I cant even wrap my head around how good I feel :)

[ChrisP]

I was sleeved on 8/24/11, 6 weeks ago today, I have never felt better in my entire life, I have energy, unfounded, no matter what diet I was on. I do hill/fast walking 45 minutes 5 days a week, and its not a chore so far. Ive always been active, an exercizer, but its always felt like out of desperation. I still obsess over food however I am praying when it comes up, and eating sugar free posicles like crazy . My food intake is still really small, meat makes me nauseous for some reason, even the thought of it, starches/carbs make me feel yucky, almost like tight in my chest, small soft fresh veggies, fresh fish, like an ounce or two does me fine,and I'm still eating more soup than anything. Also dont forget smoothies, a diet mainstay now!

This was an excellent choice/decision for me.
God Bless you all!

ps, my surgeon was Almanza, my experience, stellar!

[mi_mariposa]

ps, my surgeon was Almanza, my experience, stellar!

Couldn't agree more!!! Congrats, so happy for you!!!

[shefree70]

I am so happy to have read your post! All i've been getting is negative feed back about this. Someone even asked me if it was worth dying for... I told her yes! Thank you so much and i am so very happy for you and your success...sherrie

[Scared_Skinny]

I haven't had the surgery yet. I'm in the beginning stages of the pre-op diet and I go in cycles of being hungry but not to bad so far. The doctor doing my surgery is also Almanza and I'm so glad you said that you had such a good experience. Sometimes I get a little nervous when I think about the pain that will be endured but I know it will all be worth it

[jdecker11]

No pain is worth the look of "Priceless" when you look in the mirror. I'm sure most of you have been in labor one time or a few...the pain goes away with the bundle of joy in your arms. same as this...the pain is worth it in the long run. I had the lap band done in 2004 and I can't even remember how long (how many days) I felt crapy, it must haven't been long since I can't remember....anyway, my band is coming out soon and my sleeve will be zipping it up! I can't wait to be laying on that choping block!...ok, so I was a little too graphic, but you all get the point...Can't wait for the date...Got approved last Friday, just waiting for the letter to reach my doctor...and apparently it's coming by snail mail.....just when you really want a letter....WHERE is IT!!!! Keep up the good work everybody. We are all here to support one another... Cheers!

[madona]

always glad to hear positive stories! So happy its all been a breeze. I hope my journey will be just as nice Congratulations!

[kelli4girlz]

SO fabulous to hear a postive story...I've been reading about stalls there are a lot right now on this forum....My good friend was hinting that maybe bypass would be a better option. With all the stalls going on now and with her comments (well intended) I'm wondering if I should change my surgery. I just don't want to be "fighting for every pound" I don't know just a little unsettled.

[Scared_Skinny]

I would do A LOT of research on the bypass before doing anything. From what I read it just didn't seem like the right surgery for me.

[ChrisP]

I wouldnt say the process was a breeze. Its been difficult, the first two days after surgery I wanted to hang myself, the next two weeks I was scared, emotionally spent, empty, nothing to fill the void food left...I powered through those times and kept, taking direction and suggestions, and now I feel stronger, more hope filled everyday. The weight loss and not binging, coupled with the exercise makes me feel terrific and makes this all worthwhile! I personally did not want the bypass because i dont want you to move stuff around in there and also I beleive it is a dated option, i did lots of research and thought the sleeve was the smartest move!
Best of luck to you all and God Bless, always!!

[Rae]

Stalls come with any diet. Its not something specific to the sleeve or this forum.

ChrisP ... I am so happy for you! I feel all this energy and like I am living again too!! Its wonderful... best thing I could have ever done!

[VSGOct2011]

@ Kelli4Girlz - Stalls occur and are a natural way of the body metabolizing and adjusting. They are also a sign that you are slipping in what you are eating, ie) going back to old habits/too many carbs/not enough protein, not enough exercise, etc. OR they can also be a 'stall' for the weight but in reality 'inches' are being lost - muscle weighs more than fat, so it's going to reflect as a 'stall' even though you're doing everything right. That's why they tell you NOT to weigh yourself everyday. I've included this link for you to view a quick video from Dr Alvarez talking about 'expected weight loss and stalls and why stalls are good'. He has a Youtube channel and posts answers to patients questions every week. Hope this helps ease your fears and help you continue on the sleeve journey vs bypass.

Endobariatric's Channel - YouTube

[jane_vsg_ayla]

You will definitely lose more weight with bypass... but the reason is that it not only restricts the amount you can eat like the sleeve, it also passes stuff through your body so quickly your body doesn't have time to absorb the calories from what you do eat. Sounds good until you realize your body also doesn't have time to absorb anything else from your food either like vitamins and minerals. So expect to be on vitamins two or more times daily for life or you will get very sick. I don't have the discipline for that... you also more than likely wont be able to take anything time released again, including vitamins and tylenol etc. Since it wont stay in you long enough.

also your food doesn't have time to digest... so it will come out looking very much like it went in only without the pretty presentation. Carbs are worst for this. Undigested carbs going through your intestines will lead to "dumping" - a very unpleasant experience you can't do anything about but live through and wait it out. And undigested food doesn't just sit in your colon waiting until you feel like pushing it out at a convenient time... it will be quite urgent and sometimes unexpected.

The bypass has its place but you really need to understand the lifestyle implications that will be *required* of you. We have some with the sleeve but nowhere near as drastic. I would definitely suggest visiting a support group in person with people who are various stages out and asking them specifically about their daily life before deciding on that. There really is no going back if you find out later.

Of course the other option is a two part duodenal switch. You have the sleeve first... see how you do in the first year or two. If you still have a significant amt to lose and you don't think you will be able to with just the sleeve then your have the second half that is similar to bypass.

Big decision! But youknow yourself and what you can deal with. Just make sure you are fully informed either way.

[Teresa H]

Hey Chris, I am so happy for you! All I want is to be healthy and to have lots of energy ~~~~ I am really really happy for you Keep on truck n

[Sunflower]

congratulations on regaining your life.

[BeautifulMama]

I love stories like this! Keep us posted on your progess and keep up the good work!

Susie