iggychic

The root cause...well at this time it's best not to speak of specifics, but in general, I had internal bleeding during the surgery. The volume of blood was significant and required two blood transfusions. I came out of surgery having full body spasms which lasted over 24 hours. Horribly uncontrollable and painful...I couldn't speak or communicate. It was awful. Then went home to severe weakness and pain which continued for days only to find after multiple hospital and doctor visits that I had a leak that was damaging my esophagus causing fluid to go into the sacks around my lung, which was crushing my lung, leaving me difficulty breathing. Blood clots from PIC lines, a JG tube...it wasn't a fun time And not uncommon. I've read similar stories here more than once. I now have to see if I will have another surgery, and watch for permanent damage to my lungs (you can only put so many needles in them and they tend to protest later). So as I mentioned, multiple life threatening complications in someone who knew she was going to breeze through this surgery. Healthy fear is not a bad thing. It aids in planning for the worst, so that if it does happen to you, you are prepared so others don't suffer.

THe sarcastic me wants to say "So you are asking us to audition to be your buddy?" Gad I wish we could do that in real life LOL But the big hearted softy in me says, nice post, and I wish you the best on your journey my dear. It sounds like you have really put a lot of thought into your path and those who do that are the people who are the most successful. I bet you're going to rock the sleeve hun! Best Wishes!

Thanks And I was going to add...in europe and the UK they start people right out on foods. They also don't rely on protein drinks to meet their goals, so while your doc is different than mine...that's not to say that it's not an ok plan. Just different

Oh and I'm sorry, yes I had a leak. I also had internal bleeding during surgery which caused terrible spasms (which may have caused the leak...who knows). My leak was undetected for too long so I then had other bad complications. Don't follow my path LOL Its been NO FUN!

Ya chilli wasn't on my program at your point. I was on full liquids (so like cream soup, yogurt, milk etc). But different docs do different things. That said, 30g is way too low, even early out as you are. Especially early out actually because you need the protein to heal. I'd look to cottage cheese (1/2 cup is 16g protein) and salmon which are both high in protein. Shakes are ok as well...Oveltine in 0 fat milk is a go to drink when I'm below goal (two cups is just 80 cals and 16 G protein as well). You have room in your day to add a half cup of cottage cheese and grate some cheese over that chilli, add a spoon full or two of sour cream, etc. I actually use half a scoop of unjury unflavored powder in my chilli now and that adds ten g's. You need to get the protein way up or you're going to see massive hair loss and big weight loss stalls as your body begs you for protein and begins eating it's own supplies

I'm an odd duck...I am eleven weeks (first surgery) and just past four weeks (second surgery). By my first surgery date I should have no restrictions and should be able to do four 3/4 cup meals a day (according to that docs plans) but I use my second surgery date so I'm on the week five plan of 1/2 cup per meal and five daily (which I hate LOL). I have to be extra careful to keep my Protein up to 60 and to keep my meal size maxed out at 1/2 cup to protect the sleeve repair in the second surgery. 1/2 cup is often a challenge for me but it's where the doc wants me. The thicker the item the more of a challenge. But that amount makes it easier to get in all of my protein. I'm thinking (not actually doing the math, but guessing) that you are well below 60g's of protein on that day's diet aren't you? protein is a huge help in early healing and you don't want to be low on that at this point.

If that was your whole day, according to my program you aren't eating enough. I am to do five 1/2 cup size meals a day, protein being the high focus (60g). You are too early for three or four meals a day and still meet your protein goals IMO

be sure to let us know how the test comes out! I do wish you the very best. I can explain many of your symptoms and easily link it to pregnancy....especially given the timing of your dance between the sheets so I think there is a high chance, but the only way to know for sure is to take that test, then get yourself in a doctors hands asap (by the way, spotting isn't a bad sign early on). I hope this is all you want it to be!

