HopeThruFaith

Hey you guys, I'm in the Greensboro area (45in from Raleigh Durham) I was sleeved on March 20, 2012 by Dr. Fernandez at Wake Forest Medical Center. It's nice to see sleevers that are near home ;0)

I agree. She may be jealous since she doesn't have the guts herself to take control over her own weight issues. Take it in stride. YOU are making this decision for YOU. Not everyone will see the logic in it but it's not about them it's about you. You're gonna do great with the sleeve.

Please advised: I'll be 10 weeks on Tuesday. On Wed of last week I ate some chips and threw them up. I know...I shouldn't have allowed my stress levels get to me that way and I feel terribly guilty. It was out of habit and just felt so natural that i wasn't really aware of what i was doing until my stomach started to rebel. My issue though is that I have not been able to eat without some pain or awkward sensations. I feel swollen, like I'm really restricted. Swelling is one thing and I know it'll take some time for it to go away but should I be worried? I mean, if I tore something or had an abscess or stricture I would have offer symptoms...right?

Thanks for responding. I may just call the doc on Tuesday. I was hoping it was just swelling. I don't buy stuff like that any more. My mother was visiting and had went to subway and got a sandwich and chips. I had a terrible day at work and was reliving me day as I was explaining it to her. I was so mad that I was eating and fussing all at the same time. It felt so natural b/c I've been so accustomed to eating to deal with stress in my past. I definitely learned my lesson. Just hope it didnt damage my sleeve.

I'm a nurse and I took 6 weeks off. I needed every minute of it despite not having any complications. I was exhausted and not able to hold down any food. My hat goes off to those that can go right back to work.

HopeThruFaith..,add me too

I thought I was the only one. I lose 10-15 pounds then nothing for 3 weeks. It is SO discouraging. I know it's my body just adjusting but I can't help but think if I keep losing weight at this rate I'll be at goal in no time. :0)

Hey guys, I too had surgery March 20. You guys are doing great. I've struggled with getting my protein and water in daily, how are you guys doing? I've lost 45 since surgery but a total of 68 counting the pre op diet but that all happened during month one. I've been in a stall for about 3 weeks now...this is depressing b/c I'm worried I won't get off the rest.

I have Cigna. My deductible was $1925 with an Out Of Pocket of $3300. My policy also has a $250 hospitalization clause which I did not have to pay. The most you can expect to pay is your Out of Pocket. Once that is satisfied you will be covered at 100%. My policy did allow for my co-pays to be applied to my deductible and OOP. Call Cigna to find out for sure because each policy will be a little different.

Yes my restriction has "relaxed" quite a bit. I'm sure with the healing process and the reduction of swelling I'm able to eat a little more. One thing I did notice and am excited about is being able to drink more. I am JUST now getting to the point to where I can drink my 64 oz of water. I'm still struggling with my protein shakes though.

I too seem to have a bad reaction to eggs and I used to love them before. I eat turkey bacon every morning with no problems.

I had my surgery March 20, 2012 and was so tight that I was miserable ALL the time. I burped uncontrollablely more so when I ate but it occurred even when I wasn't eating. My NP told me my surgeon made my stomach really small but I would adjust as I continued to heal. And sure enough as each day passes it's getting better and better. I'm able to eat a little bit more and the burping only occurs when I'm full. My fear of never being able to enjoy food and be "normal" has now been replaced with have I stretched my stomach is my restriction gone? This whole journey has been one big huge mind trip I tell you but I am trying like mad to make this work for me. Hang in there...it WILL get better.

Bananas will help with diarrhea because of the potassium. I had this problem also when I wasn't on the other end of the spectrum (constipated). You're not eating a lot of food with consistency since you're in the mushy stage. Mushy goes in mushy comes out...it should pass once you start eating more solids. Hang in there!!!

My family was not supportive either. It hurts but I decided to not include them in my journey and continue with the process for MYSELF. They eventually came around AFTER the procedure. A lot of it could be they are just afraid for you. Nevertheless do this for you, you deserve it. I hope it all goes well.

Kayte819 I agree with you, culturally speaking black men do like a "thick" woman whereas white men do not. It's only natural to be concerned about his reaction to how your body is changing he is your husband after all. Maybe he has concerns of his own that he hasn't voiced like being concerned about the attention you may get from other men as you continue to lose weight. I would encourage you to express your concerns about his comment just to give you both a chance to talk about the changes you're experiencing. I hate you were made to feel like your question "was funny" because it was a true concern for you and no one should be made fun of. I mean, that's why we're all here in the first place. To obtain encouragement and support in an enviornment that doesn't judge us for superficial reasons such as our weight or our color. Just saying....

Hello everyone. I was sleeved March 20 and just made the decision to go natural b/c I want the healthiest hair possible especially due to what my body's going through post sleeve. Any tips on how to transition with working out? I sweat like crazy in my head and worry about my hair looking a hot mess.

I totally felt the exact same way. How much water and protein are you taking on daily? Some times when we are not getting in enough fluid dehydration will simulate hunger. Once I increased my protein and water I didn't feel ravenous all the time.

You look great!!! Congratulations on your hard work. Have you had any issues with your skin?

The multi-complete chewable has Iron and comes in a Forest berry Flavor. The Calcium Plus 500 are Orange Burst. My doc thinks my new pouch is just still a little sensitive so she suggested the capsules for me.

So I've been a hermit since surgery 3/20/12 because so much of my former life was surrounded by food I've been afraid of going out without being able to eat. The girls have convinced me to go out for a girls night and I'm really excited about it...mainly b/c it's a movie. I LOVE popcorn and have never really seen any movie without stuffing it in my face. I'm worried that I'll go through withdrawals so I've been thinking what can I take instead that will satisfy that desire but not leave me feeling guilty and possibly in the hospital...any suggestions?

I wish I felt that way also. I purchased Celebrate bariatric vitamins and they make me physically I'll. They are free to a good home. I had to order capsules...I hope they go down easily.

Thanks you guys. I loved your ideas. I think I will try the pork rinds and stash some string cheese in my purse. I will make sure to eat before I go though. I don 't want to associate food with entertainment but after doing it for so long it's kinda ingrained in me. It is something I am diligently working on though ;0)

Way to go!!! You could be hitting Onederland this week ;0)

I had my 3 week post op Thursday and was told that my protein intake was way to low. She told me that I needed to drink 3 shakes per day in order to get in enough protein. Without it my body would stay in a stall and not shed the weight. She says that protein is essential to losing the weight and recovering after surgery. I've been in a two week stall but the minute I started drinking my shakes and increasing my water I started to see the pounds come off again. Try playing around with the shakes perhaps try something new. Maybe even a soy or hemp protein that's easier to digest then whey. At this early stage it's gonna be near impossible to get all our protein from food alone. Hang in there and keep us posted.