New in 2012

I'm just a month out, and I had the same thing. Two weigh-ins and no movement -- very frustrating. I was just sure that I was the one person this surgery wouldn't work for, and that I had taken this step in vain. But, like everyone here has said, I just kept on, and this week, voila!, I lost weight (5 lbs)!! I read a good explanation for this early stall. Here is the link, if you are interested. It helped me stop feeling panicky and made me see the medical explanation. It is from a duodenal switch site, but the medical info is good and solid. http://www.dsfacts.com/weight-loss-stall-or-plateau.html

I agree. I love Pilates too, but it is serious work on your core, so I would wait until at least the 6 week mark too.

Congratulations for making the decision to move forward with this surgery. I didn't have to do 6 months of a specific diet before my surgery, but I took more time than that to decide if it was right for me. I look forward to following along with your journey!

Pookeyism, I'm so sorry for your loss. When my mom died, it was just surreal, and it took me days, weeks to really take it in. I was in a major car accident 10 days before her death and was just starting to walk, so it was especially hard to deal with. You are in my prayers in the days and weeks to come. Your mom will still be with you, in your heart, as you continue your journey.

My surgery was also on the 20th. The first week, lots of weight lost. The second week, two pounds. I decided not to weigh every day and so tomorrow will be my 3 week weigh in. But I have felt very frustrated too! I have followed dr's orders to the letter, not eating things I shouldn't. I'm still on full liquids. Now I've decided to really push the Protein. I have been getting 65-80 g. per day, but I'm aiming for 100 now. My dr. told me that people who get in 90-100 g of protein per day tend to have the best weight loss, so I'm pushing for that. Even though I'm only on liquids, I feel like I'm stuffing myself to get the protein in. I get virtually no carbs or fat at this point, and around 500-600 calories per day. That will go up slightly now that I'm working hard to take in more protein. Thanks for sharing; it's good to know I'm not the only one who is seeing slow results overall.

I was itchy in the same places others have mentioned. But I was also itchy under my arms, my knees, etc. It was progressively getting worse, and we figured out I was having a systemic allergic reaction to omeprazole (Prilosec). My dr. took me off it and the itchy feeling went away. Hopefully yours is just from the surgery and not to a medication! Best of luck

I was feeling the same way. I started using crystal light and mixing unflavored protein into that. I drink that as my water, so I'm getting protein all day.

Actually a total of 8, but one (the biggest one by far) was on my backside to remove a benign tumor. The others were all small, the biggest being about 3/4". I had my gallbladder removed and a small hiatal hernia repaired, which is why I had so many. I figured if I was going under anesthesia, might as well maximize it!

Thanks for all the info. My dr. thinks its the ppi, so I'm going to switch to something else. Hope that's it,

So a strange thing has happened to me. I've developed a systemic allergic reaction of some kind in the last several days. The only two changes that I have in my diet are the daily ppi (omeprazole) and my Protein, which is part of all I eat. I am still on liquids, and have added cream Soups a few days ago. I have never had a milk allergy before, but I guess it's all a new world after this surgery. I have been greatly increasing my protein intake in the past 5-6 days, as I'm able to take in more during the second week post-op. I'm right at 60-70 grams per day, as opposed to 30-35 the first week. So I'm wondering if this has gradually built up and I have an intolerance. My whole body itches, head to toe -- it's awful. I went out and got some egg Protein Drink powder and some soy protein drink powder to try. Has anyone else developed allergies post-op? We are perplexed! Any thoughts, ideas, etc., are welcome!

Hi tuttle, I think it is a really good thing that you are able to ask the question in this forum. Sometimes the first step in dealing with regret is to give voice to it. Depression is a complex thing, and any major life change can spark it. It is not just something you can think yourself out of or that you have chosen to feel. The physical changes that this surgery brings can bring on depression, particularly dehydration and malnutrition, so be attentive to that. What we all have done, by having this surgery, is make a permanent change in our lives that we cannot take back. Even with good results -- 60 pounds is amazing!! -- the reality of the change is still there. I have been depressed, clinically, before, and I work in mental health now. It is important to allow yourself time to mourn what you have lost and not beat yourself up for the regret. It is hard to give up something we like; it is hard to learn entirely new ways of coping with stress, of living our daily round; it is hard to accept the changes that are happening to our body and our world. So allowing ourselves to feel that is part of the process of healing. Like a cut, it has to scab over before new skin can grow; you are still very much in the healing stage. As you mourn the loss, you will begin to find hope and encouragement. In the midst of the loss there is also joy to be had, thankfulness for altogether new things that these changes are bringing and will bring. I wish you peace as you move through this time, and hope, and the grace to accept yourself, exactly where you are, right now, even if it is feeling regret. Tomorrow is a new day, with new opportunities.

Congrats!! That's fantastic. I'm close -- hope to get there soon. Keep up the great progress.

