Lissa

I had a tubal ligation at 27 laproscopically, plus two c-sections previous to that. I was back at work in two days after the tubal with minimal pain. IMO, the sleeve was way easier than either c-section. The only issue related to the 3 previous surgeries, according to my surgeon, is that I had a lot of scar tissue and adhesions that he had to work around inside. Even with all that, I was back at work in 8 days, BUT I don't do much lifting in the course of my job. I do a lot of driving, but didn't have any issues with that. If you do a lot of lifting, you may want to wait longer before you go back to work, or see if you can get others to cover that for you at work. I wasn't even cleared for lifting weights more than 10 pounds until 6 weeks post-op. Good luck!

Amazing!! Size 10 is just amazing, but size 8??? WOW, now that's an incredible change from a 24!! Great job!!

Congrats! Let me be the first to welcome you to the loser's bench!! I'm glad surgery went well and that you're home and feeling good!

A lot of the people that I know are in this general area would be coming from Melbourne and Okeechobee, so Vero may prove to be the most central location. We'll see who all is interested and then decide where to meet. Everything is pretty loose right now.

Congrats on your approval and surgery date! I know you're excited and nervous, but it WILL be okay!!

MsBoo, I hope they find the source of your numbness quickly and that it's an easy fix! Your weight loss is great, but the complications aren't so good! Let us know once you have some info, please.

I'm glad to see you! I've been concerned about you! I'm sorry that things aren't MUCH better yet, but it sounds like they are at least working to address the problems. If I could give you that break, I'd do it. Since I can't, I'll keep you in my prayers! (((Hugs)))

I eat a lot of cheese and drink a few cups of decaf coffee every week. For the most part my bathroom habits are regular and "normal". I had IBS symptoms pre-surgery, so I think I'm doing a decent job of balancing things. I did have a few days of very loose about 5-6 weeks out from surgery and my doctor recommended that I add more cheese to my food. So, I eat at least one mini babybel per day, plus string cheese and shredded cheese on food.

Hi Tracy!! Thanks for sharing your story with us!! I hope you'll stick around and share the journey as well! I'm in Vero Beach, so not that far from you. I see more and more south Florida sleevers here all the time! Welcome to VST! It sounds like you're doing great!

I agree with Dorie that therapy is a great idea, for anyone with food issues, not just you in particular. I also think that you will have a tough road because you did actively cheat the band, BUT, and it's a big one, you were also dealing with too much restriction to be able to eat properly. I "think" there might be a mitigating factor in there because of the tightness of your band. The sleeve would allow you to eat without that over-restriction that the band seems to cause for a lot of people. I think you should discuss that issue with both your surgeon and your nutritionist. However, I'm still worried by the fact that you were good enough at cheating the band to regain a lot of weight. That says it was a lifestyle choice for you, not just a way of compensating for lack of food. I dont' know whether a sleeve would work for you or not with that history. You're going to have to go to some lengths to convince your surgeon and therapist that you're truly ready. As you already know, WLS is ONLY a tool. It's not a magic solution, but it is a powerful tool if used correctly. I say it all the time, they don't operate on our heads, just our stomachs. If you're active on the LBT forums, you may recognize that I've stolen and changed Papa Jack's theme! Good luck! I hope that you do work out the issues so that you can move forward.

Welcome to VST, LaShelle!! It sounds like you are doing well and are very comfortable with your decision! Those things make post-op so much easier! I'm looking forward to watching your journey!

Brandymarie! I'm sorry I didn't see this until today! Congrats on reaching the 300's!

I'm not sure if it's the same, but I had IBS symptoms pre-op for years. I haven't had those issues post op and I'm 9.5 months out. Maybe it's all the Protein, maybe it's the fact that I'm not eating anywhere near as much, I'm not sure. Hopefully you'll have some time during your recovery period to figure this out...and it will be good news. Good luck!!

CandiKiss, What an uplifting post! Congrats and good luck!!

My take on the therapy aspect is this: We all have some issue with food or we wouldn't be obese. If we dont do the head work to handle the food issue(s), then we are in danger of not using this tool to it's fullest potential. I have seen a therapist for my food issues and I think it's probably the best thing I could have done for myself. The psychologist who did my psyche evaluation promised me that I would become an alcoholic after surgery because of the amount of addictive behavior/personalities in my family. I chose to become addicted to exercise instead. It is VERY common for WLS patients to develop crossover addictions to other substances/behaviors, so it's helpful to be aware of that and to have a therapist that one can talk to about that before it becomes a huge issue. I truly believe that WLS patients should be required to have at least a few sessions with a therapist post op in order to deal with the food issues that come up. Every time I read a post from someone who is freaking out and thinking "What have I done?", I'm reminded again that most of us need at least some guidance on this journey.

look up the 3 week stall. Almost every one of us goes through it. Trust me, you're not done losing weight!

Did you come home with a breathing apparatus, possibly a toy with several tubes you are supposed to breathe into in order to lift up some balls? If so, you should be using that at least a couple of times an hour.Whether you did or not, call the doctor and get checked out. Trouble breathing can be life threatening, or it can be nothing.

Adele, I believe the obstacles aren't there to tell you NOT to do the surgery. I think you're being steered to whatever doctor God has chosen for you. No matter what, you have to be 100% confident in your doctor and in your choices. Until you are, no surgery is going to help. I sent you a PM about my experiences with a couple of bariatric surgeons, but I wanted to also tell you that I had a ton of hoops to jump through before surgery. I kept waffling about what surgery to get and what doctor to choose until I got an ultimatum...lose weight or die. That made my decisions crystal clear. I had to have the surgery and I had to take the risk. So far, I'm winning. You will decide what's right for you and I hope that you'll be 100% happy with your decision once you make it!! Good luck!

Wish, Thank you!! I just ordered a box of them!

MK, Like Dooter said, start slow and low and add a little time each time. I love the elliptical now and I sure didn't think I'd be saying that when I started on it! Yes, you should change up what you're doing for cardio, maybe switch between the elliptical and the bike or between using a machine and walking/jogging. It uses different muscles,, which is great for helping you tone as well.

Adele, I'm thinking you were led to post this for a reason. I'm sending you a PM. I have some information for you that may help you make up your mind about doctors.

Decaf is fine. I drink it all the time.

Yes, you'll discover what they are FOR YOU after surgery. I liked cheetos before surgery, but I adore them now. I really have to watch them. On the other hand, I'm not as attracted to regular sweets as I was before surgery, so I guess it's a trade-off.

Tex, Sliders are foods that you can eat and feel no restriction at all. Cheetos are that way for me. I can eat a whole bag if I let myself. Sweets are often slider foods as well.

That's true, Sleeve Dreamer! Maybe some folks are on the fast train, but it doesn't mean that fast is better than slow.