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  1. #1
    Gastric Sleeve Member Ann2's Avatar
    I have had a gastric sleeve.
    Name
    Ann2
    Surgery date
    08/18/2014
    Surgeon
    n.a.
    Join Date
    Oct 2013
    Location
    Missouri
    Posts
    6,630
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    Blog Entries
    3

    Default For Sleeve Newbies -- What Do You Want to Hear from a "Veteran"?

    This is a post to pre-op VSG newbies who are going through the pre-op educational process.

    I'm almost four years post-op and for the last few years have been a speaker at my surgeon's pre-op day-long educational class for pre-op WLS patients.

    It occurs to me, as a way to freshen things up, to ask YOU what you would like to hear from a four-year "veteran" at one of these events. What questions would you like to ask? What perspectives would you like to hear? What are you afraid to ask out loud, but that you hope a veteran would anticipate and tell you about?

    I'd greatly appreciate your questions, thoughts, comments.



    Consult: 235 lbs
    My and doc's preop diet: 216 -19 lbs
    M1 postop 205 -30
    M2 193 -42
    M3 184 -51
    M4 174 -61
    M5 167 -68
    M6 162 -73
    M7 156 -79
    M8 151 -84
    M9 148 -87
    M10 146 -89
    M11 144 -91
    M12 143 -92
    M13 142 -93
    M14 140 -95
    M15 139 -96
    M16 137 -98
    M17 135 -100

    First Surgiversary post

    Second Surgiversary post

    Third Surgiversary post

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  3. Gastric Sleeve Surgery With Weight Loss Agents
  4. #2
    Gastric Sleeve Member Christie13's Avatar
    I have had a gastric sleeve.
    Name
    Christie
    Surgery date
    11/03/2016
    Surgeon
    Dr. Wright
    Join Date
    Nov 2016
    Last Activity
    09-12-2019 04:13 PM
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    5,169
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    Said "Welcome to Gastric Sleeve" 1,465 Times
    Blog Entries
    97

    Default Re: For Sleeve Newbies -- What Do You Want to Hear from a "Veteran"?

    I think I would have liked to know what to expect that first week. Also, what you actually NEED at the hospital because you do not need much. I guess I do not count, though since I am post op but I think that is what I would like to have known pre op.



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  6. #3
    Gastric Sleeve Member AnnieG's Avatar
    I have had a gastric sleeve.
    Name
    Annie
    Surgery date
    10/05/2017
    Surgeon
    Dr. Ryan Heider
    Join Date
    Oct 2017
    Last Activity
    11-29-2020 11:18 AM
    Location
    NC
    Posts
    1,572
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    Was Thanked 1,143 Times in 760 Posts
    Said "Welcome to Gastric Sleeve" 271 Times
    Blog Entries
    2

    Default Re: For Sleeve Newbies -- What Do You Want to Hear from a "Veteran"?

    Hey my friend - I'm post op as well (almost 8 months) -- but I would have liked more information on vitamin alternatives/biotin and protein subs. The most important part of healing is nutrition, and I think in some cases (some clinics?) it seems sort of "also ran". Which makes me sad. Had I figured out that I could calculate gummy vitamins and biotin levels to replace the bariatric, not only would I have had better nutrition, I would certain have healed better.

    Protein sources are frustrating -- one does get so tired of shakes. You've totally been my hero over and over with your good information.

    Also, the reminder that this is only a TOOL not a solution to our odd relationship to food!
    [I]HW: 240 lbs SW: 199 lbs GW: 140 lbs

    1 MO = 167.0 2 MO = 156.4 3 MO = 148.4 4 MO = 140.6
    5 M) = 136.0 6 MO = 130.0
    1 YR = 122.0 2 YR = 140.00 2.5 YR = 139
    Happy with my weight; happy with my size; over-the-moon with my health!

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  8. #4
    Gastric Sleeve Member
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    Jan 2018
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    12-04-2018 03:51 PM
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    Default Re: For Sleeve Newbies -- What Do You Want to Hear from a "Veteran"?

    Hi- I'm going through the process now. I just had my 4th of 6 nutrition appts. I would like to know more about hair loss and how to prevent it ( I have been taking 5000 Mcgs of Biotin daily, due to hair loss already). Also, variations of how to take the right protein intake. Thanks.

