Nancy Rivers

Ok, before surgery I saw that quite a few people had become "cold" after their surgery. I was really hoping that would happen to me. However, so far it hasn't. For those of you who did experience the "cold" feeling - when did it start? Right away, or was it after some time?

Yup it's normal. In fact, that's how I know I am full - I start burping. I don't get the tight feeling that most people report - instead I burp and I know that I'm full.

No, I just do regular walking. I was extremely sedentary before the surgery and had zero stamina. Now I can walk for about 15 minutes before I have to have a break.

Here I am 24 days after my surgery and I have GAINED weight! This week I have gained 3.4 pounds! I'm still eating everything that I'm supposed to be eating and drinking. TOM was 2 weeks ago - so it shouldn't be that I wouldn't think. This is so depressing...

I expected that I would stay the same - just not gain. I'm sticking with it because well, I have to. The only exercise I am doing is walking - my surgeon won't clear me for anything else before 6 weeks out. I'm hoping when I see him again on the 28th, that he will clear me for more exercise so I can start a real exercise program. I know that will help.

Congratulations on getting the sleeve. What you are experiencing is normal - many people experience that feeling when they are eating - it's a sign to stop eating because you are full.

I don't have the same situation as you. However, keep in mind there is a risk of death from ANY surgery - no matter what medications or other conditions you may have. Even though I don't have the same conditions that you do, I also could have died from this surgery. Thankfully, I didn't and came through the surgery with NO problems. However, there was still the chance that I could have died on the table - or from a complication right after surgery. However, I didn't let that stop me because it was such a SMALL chance, and I also knew that if I didn't do this, then eventually complications of obesity would. Fully research both surgeries and talk with your surgeon about your concerns. There's nothing wrong with checking with a couple of different surgeons even. Ultimately, only you can make the decision, but the best way to do that is to get as much info as possible. I hope someone else with a similar situation would be able to give some advice.

I never have been put on an acid reducer and I haven't had any problems with acid.

If you are on ANY medication (not just blood pressure) and it has not been adjusted since your surgery, that may be the cause of it (for example, if your blood sugar goes too low due to diabetes medication, you could potentially faint). I would check that out with your PCP. Also, make sure you are getting at least 64 oz of Water and all of your Protein in. If you are, and there isn't medication involved, contact your dietician/surgeon and see if you might need a few carbs. I know once I got a FEW carbs in, I felt better. Definitely get this checked out this next week as you should not be fainting.

So, I decided to go to the "Wellness Expo" that Jungle Jim's had today. It wasn't too bad - the focus was really on gluten free foods, with a smattering of other "health" related items. Many of the booths had samples to try of course - and I did try just about everything. Although, I would take just a small sip if it was a drinkable item, or about a half a baby-spoon full (occasionally a full baby-spoon full) of solid food and toss the rest of my sample in the trash. I think I did well by doing that. I never would have in the past that is for sure. There were 2 exceptions though. 1 was for some greek yogurt that had fruit in it - a bit high in sugar, but otherwise, I still don't think it was too bad for me to eat about a whole tablespoon full of it. The other was some ice cream that was gluten free, lactose free and sugar free. I had a couple of tablespoons of that - it was really really yummy. I'm trying to log my food for the day - how the heck do I log such tiny tastes as that? I'm certain there wasn't much Protein in those foods - more sugars than anything else probably, but definitely calories that should be counted - although I have no idea how many. By the way, I did find a food there that I absolutely MUST get when I go grocery shopping again - it's Bilinski's sausages. They are fully cooked chicken sausages that are anti-biotic free, nitrate free, gluten free and have no pork casing on them. The guy who owns the company was the one demonstrating them - and had several on a grill. There was NO grease on the grill and he allowed me to try about 3 different kinds. Each of them was scrumptious! I also came across another line of products from Organicville - various sauces and condiments that had virtually NO sugar - including BBQ sauce. Sadly, there weren't any samples of that brand, but I did pick up a couple of coupons so that I can try some. They sounded good though.

Dr. Joe Northup in Fairfield, Ohio does the BLIS and is a very good surgeon. His staff is top notch too. I've been very happy with them.

Thanks Tiffykins. Yeah, I'm sure it will come off, but I never expected to see a gain. A stall, yes, but gain no. Oh well...

I have never liked Dasani water - it has a nasty taste in my opinion (even before the surgery). The bottled water I drink is either Ice Mountain or Nestle Pure Life. Any other bottled water doesn't taste good to me - but those two I really like and can drink them plain.

The Dietician that I met with today for the initial consult said that I would have to take vitamins for the rest of my life after having the sleeve done. Was anyone else told that?

Sounds about right to me. I usually start burping when I get full, but many others report that "stuck in the throat" feeling. Just make sure you are taking a good 30 minutes for your 2 ounce meal and you should be fine. Soups go down easier for me than other food - -but it's because those are primarily liquid and not "solid" food.

Jenni, have you made it to any of the support group sessions yet?

Just over 3 weeks out and have lost 19 pounds since the surgery.

Yeah, it is somewhat normal. I know I started feeling better as soon as I started taking in a few carbs that came with the pureed foods. Are you on purees yet, or still liquids?

I had a cath when I woke up in the hospital and they didn't take it out until a couple of hours before I was released. One condition of me being released was that I could go on my own. It takes a while for the bladder to wake back up from that anesthetic..

You're looking great! Glad things are going so well for you. I never had a drain. Hopefully it won't be bad when they remove it.

I have some Isopure Alpine punch in the little bottles that I'm not using. I can't stand the taste of it. It's not a powder, but a liquid drink. If you want it, I'll check into the postage.

According to a website that I found that sells it, the ingredients are: Ingredients: Triple-Filtered Water, Pure Protein Isolate Blend: (Ultra-Filtered Whey Protein Isolate, Enzymatic Hydrolyzed Protein Isolate), Phosphoric Acid, Citric Acid, Natural and Artificial Flavor, Malic Acid, Potassium Sorbate, Sodium Benzoate, Acesulfame Potassium, Sucralose, Yellow No. 5 and Blue No.1. My surgeon and dietician told me to make sure that the FIRST ingredient is Whey Protein Isolate or Soy Protein Isolate and to stay away from blends since they were not a "complete form of protein". In this, it's the 2nd ingredient that is a BLEND. I'd be suspicious of using it. I would check with your surgeon/dietician to know for sure.

Congratulations on the weight loss and on getting your surgery date!

I set mine so that I wouldn't be considered "obese" anymore. Don't know if I will reach it. If I do, don't know if I'll like it. We'll just have to see. Frankly, I don't remember ever weighing that little. In high school, I was around 180 and had lost about 20 pounds when I started working, but over the years I gained it back plus a bunch. Before high school, I never weighed myself.

I figure from the start of the pre-op diet. I also figure from the morning of the surgery - I weighed myself before going to the hospital. So, I know total weight loss and weight loss since the surgery. I only weigh myself officially every Tuesday. However, I do occasionally weigh myself on Thursdays.