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So, I got my surgery done last month, in July, and have only lost about 16lbs so far. Yesterday morning I woke up and felt like it was hard to take a deep breath. Today didn't feel much different. I'm totally trying to avoid going to ER, but I guess I'll get looked at tomorrow. Anyone else have this type of problem? I love looking at your before and after photos..😊 Reading your weight loss journeys gives me inspiration. I hope 8 months down the line I can share my photos of the "new" me.

I am curious as to how much time you need to take off work after surgery. I have a desk job but I work about 10 hours a day and I need to be quite alert and able to think. If my energy level is low, effecting concentration, I won’t be able to do anything - so might as well plan for a longer leave. Would 3 weeks be enough time?

When I couldn't face another protein shake day, I drank Swanson Sipping Broths, 45 calories and 9 grams of protein. When I was really craving something more "solid" I mixed Healthy Request Cream of Chicken with 1% milk, heated it and strained the chunks out of it, Once, when I felt I was going mad, I had my son go to Panera and get the Summer Corn Choder, which I blended and strained...yum!

oddly, for some people, that's their new "full" signal! (my full signal is just that I start feeling uncomfortable, for lack of a better word - but for others, it's things like a runny nose or sneeze. I know it's weird, but....)

a lot of us don't have a bowel movement for until about a week out - and just as a forewarning - that first one is often a doozy! I'm guessing the reason you don't "go" for a few days afterward is that there's really not much in your system... the distention (sp?) could be air - or I/V fluid - or both. It can take a few days for all that to work itself out

I rely on lip balms all year round and keep one with me or near me at all times. My favorites are Burt's Bees, any of their fruity ones, but especially wild cherry. I cannot say as it has given me cravings, ever. I suppose if you're afraid of that, switch to a mint one. They have the benefit of a tingling sensation rather than the bland unflavored varieties.

Well 16 pounds is actually really good! Congrats! As for the hard to take a deep breath bit... are you asthmatic? I have on and off issue with that since my surgery, especially at night, but I was told it would eventually get better. Though the smoke from the fires here in California aren't making it better... 😓 But, you may want to get tested for Corona Virus because breathing issues is a symptom. Hopefully it isn't that though!

I had the same thoughts when considering which surgery I wanted....i considered the sleeve for several reasons...a few being that the actual surgical procedure was less than half the time it would take to do the bypass and I heard recovery wasn’t as bad. I also have a few close friends who had the sleeve and are more than happy with their results. I ended up deciding on RNY due to my occasional acid reflux and I was nervous about regaining my weight and falling back into the old habits that got my in the situation I was in before surgery. I didn’t want to have to deal with the possibility of needing revision surgery and having to go through everything twice. I figured I was already going to be under anesthesia so I just thought “I’m not going to know how long I’m asleep” lol But I know several people that had the sleeve and it was a perfect fit for them with long term success to back it up! It’s really just up to you!

I've always wanted : To go horseback riding To not worry about weight limits To eat in public without feeling like I'm being judged To shop in any store for clothes To fit comfortably in a booth

From all I’ve read & heard, lap band is not very popular today & the number of lap band surgeries have decreased quite dramatically. Gastric sleeve is much more popular & common with fewer side effects & complications. But you have a few surgical options. Your health & medical conditions will influence which surgery is most suitable for you & your lifestyle. For example if you already suffer from reflux, you would not be a suitable candidate for a sleeve. Before I made my choice, I did a lot of reading & sat with my surgeon who went through the pros & cons of each surgery. He then made his recommendation based upon my medical history which matched my leanings towards the sleeve. I’m very happy with our decision. Good luck with your journey & whichever surgery you choose.