Recent Posts
Topic: RE: Finally My Prayers Are Answered!
Congrats!!! So glad you were able to fight for and get to have your DS. We will keep a spot warm for you on the losers bench!
Topic: Coffee April 10th
Hello all,
I haven't been on here in such a long time, I am more on the Minnesota board. For those of you close enough to the Minnesota board or anybody willing to travel up this far. There will be a coffee get together on April 10th at 2 p.m. April 10th is on a Sunday. I have yet to officially decide on the place depending on the number of people who want to attend, but as of now the two locations are either River Falls, WI or Woodbury, MN. Site to be determined depending on the number of people coming. Hope everybody is enjoying the nice weather.
Tammy
Hello all,I haven't been on here in such a long time, I am more on the Minnesota board. For those of you close enough to the Minnesota board or anybody willing to travel up this far. There will be a coffee get together on April 10th at 2 p.m. April 10th is on a Sunday. I have yet to officially decide on the place depending on the number of people who want to attend, but as of now the two locations are either River Falls, WI or Woodbury, MN. Site to be determined depending on the number of people coming. Hope everybody is enjoying the nice weather.
Tammy
Topic: RE: New! Trying to decide on what surgery, etc.
As a former patient of Dr. Chua and also a guest speaker at his seminars, you will be able to hear from a handful of us speakers about our experiences with the different surgeries he performs. We aren't there to make him look good or promote his business (even though we all think he is the absolute best!) . We tell it like it is and are honest about our expereinces. It is only fair that people hear the truth.
I had the VBG almost 7 years ago, which is similar to the lap band, except that my band needs no adjustments and has no port for fills. Historically, it is a slower way of losing weight and you have more control over how much and how fast you want to lose by how much saline you have filled in your band. The stomach is not removed for this surgery. The sleeve requires some of the stomach to be removed, creating a banana shaped stomach. This procedure allows you to eat more but provides some restriction, just not as much as a band does. Weight loss is slightly faster. If you are planning on having children, the band is nice because it allows you to adjust it so you can take in enough nutrition for the developing baby.
I was unsure of which surgery to have when I finished the preliminary appointments, and went with Dr. Chua's recommendation with absolutely no regrets! Your choice of surgery has so many factors to consider, including what type of eater you are, how much weight you need to lose, and even what you do for a living. Thankfully, all of these things are discussed at his seminar. It is by far the most informational seminar I attended (I went to seminars of 2 other doctors when I was exploring my options and felt like I wasn't being given all the information or truth). I was 314 lbs at my highest weight, and am maintaining my current weight around 172 quite easily (I'm 6'2" tall). I lost my first 100 lbs in about 7 months because I dedicated myself to this new lifestyle.
I hope to see you in May! I should be there to speak, unless my travel schedule doesn't allow it (Iive in Oshkosh). If you have any other questions for me, please don't hesitate to contact me.
Lois
I had the VBG almost 7 years ago, which is similar to the lap band, except that my band needs no adjustments and has no port for fills. Historically, it is a slower way of losing weight and you have more control over how much and how fast you want to lose by how much saline you have filled in your band. The stomach is not removed for this surgery. The sleeve requires some of the stomach to be removed, creating a banana shaped stomach. This procedure allows you to eat more but provides some restriction, just not as much as a band does. Weight loss is slightly faster. If you are planning on having children, the band is nice because it allows you to adjust it so you can take in enough nutrition for the developing baby.
I was unsure of which surgery to have when I finished the preliminary appointments, and went with Dr. Chua's recommendation with absolutely no regrets! Your choice of surgery has so many factors to consider, including what type of eater you are, how much weight you need to lose, and even what you do for a living. Thankfully, all of these things are discussed at his seminar. It is by far the most informational seminar I attended (I went to seminars of 2 other doctors when I was exploring my options and felt like I wasn't being given all the information or truth). I was 314 lbs at my highest weight, and am maintaining my current weight around 172 quite easily (I'm 6'2" tall). I lost my first 100 lbs in about 7 months because I dedicated myself to this new lifestyle.
I hope to see you in May! I should be there to speak, unless my travel schedule doesn't allow it (Iive in Oshkosh). If you have any other questions for me, please don't hesitate to contact me.
Lois
Topic: RE: Aurora-Sinai ROCKS
Let me help you with bariatric friendly cooking. www.pamperedchef.biz/gawnecooking
Have you met Dr. Chua yet at one of the informational seminars? If you haven't I highly suggest it. He's a very sweet, soft spoken man. Very interesting to listen to. I absolutely fell in love with his gentle spirit, he was such a change from the first surgeon I looked into. I'm glad my friend recommended him to me!!
I also enjoy the monthly support groups. They have a different topic each month, then after that we break up into smaller groups to talk how things are going, or ask each other questions. I try to make it, however it is a 2.5 hour drive for me so depending on what the topic is I don't make it to each one.
My surgery was on a Wednesday, and it was thought I'd be discharged on Friday later in the day. However, I ended up staying until Sunday afternoon. Again, that was from non-surgically related complications. (High Blood Pressure, Head ache, High Blood Sugars, and a syncopal episode...sort of like a seizure, which was possibly due to one of the meds.)
My only suggestion for you is to bring your own clear liquid protein supplement. I thought the stuff they give at your meal times was absolutely horrid, however that may just have been me. With having been there the extra days I was on the full liquids by the time I headed home. Those two days of 'full liquid' while in the hospital I was ready to kill for a Muscle Milk or Unjury shake. Because the dietary department only sees the order 'bariatric clear diet', they don't necessarily realize the progression Dr. Chua uses if you are there for a few extra days. You may have to remind them to send you yogurt or puddings.
