jerryvic

My surgeon suggested strawberries in my shakes, as well as blueberries, or water packed peach slices. They are not going to hurt you near as much as the Nutella.

My bathroom scale is broken, so it was with trepidation that I went to my 2nd Post op (surgery 20 May 2010) appointment. After slowly getting on the scale (I think getting on slowly decreases the momentum of the scale), I was astonished to see I had lost a total of 20 lbs. Only having a one day pre-op diet, that wasn't too bad for 12 days. I jumped off the scales (I no longer cared about momentum). The best things (2) were:I got the staples out of my bellybutton and he has moved me to more solid foods, ie meatloaf, tuna, stuff like that. I will not miss all the Protein shakes. Damn, just when I thought I could tolerate them better. Keep on losing everybody.:crying:

Dr. Robert M. Althar, of Pace, Florida performed my surgery utilizing the single incision type of surgery. I could not be more pleased with his deft, delicate surgery. In fact, I never had a need for any pain medication. He knows about the VSG as his receptionist/front desk person and Dr. Althar himself have had the procedure. If you live within a couple of hours drive of Pace Florida (near Pensacola), and are considering the VSG it might be worth the drive. No, I am not a paid employee, just a happy patient.

You might consider the Nut Milks, they are not "real milk", but are made from nuts. Very tasty. I prefer the Almond Milk plain and the Almond Milk vanilla. They even have a chocolate Almond Milk. Other options are the "Rice Milks". BTW if you want the real story on how detrimental Cows milk is, I would invite you to read The China Study by T. Colin Campbell, PHD Nutritionist. I for one will never, never drink cows milk again. It is much more dangerous than Soy milk.

BonnieM There is no such thing as a "very healthy fat smoker", especially when you have gallstones and pre-diabetes. Get real. Being overweight is not healthy. Smoking is not healthy. Pre-diabetes is not healthy. Gallstones are not healthy. If these were healthy things there would be no reason for anyone to be getting this surgery. Please don't fool yourself, get the surgery, quit the smoking and then say you are healthier!

Tiff, I was impressed with you even before I saw these last pictures. OMG!! You have worked you sleeve almost beyond comprehension while maintaining a sense of humor and common sense. I, for one, think your husband John is a very lucky guy. You have been an inspiration for so many on this forum, with advice, food help, encouragement, etc. I want to thank you from the bottom of my heart, because without you, I might have made the awful band mistake. I don't want to bore you, but as a former military officer, I SALUTE YOU!

Angie, I too get cold quicker and I live in the deep south also. BTW I had my surgery in Milton Florida at Santa Rosa Medical Center by Dr Althar. He was great.

As a male, and an orthodontist, that often when I sent my patients to have there jaws moved surgically for esthetic reasons, it was the spouse, or boyfriend that was the least supportive. Why? They are afraid that the person they loved, and loved them back was going to be different and their feelings were going to change also. The spouse (or boyfriends) were afraid. They need reassurances from the one they love that it will be OK and their feelings will not change. Try it.

Inspirational

Most people with PVC's have what is called Functional PVC's and are no big deal. Medicines for this usually include a Beta Blocker ( like Metoprolol ). This is going to be OK. Jerry

Steve, having been sleeved just 13 days ago, I can relate to what you are thinking. All these years our success and failure have been our own fault. Now, after all these years you can blame someone else (the surgeon). Ha Ha Just Kidding. Listen, take it from me, I don't like pain anymore than you do, but the surgery was soooo easy, that I never, repeat never took any pain meds. Was I sore, yes, but not in pain. When they say "get up and walk, get up and walk more than you expected. When they say use the spirometer for your lungs, do it more than expected. Wear the compression leggings. Hydrate before the surgery. Pee just before surgery. These are some of the things I attributed to my rapid recovery. Now if I can just slow down, and chew slowly I will get even better each day and the weight will continue to drop off. I am down 22 lbs since surgery. I can even see some ribs. You will be amazed how much of a non-event this thing in the hospital will be. Enjoy the rest and heal fast. Keep us posted.

Angie, you are doing so well that I want to race you. 1st one to lose 50lbs, then a second race to 75lbs. Just kidding, you would probably kick my butt. Great Job! Jerry

Dude! While I will admit you are funny, Pull-leze, refrain from the graphic detail. I want to be part of the forum as much as anyone, as I know you do also, from your frequent posts. I am sure there are others on the forum will think I am picking on you, so be it if that is what others think. I am just asking for a little decorum on the forum. So, man up and be the gentleman here. It won't hurt long I promise. That said, I think you are a funny person, don't change that.

