Amber07

This site has changed a ton since I was last on here! It looks good! My surgery date was October 11, 2010, and I've lost 127 pounds. Ideally, I'd like to lose about 90 more. I'm so grateful for everyone that helped me along this journey, this has 100%-absolutely been the best thing that I've ever done for myself. I'm getting married in 4 months, and I'm 1 size away from my "wedding date goal", so that makes me pretty happy. One thing that I do have to admit, is that I'm a little disappointed when I look in the mirror. I don't see a girl whose lost 127 pounds, I just see a bunch of skin. 3 months after I had the surgery, my insurance premium went from 400 a month-to 1200 a month, so I no longer have health insurance, and haven't seen the doc in about a year. In June, I will have health insurance again through my fiance. I guess it's just a bit disappointing, feeling so big still, but eventually I'm hoping the 90 more pounds will come off (I'm working on it) and I can have the cosmetic surgery to take the skin off. One question that I have for you guys, is what is a good full-liquid diet to go on for a week? I think I need a little kick in the butt, to get back to my old-new self, who worked out, wrote in her food diary, and cared about what she ate. With the wedding coming up, I'll have to admit that I just eat whatever, whenenver. I've been so busy lately, that I don't even hesitate stopping for a cheesburger, which now that I sit here and think about it, should be absolutely disgusting to me, I never want to get back to where I was again. So...any suggestions about the full-liquid diet? I'm starting working out again tonight, and am back to 64oz of water, as of Saturday. I'll also be showing up a lot more here, I think I need this friendly support from people who have been through what I have. Good luck to you all, you're in my thoughts and prayers. Amber

Thanks guys!

This site has changed a ton since I was last on here! It looks good! My surgery date was October 11, 2010, and I've lost 127 pounds. Ideally, I'd like to lose about 90 more. I'm so grateful for everyone that helped me along this journey, this has 100%-absolutely been the best thing that I've ever done for myself. I'm getting married in 4 months, and I'm 1 size away from my "wedding date goal", so that makes me pretty happy. One thing that I do have to admit, is that I'm a little disappointed when I look in the mirror. I don't see a girl whose lost 127 pounds, I just see a bunch of skin. 3 months after I had the surgery, my insurance premium went from 400 a month-to 1200 a month, so I no longer have health insurance, and haven't seen the doc in about a year. In June, I will have health insurance again through my fiance. I guess it's just a bit disappointing, feeling so big still, but eventually I'm hoping the 90 more pounds will come off (I'm working on it) and I can have the cosmetic surgery to take the skin off. One question that I have for you guys, is what is a good full-liquid diet to go on for a week? I think I need a little kick in the butt, to get back to my old-new self, who worked out, wrote in her food diary, and cared about what she ate. With the wedding coming up, I'll have to admit that I just eat whatever, whenenver. I've been so busy lately, that I don't even hesitate stopping for a cheesburger, which now that I sit here and think about it, should be absolutely disgusting to me, I never want to get back to where I was again. So...any suggestions about the full-liquid diet? I'm starting working out again tonight, and am back to 64oz of water, as of Saturday. I'll also be showing up a lot more here, I think I need this friendly support from people who have been through what I have. Good luck to you all, you're in my thoughts and prayers.

Ladies, My hair is falling out like crazy. I have EXTREMELY thick hair though, and LOTS of it. So you'd never know. But, it's breaking half way down AND falling out at the follicle. Anywho, it's almost summer and my hair is DARK. So, can I go get it bleached? My hairdresser says no, cuz it's falling out so rapidly. But I need someone to say YES! and tell me why. So figure out a way to tell me yes, lie if you have to! hahaha!!

yes, I do have have a regret about surgery. I regret not doing it earlier. I was always so worried about what people would think of me if I had the surgery. Now that I've had the surgery, I realize, this is my body, my life. People thought I was just some fat girl anyway, which that's not ALL i was, but that's all they saw. People are going to have opinions about you even if you weight 100 pounds and look perfect. Make the decision for you, and you only. Good luck.

