Lissa

I think it's unfair to say that all leaks are caused by patient non-compliance. That probably plays a big part in some leaks, but there are other factors. Because I have Hydradentis Supperative, I was at higher risk. HS causes boils in the groin and underarm areas and is related to obesity, in case anyone has not heard of it. Other factors certainly make some people more at risk, even if they are 100% compliant. We've had several sleevers here with leaks, including Tiffykins. I doubt they were any less compliant than the rest of us. They just happened to be in that statistical percentage with complications. And, to the original poster, most leaks are inconvenient and painful, but they aren't often fatal. Uncontrolled diabetes, high blood pressure, and other co-morbidities have much higher fatality rates! Good luck!! Lissa

Precious, the liquid diet is tough, but it will be over soon. Concentrate on why you're doing this and it will help you deal with the diet. Good luck!! Lissa

MeMeMeee, that's great news!! I'm doing great and I got a bonus from my sleeve yesterday! I struggled to lose 18 pounds between thanksgiving and Christmas, missed my goal by 2 pounds. Got in the scale last night and had dropped 10 pounds in two days! I weighed again this morning, it's a real loss!! How does that work? Lol, I will take it and say hallelujah. I'm at a total of 80.8 pounds lost and 4 months plus one week. Lissa

I didn't eat any of the baby food I bought. Thankfully, it was only six jars! I used my magic bullet to purée chili, Soup and make Protein dense foods instead. I drank lots of broth during the clear and full liquid stages. Lissa

Don't beat yourself up. Let your doc know, just in case s/he thinks it might complicate surgery, but don't think it's the end of the world. I'm sorry about the loss of your friend. That is never easy to handle. (hugs) Lissa

Yay!! I'm so glad you have a date!! Hopefully this will give your family time to accept your decision. Even if they don't before surgery, once they see your better health and weight loss, they will come around!!! Good luck on your journey!! BTW, I have read great things about Dr Kelly!!!!! Lissa

I'm just over 4 months out and can't imagine doing elliptical for 20 minutes! I'd be under my bed hiding!! Lol My doc said walking ONLY till I hit two months and then, taking in my (lack of) fitness level before surgery, gradually work up to other things. My workouts are 15-30 minutes on the treadmill, then 15-30 minutes on the exercise bike, alternated with weights. I do low weights and high reps because I'm working on toning up my squirrel arms. I had to wait six weeks to even start with the weights, too. I try to make sure to eat some carbs or fruit on days I work out. Otherwise I end up feeling like a limp dishrag. Lissa

Yay!! I also had medical delays, but it is SO worth it!! Congrats on having a date and medical clearance!! Good luck!!!!!! Lissa

First, congrats on moving forward and researching Wls Second, it's normal to have nerves and fears. Work on those you can and talk them over with your medical team. Once you've handled what you can, let go of the rest. This is a big decision, but very few people say they regret their sleeve. Good luck on your journey!! Lissa

Oh and yes it is bad to stick with liquids forever. You will end up malnourished and dehydrated. There is a reason our docs and nuts want us to work up to getting our Protein from real food. I can cite an IRL example of someone who only drinks Protein shakes post op three years and has both malnourishment and dehydration issues. She spends a week in the hospital about every three months. Lissa

I think you just have to take it slowly and eat what you can handle. Truthfully, it's hard mentally to work up to the next step. My book from my doc actually says that if a food causes issues like sliming or vomiting, to go back a step and try again in a day or two. You may not be physically ready to move to mushies yet. Give yourself a few days then try again. If you still can't handle mushies in a week, then you may need to be concerned. There is a head issue to eating after surgery, so your mind may not be ready to move forward. Again, if you aren't getting there in another week, it may be time for more serious help. I talk to a therapist to help insure I don't end up with food issues. You may want to look into that if this reluctance to eat continues more than another week. It is hard to move forward, though, especially if the next step hurts. Good luck and keep us posted, please. Lissa

I was taught that the appropriate response to a compliment was a smile and a thank you. The appropriate response to crudeness is a frown and a no thank you. As a gal, it Is sometimes hard to make you look great not come across where a guy assumes you mean "and I'd do you". Sometimes it just means you look great. Lissa

You are really doing well, especially considering the other medical conditions you have!! I suggest shopping for more sleeve friendly foods to keep on hand. I keep cheese in the fridge for Snacks, along with canned tuna in the pantry. Get yourself a cute Water bottle and some flavors that u like to increase your water consumption, if that's an issue for you. You will get there, but I understand your frustration with the scale. Maybe put it in a closet for awhile and see if that takes the mental pressure off. Good luck!! Lissa

Woo hoo!!! I was just thinking this morning about the century club, which I hope to be in by May! Save me a chair, please? Congrats on that huge partial goal!!! Lissa

I'm in and already have my ticker posted. SW: 278.2 GW: 260 Pounds to goal: 18.2 I missed my Christmas goal by a few days and 2 pounds, so I'm being a bit mitre conservative this time. Lissa

Paola, yay!!! I was wondering when you would get your surgery date !! You've had the longest preop diet in history! . I'm happy dancing for you!! Can't wait to make room for you on the losers bench!!! Lissa

Self pay, not Del pay. Thank you iPhone for editing me! Lol Lissa

Candy man, I've been on this forum for six months, reading and watching the journey of many of the sleevers who went to Mexico. I would be suspicious if their posts always said great things about their docs, but that isn't the case! I read about tgeir day to day struggles and lives. If they were getting paid, I doubt they would post more than once or twice. I was Del pay in the us, but I'd be more than willing to talk to your wife. Pm me for my phone number if she wants to talk to someone. Also, I have a blog (as do many others on this forum) where I post about my day to day journey. There is a lot of info available from the sleeve community that your wife could research. Of course, if her mind is made up, nothing will convince HER. You may have to make your decision about surgery without her support. Others have done it without spousal support, like me. Sometimes it is more important to save your own life than to make someone else happy. Lissa

I'm sorry to hear that you have a leak!! However, I'm glad that you and your medical team are on top of it!! I'll pray that the leak will heal quickly and all will be fine!! Lissa

Yep. Patience and do a search for the 3 week stall. Almost every sleever has one, and the length varies. Theoretically, your body has to adjust to our reduced eating habits. But you will start losing again. In the meantime, look for the NSCs, like looser clothes and increased energy levels. good luck!! Lissa

My first surprise was literally watching the swelling in my legs go down. I have ankles again!! Lissa

I agree!! Having a guy chime in gives a whole different perspective. That's great in my book!! Lissa

Cassandra, welcome to my world. I was one of the lucky ones who got the immediate energy boost, too. I've had a couple of days in the last month where I was really tired, but I have felt normal and high energy most of the time. Of course, I was in horrible condition before, so any improvement is going to seem major, IMO. This will work for you and you will get to your goal! The sleeve definitely pays you back for every bit of effort you put into it!! Lissa

I burp. I can eat past the burp, but I'm in pain if I do that. So I don't. Lol Lissa

Lol, yep. I've had dreams about losing so much weight that I just blow away. I know it won't happen, but the dreams are weird when I have them! Lissa