LeeLeeLosing

Because our stomachs are smaller it stands to reason that we have less enzymes to do our digestive process. About three months after surgery I was having pains when digesting and was having difficulty when going to the bathroom. My husband got me a bottle of digestive enzymes and it took no time to feel the difference. Unlike probiotics which can make my stomach hurt, I can take those before or after a meal and it is like magic. Just wanted to share for some of you who may be having trouble. It worked for me and I still use them as needed over a year out. Hope some of you can find this helpful.

Mine are capsules but they might have a liquid somewhere. These are really best when you start eating solid foods again and push it a little. It can be a little hard to know what will sit well in your new stomach and when you have those moments of wrong foods or too much these have helped me so much. Like I said I didn't try these until I was past three months so those of you right out of surgery or presurgery talk to your doctor. I wouldn't want you to try too early and hurt your tummies.

My husband went to GNC and got Natural Brand Super Digestive Enzymes. I started out taking just one and that was usually enough but two is the recommended dosage. I have done that when I was having a lot of problems. I'm sure there are other brands that are just as good. I don't see any pineapple enzymes on the ingredients. Let me know if they work for any of you that try them.

Hi everyone. I had my surgery last March 19 and am fast approaching my one year surgiversary. I have lost 70 pounds and I definitely feel so much better. However, the past few months I have seen my ability to eat increase to almost twice what I could previously do. I find myself reaching for the same foods that got me to 300 pounds. My brain knows better, but those old habits are coming back full force. It seemed like the first 6 months for the first time ever my life did not revolve around food and I was free. Those overwhelming urges for food were gone. But now I feel them again. My appetite is back. It does not help that food is the language of love in my family. I thought my new smaller stomach would help me to have just a little with them but now I feel like I am slowly losing my grip. I know what I need to do, but mainly I am just wondering if any if you have gone through this too? What helped you get control back? I am having such extreme anxiety about being a failure. My dr wanted me down at least 100 pounds by my 1 year checkup, and I am not going to make that but I am not ready to give up, thus this post to all of you. I would appreciate any responses. Thanks in advance.

Justsleeveit- I have been walking but not consistently enough. I need to work on that for sure. I feel like so much of the success of this surgery is based on an ability to plan ahead and that has never been my strong suit. Flying by the seat of your pants just doesnt work well when you are managing the sleeve. Fatmawmaw- I wonder if that is for the bypass or the sleeve. I am all for liquids if it will help me get my restriction back. Thank you so much for your tip. Good luck on your surgery!!!

I was sleeved March 19 by Dr. Lee Schmitt at St. Vincents. It was such a great experience. I have lost 50 pounds so far. Slow and steady. It has given me control yet I am still able to enjoy food and life more with each passing month.

Congrats!!! I just passed my 3 month mark too and getting back to the smaller sizes in my closet is the best thing ever!! People keep saying they love my new clothes and I laugh because theyve been in my closet for years. I am 42 pounds down so about the same. Its only going to get better from here. So happy for all of us!!

Hi everyone. Just hit my 3 month postop anniversary. I am 41 pounds lighter but I feel like I am going so slow. Any ideas to really rev up my sleeve?

Hi Jazzy. I am a Gadsden girl who had my sleeve done by Dr. schmitt on March 19. Dr. Miles checked on me and followed up with me as well. I have had no problems at all and am down 37 pounds. I believe that having either of these doctors gives you such a great base for having a good sleeve experience. Feel free to message me if you have any questions. Good luck!!!!!

I am going on 6 weeks postop and I have to admit I am overwhelmed. It seems like keeping up with eating (what little goes down good), drinking, vitamins, worrying about protein and dehydration, worrying about pains, its all about to push me over the edge. Monday I felt terrible and didnt have the energy to get out of bed and today I got a horrible headache that sent me back to bed. I am frustrated that I just dont feel good and cant seem to get the right combo to give me the energy to manage my life. Im sorry if Im whining but ugggghhh.

Thank you guys so much. I am just having a rough week I guess. I think I will check with my dr and see if I could be dehydrated. I feel like I still have to choose between being hydrated or food. Thank you for all your kindness and encouragement. It is a huge help.

I have discovered chicken in any form but canned or in chicken salad wreaks havoc on my stomach. Im almost six weeks out and I guess it will have to wait for further down the road.

