Re: Some quick Sleeve information/thoughts

[Guest guest]

le, Definitely not long winded, it was great If I pass my tests next week, I'll be sleeved and I can't get too much information. The gas pain concerns me, but what will be, will be. I must do it. Do pain meds help? Probably not. Please pass the gas, right. . Thanks again le <Sky_of_Gin@...> wrote: Hello again! There are a lot of questions flying

around today about the sleeve. I just wanted to share my story and give some advice. I was a low BMI patient, my BMI the day of surgery was 33. I researched the lapband for over a year, believing it was the answer to my hopes. I picked Dr. Aceves, a surgery date, and even postponed my surgery slightly so I could get the new AP bands that were coming out. About a month before my surgery I read about the VSG. Previously I'd only known it as the first part to the Duodenal Switch, a surgery that was way too aggressive for my tastes. Within a week of learning about the sleeve as a stand alone procedure, I switched over. My reasons for jumping off the lap-band wagon were the benifits of a one-shot surgery. No fills, slips, erosions, punctured tubing/port, no aftercare, etc. The weightloss was comparable to a RNY, but without the upkeep of a LapBand or the intestinal re-routing of a RNY. My surgery was mostly

painless. I got the spinal blocker which left me feeling VERY nice the first day and a half after surgery. The gas pain isn't like normal gas pain, I felt mine around my chest in a stabbing/vice type sensation. The best way to avoid this is to pass gas (fart) as soon as possible. It's not always doable though, and despite my best efforts of making laps around the hospital it took me 36hrs to pass gas. Try not to get too wound up if you don't pass gas right away, it just makes it harder for you. I suggest bringing along GasX dissolving strips. I'm not sure if they really helped or not, but they can't hurt. The drain was also very uncomfortable. Not painful, just "Damnit! Something is poking me in the side non-stop! Arrgghh!" and made it hard to sleep. Within a couple of hours after it was removed I felt much, much better. The stuff they give you for the leak test is vile, vile stuff. Don't let Dr. Campos fool you with his charm, it

tastes like chalky battery acid and I nearly tossed my cookies on his shoes. Also, you'll get a warning from him or a nurse that you will experience diarrhea after the drinking it. They're not kidding. About 30 minutes after the leak test I found myself scampering for my bathroom with a serious emergency. Yikes. One of my single best pieces of advise for anyone traveling via airline: GET WHEELCHAIR ASSISTANCE FOR THE FLIGHT HOME!!! I had a connecting flight that I had to make, that was a good 90 gates away from where I landed and they wanted me to make it in under 12 minutes. Thank goodness I got the wheelchair assistance, or I'd have never made it home that day. Also, make friends with one of the bell hops at the hospital. They're really very nice gentleman, and will go out of their way to help you. One helped my Mom to get a huge flower arrangement sent to my hospital room, and another took it upon himself to walk me to the

ATM late one night (because I'm too daft to remember to get cash) to make sure I wasn't troubled. Time off from work varies. I had surgery on a Tuesday, flew cross country the following Monday, and was in Chemistry class at 8am the following morning and worked 8.5hrs (in an office setting) that night. It's hard, and I was tired, but you can go back to work within a week. My stomach was sore and I was very protective of it, it feels very jiggly and loose like your abdomenal muscles have taken the week off. The surgery removes the portion of the stomach that produces grehilin, the hunger hormone. However it doesn't cure head-hunger, and there were many times during the month long post op diet that I wanted to put my foot through the TV screen everytime a food ad ran. This will pass. No, really, you'll think back to this e-mail two weeks after surgery when you're still sipping

chicken broth and think I'm lying, but I swear you can make it through the post-op diet. Post-Op life is pretty easy. The first month I was on solid foods I vomited quite frequently or got stuck because I was experiencing what I call the learning curve. Before I could eat half an appetizer, salad, dinner, a couple of rolls, and maybe dessert. Last night for dinner I went out to eat with a friend, I had two potato skins and three or four bites of my soup and I was s-t-u-f-f-e-d. The first month you're still learning that when you feel full, it's time to STOP. Not cram in a few more bites, because if you do, you'll make yourself sick. You also have to learn that chewing is something to take your time with, not race through as quickly as you can and on to the next bite. The "full" sensation is different too, and the signs that you're getting full are different. I often experience a

running nose or hiccups. I'm 5 months out and down 53lbs, with 27 left to go til goal. I have not been a saint with my diet/workout routine or I'm sure I'd have been at goal by now. I do have GERD, but I had that before the surgery. I haven't had any complications other than discovering that my college has surprisingly uncomfortable chairs, something I didn't realize before I started to lose my excess butt padding. I'm 25 and have never once considered myself to have a boney ass until this year. I hope I've been helpful with my experiences, and if anyone has any questions please feel free to ask or email me off-list. Also if anyone is interested, I posted my before/current photos under the title "Transformation". Sorry if that was too long winded! Regards, le aka "The Fox" on OH.

[Guest guest]

Ahhh le....Have I told you lately how much I adore you and your honesty?You are terrific! On Wed, Jun 4, 2008 at 8:14 PM, le <Sky_of_Gin@...> wrote:

Hello again! There are a lot of questions flying around today about the sleeve. I just wanted to share my story and give some advice. I was a low BMI patient, my BMI the day of surgery was 33. I researched the lapband for over a year, believing it was the answer to my hopes. I picked Dr. Aceves, a surgery date, and even postponed my surgery slightly so I could get the new AP bands that were coming out. About a month before my surgery I read about the VSG. Previously I'd only known it as the first part to the Duodenal Switch, a surgery that was way too aggressive for my tastes. Within a week of learning about the sleeve as a stand alone procedure, I switched over. My reasons for jumping off the lap-band wagon were the benifits of a one-shot surgery. No fills, slips, erosions, punctured tubing/port, no aftercare, etc. The weightloss was comparable to a RNY, but without the upkeep of a LapBand or the

intestinal re-routing of a RNY. My surgery was mostly painless. I got the spinal blocker which left me feeling VERY nice the first day and a half after surgery. The gas pain isn't like normal gas pain, I felt mine around my chest in a stabbing/vice type sensation. The best way to avoid this is to pass gas (fart) as soon as possible. It's not always doable though, and despite my best efforts of making laps around the hospital it took me 36hrs to pass gas. Try not to get too wound up if you don't pass gas right away, it just makes it harder for you. I suggest bringing along GasX dissolving strips. I'm not sure if they really helped or not, but they can't hurt. The drain was also very uncomfortable. Not painful, just " Damnit! Something is poking me in the side non-stop! Arrgghh! " and made it hard to sleep. Within a couple of hours after it was removed I felt much, much better.

