texashopeful

Does anyone know when you can start putting lotion on the incision sites? I am starting my 3rd week post op! My stomach is really dry and I would like to put lotion or something on the incisions. I don't have any staples, stitches, or anything anymore. Thanks in advance for the advice.

I have searched on here, and haven't found any information about this. Has anyone used the Protein powder from smoothie King called Gladiator? I got some samples, and really like them. It is low carb, less than 1 sugar, and has 45g whey Isolate protein. I also bought some Body Fortress to mix with pudding, milk, etc in vanilla, and it has 52g whey isolate. Has anyone tried these? I would love to get an opinion. So far, I have tried the following, and thought.... unjury chicken Soup- Loved it at first, but then got tired of it fast! 21g protein= 1 scoop Bullets- Couldn't get them down...not a single one, even the tiny ones...especially them Isopure - tried grape, fruit punch, etc, and again, liked it at first in the hospital and I think I was on too much medicine cause I got tastebuds back, and couldn't stand it! 20oz=40g Optifast- Chocolate: loved it..still drink it, Vanilla: good, but got old, Strawberry: Not so good, Chicken soup: not terrible, Tomato: not my favorite 14g protein GNC unflavored: great to mix in with stuff....1/2 scoop is 14g, and it is 100% Whey Isolate. Smell isn't great, but there isn't any taste. 28g=1 scoop Gladiator (Smoothie King) - Chocolate: Very sweet, but good. No super bad protein smell and high protein. Good with milk. Haven't tried other flavors yet, and they have samples for about $2.99 in the store.(at least they did here) 12oz = 45g protein Body Fortress - Vanilla: bought it today..haven't tried it yet. Plan to make smoothies, and mix with pudding. Highest protein amount I've found. 52g=2 scoops I would love to hear what everyone else has experienced.

Well, ladies. It is true! I had my sleeve done in June, and got the news today (officially) that I am about 6 weeks pregnant. There are lots of emotions going on right now. I am super excited, after all, I had lost about 60 lbs to date, and my husband and I had tried for years to get pregnant. We had IVF done 2 years ago because of low sperm count and it was unsuccessful. We were told it was an issue with just him (extremely low counts), so we didn't think too much about protection after surgery. We went with the motto that when God is ready, then so will we be. Honestly, I didn't think it would be this soon!!! The doctors seem to think it won't be a problem though. They said I just need to watch my nutrition, and that the baby will take what it needs. I was told to add a few carbs in the mix, but overall, they think I will do fine. They said that all the changes I've made recently are a good thing, and to just keep doing what I'm doing. I'm a little freaked out! Not only is this my 1st pregnancy, but I'm also dealing with the issues of being newly sleeved. I have had some cramping, nausea, dizziness, and aversion to smells. Overall, I feel pretty good, just a lilttle tired. I thought I'd just put this out there in the universe. I had tons of questions about this. I just hope that I continue to make good food choices and exercise as tolerated. I will try to update, and I would appreciate any advice as this is our 1st. Thanks for all the support ladies!

It's been a while since I've updated and thought it was about time. I am now in my third trimester with a little over a month to go. Things have gone pretty smoothly, I just run out of energy so dang fast since I still can't eat a lot! I am able to eat a lot more than I thought I would, but I still know my limits (less than a cup of food at a time generally). I have had some weird symptoms lately, but no one seems too concerned about it. I had my belly button bleed and leak weird fluids for a few days. The doctors thought it could have been from the baby stretching that area or a hernia...either they could not do anything about it at 8 months pregnant. It seems to have resolved itself though. I am maintaining my weight at @ 245, so I have litterally gained 0 weight during this pregnancy. I haven't really lost either, but I have a feeling that there is some loss due to the baby gaining weight. Right now she is measuring about 5 lbs. I am pretty much all belly at this point, well that and swelling. My biggest complaint would be that I have NO energy. I know part of that comes with pregnancy in general, but with the amount of nutrition she needs and how much I'm able to eat, I'm the one suffering from exhaustion. Too bad they can't take me off work for that! The doctor has said she's waiting on me to become dehydrated because it's bound to happen with what I can take in. Then she will put me on modified bed rest and take me off work. I work with High school kids that have Moderate to Severe disabilities and it's a HUGE challenge to keep up with them right now. By the middle of the week, I am just a warm body in the room. I really hope it will be in the next couple of weeks that she can do that! I don't know how much longer I will last! Wish me luck ladies!

