seniorsleever

I was sleeved 1/24/11 at Innova Hospital in San Antonio, a self-pay patient, and was treated like a queen. The people were all nice--even the receptionist came to check on me after surgery! The facility is super-clean, the diet is prepared individually for you, and the equipment is all state-of-the-art. I highly recommend this facility.

and I'm in Corpus Christi!

I've been almost stalled for nearly a month, losing 1/2 to 1 pound a week. Frustrating as heck but I haven't been too concerned about it. Maybe I'm replacing fat with muscle mass, I hope so anyway. A month ago I bought jeans size 22 when I had been wearing size 26. I walked into the living room tonight and said to my hubby, "Look at this." I gathered up about 4 inches of fabric on the outside of each pant leg. He said, "I noticed the other day that they were loose. Why aren't you wearing your new skinny jeans??" I told him, "These ARE my new skinny jeans!!" The look on his face was priceless! I guess I'll be shopping again soon.

Try to replace the sun chips with something healthier. My guilty pleasure is Habanero BBQ flavored almonds. Love them! Crunch, spice, salt, and protein. Not ideal, but much better than chips!

My doctor didn't give me a goal weight either, but there's a BMI chart in my primary physician's exam room, and it says that at 5' 4" I should weigh about 140 to not be overweight. So I set my official goal at 150 lbs. but I really want to get down to 135. I will actually be thrilled to get to 150, though--I haven't been that small for 30 years!

First of all, quit worrying! The stress will make everything worse. It does get better every day. Your body has to rest and heal. Get as much rest as you can, as much fluids as you can. Don't worry about the protein too much until you can get in enough fluids. Walking helps the gas pain, so get a little exercise every day, but don't overdo it. You just need to relax and let time do its wonders. You're only going to feel better from here on out!

...if it weren't for people like me, skinny people wouldn't look so good. Now I kick myself for saying that!

You look great! You are about a month ahead of me and 30 pounds lighter. That's fabulous! I'm a slow loser, but happy for every pound gone. Keep up the good work!

I really like this blog, she has some great recipes. This one sounds like it would be really good for sleevers, although I would chop the celery and fennel a little finer and use slivered almonds. Just my preference. I haven't tried it yet, but it looks and sounds great, so I thought I'd share. Check out some of her other recipes while you're there. No paid endorsement or anything--just sharing. http://smittenkitchen.com/2011/02/green-bean-salad-with-pickled-red-onions-and-fried-almonds/

Rootman, what you described sounds like the symptoms of diabetes insipidus. Excessive thirst, excessive urination, hyperhydrosis. That may not be what caused it for you, just an observation from a retired RN. It's not a sugar problem like regular diabetes, but a kidney problem.

Click on your ticker on any of your posts. That takes you to the update page. Click on "update weight" and enter the new info and date. When it has been updated, click "Next" then exit out and back to the forums. Refresh the page and your ticker should be updated.

I had a abdominal hysterectomy a few years back--I think that would equate well to a C-section. I also had a lot of pain afterwards--I waddled for two weeks! The sleeve surgery was a breeze. The doctor put me on PCA (patient-controlled analgesia) so I could use it as much as I wanted. My main problem in the hospital was having to lie on my back for two nights and two days. My back was killing me. So if you can turn over to your sides it helps, but that hurt. I ended up sleeping sitting straight up in bed, with a pillow on the bedside table in front of me. That was better. Make sure the doctor gives you a prescription for liquid Lortab or something like it to take home. As my son laughed, "Lortab for the win!" Don't misunderstand--the sleeve surgery did hurt, but nowhere near as bad as the hysterectomy did. Hope this helped.

Keep looking, Meggie! Every one has a particular body chemistry that responds differently to different flavors and brands. I found that the powders are much better than the ready-mixed cans or bottles. I used one from GNC--they will let you return anything you do not like, and sometimes will give you a sample if they have them. There are forums on this subject with recommendations, but for everyone who likes a brand there is someone who hates it. Just keep looking. (I had a lot of luck with Unjury powders, too.)

