MINI-Me

Anna ... just get back on that horse. You are doing AWESOME! You have the best attitude of just about anyone I know. You are a role model. So, today you proved yourself human. BUT, you were still calorie deficient. Think of that as a victory. You "PIGGED OUT" and you were still better than your best day "dieting". You are awesome. Tomorrow is a new day. You go girl!

Sorry to hear you are having issues. I had terrible shoulder pain as well. The good news is that it really does end quickly. Here's my story ... http://verticalsleevetalk.com/post-operation-vertical-sleeve-gastric-surgery-vsg-questions-answers/3493-surgery-recovery-sucks.html

Some surgeons place a drain tube in your abdominal cavity to remove excess fluids after surgery. My surgeon did not do this. Some have it & have very little drainage & others seem to have quite a bit. Just talk with your surgeon and see what he does. Ask questions until you are comfortable with the answers. At almost 6 months out, it is hard to remember the anxiety of getting the sleeve. I am truely happy with my decision. I love the new me & my ability to eat just about anything I want (not that it's always a great choice - I'm still working on that!) but just a small portion. Tonight I had 2 bites of birthday cake & it was enough. Before, I would have eaten a whole piece and wanted more. But, if I am honest, I remember the anxiety and the questions. I did my research and asked TONS of questions. My husband was concerned about the permanence of the surgery, but knew that I had done my research and fully supported me. Was he worried - of course! This is major surgery. Was he confident that this was the right decision for me - of course! Not that it's all about looks - it's really about being healthy ... but today, I was wearing a cute dress & driving in the car in the heat. I had my dress pulled up about mid-thigh since I was warm. My husband kept glancing over & grinning. When I asked what was up, he just said "You look so good. Cute, happy, and adorable". It just confirmed that I made the right choice. Like I said, ask questions of your surgeon, ask questions of us, do your research ... and have your surgery. There are tough moments, yes. But overall, I would do this again in a heartbeat. But, luckily, this is permanent so there is no need to go back to the old me. I wouldn't want to be her again!

I think the reflux issues you are describing are quite common with the band. I've never had one, but I have friends who have. I had intermittent acid reflux issues before the sleeve, but Prilosec keeps my symptoms at bay. My doctor and I have decided to keep me on it for 1 year & then try to wean off - just didn't want to have to deal with new eating, losing weight, and possible reflux at the same time. Don't cancel your surgery. Talk to your surgeon about your fears and his plans if you do have reflux issues. Best of luck!

Could not agree more!

Sorry to hear about the pain, but glad to hear that the surgery went well. Welcome to the Loser Bench!

This happens to some people who are doing very low carb diets. There is a lot of information out there about ketosis - this is one site with a very basic definition: What is Ketosis? Is Ketosis Dangerous? How to Detect Ketosis

So sorry to hear about your dx. I am on my phone so it's not easy to access your profile. Are you at goal or do you have more to lose? Do you think this may have been a problem for a while and just now found? Are you on medications to treat or at the eat better/exercise stage? Let us know how we can support you. Yes, it is a bummer. But witha diagnosis comes a plan - we are here to help you with that plan. You can beat this!

Congrats for your hubby and thanks for my friend. She is going through pre-op tests now and should have a date soon.

It never hurts to try. You will have a better chance if you can document the high bp.

That is great news ... Congrats on your progress so far.

Very sorry to hear this news. Take care of yourself.

See you on the other side!

Best wishes for a successful surgery and speedy recovery.

AWESOME! You look terrific! I'm sure you feel better too. Great work!

LOL - Sounds like you are about on par with what the rest of us experienced right before surgery. You have a right to be excited - your life is going to change for the better. Congrats!

Best of luck ... hope you are able to resolve the internet issue.

You have to be so proud. You look great. Sounds like you are on track and know what to do to get that last little bit off. Congratulations!

I know it's hard having so many differing opinions thrown at you. I don't think it needs to be all "safe" foods, but some you need to avoid while you are healing. I was told no raw veggies, chicken and beef (unless very moist with a sauce), and popcorn until I was at least 3 months. From what I've read from others that is typical advice from mosts docs/nuts. This does not appear to be an issue for you with fullness, I was told to avoid most lettuce (spinach was ok) pretty much always since there is so little nutrition and it can fill you up too quickly. If we can help at all, just say the word. We do care!

Jillian - I am really worried about you. You had your surgery less than 2 months ago, right? You were a very lightweight (30 pounds to lose I think is what you said). You are already at a healthy weight which is great. However, you should not be eating lettuce and some of the foods you listed until 3 months out or more. Since you are also asking about liquids & timing around meals, it seems like you have had very little or no nutrition guidelines given to you. Please seek help from a licensed nutritionist who has experience with the Sleeve. If you cannot find that, even experience with any WLS will be of a benefit to you. The volume and types of food you are eating can cause serious issues with your healing stomach. Please, please, please get some help immediately!

My surgeon gave it to me.

absolutely!

I didn't receive a discount card, but did receive a card requesting I be allowed to order smaller quanties (such as child or senior menus). I have used this a few times - Olive Garden is happy to comply, but their policies require you show the card.

OK - no flaming needed. This is only my personal experience that I am sharing. I know that many people say it is a no-no, but I drink Diet Soda and don't have any problems. I actually do not find it to be a trigger - it fills me up & I don't want to eat. I find that fountain drinks are much easier than bottled/caneed. But, this is only my personal experience. I do not count is as my 64+ oz a day since I do enjoy the caffeine in my diet soda.

So I went home to see my family last week. I finally told my mom about my surgery 3 weeks ago since I knew she wouldn't believe I lost so much "on my own". She had questions, but seemed supportive. Well ... my mom is a typical southern woman & likes to share the news with everyone. When I got home, people made some comments about my weightloss, but not much. I found out that everyone thought I had been doing Weight Watchers. Mom hadn't told anyone about the surgery. When I asked her about it - she said that it was my "news to share if you want to". So, I slowly started telling family members as the week went by. I don't want to be unfair, I had some support, but most people just told me of all the weight regain stories they knew. I was also told that I had "lost enough". (I am in no way thin - but I am on my way to a healthy BMI.) One friend of the family even told me "Well, you haven't gained too much over the years." Are you kidding me?!?!?!? I haven't been this weight in my adult years ... well, maybe a day or two, but it all came back and plus some. Do people really look at each other? I must admit, I felt shattered. I've always been told I was a pretty girl if I could just lose some weight. So, I have taken off the weight & hardly anything was said. Just felt like everyone was waiting for me to gain it all back. People seemed disappointed that I hardly ate anything. Yes, my family is obese and morbidly obese. My father passed away last year from its complications. Why can't they be happy for me or at least encouraging? I didn't think I was, but I guess I was expecting more. ok ... I guess the pity party is over. Time to get back to losing weight and being proud of myself!