Knoxville Iowa

Hello fellow Iowans,

Anyone out there that is getting ready for surgery or is thinking about having surgery or had surgery and can kind of explain what they went though and how you are doing with the new you and lifestyle

Hello,
Yes, I had surgery Dec. 2012 in Des Moines. Dr. LaMasters rocks!!! BEST decision I ever made aside from marrying my husband! I had the gastric sleeve. I chose this because there didn't seem to be as much required for follow up as some of the other methods. I had a natural holiday break, so with a few extra days off, I was off Dec. 19-Jan.8 and went back to work without any issues. I've been very fortunate and have not had any real problems, with the exception of chronic constipation. I haven't figured out the rhyme or reason for why some weeks life is perfectly normal and then the next week I don't go without the use of laxatives. I almost went to a G.I. specialist (actually had a referral) but I changed my mind because everything was going good at that point and I couldn't see why I should subject myself to yet another doctor! lol Of course, now things have slowed down again...go figure. But, this should not turn you off, because I'm probably one of the few this happens with!

I did have my gallbladder out and a hernia repaired a short time ago, so I need to get back into counting calories to continue weight loss. Right now I'm just losing and gaining the same 5 pounds, but I'm happy to be maintaining what I've lost. Ultimately, I feel 110% healthier and can eat whatever I want...good or bad, just in smaller quantities. I have not had any issues with things making me vomit. (I know others have reported this.) I still have to work out 30 minutes, 5 days a week and watch what I eat. My husband is so happy with my experience, that he's decided to have the same surgery himself! (He's 6'5 and weighs over 400 pounds) It will make my new lifestyle (and soon his) much easier with both of us eating the same way. I'm excited to see him getting healthier and I always telling him he's stuck with me, so we may as well make it a REALLY long life sentence! Good luck to you and let me know if you have any questions that I can help answer.

Hi, I'm not from Iowa but here's my story. The surgery was not bad (lap band) but the 1st week I had nausea so bad I was in the bed most of the week. I call doc he put me on antacids that cleared it up. I can eat my allotted amount with no problems. All the craving I had for junk food is now gone. My tummy is still a little tender it's taking longer to heal than I thought. I haven't had to by new cloths yet but when I do I will shop sale racks, Good Will and yard sales. I don't want to pay to much for things I'll only be waring a few months. The only thing I've had any trouble with is diet cokes I have to have an almost empty tummy to drink one. If my tummy is full the bubbles get me. If you have Amy more question just ask. Best of luck to u.

Hi Jayhawkgirl,

I am 10 weeks out from the sleeve. I had to stay in the hospital for a week instead of the 2 days because I was really nauseated and did a lot of vomiting. I am doing better but, I am having a few issues with my stomach. I am going to have an upper gi to make sure I am not getting an ulcer. I am still learning how to get in all of my protein it's a slow process but, I am getting there. Even though I am having a few issues I would do it all over again. I am no longer taking any diabetic meds or high blood pressure meds. I made the right decision for me. Good luck and keep coming back. There is always new info shared by folks that are going through or have already been through the process.

TillieS

Hello Everyone.

I just completed a gastric pouch on February 19th. Weight loss has been great, but allergic reactions to surgical glue, and a possible stroke (according to the ER neurologist) have made this a bit scary. I am not unhappy at all with this decision, just wanted to know if others have had bumpy paths, and get to know more people. Thanks

Shelly