Speaking of diet progression, Dr. Chua rocks! Day of surgery....water mostly. Day 2-3 Clear Liquids
Day 4-5 Full Liquids, then 2 weeks of pureed, 2 weeks of soft. So many dr's have these cruel weeks of liquids diets. YUCK!
My surgery is just 4 weeks out, and I'm starting to eat a little of everything. I have had no problems with small amounts of lettuce, tomato or onion. I've been on a chili with the works kick since about the day after I got home. I was naughty, do not follow my evil ways!
I've progressed a bit faster than I should. I used the idea of a bite or two, and if it doesn't bother me another couple of bites. Nothing sharp or rough that could cause a leak, and it isn't pleasant if you overeat by even just a bite or two, so be careful. 
I used canned chili mainly which is so processed there really isn't anything left to chew in it. Campbell's Roadhouse and Hormel aren't bad.
My recovery has been fantastic. I've lost about 30# since surgery. I feel good, but I do tire out easily. I usually take a 2-3 hour nap in the afternoon. I also am a night owl, I don't go to bed much before 2am and up by about 8am. That needs to be factored in also. I've taken 6 weeks off of work. In reality if I didn't do homecare as a CNA I could have gone back to work within a week of surgery. I'm not bored, I find things to do around the house, and of course SHOP for smaller clothes!
Feel free to keep in touch, ask any questions you have. I'm sure they aren't any sillier than the questions I asked people! LOL And if you need a buddy to go to the support meeting with, let me know which month you are going. They are the 3rd Wed of the month at 6pm across the street from Aurora-Sinai. This month I do not believe I will be there, but that may change.
Take care, and enjoy this journey!!
Anne
I also enjoy the monthly support groups. They have a different topic each month, then after that we break up into smaller groups to talk how things are going, or ask each other questions. I try to make it, however it is a 2.5 hour drive for me so depending on what the topic is I don't make it to each one.
My surgery was on a Wednesday, and it was thought I'd be discharged on Friday later in the day. However, I ended up staying until Sunday afternoon. Again, that was from non-surgically related complications. (High Blood Pressure, Head ache, High Blood Sugars, and a syncopal episode...sort of like a seizure, which was possibly due to one of the meds.)
My only suggestion for you is to bring your own clear liquid protein supplement. I thought the stuff they give at your meal times was absolutely horrid, however that may just have been me. With having been there the extra days I was on the full liquids by the time I headed home. Those two days of 'full liquid' while in the hospital I was ready to kill for a Muscle Milk or Unjury shake. Because the dietary department only sees the order 'bariatric clear diet', they don't necessarily realize the progression Dr. Chua uses if you are there for a few extra days. You may have to remind them to send you yogurt or puddings.
Speaking of diet progression, Dr. Chua rocks! Day of surgery....water mostly. Day 2-3 Clear Liquids
Day 4-5 Full Liquids, then 2 weeks of pureed, 2 weeks of soft. So many dr's have these cruel weeks of liquids diets. YUCK!
My surgery is just 4 weeks out, and I'm starting to eat a little of everything. I have had no problems with small amounts of lettuce, tomato or onion. I've been on a chili with the works kick since about the day after I got home. I was naughty, do not follow my evil ways!
I've progressed a bit faster than I should. I used the idea of a bite or two, and if it doesn't bother me another couple of bites. Nothing sharp or rough that could cause a leak, and it isn't pleasant if you overeat by even just a bite or two, so be careful. I used canned chili mainly which is so processed there really isn't anything left to chew in it. Campbell's Roadhouse and Hormel aren't bad. My recovery has been fantastic. I've lost about 30# since surgery. I feel good, but I do tire out easily. I usually take a 2-3 hour nap in the afternoon. I also am a night owl, I don't go to bed much before 2am and up by about 8am. That needs to be factored in also. I've taken 6 weeks off of work. In reality if I didn't do homecare as a CNA I could have gone back to work within a week of surgery. I'm not bored, I find things to do around the house, and of course SHOP for smaller clothes!
Feel free to keep in touch, ask any questions you have. I'm sure they aren't any sillier than the questions I asked people! LOL And if you need a buddy to go to the support meeting with, let me know which month you are going. They are the 3rd Wed of the month at 6pm across the street from Aurora-Sinai. This month I do not believe I will be there, but that may change.
Take care, and enjoy this journey!!
Anne
Let me help you with bariatric friendly cooking. www.pamperedchef.biz/gawnecooking
Topic: RE: Aurora-Sinai ROCKS
Good to know, this is who my doctor recommended for VSG.
Do you know how long the stay is normally?
How long has your recovery been, if I might ask?
Do you know how long the stay is normally?
How long has your recovery been, if I might ask?
Topic: New! Trying to decide on what surgery, etc.
Hi There,
I am new to the forums and attenting one of Dr. Chua's seminars this coming May.
My regular doctor referred me after some weight loss attempts for the past 2 years or so.
I would like some feedback on a lap band vs. gastric sleeve.
I am 5'5, 237lbs (I have been as high as 280) and 35 years old.
I am hoping my insurance will cover the surgery.
Any feedback would be helpful!
Thanks.
I am new to the forums and attenting one of Dr. Chua's seminars this coming May.
My regular doctor referred me after some weight loss attempts for the past 2 years or so.
I would like some feedback on a lap band vs. gastric sleeve.
I am 5'5, 237lbs (I have been as high as 280) and 35 years old.
I am hoping my insurance will cover the surgery.
Any feedback would be helpful!
Thanks.
Most Active
Recent Topics
Outdated posts, but need recommendation for surgeons in the Appleton or outlying vicinities!!!
Tatortot · 1 replies · 1594 views
Tatortot · 1 replies · 1594 views
New and have upcoming appointment october 7th for weight managment in lacrosse,wi
dawnsjourney · 1 replies · 3836 views
dawnsjourney · 1 replies · 3836 views