emily_0192010

Well I am not 2 years out and I myself am definitely looking forward to seeing more responses, but I wanted to mention that our stomachs are not bigger than a pouch. In fact I believe they are about the same volume wise. The only difference is the shape. Ours are more like a banana and theirs is like a bowl. But overall the capacity of our sleeves are tiny! The other benefit to the sleeve is that our sleeve is less likely to stretch simply based on where it is. The inner curve of the stomach (what our sleeve is made out of) is much less stretchy then the outer curve (which is removed for us). The pouch still has a lot of that stretchy part of the stomach so it stretches easier over time. I will say that being 6 months out I do eat more now than I did at the 3 or 4 month mark, but not by a lot. My Protein portion (depending on what type of protein it is) is generally what a serving would be considered to be (like a deck of cards) but I can't eat anything else with it. I generally avoid carbs (though I will have a treat every once in a while) but when I have had them I fill up either extremely fast with a lot of discomfort (i.e. rice or bread) or they are "slider" foods and go through way too easily (i.e popcorn). From what I've read over the last few months it does get to a point where you can eat a childs size portion. I haven't heard from anybody over the 2 year mark though so I'm not really sure.

First off, I think what you are feeling/thinking is completely normal!! Those habits we've created are like a child's security blanket in a lot of ways. I was more nervous about all of the little things than the actual surgery... and I think I was actually nervous about the surgery but projecting it onto the little things that were easier to worry about. As for the beer... I was similar to you. I had my surgery when I was 20, and I just turned 21. I kept thinking "what if I can't *really* Celebrate my 21st birthday because I can't drink??". Did I really care about drinking? No, not really. But I didn't want to feel like I was losing something. I asked my surgeon specifically if alcohol was allowed and at what stage. He said I would be fine for my birthday (which was at the 5 month mark) but to be careful because... it hits you soooo much stronger and more quickly then it normally would. So you may be bummed that it will take you an hour to drink that beer, but guess what? It'll feel like you had more than one for sure! Please be careful though that you don't create a cross-over addiction. I am not saying you will, but just be aware I ended up not missing my drink and food at the same time, but now that I'm 6 months out I do occasionally have some liquids while I eat, but generally it isn't that much at all. Eventually you'll find a groove that works for you. The first couple months are the hardest because you are the most restricted. But at the same time, it is all mental and not physical cravings, which is a little easier than dealing with both at the same time. Overall it is a huge difference, but you seriously don't feel deprived. You have a few bites of food and you feel like you pigged out during thanksgiving. It IS satisfying because you feel good AND know that you didn't overeat... it is amazing really, especially once you pass the 3, 4 month mark. Good luck and keep us updated!

Hello I know you said that you tried old navy jeans, but did you try on a few different styles? I know the ones I always wear is technically not the one that matches my body... same with my mom (who is a completely different shape than I am). Once I found the one that worked though I haven't gone back! I also find that since they are so stretchy I generally am a size smaller in old navy jeans than anywhere else... which always makes me feel good lol Good luck finding jeans!

Hello! Well first I am slightly jealous of you! I wasn't allowed full liquids until the 2 week mark! So I was stuck with broths and Protein drinks lol. For me every stage was basically every 2 weeks. First two weeks, liquids, second 2 weeks "mushies" (which was defined as anything I did not have to chew, so full liquids pretty much...), third 2 weeks was "soft foods" (salads, anything I could chew to a pulp) and then after that I was slowly adding in new foods that would be considered regular, like meat. I actually started with chicken but chicken is actually one of the hardest foods to digest because of its low fat content. I found slow-cooked pork to go down the easiest. You should also realize that it is not "okay, today I can do full foods... go!"... you may not be ready. My doctor actually told me to wait longer before going to mushies because I couldn't get my Protein shakes down. At 11 days to be honest I wasn't worrying about the protein, just focused on getting my liquids down. Around the 2 weeks mark it was suddenly sooo much easier to get my protein in. I am 6 months out and I still have to have a shake per day or else I wouldn't be able to hit my protein goals. As for the actual transition I would do it very slowly by introducing one new thing at a time... and a very small amount... and very slowly! For me I have a few minute delay between being comfortable and "oh shoot that was a bit too much" (which is NOT a nice feeling!). And don't feel bad if you need to push it a day or two, sometimes you may not be ready. And I've also heard the opposite, people try early and it ends up okay but please be careful if you do that! Good luck and congrats on being sleeved

You can pay it off

Congratulations It is all "down" from here!

