thebionicbroad

I hope that I don't have to be a year out, 10 pounds under goal, or wearing size 0 jeans to be considered a success, but, by golly, I feel like one. No matter what program I've been on in the past, it took me 6 months to lose 50 pounds. There was no difference between Weight Watchers, medically-supervised fasting, the "crap" band, or PhenFen. 50 pounds equaled 6 months. Well, tomorrow is my 12 weeks, and I'm down 47 pounds. I haven't hit a stall yet (I know that I will). My hair is thinning a bit, but I've been through that before with childbirth and illness. I'm finally into a size 16, as in "off-the-rack" at regular clothing stores. I eat small quantities of healthy food, feel satisfied, and watch not only the scale but my body measurements change, too: From a 39" waist to 35. For many of you, that's still monstrous, but for someone of my age and build, it's amazing. Has it been work? Yes and no. It took awhile to get my regimen together: liquid Vitamins and minerals, enough Protein (usually), enough Water (seldom), remembering my PPI (urp), and giving up high-acid foods and beverages. But it's as if I have the appetite that I was born with. I was a skinny kid, and because of various influences and events, I ballooned at 13. So, I again have that skinny kid's appetite. I don't binge, I stay low-carb, I don't have over-powering cravings for foods, and I'm happy with my new lot in life. Do I have a ways to go? Of course, but how far, I have no idea. I don't know what an optimum weight is for me. I'd love to wear a size 14. A 12? I haven't worn that size since I WAS 12. It's so blasted exciting to see the possibility of a normal body size. I love this sleeve. I love my surgeon. And I love you all for being such wonderful encouragers and examples.

The surgery will be over before you know it. If your lungs are healthy, you should be good to go. I understand your concerns. I love my babies, too. But think about how thin you'll be, and that you'll live to see a few generations down the road. Good luck!

Two: 1. "You look younger," and 2. (From my boss) "You look different. Are you losing weight?" The first, for obvious reasons, and the second, my boss is oblivious, so for him to notice is amazing.

Teamthin, I was stationed in South Korea for a year. Really liked it. I don't recognize the procedure you're having, either, but that doesn't mean much. Welcome! I am 100% happy with my sleeve.

That twit will probably need the sleeve, herself, in the future. If she has that many eating issues, she's doomed. Don't let those types affect you. They are sick and twisted puppies.

No Options, EKG, sleep study, chest X-ray, or classes. From PCP referral to surgery, two weeks. All it took was a Lap-band that tried to kill me. Hmmm....NOT the way to go.

Pookey, I don't know what my adult body looks like at a healthy weight, so I am wondering the same thing. My goal is 150, which is a 23 BMI. Maybe that's too low for an old lady like me. Going by BMI, what weight puts you at 25?

Call your doctor!

I guess I'm lucky, or oblivious. Except for one nasty guy, everyone on here has been wonderfully supportive.

I've discovered that even the maltodextrin in Splenda packets or granulated Splenda is enough to trigger low blood sugar (increased hunger). I've switched to EZSweetz.

Sounds about what I was doing 3 weeks out.

I use Lifetime Liquid Calcium Magnesium Citrate. Beware of calcium carbonate: It's basically dry-wall.

And my bat-wings do the harmony part. Sheesh.

For those of you who have been sleeved for quite a while: With Weight Watchers, Phen-Fen, medically-supervised fasting, the Lap-band, and every diet I've ever been on, I've never been able to get below 180. (I got to 175 once after a serious medical issue, but within a week, I was over 180 again.) I'm 5'7", with a medium build, and 54 years old. I'm currently at 187, with an ultimate goal of 150. Why the constant 180? Any ideas? I haven't been consistently below 180 since I was 30. I'd love to hear from people who have consistently maintained at or below goal.

Rain, My Best Half took me to Sizzler last night. I had a few ounces of salmon (overcooked a bit), and steamed broccoli (no butter). I actually could chew, swallow, and not have the food get stuck, or have it hurt. I didn't have to grease the food to get it to go down. And it stayed down. When I had the Fluid removed from my band before surgery, I felt the restriction, too. With the sleeve, I can eat things (healthy) that I haven't been able to eat for five years. You will be so amazed and pleased with the sleeve. Good luck, and keep us posted!

Between an old-school appendectomy, two C-sections, an open hysterectomy, and many years of porkiness, I've always had a significant "apron." I've lost quite a bit of it, but here's my question. When I turn the wrong way, I get a sharp twinge on the right side of scar. Could I be herniating? I don't see the doc again until March 15th. Also, if I am herniating, how much of a chance do you think that I might have of convincing Kaiser to do a tummy tuck?

Dorrie, is that really true? Do you know how much?

Thank you for the info, everyone. I haven't "indulged," so I guess I'll think twice in the future, especially since I don't have a gall bladder.

Rats!

I had a BMI of 36, with no co-morbidities. I had the vomiting and couldn't eat anything but sliders. My PCP referred me to a bariatric surgeon, who wanted to get the band out post-haste. I had upper GI but no classes. Between referral to bariatrics and revision was 2 weeks.

Camarillo, Kaiser SoCal did my band to sleeve revision on December 13th. I was a self-pay for the band, and was in the same situation as you with the constant vomiting. I had a slight slip, but no erosion. Even with the scar tissue from the band, I had the band removed and revision done in the same procedure.

I'm 9 weeks out, too, and ice cream of any type makes me sick. Have you become lactose intolerant? It can happen. Fried foods may be too much for the sleeve at this point. Are you having gall bladder issues? Dumping is really uncommon with the sleeve, since the pyloric valve is still in place.

I'm so allergic to surgical tape and adhesive bandages that I have a permanent rectangular mark where the drain was. The adhesive left a scar. Call your doctor to get a prescription for something. You need your rest, and can't stay up all night scratching!

Pookey, I'm replying so that I can see the responses. I'm interested, too. I'm a school counselor.

I don't worry about cholesterol intake. If our intake falls below what our body needs, our body makes its own cholesterol. The brain is made of cholesterol. Our hormones are cholesterol-based. Unless a person is one of the rare few who genetically make an absurd amount, cholesterol intake affects nothing. When a person eats a typical American diet (high carb/sugar), the blood vessels become inflamed. The body uses cholesterol as bandages to heal the inflamed areas. That's how vascular plaques get started. Cholesterol isn't the cause, but part of the body's solution. The answer is to keep the carbs down. So, enjoy your cheese. preferably the lower-fat varieties to help keep our calories down. Cholesterol isn't a viable issue.