keldolbeth

I was just thinking about posting the same thing! I am eight months out and I feel like the last few days my sleeve has been super restrictive. I don't feel like I've been eating any larger portions than normal (for me) but I keep getting that sick-full feeling. It does not correspond to my time of the month or PMS or anything. Actually, it kinda makes me happy (not the sick part) because I haven't been losing much weight the last two months. I hope this continues and I will definitely back down my portions!

I am not married but I do have a variety of dating and relationship experiences. I will say, YES, I was totally needy in the past. And, NO, I do not feel that way now. I will say it started before surgery because 8 months pre-op I started on anti-depressants. Then, once I started losing weight, my confidence has sky rocketed. I always ended up dating losers and letting them take advantage of me and put up with way too much BS. I just wanted to be wanted. I did that with casual relationships too. I didn't have many meaningful, successful relationships from age 22 to 28. I have been in one relationship since surgery (met him 3 months post-op) and it was the BEST relationship I've ever been in!!! Sadly, it didn't work out because he wasn't "ready"- too soon after a serious relationship, blah blah blah. However, I feel very positive about the whole experience because it taught me so much. I was broken when things ended because he was so different from any man I had ever dated and treated me so differently. I never thought I would find that again. Really, it was me who was different. I was attracting better quality men and being more assertive in relationships. My psychologist said something that has really stuck, "the way he treated you was a reflection of how you felt about yourself." I cannot stress how much my feelings about myself and men and relationships have changed in the last year. You will be amazed at the subconscious changes that will happen... you may not notice them at first but others will. The biggest thing about this surgery is making yourself, your health and livelihood a priority. That is a HUGE step in the right direction and will carry over to other areas of your life!

I've done a fair amount of online dating. I have a very clear line (in my head) when it comes to sex talk and flirtation. I am also a very sexual person and have engaged in purely physical relationships but also know how to present myself when I want more. Yes, finding out his intentions is important. I always say that helps me to know which "box" to put my feelings into as things progress. It's really just a defense mechanism so I don't get hurt. However, about my "line"... It's one thing to talk about your likes, dislikes, past experiences, etc... It's another to make sexual comments about each other, well, me. I can have a frank, mature discussion about my sexuality and not feel awkward or threatened at all. But if that guy starts making comments about things he wants to do to me or what we are going to do together in the future... whoa, dude, put on the brakes! That kinda weirds me out. It's one thing to enjoy talking to someone, THINK you're attracted to them and then another to meet them face-to-face. Just don't commit yourself to anything or get into a situation where there's expectations. That's my biggest fear. Good luck!

I know many on here have experienced this same problem, myself included. And it is most likely due to more movement and positioning of the hips. Plus, I have a desk job so it causes my hips to get tight. I found these stretches on Pinterest and do them before and after I work out. It helps A LOT! My hips hurt after first doing them but once I get up and start moving around they feel a lot better! They have definitely helped. http://www.fitsugar.com/Basic-Stretches-Tight-Hips-3130483?slide=6

Honestly, this thought scared me too. At 28, there is nothing in my life that is PERMANENT. It's hard to think about 60 years down the road. However, WLS supposedly began as a treatment for stomach cancer so we aren't the only ones who have been down this road. But, because of this, I was leaning towards the band for a while. I'm indecisive and I like reversible. Then when someone described the band as having a foreign object in my body, possibly forever, that changed my mind. Plus, two different bariatric surgeons recommended sleeve over the band. It's scary, I know. That's why I'm so glad I found this place!

I found this recipe on Pinterest a while but just tried it tonight. http://peaceloveandl...ml#.USQS_mfheSq I've made a few recipes from her blog. I don't think she's a WLS patient, just a low carber. This was very good! The only change I made was using skim milk instead of heavy cream (thought I had some but I didn't). I thought about adding some turkey bacon or chicken but it proved to be plenty with just the ham. I could only eat half. This is what I got in MFP. But, be warned, I estimate quantities a lot when I cook. I thought some of you might enjoy! (I'm a novice in the kitchen and kinda lazy but I didn't find this too challenging.)