Hi Everyone, It's been so long since I've checked in. I recently was FINALLY accepted to the local college of Business at a major university near me, so I've been getting all of those things in order, along with buying a house since surgery, and all types of other things going on, I haven't been posting here or taking care of myself... I guess this post will be a bit of a release for me, I'll tell you guys what I've been doing wrong, I know I'm doing so many things wrong, and I do feel like a piece of crap for it. I should be doing much better, I'm hoping for some input and advice. For one, I eat awful. Well not awful, but it's pretty much back to the way it was pre-op, just in much, much smaller sizes. I have cut out fast food though, I very very rarely will get fast food, but I will eat take out. I've been on no "diet" per say, though. I eat what I want, when I want it, in moderation. I feel bad about it, because before surgery I was told that after surgery, I'd be this crazy health nut who just wanted to get so healthy! Not the case..I'm not a health nut, but I'm not a fast food greasy food junky like I used to be. I'm somewhere in the middle now. I'm trying to get back on track, it's just hard to tell myself, hey, don't eat that greasy piece of chicken, when I just lost 5 pounds last week. I'm losing still, and losing quite a bit in my opinion. I cane easily say that I've lost between 2-5 pounds every week with no change, and am still continuing to do so. So, I guess it's just hard for me to say, Amber, you need to eat better, go on this diet, when I'm losing weight without it. But I do know that I'm taking advantage of my tool, and not using it properly, or at least that's how I feel. Protein, protein, protein-I hate that word now. I don't get mine in, again, I'm doing bad at using this tool. I eat as much protein as I can, but I'm not tracking it. But again, I'm not managing it, but I don't feel down and out, I feel wonderful. I can tell I'm not getting enough though I think, because i'm having an insane amount of hair loss. My last thing would be Vitamins. I lost my insurance right after surgery. That's a story in itself...my premium was $200 a month before surgery, then all of the sudden it was $661 a month after surgery. I tried to fight it, no luck, so now I'm without insurance. Anywho, before I decided to cancel my insurance, my surgeon gave me this huge blood work prescirption, 12 viles of blood. Everything came back good except for my Iron, folic acid, and Vitamin D. Well, the surgeon sent me to pcp to read the tests. My pcp gave me iron, folic acid, Vitamin D and instructed me to take them for 2 months, until my levels came back up. I did that. And now he's saying I don't need to take these vitamins anymore, when I talked to him on the phone. So as of now, I'm taking no vitamins at all. I feel like I'm my own doctor though, even though I know that's no excuse. I had to call my doctor to tell him I wanted that blood work done, then I had to call my other doctor to read it, I feel like my pcp should have said WOAH AMBER! you are doing these things wrong, you need to get back on track, and take these vitamins. But that didn't happen. He seemed like it was no big deal, take these for 3 months, and you'll be fine. So all in all, in my opinion, I'm not doing this tool any justice. I'm being a slacker. So I guess what I could use from you all, is what vitamins are you taking? I'll put myself on a vitamin regamient, and stick to it, since I can't afford to see my doctor right now (and even if I did, I think it'd be a waste of my money). Also, no one can answer this one for me either....what happens if I don't get my protein in? Obviously hair loss but what else? My brother, whose a doctor said 80mg (which is what my nut told me to get in) is too much because I didn't have a malabsobative procedure. He said bear minimum would be 30, which I think I get that in. Who knows what I believe though, everyone else tells me something different. Now with all of that being said, about how everything is going wrong, let me tell you guys what's going right. I've lost 90 pounds in 6 months. I feel great. I move like I've never moved before. I go on walks, and I enjoy it. I go to the mall and shop for hours with my mom, and I don't have to stop for breaks. I love going down to the dock now with my fiancee, just to walk around. I would NEVER have gone for a walk before as something fun to do. We go to garage sales and walk up and down the blocks like it's our jobs. I move around the house much faster and with much more ease, I can clean the house for HOURS and not be tired. My seatbelt fits, and it fits with SLACK! I'm down 10 sizes, I never would have thought that I'd be this size, I haven't since my freshman year of high school, now I'm about to be a college senior. My face looks so different, sometimes I look at my jeans and go...no way! those are not mine! but, yes they are, and they look darn good. I'm happy with how things are working out, I'm living life as a "normal" 21 year old. Yeah! Sure! I'll go bowling for 5 hours, or go to the college gym and work out with you! I'd be glad to! Just saying those things, makes me feel "normal" instead of just this person trapped in a huge body. I'm happy, I really am, I just don't know how long my body will continue to let me slide by, and keep not taking care of myself. I realize that with posting this, I may get some, "hate mail", saying how I'm irresponsible tool that I've been given. If you feel the need to tell me that, that's fine, but do know that I've beat myself up quite a bit over it.

