Netherfield

Hi, i am 5 years post sleeve surgery and still so happy with my decision. yes the first few months are a drag, especially the first 6 weeks. My surgeon's plan didn't have me eating regular food until after 6 weeks. But little by little you introduce things back into your baby stomach. I never did have much trouble, although some things go down better than others and some make you full fast and sugars can make you feel a bit sick. You'll learn, it's like second nature to me now, and I don't feel deprived, I feel just as normal as the next person even if we go out to dinner. I don't tell everyone now who i meet about my surgery, I just say I eat small portions. People are fine with that. It's really one of the best things i've have done; i can't imagine life obese again and i never want to. I love just being "normal" and i continually receive compliments, even from people who never knew me "before". It's great. It's such a part of life now, it's really no big deal, it's my new normal and i love it! It's hard to believe it or convince you but you really don't give up much. Trust me. You think you do, but you really don't. And what you gain from it, I wouldn't trade it for anything. I hope the next 5 years is as successful as the first 5. Good luck! (and keep exercising)

I'm almost 5 years post sleeve and even nowi just don't eat yeasty bread much because it does seem to "puff" up. It never hurt, but made me feel full very fast. I can eat Middle Eastern flat bread. Pasta also fills me up fast too. Listen to your body, if you feel full, then you are. Stop eating when you get that feeling. I used to love love love bread but now it does not bother me not to eat it.

One of the main reasons was the obvious obesity and diabetes rampant in my father's side of the family. I saw an aunt take 6 insulin shots and that was a wake up call for me. I had my surgery in Jan 2009!! I am grateful every single day i had the my sleeve. It is so much part of my life and absolutely no big deal anymore what so ever. I feel normal when i eat around people, i just tell them i eat small meals and leave it at that. I love receiving compliments from people who didn't know me "before." I never was called gorgeous or beautiful in my life before and now i am told this. People in average clothes sizes share clothes amongst themselves, so i get tons and tons of free clothes all the time! I can find cheap and good clothes at resale shops, and I love it. All the other things people said, having a lap, wearing a seatbelt, sitting comfortably in any chair....all those things are a distant past. I am so used to being size 12, sometimes even a 10 (height 5'5"), being overweight is a distant memory. Of course you're doing the right thing, if you are obese, or morbidly obese as i was!! I speak the truth, you won't miss being able to eat so much. You'll be content being full when you are full. It's absolutely one of the best things i have ever done. Although I do battle 5 lbs up and down, but it's 5 lbs, not 100 lbs. Good luck

I would add two of those "bullets" when I made Crystal Lite and drink on that all day, UNTIL I advanced to Protein Shakes. I didn't care much for it, but it was diluted so much in the Crystal Lite. Now that I am so far from surgery in Jan 2009, most of my protein comes from food actually, so I don't need to supplment protein as I did before. Although every once in a while, I do still drink protein shakes.

I exercised starting day 2, as this was part of the program we were given to follow. It was only a 15-minute walk, but I do think it is good to start SOMETHING. For me, it is still important for me to do some type of exercise at least 5 days a week. Of course I do a lot more than a 15-minute walk, but I find it is easy to get out of the exercise habit. I know myself, and if I don't keep it up I will slowly come to a halt. This is after 1 year and half since surgery. I go through times when I love exercise and can't wait, and then times when I have to force myself. Getting in the habit of it helps me tremendously.

Putting in my two cents here. I am a year and half out of surgery and almost every week I think to myself how I love, love, love my sleeve! If people are complaining a bit, they are probably in the first few weeks after surgery, and let's be honest, it is not any fun! BUT then after that for the most of us I would imagine, it gets better and better. I never had complications, always felt good, and now I am so used to my stomach I can truly say I never wish I had a "regular" sized stomach again! I don't want to eat more during a meal, not even at Thanksgiving. I am very satisfied with what I can eat. Hope all goes well with you. The rotten few weeks after surgery seem long, but this too shall pass.