Hey my fellow September Spitfires! I just realized that we are all either at the 3 month mark, or close to it. How is everyone doing?? I personally have had no problems and my weight loss has been steady. I am very happy

From the very beginning I have consistently lost 2-3 lbs per week. I am just about at the 100 lbs lost mark and I've noticed that now most weeks it is closer to the 2 than the 3, but I am still happy about that. Weighing yourself everyday will eventually drive you nuts. Because if you get on the scale on monday and it says one number, the next day it could go way up... and even though you understand logically that your weight fluctuates and it is normal and that it will go back down... it doesnt FEEL like that! It feels like a gain and that sucks. If you can get out of the habit now, I would. Even though seeing the numbers every day is awesome... seeing the daily yo-yo can be a serious hit to that high. Good luck and congrats on the weight loss!

There were lots of reasons for me, but before I list them I would highly suggest looking at the section titled "complications" on BOTH this site and the sister site "lapbandtalk.com". It gave me a VERY realistic view of what I could be up against. I will say, since I have the sleeve, that I felt that the band had a lot more hidden complications then the sleeve. Most surgeons are very upfront about the risks, which were mainly leaks or strictures. The band being a manufactured object could malfunction. It can cause strictures and can erode into the stomach. The band does NOT leave the stomach in the same condition. They say it is removable, but it leaves damage to the stomach. It at the very least forms scar tissues. But in my mind I could just imagine the damage that the friction between the stomach and the band, over a long period of time, could cause. Now, instead of bashing the band anymore, let me tell you why I chose the sleeve. -it may be permanent and "new", but after looking up stats/statistics of people who have undergone gastrectomy's for other reasons (ex. stomach cancer, ulcers, etc) and seeing their long-term success helped ease my mind about any long-term nutritional problems. Also, the sleeve is only new when being used by itself. The procedure itself has been done for years and years as the first part of the "duodenal switch" surgery (most surgeons won't even talk about this one anymore because it is so dangerous). - unlike the bypass both of my "in" and "out" valves were left intact, which means very, very, very low chance of any gastro-issues (like dumping in by-pass patients) -it won't prevent me from having a healthy pregnancy in the future -no constant appointments to have a band filled/unfilled -the weight loss success stats at the one year mark, when compared with the bypass were almost identical I am now 4 months out and I love my sleeve. I can eat a variety of food, though I chose to eat mainly low-carb because I know my body loses best with that diet and it makes it easier to get my Protein in when its not competing for space with carbs. Either way I wish you luck and congratulations on starting your journey! If you have any specific questions feel free to send me a pm and I'll get back to you as soon as I can

I recently moved to NY after being home (in jax, fl) for a couple years. No one had seen me after surgery until I hit the four month mark. At this point i've lost 90 lbs... all of my friends were super supportive and very surprised (they didn't and don't know about my surgery). BUT, i've had a couple of family members being like "i don't remember you being a different size". That one sucks big time. I am literally half the size I was (went from a 24 to 12) and I look the same? Thanks. I'm not sure why people say the things they do, but at this point I just brush it off. I know I made the right decision for me and I don't regret anything. If I get to the point where I am "too skinny" in their opinions, then at least I can claim my health and happiness.

