PdxMan

Start by tracking everything in MyFitnessPal, or the like. And I mean everything. When estimating portions, be realistic. It is quite common for folks to underestimate portions and not get realistic numbers. Do this for a solid week and don't weigh yourself during this week. How are your clothes fitting? Are they tight all over ... fit in some places but not others ...

I was pretty consistent with my elliptical training in the month pre-sleeve, so I asked my surgeon when I could resume and he said, "6 weeks". I found that pretty crazy, so I asked him. His explanation was that it takes 6 weeks for the scar tissue to completely heal over the suture line. He elaborated that some folks post surgery can get a little light headed due to the lowered ability to get their fluids in and not getting the calories they once were. If I were to be going to town on the elliptical, get a bit light headed and lose my balance, I could fall and cause myself a leak. He told me to just do long walks and increase the distance/time/intensity as I saw fit. Seems to me I could have wiped out on a curb, but ... hey ... that is what my surgeon told me.

It is great to hear you are having no issues with your band and that maintenance is very low for you. Sounds like you have found a great solution which works for you. My friend (the one I spoke of earlier and how we found this thread) is leaning towards the band as she just can't wrap her head around having part of her stomach removed nor does she want to be re-routed. It is good to read stories such as yours. Like product reviews, people who have no issues rarely post about it. You will read several reviews of, "This knife won't cut a tomato, it is so dull!" but seldom will you read, "The knife cuts tomatoes just as advertised." Just curious ... which WLS surgery "starves" you? I get about 1,400 - 1,600 calories in a day, as do most sleevers who are past the initial healing phase, so, are you referring to RNY? How many calories do you consume a day? I am actually seeing my cousin (who had RNY 5 years ago) tomorrow as I am traveling to SoCal for business. I will ask him what his caloric intake is. If you're referring to sleeve as being "starving" ... then someone has been selling you some swampland, 'cause ... trust me, there's no starvation with the sleeve ... quite the opposite, actually. Gotta remember, we had most of the fundus removed which is the gherlin producer. I don't get "hungry" in the conventional sense and those who say they do are most likely dealing with "head hunger", which goes back to what I mentioned earlier about not dealing with one's issues with their relationship with food. If eating was a coping mechanism for you and you do nothing to address that, then yes, you may feel unsatiated by not being able to abuse food the way you used to, but ... isn't that true for banders, too?

I'm sorry to hear your sister is struggling. When did she get sleeved? It takes about 6 months before you are able to re-introduce ALL of the foods back in. Salads were the last thing for me, which did frustrate me as I have always LOVED salads of all kinds. Kale, spinach and romaine are so fibrous, it was no fun trying to eat them. But, as I progressed, I was able to eat them no problem. I would say it was at this point, I was able to enjoy eating again, but in no way is it like pre-sleeve. Again, I abused food ... used it at a crutch ... to celebrate ... to mourn ... it was not healthy. I don't want to "enjoy" food in that way again. So, I'm guessing your sister may still be in this window. I do know of some sleevers who do still struggle with enjoying eating after the month mark, but it has always let back to the individual's relationship with food. Having to take smaller bites, chew better, slowing down ... frustrations like that. As I like to define it, though, these are the behaviors which allowed me to abuse food, so i am quite happy I had to adopt them. It can be difficult, sometimes, to recognize some of our struggles as blessings. If she is in this window, ensure her it will get better and she will enjoy food again. Her expectations may have been a little ahead of reality. I've asked this a couple times in this thread, but it has never been answered. Don't banders have guidelines they must follow for success? And to add one, do you "enjoy" eating with your band?

Well, I'm more than a year out, but when I was a year out, I went from wide to "normal", but the same size.

I believe this is quite common. Well ... what's going on is you had 85% of your stomach removed. The stomach is the mechanical part of digestion, so, with 85% missing, the remaining 15% has a bit of work to do. Where the stomach was a vast expanse before, it is now a tiny sleeve smaller than a banana. Air is going to get trapped and released differently than it did pre-sleeve. I'm over two years out and my tummy still makes more noise than it did pre-surgery.

Chocolate is definitely one of those items that slides right through. I also find it helps other foods slide though, so, if I am feeling the restriction and I have a piece of chocolate, the pyloric valve does open and lets everything slip through, so it is one of those things I moderate (just like a "normal" person! ) Orange juice, of course, is going to go right on through and is pretty sweet. If she is drinking it while eating, sure ... there will be issues. If we eat our lean protein first, it gives us that "full feeling" really quick. Eating protein first, though, is important for all of us as muscle loss is so prevalent with rapid weight loss. I had foamies once at about 6 weeks post when, on pain killers for a separate, unrelated procedure, I didn't chew well enough and ate too quickly. Just wasn't thinking. Learned my lesson there. I put my utensil down in between bites to slow myself down and chew far more than I used to.