Umm well I have a different perspective I just want you to think about. I am 5' but started at the same weight as you, low bmi, no risk factors, no comorbidities. I have a six year old who has special needs. I had the surgery to avoid joining my family in being obese into my old age, and to feel better about myself. I did everything I was told and followed all doctors rules and had MAJOR complications. I was away from my child 22 days, and the other 24 days I was at home bedridden and unable to even help him get dressed for school I was so sick. I nearly died. I regret that I took that chance with my life when he was still very needing of my presence. His progress went backwards while I was away from him and we are just now seeing him get back in the grove, still not back where he was (I'm eleven weeks out). I frankly regret the surgery and had I had one of the horrific procedures explained to me that were done many times while I was fighting for my life in it's gory detail, I'd have joined a gym and never taken the risks I took having this surgery. I wish I would have waited until he was older and not so needy. But I also deeply regret that I almost killed myself with this. I always will. I would advise that you ensure you have a support system in place to care for your son if you should encounter any complications. I was lucky we had the support of a darling young woman who works part time for us as well as my mother and my husband and many dear friends without whom we would have never made it through this hell. Plan for the worst and then be happy you didn't need it, but do plan. And write a "just in case" letter to your child prior to surgery and make sure someone knows where it is. It's the hardest letter you will ever write, but when I was facing death I was damn glad I had written it so he would know how much I loved him if I was gone. I do get that you've tried other programs, but I guess I just see so much of me in your shoes given our stats and our small child, and just wish I could motivate you to succeed any other way at this point. Maybe that's not possible I understand, I just hate to see a relatively healthy mom take any chances when their kiddo's are so young, especially with any special needs to consider. Sorry

Hopefully not all at the same time? If so, that's too much at once (you should be around 1/2 cup max for any meal) and if not than it sounds like you need to balance out your meals to around 1/2 cup each meal to me.

I had a tablespoon of rice with my chicken tonight. I told DH it was heaven to just have another texture (brown rice by the way) with my Protein verses feeling like I have to eat a slab of meat every time I turn around so I totally get the need to just feel something different! One more week Then you'll find out how disgusting greek yogurt tastes and want something else LOL Ok maybe that was just me. (it's good if it's in the frozen icecream form though!) But I won't tease you....

The symptoms you describe could be pregnancy...but could be nothing. lower back pain is a bit early (you have no reason to feel that given you aren't carrying a heavy tummy full of baby in front) but different women have different symptoms...hell different pregnancies have them. Go to the store and get an EPT brand pregnancy test. Don't buy a cheaper one, and don't buy the digital. These are the most accurate early tests on the market, measuring as low as 12 ummm what's that early hormone??? Gad I went through three years of fertility work you think my mind would remember....anyway, really, take one of these tests and see what it says, then if pregnant call your doctor right now as you need to work on a nutrition plan, and if not, give it another few days and take it again, repeat until you either start your cycle again or get a positive result. HCG by the way (is the hormone LOL) Don't get a digital test as they measure above 100 HCG which only happens after a few more weeks. I wish you the best! I hope you succeed where I was unfortunately not able to Babies are a wonderful gift to a family. Our only son had his 7th birthday today and even though it's been a struggle he's the glue that holds our family in place and a joy...even when you want to strangle them

I am well endowded and aside from sleeping don't go without a bra ever. I bought a lose fitting sports bra (two actually) and had no difficulty putting it on. I'd advise against the front closure. you won't have trouble with your upper body (putting on a bra) but an incision, even a small one is likely right near the center of your lower bra area and that thickness might cause you pain. When I went in for the second surgery I did end up buying bras from the old country store that had front closures. I couldn't wear the sports bra because I had a hole under my chest right where they hit so I needed that deeper front portion (I called them granny bras). When I had the tubes in my chest I couldn't wear a bra and let me assure you...there is no shirt or hospital gown big enough for me to feel comfortable without a bra so I know your concern! I found the slip on sports bras to be a godsend the first week or two...heck even longer...I wasn't wearing a regular one until after the second surgery and I had to remove the underwires from that. I would advise using gauze pads and bandaids over them if you have to wear clothing that is rubbing on any incision. You don't need that kind of complication when you are trying to heal.

I lost half of my post too...bizarre. Anyhoo, yogurt, greek or otherwise, was allowed during my full liquid phase (and mine lasted three weeks, one Clear Liquids, two full). I was having it along with the dreaded broc/cheese soup LOL Are you sure it's not allowed?

LMAO He's awaiting my response because I'd tell you the same thing as tex. Don't let a simple line make you feel you are impervious to complications. I was a low BMI with no comorbidities. I did EVERYTHING the way the doc told me to and had multiple horrible, life threatening (more than once) complications. Our medical bills from these are now pushing half a million dollars. PLAN for the worst and then hope for the best. Have a support system in place if you have children who must be cared for or another human dependent on you for any reason. I was bedridden for 46 days...how much time can you take off of work if things don't go smooth sailing? a 3 to 5% complication rate is not a low rate...it's a fact of life and one you have to weigh when you chose this route, but do not go blindly into it planning on the best as I did because I was told I had so little chance of anything going wrong. Sometimes things just go wrong I'm not saying worry your little brain out but go into this with the healthy level of concern that you would have if you were chopping off any other large portion of your body. You will have pain, will suffer for some time after the surgery as you struggle to get in enough water and protein, and must be aware of what to watch for if you do have any signs of complications. Do this and when you sail through you'll feel great about having been so prepared. Don't do it, and you risk being bankrupted or worse by a complication you might have no control of. They aren't that rare. They aren't that common. But they are a real fact of life when you make this choice so face them head on And be strong! I wish ya'll smooth sailing!

