll never be able to "wolf" down a whole plate of pasts unless you want to get sick. I had my surgery on Jan 24th, so I guess I am kinda a newbie to all the ins and outs. I have no regrets and hope that this works out in the end. I dont get sad about not being able to eat the same as I did, I get sad about the lack of "outside " food choices I have to make. I do not feel that I have fully recovered yet, so I cant say truthully how long it takes. I see alot of people saying that they felt fine really fast, but I think that there is alot of exagerating in those statements.Yes everyone is different, but it is still an operation where they remove 3/4 of your stomach so its going to take some time to feel right. I have lost almost 30lbs. You have no choice but to feel satisfied after eating because you really cant eat anymore!! I was a total "foodie" before surgery and now I now I just cant eat those things so I dont. Like I said I have no regrets but my whole lifestyle has definately changed. I also do not like to exercise at all, so a little more walking around the food store is all I do. Good Luck with your journey - we are all truly unique in this!!



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