It's funny, my tolerance for sugar is lower, for sure. After finding a Protein powder which I LOVED pre-sleeve, I bought a 15 pound bag of it. Wouldn't you know it, post-surgery, it was SOOOO sweet. UGH! Gave it away on Craigslist. I did find another (Premier Protein RTD) which were not as sweet. I had my surgery in July ... Halloween right around the corner (I have two young kids), TIME FOR SOME CHOCOLATE! Oy! Too sweet! This was a big surprise to me. But, of course, with Christmas right around the corner I was able to raise my tolerance for sweets , but by no means can I eat it like before. I would agree, it is more of a hypoglycemic feeling than what I understand (from my cousin) dumping syndrome to be. I had severe reflux prior to surgery and unknown to me, I had a hiatal hernia. The surgeon corrected it when he did my sleeve. I have taken a PPI once since my surgery and that was after I worked late one night and ate dinner and went straight to bed. So, for me, it has been another unexpected blessing. But again, I do follow the guidelines, so that may have something to do with it. As far as other food intolerances, I have heard of people with some lactose intolerance post, but it often resolves after a bit. For me, there is nothing I cannot eat. I understand raw coconut is a no, no for sleevers, (see bezoar) but I never liked it, anyway, so not a big deal. I probably consume about 120g of carbs a day, so, as you can see, I don't really avoid them, but it isn't crazy like it was pre-sleeve. Without asking them directly (by observation) how compliant with the guidelines are your friends? Do they drink when eating? Do they still inhale their food? That is something I used to do and still struggle with at times when I am out with friends, laughing, talking ... I slip into old habits of shoveling one spoonful after another. The sleeve reminds me to slow down, though.

I always like to tell this story, 'cause it makes me laugh. The aesthetician asked me to count backwards from 100, so I started counting. 100 99 98 : zzz (surgery) : 97 (woke up) 96 ohhh, my throat hurts! I woke up from surgery still counting. My throat hurt from being intubated and they gave me a sponge thingy to suck on which relieved the throat thing a bit. Shot of pain meds and I was all good!

Oh no, believe me ... deciding to have 85% of your stomach removed permanently is no easy decision. I had to do a lot of soul searching about my history and my efforts in the past versus my long-term prognosis. But to talk about the sleeve stretching, I believe this is a misnomer. People tend to think their sleeve is stretched when, in fact, they have learned to "eat around" the sleeve's restriction. I have had discussions with folks further out than myself who, like myself at over 2 years, when they follow the guidelines of not drinking just prior, during or right after eating and begin their meal with lean Protein, have excellent restriction. I have no diet, per se. It was tough at first not to drink when eating, but now it is easy and preferred. Have you guys seen video? It is from a RNY patient, but applies to all WLS procedures. People who feel their sleeve is stretched are most likely not following the guidelines, which, allows them to consume more calories. I don't think it is that difficult to not drink with meals and eating my chicken first before I eat my potatoes and veggies ... not a big deal and certainly not what I would refer to being on a diet. And when I say stretch, we have to define that a bit. Say your stomach starts, when distended, has a capacity of 70 oz. Post-sleeve and after the swelling has gone down, it would be around 10 oz. As my surgeon said, it is going to stretch like a man's wallet. Tight at first and then loosen a bit. Most likely, that person will stretch out to 12-15 oz. WOW! THAT IS ALMOST HALF AGAIN IN SIZE!! Well ... yes ... but you are still left with 15 oz which, compared to 70 oz is dramatically smaller. (This is by volume, not weight, so no ... you won't be able to eat 15 oz of a 16 oz porterhouse steak) It is then up to the individual to have dealt with their own personal demons as to why they abused food. I know I have had to. And, of course, follow the guidelines. But I do also think some of the surgeons early out may have been using larger bougie sizes which may have included more of the fundus. This would definitely be a topic for the surgeon for anyone contemplating WLS. Leave more fundus, it will stretch more. My surgeon used a 34fr. Last night's dinner was Chicken Tikka Masala. Had 3 oz of chicken, two teaspoons peas/carrots and two tablespoons of rice with sauce. So tasty with leftovers for lunch. So, it is working for me, so far. But sure, I can go to Baskin Robbins with the family and eat a single scoop ice cream, no problem. That slips right on through ... no problem, but I do not do this regularly, by any means. I love enjoying portions which feed my body to the levels it needs instead of feeding what my minds thinks it needs. Being freed from the constant cravings (with the gherlin production reduced) I used to be demonized by is such a relief, too, which I didn't fully appreciate the impact of pre-surgery. I used to be such a snack fiend, but now it doesn't even cross my mind. I sit at restaurants and watch people with huge plates of food cleaning the whole thing and I smile because I am so happy I don't have to do that anymore. Another thing to note, of course, is that I do exercise two to three times a week. Losing the initial weight put me into a position where I could begin moving comfortably, so I began an exercise regimen which works for me. I can easily see where a person not following the basic guidelines, not exercising and eating around the sleeve would easily gain weight. There are several threads over at VST you will find where people are struggling and this universal constant is true. The theme of the threads are constantly, "I'm xx months post-op and have some re-gain. I don't exercise and I eat a lot of foods I shouldn't." Well ... yes. These folks will struggle if they are not able to address some of the basic issues which perhaps got us into trouble in the first place. This is a surgery on our stomach, not our heads. As for surgical risks and leaks, yes, it was a concern for me, too. But, I think I mentioned earlier I have a previous history of doing well recovering from surgeries. Leaks are a component of the skill of the surgeon, your ability to heal, your ability to follow the guidelines early out and a wee bit of luck. My nutritionist told me a story of someone (not from their clinic) who ate a 8 oz steak 10 days post op. Had problems and didn't go to the hospital. Long story short ... they died. I do believe there should be a strict psychological screening prior to any WLS as some folks just aren't mentally ready to be compliant. Aren't some of these issues also true with the band? If an emotional eater decides they are going to hit a tub of ice cream hard or are determined to be comforted by food as they had been in the past, aren't there ways to "eat around" the band with slider foods? Do banders who exercise and follow the guidelines have better success than those who don't?

