The Laughing Cat

I read numerous posts about what to take to the hospital. I had a small bag full of stuff and used absolutely none of it. Everything I needed was provided and the pain meds made me not care. best of luck

Incredible! Your hard work really shows.

Walmart carries this line of protein powder and at a reasonable price.

I've had the restless leg syndrome for years. I wonder if it will go away when I get closer to goal? It is a weird, uncomfortable sensation. I have taken daily medication in the past, but now just use Klonopin on an as-needed basis. Stretching my legs (hamstring and quadriceps) often helps when the feelings first come on. Also having sleep apnea, do the two go hand in hand? Anybody have experience here? My hope is the CPAP machine can be ceremoniously tossed out the window after more pounds are lost. Sorry Averiex, I seem to be asking more questions that providing solutions. I certainly sympathize with you. Best of luck.

I'm a conversion from band to sleeve too. My procedures were done in one surgery. Comparing the band and sleeve, I would say it's the same but different.. if that makes any sense. I still must watch what I eat and exercise, but it is so much easier with the sleeve. My hunger is curbed unlike with the band. I'm OK on 600-800 cals per day. For an unknown reason I find myself scheduling exercise rather than dreading it. I have always said, success breeds success. I think you can do it. Best wishes.

I'm a Lap-band to sleeve revision. My hiatal hernia was repaired when the band was placed. I'm pleased with my decision to revise to a sleeve. Complications are possible and it's OK to be concerned. I am a lucky one... no nausea, vomiting, excessive pain, etc. My surgery and recovery were without problems. Changing my eating habits has been a challenge. You will find support here for that and any other things related to your WLS. Best of luck to you

Hi Everybody, I'm 5 weeks out from surgery and walking for exercise. Today I did 5 miles on a flat surface at a 17 min/mile rate. The balls of my feet are extremely sore. This has happened in the last couple weeks several additional times. My shoes are either Ryka or ASICS and are in good shape. I'm no stranger to walking, I've just upped the intensity and distance since coming on board with WLS. Am I walking wrong? Maybe my gait is still at my higher weight? I don't have flat feet or plantar fasciitis. My feet are normal and average. My heels are fine. What could this be? Anybody have this happen to them too? Thanks for your input.

Thank you for your comments. I called around town and found a place that has some kind of gizmo that analyses my gait and such. I'm prepared to spend the big bucks on a well-fitted, proper pair of shoes.

Hi Everybody, Last night I attended a potluck with friends and a couple strangers. At meal time I adorned my plate with little dabs of food in a circle. I was careful to avoid what I felt was potentially dangerous food to get stuck in my sleeve. No kale salad or Pasta. I was concerned what others might think or say. Do they even care? I cannot control what others think and my feelings are not facts. I kept quiet in the beginning and slowly ate the tiny amounts on my plate. Halfway through it looked like anyone else's half eaten plate. I rewarded myself with a small portion of fruit tart, minus the crust, for dessert. Then I forgot my instructions and sipped some coffee afterwards. My point here is that we sometimes think we have power over other peoples brains and thoughts. We believe they pay attention to us closely while we just aren't that important in the big scale of a party. I'm at that point where my weight loss is noticeable but nobody mentioned it directly. A friend said "You're looking good today" which could have meant my outfit, hair or makeup. Sometimes I need to be right-sized and remember I'm not the center of the universe. I'm doing this for myself. Thank you for allowing me to spout off.

Of course everyone is different.... I have read here that a lot of people with sleeves can drink Water without restriction and I'm one of them. There is no problem downing a half liter within 5 minutes. If your not one of these people you will have to work at it harder when exercising, being sure to sip before, during and after. When it comes to food, my restriction is there. Best of luck

That's a great NSV. Time to do the happy dance in your new jeans! Don't forget to shower yourself with praises. good job

I did not need the 6 month managed weight loss period and revised from a band to a sleeve. My insurance is UHC. My doctor's office said just having the band was enough for their in-house requirements. I also had a BMI above 35 with a co-morbid condition. good luck

Keep it up! I bet you'll shrink through many sizes on the way to your goal.

After doing the "happy dance", my mind started on all the "what ifs". I believe its normal and you are in good company. Best of luck to you

I've had two psych evals for WLS. The psychologist wants to know if you understand the risks and don't have unreasonable expectations for the procedure. My last eval spent most the time educating me on various tools to help in the weight loss such support, managing your environment, identifying triggers, etc. I did take a standardized test (bubble sheets) that was mailed to me prior to the appointment. I think the psychologist really wants to approve your surgery and use this time to assist you in the process. She later told me the only things that cause an in-depth interview is schizophrenia and bi-polar disorders, not well controlled. Best of luck

Both my NUT and nurse advisor said to go for it. I mix it in my Crystal Light.

Hello Brookie, Like you I lost weight quickly the first week. As I have been moving through the diet phases that loss has slowed to 3 lbs a week, 5 weeks out. I'll take that!! I've had no restriction to liquids since the start but when I got to soft food I found my skinny tummy is full after 1/2 a cup of food. I craved some foods early on however that has gone away since I have so many choices of what to eat. (always Protein first). I expect my rate of weight loss to slow as I continue in this lifestyle. Getting exercise is now something important to me. Remember it's not all about the numbers. Best of luck.

A new chapter in your life is just starting. Enjoy the ride and best wishes.

I vote do your hair. The hair loss doesn't happen, if it does for you, for months after surgery.

Excellent! I too am a band to sleeve patient. At first I had some trouble differentiating between the Lap-band pain I'd get all the time when eating and the full signal from my sleeve. I'm very happy those chest pains and vomiting from the band are gone. Best wishes for and easy conversion.

I asked my NUT about popcorn. She said not until stage 5 and very sparingly as it is a slider as others have stated. Popcorn is one of my favorite foods. I need to think up some way to enjoy it without getting out of control.

Keep up the good work. My plan allows decaf at your stage and regular coffee stage 5 (1-2 cups daily).

You look marvelous! Thanks for the post. It inspires us to keep going forward.

I had no complications going from Lap-band to sleeve. The procedure was done in one surgery and I had two days hospital stay. My doctor told me the chances of a leak are highest when your stomach is healing but the percentage is very low. Any time later, the doctor stated is theoretically possible but the chances are miniscule. Of course if any complications happen to you it's 100% chance, as I've read in this forum. My surgery was 4 1/2 weeks ago, I'm eating soft food, and following instructions. I am very happy with my progress and would do this again. Best of luck to you.

I've had both and am currently sleeved. Neither gave me any difficulty with my meds or drinking liquids. This forum is full of information to help you educate yourself on the qualities of both procedures. What does you doctor recommend for you? It's a big decision and you'll feel better about it when you have the facts and data for both. Best of luck