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  10. #5
    Gastric Sleeve Member TheSassWay's Avatar
    I have had a gastric sleeve.
    Surgery date
    03/08/2018
    Surgeon
    Dr. Robert Marvin
    Join Date
    Apr 2018
    Last Activity
    03-05-2020 12:13 PM
    Location
    Houston, Texas
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    96
    Said "Thanks" 19 Times
    Was Thanked 73 Times in 61 Posts
    Said "Welcome to Gastric Sleeve" 19 Times
    Blog Entries
    1

    Default Re: For Sleeve Newbies -- What Do You Want to Hear from a "Veteran"?

    I'm almost 3 months post op. One of the main thing I would have like to know, is what to expect the first two weeks after surgery. I wish someone would have told me earlier on not to weigh daily and to hide the scale. How to get in the required daily protein and fluid even though you're not thirsty nor hungry.

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  12. Gastric Sleeve Surgery With Weight Loss Agents
  13. #6
    Gastric Sleeve Member Rexcom's Avatar
    I have had a gastric sleeve.
    Name
    Rex
    Surgery date
    11/13/2018
    Surgeon
    Christopher D. Joyce
    Join Date
    Jan 2018
    Last Activity
    01-31-2019 09:39 PM
    Location
    IL
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    Said "Welcome to Gastric Sleeve" 11 Times

    Default Re: For Sleeve Newbies -- What Do You Want to Hear from a "Veteran"?

    I will be sleeved in a month. I have already found so much info here and through many hours of research.
    Going forward, I will look for:
    > Best/easiest way to get in all required protein during the first and second week postop. (highest protein foods per ounce)
    > Simple high protein meals that are convenient for the workday....and when traveling for work.
    > Strategies for going out to restaurants and celebrations to avoid bad eating....while not attracting attention to your new eating habits.
    > How to make your new lifestyle as easy to manage as possible beyond 1-year post op.

    Cheers!
    Reason: grammer error


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  15. #7
    sraebaer
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    Default Re: For Sleeve Newbies -- What Do You Want to Hear from a "Veteran"?

    I've said it before and I'll say it again, Ann has more wisdom on the sleeve than anyone else on this site! Perfect person for your questions!

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  17. #8
    Gastric Sleeve Member
    I have had a gastric sleeve.
    Surgery date
    06/28/2018
    Surgeon
    Dr. Jefferson Vaughan
    Join Date
    Oct 2017
    Last Activity
    07-07-2019 09:55 AM
    Location
    South Florida
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    Said "Welcome to Gastric Sleeve" 449 Times

    Default Re: For Sleeve Newbies -- What Do You Want to Hear from a "Veteran"?

    Hi, Ann2:
    I am about 3 weeks away from getting sleeved. I just completed blood work, and have to get a couple more tests done. I would love to know what to take to the hospital, and even after hospital if you found any items, foods, etc., that aren't on the usual lists that you found very useful. Also I am having a hard time telling the people I am closest to...I have actually told a couple friends and they are supportive but I havent even told my daughter yet-(she lives away) I am thinking that she wouldnt understand and worry. Also my best friends are a bit against it as well. (I told them several months ago I was exploring VSG) we spend weekends together, they are foodies and we cook and have cocktails on the weekends. I realize this will have to change of course- but we do other things as well like gardening and other interests. So I guess I am wondering if you veterans had any resistance on your jouney and how your relationships changed after VSG. Thanks!


    1 month-219 lbs (-25)

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  19. #9
    Gastric Sleeve Member Ann2's Avatar
    I have had a gastric sleeve.
    Name
    Ann2
    Surgery date
    08/18/2014
    Surgeon
    n.a.
    Join Date
    Oct 2013
    Location
    Missouri
    Posts
    6,630
    Said "Thanks" 5,839 Times
    Was Thanked 5,052 Times in 2,720 Posts
    Said "Welcome to Gastric Sleeve" 3,616 Times
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    Default Re: For Sleeve Newbies -- What Do You Want to Hear from a "Veteran"?

    Thanks to everyone who's chimed in thus far. Please keep the questions coming, y'all! They're already very helpful to me.