When I was having gallbladder attacks last month (had it out 2/4) I started craving cereal all the time. It was the only thing that sounded appetizing to me for some reason. After doing some research, turns out a diet with healthy carbs is really good for gallbladder issues! So I indulged in a little of everything for a few weeks before surgery, especially cereal. I stuck with Fiber One, though. I still have it on occasion. And there are several different varieties so shop around. I didn't find my fave until I had looked at a few stores.

Heck, I didn't mind asking my doctor's CNP. I guess I'm just not shy about it. She also said whenever I felt up to it... I think it ended up being like 10 days for me.

Yay for you! I'm jealous! This is one of my biggest goals! I love softball and haven't played in 10 years. I could possibly play this spring... but with a very "recreational" team. lol But I think I will wait another year until I'm hopefully at goal.

Oh, I didn't notice you said age-specific. Yes, that would be nice. And I'm not sure how active the singles group/forum is.

There's a single sleevers group.

Wow, ok. Well she didn't ask IF you were drinking. She asked those who are drinking what they prefer to drink. If you don't agree then don't post. Preaching or off-subject opinions are not needed. Keep it to yourself and keep moving. I don't get why people feel the need to post at all if they have no valuable input to the topic. Anyway, I did my research when I was dieting pre-op and one of the lowest carb drinks is vodka soda. For me, the taste isn't that great so I will add a splash of cranberry juice or try to bring my own Crystal Lite packets for flavor. I've been sticking to that or wine. My NUT recommended it as generally the lowest carb/calorie drink. I used to be a big beer drinker but I cannot tolerate it anymore. Even almost 8 months out I cannot do the carbonation. I do get an occasional craving but I don't miss it that much though. My doctor's guidelines were no alcohol for six months. I did pretty well with it, just a few exceptions. I talked to my NUT about it because I was hosting my BFF's bachelorette party at four months out. She said the main reason they say that is not only because of the empty calories but because you tend to make poor eating decisions when you are drinking. That can be what you choose to eat or grazing or drinking when eating. So just be mindful and do your research!

My first LBD since surgery June 2012. I've lost 150 total, 85 since surgery. I started at a size 28 (probably a 30 but I wouldn't let myself admit it). I bought this dress yesterday... size 14/16!!! It's just a generous fit because the jeans I bought yesterday are an 18. I still have a long way to go but I felt hot last night! And my LBD from NYE last year.

I've been buying the jalapeno ones and making cheese sticks using wonton wrappers. Have to cut them in half or thirds but so yummy. I might have to try it with the tomato basil now for a true pizza taste. Mmm!

I'm 7 1/2 months post-op from my sleeve and 6 days post-op from having my gallbladder removed. I had the same surgeon for both. I did not have a pre-op appointment and there has been no mention of a follow-up. Basically I was there for 6 hours, saw the doctor for 30 seconds and they kicked me out while I was still only half-conscious. lol Needless to say, I didn't get much post-op instruction. The paper I have just says no lifting or submerging my incisions for 2 weeks. I'm wondering what kind of restrictions did you have for a post-sleeve gallbladder surgery? Specifically I'm wondering about working out and alcohol. Also, I know it is not as major of a surgery as VSG but did you suffer from fatigue for a while after? I feel pretty good for the most part but I still don't have much energy. (Surgery was the 4th.) I know I need to take it easy and heal but I'm feeling kinda guilty for being lazy.

Yeah, I already feel better. I had my first attack in April but this last month was horrible! I felt sick and worn down. I just wish I could start acting like I feel better. I know I can call my surgeon's office, I'm just not that happy with them right now. Enigma, why was your gallbladder so rough? Did you have any complications?

