IrishEyes

Yay! My first contest!! Beginning weight 243 DOS (9-21-11) 229 Today (11-1-12) 209 Goal (1-1-13) 190 (Gulp..) Good luck everyone!! We can do this! For us recent sleevers, this is going to be the first holiday season we LOSE! ((Hugs))

That's sooo wonderful!! I am so happy for you! Keep up the good work!!

I was told no coffee for 1 month. Not even decaf as coffee irritates the lining of the stomach. I was allowed decaf tea day 1 post-op. And its true, if you drink caffeine you would have to take in more fluids. Just had my first cup of coffee a few days ago and no problems.

First noticed in my face as well, but not a lot. I am 4 wk post op an have been stalled for 2 wks with any scale loss. However, I plan to do my measurements on the anniversary of my sleeve every month (idea from another post on this site) and today was my first post op measuring. Lost 4 inches in bust, 2 inches from my hips, 1 inch from my waist and 2 inches from each arm. However, gained an inch on thighs and an inch on the calfs. All in all, glad with results. It does help when you don't see the scale moving. To OP, don't worry. You will see the difference in your face soon. It's probably already changing just too subtle right now for you to notice. One morning you'll wake up, look in Tue mirror and TADA!! Hang in there!

One unexpected change... Having to adjust the mirrors and the steering wheel in my car! Weird, huh?!?!

I feel the same way, losingitforgood. Couldn't live without Protonix! I am to be on it for 2 months post op but was telling someone today that I want to stay on it forever. Don't know if its the Protonix or the hernia removal (with sleeve) that has made the difference. Don't like being on meds but will miss Protonix.

One little thing I would like to share... I went to the gym yesterday for the first time since surgery. Amazingly I really ENJOYED it. I used to go every once in a while because I knew it was good for me but never really enjoyed it. Felt good but didn't enjoy it. Now, its a whole different feeling. Hard to explain. My body actually is responding differently to exercise. Kinda like a new body. Very weird. Totally took me by surprise. Anyone else experience this??

Hey sleeve sister!! I started out with liquid multi complete from Walgreens (Walgreens brand) and once I could do chewables I switched. I really, really don't like the chewables at all. I kinda gag on them. I found myself going back to the liquid. It doesn't taste bad if you keep it chilled. I use chewables in AM and liquid at night until I run out of chewables. Then pretty sure I am going to use liquid all the time. It's just so easy to get in. And I need easy.

I use the unflavored protein too. I put it in my water with crystal light. A half of a scoop per 16.9 oz bottle. There is a very slight taste for a moment. But no, no real after taste. In my opinion. It is a good way to squeeze in some protein.

Prayers for both kmoore and jackie, that you both have a successful procedure and a painfree, speedy recovery. Congratulations on making this decision for yourselves and changing your life in a positive way! Prepare to be amazed, by you!

I truly appreciate your input OTR. I, personally, place a high value on anything you post. Just wanted you to know... And thanks.

Wow!! What a beautiful transformation!! Congrats on your wonderful success!!!

Malabsorbtion was one deciding factor why I chose sleeve. And didn't like the idea of reconnecting my plumbing. More chance of complication, in my opinion. And I have to say I think about the options I had now that I am postop and 100% glad I made this choice practically every day. Good you guys are doing research and glad posters are adding links for you. Have faith you will make the best choice for you, and all will fall into plave. You'll see. Best wishes!

No, no.. that's ok.. we ALL ask that on the beginning.. it means non scale victory. Cheers to many in your future!

Surgery date 9/21 Surgery day weight 228 Todays weight 215 Down 13lbs However, started preop diet 9/14 @ 243.... So in about 4 wks down 28lbs. That's how I like to look @ it! Think I am in the dreaded 3 wk stall.... I feel I am losing slower than I had hoped too. Just glad I no longer have to worry about gaining, like I have the past few DECADES of my life. scale is moving in the right direction, so I'll take it!

Does having the sleeve increase your risk for gall stones?? If so, anyone know why and is there anything to do to avoid them? Have seen a lot about this topic and concerned...

That is simply amazing!! Congratulations!!

Wow!! Congratulations!!

Geezz, my Dr has me on a lot: Celebrate bariatric multi 2x a day Fiber 5g, 2x a day Protonix 1 a day Calcium 2x a day coq10 1 a day Then beginning 3rd month add fish oil.

