cindy lynn

Congratulations!!! We're surgery sisters...I also had my surgery on July 21, 2011...and I have also lost 100 lbs...started at 394, now at 294. I can't wait for you to get out of the 300s...it was a great day when I saw the 2 at the front of my weight. We both have a long way to go...but have come soooo far! Feel free to message me anytime Cindy

Welcome! I'm 36 years old and my highest weight was 394. I had my surgery back on July 21, 2011. I lost 23 lbs on the pre-op diet and lost another 72 lbs in the 6 months since the surgery for a total of 95 lbs. I was so excited yesterday when the scale read 299.5 (only us heavier ones can appreciate this kind of victory) I am finally in the 200's....and the best part is I will NEVER be in the 300s again. It really was the best decision I have made. Before surgery I was wearing anywhere from a 28-32 pants and 3X top. Right now I am wearing 24-26 pants (I'm bigger in the hips and thighs, although the pants are too big on my waist) and 18/20 top...yea! I'm actually enjoy getting dressed in the morning because everything in my closet either fits or is too big...unlike before when it was stressful each morning to try to find something to fit and look professional. And when I go shopping in the clearance section of the plus size stores, I can actually find 18/20s...because we all know the bigger sizes go first. So my clothes are actually becoming cheaper..... I also notice that I am not as anxious when going places. For example my sister and I went out to lunch and I used to immediately look for a table (instead of a booth or chairs with arms because before I wouldn't always fit comfortably)...but this time we sat outside in the wire patio chairs and I fit...and I loved it. Again, only some of us can appreciate these situations. My confidence is soaring. I cut 6 inches off my hair and am starting to wear less frumpy clothing (although I still know my limits My husband loves me regardless, and has always said I am pretty....but yesterday he told me "You're HOT!" I couldn't believe how good this comment made me feel as we couldn't stop staring at me as I was walking out of the room. In a nutshell - it does work. And it is wonderful! Best of luck on your journey!

I had my sleeve on July 21, 2011, and so far have lost 95 lbs.

Today is my 12 week (3 month surgiversary). I was sleeved back on July 21, 2011 by Dr. Richard Collier at University General in Houston. My experience has been wonderful. The only pain/disomfort was during the first few days after surgery due to the gas used to inflate the abdomen area during surgery. I have had no complications (Thank you, Jesus) and no food intolerance. My presurgery weight was 394. I lost 23 lbs during my three week pre-op diet, so on the day of surgery I weighed 373. Since then I have lost another additional 49 lbs...so my total loss is 70 lbs! Of course right after surgery I lost weight very quickly, but it has now averaged out to about 2-3 lbs per week. I did experience a stall about 3 weeks after surgery. Overall I am extremely pleased with my doctor, and impressed with the sleeve. I am realizing that as I lose the weight - it is REALLY GONE. (Not like before when I would lose it and gain even more back). Before when I would "start a diet" as I lost weight I just packed my "fat" clothes in a bin, because in reality I knew I would probably need them again. But now it is finally sinking in that as I lose each pound - it will be the last time I am at that weight The other day my husband and I were talking about my weight loss and I couldn't believe that I had lost 70 lbs - yes I can see it in my clothes and on the scale, but after being so overweight for so long - it is taking a while to really get my head "in the game". We were in the kitchen talking and I looked over to the 5 gallon Water bottles we use to purchase filtered water. I asked him "How much do you think one of those bottles of water weighs?" I was curious so I went and got the scale. It weighed 42 lbs. So basically that meant that at my highest weight I was literally carrying 1 1/2 of those water bottles around with every step and every breath. No wonder I was exhausted at the end of the day!!!! It was a moment of reflection - honestly I was a little sad when I realized just how heavy I was, but at the same time I was encouraged by my weight loss so far. So now I think in terms of these water bottles....1 1/2 water bottles gone.. 3 1/2 more to go. Here are a few of my NSV (non-scale victories): 1. i'm now riding a bike (haven't done that in about 20 years) 2. celebrated my 36th birthday and instead of feeling older, my body is actually getting younger 3. i actually enjoy picking out my clothes in the morning, because i'm no longer limited to only a few items 4. i'm starting to wear some blouses without a jacket or cover-up 5. even at 324 my husband calls me "flakita" (little skinny) 6. i have much more energy and stamina (this carries over into the bedroom also) 7. i can put the arm rest down in my car 8. i get in/out of the car much faster - my husband commented how he used to wait as i got out of the car and walked around, but now he doesn't have to 9. my huband used to call me pretty...the other day he called me gorgeous 10. i'm one step closer in my preparation to become a mommy