Well I'm not in my teens, but i'm 20, about to turn 21. There is a forum for teens, but I don't know if there is much activity on it. BUT, you are definitely NOT the only one! Good luck

Hey everyone!!!! I haven't been on in awhile, I just moved to brooklyn and I am now a nanny to a six-week old, so I've been crazy busy! I have a question for everyone. For a little while I kept getting a tingling near my back, below my shoulder blades but a bit lower. I would feel it anytime I put anything in my sleeve (Water, food, etc). It went away pretty quickly but occasionally I still feel it. Anyone else experience this? The second question I have is about minor short term memory problems. I find that I keep forgetting words or I lose my train of thought fairly easily. At first I didn't think anything of it, but then I realized that it was happening quite often. I am an honor student in the sciences...memorization and quick thinking and being sharp are important! I was thinking this might be a Vitamin thing? I only take a multi as my surgeon said the others were suggested, but not required. I'm living on a student's budget so cost was very important. I couldn't really afford all of the others so I didn't. At this point I have a steadier income so I was wondering if that was the problem. I was thinking of starting a b12 regiment. I didn't consider it before since I don't have energy problems. Thanks everyone!

Oh that's awesome!!! I am about 7 pounds away from my 100 mark, which also happens to be the divider between being obese and overweight... i've never wanted to be overweight so much before in my life!! Congrats on doing so well!

My surgeon told me that I'm not restricted anymore and that i'm perfectly fine to take whatever I need. I am 4 months out and I take aleve when I need to. Aleve pills are also pretty small. Pre-surgery I would take aleve and pamprin. I haven't needed the pamprin, so I haven't tried it. They are larger than the aleve so I'm not sure how they would work. I also asked my surgeon if I could switch to a "normal" Vitamin, instead of the gummies/chewies. He said I was fine to try it and just see how they feel. I would suggest you just ask if/when you can take pills again. In the meantime, you can try a hot Water bottle or some exercise. The exercise never worked when they were super bad for me, but when I didn't have the aleve or something I would use the hot water bottle, and once it got a bit better I would do some light exercise. It never worked completely but it did help.

Thanks everyone! Luckily the tingling has seemed to pass, I used to get it on a daily basis for about a week but now it might be once a month. As for getting my levels checked, that is the difficult part about being in NY. Technically I still live with my mom in Jacksonville. I have it that way so that I can remain covered under her insurance. Because I'm on her insurance everything in NY is considered "out of network" so I would have to pay out of pocket. My surgeon normally does blood-work at the 1 year mark, unless there are reasons to do it sooner. I am going to try the b-12, and if I still have issues I'll call them. Oh, and I do not have any other illnesses or problems. I don't take any prescription meds either, so it isn't a medication problems. But thanks for the suggestion. Thanks everyone!

Chin up, it gets better I promise!! My advice is probably very similar to everyone else's (I didn't have time to read each one though). First, are you on a PPI (a proton pump inhibitor, it is an antacid)?? If you are not, call and ask your doctor for one. Many people who feel "hungry" after the surgery are actually having acid problems and this seems to help dramatically. Second, if the nausea is that bad I would ask for an anti-nausea medicine such as zofran. My surgeon gave me this before the surgery to have when I was at home and it helped a lot. It dissolved under my tongue so I didn't have to force it down with liquids. If they won't give you the prescription, ask if there are any over-the-counter remedies you could try. Third, at this point stop trying to choke down the Protein shakes. Focus on getting Water down. It took me a few weeks before I could handle any Protein Shakes. My surgeon wasn't worried, just said to focus on the water and work on increasing the protein as I could. At about a month it was sooo much easier for me! What I did in the meantime was I had some cream of chicken (no chunks), or milk (not everyone can tolerate it, I could luckily). When I was brave enough to start the protein shakes again I made them super watery and sipped, sipped, sipped. I even contemplated using the medical tape to stick the darn straw to my face because I was sick of holding it! There is also a Protein Drink called isopure. It is thin, very similar to water. My surgeon suggested I drink this, but I couldn't stomach the taste. It seems like people either hate it or love it. It may be worth a shot for you though. Good luck and don't regret this. You chose this for a reason and it will work out! You are at the hardest stage right now, I promise!

You are going to do great! The hardest part for me was the 3 month supervised diet (which was the same as my pre-op diet, no carbs and just protien) and waiting for the surgery itself. Congrats on getting this far and I hope that you are completely diabetes free at the end of this process. Good luck!