The stuff they give you

for the leak test is vile, vile stuff. Don't let Dr. Campos fool you with his charm, it tastes like chalky battery acid and I nearly tossed my cookies on his shoes. Also, you'll get a warning from him or a nurse that you will experience diarrhea after the drinking it. They're not kidding. About 30 minutes after the leak test I found myself scampering for my bathroom with a serious emergency. Yikes.

One of my single best pieces of advise for anyone traveling via airline: GET WHEELCHAIR ASSISTANCE FOR THE FLIGHT HOME!!! I had a connecting flight that I had to make, that was a good 90 gates away from where I landed and they wanted me to make it in under 12 minutes. Thank goodness I got the wheelchair assistance, or I'd have never made it home that day. Also, make friends with one of the bell hops at the hospital. They're really very nice gentleman, and will go out of their way to help you. One helped my Mom to get a huge flower

arrangement sent to my hospital room, and another took it upon himself to walk me to the ATM late one night (because I'm too daft to remember to get cash) to make sure I wasn't troubled.

Time off from work varies. I had surgery on a Tuesday, flew cross country the following Monday, and was in Chemistry class at 8am the following morning and worked 8.5hrs (in an office setting) that night. It's hard, and I was tired, but you can go back to work within a week. My stomach was sore and I was very protective of it, it feels very jiggly and loose like your abdomenal muscles have taken the week off.

The surgery removes the portion of the stomach that produces grehilin, the hunger hormone. However it doesn't cure head-hunger, and there were many times during the month long post op diet that I wanted to put my foot through the TV screen everytime a food ad ran. This will pass. No,

really, you'll think back to this e-mail two weeks after surgery when you're still sipping chicken broth and think I'm lying, but I swear you can make it through the post-op diet.

Post-Op life is pretty easy. The first month I was on solid foods I vomited quite frequently or got stuck because I was experiencing what I call the learning curve. Before I could eat half an appetizer, salad, dinner, a couple of rolls, and maybe dessert. Last night for dinner I went out to eat with a friend, I had two potato skins and three or four bites of my soup and I was s-t-u-f-f-e-d. The first month you're still learning that when you feel full, it's time to STOP. Not cram in a few more bites, because if you do, you'll make yourself sick. You also have to learn that chewing is something to take your time with, not race through as quickly as you can and on to the next bite. The " full " sensation is

different too, and the signs that you're getting full are different. I often experience a running nose or hiccups. I'm 5 months out and down 53lbs, with 27 left to go til goal. I have not been a saint with my diet/workout routine or I'm sure I'd have been at goal by now. I do have GERD, but I had that before the surgery. I haven't had any complications other than discovering that my college has surprisingly uncomfortable chairs, something I didn't realize before I started to lose my excess butt padding. I'm 25 and have never once considered myself to have a boney ass until this year.

I hope I've been helpful with my experiences, and if anyone has any questions please feel free to ask or email me off-list. Also if anyone is interested, I posted my before/current photos under the title " Transformation " .

Sorry if that was too long winded! Regards, le aka " The Fox " on OH.

[Guest guest]

This was VERY helpful. I'll mail you. Thanks.

NHT

>

> Hello again!

>

> There are a lot of questions flying around today about the sleeve.

I just wanted to share my story and give some advice.

>

> I was a low BMI patient, my BMI the day of surgery was 33. I

researched the lapband for over a year, believing it was the answer to

my hopes. I picked Dr. Aceves, a surgery date, and even postponed my

surgery slightly so I could get the new AP bands that were coming out.

About a month before my surgery I read about the VSG. Previously I'd

only known it as the first part to the Duodenal Switch, a surgery that

was way too aggressive for my tastes. Within a week of learning about

the sleeve as a stand alone procedure, I switched over. My reasons for

jumping off the lap-band wagon were the benifits of a one-shot

surgery. No fills, slips, erosions, punctured tubing/port, no

aftercare, etc. The weightloss was comparable to a RNY, but without

the upkeep of a LapBand or the intestinal re-routing of a RNY.

>

> My surgery was mostly painless. I got the spinal blocker which

left me feeling VERY nice the first day and a half after surgery. The

gas pain isn't like normal gas pain, I felt mine around my chest in a

stabbing/vice type sensation. The best way to avoid this is to pass

gas (fart) as soon as possible. It's not always doable though, and

despite my best efforts of making laps around the hospital it took me

36hrs to pass gas. Try not to get too wound up if you don't pass gas

right away, it just makes it harder for you. I suggest bringing along

GasX dissolving strips. I'm not sure if they really helped or not, but

they can't hurt. The drain was also very uncomfortable. Not painful,

just " Damnit! Something is poking me in the side non-stop! Arrgghh! "

and made it hard to sleep. Within a couple of hours after it was

removed I felt much, much better.

>

> The stuff they give you for the leak test is vile, vile stuff.

Don't let Dr. Campos fool you with his charm, it tastes like chalky

battery acid and I nearly tossed my cookies on his shoes. Also, you'll

get a warning from him or a nurse that you will experience diarrhea

after the drinking it. They're not kidding. About 30 minutes after the

leak test I found myself scampering for my bathroom with a serious

emergency. Yikes.

>

> One of my single best pieces of advise for anyone traveling via

airline: GET WHEELCHAIR ASSISTANCE FOR THE FLIGHT HOME!!! I had a

connecting flight that I had to make, that was a good 90 gates away

from where I landed and they wanted me to make it in under 12 minutes.

Thank goodness I got the wheelchair assistance, or I'd have never made

it home that day. Also, make friends with one of the bell hops at the

hospital. They're really very nice gentleman, and will go out of their

way to help you. One helped my Mom to get a huge flower arrangement

sent to my hospital room, and another took it upon himself to walk me

to the ATM late one night (because I'm too daft to remember to get

cash) to make sure I wasn't troubled.

>

> Time off from work varies. I had surgery on a Tuesday, flew cross

country the following Monday, and was in Chemistry class at 8am the

following morning and worked 8.5hrs (in an office setting) that night.

It's hard, and I was tired, but you can go back to work within a week.

My stomach was sore and I was very protective of it, it feels very

jiggly and loose like your abdomenal muscles have taken the week off.

>

> The surgery removes the portion of the stomach that produces

grehilin, the hunger hormone. However it doesn't cure head-hunger, and

there were many times during the month long post op diet that I wanted

to put my foot through the TV screen everytime a food ad ran. This

will pass. No, really, you'll think back to this e-mail two weeks

after surgery when you're still sipping chicken broth and think I'm

lying, but I swear you can make it through the post-op diet.