thank you for your post. it was encouraging to see someone who has met the challenges that i am facing. i was also wearing size 32 pants...i'm now down to 26/28 (i could actually wear smaller in my waist but my hips/thighs demand the bigger size)...and i was thinking how great it would be to wear a size 16. never NEVER did i think it possible to wear a size 10...until i read your post....you are inspiring

hi, i don't exactly remember under which forum you asked me which doctor i used...but wanted to reply to your question. i used dr. richard collier (conroe) - i had a great experience and love my sleeve. congrats on the progress with the process. my best advice is to follow what your surgeon tells you...and make sure you are surrounded by supportive people. so excited for you!!

Thanks for this post...I feel the same way. I started at 394...and I Celebrate every time second number on the scale changes (380's, 370's, 360's, ect...) I was so excited yesterday when I did my weekly weigh in and I was 329.9 (barely in the 320's.....but there!!!) Although I will celebrate when i hit the 310's....my next big goal is to get under 300. Might sound strange to say "I can't wait until I'm 299". Realistically don't know if I'll ever see the infamous "onderland" but i'll settle for somewhere in the low "twonerland." I just celebrated my 36th birthday and at first felt a little depressed with getting older...but then my awesome husband reminded me that with my weight loss my body is really getting younger and healthier. Sometimes we need those little reminders

Hi lbourgeoisjr - I'm live near the Willowbrook area (249/Cypresswood)...glad to see another Houstonian here. I also started at a higher weight of 394. I'm currently 10 weeks out and have lost 43 lbs since surgery (+ 21 lbs on pre-op diet = 64 lbs total). Great job on your weightloss!!! Any tips? cindy

On my pre-op diet I lost 21 lbs. Then I was sleeved on July 21. During the first 2 weeks after surgery I lost about 15 lbs. But in the last 2 weeks I've only lost about 2-3 lbs. I'm really happy that I lost 38 lbs in the past 6 weeks...and I know it's going to take time. I've read lots of posts about stalls and can be patient. Right now I'm eating every 3 hours and average around 800-900 calories/day. Today my surgeon told me that I wasn't eating enough calories and that my body is in starvation mode...and that I need to increase my calories in order to lose weight...and eventually (in a few months) I need to get up to 1600-1800 calories/day. So my goal right now is to increase to 1200 calories..but honestly I don't know how I'm going to get these calories in. I don't want to start eating junk...and I don't really want to add bread, Pasta, carbs. Has anyone experienced this? Any suggestions on how to get in more HEALTHY calories? Thanks!

I've also thought I have smelled different since the surgery. Although my urine color is somewhat clear, I have noticed that my urine smells stronger, and different. I also think I smell different...not necessarily in a bad way...just different. I guess these changes are due to our bodies reacting to the all of the protein and changes. I have also noticed my sense of smell is heightened. It seems that when my husband kisses me I can smell his breath more - and not in a good way - but who am I to talk with the terrible "hairy" mouth feeling and smell. Glad to hear I'm not the only one.

It's great that you're feeling so well. I felt the same way 3 days post-op. Just be careful that you don't do too much too soon. I began feeling bored inside and one evening I went outside to help my husband a little with some light yard work. About 15 minutes later I felt really light-headed and almost fainted. He had to quickly bring me a chair and ice water. After a few minutes I felt fine, but was a little frustrated. My body definately reminded me that I just had surgery and needed to take it easy. I'm not sure if it was the heat or bending down (to pick sweep up leaves)..but it was too much for me. Since then I have limited my time outside. When I do go out to run errands, I make sure to park close to the store and carry ice water with me. Instead of yard work, I've decided to instead concentrate on housework (in the air conditioning)...and sit to take breaks as needed.

Hi, I had my surgery on July 21 (just over two weeks ago). I lost 21 lbs pre-op and 17 lbs for a total of 38 lbs. so far...and looking forward to the months ahead!

