Vampyrvet

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Wow, time really flies.  I'm about 2 & 1/2 months post-sleeve now, and I feel great!  I am once again a normal, functional human being.  I haven't puked since my band was removed, and I sure don't miss it!  The sleeve has been everything that was promised and more!  I've lost 19 pounds and I'm starting to see a hint of muscle definition at last!  And though I've had a few disagreements with certain foods that I've eaten, I haven't found anything that I CAN'T eat.  What a difference and what a relief! 

A huge thanks to everyone who encouraged me to go ahead with this.  You guys are Rock Stars!!

 I got the go-ahead from Dr. Vaughan to start gradually incorporating soft & mushy foods.  So today I made a plate of deviled eggs.  I ate 2 egg halves, and I was full.  I mean, really stuffed!  This is fantastic!!!  Before WLS, I would have finished 3-4 eggs right then at the first sitting, then come back for the rest in a couple of hours.  It has been 3 hours now and I'm still full!

All my fellow sleevers who told me that this would be the best decision of my life... YOU WERE RIGHT!  Thank you all from the bottom of my heart!

I'm slowly creeping toward feeling normal again, though I still have soreness.  In particular from the incision where the port was removed... that thing must have been dug in like crazy!  

As of today, 8 days post-op, I have lost 12 pounds!  Considering that I didn't lose a single pound in the last 6 months with my band, this is incredible to me!  It also nudges my BMI to 29.5... which means that for the first time in about 20 years I'm no longer considered obese!  Who would have thought it would be a compliment to be called "overweight"?

I want to thank all my fellow sleevers out there for your words of encouragement that helped me get here.  I am following in your footsteps as fast as I can!

Whoooo Hooooo !!!!! 

Well it's no fun to be starting all over again, and I'm in full-blown misery at the moment.... bloated belly, pain, nausea, headache, cramps, etc.  At least I know there is an end in sight and my ordeal is in the home-stretch.  It's a big psychological boost just to be home, and I know each day will be a little better.  Many thanks to everyone who was so generous with their words of encouragement, you guys are my inspiration and my role-models.  I will look forward to sharing my developing success story with you all very soon.

Thanks again,
Natalie

I was banded (Realize) in June 2008 and received my first fill in July. (3cc's). I began vomiting shortly afterward, but like others on this site I thought it was my fault for overeating/under-chewing, etc. By September, my band had slipped and I was fully obstructed. This required a 2nd surgery to reposition & re-secure the band. I had my first fill (3 cc's again) in November and began vomiting again 2 weeks ago. Saw my surgeon to get deflated yesterday, and he confirmed that my band has slipped AGAIN. I will have to undergo surgery for a third time. I am getting this evil thing removed, and currently considering which procedure to convert to. I have not lost more than a pound in the last 4 months, despite all the vomiting. Truthfully it will be a relief to get rid of this thing, not only because I am tired of not being able to eat healthful food, but also because the port has never stopped hurting since it was originally implanted. I've felt like I had a knife sticking out of my gut for 7 months now. I can't even wear jeans or anything with a firm waistband, because it puts pressure on the port and it digs into my muscle wall.  I am very active & love to exercise hard, but the port has severely reduced what I am able to do without pain.  For a weight-loss procedure to actually REDUCE your ability to exercise is unacceptable.  For a band to slip TWICE in only 7 months is unacceptable.  I don't think I could ever recommend the band to anyone.  I regret my decision and hope that I make a better one next time around.