>

>

> Post-Op life is pretty easy. The first month I was on solid foods

I vomited quite frequently or got stuck because I was experiencing

what I call the learning curve. Before I could eat half an appetizer,

salad, dinner, a couple of rolls, and maybe dessert. Last night for

dinner I went out to eat with a friend, I had two potato skins and

three or four bites of my soup and I was s-t-u-f-f-e-d. The first

month you're still learning that when you feel full, it's time to

STOP. Not cram in a few more bites, because if you do, you'll make

yourself sick. You also have to learn that chewing is something to

take your time with, not race through as quickly as you can and on to

the next bite. The " full " sensation is different too, and the signs

that you're getting full are different. I often experience a running

nose or hiccups.

>

> I'm 5 months out and down 53lbs, with 27 left to go til goal. I

have not been a saint with my diet/workout routine or I'm sure I'd

have been at goal by now. I do have GERD, but I had that before the

surgery. I haven't had any complications other than discovering that

my college has surprisingly uncomfortable chairs, something I didn't

realize before I started to lose my excess butt padding. I'm 25 and

have never once considered myself to have a boney ass until this year.

>

> I hope I've been helpful with my experiences, and if anyone has

any questions please feel free to ask or email me off-list. Also if

anyone is interested, I posted my before/current photos under the

title " Transformation " .

>

>

> Sorry if that was too long winded!

> Regards,

> le aka " The Fox " on OH.

>

[Guest guest]

This is probably one of the more useful emails that I have ever read; so I am sending it around and to my wife, too. As the writer, my BMI is low, 38. Unlike the writer, I'm 61. I have fought fat one way and another for decades, sometimes winning, sometime losing. Now it's all losing.

Diabetes, high blood pressure, an aggressive appetite, clothes, and the rest are my main considerations. Had this procedure been available in the 80's I might have done it then,

Just some thoughts to share with the great post below.

Ed

In a message dated 6/4/2008 8:53:54 P.M. Pacific Daylight Time, Sky_of_Gin@... writes:

Hello again!

There are a lot of questions flying around today about the sleeve. I just wanted to share my story and give some advice.

I was a low BMI patient, my BMI the day of surgery was 33. I researched the lapband for over a year, believing it was the answer to my hopes. I picked Dr. Aceves, a surgery date, and even postponed my surgery slightly so I could get the new AP bands that were coming out. About a month before my surgery I read about the VSG. Previously I'd only known it as the first part to the Duodenal Switch, a surgery that was way too aggressive for my tastes. Within a week of learning about the sleeve as a stand alone procedure, I switched over. My reasons for jumping off the lap-band wagon were the benifits of a one-shot surgery. No fills, slips, erosions, punctured tubing/port, no aftercare, etc. The weightloss was comparable to a RNY, but without the upkeep of a LapBand or the intestinal re-routing of a RNY.

My surgery was mostly painless. I got the spinal blocker which left me feeling VERY nice the first day and a half after surgery. The gas pain isn't like normal gas pain, I felt mine around my chest in a stabbing/vice type sensation. The best way to avoid this is to pass gas (fart) as soon as possible. It's not always doable though, and despite my best efforts of making laps around the hospital it took me 36hrs to pass gas. Try not to get too wound up if you don't pass gas right away, it just makes it harder for you. I suggest bringing along GasX dissolving strips. I'm not sure if they really helped or not, but they can't hurt. The drain was also very uncomfortable. Not painful, just "Damnit! Something is poking me in the side non-stop! Arrgghh!" and made it hard to sleep. Within a couple of hours after it was removed I felt much, much better.

The stuff they give you for the leak test is vile, vile stuff. Don't let Dr. Campos fool you with his charm, it tastes like chalky battery acid and I nearly tossed my cookies on his shoes. Also, you'll get a warning from him or a nurse that you will experience diarrhea after the drinking it. They're not kidding. About 30 minutes after the leak test I found myself scampering for my bathroom with a serious emergency. Yikes.

One of my single best pieces of advise for anyone traveling via airline: GET WHEELCHAIR ASSISTANCE FOR THE FLIGHT HOME!!! I had a connecting flight that I had to make, that was a good 90 gates away from where I landed and they wanted me to make it in under 12 minutes. Thank goodness I got the wheelchair assistance, or I'd have never made it home that day. Also, make friends with one of the bell hops at the hospital. They're really very nice gentleman, and will go out of their way to help you. One helped my Mom to get a huge flower arrangement sent to my hospital room, and another took it upon himself to walk me to the ATM late one night (because I'm too daft to remember to get cash) to make sure I wasn't troubled.

Time off from work varies. I had surgery on a Tuesday, flew cross country the following Monday, and was in Chemistry class at 8am the following morning and worked 8.5hrs (in an office setting) that night. It's hard, and I was tired, but you can go back to work within a week. My stomach was sore and I was very protective of it, it feels very jiggly and loose like your abdomenal muscles have taken the week off.

The surgery removes the portion of the stomach that produces grehilin, the hunger hormone. However it doesn't cure head-hunger, and there were many times during the month long post op diet that I wanted to put my foot through the TV screen everytime a food ad ran. This will pass. No, really, you'll think back to this e-mail two weeks after surgery when you're still sipping chicken broth and think I'm lying, but I swear you can make it through the post-op diet.

Post-Op life is pretty easy. The first month I was on solid foods I vomited quite frequently or got stuck because I was experiencing what I call the learning curve. Before I could eat half an appetizer, salad, dinner, a couple of rolls, and maybe dessert. Last night for dinner I went out to eat with a friend, I had two potato skins and three or four bites of my soup and I was s-t-u-f-f-e-d. The first month you're still learning that when you feel full, it's time to STOP. Not cram in a few more bites, because if you do, you'll make yourself sick. You also have to learn that chewing is something to take your time with, not race through as quickly as you can and on to the next bite. The "full" sensation is different too, and the signs that you're getting full are different. I often experience a running nose or hiccups.

I'm 5 months out and down 53lbs, with 27 left to go til goal. I have not been a saint with my diet/workout routine or I'm sure I'd have been at goal by now. I do have GERD, but I had that before the surgery. I haven't had any complications other than discovering that my college has surprisingly uncomfortable chairs, something I didn't realize before I started to lose my excess butt padding. I'm 25 and have never once considered myself to have a boney ass until this year.

I hope I've been helpful with my experiences, and if anyone has any questions please feel free to ask or email me off-list. Also if anyone is interested, I posted my before/current photos under the title "Transformation".

Sorry if that was too long winded!

Regards,

le aka "The Fox" on OH.

Get trade secrets for amazing burgers. Watch "Cooking with Tyler Florence" on AOL Food.