Thanks guys. Since I've heard from you guys, I've started taking the women's one a day and the biotin, everyday. I'm back on my protein shakes, and making healthier snack choices, just had some celery with peanut butter. You guys are so supportive and helpful. You made me feel like I wasn't alone, and that I really could do this. Went to weigh in today, first time since surgery that I've hit a plateu. Next week will be better. Thanks guys!

Hi all! I'm approx one month out-one month and ...three days! I lost 32 pounds the first two weeks and gained 2 pounds the last two weeks. I'm a little discouraged, to say the least. I will assume it's one of these "stalls" and keep trucking...you guys are such good encouragers!<..that's not a word. Anywho, I was wondering if I could ask a favor of some of you experts...let me tell you what I ate today...and you give me some advice? I would be so grateful! Breakfast 4inch piece of turkey sausage-it's sort of shaped like kielbasa (8 grams protein) 1 tablespoon of peanut butter-(5 grams protein) a few bites of watermelon (i didn't eat that in one sitting-it was spread out throughout the morning) Snack 6 pork rinds-(8 grams protein) a few bites of cucumber lunch 3 ham roll ups-(14 grams protein) Snack 1/3 cup of no sugar added ice cream dinner chicken thigh (10 grams protein) 1/3 cup of spaghetti squash (1 gram protein) (ate those two things separately, too much at once) plus a couple glasses of ice Water and a glass of crystal light I would appreciate any input!

I'm new at this, too, so I won't be TOO much help...but...I found two new great things that I love, and my nut said were good. --Turkey Sausage-by Ekrich-it's got 8-10 grams of Protein per serving, low in carbs-I cut it up in tiny pieces and just throw it in a pan -- I take cooked ham-lots of protein too, the lunch meat kind, and spread chive and onion cream cheese on it, and roll it up, the cream cheese has a few grams of protein, not too many carbs Hope I was a little bit of help! Oh, also, watermelon and cucumber seem to go down well-but if you don't like the carbs in the watermelon, that's understandable. My nut said that it was okay, but now I'm wondering if it's worth it.

Hi Kim You made it! You're one month out! (I NEVER thought I'd get here, I'm one month out, too. ) Anywho, yes, I'm one month out too, and my nut said that I could go to eating anything at this point, just try to lay off the carbs and don't eat nuts or red meat until 6 months out. So, I've been eating everything. I'm not sure what you "can" eat, like what your nut suggests, but I like to take a piece of ham and put cream cheese and a chive in the middle, a mozzarella string cheese stick, no sugar added apple sauce, sugar free pudding and jello, cream of broccoli soup-the healthy request one, pieces of lunch meat, egg salad, chicken salad, turkey sausage-it's very soft, turkey hot dogs, and watermelon. That stuff-some of it anyways, is high protein, low carb. Obviously the watermelon and apple sauce have some carbs in them, but they go down fine and my nut said they were okay. Good luck!

Should I be getting? My doctor says 70-89 but that's for sleeve patients AND bypass patients. Which, this is odd to me, because I thought bypass patients needed more because some of theirs isn't get absorbed. Anyone care to share how many their doc is telling them is enough per day? Thanks!!

Hey guys, I'm three weeks post-op, on the pureed diet. I've been eating chicken salad and scrambled eggs for a week now. Any other suggestions? I've looked on the recipes portion, and can't find anything. I bought some ground turkey today....and ideas? Thanks!!

Hello all, I had my surgery on October 11th, so I'm a little more than 2 weeks out. I went to my post-op appt and told them that I wasn't getting in much food or much fluids-that both just seemed appalling to me. I'm really really trying to get in a lot of Water now, I don't want to be dehydrated. I'm lucky if I'm able to get in a Protein drank and a protein carbmaster yogurt. Very lucky. Usually I just get in the Protein Drink. Any advice? Or should I just suck it up and eat eat eat? Thanks all!