Isn't it the best? I am at goal now and actually love to shop. I always hated it, probably because I hated the way i looked in clothes. Even nice clothes seemed frumpy on me...too much material, too long, too bulky, etc. For some reason I always loved the idea of going into a thrift shop and buying regular sized shirts, or size 10 and 12 pants, and now I can! I recommend thrift stores because you can find such great deals. I found an Ann Taylor skirt for $2.00!! Now my family cannot believe I am wearing skirts and how every time I turn around I have a new outfit. And believe me, I don't spend a lot of them. It's a strange dream I had - but these thrift store finds are a dream come true! No longer to I have to spend a fortune to look as bad as I did! This weekend I tried on a vintage 1950s jacket and it fit like it was made for me! I was so happy I cannot tell you the joy! The first time in all my life to actually put on something classy like that and have it FIT!! It is great folks, and if you are not there yet, keep on with the great work, you'll get there -- really you will! And really, really I mean this -- I know you want to get there so quickly, but DO enjoy the journey along the way!

Hi I am 1 and 1/2 years out from surgery and mostly get compliments and good stuff my way. Last week a good friend said, "geesh, you look so thin!" He doesn't want me to lose more weight -- that actually made me feel good, and I took it as motivation actually. Even if people say I don't need to lose weight, I told them I need to get to goal, which was a healthy BMI and that usually ended the conversation. On the other hand, almost all of us know of people who had WLS and regained weight. Take it as a challenge for yourself NOT to do that. It scares me to no end to gain back weight. That can be a GOOD thing actually. I say to myself, "ok you've been given this new body, NOW what are you going to do with it? We've been given a gift, and I look at it that way and not many people are given a second chance at a body. So take it as a scary challenge for something you vow not to do. It's not always a bad thing to hear of those who regain weight. Apparently it is a possibility (not sure of stats with the sleeve though). Ok, so let's do all we can to put practices into place for us to succeed and not fail! I admit there are days I eat badly and I yell at myself. I made a deal with a coworker that I would let her know everytime I was one ounce above goal weight, and so far I have had to confess one time only. This is a good thing knowing I need to fess up. Good luck with your continued weight loss and getting to that healthy BMI!

I am 1 and 1/2 years out from surgery and had thick hair. My hair is thinner, but almost everyone except my hairdresser says they do not notice. I would lose lots of hair when I shampooed, and asked my surgeon when I would stop losing hair. He said, "when you stop losing weight." So everytime I would see lots of hair in my hands in I would say to myself "I'm still losing weight, I'm still losing weight." My hair loss has stopped. I cannot say it is as thick as before, but like I said, most people do not notice. I do take biotin. I cannot say it has helped regain hair, I only notice I do not lose anymore. I figure it cannot hurt any. To me it has not been a big issue. A friend who had the sleeve before me did not lose hair at all. Some don't I guess.

Tiffy, Let me add my congrats to you too! I hope to be where you are soon, but I sure am slowing down. I actually want to be 3 pounds below goal, if that makes sense. You truly are such a help to so many people and so gracious to answer and be encouraging. I went over to the OH forum and was amazed at how mean they can be to each other. You set a great example of how to act on this forum. Thank you for that!!! Hope to join you in the goal-club soon. I'll be posting when I do.

Yes, I my surgeon was Dr. Stephen Burpee in Tucson. His office is helpful. The surgery was very successful with no complications and didn't take long in the OR either. The best part is the affiliation he has with Northwest Hospital in Tucson (a walk from his office). The weight loss program they have there is great. Tons of infomoration and informational classes to take before the surgery so you know what to expect. An RN by the name of Gail is the head person for the weight loss program and supplies you with a great binder including what to eat at every week, and lots more information like vitamins, protein, exercise, etc. etc. She also visits you after surgery and the day after that. She makes frequent calls to check up after you and tell you what you should be eating, I guess in case you haven't read your binder. I like Dr. Burpee as well. I didn't have a lot of questions for him at all, so I just didn't converse with him much. The seminar he conducts gives you lots of information too. Office visits post surgery are at 2 weeks, 1 month, 3 months, 6 months and yearly after that. He just makes sure you are where you need to be and checks out your blood work. After reading some people here that don't know what to be eating or what they should be doing after a couple of weeks, I realized how fortunate I was to have Dr. Burpee and Gail. If possible, they provide you with TOO much information!!