Thanks for everything ladies! I just wanted to post a quick update. I am 24 weeks pregnant (about 6 months). It will be almost a year (June 10- June 11) that I will be due after surgery, and having my baby GIRL. I have not gained a single pound since I got pregnant, and now at 6 months, the baby has got to be using some of it...so I think I may still be losing (just not much). I am still at a total weight loss of 75 lbs (almsot 1/2 way there). Staying consistent at @ 242 lbs. My doctor is really happy with everything, and luckily (so far) no complications. The only thing I am finding is that it takes a lot of effort to not go back to old habbits (even though I can't eat as much). I am able to eat more now than when I found out (about 2/3 cup - 1 cup, of food at a time) but my energy level is consistently low because I can't seem to eat often enough to really sustain it. This baby is sucking the energy out of me faster than I can replenish it. Luckily though, I've been craving fruit and veggies more than greasy food or junk food. Occasionally, I will get the urge for something sweet (always been my downfall) but I try to take just a bite if I have to have it, drink juice, or eat some fruit to satisfy it. Honestly though, I have given in a few times, but it seems to be okay. I will continue to try to keep updating. My memory has been lapsing some. I think the baby is taking some of that too. Thanks again for all the support and congrats. Shyana, how are you doing? I hope all is well with your pregnancy.

Thanks for all the encouragement ladies! This has truely been quite an experience. I have gotten down 75 lbs, and haven't really gained anything back yet. I am almost 19 weeks, and will find out on the 21st what we are having. I spoke with the doctor about not gaining and she said that is was fine as long as the baby was growing right...and so far, so good. I notice that I have a lot of aversions to meat and bread, but other than that, I have done pretty good. Bacon is still my enemy and apple juice is my savior (in small amounts of course). I worry that after the baby, I won't be able to get myself back into full ketosis again since I've had to start eating carbs and such... I fear that I won't get to the point I really hoped to get to, but I'm almost 1/2 way there. I am feeling pretty good for a pregnant woman, glad the 1st trimester is over and all the symptoms that had hung on a little longer are finally gone. I still think getting the sleeve is the best thing I've ever done and recommend it to anyone and everyone that asks about it! What a life changing experience! I will try to get on again in a couple of weeks to let everyone know what I'm having. To all the ladies that have struggled to get pregnant, don't give up hope. I thought it would never happen, and 70 lbs gone, poof! I used to be so angry at women who were able to get pregnant, but I hope this helps someone. Good luck to the ladies on here that are also pregnant or just starting their journey! Again, I have to say this was the best thing I've ever done!

Ok, so I figure it has been a couple of weeks, and I just wanted to update. I am now 10 wks preggo and have told just about everyone. This is the first...first for us, first grandbaby for both sets of our parents, and first great-grandbaby on my husband's side. Everyone is SOOO excited, and now I am terrified. I just can't seem to get much of my Protein in...everything that is good for me, turns my stomach. I've been pretty lucky, I really haven't thrown up much, but just the thought of food (especially protein) makes me ill. I'm even having trouble getting in all my fluids...I just want to hurl everytime I think about food or drinks. I feel like I'm already starting to show, but that could be because I am still loosing in certain areas, and gaining in the waist. I have continued to loose weight, which they said is pretty normal, but I am now down a total of 68 lbs overall (about 6 lbs since I found out)and have gained a total of 3 inches in my waist-line since I found out. I am REALLY excited that I got below 250. That is the lowest I've been in years!!!!People at work are really excited for me, (I'm a special ed teacher for moderate to profound disabilities) but they keep asking if I'm sure I'm pregnant (from the back) since my hips and butt keep disappearing. YEAH!! I am craving orange juice mostly, and have about a 1/2 cup a day for a treat...usually in the morning, cause I can't eat!! Ewww! I am also changing Ob's cause I hate the hospital my original OB delivers at. I have my first appointment with them on Wednesday. I may have to get that pushed up, cause I'm having trouble with a possible UTI. (Sorry, TMI). I Just want to say thank you for all the kind words, thoughts, and prayers! I don't regret this for a moment! This surgery has truely changed my life!

Well, I am pregnant now, and I was already taking prenatals, not because we were trying to get pregnant...We WEREN'T!! but because they had higher amounts of the Vitamins I needed post surgery. I didn't have to take them as often throughout the day. It isn't going to hurt you, just compare to make sure you are still getting all the vitamins you need (post surgery). I had my surgery in June and I'm 10 wks preggo now. Oops..but my dr said everything should be fine, just trying to make sure I eat. I hope you get pg when you want. I hope it goes smoothly for you. Also, congrats!!! If you are planning for pg, then you must be close to your goal weight! WooHoo! Celebrate!

