MINI-Me

One step at a time. My surgery was 10/10 so I understand just where you are.

I am so sorry - recovery is bad enough without having to worry about what was done to you. Get a copy of your operative report and Your signed consent form. What do they say?

I am 2 weeks out from a revision from VSG to DS. I have never liked protein drinks, but found a few that were tolerable. I have heard of taste changing after surgery, but did not have that with my VSG. NOTHING, I mean nothing taste “right”. My only saving grace is Crystal Light Peach Tea. My real worry is that I am gagging on my shakes. I take a drink and it just sits in my mouth. It’s like my body is refusing to swallow. If I push and I do swallow, I have a horrible gag reflex. is this normal? Has anyone else had this? Suggestions?

It seems that for most patients, if they are going to have an issue, it is gaining weight due to snacking. (This was not an issue for me until right before year 2 - then, my "indulgences" seemed to catch up with me. NOT FAIR! :ph34r: :ph34r: ) I'm at that point in my VSG path and need some suggestions for some "good" snacking choices. I'm getting bored with my standbys and need some strategies (especially with Easter coming up quick and those Reese eggs calling my name :wub: !) My standby's - String Cheese Cup of Tea Cup of SF Apple Cidar Skinny Cow Fudge Bars Wine (While this is not "bad", a friend and I are giving up until Memorial Day and substituting with non-caloric fluids to see if this can help us save 100 or so calories a day.) SF Jello Apple Slices Any other suggestions?

Now, I know there is no cure, per se, but I am interested in hearing from those of you who were diabetic pre-surgery. Have you noticed improvement? Are you seeing the need for medication eliminated or reduced? What about those who are dependent on insulin? I am not diabetic, but I am meeting with a friend next week who is considering VSG. Besides being overweight, her main concern is managing her diabetes (pills, no insulin pump at this time). Please vote on the poll. And, any feedback would be appreciated.

I experienced this as well around 2 years out. Testing showed I was not in "the change", but nothing showed up to determine the cause. I started thinking about how I felt when I was low blood sugar during the day or had gone too long between meals. I realized that I sweated like crazy then. So, I began eating 2 light string cheese before bed & it really seemed to help. Not 100%, but only 1 or 2 episodes a month now instead of 5 times a week. Give it a try and see if it helps.

Ah! I guess I should have looked at your surgery date. Duh!

I am confused. Why could you not eat baked chicken?

OK ... Time for honesty ... Since the birth of my son on October 11 to now, I have gained 10 pounds from my "preferred" weight. I have gone off plan, eatten cookies, cakes and all the treats around for the holidays. In my past life, I would have blown this off as "anyone would have gained weight with the holidays". But, the new me needs to be accountable and know that only I choose what I put in my mouth and what happens to my body. I need my Sleever Friends to support me. Keep me accountable. Each Monday I am going to weigh and report my progress. I feel my best around 127 with a bounce of down to 125 to 130. So, my goal is to get back to 127 as soon as I can in a safe and responsible manner. Are you up for supporting me & giving me a kick in the pants if I fall off plan? Thanks in advance guys!

Dr Umbach was my doctor - almost 3 years ago. Great doctor - very knowledgeable and confident. My mother-in-law was a surgical nurse for many years. I told her that if at the last minute she didn't approve of him, I would back out. After talking with him and asking him questions at my pre-op, she was "Yep! He's doing your surgery". I knew I had found a good doctor! He even called my husband after the surgery (he stayed home with the kids) to let him know everything had gone well. Besides that ... what doctor do you know that gives you his personal cell phone number & actually takes his calls? Loved that!

Catching my husband watching me from afar & seeing his pride that the hot chick in the room is going home with HIM!

Most any PCP will see you after surgery. Do you have a family doctor? If so, you should talk to them & discuss the surgery. They may have helpful medical information on you that will help your surgeon. I agree with the prior post - Pacific Northwest Nutrition is a great help. I saw them at 1 year out just to level set what maintenance should look like. Check your insurance. Even if they don't cover WLS, many insurance plans cover a set # of nutrition visits per year. Melonie even has WLS support groups that meet on a monthly basis. I used to attend one in Edmonds and another in Marysville - it was very helpful in the first year or so. Best of luck wiht your surgery! Best of luck.

Same here. The one thing I do avoid is salad. Lots of filling, but very little nutrients for the volume it takes up. It makes me laugh the the "diet food" is the one I don't have. LOL!

Usually in 3 hours,

I will be 3 years next month. I can definitely eat more than I could the first year, but no where near like before surgery. Protein still fills me up quickly. Where it used to be 3-4 ounces, I am more 5-7 ounces, depending on the meat. I don't think I could eat a whole hamburger if I tried. I can do a McD kid burger, but no room for anything else. Hope that helps.

Sorry to hear that. It was an honest question. I would think you could get better support and advice from people with a simliar surgery. Best of luck to you.

Have you talked to your surgeon and scheduler about the insurance changes? You might be surprised what they can accomplish when it means payment in December or lost patient & no payment in January.

I used this same brand as well when I was just starting. I added Any whey "tasteless" protein powder to kick up the protein. I called it my Healthy Hot Cocoa. (Warning - just be careful not to have it too hot when you put in the protein powder. ICK! When it clumps up.)

I don't mean to be rude, but why are you on VST if you had bypass? And, just to clarify - I know that VST is not magic. I've just heard so many people say "I know I won't gain it back. How could I when my stomach is so small". I just wanted to be a "vetran" to warn that this is a daily journey (for me over a year to get back on track) and you have to live it every moment.

Congrats Feedyoureye! And thank you to everyone for your posts. I'm doing well - passed up a glass of wine last night since I'd had my fill of calories. BOY! Did I want that glass! But, I kept to my resolve. I'm going out of town this weekend & a big party on Sunday, but I will do my best to stay within plan. I'll post results on Monday. Have a great Hump-Day!

I am not posting a number this week ... I am PMS'ing and the number has jumped 3 to 7 pounds in just 3 days. NOT freaking out ... I know I can't gain that much in 3 days. Hate water weight and bloating!!!!!!!

I will be there!

Don't be too hard on yourself. Your body is adjusting. There is no way you are gaining on 600 calories a day. Your body is probably retaining water while it figures out what you have done to it! ;0). Sounds like you've hit that dreaded and unavoidable stall. Keep up with your plan ... The pounds WILL fall off. I promise!

I am almost 3 years out & drink Pepsi Max throughout the day. No issues here.