lollyfidy1965

It was explained to me as 1. filling the stomach (prior to eating), reducing the amount of food you will be able to eat. 2). working to empty your stomach more quickly, after you eat. There was no mention of the possibility of stretching the sleeve. I'm sure others (here) have been told different things by their surgeons....we none of us seem to get the same instructions!

You should always be fasting for a glucose level. The HgbA1c does not require fasting, as it is a measurement of glucose levels over a 3-month period of time. (I don't answer many medically related questions on this site, because they should be asked of the surgeon, but, having worked in the medical laboratory world, as the director of operations, for the last 11 years, I feel I am actually qualified to answer this particular question. ) If your doctor is ordering lipid testing (cholesterol, HDL, LDL, triglycerides), you should also be fasting. Best of luck! Laura

I just had my 3-months abs done yesterday... Basic metabolic profile (fasting or the glucose) CBC with platelet count PTH Total Protein Albumin Iron and TIBC B12 Folate Vitamin D 25 Hydroxy HgbA1c That's about it. (I'll double check the online report and add if I missed anything.) Laura

Funny....I got my statement from the hospital yesterday! Total cost of my surgery, and 6 day hospital stay ? $26,268.07. Total amount owed (by me)? $100! Thank you Harvard Pilgrim ***!!!

So....I stopped by the hospital this morning, to have my 3-month post-op labs drawn. When I started this process, my fasting glucose was slightly elevated (111)...in the "pre-diabetic" range. My HgbA1c was also slightly elevated (6.5)...also marking me as "pre-diabetic). Today's results?? Fasting glucose - 78!! HgbA1c - 5.6!! Both perfectly NORMAL (as were all the other tests performed)!!! I'm SO thrilled with this!! One of the major reasons I decided to have surgery was to avoid being diagnosed with diabetes...its truly a vicious disease, and I wanted nothing to do with it. NOW...just 11 weeks after having my surgery done...I am exactly where I wanted to be.....NORMAL!!! To be honest, this feels better than being able to say I've lost 100 pounds...because these numbers matter, in a real health sense, ya know?? WooHOO!!

I didn't have any problem with the pre-op diet. I had 3 Protein replacements (I chose to use these for Breakfast, lunch and an afternoon snack), and then a "normal" dinner, consisting of 4 oz lean protein, and non-starchy veggies. I was able to eat all the non-starchy veggies I wanted, throughout the day...and I took advantage of that, whenever I felt the urge to snack.

Do as much mental work as possible. By that I mean identify the psychological/emotional reasons why you eat, when you eat, what you eat, and start working to get those things under control now. Find books related to food addiction (I highly recommend "The End of Overeating"), and read them with an open mind and heart. Start eating with cocktail forks and "baby" spoons...taking tiny bites, chewing til its liquid, taking at least 30 minutes to finish a meal. Start eating those meals on small plates (mine are about 7 inches across) and bowls, so your brain starts to recognize smaller portions as "plates full" of food. And start walking, or doing Water aerobics (if you're able)....whatever you're able to do, in terms of exercise. It'll get your body going, and it will help make your recovery easier. Most important....do every single thing your surgeon and/or nutritionist tell you to do. Their instructions are given for a reason....and you're paying them for their wisdom. Take advantage of it! And remember....every time it feels "difficult"....every time you think you can't possibly drink one more Protein drink...every time you think you can't not eat something you're not supposed to eat....that you have chosen to take your life, your health, in your own hands...you've chosen to get healthy...and you can do it! You can be strong enough to make better, healthier choices! Your journey will be amazing!! Wishing you all the best as your day approaches! Laura

I use Microsoft Excel to track my weight loss on a spreadsheet. Its really incredible to see! LOL My "Diet Minder" journal (for tracking diet, exercise, and meds) also has a couple graph pages in the back, so you can track things in a graph format.

It was with my program. I love the ready-to-drink chocolate muscle milk lite...its sugar-free (the regular version does have some sugar in it, but not much). At 11 weeks post-op, I still drink Muscle Milk every day for breakfast.