Hi there. My surgery was the 20th as well. Congrats on the great results!! There is often inner muscular pain at one site because they have to add a stitch or two to the muscle inside near the site. It's usually the one close to the belly button and is often slightly larger than the others, and is the primary place through which the stomach is removed. And it does feel especially uncomfortable when transitioning from one position to another -- using those abs! Mine felt like stinging. This will pass! Drains can also cause pain (my dr. doesn't use drains, so I didn't have that issue). The main thing to watch for is fever. If you develop a fever, let your dr. know. That can be a sign of infection. But it sounds like what you are feeling is par for the course. Good luck!

Welcome Angie! I too started by looking at the band but ultimately didn't like the potential complications and progress. I'm pleased with my decision to have VST. I think there is some wisdom in having to move slowly into this surgery. It gives one time to adjust both physically and mentally. Of course, insurance just wants some way to exclude people. But I suggest you use this time to really focus and begin the journey now. Your new life doesn't just start with the surgery -- it starts now when you begin to take control of your life. And you are so right! Your kids will be beneficiaries of this process. How great is that?? Good luck!

Welcome! It is good to have a community with whom to share this experience. You have had a tremendous amount of stress and change in your life in the last few years -- wow! I commend you for your strength to keep at it and to make changes in your life now. Your son will thank you when you live longer because you are healthier. I think that even with a lot of research about the surgery, the reality is always something beyond that. It takes time to adjust. Sounds like you are doing well!

Not uncommon for throats to be pretty irritated from the surgery due to various tubes, some more than others. Acid can do that too. My dr. said that small sips and bits help.

Ibuprophen is another no-no post-op due to increased risk of bleeding, like asprin. Tylenol is safe. I would agree that you should back off the solids and be sure to take a PPI like prilosec, etc. Good luck!

The obvious goal is to lose weight! I'm on track for that. So the other goals are: 1. Exercise. Unlike most of you, I have no interest in running a marathon or a 5K. (I couldn't anyway due to a knee problem.) But I'm thrilled for all of you runners! I do want to exercise more and firm up as I lose the weight, probably through martial arts and dancing. 2. Declutter my life -- I'm finding that as I begin to make changes, I see other places in my life that have suffered from excess, and my goal in 2012 is to simplify, find a harmonious order to my daily rhythm, and get rid of the stuff that I have around me. I guess that I have not only used food in the past; I have also acquired too much unnecessary stuff in my life. So I want to focus on what I truly need and less on what I want. I plan to lighten up in every way!!! 3. Continue to give back -- I do a lot of volunteer work, and I hope to do even more in 2012. No better way to have perspective in life that to be involved in the lives of others who are in need in some way. 4. Honor God I'm so excited for 2012!! It's going to be a great year!

I think pre-op diets vary. Mine was just what you describe -- Atkins-like minus the fat. Some folks are required to do full liquids before surgery. I think either way it is good to get started in that direction. The liver is the big issue and shrinking it makes the surgery easier for the surgeon and for your safety. Good luck! Keep us posted!

Way to go!! My surgery was the same day. Keep up the amazing progress. I'll bet as you continue to lose your BP will go down, down, down, like your weight.

Congrats on your surgery! I'm just 9 days out, so my experience is very fresh. I too didn't have any pain the first day, but I felt worse the second through 4th day. Part of that is due to the effects of anesthesia that first day, as well as the pain meds they give you. I was reluctant to utilize my pain meds much, because I don't like the woozy feeling, but it is probably best to stay ahead of the pain. I had trouble getting comfortable to sleep. And it was very hard to get anything down at all. I ended up sucking on ice a lot and just ate what I could. I couldn't fathom how anyone would get 64 oz of anything down ever again! (I'm still not quite at 64 oz per day, but my dr. says it usually takes a little bit more time to get there.) I did find that warm things went down easier, like broth. Still, it was just sips for me and I was full. When I got home, I still couldn't sleep well. I found adult liquid tylenol and got that down, which helped. I didn't use the narcotics though -- just didn't like them at all. I'm doing really well and feeling better every day. Hang in there; it does pass! Do let the nurses/drs know how your are feeling. (They are probably asking you about your pain level all the time with those little smiling/frowny faces anyway).

I'd be happy to help out. Just 9 days out but already have some observations! I'd also be interested to see the final paper.

Hi Kristine, and welcome! I think you will be pleased with your decision. As you point out, you're taking care of yourself by going forward, and that is good for your kids to see. Are you doing a pre-op diet? Good luck with that, if you are. It definitely jump starts the process and you start feeling good even sooner.

I too was sleeved on the 20th. I am doing pretty good overall, but I don't feel much like doing anything. I have absolutely no hunger and am having to force down my Protein. Sipping Water all day long to stay hydrated. The soreness from the incisions is lessening and it's getting easier to get around. It is surreal that I actually had the surgery and I'm sleeved. I guess that reality will sink in slowly. I'm glad to be feeling more normal each day.

I too thought of bolting on Tuesday when I had my surgery. I felt surprisingly good the first night but less so the second. My dr. kept me an extra night, and by noon today I literally begged to be discharged. I'm home now and feel lil etchings are beginning to improve. My abdomin is still very sore and swollen, partly because I had multiple procedures. Trying hard not to be discouraged. I can barely keep liquids down. My goal is to make it through as much water as possible and try to get an Isopure down today. Looks like I'll only get about half down. Every day is a new day.