    And Tenloris, if I were you, I'd suggest you ALSO post a new thread here at www.gastricsleeve.com about whom in your life to tell about WLS and how to communicate it -- and the upsides and downsides of those choices, based on others' experience. That way, more people here (including veterans) who might not be looking at this particular thread can give you their varying takes on this topic. I'll respond there, too.



    Consult: 235 lbs
    My and doc's preop diet: 216 -19 lbs
    M1 postop 205 -30
    M2 193 -42
    M3 184 -51
    M4 174 -61
    M5 167 -68
    M6 162 -73
    M7 156 -79
    M8 151 -84
    M9 148 -87
    M10 146 -89
    M11 144 -91
    M12 143 -92
    M13 142 -93
    M14 140 -95
    M15 139 -96
    M16 137 -98
    M17 135 -100

    First Surgiversary post

    Second Surgiversary post

    Third Surgiversary post

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  21. #10
    Gastric Sleeve Member Stacey03's Avatar
    I have had a gastric sleeve.
    Name
    Edie
    Surgery date
    11/07/2017
    Surgeon
    Dr Phil lockie
    Join Date
    Oct 2017
    Last Activity
    04-27-2019 09:56 AM
    Location
    Australia
    Posts
    1,961
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    Was Thanked 1,179 Times in 902 Posts
    Said "Welcome to Gastric Sleeve" 0 Times
    Blog Entries
    34

    Default Re: For Sleeve Newbies -- What Do You Want to Hear from a "Veteran"?

    Hi Ann, I would have wanted to know a run down of that first year, emotions, changes, seeing your body change. I love personal stories for learning :-)


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  23. #11
    Gastric Sleeve Member Pudsley's Avatar
    I have had a gastric sleeve.
    Surgery date
    03/02/2018
    Surgeon
    Professor Bulbuller
    Join Date
    Feb 2018
    Last Activity
    03-05-2020 11:13 AM
    Location
    Turkey
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    237
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    Default Re: For Sleeve Newbies -- What Do You Want to Hear from a "Veteran"?

    Hi Ann,

    I have learned everything from this forum.
    For me living in a foreign country with a language barrier and having the sleeve 300 KMs away from my home. I knew very very little.

    There are so many questions, but I think the main one for me was how does it feel when you have had it done.
    The way you get acid or heartburn, the way the resistance affects one after the sleeve.
    How if you have to sing or speak for a living, a meal might have some real affect on you, how you time your meal.
    I speak for a living so the hiccups and the strange gurgles after eating cause timing planning. I really had no idea.

    I learned about protein here from sraebaer. Thank God ! I felt so weak until she gave me those pearls. WHY you have your protein not cos everyones obsessed with it. But how you will not have your energy without it.

    But the best thing that happened to me was I was on the ward with the patients who had just had their sleeve for a week as I was supposed to have mine in January, but my tests showed Parathyroid problems so that I had them removed instead of my sleeve. So I was with the patients who were recovering and talked with them all the time so I could see right at the beginning how it was for them in the first few days.

    I did not realise the cost involved afterwards of a blood test every month - its £200 each month for me. The cost of the medication was a shock as well.
    Again about £200 each month.

    All I knew is you will only be able to eat small amounts otherwise it will come back up. - That never happened to me but the acid did and the uncomfortable I can't talk my voice just cuts and becomes hoarse for a few minutes.

    Wish I had someone like you.
    I love reading everything you have written and wish to say its written in a way that makes me feel you are a born writer.
    Many, Many Thanks for All You do!
    Blessed to have you on here.



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  25. #12
    Gastric Sleeve Member Ann2's Avatar
    I have had a gastric sleeve.
    Name
    Ann2
    Surgery date
    08/18/2014
    Surgeon
    n.a.
    Join Date
    Oct 2013
    Location
    Missouri
    Posts
    6,630
    Said "Thanks" 5,839 Times
    Was Thanked 5,052 Times in 2,720 Posts
    Said "Welcome to Gastric Sleeve" 3,616 Times
    Blog Entries
    3

    Default Re: For Sleeve Newbies -- What Do You Want to Hear from a "Veteran"?