I would use Delta's line before I'd use a half truth myself. I think half truths hurt your credibility in the long run. I work remotely as well and only see the team once or twice a year. I hadn't decided what I would say initially...heck I wasn't going to tell local friends, but finally I realized I'd be lying constantly every time someone asked us out to a meal or to their house. It felt good to just tell the truth, and in the end, given the complications that I dealt with I thank goodness I did tell the truth because they would have felt betrayed if I'd had lied I think. So the annual meeting came around and a couple of weeks before I told DH to go ahead and tell the management team what was up. He was spending a lot of time at hospital with me, and at the time my life was in kind of a shaky position so I thought again that honesty was the best policy. When the meeting came around I was complimented on the changes, but there was no gossip because I put it out there myself. Sure some thought the surgery was extreem, heck I think it's extreem and don't approve of my doing it LOL but either way, me putting it out there sort of squashed the need to talk about it so it wasn't an issue. I don't go into great detail except to say that I had weight loss surgery. For you I'd say "I had WLS and I feel great about my health now" and leave it as that. You can also...if pressed, say "Oh I don't want to go into all of that, but thanks for asking, I feel great". Only an idiot is going to press at that point. I'm kind of an "honesty is the best policy" kind of girl. I know you are not lying, but even you feel that it's a half truth. As said above, you have nothing to be ashamed of, and unlike me, you didn't nearly kill yourself having the surgery (which does make it harder to justify LOL) and you are a visible example of how well it's worked. I'll add that I'm the bosses wife and I work for the company so gossip about me is normal But I'll also add that as a "higher up" on the chain, I wouldn't consider WLS in a decision to lose an employee. If someone was gossiping or causing issues about it with that person, they wouldn't be the person who'd be let go. It sounds like you don't work in that kind of company, so that's likely not an issue, but I just wanted to point that out. I wouldn't hold a breast augmentation against a staff member, even though I'm not a huge fan, nor would I hold a penis enlargement surgery against a man. WLS, is at least in general for a health reason But surgeries in general...I can't see them effecting an employment situation, even if it's a surgery I wouldn't have myself.

Warm peppermint tea is a god send for nausea and I never would have gotten my fluids in the first week without it. My hospital suggested it when I had the second surgery. I also enjoy constant comment decaf tea. That and peppermint count as water/fluids so consider that instead of the crystal light and stuff. I personally hate the flavor of "fake" stuff (koolaid etc) and couldn't stomach it after surgery. Jello made me gag (and I actually used to like jello). So the tea was my go to drink. I use unjury Proteins myself mostly. I find they disappear and the chocolate splendor warm (not hot) is a nice treat. I make it in milk because I don't like the thickness (milk adds protein). I use zero percent milk, 8 oz and half a scoop of the chocolate splendor and that gets me 19g's. Warm works for me...some like cold (it's good cold) but my tummy didn't like it. It does get easier. But you have to get those calories and liquids up. I was given a week to get there...day one darling I was at some 100 number as well. Try to strive for an improvement each day. If the nausea is an issue get the doc to prescribe you anti nausea pills. Also are you on prilosec or something similar? Most take it for the first few months. Between the two, nausea was not an issue for me unless I tried to drink crystal light or another fake type thing (popsicles bleh). We all like different things...so do remember popsicles (sugar free) if that would help. If however you don't get better, which I didn't the first go around, you need to be back into your doc so you don't get dehydrated or they don't miss a leak issue.

I do highly recommend the uber expensive, but shape changing friendly, Not Your Daughters Jeans. You can wear them through three sizes typically and they are very flattering! They are the only thing (clothing wise anyhoo) that I feel comfortable spending a bunch of cash on as I know I can wear them for quite some time without them being droopy in the bumm.

On soft food fish was my go to meal. Salmon in particular. Are you somewhere where you can get it fresh? Salmon with a lemon caper garlic sauce....yummy!