Deedee, I think you were so cute in your "before" picture too. You just are a very attractive girl period, but it's great that you are feeling so good about yourself and are so close to your goal. I too am at the lowest i've been during my adulthood. It's almost surreal, isn't it? Goal is going to feel soooo good! Great job!!

I am excited for you, especailly since I was sleeved about a year before you will be. I had surgery Jan 6, 2009. I'm now down 108 lbs, am able to exercise a lot, fit into clothes I never thought I would. I hoped I would, but I never could imagine it. There are a lot of changes in store for you the next year, not just your stomach size and body size, but other intangible things. One thing I realized is that I never was sick in the year 2009 (I know the year's not over yet, but...) obviously my body and whole system is healthier and stronger than it used to be. I'll let you know the first weeks are definitely a drag...well, it's a drag to about week 5 or 6 but it does pass! It won't last forever, and it's very satisfying to see the scale move down, down, down. Try to remember to not get too frustrated with surviving on clears, or not being able to eat during those early weeks. And don't wig out dealing with stalls. Best to expect them from time to time -- you'll get through them! And for sure follow the plan your surgeon or weight loss coordinator has given you. Best of luck and health to you!

I am almost a year out. You will be able to eat meat. For lunch or dinner I am able to tolerate: third to half a cheese burger w/ the bun tossed away after a few bites (depending on size of cheese burger). About 5-6 bites of meatloaf, and then a couple of bites of potatoes, and a few bites of vegetables. Sometimes I eat a couple of pieces of deli ham or turkey and a piece of cheese. I like rotessiere chicken and 6 bites or so. I can eat a taco, depending on size. Or a 1/6 to 1/4 of a shredded beef quesedilla. I can eat a medium piece of thin crust pizza. I really haven't tried steak, so I can't say. I never did eat steak much anyway. I often to go back to what I ate at the begininng -- tuna mixed with Laughing Cow cheese, canned chicken, cottage cheese, cheese sticks, eggs and such. What really fills me so quickly and therefore I do tend to stay away from are breads and Pasta.

I asked my surgeon when my hair would stop falling out. He told me when I stop losing weight, my hair loss will stop. My weight loss is slowing down, but I'm still losing hair. So, when I see all that hair on my hands after I condition, I just tell myself, "I'm still losing weight, I'm still losing weight." It's what I can do to make myself feel a little better about it. At first it was devastating to me, but everyone said they didn't notice a difference anyway. I've also asked others who had the gastric bypass, and they say the hair loss will stop eventually. I take biotin anyway, don't see a huge difference. But I guess it can't hurt.

It's weird so many surgeons have different plans, but it does seem like those in US do recommend protein shakes. The shake I drink is 170 calories for 35 gm of protein. Not bad! And how else can you get 50-70 grams per day? I can't actually eat that much. As far a airbornes goes, I tried it once and was only able to tolerate one sip. Boy that hit me fast and made me feel terrible. Maybe others can tolerate it, but I sure could not. It's definitely worse than soda.

Megan, I was sleeved this past January. It's the end of November and I'm down 105 lbs. Just think, you can be down more than 100 pounds by next Thanksgiving!! Anyway, my two cents here: If you have a Trader Joes nearby, I like the World Wide Pure Protein shakes. The Frosty Chocolate has 35 grams of protein in an 11 oz can. Unlike a few others, I do actually feel hungry, but absolutely nothing like before surgery or even your average person. I know what you mean by being hungry every few hours. I too felt the same way before the sleeve. My first diet was at age 12, so I understand where you're coming from. The thing is with the sleeve, you just have to understand that about 80% of your stomach will be gone. It's not a comfortable feeling to be "full." So you train yourself you stop before that point. You'll overeat at times, and learn your lesson. I think it's safe to say we all have to learn that lesson oursleves. You WILL lose weight, you WILL be able to eat small portions, you WON'T go on with life feeling unsatisfied. You WON'T be the exception. It's hard to convince people, even when I'm out with them, that yes, I am full; yes that's all I can eat. Then amazing things will happen, like constantly cleaning out your closet. Fitting into clothes you haven't for years and then having to give them away because you're too small for them. If you buy into the whole program, as tiffy said, this is just an avenue and a tool to see what you will do to make yourself healthier....and yes, thinner. I was compliant with my doctor's plan, and starting exercising (walking) immediately. Then I added lots of other forms of exercise, and it took 8 to 9 months to actually ENJOY exercise, but I really do now! Me? Enjoy exercise? Haven't you always wanted to move around better, take those stairs, climb that hill, hike those trails? Remember to enjoy your weight loss journey. Also, a heads up to NOT GET DISCOURAGED when you hit those plateaus. They will happen folks, and guess what? You'll lose more weight. Best wishes for a successful surgery and a healthy 2010.