I told a guy I was mad at him for "punching my cervix!" LOL That was when I was down about 90. Now that I'm down 150 I can't imagine what it would be like to be with him again. But, yes, it's just an issue of going too deep. He might have to be a little slower and gentler now. Work with it and see what positions feel best... probably one where you can have more control.

I did the same thing! lol I purged my fridge and cabinets before my pre-op diet. It's a plus of living alone. Good luck!

I agree about the PowerCrunch, those are my new fave. I find them at Krogers. I also like Think Thin but they have slightly less protein. When I lost weight pre-op I ate a lot of the Atkins and Pure Protein bars but now I can't stomach most of them. I try to avoid any flavor with a lot of chocolate... the fakeness just became so obvious and disgusting to me. PowerCrunch only has a thin outer coating of chocolate. And I like the ThinkThin bars that the dipped nuts variety. I do buy Atkins if they are on sale but you need to pay attention to the protein. All of them are low in carbs but some of them do not have much protein. The only Supreme Protein variety I've liked is the pretzel one. I've heard a lot of people swear by Quest but I did not find them appetizing at all. Good luck!

My doctor said to get no sugar added and dilute it with water. This was for my first few weeks post-op.

Yes, it can still be gallbladder! I just had mine out yesterday. I originally got an ultrasound in May before my sleeve and I had no stones. I'm kind of irritated the doctor didn't look into it more so I could have had it removed with my VSG in June. When I started having attacks again a month ago I ended up in the ER because I, too, felt like I was having a heart attack. After that I had a hida scan, which tests gallbladder function. My was functioning at 7% (ejection fraction, I think it's called). So, if the ultrasound does not show stones but you are still having attacks, ask your doctor about a hida scan because it could just be diseased. It's very common after losing weight... my bariatric surgeon actually did my GB too.

I thought this was going to be the hardest thing for me because I, too, was a soda addict, mostly Diet Dr. Pepper. I'm over seven months out and it's still uncomfortable to me. My doctor didn't say never, he said no caffeine or carbonation for three months. I tried a sip or two of fountain pop at three months out and it was ok. At four months out I tried to drink a can at a work function because they were out of water and it hurt! Thankfully, that is one of the few things I lost a taste for. It's actually harder for me not having beer than not having pop. lol But I've tried beer too with no success. Plus, I CRAVE water now, like I did pop before. I pretty much only drink water now (besides an occasional adult beverage) and couldn't imagine drinking anything that would take away from my water consumption. I feel miserable if I don't get enough.

My mom bought these for me immediately post op. As someone else said, more tolerable than Isopure but still pretty nasty. I had to majorly dilute it with Powerade 0 and still couldn't drink much of it. I'm not the best to talk to, I didn't do well with my week of clear liquids... didn't cheat, just didn't get the protein I needed. I cannot attest to anything the other posters mentioned, not sure. Ironically, I'm getting my gallbladder out tomorrow and on clear liquids again for 24 hours. My mom mentioned buying me some more of the shots. I'm going to have to have her check things out before she buys them now.

The normal blah days can make me want to eat, not always. The depressed, break-up blah days do make me want to eat. I've always been a boredom eater so not wanting to do anything kinda makes me want to take comfort in food. But I can still have a lazy anti-social day and not overdo it with food.

I don't know if I'd call them "fat days"... more just like "blah days" for me. I'm having one right now. Haven't changed out of my PJs, showered or left the house today. I'm probably not the best person to talk to right now because I'm going through a break up so these feelings are probably more attributed to that. Obviously events can affect you still and knock you down a bit post-sleeve, no matter your progress. But before this, even though I was blissfully happy, I still had days like this. The sleeve doesn't solve everything. The difference is the ruts don't last as long and don't go as deep. My depression before was mainly due to my weight so now when I do get down I realize (sometimes more quickly than others) that I don't have that to be depressed about and bounce back much easier. Not sure where you're located but I'm in Ohio where it's ~10 degrees and snowed 4 inches today. I think the winter blues and cabin fever can bring anyone down. Have fun at the game! Keep on truckin'!