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coreena691
on 2/26/11 12:12 am - Beaver Bank, Canada
coreena691
on 2/25/11 11:25 pm - Beaver Bank, Canada
Topic: That's right---Another statistic!!! (VBG)
Some of you already know the news but I'll bring you all up to date on my happenings in my WLS world.

I had VBG in 1991 and lost 90lbs in the first 5 mths.  I kept it off for many years, had a tummy tuck and 2 children.  I started to have trouble with food stuck and discomfort as time went by and leaned more towards easier foods to swallow.  Of course these were the horrid "sliders" that I didn't realize and gained back some weight. 

I started on the losers bench again last Fall and dropped 45lbs with a strict eating plan and good old fashioned exercise. 

All was great but I was still having issues with food getting stuck and sometimes would eat very little due to the discomfort and vomiting I would experience.  I would literally have to make myself sick to "unstuck" the blockage (ok, I know, TMI).  But this was my way of life for the past 19+ yrs, so it became "normal" to me.  That was until Christmas Eve, I had a very bad episode and I think that's when "IT" happened.

I was already scheduled for my upper GI just for a check up, but by mid Jan, I realized something was different.  I wasn't feeling the discomfort.  Crazy!....I was worried that I wasn't having to make my self vomit.  (Hmm...Bulimia?), Nope, but knew something happended inside.

The day of my UGI, the technician asked what to check for and I told him of the latest.  After only 3 swallows, he said he found the problem.......Here it is.....wait for it.....Staples came UNDONE!!!

Ummhmm, just like the other 90% that had mechanical failure.  I wasn't upset, acutally I was releived, I found out early in the game, and at least I knew I have to be careful for amounts eaten because I won't have as much restriction.  ...and truth be told, some days, I think I have a bottomless pit inside.  But I am trying to stick to my regular diet just to be safe.

I already have an appointment to go see my old surgeon (Dr. MacDonald--yes, he's still alive!) next Thursday (March 3rd).  I am preparing for the most likely response, that not only do I need a "fixer-upper", but he'll probably have to do a revision to Gastric Bypass (RNY).  (I know I'm pushing it here, but hope he can give a little extra tuck on the stomach on his way out with stitching me up after the surgery).  LOL 

So I am okay with this.  It's like stage 3 (remember I had the tummy tuck too), of my WLS journey.  And am looking forward to the days of eating a little more normal, being able to finally tolerate dense protein and eat fruits & veggies AGAIN!!!  I was so limited before, and I've done a lot of research about this type of revision and discovered it is BETTER!  

I will keep everyone up to date on my next steps, when I'll be having surgery and the post-op days....yep, here I go again with the crazy liquid days and learning how to eat again.  But I can't wait.  I've been playing with the same 5lbs since Christmas time, and can't wait to jump past this with a new start on life!  I don't expect to lose drastically (it's 2nd time around with surgery) but 4th time around trying to lose a good amount of weight.  I'm currently at 197lbs, and hope get re-united with my GOAL in the near future!!!   Oh how I miss my Goal days!!!

Saving the best for last, I am very glad we have our Owlss Support group meetings and have met others with WLS, I dont' have to go through this alone, there are other members who have been where I am and had a revision with great results.  And I am forever grateful for their support and sharing their experiences with me.  

Thanks for reading and don't hesitate to ask questions. 

Cheers,
Coreena

VBG June 1991 - Revision to VSG May 12, 2011
 
   
              
coreena691
on 2/25/11 10:47 pm - Beaver Bank, Canada
Topic: RE: Reminder: OWLSS group meeting - this Monday Night!
Thanks Ruthann, the new "do" was needed to keep me feeling fun & active during the winter blahs!

We usually have around 10-12 members, but the winter months play havoc on attendance. 
You're right, this forum is a wee too quiet for all the people who have had or are waiting to have surgery.

When I had my surgery in 1991, I was literally on my own, no internet, no support groups, and sure do wish these things were available to make that journey a little more pleasurable!  

I don't respond a lot on our OH NS forum here as I'm an oldie and can't give many suggestions to the new clinic or procedure (Gastric Sleeve), so I leave that for others.  But life after surgery, well I try to be active in this area.  

Cheers,
Coreena
VBG June 1991 - Revision to VSG May 12, 2011
 
   
              
ruthann49
on 2/25/11 10:40 pm - Canada
Topic: RE: Reminder: OWLSS group meeting - this Monday Night!
Thanks again Coreena for all your work! Do you usually get a good turnout? I'm a little disappointed we don't have a very active forum here in NS.With all the people on the waiting list there must be somone having surgery out there!!  I check on here most days to see if there is any new posts but it's been very quiet. The VSG forum is very helpful but I'd like to read more from Nova Scotians! Your new  "do"is amazing by the way!
            
coreena691
on 2/25/11 10:40 pm - Beaver Bank, Canada
coreena691
on 2/25/11 10:29 pm - Beaver Bank, Canada
Topic: Reminder: OWLSS group meeting - this Monday Night!
OWLSS (Obesity Weight Loss Surgery Support) Group

Hi everyone!

Just a reminder that we're having our monthly meeting for HRM on Monday night again at the Lr. Sackville Sobeys location in their Community Room.  (7-9pm)

Everyone is welcome and it's an open floor night to discuss your journey and any specific issues you need to cover.  We're here to give you the support!!!

Hope to see you there!

Coreena






VBG June 1991 - Revision to VSG May 12, 2011
 
   
              
A in NS
on 2/25/11 10:15 pm
Topic: RE: Somewhere along the way, I've lost myself...
Hmmm, from the looks of your ticker you are already over half way though!  Holey girl!  When are they going to do the flushing procedure for you?
_________________________________________________________________
 (includes 90lbs lost pre-op): 

  
Weight lost since surgery:
  
A in NS
on 2/25/11 10:13 pm
Topic: RE: Somewhere along the way, I've lost myself...
Ahhh but you're so much taller than I am!  I'm only 5'3 - I wish I were taller!!  lmao  You're almost at goal too!!!  WOOHOO!!!
_________________________________________________________________
 (includes 90lbs lost pre-op): 

  
Weight lost since surgery:
  
Mary H.
on 2/25/11 11:04 am - Canada
Topic: RE: May info session
Hello Everyone. I am brand new to this Forum. I just heard about the May session and I am not yet invited to it.  My referral was made months ago (I believe it was Sept. 10th 2010) and I have heard nothing back as of yet. I have been researching and reading for months. I am eager to begin this process. Should I contact Dr. Ellsmere myself and ask if I can attend.

My family Doctor told me I should be recieving my Gastric Sleeve within the year. I am starting to think this will not be happening. :(
Kitty1975
on 2/25/11 10:04 am - Canada
Topic: RE: Somewhere along the way, I've lost myself...
You so rock and i am so jealous. I cant wait to get to that point! Actually i cant wait to get to the point theres no pain or nausea.lol I dont think thats asking too much :--D

what do you wanna be when you grow up little girl? i wanna be a loser and sit on the bench sir! (45 lbs lost pre op) 300lbs starting weight, currently 141lbs! Lowest has been 135lbs and hoping to get back to that.
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