PonyUp

I am so glad I decided to have the vertical sleeve with Dr. Aceves in Mexico. I have lost 59 pounds and still losing. It's true the first few months are a bit rough when it comes to transition of food stages, but it is all worth it and goes by quickly. Side effects I have experienced; I started hair loss in my third month but it definitely seems to be slowing down and with the Vitamins and good shampoos my hair looks better than what I expected. I was tired before surgery so that is about the same. My eyesight and memory seem to have gotten immediately worse since the surgery. I know memory loss is a common side effect. Moods a bit more up and down too, but I notice injecting myself with a multi Vitamin b injection once to twice a week really helps with mood and energy. I notice in my face a few more wrinkles and my skin is still adjusting but actually not too bad--so in time. I could not expect all the damage I caused my body to just go away, so I have accepted some of these things. Also, being 47 my skin is not a twenty year olds either! MY immediate upsides to surgery were; my temperature gauge was boiling hot all the time and now I am normal, little to no snoring and sleep wonderfully now. Of course the weightloss--looking and feeling better. Less to no pain in my left knee due to weight. I have another 20-30 pounds to go and when I get there I will post my before and after pics. Besides all the many changes this transforming surgery causes it can bring out you wanting to clean house in many areas of your life and that is what I have been doing. Anyhow, I came to this forum daily months prior to my surgery and it was a great resource in research and learning about what to expect. Reading posts from those that had been there and done that really helped. I have not been on much since the surgery and thought I should pay some of it forward. Good luck to all those considering or that have WLS dates...and to fellow sleevers I hope you are as happy as I am about my choice to be sleeved!

Mommeof3 Good for you to have it done at a fairly young age! I and most everyone BEFORE they were sleeved had MAJOR jitters....days and weeks before the surgery...so normal. I almost cancelled, but so glad I did not! I was so surprised on THE MINIMAL AMOUNT OF PAIN! In fact I had to remind myself and so did the hospital staff to not over do it. With that said everyone is different, but hopefully you too will be surprised considering they are taking out a large portion of an organ! It's amazing the small incision too! (If you have small children do not lift them for a period of time--talk to Dr!). 2-4oz is about all I can get down at one given time and over a much slower pace than before. It also depends on the type of food--trial and error, especially after the liquids stage. I have had many throwing up or foamies during month three and part of month four...so much better now that I am learning what works and does not work for me (amount and kinds of food). . I tried so many yucky Protein drinks etc but my favorite I bought in bulk at costco called Premier-30 grams of protein for 11oz of liquid. I liked the vanilla. Again trial and error...and we all have different taste preferences. I wish you the best! Be brave, be positive and most importantly follow your Dr.'s instructions!

Funny and educational! Thanks for sharing. I knew a side effect could be emotional but I did not know the explanation about the hormones and fat cells--interesting. I too can be angry one moment and crying another, but this last week and half I have seemed to level out a bit. I also give myself vitamin B injections twice a week...so maybe that is helping.

Star, I can totally relate, I too am a slow loser, but like you I had to give myself alot of pep talks. Also, I measured myself...a friend that had the surgery the same day as I lost 20 pounds in three weeks and ten inches and I lost ten pounds and 20 inches (six in the waist!). Soooooo...the scale is only half the story and inches the other! I too am feeling better about myself...went shopping and bought once size down than before--Yay!

I understand the being scared part, because the few times I did have real hunger I thought "oh great, I got a huge portion of my stomach removed to still only have the hungry monster come out", but it has lessened and now I am scared that I will be such a slow loser and not lose all my weight! Oh well, it is a process of re-learning, learning the new stomach, etc. WE can do it!

lailabrownskinned, I am three weeks post-op and I have not told ANYONE but my husband and my SON. I have been hiding out some from girlfriends and even lied saying I hurt my back and that is why I have not been able to ride horses with them (we ride together a lot on weekends. I had a get together with them a week and half after my surgery for a potluck picnic b-day party and I had to again lie saying I just had a huge lunch with my sister-in-law. This coming weekend my husband has business only 45 minutes away from my best friend, but I am not going because I cannot eat half way normal yet and will not be able to get away with that with her. I do not like lieing but I look at it this way...this was a huge PERSONAL decision and I did not want the judgement from my friends who ALL are very fit women for their ages from 46-65 and cannot relate to my obesity problem because they have never been more than twenty pounds overweight. Some would judge and some would be supportive...both to my face and behind my back. And even those friends who have had cosmetic surgery I am not sure how supportive they would be. I look at it this way...I am an open book often with friends about my very personal life, but this is one thing I hold close to me and do not want anyone thinking I took the "easy way out" and judging my decision. I don't want to have anyone's negativity towards my personal joy in the journey of reclaiming my body and mind. Maybe when I reach my goal I will discuss with them...but not sure. Once the weight is lost I will also be getting cosmetic surgery to lift the boobies along with a neck and facelift and lip injections with juvederm or something like that and since cosmetic surgery does not have the stigma as WLS still has I have no problem sharing that with friends. So, you are not alone in being secretive and you do not owe anyone an explanation.