Have you considered, since you are on a very low carbohydrate meal plan, that maybe you are experiencing low blood glucose levels. I am a diabetic and when my blood sugars get too low, I get shaky, nauseous, jittery, and can't seem to focus on things clearly. If you have a friend that has a glucometer, ask to borrow it one night and when you feel the "shakes"; test it. It may not be the problem, but at least that can be ruled out. If it is the problem then simply take a bite of something with a carbohydrate in it prior to bed. This works for me.

Whoa Nellie!! If! For the first time since surgery I overindulged in one of the protein shakes. It was good so I drank too much, too quickly. About that time my chest said, "WHOA THERE!" I got the message quickly and it was not garbled. "IF YOU DRINK ONE MORE SWALLOW, I AM GOING TO PUNISH YOU". Well, thanks to the experiences of others on the forums, I knew not to go up against the big guy. I surrendered, put the remainder of the shake in the refrigerator, and will have the remainder of it later. These forums are so important.

Tiffikins, you left the chat room last night without the usual notification and good nights. I wondered why? Then I thought of our conversations going on and I realized you might have thought I was arguing with you. On the contrary, I was agreeing with you about what my doctor told me. He didn't want to listen to me about my foot problem. I have had no problems in the past 10 years of taking daily NSAIDS. I know he is protecting his surgery, and is probably ethically bound to tell me not to use them. But you take them, and others take them, so I agree with you. . If you thought I was arguing with you, I sincerely apologize. I value your input as much or more than anyone on this forum, I wouldn't want to do without that advice. Also, when there is a lot of the chatting going on, I get behind in the reply and because I am a relatively slow typist I tend to use short, curt one word answers that may not seem polite at times. I will do better as I get more accustomed to keeping two conversations going at the same time. Again, please forgive me if I offended you. :001_smile: Jerry

Steve-O 1. it is French for candle, pronounced Boo-gee 2. the leak test may or may not be performed, if so it is on the new stomach only. 3. Human body parts are considered contaminated waste and are burned. 4. Most people take the chewy CA supplements and chew until they are almost liquid then swallow. 5. You can see the procedure on youTube, but if you want them of yourself ask him, most operatories are not routinely set up to record unless it is a teaching hospital. Hope this helps.

Thanks Tiffykins, I feel better now otherwise I was going to have a terrible day.

Tiffykins, I know this is an old thread, but after seeing your pictures I am even more impressed than just simply reading about things you have to say. Verbally you are a wealth of knowledge, pictorially you are a wealth of beauty. I don't plan on losing as much weight as you have but even so... you are my inspiration. BTW you asked about BOTOX in one of the other threads, it is no big deal, minimal discomfort, lasts 6-9 months for me. I get it for the deep forehead wrinkles and the furrows between the eyes. Yeah, I'm a vain male and we are supposed to look rugged, I know but it makes me feel better about myself. Take care, keep us informed, and thanks for the pix.

Anna, you are an inspiration to me. You are taking on the problems headfirst, and kicking its a--. I can't wait to have lost as much as you. It's coming, I just have to be patient! That is one thing that has never been easy for me. Continue on, and continue inspiring. Jerry

Hey CraftyChristie, day 3 post op for me too. I'm sorry about the discomfort you are having, I don't think I have an extra ordinary pain threshold, but no pain meds ever for me and really no great hunger pains. I really don't have hunger per se, but I would like to chew something. Maybe I am being overly optimistic but this went well so far (knock on wood), my only discomfort is an arthritic right ankle It is so sore I can't get my walks in as I should, and I can't take an anti-inflammatory for the arthritis. I also have a squished lip from the anesthesiologist. Oh well, I see the Dr. tomorrow maybe he has some suggestions for the ankle. Jerry:thumbup1:

Phatcurves, dump him and loose even more weight. It appears it is all about him, so let him have himself.

Well, I did it. I got sleeved yesterday (Thursday May Th) and the surgeon said it went better than expected. I haven't taken any pain meds, only one gas X strip, and the best part is that I will not have the barium swallow unless I develop symptoms. I listened to everyone about walking early and lots, so I did that. SF popsicles are my friends, jello is OK, the broth is awful. I start protein shakes tomorrow. So move over on the losers bench, I'm here and ready to go. Thanks to everyone on the forum for all the great advice and especially the encouragement.:001_tongue:

BIGJAY, I also get sleeved tomorrow at 7am. Be at peace with yourself, don't worry we both are goig to do great.:blushing:

Welcome and thanks a lot. Now I have to quit whining about my piddlie little aches and pains. My wife told me to "MAN UP" today because she is tired listening to me and my surgery isn't until tomorrow. So thanks a lot Ms Tuffie and welcome again.:blushing: