Would like info from someone who has had VSG Surgery

Hi,

I just found out about this site yesterday from the Phychologist that I was sent to by the surgeon so I am happy to see there is support for people going through this.

I have been waiting for 2 years for this to happen and I am scheduled to go for my surgerry on June 12, 2012 at the Victoria in Winnipeg.  I am really happy but I am also really scarred at the same time as I have never talked to anyone who has had this surgery and I am feeling kinda blind to this procedure. 

I would love if someone who has had the VSG Surgery give me some info on what to exspect when on the Opitfast Diet also What is it like after the surgery?  I just would like to be able to connect with someone who has gone through it to take away the pre surgery jitters and to talk to people who can relate to what I am going or about to go through.

Thanks, Robynjoy  

I had VSG just under 5 weeks ago. I went to mexico though... so I don't have much to add about the process here ( I did go through all the steps and then was tired of waiting and went to mexico and paid lol)

But I am really happy I did it. I am really not hungry much at all if ever, I have some acid issues but it is totally tolerable. The first couple weeks are hard  , tough to get your protein and water in but it gets better each week!

I suspect this is going to be the best thing I've ever done for myself. I feel like I have some power over food now.

Oh and I have lost 34 lbs in the 5 weeks ! and feel wonderful

Hi Rainyone,

Thank you so very much for the information and reaching out to help me I really need it. 

What was it like on the pre op liquid diet for you?  I am just one of those people that like to have a bit of a heads up before so I can mentally prepare myself.

Do you know if there is any type of support group in Winnipeg for people who have had WLS?

I am so happy to have found out about this sight but I don't understand why the Dr's don't tell you about it when you go in for the Bariatric Presentation.

If you could give me any other info on what to prepare for I really would appreciate it.

We live about an hour outside of Winnipeg so I am finding it real hard to find support or anyone to connect to in our community.  This is so sad because we need this.  So thank you again for being there for me.  Pre surgery jitters are not good to go through without support.

Take care,

Robynjoy

Date referred - May , 2010
Date accepted - October, 2010
Date of Bariatric Presentation and meeting Doctor -  August 10, 2011
Date of Surgery - June 12, 2012

Hi Robynjoy,

I live an hour outside of the city as well to the North/Northwest.  What direction are you?  If we are close I will gladly be of support to you if I can be.  I am schedlued to have an RNY on May 15th at the Victoria Hospital.  I am on the 2 week Optifast diet right now ( day 5 today) and it is going fairly well.  Let me know if I can help you. 

Hi Alle,

Thanks for the info on the Opti diet I am trying to get all the info right now that I can.  The original Dr I seen is not doing my surgery as she had a baby and is on mat leave so I think a lot of her patients were put on hold.

I live about 20 min east of Anola but I can drive.

When and where are the meet and greets I would love to come and meet you as well?

I am over whelmed how the people on this site reach out to help each other it really gives you encouragement.

Thanks again for the help and let me know if I can help you as well.

Robynjoy

I am not sure if there is any set times for the M&G's.  I think someone decide to organize one and makes it happen.  If we manage to get a meeting space at the Victoria then I think it may become a regular occurance, but am not sure.  I am relatively new here too.  You're right the people on this site are amazing.  Give true meaning to a Support Group!
I saw Dr. Hardy as well and will be having Dr. Andrew and Dr. Vergis doing my surgery in 10 days.  I hope all goes well for you and you find all the info you are looking for.
If you use the search field at the top of the forum page you can usually search and find alot of what you want.

 I've been to one of the meet and greets ( on Wednesday) and it was fantastic!  It's support, and fun all rolled into one ! The group is looking into getting a meeting room at the Vic or at a library . I know there are a few people out of the city , as well . 

My doc didn't do the liquid diet , he did 3 days of water and yogurt a d that was tough too ! 

Hi Rainyone,

Thanks for the info.  How are you doing since your surgery?  What are your pros and cons so far?

It sure is strange how the pre op diet is so different it sounds tough water and yogurt.

Take care,

Robynjoy

The meet and greets are great, lots of support and infornation and really nice people.  It will be even better if we can get a meeting room!  I was nervous about going to my first one but it was the best experience.  Look forward to meeting you at the next one!

Hi Robynjoy,
I had VSG at the Vic Feb 14/11.  To date I have lost 140 lbs.!!!! Crazy.  I feel so good.  I am so active.  I run now!  I love to exercise.  I found the liquid diet not too bad, except for the release of hormones which made cry alot.  Was very emotional indeed. The first 12 hrs post op was not so good for me.  I puked solid for 12 hrs, pain was not too bad.  Once the anaesthetic wore off, I stopped puking and all was right with the world.  This is my memory of the experience.  As I was living it, I am sure I didn't sound so rosy! The biggest struggle was learning how to eat and drink again.  I tend to be a very fast eater ( habit from nursing too long).  Once I learned to chew and slow down, it was ok.  The weight was slow to come off at first.  I made the mistake of weighing myself ofter.  It was a huge disappointment and I found it really determined my moods and made me rather neurotic (worse than I usually am).  So from that day on, I vowed to only weigh myself when I went to the MD's.  I am now in size 10 soon to be size 8.  I was a size 24 and realistically could of been a 26.  My only regret was that I did not get the procedure done 10 years ago.  Anyways, that was my experience.  I wish you well with your journey!  Embrace yourself for the ride of your life!