Wow 4ALongerLife, You have lost a lot of weight in a short period of time! It appears my fate is to be a slow loser, but I am okay with that as long as I can within eight months to a year lose 80 pounds. I too am going for 140 and I am 5'6" (use to be 5'7"). However, I do not know how realistic that is, I have not seen 130's or 140's in 15 years! (Since my late twenties early thirties). Thanks for the food suggestion...that always helps, unfortunately, there are not any Whole Foods near me...three house away is the closest. However, at a discount grocery store in town they have boxed organic soups that are creamy soups and pretty tasty for the price. I am eating Southwest Creamy Corn Soup tonight!

WOW, CaliKat--that is good to know . I am three weeks post op and moving into the soft/blended/pureed foods stage another two weeks and I can try solids! Looking forward to when I can eat small "REAL" meals!

I am right there with you SLIM and 4A, and Forensic...I am three weeks post op and diligently trying to get it all right, but sometimes I fall short in liquid, protein intake and calories. I am what is considered a slow loser, I guess, because three weeks out I have only lost ten pounds, however, I have lost 20inches and a lot more active--walking, walking horse and cleaning horse stall, etc. It can be a bit discouraging, but I tell myself patience and just keep trying to do my best.

As you will see throughout this forum there are those that initially drop a lot of weight and then level out...There are some that seem slow and steady... And then there is everything in between! The fact that you are working out 30 minutes is real good AND losing slower or a normal amount of weight monthly is better for the skin, hair and gallbladder. I have lost only ten pounds three weeks out (so my loss is similar to yours), but I have lost a total 20 inches...so if you feel defeated by the scale try measuring yourself and you might be pleasantly surprised.

I am only three weeks out and I have 4 food phases and I am just starting phase 3 (soft/blended/pureed foods) and although, I have had moments of PHYSICAL hunger, that is not my struggle so much, but moreso MY TONGUE MISSES THE TASTE OF GOOD FOOD! (Is your hunger head or physical hunger?...I had to ask myself that when I did feel it) I have only had blended/pureed carrots thus far and about 2-3 oz. is all I can consume at one time. I am transitioning okay (stomach handling puree) but find myself not drinking or getting my liquid intake as well as when I eat more dense food vs when I was drinking my meals! Wow, look at all the weight you have lost already....lucky you!

I am three weeks out and even on creamed/pureed foods I am struggling to get 600 calories. This is typical I think the first six weeks while we work through the stages of eating, but I do push myself to drink and get proteins in. I find I drink less when I have the cream/pureed foods...so, i need to work on.

i AM THREE WEEKS POST OP AS OF tomorrow and too am feeling a bit discouraged AND I HAVE ONLY LOST 10 POUNDS! However, I have been a lot more active since I have had the sleeve, walking, cleaning horse stalls, walking my horse (since I cannot ride). A lady I befriended that had the surgery the same day as me, in fact hours before me, (and is six years younger-I am 46) has lost 21 pounds and ten inches. HOWEVER, I HAVE LOST 20 TOTAL INCHES. So, my surgeon office asked how I was doing and I sent them my eating/exercise diary and explained and discussed my fears of why I am a slow loser (hormonal, maybe?), but also I know I am much more physically active than my friend that was sleeved on the same day....SO IT VERY WELL COULD BE GAINING MUSCLE AND THAT IS WHAT I AM HOPEFUL FOR. I HAVE NOT BEEN PERFECT EITHER AS FAR AS LIQUID AND PROTEIN INTAKE, BUT OVERALL THINK I AM DOING WELL. (I think we all struggle at first with our intakes). After they review my diary they may see as to why I am slow or give me other reasons as to why. I keep telling myself to just be patient and in time it will be okay. I just have read that the most weight is lost three to six months post (and often slows considerably afterwards) so I am fearful that I will not lose the 80 pounds within eight months to a year as planned. However, If I could stay a steady ten pounds a month, I do believe slower weight loss is better for skin, hair and gallbladder, then I would be okay...but it all seems out of my control...at least I have lost ten pounds which is something I have not been able to do for ten years. I am not going to quit exercising and I am looking forward to when I can exercise more vigorously. Good luck to you and all the slow losers!

ORIGINALLY I WAS GOING TO GET THE BAND FOR MANY OF THE SAME REASONS YOU ARE THINKING, BUT AFTER MUCH RESEARCH...My REASONS FOR HAVING THE SLEEVE (THREE WEEKS AGO) ARE JUST AS SLIMTHICKENS AND MANY OTHERS OVER AND OVER ON THIS FORUM AND OTHER FORUMSHAVE EXPLAINED. ON TOP OF IT I WENT TO A VERY WELL KNOWN AND WORLD WIDE SURGEON IN Mexico AND PAID A 3RD OF WHAT IT WOULD OF COST ME HERE IN THE STATES. I AGREE AND READ EVERYTHING THAT SLIMTHICKENS STATED IN HER ORIGINAL EMAIL. GOOD LUCK WITH YOUR RESEARCH, YOU'RE ON THE RIGHT PATH OF ASKING QUESTIONS AND RESEARCH.