I'm so sorry to hear about your struggle, I'm surprised that I can relate in almost every single aspect of your post, I haven't heard of many people who had such a hard time as us, but some people may just not be sharing that part of it. Anywho, don't you just love hubby right now? Like you, my cycle started as soon as I got home...this man is God sent. I didn't give him enough credit, I didn't think he could do it, but when it came down to it...he did. He didn't complain, didn't comment, just did it. How wonderful he is. Also, I can relate about the sleeping, I'm dosing off constantly, but I cannot for the life of me get comfy in my bed, and this chair is comfy, but not for sleeping. I just get in the bed, and try to fall asleep asap so I don't have to think about how uncomfortable I am. I had 3 surgeries at once, very unexpected, so I would imagine that's why I'm still problematic this far out of surgery. As far as the burping thing, it seems like when I take too many sips of Water at a time, like...7 instead of 3, that I belch, it seems like if I DONT belch after lots of water intake, my tummy starts to hurt. I had a really hard time with my bm and passing gas as well. They gave me laxatives and extra strength gas x in the hospital, maybe you could try that? I felt much better after those two things happened, it even made my incisions feel better it seemed because there wasn't so much air around them. I must have missed something though...why do you have staples? Also, I've heard of people with drains but I didn't get any-so no advice there, but good luck to you! Good luck to you and I hope you start feelin better!!! HUGS

Hey everyone, I apologize that it's taken me so long to give you guys a status update. I had surgery on October 11th, and was told I'd be out by October 12th. I didn't get out until October 15th. Soo...here's what happened, I woke up from surgery and know how I was asking about extubation? Unfortunately, I felt it, and I remember it, but it wasn't so bad. Although, I just remember crying because they had me walk from the operating table to the gerny to be wheeled into recovery. That was seriously too much for me. After 4 hours in recovery and a very long surgery, I was taken to my room. So why did my surgery take so long? I was informed that I had a hernia, had the weight loss surgery, and had multiple large adhesions on my gallbladder that had to be taken care of. My surgeon basically told me that due to all of this-my recovery would take a lot longer than he had instructed me before. I didn't eat a thing in the hospital, I was there for 5 days and I just didn't have the strength to eat anything, and probably drank a total of two cups the whole time-and they didn't seem conserned. So I've been home for two days now, and I'm doing a bit better. It seems that I'm instructed that my recovery will probably be 2-3 weeks at the very least. Yesterday I had 14oz of Water, and two pudding cups. I was sooooo full. Today I did better. I had 18g of Protein shake, a yogurt, a pudding cup, 18 oz of water, my multi-Vitamin, and my Calcium liquid..stuff. I'm really trying to get as much liquids as I can in-I just get so full. Here's my problem. Due to my other "surgeries" during my time at the hospital, I'm having VERY limited mobility. I cannot get off or onto the couch by myself, I cannot get into or out of the bed by myself, I cannot use the facilities, in any way shape or form, by myself. I can handle the pain (not without some tears, I admit) but my problem is blood clots. I'm so worried. I tried walking around my house today (outside) and literally just became so crippled and out of breath that I thought I wouldn't make it home.When I was in the hospital, I walked maybe once a day, down the hall, and was crying by the time I got back, they didn't seem to concerned about my limited walking either. I'm trying to get walking as much as I can, but I'm in so much pain. Does anyone have any advice about my pain/walking/diet thus far? My mom bought my some yogurt....strawberry, cherry, and orange, which I used to LOVE. Now? HOLY COW-I feel like I'm eating a spoonful of sugar-literally-they taste awful. Weird. Anyways, I don't regret this surgery-not for one stinkin' second. I'm so blessed and lucky. I can't thank technology enough. I don't like pain, don't get me wrong, but I'd add a "fourth surgery" in there if it meant that I could still get this surgery done. I can't wait to get around and everything soon-I'lll try to respond to some of the pre-op questions asked by others tonight, since now I am officially a sleeved woman!! Hope you all have a great Monday tomorrow! : )

Thanks for the kind words all. I am sleeping about 4 hours through out the day, I'm hoping this is normal-I'm tired and can't think of anything else to do so...a nap it is. I see my surgeon on Friday, I'm hoping that I can hold out until then to call him. I'm getting these weird pain sores in my legs, my hubby thinks they are from keeping my legs propped up in the same place all of the time, cuz that's where the pain is. He keeps saying, ur gonna get dehydrated, and get cramps in ur legs (he's right, I do get cramps when in my legs when not dehydrated) however, i feel like telling him to SHUT UP! ( but will not because he's been nothing but amazing,) it's hard for non-sleevers to understand how hard it is to get that liquid in, i'm trying though, 1/8oz at a time lol. Hope all is well, Amber

