alexb

My doctor said that the worst stretch he'd ever seem was due to carbonation and that his patients are never to touch it again. Just sharing!

I was sleeved on june 5. I have lost about 18 lbs since surgery. My doctor said its completely normal and that if your BMi starts lower, it's going to take a while. At my six month mark, they want me to be down another 25 or so and then lose the last 30-40 after that. So not too bad, but slow and steady is the sleeve, particularly for those who start lower ( my surgery wt was 207).

I was sleeved June 5. I have a low BMI (33) and have lost 16 lbs since surgery. Definitely slow, but I started at 207 and am now 191. Since my goal is 135/140 I'm not complaining. At this rate, I'll be there in a year. But I just started solids and think that'll help speed up the process since I could eat almost any mushy in any quantity! Solids just STOP.

It took me six weeks. Until I started solids!

So I just started solid Proteins today...six weeks out. And let me say...I am finally understanding restriction. I was super scared because on mushies and sifts I really felt no limits. Yes, I'd get full, but I didn't feel like anything was making me stop. Well today I ate steak and chicken at a hibachi place. And I am full to where I couldn't eat more if I wanted to without getting sick. And I couldn't be happier. So for those of you who are able to eat anything on mushies...your sleeve help is coming! Protein first!

My PA said to stay under 1000 per day and that with mushies it's hard not to get there because it takes more to get full. She said itll be easier on solids.

I just sent a request. My names Alexis.

I am in the puréed stage but don't seem to get full easily. I can have about a half a cup with no problems. Is this normal? Refried beans seem to be a-ok. I don't really feel a tightness in my chest or in my throat. Frozen yogurt is no problem. Hoping this is normal but wondering since I keep reading about people who get full off a few bites!

Thanks y'all!

I am exactly two weeks out and started back teaching high school today. But it took the full two weeks to recover and get my strength. Good luck!!

I didn't board my chihuahua. I let her walk with me (off the leash) because we're supposed to walk a lot. But if she requires more than just that, you may want to board. My puppy was great comfort cuddling with me after surgery though!!

Hey! Me too! Glad I'm not just a weirdo!!

Is this normal? I feel like I can drink forever. Not gulp, but definitely am able to drink a cup of broth in fifteen or twenty minutes? Help & thanks!!

They'll come around. At first, my mother was vey scared when I wanted to do a lap band. I didnt include her on any of the discussion before I knew I was doing it. Now, two years after having the band removed, she was one of my staunchest supporters for getting the sleeve because she knew WLS worked and basically believes it saved me in a lot of ways. It definitely sucks that your family can't see it from your point of view. But they probably will. My mom is someone who can diet and eat right, so it was hard for her to understand why it didn't work for me. But the proof was in the band (now vsg) that her daughter was happier and healthier with stronger tool to aide me through the daunting weight battle. Go ahead with your choice. You're right. You'll feel better. Stay strong!

Thanks!!!

I'm good. Had a rough two nights in the hospital, but I'm home and much better. Already down 10 pounds! I'm bored to death of liquids, but I'm happy. I am having a lot of trouble sleeping and pain around my largest incision but that's all. I see my surgeon tomorrow. Overall, I feel grateful that I could have the procedure and happy that the wait (or weight) is over.

Oh goodness. I understand where you're coming from. I'm pretty sure I kept weight on for years to keep men away. And yes it does become part of who we are. But what I've found is that we are the ones who attach it to ourselves, and not necessarily those around us. We might consider ourselves the funny fat one, but if we're lucky, our friends don't. I have done this twice now. First with a band and lost 50 lbs (from 217 to about 265) and finally last Tuesday with a sleeve. So I have experience with life with restriction and then for the past year without. What I've found is that I feel more same with that one element of mylife under control. I was just like you...wake up, first thought, I'm fat. Before going to bed I'd be mapping out whatever diet Id pursue the next day (which never happened). So here's my thought: I've watched my mother struggle every day of her life. Every little thing that goes into her mouth is carefully pondered, counted, etc. So I saw that as an option. The second option was to be fat and embrace it. And lastly, there was the sleeve. I dont think being fat is bad, much to the chagrin of this skinny seeking nation. However, if health issues are brought about by this, then fat is a problem and luckily for you, the sleeve is a very viable option! I would go to the surgeon (as I did) with the least complications and highest success rate to avoid anything bad from happening. And I'd follow his orders to a t. Mine makes us do Clear liquids for three weeks which sucks! But guess what, all the nurses at the hospital are amazed by how successful he is. In the end, whether we're fat or thin...that doesn't make us us. What's inside does. Cliche, yes. But hopefully true. Best of luck.

I everyone! I had a band in from '08-'10 and just now had the gsv. I am wondering what are the major differences between the two that those who have undergone both processes notice. I'm only a few days post-op so any head's up would be helpful!

Vitamix. Only blender they use at the good smoothie places must mean something!!!

Hi izzy, You're doing great! The fastest weight loss you'll see will be in the first three weeks, at least that's what they say. But you'll continue to lose steadily. I started at 209 and my goal is 140. I'm losing at about the same rate as you...five days out and I've lost nine pounds. But we're still swollen and most likely retaining water, so the scale is a bit high most likely. I had the band for two years. And because our weight wasn't quite as high to begin with, we are prone to slower weight loss. But the most important thing is that it is safe and permanent! . Just keep following doctor's orders and you'll be good. It's when we 'cheat' that we can fail!

I was self pay with Dr Nick in Dallas. His is around 13,000 for the sleeve and he has one of the highest success rates in the country!

I think that sometimes people who don't struggle with weight and eating related issues forget the mental component that for me was the biggest help. I was banded in 2008 and the band came out in 2010 because it had slipped. I thought 'I can do this on my own now' but I was wrong. I was either killing myself at the gym or starving from whatever diet I convinced myself would work that week. But the biggest change I noticed and the main reason I opted to have a sleeve (sleeved June 5) was that mentally, I felt more stable when i had my food issues controlled. By eliminating the constant thought of 'what will I eat next' or 'gosh, they only see me as fat', I was able to grow more as a person. And i admire people who have that natural self confidence that for me required now two operations. But I wouldn't trade the way I feel with the band, or now the sleeve, for how crappu I felt without it. Point is, I only had about 65 pounds to lose at my heaviest, but it doesn't matter. Everyone has their own cross to bear and a number on a scale doesn't necessarily make it harder. If someone wants to change their life positively and permanently, and they are truly prepared to put forth the effort, then their true supporters will step up and stand by them. I hope my rambling helps!

Dallas! Sleeved last Tuesday!

Hi there. I'm about as far out as you and am actually not permitted to have anything but clear liquids for three weeks. I would say that if you are feeling discomfort for any reason, take a step back. Go back to things like protein and milk mixed so that they easily go through a strainer. And when you are ready, try again. The main thing here is to listen to your body. Not everyone swells at the same rate, so it can be more difficult for some while easy for others! good luck