WooHoooo!!! That's great! It does get better as you go further postop. Good luck on your journey.

Excellent post, Suzanne! I can add two reasons: 1. Some people don't want you to lose weight, because being around you makes them look good in comparison, and 2. Some people just aren't interested in anyone but themselves. I have known both kinds. I've actually used #1 as a comeback when someone mentions my weight--"Oh, you've gotten so big" and I would say "If it wasn't for people like me, people like you wouldn't look nearly as good." I could kick myself now. Then there are the #2 people. If a friend mentions that you've lost a lot of weight, #2 people will turn around and talk to someone else about their upcoming trip to China or something. They don't want to hear about you, only about what they are in to. I try to shed those people like Water on a duck.

Your BIL may be against the sleeve because it is permanent. 80% of your stomach comes out and hits the bucket. No going back, no redos, no second chances. To me that was a plus! I knew I couldn't back out. The sleeve does not create malabsorption problems, does not introduce any foreign body into you (except the staples.) It does not lead to strictures, erosions, or diarrhea. It does not require frequent adjustments or fills. Your intestines are not harmed at all. It is actually the safest WLS out there. The only major complication possible is a leak, which is rare. The weight comes off at a slightly slower pace, but it will not come back--your stomach cannot possibly return to its former size. Now how does that sound to you?

I keep the "hot" foods on a separate plate and zap it in the microwave for 30 seconds when it cools down.

Your body is taking time to catch up with the lost pounds. It has to adjust every once in awhile, sort of. With me, the stall times are when I lose inches instead. Once it has realigned itself, you will start losing pounds again.

We're here with you! I'm 55, and at 11 weeks postop I weigh less than I have in 10 years. I feel great! This is the best thing I've ever done for myself.

Tiff is right on. It may be difficult dealing with your depression (been there, etc...) but try to see only the positives about your weight loss. If you aren't exercising much, increasing your activity level will help the weight come off, and helps with depression too. Remember, you will hit a stall at some point, but your body is adapting to your new diet and you will start losing again. Don't let that bring you down. Think of the other benefits of your weight loss as well--better health, looser clothing, etc. Focus on the big picture, not the scale. Also, if the depression gets worse, don't feel that you can't go back on the antidepressants. Slower weight loss is a small price to pay to keep your mood at an even keel. Besides, the slower you lose, the fewer saggy baggies you will have--that's what I keep telling myself! LOL!

Welcome, Mike! I think you'll find this a friendly support group. There is a Man Room, too--you can get and give advice from a male perspective there. Congrats on your sleeve!

No, I think it just means your case is not a big priority TO THEM. If you haven't heard by tonight, I would advise calling them tomorrow, and continue to bug them until you get your answer. Be nice, but persistent.

If you eat the way most of us do, i.e. protein first, then veggies, then carbs, your diet naturally becomes low carb--because by the time you get to them you're almost full. You do need fats, and lots of fluids (you don't have to just drink water, though.) Don't stress too much over the numbers, counting carbs or calories, or fat grams. This way of eating is easy to remember and works well.

Yep, I agree--needing to burp is a stop sign for me too. I always eat the protein first, then veggies, then carbs if I have room left, except I do sometimes have half a sandwich on carb control bread--usually egg salad or meat and cheese. I am 10 weeks postop, and still have trouble with beef, and try to stay away from pasta and rice (which I love! ) But I do have a little mashed potato or potato chunks in soup. For snacking I have beef jerky or cheddar cheese sticks, or if I want crunch, baby carrots with low-fat ranch dressing. I also have tried carb-control wheat tortillas for wrapping egg and sausage or chicken strips, but the tortillas sit heavily on my stomach. I usually can't finish even a small one. My friends know about my surgery, so they are very supportive. I try to just stay away from appetizers altogether. I am a slow loser, but I prefer it that way. Maybe losing slower will encourage my skin to snap back better. One can only hope!

I am 10 1/2 weeks out from surgery and I turned 55 about 5 weeks ago. I have too much life ahead of me to continue the weight battle. The surgery works! I would never have lost this much weight on my own, or kept it off if I did. Go for it!