Sleevealicious

I pretty much eat what I want just in smaller portions ( including carbs ) and am losing around 2 or 3 lbs a week. I eat around 600-800 on an average day. I have lost 82 of my 100 lb weight loss goal in 4.5 months doing this. I don't think that you necessarily have to be on super low carb, but everyone is different. my philosophy is that I didn't do this to be on another diet where anything good tasting is off limits, I did this to learn portion control, which was my biggest problem to start with.

Everything was going great after my VSG on August 6th. I had minimal pain andI followed all the rules to a T and then two weeks later I developed a fever and felt sick so I called the surgeon. After listening to my symptoms they immediately sent me to the hospital where my leak was confirmed after a cat scan . Things only got worse from there. My lung collapsed and Fluid collected around my lungs and spleen . I has so many tubes coming out of me it was ridiculous. The chest tube was the worst. I was put on TPN and had a picc line installed. The TPN caused me to have high blood pressure and gall bladder sludge. When the stent was first installed in my esophagus it was blocking everything i swallowed in the stent because it was straight and the stomach curves so a second stent was pushed through is that would follow the curve. 20 days later I was released from the hospital. It was a hellish experience and even thought I am home I am still dealing with the nausea and pressure of the stent. Since my stomach is being held open By the stents i have constant reflux and vomiting. My face is in a plastic bag or paper towel all the time constantly spitting up saliva. It is almost impossible to ever be comfortable. I have been told I will feel so much better once these stents come out, but i am scared that i will still feel this terrible. I can't believe this happened to me! I am 23 and other than being morbidly obese . I was healthy ! I am supposed to get the stent out sometime next week. If anyone has any advice on how to make the stent more bearable or if you have experienced the stent please share your experience as well. I feel so alone and frankly, foolish, because I thought this couldn't happen to me. I started at 257 and am now down to 218 ( I am 5'4) in a month . I am so weak and feel so hopeless Someone please tell me, is there light at the end of the stent ? My infections seem to be healed but I feel just as miserable.

Thank you for all the prayers everyone ! They worked!! I am so grateful

I would ask that "in case a leak or any other serious complications occur, how well prepared are you to handle it?" I did not not find out until I had a leak that my surgeon pretty much had no idea what to do if something went wrong , because it never happened before. So I was passed off onto many other doctors that also had little experience since it is such a specialized field. I'm sure that you will be fine, but that is something I wish I had even thought to ask my surgeon.

You are a strong woman, Sannah! I had a leak as well and had to have two stents put in and found it to be absolute hell. You are one tough cookie! I am thinking good thoughts for you ! Your positive attitude is so amazing under the circumstances. I'm pretty much in awe right now of you

I had it done this past August when I was 22, am 23 now. You'll do great! Feel free to message me if you would like

Definitely! Gives you cotton mouth for sure!

Congrats!!! I know you had a leak , and having had one myself I know the hell you went through all too well. It must feel so great to get farther and farther away from that horrible experience. You ( and I ) are so blessed to be alive! So I want to congratulate you not only on your awesome weight loss , but for being one tough lady this past year! You are definitely an inspiration to me since we are both young and had similar experiences. I hope that I will be as successful as you by the time I have my surgiversary!

Just out of curiosity, What kind of alcohol are we talking about here? like are you taking shots or having beer/wine? And if all how do you react to each one? I am 4 months out a have not drank alcohol yet, but probably will soon over the holidays. Getting liquids in is still the hardest thing for me . I actually get more full from a sip of Water than a bite of food. The only advice I have for you is to find another "healthy addiction" like exercise ( I know , easier said than done ) or maybe some kind of hobby you enjoy. I took a few psychology classes in college and remember learning that " most addicts can not eliminate their addictions, they can only replace them." I have heard a lot Of wls patients end up drug addicts/ alcoholics, so please be careful and make sure you are watching out for yourself, cause it could easily get out of control. As long as you are not getting black out drunk every week , I think it's fine that you are having a couple drinks once a week. Just don't let it escalate.

I hope you and the kids feel better soon! My only advice is to rest and make sure you are staying hydrated. My doctor told me if I couldn't get at least 30 oz of liquid in to go to Urgent Care and they will give me an IV of saline to rehydrate me. So if you can't keep any fluid down , perhaps go to your local clinic and ask for an IV.

Awesome! I too experienced that moment and it felt great! Also to be able to look down and see my "lady part" without moving my gut out of the way was a pretty exciting also! Haha, sorry if TMI . Congrats to you !

I bought insanity ( during my many diets pre sleeve) and was all pumped up to do it. I did their initial "fitness test" on the first DVD to start and during the "globe Jump" portion of the test ( this is basically jumping as high and far as you can in a square while pulling your knees up to your chest" I heard a crunch and felt horrible pain on my knee. Seriously couldn't walk for a week after that . Needless to say, Haven't done it since. It certainly is an insane workout-don't just jump right in to it or you will hurt yourself. Build up your cardiovascular endurance and strength for a few months before attempting this. This is what I am currently doing. I think when I lose about 15 more lbs I will attempt it again. Remember For just walking , every pound that you weigh is 4 lbs of pressure on your joints. Insanity is a very high impact workout so I am sure it is much higher for it ... Ouch! Good Luck! You will get there!

I have Always had regular periods. got one period a couple weeks after surgery and then nothing. it took almost three months for me to get another one and i think that was because that is when i started BC pills again. I also had a leak and was really sick during that time though so that's probably why . But my OBGYN said that it is normal to not have a period for a while after your body has experienced anything traumatic, especially surgery and dramatic weight loss. Don't worry , you are totally normal and it will come back!

You look great!! Keep it up!

Prayers for your recovery! Great to hear that your pain has decreased!

I got them in the hospital and also for 2 weeks post op as well. Was not the most pleasant experience but i was glad They gave me peace of mind during that time about blood clots

In my experience , I don't think it really matters unless you have a huge leak if you get tested right after surgery. I passed the leak test the day after my surgery fine. after the swelling went down in my stomach after two weeks the leak that had already been there, (but was swollen shut apparently) starting making me very ill and i I had to spend the next 30 days in the hospital. . My surgeon had never had a leak before me. Anyway, I wouldn't worry too much about the leak test right after surgery since your stomach is so swollen and your doctor has another method. Just be cautious and call your surgeon right away if you start having leak symptoms , especially a fever- that was my main symptom.

So sorry to hear about this. I had a leak exactly 14 days out too and had the same onset of symptoms as you . I am Praying for you . You WILL get through this. Have faith.