lollyfidy1965

I'm in the Boston area, interested in finding someone to buddy-up with. I'm relatively serious about the journey I'm on, following my surgeon's/nutritionist's directions, and working hard at the gym. It'd be great to have someone to talk to who has half a clue what I'm going through! . Laura

I was in a total of 6 days, only because of a minor complication. Immediately after surgery (the next morning) I was taken for a "leak test". After drinking the dye, they began the imaging study...only to discover there was so much inflammation, in my sleeve, that nothing was able to pass through. I threw up the dye almost immediately, and was taken back to my room, and the NG tube put back in, and left in for 4.5 days, to give the inflammation time to resolve. On the evening of day 5 post-op the NG tube was removed, and I was allowed to slowly sip water. In the middle of the night I was allowed to try clear broth, and the following morning I was allowed to try a protein shake. When all of those things went down without a hitch, I was allowed to go home the afternoon of day 6 post-op. Now a year post-op (June 19th), I'm still only able to eat around 3oz of solid food at a time, and have 6 small meals scheduled throughout my day, to ensure I get enough protein and calories. I don't mind that my sleeve runs a little small....its obviously working for me, as a tool to manage my weight, and I couldn't be happier with the experience! The surgeons and doctors at Beth Israel Deaconess (in Boston) took amazing good care of me, while I was in-hospital, and even with the delay in going home, I would do it all over again in a minute.

Vitamin Shoppe sells a chewable berry flavored iron supplement that is pretty good.

The only people who can tell you what impact that would have on your insurance would be your insurance. Every insurance provider will have different rules and stipulations. I'd suggest you give your insurance a call, explain the situation, and ask them what impact, if any, there would be if you were to change doctors.

I've not experienced anything like that, but my advice would be to not ignore any kind of "chest pain". Give your surgeon, or doctor a call, and get it checked out. Better to find out "officially" that its just gas, or heartburn, or nothing at all, than to learn the hard way that you've got something serious going on. wishing you well! Laura

A typical "fruit smoothie" would be loaded with sugar...which should be kept at a minimum after surgery. My surgeon's guidelines...for life...are to not eat anything that has more than 8 grams of SUGAR (not carbs) per 100 calories in a serving. I'm fairly certain that would exclude fruit smoothies...even with protein powder mixed in.

Keep in mind, anything that you're consuming that is liquid counts towards your total fluid intake...not just the water you drink. If you're drinking protein shakes you're killing two birds with one stone.

Call your surgeon, and talk with him/her regarding your concerns.

I'm just wondering if there are any active members from the Boston area? If you're out there, what program did you go through, and how are you doing??

I've been on liquid Zantac since I left the hospital, and added a daily Prevacid solutab at week 4. I'm 6 months out now, and have no additional issues with acid. As for the hair loss, mine was bad until I started taking a sublingual biotin tablet daily. Make sure you eat plenty of protein in your diet...that makes a huge difference.

I was on full liquids for 7 weeks after surgery, because I had bad acid reflux when I first advanced to soft foods, at 4 weeks post-op. if food is making you sick, you're obviously not ready for it, and you should definitely listen to your surgeon. There's no need to rush the process....your body will let you know what it needs. Laura

Scotty, I spend two hours at the gym every morning, doing an hour of cardio, and an hour of circuit training. I drink 8oz of Muscle Milk Light before the gym, and 8oz of Muscle Milk Light after the gym. That's 200 calories, and 30 grams of Protein, and acts as my Breakfast. I've been doing this for almost 5 months now, and it's working well for me. Laura

I use Flintstones Complete chewables...twice a day...as recommended by my surgeon.

Exercise also builds muscle...and muscles burn calories.

Losing weight is a function of burning more calories than you consume. Unfortunately, each of us is different....some need more calories in, in order to keep things going. What I'm doing is working for me. I average about 13-15 pounds (loss) every month, and I'm quite pleased with that rate of weight loss.

At 5.5 months out I'm now below 250 (218 this morning). I've been eating 650-700 calories/day for several months, and consistently losing. I spend two hours at the gym, 7 days a week, most weeks, and burn between 1,400 and 1,600 calories/day.

There are almost too many "goods" to list...and that list would vary person to person. My goods? Never (and I mean NEVER) experiencing hunger Losing 85 pounds in 5.5 months Going from a snug 26 (pants) to a 16 Being able to buy "regular" clothes from a "regular" store Being in control of my relationship with food...for the first time EVER Enjoying the little (2oz) meals that I eat Not craving....anything Feeling strong Getting compliments from people who haven't seen me since before surgery Getting to buy all new clothes, even if they're second-hand, or clearance Bads? Spending 6 days in the hospital because of a relatively minor complication following surgery (but the care was awesome!) Un-growing my clothes so quickly Having to spend money on clothes so often Only being able to eat 2oz at a time...and offending caring people who have prepared a huge meal to share with you That's about it. I enjoy my Protein shakes and bars, so they're not "bads" for me. I also enjoy all of my supplements, so no "bad" there, either. Laura

Find someone who NEEDS those clothes, and gift them away! Think of the good you'll be doing! I'm now on my third complete wardrobe (thank God for second-hand stores and clearance racks!!), and am taking more than 10 kitchen garbage bags of clothes (size 20 to 26, 1X to 5X) to two of my sisters. They will benefit tremendously from my loss! As for replacing clothes....seriously....find a good second-hand store (we have a place called "Savers" here...they're awesome!), and save as much money as you can, while you're dropping sizes so quickly. (On Veterans Day Savers had a half-off sale...I got 21 XL sweaters for $56, and 4pairs of 16 jeans for under $25. I completely swapped my wardrobe for under $75!!!) Best, Laura

I didnt have a wait for my surgery, so I can't help with the timeframe. I would highly recommend you read "The End of Overeating," however....it will provide a clear explanation for why you're unable to stop yourself from putting food in your mouth. It was very helpful for me, in terms of managing my behavior both before and after my surgery. Best, Laura

My hair stopped falling out about a week after I started taking a sublingual biotin tablet every day. I recommend you clear this with your surgeon, before taking biotin yourself. But it really has made a huge difference for me.

I have chocolate Muscle Milk Light every morning (even at 5 months post-op)...8 oz before going to the gym, and 8 oz after the gym. Personally, I love it, and look forward to it...my daily chocolate milk fix! My surgeon's recommendation is to not drink alcohol after surgery...and I intend to follow his suggestion. I have 1 piece of chocolate every day....but its sugar-free chocolate (usually a sugar-free Russell Stover chocolate mint patty....they're wicked yummy!). I also have a "chocolate brownie" Quest bar, for an evening snack every day...170 calories, 20 grams of Protein, low carb, and (I think) very tasty. Those are my true "treat"....I look forward to 8pm every day!!

Congrats on the wonderful progress!! You look great!

Read "The End of Overeating"...it will explain why you are craving unhealthy processed foods.

You look awesome, Judy!! Congrats on the terrific cut (and on the 50 lbs gone, too!)!!

Check with your surgeon about taking chewable melatonin. It's been a life saver for me!