This is sad to hear. There was a whole weight loss program at the hospital where I had the sugery along with follow up calls on a regular basis. I was given a huge binder and I refered to it all the time. It told me exactly what I could eat at any given week. I am 10 months out and I just can't find the binder any more unfortunately. But when I did add regular food, I started with canned tuna and/or canned chicken. I wouldn't add lots of mayo however, but would add the creamy low fat cheese that come in wedges called "Laughing Cow," it makes the tuna creamy but without all the fat from the mayo. Also sliced deli meats like ham, chicken, turkey. Beans and eggs too. Some people swear by refried beans. For breakfast to this day I mix yogurt and cottage cheese and that should go down ok. I avoided breads. And of course drink your protein. After a few weeks of that, add veggies and fruits as you can and then carbs later on. I still eat my protein first and then fit in whatever i can, which of course, is not a lot. You won't be able to eat a lot, but even a little is satisfying and will make youfeel like a normal person again. Little by little, as you add more things to your diet your stomach will tell you what it does and does not like. I hope this helps a bit.

I started Isopure in the hospital, post-op day 2. I think they taste terrible, so I would add them to Crystal Lite when I got home. I saw my doctor about day 10 and he advanced me to protein shake, but I buy the mixed liquid ones in a can called World Wide Pure Protein. Chocolate flavor is the best to me. 35 grams of protein, only 2 grams of sugar and 170 calories. He had me on clears and protein shakes until day 14 (that is no food at all), when I could have a bit of a scrambled egg. I am 10 months out and I still have a protein shake a day. I could not get the 50 or so grams of protein just eating. Of course it sounds as if your surgeon has a different program, so I would be compliant and do whatever he says.

My favorite is the liquid Worldwide Pure Protein Frosty Chocolate Shake. I get it from Trader Joes and it's the only one I like. It has 35 grams of protein in an 11 oz can. I think it is very yummy. Isopure was hard to get down even when I did mix it with another beverage. I haven't found a powder I like, even the same maker -- Worldwide -- the powder form is just a bit funky tasting.

RubyT- so you want details, huh? When I look back on it, I really haven't had a lot of struggles. That's really true! My advice is to not just get so bogged down on this week, especially if you haven't lost what you'd like. I still get mad when I hit a stall but I increase my exercise or zig-zag my calorie intake for the week. I tend to end similiar things every day. I was always that way though, so I need to mix it up. Unlike Chancie, I do get hungry. What is nice though is that the hunger pains are not as acute as before and I know I can go for a couple more hours if need be and just drink something. Sometimes we just get stuck -- like traveling and we just can't eat on schedule. I do feel hunger but I can go longer without food. No, I don't get full as fast as those early days. Now I can eat one egg and even a piece of toast. I can eat about half a sandwich -- not those overstuffed sandwiches in restuarants -- but one you'd make at home. I typically will eat a few bites with the bread and then the bread makes me feel full too fast, so I just eat the stuff in the middle. Pasta also makes me feel very full and I can't and don't eat it very much. Some people don't feel this way, so you will just have to listen to your own body. Eating out is nice though, as there are always leftovers and sometimes I can get 4 meals out of one! I love that. I don't miss eating a lot of food, but I do miss being able to try different foods. For instance at Thanksgiving, if I want to try to eat more than three types of food, I literally will have to take a teaspoon of each and no more. I still have a hard time at potlucks in taking too much. It's hard to take a tiny portion sometimes. At one point or another you will eat a bite or two too much and you learn the hard way not to do that again if you can. For me I have to go lie down and moan and groan for 30 minutes to an hour. The benefits are so great now....just moving about is so much easier, liking to exercise, wearing regular clothes and looking so much better in them. Seeing yourself differently, noticing the difference in how others see you and treat you...one of the things I love best is having a lap!!! I love a lap! Or sitting comfortably in any booth or chair. Although I am still not done, I have 13 lbs more to goal, and yet 13 lbs doesn't seem like much, at this point my weight loss has slowed down, and 13 lbs seems like a lot now! If you have other questions, or if anyone else reading this does, just ask. I'm not online everyday, so if you do ask me and I don't get right back to you, I am not being rude. Perhaps sending a private message may be the easiest instead of trying to find a thread again. Great success to you! Enjoy the journey!