[Guest guest]

I didn't have gas pain at all. I was prepared with Gas-ex but nothing was coming out. Dr was asking me every day if I had a gas and my answer was always NO. Finally when I was driving home on Sunday afternoon (surgery was on Thursday 9am) I past some gas and gosh this was unpleasant odor - we had to keep windows open for a while. No pain, maybe because my BMI is 31 and Dr didn't have to inflate a lot of gas in to my stomach area. . g <gerryleeo@...> wrote: le, Definitely not long winded, it was great If I pass my tests next week, I'll be sleeved and I can't get too much information. The gas pain concerns me, but what will be, will be. I must do it. Do pain meds help? Probably not. Please pass the gas, right. . Thanks again le <Sky_of_Gin > wrote: Hello again! There are a lot of questions flying around today about the sleeve. I just wanted to share my story and give some advice. I was a low BMI patient, my BMI the day of surgery was 33. I researched the lapband for over a year, believing it was the answer

to my hopes. I picked Dr. Aceves, a surgery date, and even postponed my surgery slightly so I could get the new AP bands that were coming out. About a month before my surgery I read about the VSG. Previously I'd only known it as the first part to the Duodenal Switch, a surgery that was way too aggressive for my tastes. Within a week of learning about the sleeve as a stand alone procedure, I switched over. My reasons for jumping off the lap-band wagon were the benifits of a one-shot surgery. No fills, slips, erosions, punctured tubing/port, no aftercare, etc. The weightloss was comparable to a RNY, but without the upkeep of a LapBand or the intestinal re-routing of a RNY. My surgery was mostly painless. I got the spinal blocker which left me feeling VERY nice the first day and a half after surgery. The gas pain isn't like normal gas pain, I felt mine around my chest in a stabbing/vice type sensation. The best way to avoid this is to pass gas

(fart) as soon as possible. It's not always doable though, and despite my best efforts of making laps around the hospital it took me 36hrs to pass gas. Try not to get too wound up if you don't pass gas right away, it just makes it harder for you. I suggest bringing along GasX dissolving strips. I'm not sure if they really helped or not, but they can't hurt. The drain was also very uncomfortable. Not painful, just "Damnit! Something is poking me in the side non-stop! Arrgghh!" and made it hard to sleep. Within a couple of hours after it was removed I felt much, much better. The stuff they give you for the leak test is vile, vile stuff. Don't let Dr. Campos fool you with his charm, it tastes like chalky battery acid and I nearly tossed my cookies on his shoes. Also, you'll get a warning from him or a nurse that you will experience diarrhea after the drinking it. They're not kidding. About 30 minutes after the leak test I found myself

scampering for my bathroom with a serious emergency. Yikes. One of my single best pieces of advise for anyone traveling via airline: GET WHEELCHAIR ASSISTANCE FOR THE FLIGHT HOME!!! I had a connecting flight that I had to make, that was a good 90 gates away from where I landed and they wanted me to make it in under 12 minutes. Thank goodness I got the wheelchair assistance, or I'd have never made it home that day. Also, make friends with one of the bell hops at the hospital. They're really very nice gentleman, and will go out of their way to help you. One helped my Mom to get a huge flower arrangement sent to my hospital room, and another took it upon himself to walk me to the ATM late one night (because I'm too daft to remember to get cash) to make sure I wasn't troubled. Time off from work varies. I had surgery on a Tuesday, flew cross country the following Monday, and was in Chemistry

class at 8am the following morning and worked 8.5hrs (in an office setting) that night. It's hard, and I was tired, but you can go back to work within a week. My stomach was sore and I was very protective of it, it feels very jiggly and loose like your abdomenal muscles have taken the week off. The surgery removes the portion of the stomach that produces grehilin, the hunger hormone. However it doesn't cure head-hunger, and there were many times during the month long post op diet that I wanted to put my foot through the TV screen everytime a food ad ran. This will pass. No, really, you'll think back to this e-mail two weeks after surgery when you're still sipping chicken broth and think I'm lying, but I swear you can make it through the post-op diet. Post-Op life is pretty easy. The first month I was on solid foods I vomited quite frequently or got stuck because I was

experiencing what I call the learning curve. Before I could eat half an appetizer, salad, dinner, a couple of rolls, and maybe dessert. Last night for dinner I went out to eat with a friend, I had two potato skins and three or four bites of my soup and I was s-t-u-f-f-e-d. The first month you're still learning that when you feel full, it's time to STOP. Not cram in a few more bites, because if you do, you'll make yourself sick. You also have to learn that chewing is something to take your time with, not race through as quickly as you can and on to the next bite. The "full" sensation is different too, and the signs that you're getting full are different. I often experience a running nose or hiccups. I'm 5 months out and down 53lbs, with 27 left to go til goal. I have not been a saint with my diet/workout routine or I'm sure I'd have been at goal by now. I do have GERD, but I had that before

the surgery. I haven't had any complications other than discovering that my college has surprisingly uncomfortable chairs, something I didn't realize before I started to lose my excess butt padding. I'm 25 and have never once considered myself to have a boney ass until this year. I hope I've been helpful with my experiences, and if anyone has any questions please feel free to ask or email me off-list. Also if anyone is interested, I posted my before/current photos under the title "Transformation". Sorry if that was too long winded! Regards, le aka "The Fox" on OH.

[Guest guest]

Agreed. Thanks le. Have you met each other?NHT Re: Some quick Sleeve information/thoughts

Ahhh le... .Have I told you lately how much I adore you and your honesty?You are terrific! On Wed, Jun 4, 2008 at 8:14 PM, le <Sky_of_Gin (DOT) com> wrote:

Hello again! There are a lot of questions flying around today about the sleeve. I just wanted to share my story and give some advice. I was a low BMI patient, my BMI the day of surgery was 33. I researched the lapband for over a year, believing it was the answer to my hopes. I picked Dr. Aceves, a surgery date, and even postponed my surgery slightly so I could get the new AP bands that were coming out. About a month before my surgery I read about the VSG. Previously I'd only known it as the first part to the Duodenal Switch, a surgery that was way too aggressive for my tastes. Within a week of learning about the sleeve as a stand alone procedure, I switched over. My reasons for jumping off the lap-band wagon were the benifits of a one-shot surgery. No fills, slips, erosions, punctured tubing/port, no aftercare, etc. The weightloss was comparable to a RNY, but

without the upkeep of a LapBand or the

intestinal re-routing of a RNY. My surgery was mostly painless. I got the spinal blocker which left me feeling VERY nice the first day and a half after surgery. The gas pain isn't like normal gas pain, I felt mine around my chest in a stabbing/vice type sensation. The best way to avoid this is to pass gas (fart) as soon as possible. It's not always doable though, and despite my best efforts of making laps around the hospital it took me 36hrs to pass gas. Try not to get too wound up if you don't pass gas right away, it just makes it harder for you. I suggest bringing along GasX dissolving strips. I'm not sure if they really helped or not, but they can't hurt. The drain was also very uncomfortable. Not painful, just "Damnit! Something is poking me in the side non-stop! Arrgghh!" and made it hard to sleep. Within a couple of hours after it was removed I felt much, much better.

