VSG scheduled for 10/11/2007

For those of you out there that have had the VSG, is there any advice you can give me to prepare for what is going to be done.....your experiences, your problems and how it was resolved, your foods, etc. I need all the info I can get. I am getting pretty nervous about all of this.

Hello Cindy! Welcome to the start of your journey to health and wellness. While I did not have the VSG, I've been doing some writing and research into it in recent months and I really like what it has to offer. We have many new postops in our support group and the feedback has been great. Like the band, it is a restrictive procedure which means you will start off slowly integrating foods and consistencies until you are eating from a wide variety of food groups, but in much smaller quantities. Like the band, choice is very important because you will be able to process sugars and fats, but limiting them will be key to success. On this past month, a local group performed a live Vertical Sleeve procedure. The video, however, is a great overview of all bariatric surgery and gives some basics into how these surgeries are done laproscopically.  Live Bariatric Surgery recast/commentary I interviewed Melanie B. a couple of months ago. She has the Sleeve and is doing great. You might want to VIEW HER PROFILE or shoot her a PM. She's so helpful and caring. I hope this helps. And please remember that you are not alone and we share in both your good days and your bad days. As we lift you up in your fears, we will also shout words of thanks in your victories. Onward! Frances

Thank you Frances....your post is wonderful. I appreciate your words of encouragement. I will check out Melanie B for sure because I need to know how the sleeve is working for those who have had it. I know this is my way to a new life and a longer life, healthier and happier.  Thank you Thank you for your kind words. Cindy

Hi Cindy I had my VSG done on 4/16/07 and so far I have lost 68lbs since surgery. My BMI started at 54. I feel great and it has been a great experience.  I am off all my medication I was on before surgery (blood pressure, high cholestrol, reflux, and insulin resistance).  I recently had labs done all came back wonderful nothing high and nothing low.  I would suggest trying to find a protein source that you could supplement at the begining.  There are alot of Dr. H's patients on the VSG Board and they have support groups often.  Hope this helped. Send me a message anytime if you have any questions I can help you with. Congratulations and welcome to the healthier side! Melanie B.

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Hi Cindy, I'm wanting the sleeve and live in Georgia..I've started the paperwork with Dr. H..as well...Please let me know how your doing..I'm mostly on the Sleeve main board.I understand the staff is great and you can have a bed in your hospital room for your Support person if you don't want a hotel room..Check into it.. Hugs, kathryn and Rascal