I'm finding I have to figure out a whole new way of shopping I've been wearing loose fitting tents for some time now...since my first pregnancy now that I think about it. Princess seams and chiffon that flows over the body. Butterfly tops, etc. These really aren't flattering as I am no longer waistless Yesterday to bop around the house and clean up after a massive party on Halloween I wore a tee shirt and jeans. It wasn't super tight, but our nanny said "geeze you are getting slim" and yet I've been in a stall for a week and she sees me all the time. I thought about it and you're right, the fitted shirt was what made the difference likely. Fitted and the right size. I don't want to dress like a hootchie mama, (I see many pics in the "afters" that are dressed far too revealing for my taste) but I do need to rethink clothing that isn't skimming over my body like big sweaters etc. Tucking a shirt in???? Sheesh what a good idea LOL (But I still have a tummy to lose so I'm not ready for that!). I also try not to buy too much. Shopping tends to be occasion specific because I don't want to spend a fortune on clothing that won't fit in a few months. But I refuse to wear stuff that is far too big....it makes me feel fat again! Maybe we should all get together and go shopping and critique each others choices LOL I could use the help!

I tried a canoli the other day and didn't have trouble but I'm allowed to eat everything now (I'm out ten or so weeks from surgery one and five weeks from surgery two). But they are a dense custard like bread that does not puff up in your stomach. I also had a Protein bar the other night that had something like a rice crispy in it. I think they puffed up in my stomach like bread would because I woke up a few hours after eating it and vomited for the first time from food. I don't even consider bread as an option at this point because I worry about what it would do to my tummy. I don't like that bloated feeling that the bar gave me at all. But in your case, you are no where near as far out so you should be avoiding it entirely for some time. Your sleeve can still develop a leak at this point. You obviously haven't experienced a leak because you feel comfortable taking chances, but since I have, let me share with you that you don't want to experience one! Do what your nut says, or instead, perhaps stick a knitting needle down your back, into your lungs, and do this with only topical anesthesia....thats just one of the tortures a leak leads you to...and I'd say it would cure you of wanting to advance past your prescribed diet rather quickly. I didn't cheat for my leak....but I'll tell you, I certainly don't want to ever experience that torture again, so I stay on a very narrow path prescribed by my nutritionist! One other thing....eating something you aren't supposed to or even something you are allowed (like that bar I tried) can lead (when it's a new food) to embarrassing issues like excessive gas, vomiting or diarrhea. That's something I personally prefer to experience at home, not in a work setting. Something to think about....

This is a sickness just like obesity. It's not something to embrace, and yet people will when desperate. It's a dangerous way to live your life and can be as destructive as being "fat".

I went with a combo of a healthy BMI as well as with a weight I maintained up into my low 40s. My goal is a rounded up number from that weight (I was 108 through my 30's and early 40's). So I chose 110 just to make it an easy number. I have been as low as 98 but I have to constantly focus on food to stay at that weight, and I don't feel terribly healthy there so I went with the higher number. 45lbs to go I think its easier to set a weight if you haven't struggled with your weight since young adulthood. My sister has never been at a healthy weight and when she works on losing she normally shots for 150, which is (IMO) very heavy for someone at our height (we are an inch apart). But she's never been healthy so that number feels comfortable, where as she sees my number as an insurmountable goal. I think that's why you see such a wild variation in goals with people here. There are those, like me and cowgirl and others who have been in a certain range within their adult life, which gives us a great starting point for making goals. And then there are those, who like my sister, have been overweight since their youth and have only a BMI chart to go by (which is not really the best way to determine weight because it does not take muscle mass into account). I think the above 5'10" at 150 sounds totally doable.... (using the age old standard of 100lbs for 5' and then adding 5lbs per inch above that) but that also depends on body frame size and since I can't see her, I can't say that shes a small frame so 150 makes sense. According to that type of goal setting I'd be at 100, (I'm 5') but recent history tells me I don't feel good at that weight. It's all kind of a crap shoot For all I know I could become some kind of exercise freak by the end of my journey and will feel incredibly healthy at 98lbs...I doubt it LOL but it would be kind of fun to weigh less than onederland LOL (Do they even have a name for that????? Oh...stupid skinny right? LOL) BTW, I was 95 in high school. I don't expect to be going back to those weights any day within my adult lifetime!

But people don't typically lose all excess weight in the six month period. As BB said, towards the end of your journey the weight loss slows because of metabolism changes. Since 8/23 I've lost about what you have, though I gained significant weight within the first six weeks. But now my weight loss is slowing as I approach the half way mark for what I want to lose. (Dang it LOL)