I hear what you are saying about, "What if I get stomach cancer?" or something along those lines. I am, by nature, not a risk taker. So, when I posed this question to my PCP, she laughed saying I had a higher chance of being in a severe car accident than I had with developing a cancer or condition where I would need my excised stomach. Something like 1 in 10,000. Now, I do understand that it does happen and I am sorry to hear about your husband. I hope he is doing well. I think cancer has touched or will touch just about everybody's life in one way or another at some time, but with today's medicine, it no longer is the death sentence it once was. However, my obesity and the co-morbidities were. I knew I needed a permanent change with food's role in my life. Also note that due to this surgery, my nutrition has never been better in my life. I choose to eat what I call nutritionally relevant foods, where pre-sleeve, I ate what was in reach. I have had two unrelated surgeries since and recovered marvelously, thanks, in part, to this new lifestyle. It was quite co-incidental that while I was researching this, 3 people were killed when a bus turned a corner as they were crossing. Literally run over by a bus. I take the bus and train into work in downtown PDX, so it gave me pause ... Which would be the greater risk? Being hit by a bus or having complications from VSG (vertical sleeve gastrectomy) or needing 100% of my stomach? I decided I was not going to live my life afraid of living, so, I got my sleeve and I still take public transit into downtown. Who knew I was such a rebel!! LOL! BTW, I take the exact same Vitamins you do ... a multi, B12 and Vit D. If you'd care to wander over to Vertical Sleeve Talk, you can see my before and after pics in my profile, but like here, Alex is also upgrading the site, so gallery pics are currently down. http://www.verticalsleevetalk.com/user/11267-pdxman/ BTW, as I mentioned before and as Sharpie points out, each of us has our own journey. I am in no way trying to discount the lap band for everyone. Just like other WLS solutions, each has it's place in our lives. We have to find what works for us and our issues. If you do not want a procedure which is not reversible, then VSG is not for you. I didn't want my intestines re-routed or the possibility that my "pouch" could stretch, so RNY was not for me. Constant office visits, likelihood of slippage and knowing that if/when the band was removed I could consume large portions is why I opted not to be banded. I merely came on here to point out some mis-information and to direct researchers over to the other boards for better information. Good luck to all of my WLS friends, pre or post surgery!

After my back surgeries, I pretty much cut my calories in half and have been maintaining the same weight. As you know, it's a calories in versus calories burned, sooo ... I'm getting back in the gym now. Been doing elliptical and light weights now for a couple weeks. Hope to start running again soon. Just realized I had my first back surgery one year ago today.

Have a glass of milk, then. Just not before, during or for half an hour after eating. How far out are you?

Agreed. You will be walking and talking like a normal functioning human, but your eating habits may appear suspicious if you don't tell her. Also know that she will most likely not notice any weight loss or change in appearance, so don't be disappointed if she doesn't go on about how fabulous you look. It was well over two months before I was able to go down a pant/shirt size which is common as most of us sleevers tend to wear our clothes a little on the tight side or wear stretchy types of clothing.

We all definitely have our own paths to lead and we each need to find what works for us. I think we each need to find the lifestyle which we feel we can maintain not for just a few months, but for the long haul. If that, for you, means eliminating carbs (non-veggie), then I am happy you have found what works for you. Myself, no way. I do love the occasional cracker with cheese ... can't pass up a small piece of pumpkin bread, either. But, I try to balance this with some exercise or other clean living. Cindy, I see you are crossing into the 6 month post op category. Do you feel you need to eliminate carbs because the rate of loss is slowing or are there other indications for which you feel you need to eliminate them? 'Cause, you know, even with perfect adherence, your rate of loss is going to slow ... right? Like Back2Barb asks ... if it isn't too personal, many other sleevers may benefit from your struggles and issues with carbs.