The stuff they give you

for the leak test is vile, vile stuff. Don't let Dr. Campos fool you with his charm, it tastes like chalky battery acid and I nearly tossed my cookies on his shoes. Also, you'll get a warning from him or a nurse that you will experience diarrhea after the drinking it. They're not kidding. About 30 minutes after the leak test I found myself scampering for my bathroom with a serious emergency. Yikes.

One of my single best pieces of advise for anyone traveling via airline: GET WHEELCHAIR ASSISTANCE FOR THE FLIGHT HOME!!! I had a connecting flight that I had to make, that was a good 90 gates away from where I landed and they wanted me to make it in under 12 minutes. Thank goodness I got the wheelchair assistance, or I'd have never made it home that day. Also, make friends with one of the bell hops at the hospital. They're really very nice gentleman, and will go out of their way to help you. One helped my Mom to get a huge flower

arrangement sent to my hospital room, and another took it upon himself to walk me to the ATM late one night (because I'm too daft to remember to get cash) to make sure I wasn't troubled.

Time off from work varies. I had surgery on a Tuesday, flew cross country the following Monday, and was in Chemistry class at 8am the following morning and worked 8.5hrs (in an office setting) that night. It's hard, and I was tired, but you can go back to work within a week. My stomach was sore and I was very protective of it, it feels very jiggly and loose like your abdomenal muscles have taken the week off.

The surgery removes the portion of the stomach that produces grehilin, the hunger hormone. However it doesn't cure head-hunger, and there were many times during the month long post op diet that I wanted to put my foot through the TV screen everytime a food ad ran. This will pass. No,

really, you'll think back to this e-mail two weeks after surgery when you're still sipping chicken broth and think I'm lying, but I swear you can make it through the post-op diet.

Post-Op life is pretty easy. The first month I was on solid foods I vomited quite frequently or got stuck because I was experiencing what I call the learning curve. Before I could eat half an appetizer, salad, dinner, a couple of rolls, and maybe dessert. Last night for dinner I went out to eat with a friend, I had two potato skins and three or four bites of my soup and I was s-t-u-f-f-e- d. The first month you're still learning that when you feel full, it's time to STOP. Not cram in a few more bites, because if you do, you'll make yourself sick. You also have to learn that chewing is something to take your time with, not race through as quickly as you can and on to the next bite. The "full" sensation is

different too, and the signs that you're getting full are different. I often experience a running nose or hiccups. I'm 5 months out and down 53lbs, with 27 left to go til goal. I have not been a saint with my diet/workout routine or I'm sure I'd have been at goal by now. I do have GERD, but I had that before the surgery. I haven't had any complications other than discovering that my college has surprisingly uncomfortable chairs, something I didn't realize before I started to lose my excess butt padding. I'm 25 and have never once considered myself to have a boney ass until this year.

I hope I've been helpful with my experiences, and if anyone has any questions please feel free to ask or email me off-list. Also if anyone is interested, I posted my before/current photos under the title "Transformation".

Sorry if that was too long winded! Regards, le aka "The Fox" on OH.

[Guest guest]

We sure have! I watched her surgery! On Thu, Jun 5, 2008 at 9:53 PM, New Horizon Traveler <nhtravelor@...> wrote:

Agreed. Thanks le. Have you met each other?

NHT Re: Some quick Sleeve information/thoughts

Ahhh le... .Have I told you lately how much I adore you and your honesty?You are terrific! On Wed, Jun 4, 2008 at 8:14 PM, le <Sky_of_Gin (DOT) com> wrote:

Hello again! There are a lot of questions flying around today about the sleeve. I just wanted to share my story and give some advice. I was a low BMI patient, my BMI the day of surgery was 33. I researched the lapband for over a year, believing it was the answer to my hopes. I picked Dr. Aceves, a surgery date, and even postponed my surgery slightly so I could get the new AP bands that were coming out. About a month before my surgery I read about the VSG. Previously I'd only known it as the first part to the Duodenal Switch, a surgery that was way too aggressive for my tastes. Within a week of learning about the sleeve as a stand alone procedure, I switched over. My reasons for jumping off the lap-band wagon were the benifits of a one-shot surgery. No fills, slips, erosions, punctured tubing/port, no aftercare, etc. The weightloss was comparable to a RNY, but

without the upkeep of a LapBand or the

intestinal re-routing of a RNY. My surgery was mostly painless. I got the spinal blocker which left me feeling VERY nice the first day and a half after surgery. The gas pain isn't like normal gas pain, I felt mine around my chest in a stabbing/vice type sensation. The best way to avoid this is to pass gas (fart) as soon as possible. It's not always doable though, and despite my best efforts of making laps around the hospital it took me 36hrs to pass gas. Try not to get too wound up if you don't pass gas right away, it just makes it harder for you. I suggest bringing along GasX dissolving strips. I'm not sure if they really helped or not, but they can't hurt. The drain was also very uncomfortable. Not painful, just " Damnit! Something is poking me in the side non-stop! Arrgghh! " and made it hard to sleep. Within a couple of hours after it was removed I felt much, much better.

The stuff they give you

for the leak test is vile, vile stuff. Don't let Dr. Campos fool you with his charm, it tastes like chalky battery acid and I nearly tossed my cookies on his shoes. Also, you'll get a warning from him or a nurse that you will experience diarrhea after the drinking it. They're not kidding. About 30 minutes after the leak test I found myself scampering for my bathroom with a serious emergency. Yikes.

One of my single best pieces of advise for anyone traveling via airline: GET WHEELCHAIR ASSISTANCE FOR THE FLIGHT HOME!!! I had a connecting flight that I had to make, that was a good 90 gates away from where I landed and they wanted me to make it in under 12 minutes. Thank goodness I got the wheelchair assistance, or I'd have never made it home that day. Also, make friends with one of the bell hops at the hospital. They're really very nice gentleman, and will go out of their way to help you. One helped my Mom to get a huge flower

arrangement sent to my hospital room, and another took it upon himself to walk me to the ATM late one night (because I'm too daft to remember to get cash) to make sure I wasn't troubled.

Time off from work varies. I had surgery on a Tuesday, flew cross country the following Monday, and was in Chemistry class at 8am the following morning and worked 8.5hrs (in an office setting) that night. It's hard, and I was tired, but you can go back to work within a week. My stomach was sore and I was very protective of it, it feels very jiggly and loose like your abdomenal muscles have taken the week off.

