Bariatric surgery no.2 thread

[Seriouslyconfused3]

For everyone following from the last thread...

If you’re new please feel free to join in and share your experiences

@Keepthefocus

Hi . I went to the Czech Republic.

Update: surgery date was 20/07/21 (9 days ago)
Results to today - 1s3 or 17lbs

Before the surgery I dreamt in fantasy land about waking up at goal weight and dancing merrily into the “new life” I’ve imagined.

Now 17 lbs in 9 days is kind of freaking me out. I can see it in my face as of yesterday but no exercise allowed yet so although I know I will have some loose skin, I’m getting scared of being the saggy baggy elephant!

Oh I was going to go to Czech Republic but the 5 day isolation before really made it impossible. How did u find it all? Hospital and staff, travel? Did u travel alone? Sorry so many questions but I am due to sign for my surgery this week and I’m hesitant only because of the cost of doing it here.

Hi All, am just back from my consultant appointment and will have VSG beginning of October. He is on leave in August so its a bit of a longer wait than usual after getting go ahead but at least it gives me time to prepare.
Will read through the thread but if anyone wants to highlight anything that would be good to know/have I'd appreciate it. Tks.

Hi

Don’t go where I went. One of my incisions opened it’s infected I have sepsis and I may need urgent revision surgery today or tomorrow

@Hopetobe4mrfatty Oh no, that’s awful. I hope you are being well looked after.

It is potentially life threatening

OMG @hopetobe4mrfatty that’s awful please let us know how you are. All the best wishes you are recovering well. Shocking

Hi everyone. It is a staph infection. I’m out of hospital but I have to go in everyday to have the wound cleaned and packed again. It’s going to take a long time to clear and then have it sewn shut.

Thanks for all the love

For those of you that have gone through the NHS what did the process look like for you? I've got a phone call with my GP today to discuss my weight - my BMI is 52.

Many years ago I did exercise and SW on referral which had a small impact but all of the weight plus more has gone back on and I've put on about a stone a year since my son was born four years ago. I know there is a big psychological factor to my weight gain, and I'm receiving CBT for something unrelated but I'm feeling really motivated to make a change. I want to be comfortable in my own body for the first time in my life.

Will my GP make me take other steps first such a SW on referral again, or will I be able to move up the path way do you think? I'm really worried about them saying just eat less and exercise more, as if it were that simple, I'd have done do long ago. I'm feel like a ticking time bomb with various obesity related illness in my family, and I need a drastic change.

Had my phone call with my GP. Whilst she wasn't particularly compassionate or friendly, she's agreed to apply for funding to put on to tier 3 at the local hospital with the aim of weight loss surgery. She's warned me it could take up to 2 months for the funding to be even approved for the referral so in the mean time I'm looking at private options as my parents have kindly offered to contribute towards the cost.

Those of you that have gone private in the UK has anyone got any recommendations in the South West?

@Hopetobe4mrfatty I’m very pleased to hear you are getting the treatment you need that must have been very scary.

I paid my deposit today (I’m staying local so it’s pretty expensive ☹️) and I’m booked for mid October I’ll not lie I’m absolutely terrified but a bit excited too to see what life will be like. Now to figure out how or what to tell my kids.

How did you tell people you were getting surgery? I’ve provisionally booked a date but havent told a soul.... i’m just not sure they will understand why i want to do this!

@Keepthefocus exciting...and terrifying I'm sure!!!!
I'm looking at a sleeve in the UK...has anyone got any specific feedback on this or the company Tonic?

Thanks!

@Cm66. Other than my hubby who was part of the decision making to go for it, I’ve only told 2 people one very supportive one not at all. So I’ve decided that no one else will be told. It’s my business and I can’t take such a negative reaction again. It wasn’t an easy decision to go this route so I don’t need anyone else’s emotions at this stage. I guess everyone has different experiences of telling people. @feellikezerobucks sorry I can’t help with Tonic. I was going to go with them and I was impressed when I did speak with them, but I’ve decided to stay more local to me.

Hi can anyone help with best buys for the vitamin supplements and collagen to help with hair loss?? Did u start these immediately or wait for some healing first??

@Keepthefocus I am using centrum currently. I was prescribed Forceval by the GP which is recommended but it honestly made me feel so sick. I also try to have spatone iron once a day as well as needing a calcium/vit d supplements.

I was advised to take them from 3 weeks PO.

I'm super chuffed today I got my 4st award. I've also gone down 10.5 points on the BMI scale.

VSG is the best thing I've ever done

@AwFeebs. Congratulations that is an amazing result!! When did u have your surgery? That is so good to hear!!!! I’ll be honest I am wobbly about it but I know it will be worth it. Thanks for coming back to me.

@Keepthefocus thank you! I had my op on April 12th this year at BMI The Alex in Cheadle.

Wow 4st in 4 months! That is fab!!!!

You are all inspiring me!

@Hopetobe4mrfatty how are you now after your infection? All healed I hope?

Hello all. I’ve been seriously considering a sleeve for some time now, my BMI is 55.3. My biggest worry is vomiting, I have severe emetophobia and the friend I know who has had it done 3 years ago often finds food repeats on her. Most meals she struggles and I can’t cope with the thought of that happening. Has anyone else been in my boat and been ok?

Also, she lost 11 stone fairly quickly but in the past year has gained 6 stone back on. I literally didn’t know even know you could put weight on. So, if that’s possible, I’m scared it would happen to me and I’d be devastated.

@Keepthefocus thank you for checking on me. The wound is better now only 5 days a week of packing and they hope it will be closed in 2 weeks.

Having been a chronic over eater it’s so odd to not be hungry. I’m losing a lb or more a day.. my BMI was right on 35 at surgery (22 days ago) and today it’s 29.9 ! I’m still kind of anxious but it’s all so new.

How are you?

@Hopetobe4mrfatty I’m so pleased your wound is healing and you are still loosing and sound positive! Your weight loss is fab 5.5 point down on BMI in 3 weeks!!!!!! Can I ask what you do eat?

@MiniChocs I’m sorry I’m not able to help I’m still pre op but I have read that reflux is a possibility and some foods trigger it more than others although which foods seem to vary for each person - so I think it’s very individual. As for your friend regain that is possible because as the new stomach becomes stronger it’s capacity increases therefore it doesn’t give the full signal as quickly and more calories can be eaten. It’s why they say wls us a tool not a solution you need to change the life around it to maintain. (Again I’m pre op so all of this is from my research and not experience so hopefully someone on the other side can help with real life advice!!)

I’m ok booked my sleeve for October and I have my first face to face meeting with surgeon soon. I’m excited to get to the other side and food not to be the focus but I am absolutely terrified too but putting that energy into planning and sorting details. My biggest fear beyond the anaesthetic is the sleeve failing. It not working for me and not loosing at all and I can’t allow the weight I do loose to come back this has to be a forever change!! I’m starting vitamin and probiotic supplements now to try to have a good base before surgery as well as increasing my activity levels hoping I can go into this in as fit and healthy position as possible.

Any advice on pre prep is always appreciated!!