Bernie - Here are my responses to your questions What type of surgery did you have? gastric sleeve What was the reason you had the surgery? severly overweight - want to start a family What was your chief complaint that resulted in the surgery? gas pain in the abdomen after surgery How long were you suffering from the chief complaint? 2 days Was the surgery elective or medically necessary? elective What treatments or diagnostic tests were done prior to surgery? blood tests, xrays, EKG Were there any preoperative instructions? 3 weeks high Protein diet to try to make liver healthier Were there any preoperative issues or complaints? none What was the outcome of the surgery? successfull weightlos Was there a post operative visit? If so, how long post op? 12 days Were there any post operative complications? no Was there any additional follow-up that has or will take place? not so far

hi - i was sleeved on july 21 and the first two days were very uncomfortable for me also - but because of the gas in my stomach and abdomen they used during the surgery. walking really helped that go away. my doctor told me to be on Clear liquids the first week (water, fruit juice, jello, broth, popsicles...along with protein supplements) and then for the second week move into full liquids (vegetable juice, Protein shakes, strained cream Soup - basically liquids without solids or solid chunks. depending on the surgeon and the patient - sometimes a drain is used...if you had one you would definately know it. my surgeon did use a q drip ball, basically a slow releasing pain medication that we pulled out at the end of the second day. my right side is also tender and a little tight sometimes - i think that is because that is the location of the largest incision and where they removed the stomach. i sleep on my side and still can't sleep in my bed, so for now i sleep in a recliner. i just reached the one week mark, and believe me it does it better. please don't get discouraged. short term discomfort for long term payoff

I have Aetna also, although the policies due differ depending on your employer. My surgeon gave me specific forms for each different qualifier to complete (primary physician, psychologist, nutritionist). So after the 4 months needed for my policies qualifications, I faxed my surgeon the paperwork and they wrote a letter to the insurance company and filed the paperwork. I was approved in about 10 days Maybe all the paperwork from your primary is too much and needs to be simplified. Good luck - keep us posted

You will be just fine. While you are recovering you will have an IV that will keep you hydrated. Today I'm four days out and as long as I get in my protein and stay hydrated I've had enough energy and my appetite hasn't come back. Good luck tomorrow

I actually tried the Unjury chicken Soup protein today and it actually tasted okay...it kind of reminded me of chicken flavored Ramen noodle broth. But I do have to mention that the after taste was awful - probably from the high amount of protein - after about thirty minutes i finally had to brush my teeth. I'll be eating this again tomorrow because I need to get my protein in since i'm only a few days post-op...but i'll brush my teeth as soon as i'm finished.

Walking as frequently as possible really helped the gas issue. My gas only lasted for 2 days. After searching several stores, my husband finally found the Gas X strips at Walgreens Pharmacy (not sure if they have that chain in your area). Hope this helps

I was just sleeved this past Thursday (July 21). I have not experienced any stomach pain. The only pain/discomfort I have felt is the pain from the gas used during the procedure. I walked several laps around the hospital floor a few hours after surgery because I didn't want to experience the shoulder pain I had heard about. I continued to walk every couple of hours as I could...and I did not ever feel the shoulder pain. I was discharged from the hospital 1 day after the procedure and I still only had the discomfort from the gas around the abdomen. It was very hard to get comfortable, although sitting/lying in a recliner did help. Finally on Saturday (2 days after procedure) most of the gas discomfort has disappeared. I did fill my hydrocodone liquid prescription (for pain) and my promethazine liquid prescription (for nausea/vomiting) and have been taking these as directed....and have experienced no pain or nausea (only a little nausea when in the car for an extended time). Oh, by the way I did not have any co-morbidities (high blood pressure, diabetes) although I do have a "super obese" BMI. Hope this helps.

Hi, I got sleeved on Thursday, July 21st by Dr. Richard Collier at University General in Houston, TX. I'm at home now recovering. So far I'm feeling pretty good. I'm able to get up and walk around several times a day. I have noticed however, that my calf muscles are very tender and I am experiencing some lower leg muscle cramping. Did anyone else experience this? cindy lynn

I was sleeved on Thursday at 7:30 am and then released from the hospital Friday afternoon (around 2pm)...so only one day because the swallow test did not indicate leaks, my vitals were good, and i was able to keep liquids down. I also had the q-drip ball slow release pain meds that we removed from home on day two. I think what really helped was getting out of bed and walking. For me it was more comforatable to be standing and out of bed walking to help release the gases from surgery. So I walked as much as I could. In fact when it was time to release me, they couldn't find me because I was walking on another floor of the hospital. I was really ready to come home as I couldn't get comfortable in the hospital bed and !get much sleep with the nurses constantly coming in to check vitals, change IV bag, give blood thinners, ect... Once I got home, I finally slept four hours straight in a recliner....I'm still not ready to sleep straight in my bed yet. Like other postings have mentioned...I think it really depends on how your body reacts...after all if your doctor wants to keep you longer than it's better to be in the hospital where you can get the care you need. Good luck!