The surgery removes the portion of the stomach that produces grehilin, the hunger hormone. However it doesn't cure head-hunger, and there were many times during the month long post op diet that I wanted to put my foot through the TV screen everytime a food ad ran. This will pass. No,

really, you'll think back to this e-mail two weeks after surgery when you're still sipping chicken broth and think I'm lying, but I swear you can make it through the post-op diet.

Post-Op life is pretty easy. The first month I was on solid foods I vomited quite frequently or got stuck because I was experiencing what I call the learning curve. Before I could eat half an appetizer, salad, dinner, a couple of rolls, and maybe dessert. Last night for dinner I went out to eat with a friend, I had two potato skins and three or four bites of my soup and I was s-t-u-f-f-e- d. The first month you're still learning that when you feel full, it's time to STOP. Not cram in a few more bites, because if you do, you'll make yourself sick. You also have to learn that chewing is something to take your time with, not race through as quickly as you can and on to the next bite. The " full " sensation is

different too, and the signs that you're getting full are different. I often experience a running nose or hiccups. I'm 5 months out and down 53lbs, with 27 left to go til goal. I have not been a saint with my diet/workout routine or I'm sure I'd have been at goal by now. I do have GERD, but I had that before the surgery. I haven't had any complications other than discovering that my college has surprisingly uncomfortable chairs, something I didn't realize before I started to lose my excess butt padding. I'm 25 and have never once considered myself to have a boney ass until this year.

I hope I've been helpful with my experiences, and if anyone has any questions please feel free to ask or email me off-list. Also if anyone is interested, I posted my before/current photos under the title " Transformation " .

Sorry if that was too long winded! Regards, le aka " The Fox " on OH.

[Guest guest]

Really? Who are you, Bipley ? are you a nurse? Why are you so incredibly knowlageable??:)NHT Re: [Dr-Aceves-bandster s] Some quick Sleeve information/ thoughts

Ahhh le... .Have I told you lately how much I adore you and your honesty?You are terrific! On Wed, Jun 4, 2008 at 8:14 PM, le <Sky_of_Gin (DOT) com> wrote:

Hello again! There are a lot of questions flying around today about the sleeve. I just wanted to share my story and give some advice. I was a low BMI patient, my BMI the day of surgery was 33. I researched the lapband for over a year, believing it was the answer to my hopes. I picked Dr. Aceves, a surgery date, and even postponed my surgery slightly so I could get the new AP bands that were coming out. About a month before my surgery I read about the VSG. Previously I'd only known it as the first part to the Duodenal Switch, a surgery that was way too aggressive for my tastes. Within a week of learning about the sleeve as a stand alone procedure, I switched over. My reasons for jumping off the lap-band wagon were the benifits of a one-shot surgery. No fills, slips, erosions, punctured tubing/port, no aftercare, etc. The weightloss was comparable to a RNY, but

without the upkeep of a LapBand or the

intestinal re-routing of a RNY. My surgery was mostly painless. I got the spinal blocker which left me feeling VERY nice the first day and a half after surgery. The gas pain isn't like normal gas pain, I felt mine around my chest in a stabbing/vice type sensation. The best way to avoid this is to pass gas (fart) as soon as possible. It's not always doable though, and despite my best efforts of making laps around the hospital it took me 36hrs to pass gas. Try not to get too wound up if you don't pass gas right away, it just makes it harder for you. I suggest bringing along GasX dissolving strips. I'm not sure if they really helped or not, but they can't hurt. The drain was also very uncomfortable. Not painful, just "Damnit! Something is poking me in the side non-stop! Arrgghh!" and made it hard to sleep. Within a couple of hours after it was removed I felt much, much better.

The stuff they give you

for the leak test is vile, vile stuff. Don't let Dr. Campos fool you with his charm, it tastes like chalky battery acid and I nearly tossed my cookies on his shoes. Also, you'll get a warning from him or a nurse that you will experience diarrhea after the drinking it. They're not kidding. About 30 minutes after the leak test I found myself scampering for my bathroom with a serious emergency. Yikes.

One of my single best pieces of advise for anyone traveling via airline: GET WHEELCHAIR ASSISTANCE FOR THE FLIGHT HOME!!! I had a connecting flight that I had to make, that was a good 90 gates away from where I landed and they wanted me to make it in under 12 minutes. Thank goodness I got the wheelchair assistance, or I'd have never made it home that day. Also, make friends with one of the bell hops at the hospital. They're really very nice gentleman, and will go out of their way to help you. One helped my Mom to get a huge flower

arrangement sent to my hospital room, and another took it upon himself to walk me to the ATM late one night (because I'm too daft to remember to get cash) to make sure I wasn't troubled.

Time off from work varies. I had surgery on a Tuesday, flew cross country the following Monday, and was in Chemistry class at 8am the following morning and worked 8.5hrs (in an office setting) that night. It's hard, and I was tired, but you can go back to work within a week. My stomach was sore and I was very protective of it, it feels very jiggly and loose like your abdomenal muscles have taken the week off.

The surgery removes the portion of the stomach that produces grehilin, the hunger hormone. However it doesn't cure head-hunger, and there were many times during the month long post op diet that I wanted to put my foot through the TV screen everytime a food ad ran. This will pass. No,

really, you'll think back to this e-mail two weeks after surgery when you're still sipping chicken broth and think I'm lying, but I swear you can make it through the post-op diet.

Post-Op life is pretty easy. The first month I was on solid foods I vomited quite frequently or got stuck because I was experiencing what I call the learning curve. Before I could eat half an appetizer, salad, dinner, a couple of rolls, and maybe dessert. Last night for dinner I went out to eat with a friend, I had two potato skins and three or four bites of my soup and I was s-t-u-f-f-e- d. The first month you're still learning that when you feel full, it's time to STOP. Not cram in a few more bites, because if you do, you'll make yourself sick. You also have to learn that chewing is something to take your time with, not race through as quickly as you can and on to the next bite. The "full" sensation is

different too, and the signs that you're getting full are different. I often experience a running nose or hiccups. I'm 5 months out and down 53lbs, with 27 left to go til goal. I have not been a saint with my diet/workout routine or I'm sure I'd have been at goal by now. I do have GERD, but I had that before the surgery. I haven't had any complications other than discovering that my college has surprisingly uncomfortable chairs, something I didn't realize before I started to lose my excess butt padding. I'm 25 and have never once considered myself to have a boney ass until this year.

I hope I've been helpful with my experiences, and if anyone has any questions please feel free to ask or email me off-list. Also if anyone is interested, I posted my before/current photos under the title "Transformation".

Sorry if that was too long winded! Regards, le aka "The Fox" on OH.