    Gosh, guys! I'm loving everything you've posted above. This is really helping me reorganize my future presentations. I appreciate everything!

    But don't let me stifle anyone else who might like to add other comments -- whether similar or completely different. Thank you in advance.



    Consult: 235 lbs
    My and doc's preop diet: 216 -19 lbs
    M1 postop 205 -30
    M2 193 -42
    M3 184 -51
    M4 174 -61
    M5 167 -68
    M6 162 -73
    M7 156 -79
    M8 151 -84
    M9 148 -87
    M10 146 -89
    M11 144 -91
    M12 143 -92
    M13 142 -93
    M14 140 -95
    M15 139 -96
    M16 137 -98
    M17 135 -100

    First Surgiversary post

    Second Surgiversary post

    Third Surgiversary post

  26. #13
    Gastric Sleeve Member
    Surgeon
    Don't have one yet
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    Nov 2017
    Last Activity
    04-28-2019 05:48 AM
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    Default Re: For Sleeve Newbies -- What Do You Want to Hear from a "Veteran"?

    Hi, I have been reading these blogs since Nov. 2017 and been on this journey since then. I have learned a lot and did real good for quite some time, that is until Easter. Since then I have had a hard time getting back on track. so...... I worry will I be able to even do this? I see the surgeon again next week and think I will finally get a date. My question is....I can eat so much now, its hard to believe that you really can't after surgery. Is it really true?
    Thanks
    Teresa


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  28. #14
    Gastric Sleeve Member Tuesday2's Avatar
    Surgery date
    04/17/2017
    Surgeon
    Dr. Bertha
    Join Date
    Apr 2017
    Last Activity
    08-28-2018 11:13 AM
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    Default Re: For Sleeve Newbies -- What Do You Want to Hear from a "Veteran"?

    Quote Originally Posted by IamDetermined View Post
    Hi- I'm going through the process now. I just had my 4th of 6 nutrition appts. I would like to know more about hair loss and how to prevent it ( I have been taking 5000 Mcgs of Biotin daily, due to hair loss already). Also, variations of how to take the right protein intake. Thanks.
    I am about 14 months post up.
    I had some hair loss at about 4 months. I was noticing a lot coming out in the shower and then one day I was washing my hair for the first time in 2 days and a HUGE handful just slide out from the pile on my head. I got SO scared.
    I had been taking 5000 mcgs of biotin a day but after reading more about it, I started taking 10,000 in the morning and 10,000 at night. I don't know if that worked, or time just continued on, but it got to a certain point, stayed that way, and then got thicker again.



    Age: 51
    Highest weight: 257
    Starting weight: 252.4
    Month 1: -20 (232.4)
    Month 2: -9.4 (223)
    Month 3: -11 (212)
    Month 4: -11.6 (200.4)
    Month 5: -8 (192.4)
    Month 6: -7.6 (185.8)
    Month 7: -5.2 (180.2)
    Month 8: -5.4 (174.8)
    Month 9: -3.8 (171)
    Month 10: -5 (166)
    Month 11: -3.4 (162.6)
    ONE YEAR: -1.4 (161.2) Total loss: 95.8 pounds!
    Month 13: -3 (158.2)

  29. #15
    Gastric Sleeve Member The North Sleeve's Avatar
    I have had a gastric sleeve.
    Name
    Mike
    Surgery date
    04/20/2018
    Surgeon
    Dr. Luthra
    Join Date
    Apr 2018
    Last Activity
    01-23-2019 05:22 PM
    Location
    Minneapolis, MN
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    1

    Default Re: For Sleeve Newbies -- What Do You Want to Hear from a "Veteran"?

    A couple things I'm curious about that I'm sure many of you will know about. I am aware of the medical opinions of these and what can happen if you consume them, but I would like to know your personal experience, here goes....

    What happens to you if you eat bread?
    What happens to you if you take a drink or drink some soda?
    Do you get sick if you eat sweets, like a candy bar or something?
    The North Sleeve (youtube channel) Come view my journey

    Click Here >>>>>> https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCA9...J4yMqFXxkl6WzA

    VSG Surgery April 20, 2018
    Height 6'2
    High Weight 354 lbs
    Surgery Weight 333 lbs


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