The only type of food that I can't seem to handle at all are spicy foods, which isn't a big deal for me since I didn't eat much of that anyways. It does however mean that I can no longer add buffalo sauce to chicken with blue cheese (one of my fave recipes). I have also learned that rice sits in my sleeve like a brick. It is truly uncomfortable. It was a good learning experience though. Where I live there is a person who eats white rice EVERY day, so it is ALWAYS in the house! I am glad I had such a negative reaction to it because now I'm not tempted. For awhile I really really wanted salty things, but that was because my sodium was probably a bit off. I simply ate salty things for a while and it gradually went away. Other than that, the types of food I enjoy or my "tastebuds" have not changed. I chose not to eat carbs, except on the rare occasion. So for example if I go to someone's birthday party, I won't say no to a piece of cake. Now I either share with someone or I just don't eat the whole piece. I chose this because I found that my body just loses better without them. The only carbs I have, are actually carbs that I drink. I get them in my Protein shakes (under 10) and occasionally i'll have milk, or milk based drinks (like a latte). I find sometimes that the "occasional" high carb treat helps me keep my weight loss steady. At four months out I have only had two stalls, and nether lasted long. I don't know if it was the carbs, or if I was just lucky... but I'm not going to give up my treat to test the theory lol.

Well you have come to a GREAT place! The people on here are all very supportive and informative and I believe a few of them have had un-supportive husbands as well. (check out the powder room forum, it is the girls room) Just about a year ago I was attending my information session and I was pretty set on the band. I was so happy I decided to look up and research the sleeve. It was the perfect solution for me. Whichever route you take just make sure to do your research. Purposely look for the bad, that way you aren't surprised by anything later on. Like, one of the downsides to the sleeve is that some people get chronic heartburn. But, it can be controlled with antacids. The band is highly publicized, and its negatives are heavily shadowed. So chances are at the info session you won't hear any negatives. Band can slip, they can erode, they can malfunction. There is a similar forum to this called "lapbanktalk"... check out their complications page. Do the same on here. As for your husband, well I can't say too much since I am not married myself. But I think if you stick to your guns, and do your research and know the facts you will be able to show him that this surgery is actually quite safe. I remember reading from some other posts that your husband may be scared of the changes in your relationship that your weight loss may bring, especially if he is overweight as well. I am 4 months out and I am eating normally (just tiny portions of course!) and have had no problems. I am nearly at my 100 pounds lost mark (I lost 40 pre-surgery) and I feel great. I have never regretted my decision. Good luck, and keep us updated! Hopefully soon we will be welcoming you to the loser's bench I'll save you a seat until then!

Congrats Thank you for sharing! I can't wait until I can post my own one year... it actually isn't too far away (if you count the day I went to the info session lol). It is great to read your NSV's and all I can say is keep rocking your sleeve! You are doing great!!!!!!!! Good luck with a career change and I'm sure you'll do great!

For about a month after surgery (I was sleeved in September 2011) I felt that way and having an electrolyte drink helped a lot... Instead of gatorade I chose powerade zero. At this point I have one every couple of weeks just to make sure that everything is good. For a long time I thought my levels were off because I craved salt. My surgeon agreed that my sodium levels were probably low but he didn't feel it was necessary to get bloodwork done. All he said he would do was tell me to up my sodium so it was fine that I was adding salt to the food I was eating. I really learned to listen to my body and now I no longer feel the craving for salt. So I guess my point is to listen to your body. If you feel that they help than drink them and if you feel like it is bad enough, you could at least call you surgeon and ask. You don't necessarily have to go in. Good luck!

Congratulations!! You are doing the hardest part right now. I know six months sounds like a really long time, but it will go much quicker than you anticipate. Also, take this time to really study your habits and your motivations. The prep work you do makes a huge difference in how you feel during and after the surgery. I actually liked (afterwards... not during lol) that I had to do a pre-surgery thing because when I went in for my surgery there were no surprises and following the diet afterwards was easier because I knew what to expect and because I had already worked on some of the emotions behind the weight gain. Congrats again Courntey! I was you a year ago and now I have had my surgery and I am nearly 90 lbs down It was the best thing I ever did for myself!