[Guest guest]

Indeed we have! Bipley is a real live person, contrary to popular rumor. I've even felt her port! We talked via email and phone several times before my surgery, and she was nice enough to coordinate a fill date with my surgery date so I'd feel more comfortable. She even stayed with me in post-op recovery. -G New Horizon Traveler <nhtravelor@...> wrote: Agreed. Thanks le. Have you met each other?NHT Re: Some quick Sleeve information/thoughts Ahhh le... .Have I told you lately how much I adore you and your honesty?You are terrific! On Wed, Jun 4, 2008 at 8:14 PM, le <Sky_of_Gin (DOT) com> wrote: Hello again! There are a lot of questions flying around today about the sleeve. I just wanted to share my story and give some advice. I was a low BMI patient, my BMI the day of surgery was 33. I researched the lapband for over a year, believing it was the answer to my hopes. I picked Dr. Aceves, a surgery date, and even postponed my surgery slightly so I could get the new AP bands that were coming out. About a month before my surgery I read about the VSG. Previously I'd only known it as the first part to the Duodenal Switch, a surgery that was way too aggressive for my tastes. Within a week of learning about the sleeve as a stand alone procedure, I switched over. My reasons for jumping off the lap-band wagon were the benifits of a one-shot surgery. No fills, slips,

erosions, punctured tubing/port, no aftercare, etc. The weightloss was comparable to a RNY, but without the upkeep of a LapBand or the intestinal re-routing of a RNY. My surgery was mostly painless. I got the spinal blocker which left me feeling VERY nice the first day and a half after surgery. The gas pain isn't like normal gas pain, I felt mine around my chest in a stabbing/vice type sensation. The best way to avoid this is to pass gas (fart) as soon as possible. It's not always doable though, and despite my best efforts of making laps around the hospital it took me 36hrs to pass gas. Try not to get too wound up if you don't pass gas right away, it just makes it harder for you. I suggest bringing along GasX dissolving strips. I'm not sure if they really helped or not, but they can't hurt. The drain was also very uncomfortable. Not painful, just "Damnit! Something is poking me in the side non-stop! Arrgghh!" and made it hard to

sleep. Within a couple of hours after it was removed I felt much, much better. The stuff they give you for the leak test is vile, vile stuff. Don't let Dr. Campos fool you with his charm, it tastes like chalky battery acid and I nearly tossed my cookies on his shoes. Also, you'll get a warning from him or a nurse that you will experience diarrhea after the drinking it. They're not kidding. About 30 minutes after the leak test I found myself scampering for my bathroom with a serious emergency. Yikes. One of my single best pieces of advise for anyone traveling via airline: GET WHEELCHAIR ASSISTANCE FOR THE FLIGHT HOME!!! I had a connecting flight that I had to make, that was a good 90 gates away from where I landed and they wanted me to make it in under 12 minutes. Thank goodness I got the wheelchair assistance, or I'd have never made it home that day. Also, make friends with one of the bell hops at the

hospital. They're really very nice gentleman, and will go out of their way to help you. One helped my Mom to get a huge flower arrangement sent to my hospital room, and another took it upon himself to walk me to the ATM late one night (because I'm too daft to remember to get cash) to make sure I wasn't troubled. Time off from work varies. I had surgery on a Tuesday, flew cross country the following Monday, and was in Chemistry class at 8am the following morning and worked 8.5hrs (in an office setting) that night. It's hard, and I was tired, but you can go back to work within a week. My stomach was sore and I was very protective of it, it feels very jiggly and loose like your abdomenal muscles have taken the week off. The surgery removes the portion of the stomach that produces grehilin, the hunger hormone. However it doesn't cure head-hunger, and there were many times during the

month long post op diet that I wanted to put my foot through the TV screen everytime a food ad ran. This will pass. No, really, you'll think back to this e-mail two weeks after surgery when you're still sipping chicken broth and think I'm lying, but I swear you can make it through the post-op diet. Post-Op life is pretty easy. The first month I was on solid foods I vomited quite frequently or got stuck because I was experiencing what I call the learning curve. Before I could eat half an appetizer, salad, dinner, a couple of rolls, and maybe dessert. Last night for dinner I went out to eat with a friend, I had two potato skins and three or four bites of my soup and I was s-t-u-f-f-e- d. The first month you're still learning that when you feel full, it's time to STOP. Not cram in a few more bites, because if you do, you'll make yourself sick. You also have to learn that chewing is something to take

your time with, not race through as quickly as you can and on to the next bite. The "full" sensation is different too, and the signs that you're getting full are different. I often experience a running nose or hiccups. I'm 5 months out and down 53lbs, with 27 left to go til goal. I have not been a saint with my diet/workout routine or I'm sure I'd have been at goal by now. I do have GERD, but I had that before the surgery. I haven't had any complications other than discovering that my college has surprisingly uncomfortable chairs, something I didn't realize before I started to lose my excess butt padding. I'm 25 and have never once considered myself to have a boney ass until this year. I hope I've been helpful with my experiences, and if anyone has any questions please feel free to ask or email me off-list. Also if anyone is interested, I posted my before/current photos under the title

"Transformation". Sorry if that was too long winded! Regards, le aka "The Fox" on OH.

[Guest guest]

*lol* True story. I believe she told me I had a really pretty liver. I'm going to start trying to get dates with that line "Hey baby, wanna see my liver? *growl*" Bipley <Bipley@...> wrote: We sure have! I watched her surgery! On Thu, Jun 5, 2008 at 9:53 PM, New Horizon Traveler <nhtravelor > wrote: Agreed. Thanks le. Have you met each other?NHT Re: Some quick Sleeve information/thoughts Ahhh le... .Have I told you lately how much I adore you and your honesty?You are terrific!

On Wed, Jun 4, 2008 at 8:14 PM, le <Sky_of_Gin (DOT) com> wrote: Hello again! There are a lot of questions flying around today about the sleeve. I just wanted to share my story and give some advice. I was a low BMI patient, my BMI the day of surgery was 33. I researched the lapband for over a year, believing it was the answer to my hopes. I picked Dr. Aceves, a surgery date, and even postponed my surgery slightly so I could get the new AP bands that were coming out. About a month before my surgery I read about the VSG. Previously I'd only known it as the first part to the Duodenal Switch, a surgery that was way too

aggressive for my tastes. Within a week of learning about the sleeve as a stand alone procedure, I switched over. My reasons for jumping off the lap-band wagon were the benifits of a one-shot surgery. No fills, slips, erosions, punctured tubing/port, no aftercare, etc. The weightloss was comparable to a RNY, but without the upkeep of a LapBand or the intestinal re-routing of a RNY. My surgery was mostly painless. I got the spinal blocker which left me feeling VERY nice the first day and a half after surgery. The gas pain isn't like normal gas pain, I felt mine around my chest in a stabbing/vice type sensation. The best way to avoid this is to pass gas (fart) as soon as possible. It's not always doable though, and despite my best efforts of making laps around the hospital it took me 36hrs to pass gas. Try not to get too wound up if you don't pass gas right away, it just makes it harder for you. I suggest bringing along GasX