Hey Mr. Tough Guy! In my opinion, we're all here for you to cry on our shoulders, we've all brought our tissues and our understanding opinions. I've talked with many people about this feeling, because sometimes I just find myself crying....well here's my explanation (formed from advice from other wls patients, doctors, and nuts). Food makes us feel good, it releases that feel good chemical in your body, and now, your feel good chemical is almost gone. It's like mourning the loss of a friend who always makes you laugh. You'll find your new friend, weight loss! healthiness! being able to fit into booths and going on carnival rides! those will become your new friends, and you'll be very proud of yourself. My advice, would be to talk to someone, one of us,a family member, someone who understands-someone who will let you cry on their shoulder-someone who will make you laugh. You're welcome to use me as that person if you'd like. If it continues, see if your doctor can be that person, my doctor is very understanding-she even was as brave as to give me her cell number..haha bad idea on her part! I hope things get better pal!

I'm sorry that you're having troubles. I'm not sure what to say about all of your post, but one part that I can relate to is not having an appetite for protein shakes. To me, it's like saying I don't have an appetite for (insert your least favorite food here). Protein shakes (to me) are gross, they are disgusting, hard to get down, and really just ....ew. With that being said, I'm drinking them like I'm supposed to, I'm drinking them with a gross look on my face, but I'm drinking them. You've been through so much, you've gotten this far, you can make it a few more weeks until you can have those kinds of food, you can do it, You can drink those protein shakes, you can. You won't HAVE to drink them forever, and maybe even down the road they will seem better to you. But for now, I know you can do it! You will be so proud of yourself!! And we will too

Thanks Rosiebell! Actually one more question guys...When they say "sip" have u guys ever actually measured what a sip is? 1/4 of an oz? an oz?

I think I'm emotional right now lol because your reply actually made me teary eyed. It makes a person feel so good to know that people actually care!! I've lost 16 pounds so far, my mom says you can't tell yet...but that's probably just because I'm so swollen. Thanks for the advice!! *HUGGS*

Good luck! I will be praying for you...I'm believing that you will succeed!!

Hello everyone, I hope that you don't mind if I introduce myself here, as well as ask an pre-operative question. My name is Amber, I am 21 years old, and I am having sleeve gastrectomy on Monday morning. I started my journey on August 1st. I went to a seminar that a semi-local surgeon was hosting and decided that I was interested. I also went to his support group that same day, just to see what others had to say. I also met with the surgeon that day, one on one. He told me that I was a very good candidate for the sleeve, and that he thought I would be very successful, that was encouraging. I submitted to insurance on October 1st, was called with the insurance approval on October 5th, and at that time, was told that my surgery would be on October 11th. I was shocked. I hate to admit it, and am a little embarrassed, but I did burst into tears after I got off the phone. It all seemed so sudden, I though I would get the approval, and be scheduled for sometime around Thanksgiving, or even Christmas. Don't get me wrong, I'm thankful that my process was quick, because I know of people who have waited months and even years for their approvals, and I know that must be awful, I was just ...shocked. I am so fortunate to be given the opportunity to receive this surgery, I know it will have a huge impact on my life, and I am still at the age, where I can change my eating habits and lifestyle, with somewhat of an ease. I hope that I will get to know you all and be of some support to you all, I don't have much advice to give as of now, as I have not been sleeved yet, but in the future, I hope to be able to help in any way I can. My question is about extubation. I met with the anesthesiologist yesterday. He explained to me that I would be awake when the breathing tube was removed. I'm so freaked out now. I explained to him that I've watched episodes of ER and Grey's Anatomy where someone wakes up with a tube in them, and freaks out. He honestly didn't seem to follow...and replied with something to the effect of, oh, you'll be fine. Well, as of now, on the subject of this whole extubation thing, I am NOT fine. It worries me, honestly it does. I know that if I am awake, and there is a tube coming out of my mouth, that no doubt, I will freak out. Can anyone tell me their experience with extubation? Is it not really a big deal? I would appreciate any input, and I look forward to more contact with all of you. Many thanks. Amber