Ok, so the Dr. was a little off on my calculations (or maybe it was me).. but I am just now 6 weeks (almost 7). I got to see the "blob" and a heartbeat. We even got to hear the heartbeat, which can be difficult at 6 weeks according to the dr. The doctor said he usually only does 2 sonograms unless more are needed, but I kinda want to see the baby more than that! The only other scan will be at 19 weeks to determine the sex of the baby. Weird...??? Anyway, I am down a couple more pounds (62 total) LOWEST IN YEARS!! and the nutritionist just said to get as much Protein as I can and to get creative with it cause meat and cheese make me nauseaus unless it is queso. Definitly my husband's baby!!! String cheese and block/sandwich cheese isn't settling too good, and neither is lunchmeat...which the ob/gyn told me to avoid anyway. It is amazing how picky I am when it comes to food, and yet I am extremely overweight. ???? I guess I just always liked the wrong foods. I did gain 2 inches in my waist, but still losing weight, which the dr said was ok for now, but not to gain more than 25 lbs total over the pregnancy. I was told that everything I changed for surgery are things that are good for the baby. AKA: Quit smoking, quit drinking...which I didn't do much of anyway.., Caffine, cokes, fried stuff, sugary foods, more protein, veggies, fruit, cheese, etc. I do have to get a few more carbs, but the Dr just basically told me to eat what I can and come back in 4 months. He said I should try to up my protein to at least 70g/day and take my Vitamins including a prenatal multi (which I was already doing cause it was higher in the amounts of stuff I needed so I didn't have to take as many a day). I was a little discouraged with the advice, but apparently he didn't get the memo about me being preggers. Miscommunication in the office, and they didn't put it in my file when I called so he was totally shocked when I told him. Also, this was our first time meeting (at 4 months post op!). Just wanted to give everyone a quick update, and I'll try to continue to give more info as I get it. There sure isn't much info out there about this type of situation. I have read the other post on here though, and found that very helpful as well. I just hope someday this will help someone else if they have the same thing happen.

I still have over 100+ lbs to loose and was looking for some others in the same boat.

Online. I have the chicken Soup one, and haven't used much of it. It is a big deal of Protein powder, and I prefer cambells chicken soup if I decide to go with soup now. Unflavored can change the consistency of things, and can have a "protein" smell to it. You can't really heat it much. You may have to play with it to find out how it works best for you. There was a thread on heating protein on here somewhere. Best of luck!

There have been several people on here that say you need to raise your calorie intake for a little while to let your body know it isn't starving. I am not as far out from surgery as you are, but that seems to be a common comment from veterans here. I know its frustrating not to be losing as fast as your friend, but we are all different, and lose differently. I'm probably preaching to the choir here, but we are here for support! Best of luck and let us know if anything helps/changes!

Has anyone felt like they weren't loosing as fast as they should? I weighed well over 300 lbs, and have over 100 lbs to loose, and feel like I should be just shedding weight. I know I don't exercise like I should, and I plan to, I just don't have the energy yet. My husband and I are looking into joining a gym, so we can go swimming or work out (especially during the heat of the day). I just feel like I haven't really cheated, and am taking in so little compared to what I used to...I know everyone is different, but I really feel like I should be losing more! Anyone else feel this way? I mean, it's been 6 weeks to the day for me, and I've lost 38 lbs...more than I've ever done before, but also less than I've ever eaten before. Let me know what you guys think...have you ever felt like that?

I did the same thing around my cycle. I still lost the week of the period, but the week or so after, I would go up and down...always staying close to the same weight. I then would start back up with a lb or 2 each week until that time of month again. Think about your hormones...kinda a delayed reaction. I feel your pain. Stay on track, and you'll do fine. By the way, sounds like your meals are right on track. I still can't have almonds (8 weeks today) and the dr warned us against cheese puffs, but as long as you are getting your Protein first, it should be okay. My (good) problem is, I don't have room for it after I get the protein. They were a staple of mine pre-surgery, before liquid diets, etc. Good luck.

The rapid heartrate seems a little off...you might call your Dr. I have felt extremely tired after eating at times. I'm not sure about "dumping" for us, pretty sure we don't get that. Sorry if I'm not more help. If you have questions, don't hesitate to call your dr! I've called mine at least 100 times. They know me by name. Good luck, and let us know what you find out!

