Recent Posts
on 11/8/19 7:14 pm
Hi Fellow VSG'ers!
I just recently passed my 5 year surgiversary. I started at 205 and currently weigh 89. I know that's too low, but it's been a very stressful year.
Question for those of you who are out a few years. Do you still go to your annual follow up with your surgeon? If so, how do they act? I never see the actual surgeon and their office has become a revolving door of PA's.
At this last appointment, without even looking up from my chart a PA I've never met said, "well, you've lost 148%of your excess weight so I guess you're doing ok."
Basically said here's your bloodwork for next year and if you have any health issues in between now and then, call your primary doctor.
I don't think she ever even looked at my face! I was back in my car within 8 minutes. I get such a weird vibe, like they are annoyed that I haven't gained. They certainly aren't congratulatory or happy.
Am I the only one that has a dr's office full of ********
I had mixed feelings before surgery too. In my case, I think it was because part of me was sure I would fail at this like I've failed at so many diets over the years.
As it got closer to the day, I felt more excited about it. And I am so glad I did it. I surpassed my expectations and my surgeon's expectations, and I'm still losing weight.
A last bit of advice for you: don't bother buying or meal-prepping a bunch of foods for after surgery, especially protein shakes. Most people find that their tastes change, and the protein shake that tasted so good pre-op tastes yucky post-op.
One thing that will come in handy, not just right after surgery but for the long run, is a few small plates (about the size of a saucer for a teacup).
Its December 10.... Ups and downs. Not terribly excited however ... Anyone else have this same feeling?
My hair is a naughty one case too but I'm not comfortable with anything on my hair, creams or oils. Can do nothing with a terrible feeling when all this stuff is on my head. Though I've stumbled up with this review and for now it looks quiet invigorating. Tourmaline-infused irons caught my eye.
You started the post saying you had GERD. An endoscopy wont show if you have it, or not. It can only show if you have damage from it.
6'3" tall, male.
Highest weight was 475. RNY on 08/21/12. Current weight: 198.
M1 -24; M2 -21; M3 -19; M4 -21; M5 -13; M6 -21; M7 -10; M8 -16; M9 -10; M10 -8; M11 -6; M12 -5.
Hi, just found out my endoscopy is normal with no GERD so I am hoping to get the gastric sleeve instead of the bypass surgery. I hope the doctor will agree.
I'm glad they were able to help you out! Hopefully the same happens for me!
Thank you so much for replying! ?
I was told January now, so hopefully there will be a cancellation or opening in December! Fingers crossed!
I found a few local groups but it was mostly just pre ops trying to get the surgery done. I couldn't find any veterans who were attending groups. I watched YouTube videos that were well done, both by people who had WLS and had a number of years under their belt and also videos done by bariatric surgeons. I posted actively in my surgeon's Facebook group but veterans in the Facebook groups were rare then and some of the advice was horrible and even dangerous. I will post or read sometimes, but really...you have to be careful in a lot of those Facebook groups. I have found the most successful WLS veterans here and a few on Faceboo****ep in touch with as well as being an avid fan of a few bariatric surgeons and authors. Whatever you decide to use, make sure your education is solid along with the support. Vet EVERYTHING. I knew going in that I needed to find people who had WLS and successfully lost and either kept the weight off or successfully dealt with regain as life happens, etc. You don't find a lot of people posting too many places in a common sense manner but the OH forums and expert articles have really helped me on my journey. I am really not that far post op so I still look to the veterans' posts when I am dealing with an issue. One thing I have learned is that life will still happen after WLS. Regain happens too. There is no easy button. We have to choose our hard and be willing to put in the work not only physically but emotionally/the mindset piece. Good luck with whatever you decide!
I had researched WLS for years before mentioning it to my family Dr. I had a referral in for a program in a larger city but like many others in the U.S, there was a lengthy process of meetings, testing and other appointments. My health is declining due to my obesity and someone mentioned Mexico to me. I found a good surgeon there and after that decision was made it was only several weeks before I had my surgery. The health issue that led me to considering WLS is in remission. I did have complications but it wasn't due to the WLS but a medication in the U.S and how my body healed. WLS changed my life and that is the goal really, not just weight loss. Your mindset and how you see not only yourself but the world around you will change too. I will always be grateful to my WLS surgeon and after spending a lot of time in American hospitals I just have to say, the care was amazing.