10 month veteran here. I think the three week stall, or in your case the four week stall is typical. I bet you are probably where you need to be in your weight loss. Not that I haven't yelled at my scale myslef. I still do. But don't get stuck on thinking things will not get better. They will. Now when I see people eat so much....as I used to...it amazes me. Recently I was at a buffet (but didn't get the buffet)...and thought how can someone eat two plates of food? Of course I used to go for seconds too....this will change for you too. Only eating a bit will be satisfying. I like that...I like that a lot! It sounds so easy to say give it time, but really you WILL lose weight. I'm down more than 100 lbs. You've done a good thing here, you won't be fat forever, but it will take time. The benefits are so much better than being able to eat all the food we want. I've said this before and will continue to......this journey is a great one, and one to be enjoyed. True, it's still early for you and I do remember it not being so much fun either. But after six or eight weeks it gets sooooooo much better. Believe me!

Hi there. I'm an old veteran -- 10 months out. But from what I remember, the three week stall is typical and I was down about it until I saw my surgeon for a follow up visit. He said I was right where I needed to be. He stated when the body loses so much at first, and a lot of fluids, the body is retaining for a bit and trying to even itself out so to speak. Once it figures things out, you'll start losing again. Although not a good idea to eat cake right now. Be strick about sticking to the program in the first few months, ok?

I'm 10 months out and down 101 lbs. I wasn't hungry for the first 10 days. Like others have said, don't worry about feeling hungry. Just get your fluids/protein in. Also, I struggled at first with how it felt be full. It IS a different fullness feeling than you remember. But you will learn (sometimes the hard way) when you've had too much. Follow the program you were given first and foremost. If you are not on solids yet (and to anyone else reading this), DON'T eat solids before you are supposed to. You wouldn't feed an infant steak, so don't feed your baby stomach something you should not. On my post-op program, I had "egg" day on day 14 (clears before then), and I could only eat 3 bites of a scrambeld egg and felt terrible. It's just to introduce your body and stomach to food again. But this takes time. Granted this time is not fun, but necessary. It won't last long. Really!

I'm 10 months out and down 101 lbs. Just to add my two cents here, my recovery was no problem at all. My body hates anesthesia so much, but other than that no complications at all. The first month is drag for sure, and on my plan I was able to eat a scrambled egg, or rather three bites of it, on day 14. You don't feel good at first, but hey, it's only for a short time. Just follow the program they give you and listen to your body. Now, I love going out because I don't really cook, and one meal can last up to 4 meals for me! How great is that? There are stalls along the way, but I think most of the time the body is trying to figure out what is happening. Expect a stall at week three or so, when you first lose a lot of fluids, and then your body retains for a week or so. Lately I have upped my exercise to get through stalls. I rarely exercised before surgery and now you can't mess with my exercise time. I almost have to or I don't feel right. There are so much better things about life now. Just moving around is so much better. This morning I took a bath and rose of the bath so smoothly, I felt so light. It was great! Going into a store and getting "regular" clothes and the cute styles and clothes actually looking good on me. I flew twice in the past few months and what a difference! No one was dreading to sit next to me this time. And how I see myself, how others treat you is even different, even though that is not right in the perfect world, it is reality. I could go on and on, but I think you get the drift. This is a great journey, for all of us to enjoy along the way! As far a pre-op diet, my surgeon just asked me to be below 1000 calories a day so that I would not have a fatty liver for surgery. Great success to you!