Just be straight upfront with her. You have your life. Listen, Jane, you know I love you very much and I love the fact you and my niece are coming out to visit, but I have some things going on in my life right now which are really important to me. Normally, I love surprises, but for what is going on right now, I really need to know when you are coming in. If you feel you can't tell me, then we are going to have to re-schedule your visit for another time when my life is not quite so hectic. Thanks for being so understanding. When this all settles, I'll tell you all about it, but if you could just tell me when you are arriving, that would really help. I love you, Your big sis

Yup, as soon as off pain meds.

is a great video that illustrates the affect of liquids and eating. This is from a bypass person, but the same holds true for sleeve patients. The issue is you can actually eat more when drinking liquids, therefore consuming more calories and not feeling the restriction the sleeve is supposed to be giving you.

The guideline is to not drink liquids before, during or after eating for best restriction. So, anything that is liquid, regardless of it's nutritional content should be consumed outside of this window.

Pressure cooker works great. It allows the water to get hotter than 212 degrees F, which cooks those bad boys in no time. Less than 20 minutes. Just be sure you know how to use a pressure cooker. I use mine all the time.

Hello all. I don't want to stir the pot, but I had my sleeve over two years ago and am on here researching some of the latest information with a friend who is thinking about WLS and I want them to have all the information they need so they can make the right decision for them, and we came across this thread. It would seem there is some mis-information on this thread as it relates to the sleeve. For those researching, I would suggest going to the sister sites, www.verticalsleevetalk.com or www.rnytalk.com for information about the sleeve and bypass. Just like the band, compliance is critical to success. I was compliant and lost 100% of my excess weight, 120 pounds in just over 8 months and have been maintaining fluctuating up and down 5 pounds for over 18 months. Unlike the bypass, the sleeve is not a pouch made from the fundus, the stretchy part of the stomach. It will not stretch back to it's original size. Those who gain post sleeve are those who consistently eat "around" the sleeve, just as band patients can do. I choose to have 85% of my stomach removed because I knew I needed a permanent change with my relationship with food. People often question, "What if you need that part of your stomach again?" My response is, "For what? So I can abuse food again?" I don't want to even have that as an option again. Again, over 2 years out and still have excellent restriction, no dietary restrictions and haven't seen my doctor, as it relates to bariatric needs, in 2 years. I do take Vitamins every day, (not 100% compliant ) but I think pretty much everybody should be doing that anyway ... right? WLS or not, so ... I do wish everyone well on their WLS journey and congratulate everyone in working towards their goals. It has been a great journey for me and I hope for you, too. Good luck with your research!

There's a reason the elliptical kicks your butt ... IT'S HARD! ... and isn't that the point? It is testing your fitness level. DON'T LET IT WIN BY GIVING UP! Ok, enough with the gym spaz talk. But seriously, I would go back to the elliptical. Just use the manual settings and take it easy. If you are getting your butt kicked, you are putting in too much effort. Just like running, you should be able to have a conversation whilst doing it. If you can't then you need to dial it back. The elliptical is a great, low/no impact activity to build your endurance and get your fitness to a level where you feel comfortable doing other things. The great thing about it is you also get to watch how the seasoned folk use the other equipment, since there are no trainers. You could still ask the person at the front desk about the availability of someone to show you how to use the equipment. I've been a member of many different gyms of varying sizes and they all had someone who would show you how to operate a piece. You can always write down the manufacturer, model and name of the piece and YouTube it. Don't let not knowing how to use something keep you from doing it. But, the elliptical. Get on it. 20 minutes to start. Add 5 minutes each week or so until you can go for 45 minutes. Then add resistance, notching it up each week till you can go at, say, level 6 for 45 minutes. I also like the interval training program as it really gets my heart rate up.

Woot! Woot!

There is a whole history here on VST. Here is a result from a site search for the keyword Metformin: http://www.verticalsleevetalk.com/index.php?app=core&module=search&do=search&fromMainBar=1

There are going to be risks in every surgical scenario. Each of us has to know our histories as far as how are bodies handle it. Myself ... I have had all kinds of surgeries and I respond well to healing. Never an issue with anesthesia, so I wasn't too worried. As you will find on many threads here regarding the risks, one of the risks I had to weigh was the risk of NOT having the surgery. I KNEW what was at the end of that tape when I played it all the way through. There are folks for whom the GBP is a better option. For my opinion on this, PM me. I would post it here, but I'm afraid I do not have the literary tact to describe it in such a way where I would not come across as judgemental. I don't know exactly why, but when I write about a specific group of people, though I try not to, my posts are interpreted as being judgemental.