I had never heard that. I thought once it was gone, it was gone forever! Interesting!

I love the gladiator protein shakes. If you want to make it at home, I would suggest the chocolate one. It is REALLY good. If you want to buy one, I would go with the 32 oz gladiator. I drink on it (like 2 meals, or 1 meal and 1 snack). It tastes weird to me in the 20 oz... grainiy or something. Plus, that is about 1/2 of my liquid for the day and over 1/2 of the protein! Some days I really don't feel hungry, other days I want to eat 1/4 c per hour of everything in the house. My non-hungry days, I usually do the shake. I like strawberry with peach, pineapple, or banana. Pineapple and banana is also good. Good luck, and let us know if you decide to get one, and what you think.

Give yourself some time to figure out what is hunger, and what is just rumbling. Some foods you can get more of than others. Maybe refried beans are like that for you. You can always call your Dr. and ask what size you have and how much it should hold without stretching it. I am 7 weeks out and have been off liquids for about 4 weeks, and still have trouble figuring out what hunger feels like now. I know that emptiness felling, and it could be attributed to the hunger hormone they removed, but is still in your system for a while. Your body has been through a lot, give it some time to figure out what the new sensations are. I understand how you feel...it is really strange. It has gotten a little better and I attribute it to digestion...kinda rumbles below the stomach..(like hunger). Good luck with your journey!

I have had a rash on my stomach and under my breast on and off since surgery. At first, they thought it was because I was allergic to something from the hospital...had a bad reaction to the antibiotic and some of the pain killers. The rash on my stomach went away finally after weeks on benadryl. I had surgery in June, over 7 weeks ago, and still have a rash under my breast. It is kinda like a heat rash but not really. I have put benadryl on it, and hydrocortisone cream. I have tried everything, and the dr doesn't seem too concerned about it. I am going crazy! It itches and burns! Has anyone else had this happen? I feel like I'm driving the dr office crazy cause I've called several times. I don't want to seem too needy. I asked about it at my last appointment, and the dr said not to go to my regular doctor cause he would likely give me a steroid which would impede my healing. I'm freaked out though cause it isn't going away. It gets a little better, and then gets worse than before. It is about the size of a tennis ball or fist. (Not raised, just around). HELP!!

I was self pay. Went to Dr. Kim and pd less than what he told me in the beginning which was 12,300. It was 5,600 to him, 3,000 to the hospital plus optifast shakes ($100/wk) for 2-3 weeks, pathologist, etc. But insurance paid some because I had a heital hernia, so I imagine if insurance didn't pay anything, then it would have been 12,000+. There are many ways to finance. I don't know if that compares to Mexico, but I felt safe having it done with Dr. Kim. He is located in Colleyville (north Fort Worth area).

I don't know if this applies or not, but I've been using tummy butter with aloe and vit e, and it actually has made my stretch marks less noticable..and some of them were/are really deep! Some of them were as red as my surgery scars. I am 7 weeks out, so I havne't put anything on the scars themselves yet. They are really pink still. I've heard Mederma works good. Does anyone know when we can start putting creams on the scars? Mine are healed, not open at all anymore.

I just bought Zumba, and it is SO great! I had so much fun just learning the steps. Some of them are really difficult! I spent the whole hour learning the steps, and didn't even realize it was that long. I was still sweating though, and having a blast! 1st time ever I've had fun working out! I would not feel comfy doing it in front of other people yet...I watched myself in the mirror and some of the moves made me laugh out loud cause I looked pretty silly shaking it! I got LOTS of hip/butt to move around, and it cracked me up!

I have heard great things about the Ninja, but had already bought my magic bullet. As long as you have something that works for you, that is all that really matters. Good luck with your search!

I have the magic bullet, and it has been great for shakes, smoothies, and my blended foods. You won't be able to eat much, so it is the perfect size for anything you need and super easy to use and clean. I would say it is more than worth it.

For me the restriction is pretty evident, but usually too late. I get this pressure feeling and food feels like it is sitting in my throat. It's like I can litterally feel the food. If you measure out the amount of food you have already tried and figured out works, then you can measure. Usually I stick with 3-4 oz total, and then if I still feel like I need more, I'll add 1 more oz. Sometimes, I can only get 1 or 2 oz total before feeling the pressure. Everyone is different, and every food is different. Soup is easier to get more in. Starch, chicken, beef and even eggs fill me up with less. Hope that helped.