Yep...I'm 11 weeks post-op, and haven't felt anything even remotely like "hunger." My mouth has wanted more, and my brain has craved things, but I've not been hungry. I've finally gotten to the point that my mouth is satisfied when my sleeve is satisfied....that helps keep me from eating so much I get over-full (and spend 1-2 hours miserable, as a result!).

I don't know if it will ever get better (for me). I came home from the hospital on liquid Zantac. That worked well until I was advanced to "soft/pureed" foods. After several days of that I started experiencing breakthrough acid reflux. My surgeon added a daily Prevacid "solutab" (it melts in your mouth), and bumped me back to full liquids for an additional 3 weeks. When I finally moved back to soft foods, I had no more problems with acid. I'm quite content to take my Zantac & Prevacid..never miss a dose..for as long as it takes! LOL (The reflux was miserable!) I hope you find something that helps! Laura

The program I went through recommends wearing one with information related to NG tube placement, no NSAIDs, or oral steroids, and any medication allergies. I ordered mine today.

Lynda...I don't know how much truth there is regarding the sleeve resulting in "less acid reflux issues". I came home from the hospital on liquid Zantac, twice a day, and had a daily Prevacid solutab added 3 weeks later, because I was having breakthrough reflux. Many people on this site report having significant issues with acid reflux after having the sleeve done. Having said that, I wouldn't trade my sleeve for anything....even if it meant I wouldn't have to take Zantac and Prevacid.

I chose the sleeve because I didn't want "stuff" in my body....and I didn't want to have to deal with adjusting that "stuff" once the procedure was done. I've got my sleeve...its working wonders for me...and I couldn't be more pleased! Best of luck! Laura

I'm doing great, actually! I've lost a total of 101 pounds...49 since June 26th (when I started losing after my surgery on June 19th)....and I feel fantastic!! I've gone from a snug size 26 jeans to a loose 20, and a size 5X blouse to a 1X. I still can't believe I can actually fit into the clothes hanging in my closet now! LOL

Perhaps some therapy would help you with your compulsive snacking? There certainly couldn't be any harm in it. I wish you the best of luck! Laura

Yep...that's a question for your surgeon or nutritionist. Best of luck!

My first OMG moment was being able to fit...comfortably...in a theatre seat!! Fitting in booths, in restaurants, is also a HUGE one!! (Never again will I have to say "could we please have a table?"!!) I have an OMG moment every time I get dressed now....because I can't believe I'm wearing (loose) size 20 jeans, and (as of this past weekend) a 1X blouse!! I hold up my clothes and think "I can't possibly fit in something this small!"...and then I put it on, and it fits!! And, this morning, the biggest yet....weighing myself, and finding that I've lost a whopping 100 pounds, since the end of March! (48 pounds since June 26th!) Unbelievable! A big WOOT!! to you, for each of your OMG moments!! Laura

Correction...you are THE man!!

Happened to me too. I'm beginning to wonder if the hormone ghrelin might have something to do with it. With the removal of roughly 85% of our stomachs, perhaps the drop in ghrelin alters the way our body interprets smells and tastes. (I'm going to do some digging, and see if I can find an answer.)

I use fat-free Miracle Whip and sugar-free pickle relish...cuts way down on the fat and carb content.

Hey, Jennifer! There don't seem to be too many on here from the Boston area....but I am one! I live in Arlington, and had my procedure done at Beth Israel Deaconess, in June. Welcome!

Very cool!

I have these feelings when I a). eat too quickly . eat too much Try taking tiny bites, chewing like mad, and taking LOTS of time eating. At 11 weeks post-op, I eat roughly 1/2 cup at a "meal", and take between 30-45 minutes to eat it (if I want to avoid the discomfort you describe). Best of luck Laura

Your "hunger" may be acid reflux. My suggestion would be to contact your surgeon, to see if an antacid would help. (I'm assuming you're not on one, or that one isn't enough....apologies if my assumption is incorrect.) Best of luck