DanaInNewOrleans

I'm 8 weeks post-op and I think my "worst" day for calories was Super Bowl Sunday. I'm guessing it was around 1500 calories. I had a piece of cake (unlike some sleevers I unfortunately have no problem with bread or sweet stuff). I usually try to stay around 800 calories..

Everyone of my medical professionals -- Primary, Neuro(multiple sclerosis), Rheum(lupus) and Endo (thyroid cancer) were very encouraging and positive about the surgery. Even my previous internist was very encouraging about it, telling me his patients that have had the surgery have all done beautifully with great results. What are your docs' concerns? Seems so odd that ALL of them are against it.

I remember a few patients here on VST who said they cancelled their surgery and then decided to do it a few months later.... I really think everyone goes through the same thoughts. My family and friends all had the same reaction. I always explained my reasoning and looked at them dead on and said.. I am doing this. I KNOW this is what is right for me. I understand all your concerns and I've had the same concerns and I have done all my homework. You know me - I don't take major decisions lightly -- I KNOW THIS IS RIGHT FOR ME... They all eventually just accepted it and embraced it with me... Remember, 98% of patients go through the surgery and recovery with no issues.. of course there is always the possibility of complications with ANY surgery, but the risk is small. Follow YOUR head and YOUR heart.

They are Vitamins specifically formulated for weight loss surgery patients. They have a specific formula for sleeve patients. I'm sure the formula is perfect and high quality....I just wish they'd put more research into making them tolerable.... http://www.opurity.c...e/multivitamin/

I understand about the NSAIDS ....I relied on Advil to control pain and inflammation (I have MS, ACL tear, ruptured disc...) almost daily. When I knew I was going to have this surgery I kind of weaned myself off but I need to find something else that I will be able to take. Have you tried Voltaren? It is an NSAIDS gel that you rub on the painful joint/area. It still has all the same risks of oral NSAIDS but I would think that the fact the the pill is not actually going through the tiny stomach would be less risky? My next appointment with my doc is Monday and I'm going to discuss it with him. As for your depression.... In my Aetna guidelines it specifically states that depression by itself should not prohibit a patient from having this surgery. It cracks me up to hear about people being denied the surgery due to depression. To me it stands to reason that obesity plays a huge role in the depression of obese person. I've battled depression for years and I can tell you it was all related to being fat, loathing myself, failing over and over to lose weight, etc..... is it optimal that you work out your issues before surgery? Well sure, in a perfect world. My opinion is have the surgery, start with a therapist and use BOTH tools (surgery and therapy) at the same time to work toward your new beginning/new life. Of course there are always extreme cases or cases where the type of depression would be a show stopper for the surgery. I remember hearing about a patient that was denied because the psyche eval found that the patient did not take responsibility in her daily life and was not capable of successfully following the lifelong changes the surgery required. That is reasonable.... I know that you have other medical issues that may be an issue and wish good luck with whatever decision you make... ~Dana

I take the Opurity Vitamins and it's all I can do the actually put them in my mouth. While I'm chewing those honking suckers I hold my breath..... They were making me nauseous too. I am now splitting them and taking half in the morning and half before bed. That has helped reduce the nausea.

Mine was just sitting in a cozy little office chatting about life. We discussed weight a little bit but mostly we just talked for an hour.

I was hoping that I would suddenly be repulsed by all the "bad" stuff but no, apparently it won't be that easy...

I wish I could say that my taste buds have changed, but no such luck. I do have moments when I'm fixing something to eat and then suddenly I realize I just do not want to eat..... but it's not about the specific food...

If you're having such a hard time right now, I'd take the IV fluids without hesitation. It would take the stress out of the whole fluids thing. You could probably relax and just concentrate on getting better....

How about joining Weight Watchers and schedule monthly visits with your doc. Based on what your listed as your insurance requirements, wouldn't that work?

Your doc doesn't have an a nutritionist they work with?

It was sudden for me too. In fact, I posted on VST that I was starving suddenly and everyone convinced me that it wasn't hunger but acid. I'm going to try the Nexium --- taking the Zantac ( in addition to my Prevacid 2x daily) has helped but not completely. Maybe the Nexium will wipe it out.

There is a good chance your "hunger" is actually acid. It can feel like extreme hunger -- a very empty gnawing feeling. A PPI like Prilosec or Prevacid can help! Mine started about 3 or 4 weeks after surgery ...I was already on Prilosec ( my doc prescribes to everyone before surgery but some docs don't do that) but added Zantac, which helped. Call your doc!

I agree with this completely. My weight has fluctuated so much, although I've never been "normal" weight as an I adult. It just went all over the place from merely overweight to obese to morbidly obese back to obese....you get the picture.. I was treated MUCH differently in my professional world during each category..... sad but true.

LOVE LOVE LOVE this!!! Great post! And so so very true..

You'll probably be telling that story for years!!!!! Glad to know you are sane!

You really should call your doc and explain what is going on. Many people think they are feeling hungry but it is actually acid, which Prilosec, Prevacid, etc would help. You also need to clarify your eating plan. You sound confused about your eating plan and you really need some guidance directly from the source....your doctor!

I think you need to contact your physician/nutritionist to clarify what your plan allows. Being on only mushy/puree food for almost 3 months sounds like a long time. Did they give you written guidelines? Also, are you on a PPI like Prevacid or Prilosec?

When does your plan move to the next phase? And what is it?

Me too. Water has been the most challenging thing for me with this whole process.... Yesterday I started using a straw and let me tell you, it has helped a lot! I have no idea why but I can get it down MUCH better and faster.

Think of it like this ....in about a months time you lost 26 lbs ...that is a LOT for a low BMI. Your body is probably trying to figure it out. You can't compare yourself to someone who is 350 lbs and loses 30 lbs the first month. You don't list your stats but lets say you are 5'4 with a goal weight 130. You started 217. You are now 191. That means you have lost 30% of your excess body weight in 1 month!! 30%! Of course you need to adjust the stats for your actual height but still ....that is pretty awesome !

When was your surgery?

Hold on....ONLY 30 pounds!!! Do not diminish your accomplishment!!! 30 pounds on a 34 bmi is significant!! Congratulations!

Congratulations!