Matt Z

I didn't think pre-ops were supposed to drink broth all day, I know my sheet said I could have 1 cup a day. Did your pre-op diet sheet really say you could have unlimited broth? As far as being nervous, that's 100% normal and natural. I'd be more worried if you weren't nervous at all.

@Creekimp13 How's the weight loss going? I noticed that you haven't updated your call out in a bit. Curious if you were finally able to break your listed goal weight yet. Not trying to hurry you out the door, just more curious if you were able to finally cross that finish line.

It's the natural progression for most folks. Use the site to answer questions, etc etc etc... but then once you get into the swing of things post op... there really isn't much use for this site outside of a few random questions that might pop up. That's one of the reason you don't see many Vets around these parts. Most of us have long since given up on the site. I know I'm having a hard time staying engaged this week. I stick around to try to help out folks as much as possible... but it's just getting tiring reading and answering the exact same questions over and over. As far as being missed... most of us could leave and this site wouldn't notice too much, if at all.

Congrats! That's One amazing feat!

They are both safe and safe to use together. As stated, up your fiber. And most def make sure you are drinking lots and lots of water.

Congrats!

More than likely you'll be fine, Just want to avoid getting anything stuck in your staple line this soon after surgery. Pay attention to things the rest of the day and if things start to hurt or seem to get more swollen, reach out to your surgeon/doctors office.

On and off since 2011. More on back in 2011/2012 and recently after my revision.

I understand, I'd still go more with using it for the fiber effect... going to be the same level of absorption in my opinion, since you don't have any bypassed intestinal sections etc. And I doubt you'd see any negative effects of the process. I have tried to do what I was calling "Controlled dumping", using coffee or some higher fats/sugars to help move things along if I felt I as stalled or backed up. I take fiber daily as well though so I don't do that too often. So, I don't personally see anything off/wrong/odd/controversial about ensuring your plumbing is flowing smoothly.

I wouldn't call it malabsorption, you are just creating a laxative effect (maybe not even laxative, but more what you would experience with fiber) Are you taking fiber supplements daily?

This is normal. Totally normal and expected. I was there for a bit as well. Second guessing myself and my choice to go with something so life changingly permanent. But you know what. Now, I wish I had done it back in 2011 rather than get the band. I'm so damn happy with things now, frustrated here and there with delays and stalls, but overall... I couldn't be happier with my decision! Stay Strong... it ***DOES*** get better!

Congrats!

Curious you why didn't revise in the same surgery?

The patches have a similar issue to GenePro protein claiming to provide more protein than was in the serving itself. I've reached out to PatchMD looking for clinical trials etc because, I was skeptical as well. But I figured I'd give them a try anyway. And all my levels are normal - high end of normal. Less the Vitamin D as stated. So, they are working for me. I've read the report you posted, before I started my own trials. I've taken it into account and still figured I'd try these myself. I'll see if my levels change at the 6 month check in or not.

There is still a lot of "work" to be done with the company themselves, my surgeon, nutritionist, head nurse and head pharmacist were all involved in granting approval initially. But I don't think we are really required to / or are limited to just a specific vitamin intake, just that they want our levels to be "good" for our check ups. I was taking the patches before surgery and outside of some extra Vitamin D because of where I live, some b12 until they saw my levels were good... that's all I've taken for my vitamins. Right now, I'm only on the patches and the weekly vitamin D. (I'm also taking daily vitamin D myself because I live in New England and Work IT...so me and the sun don't see much of each other, as well as biotin and chewable fiber) I was quite skeptical about the patches. But I'm glad I gave them a go. Everyone is going to differ, absorption rates change based on skin type, etc. So if you are interested, it might be a good idea to talk to your doctor about it, if only to let them know you'll be trying out a new form of vitamin intake so they are aware. I really only was approved because I was firm on my desire to try them.

Congrats!

Started noticing some loosening around the 1 month mark. 2 months it was quite noticeable. Now at 3 moving towards 4, I'm seeing more and more. Like recently my ass has started to sag, like a lot! My arms and legs got thin right away, I've got some "Bingo wings" going on, but I'm working on my Biceps and Triceps to fill that area in, working well. My stomach is a flap of wrinkly bs, but it's cool, I don't care at all, I mean, I'm down 123 lbs total at this point... there's going to be saggy wrinkly skin all over. I'm kinda proud of it. To a point.

The reset process allows the pouch to relax and (potentially) return to a smaller size. Not a full reduction to original size, but allowing the pouch to remain "empty" for a bit does allow it to reduce it's size to some extent. But yes, doing a reset typically starts with simply starting your diets over as if you've never had the surgery, and working though the whole process until you are back to "full raw" foods.

I'm digging the PatchMD Vitamin Patches. My 3 month labs came back good, so they do work (at least for me). Love not having to take a handful of pills or chewables. Just slap on 3 patches in the morning and I'm good for the day.

The sleeve has an up to 70% of the excess weight loss rate in the first year. Going off your call out. At 6 foot 1, 394.9, your projected losses are: 61 lbs by 3 months post op 103 lbs by 6 months post op 144 lbs by 12 months post op. Calculations drop to 60% of the excess for the next 2 years or so, and then 55% for the next 3 years. https://www.bariatric-surgery-source.com/gastric-sleeve-success-rate.html

You called your surgeon's office right? What did they have to say about it?

Anxieties about surgery (any) are normal. Don't worry about any fears or anxieties, they are natural and normal and there isn't a need to worry about worrying! I have anxieties as well, lots of them. Just find peace in your decision and the fact that these folks are professionals. You have to surrender to the process a bit, but it's well worth it!

Congrats and good luck, and there are quite a number of successful folks in your age bracket...

I packed a bit more than I used... seems to be the "going rate". Things I was very thankful that I packed: Dry Mouth spray and Lip Balm - made the first stretch of recovery where they don't let you drink SO much easier. Things that I packed that were very useful: Sweatpants (or PJ bottoms) Slippers Pillow from home (for added support and for the ride home) Cell phone and charger with extra long cord Deoderant Things I brought that I didn't use: A book Extra/change of clothes

Just to be clear, you are using sugar free jello right?