Hi everyone. I am four weeks out and I am having a difficult time being disciplined when it comes to protein, vitamins,etc. Yesterday I noticed my lips and skin around my mouth were very dry. This morning I woke up with little tiny white blisters all around that area. I have fever blisters but these are different. Just wondering if I may be deficient in something and if anyone else had experienced this?

I know exactly how you feel. I am 14 days out and trying to deal with the change of eating. I have realized I was a recreational eater. A great deal of my life involved eating for fun, relaxation, social bonding...and now I am done in four bites and it feels awkward and Im not sure how to navigate this new way of life. I know it will get better. People further out seem to have adapted and I know we will too.

I am home and trying to adjust to how to get around with the pain in my abdomen. Surgery was great but my bp went really low and they tilted me up on my head. Not good for a sore tummy, but got it back to normal. I have to say St. Vincents East in Birmingham, Alabama has to be one of the best ones out there. They were so good to me and never let me get uncomfortable. I wish I was like others on here who felt great but Im still a little puny three days out. I also had hernia repair so not sure if that makes it worse. Anyway time for meds again. Lol.

So tomorrow morning I have to be at the hospital at 5:30 am. I think I am kind of on auto pilot right now. It kind of seems surreal that it is finally here after all these months of jumping through the hoops and all the preparation. But ready or not here I come. Please say a prayer for me and I will be sure to let you know how my experience went asap.

Sorry...premature posting..lol.

I have experienced all of your symptoms too and I think for me it was some dehydration. I have realized that the only way I am use to drinking large quantities of liquid is a couple of huge cokes through a straw. Since I havent had those now, I have made myself get 2 32 ounce G2 gatorades in a day and Im feeling better. My protein shakes curb my hunger pains some but for the most part its willpower. I can tell when I run out of steam and I have to stop and give my body what it needs. I have become much more in tune with my body this last week of liquids than I have ever been before. Makes me realize what a true machine it is and how what we put I it effects how we feel. I have also had to rest a lot more this week. Just dont push yourself too much and hydrate and nourish. I am taking a lot bubble baths, internet surfing, etc. to divert my attention from the onslaught of food commercials, signs, etc. Amazing how we are surrounded by the message to eat everywhere in our life!! But it is getting easier to ignore a little more every day.

I have experienced all of your symptoms too and I think for me it was some dehydration. I have realized that the only way I am use to drinking large quantities of liquid is a couple of huge cokes through a straw. Since I havent had those now, I have made mys

My surgery is Monday too!!! I am going through the exact same freak out. Just trying to focus on all the positive posts on here and realizing it is a leap of faith in a lot of ways. But looking at almost everyone a year out hardly anyone regrets the decision. I am going in with the expectation of maybe some hard times at first but great rewards later. We will help each other along the way. I wish you an easy surgery day and cheers to our new selves!!!!

I have avoided ibuprofen this week (my surgery is monday) just because I want my stomach as easy as possible before surgery. And of course, that TOM is upon me. I have taken a tension headache pill which is acetamenophine and caffeine. Hasnt worked for cramps but got rid of my withdrawal headache.

Thank you guys for the encouragement. I have told them I will still eat with them just less but I dont think they believe it. My husband already eats healthy and small portions so we will be simpatico. I am just going to be positive and be selfish for a little while to take care of me.

I am on day two of my week long liquid diet and I spent yesterday sort of curled up in a ball with a horrible headache. Today is a little better thank goodness. I am just trying to get centered before surgery time gets here. I have had a few moments of doubt. My family is really having a hard time with the upcoming changes. Its like we speak the language of food and we may not know how to talk anymore. Its literally like they are acting like I am moving to another land. I have already had a few crying jags and wondering if I am strong enough to handle all this change. I hope Im not the only one struggling with these preop issues.

My surgery date is March 19 too!! I have spent this last week before my week long liquid diet systematically eating all those things that I know I will miss. We have so far done big time Italian, Mexican, Chinese, and all the desserts that I know will be replaced with healthier choices. I am trying really hard to not use the words NEVER AGAIN because it will freak me out. I wont lie, it is very anxiety provoking to know that I cant use food as my emotional medication after this. And I do love food. It is a pleasure in life. But I am looking forward to learning a new way to be passionate about food without sacrificing my body and health for it.