@aliasmith, it really depends on the individual. I had the same concern, reading probably similar posts, and I haven't had problems drinking anything at all. Actually surprised I can kinda gulp but only one gulp not chug. Maybe because people are addressing concerns in this type of forum so it seems like its the norm but I get the feeling most people tolerate fluids ok. Dehydration can happen quick after this surgery and easily too if we don't stay on top of it and really concentrate on making sure we get it all in. Even though I didn't have trouble it still was a chore in the beginning. Best of luck to you!

Oh, and what helped me through day 2 was on day 1 I asked for a heating pad. It felt sooo good and helped me immensely on day 2! Used the thing all 3 days I was in the hospital!!

This is a very good question and one I put a lot of thought into, pre-op and now post-op as well. I chose to tell noone one at work. Just said I was going on vaca. I work with a lot of mean women. Of my 12 coworkers only one is a man. I probably don't have to tell you how bad it can get when anyone works with a bunch of women. The mean ones get the others going. It's sad actually. I just felt it was right. Maybe a bit ashamed I can't do it on my own. I went so far as to block ANYONE I know from my office building from seeing posts on my FB wall. So I had made my decision on the subject and that was that. Well, postop (16days) its a completely different story. About a week ago it just came over me how proud I am of myself and my choice to do this. I go back to work tomorrow. I am not telling the world about it but if someone asks, I will tell them. Shoot, all I have to do is tell one woman and the whole office will know. And I am fine with it. I am proud of this choice. I live in my body and I am going to be more comfortable and healthy in it because of the decision I made to take control of a bit of my destiny. This is not the easy way out, we all know this. Anyone who says so is just ignorant. Ignorant of the whole process. My family has come around. They have seen and witnessed my journey so far. They were skeptical at first but now see how much healthier I am going to be. It's a completely personal decision only you can make. And don't be surprised if what you THINK you have decided preop changes postop. You will be proud of yourself too. You just wait and see!! Best of luck to you. Prayers for a successful procedure and painfree, quick recovery!

Congratulations!!! You are gonna be sooo happy!! I am 16 days postop and every morning I wake up I am so glad I made the decision to make this change! Don't let Day 2 scare you. It's normal for it to be an uncomfortable day. Just know that day 3 is much better!! Welcome to the losers bench!!

@momto3girls... By any chance are you on a CPAP or bi-pap? Is it happening all day or only when you sleep?

Today I am 13 days post-op and experiencing pain. Up until the night of day 10 everything has been going pretty smoothly. Then in the middle of the night (3 nights ago) I woke up out of a sound sleep with doubled over pain. Took about 45 min for it to go away. It was strongest when I woke up and gradually faded. I was able to take liquid pain mess (hesitant to swallow ANYTHING) and used a heating pad on my belly. I also took gas-x strips and had to pass a lot of gas. The 2nd night it happened twice and the discomfort stayed with me a bit yesterday. Luckily I had my first post-op appt yesterday as well. Driving to the appt I was talking to my Mom (she is a nurse) about it. After ruling out things like I am tolerating food fine and no acid issues, she found it strange it only happened when I was sleeping. She guessed it had to have something to do with my bi-pap. After telling my surgeon about it he immediately said "yes, I believe it to be you bi-pap and I need you to STOP using that until you can get the settings adjusted. I fear it may be pushing air into your tummy and extending it and you are still very much in the healing process right now." Last night I slept without the bi-pap and no waking up with pain at all. I placed a call to my pulmonologist and they are sending the settings to the bi-pap distributors. Just waiting for the call to take it in and get it adjusted. It has the capability of being programmed to adjust to my body changes but the Dr never sent in the prescription for that adjustment to be made prior to surgery. I haven't ever had any pain eating since surgery. The same thing I had for dinner monday, I had for lunch today and it was so painful I had to stop and lay down with the heating pad. I am doing that now and it is feeling better. Guess I will go back to basics for awhile. I had been able to progress to soft food, which is only a few days early by my Dr schedule. I'm afraid some damage may have been done. Praying it isn't too bad and subsides in a few days. No other trouble so not too concerned to call Dr just yet. If it gets worse or anything else changes I will. He didn't seem too, too concerned yesterday as long as I stop bi-pap and I have. I am posting this for mostly post-ops that use any machine for sleep apnea. I wish I had known this was a possibility. I would have stopped the first night it happened. Thanks for your time. Hope this helps someone and spares them pain and possible complications, that would have been worse for me had I not caught it so soon.