dissolving strips. I'm not sure if they really helped or not, but they can't hurt. The drain was also very uncomfortable. Not painful, just "Damnit! Something is poking me in the side non-stop! Arrgghh!" and made it hard to sleep. Within a couple of hours after it was removed I felt much, much better. The stuff they give you for the leak test is vile, vile stuff. Don't let Dr. Campos fool you with his charm, it tastes like chalky battery acid and I nearly tossed my cookies on his shoes. Also, you'll get a warning from him or a nurse that you will experience diarrhea after the drinking it. They're not kidding. About 30 minutes after the leak test I found myself scampering for my bathroom with a serious emergency. Yikes. One of my single best pieces of advise for anyone traveling via airline: GET WHEELCHAIR ASSISTANCE FOR THE FLIGHT HOME!!! I had a connecting flight that I had to make, that was a good 90

gates away from where I landed and they wanted me to make it in under 12 minutes. Thank goodness I got the wheelchair assistance, or I'd have never made it home that day. Also, make friends with one of the bell hops at the hospital. They're really very nice gentleman, and will go out of their way to help you. One helped my Mom to get a huge flower arrangement sent to my hospital room, and another took it upon himself to walk me to the ATM late one night (because I'm too daft to remember to get cash) to make sure I wasn't troubled. Time off from work varies. I had surgery on a Tuesday, flew cross country the following Monday, and was in Chemistry class at 8am the following morning and worked 8.5hrs (in an office setting) that night. It's hard, and I was tired, but you can go back to work within a week. My stomach was sore and I was very protective of it, it feels very jiggly and loose like your abdomenal muscles

have taken the week off. The surgery removes the portion of the stomach that produces grehilin, the hunger hormone. However it doesn't cure head-hunger, and there were many times during the month long post op diet that I wanted to put my foot through the TV screen everytime a food ad ran. This will pass. No, really, you'll think back to this e-mail two weeks after surgery when you're still sipping chicken broth and think I'm lying, but I swear you can make it through the post-op diet. Post-Op life is pretty easy. The first month I was on solid foods I vomited quite frequently or got stuck because I was experiencing what I call the learning curve. Before I could eat half an appetizer, salad, dinner, a couple of rolls, and maybe dessert. Last night for dinner I went out to eat with a friend, I had two potato skins and three or four bites of my soup and I was s-t-u-f-f-e- d. The first

month you're still learning that when you feel full, it's time to STOP. Not cram in a few more bites, because if you do, you'll make yourself sick. You also have to learn that chewing is something to take your time with, not race through as quickly as you can and on to the next bite. The "full" sensation is different too, and the signs that you're getting full are different. I often experience a running nose or hiccups. I'm 5 months out and down 53lbs, with 27 left to go til goal. I have not been a saint with my diet/workout routine or I'm sure I'd have been at goal by now. I do have GERD, but I had that before the surgery. I haven't had any complications other than discovering that my college has surprisingly uncomfortable chairs, something I didn't realize before I started to lose my excess butt padding. I'm 25 and have never once considered myself to have a boney ass until this year. I hope I've been helpful with my experiences, and if anyone has any questions please feel free to ask or email me off-list. Also if anyone is interested, I posted my before/current photos under the title "Transformation". Sorry if that was too long winded! Regards, le aka "The Fox" on OH.

[Guest guest]

I'm obliged to agree 100 percent with Bipley's reasoning below. I really don't see anyway, logically, around it, especially for a 61 year-old male diabetic.

However, I'm not getting any support for either approach. So I figure that I'll try the least invasive and see if it turns out to be a negotiable and doable event.

I know I'm not going to lose all of this weight by wishing it away and I'm not going to walk it away, either.

At some point a guy needs to throw in the towel and say, "enough." Get some help. And that's what I plan on doing, even if it's not the sort of help I would choose if given the choice.

So it goes.

Ed

In a message dated 6/5/2008 7:16:03 A.M. Pacific Daylight Time, Bipley@... writes:

Within a week of learning about the sleeve as a stand alone procedure, I switched over. My reasons for jumping off the lap-band wagon were the benifits of a one-shot surgery. No fills, slips, erosions, punctured tubing/port, no aftercare, etc. The weightloss was comparable to a RNY, but without the upkeep of a LapBand or the intestinal re-routing of a RNY.

Get trade secrets for amazing burgers. Watch "Cooking with Tyler Florence" on AOL Food.

[Guest guest]

Ed,

I am with you on the support thing. Getting the band was so much

easier to " sell " to my family.And it was important to get them with

me. It was cheaper and could always be removed if necessary-no

permanent changes in body parts. Sometimes it works out this way-we

have to be respective to our support systems if we expect them to

support us.

Tonja

>

>

> I'm obliged to agree 100 percent with Bipley's reasoning below. I

really

> don't see anyway, logically, around it, especially for a 61 year-

old male

> diabetic.

>

> However, I'm not getting any support for either approach. So I

figure that

> I'll try the least invasive and see if it turns out to be a

negotiable and

> doable event.

>

> I know I'm not going to lose all of this weight by wishing it away

and I'm

> not going to walk it away, either.

>

> At some point a guy needs to throw in the towel and say, " enough. "

Get some

> help. And that's what I plan on doing, even if it's not the sort of

help I

> would choose if given the choice.

>

> So it goes.

>

> Ed

>

> In a message dated 6/5/2008 7:16:03 A.M. Pacific Daylight Time,

> Bipley@... writes:

>

> Within a week of learning about the sleeve as a stand alone

procedure, I

> switched over. My reasons for jumping off the lap-band wagon were

the benifits

> of a one-shot surgery. No fills, slips, erosions, punctured

tubing/port, no

> aftercare, etc. The weightloss was comparable to a RNY, but without

the upkeep

> of a LapBand or the intestinal re-routing of a RNY.

>

>

>

>

>

>

> **************Get trade secrets for amazing burgers. Watch " Cooking

with

> Tyler Florence " on AOL Food.

> (http://food.aol.com/tyler-florence?video=4?

& NCID=aolfod00030000000002)

>

[Guest guest]

Heh.. I was born that way? ;o)I am a nurse, I have already been through the entire WLJ. I know the ins and outs, the ways to cheat and the ways to make it work. Time is a wonderful teacher of wisdom.

On Thu, Jun 5, 2008 at 10:35 PM, New Horizon Traveler <nhtravelor@...> wrote:

Really? Who are you, Bipley ? are you a nurse? Why are you so incredibly knowlageable??