Congrats! I too was surprised how good I felt and was thankful it went so smoothly! I am only 11 days post op and have been walking and doing MORE activity than I did BEFORE I was sleeved! I do tend to have peaks and valleys in my energy and when the valleys hit I listen and slow down--relax and sit somewhere (couch, chair at barn). I have found a Ready To Drink protein drink at Costco in Vanilla and Chocolate flavors (Premier Nutrition) that I love (110z, 30g of protein....VERY watery, not "shake" like). Well, good luck on your weight loss journey!

Hi, I am 12 days post op and doing great, but a little frustrated in trying to use myfitnesspal on my smart phone. It asked my goals in weight loss weekly and it TOLD me what my calorie intake should be. Can I manually put in WHAT I WANT and what my CALORIE INTAKE and other intakes are? Please if anyone can give me simple guidance that would be great!

Hi Kimberly, I live in Red Bluff--back from Mexico on the 14th, but still not quit home yet. I am doing really well and looking forward to the process! If I have questions is it okay to contact yyou directly?

At airport awaiting my ride into Mexico. Surgery tomorrow 4/10--Dr. Aceves. Did not sleep a wink last night...so, sorta like a natural relaxant! I just want to get the testing done...eat...then sleep...I hope! Positive thoughts my way...please!

I had my sleeze surgery on the 10th and doing better than imagined. Spent three full days in the hospital Almater located in Mexacali Mexico. The hospital was cleaner and newer than several American hospitals (California) I have seen. The nurses And staff attentive and both dr.campos (which himself had the sleeve and is also a nutritionist) visited twice daily- in the morning and late afternoon. The Canadians I befriended (mom n daughter) felt exactly the same! I am sip sip sipping away. I only had some slight nausea yesterday when. first drank and i have rumbling and gurgling...but my poor tummy has been so good to me considering. ! I am now at a fancy hotel awaiting to get a ride to get my teeth cleaned, chipped tooth repaired and xrays for cavities. ..looking less forward to dental work than the sleeve! Lol!

Surgery tomorrow 4/10 with Dr Aceves. Testing today...developed a small chest cold not sure if that will effect surgery or not. Did not sleep a wink last night...however, Im now too tired to feel nervous...so a good thing I guess. Positive thoughts my way please!

Thanks a lot...well, I am 46 years old, so I am right there with ya as far as age goes! I think your advice is wise and right on. I am going to have to get someone though to ride my horse for the five weeks I am NOT riding or else I could have trouble in the saddle once I step on! Thanks for sharing!

I have my surgery on April 10th, and I went into GNC to buy all my Vitamins, etc and the girl could not believe I was having WLS...no doubt I am overweight at 220, 5'7", but it use to be only the severely obese could have WLS and I am glad a lot of us now have the opportunity to have the surgery before all the co-morbities associated often with severely obese set in.

Ladies--I am so with you! Mab--you are not alone! I have surgery April 10th and have what appears the normal pre-jitters. I had a sleeve buddy that got the surgery about three weeks ago and I have not heard from her the last week and half so that makes me a bit nervous too...wondering how she is doing and WHAT is she NOT telling me...or is she just busy with life? I also have been having anxiety and what do I typically do when I have anxiety...eaT eAT EAT! Of course all the wrong things and then I get anxious about what I am doing wrong and question myself...am I really mentally prepared for what I am undertaking? Then my two selves have a talk with each other and the "practical one" calms the "anxious one" Yes, the first month is going to be rough and the following two months after that things might not be exactly what we knew as normal, but we will be learning and healing in so many ways if we really commit ourselves. I mean really who is not seriously committed about this if we have chosen to get the majority of our stomach removed?!! (Even when I doubt myself to be able to do the work needed-nutrition and exercise). I think that the initial weight loss will be motivating. And when the dreaded stall happens we will have all read about and know it is bound to happen, along with hair loss, maybe even potential gall-bladder problems....and with the support of fellow sleevers we will feel less alone with the great support of people that "have been there done that!" Then hopefully someday we can help a new sleever.

Tippy2us, Thanks for your input...oh, gosh I hope it is not six months to put my saddle on my horse! I am hoping within 5 weeks (I have a fairly light weight custom western saddle)...I guess I will find out!

Hello, Spring, Summer and late Fall I am actively riding my horse (trail riding, some trotting and loping, some cattle work--but mostly trail), but I am wondering those of you that ride how soon your were able to ride, how many hours and saddle lifting, etc...your overall experience. I am not sure how I am going to get away without riding with friends for a month or more (ONLY my husband knows)...but I can blame it on other activities going on for maybe several weeks. Anyhow, please share your experience. Thanks.