Sherri297

Congratulations Mandy! I know what you mean when you say "I've got my life back" also. At 9 months out I'm still 24 lbs. away from goal, but for the first time in 20 years I actually want to exercise, and feel good doing it. This surgery is nothing short of a miracle. Keep on rockin that sleeve, and enjoy the journey.

Honestly I'm glad me husband didn't go with me.......he doesn't do "nothing" well, and he would have been so bored that I would have been filled with anxiety, You'll do just fine alone, but it is nice to have some one there for you. I took my 67yr old mother with me and she handled it very well. Maybe you have a close friend or cousin?

While I haven't been on a vacation lately, I do have a few ideas that might help. Since Protein and Water should be your main concern.....call ahead to the resort/hotel, tell them you take medication that needs to be refrigerated, and would it be possible to get a room with a fridge? If that's not an option pack one of those collapsible coolers that are like a large insulated sack lunch type. This is to put ice in. A microwave would be great also. On the way to the resort stop and buy, or pack in your luggage (depending on where your going) RTD Protein shakes, or Protein powder, yogurt, string cheese, SF pudding, etc. Also unjury chicken broth is always a good go to. And if it's convenient a case of water, so you'll never be with out it, and some SF water flavoring like crystal light or Mio. You'll be surprised at how many softer foods you can mash the hell out of and be able to eat. Just chew, chew, chew. Enjoy you vacation. Sherri

Glad your feeling better, now go rock that new sleeve!!????

My Dr. said at 4-5 months a glass of wine was okay. I tried a margarita at 6 months out.... Only drank half and had horrible heartburn/reflux. Needless to say we won't be going there in the near future.

I have an internist doing my follow up care as I was sleeved in Mexico. At 6 months he gave me the Ok to use ibuprofen but only if I ate with it.

I know hot showers and baths can mess with your blood pressure, usually lower than normal. That's why they advise pregnant women against them. So it's possible that's what happened to you. If you have a BP monitor see what it is if it happens again.

So glad to hear your doing okay. With this surgery you really need to listen to your body, take your vitamins, get your liquid and protein in and you should do fine.

I've taken omeprazole for years for acid reflux/heartburn. For breakthrough pain try several gas-X strips. Tums, Rolaid's, etc. didn't help at all. On the more positive side.... as you lose weight you will have less and less heartburn.

Nelly, let us know how your doing. we are concerned.

If you can get your hands on a heating pad or hot water bottle, and put it on your upper back.....it will help tons. Sorry your hurting so badly.

If you went with a WLS coordinator call every damn number they gave you. I would not put it off. I was looking at some of your previous posts and you've been feeling crappy for way to long. You really do need to be seen right away.

I think skrubabilen is right on. It sounds like a trip to the ER would be a good idea. Once you get dehydrated its really hard to keep anything down. I don't think your going to die, but it sounds like some medical intervention may be necessary. Good luck.

You look fantastic!! And yes a like for bravery. I just ditched my old size 24 swim dress for a size 14 1 piece swim suit. Hooray for both of our non scale victories !!!

There is no expiration date for your sleeve to stop working, I'm now 9 months out and down about 93 lbs., I have no doubt that I will eventually get to goal. Yes I get hungry, and I'm trying to stick to the protein first plan, and have my sleeve help me like the tool it's intended to be. Be patient with yourself and have faith that you cn do this!!

Congratulations on your new sleeve, the 2nd and 3rd days were the most uncomfortable for me. It feels like you've done 500 stomach crunches. If your experiencing upper back and shoulder pain, try using a heating pad for the gas pains. Also your tummy is swollen and bruised, so a little ice pack might be helpful. By about day 4 you'll start feeling a lot better provided you don't over do. Chin up....the worst is over, sip, walk and rest. You'll feel much better in a couple of days.

Hi Sue, Jerseygirl is right on. Liquids the first week is priority #1. However you can get it in. You also might try no sugar added popsicles. During my first few days I was able to get down just slightly warm liquids the best. Unjury broth is great, or even chicken bullion in warm water. Sip, sip, sip....that's your main job, plus a little walking. Congratulations on your choice of a new and healthier life.,,,you'll do just fine. Sherri

What a beautiful transformation. In your before pictures your still beautiful, you just look so sad. Congratulations on making all the way to the other side. Embrace your new life, health and body.

Do some research on hypothyroidism on the internet. You'll find that those of us whose thyroids don't work correctly are frequently overweight, depressed, and have fuzzy thinking. I started taking synthroid several years before being sleeved, and continue to take it now. I'm not a Dr. but I think it will make losing weight easier than without it. Synthroid definitely helps with your energy level, but it does take a long time of frequent blood testing to get the proper dosage dialed in so prepare.

Don't give up hope. I'm 7 months out, before WLS I was on 1000 mg. metformin, Januvia, and 30 units of Levimir daily. Right after surgery my levels were really good then about 2 weeks out I had to start take the metformin again. I was very discouraged to say the least. The more weight I lost and the more active I became, the lower my blood sugars. I switched to cinnamon at about 3 months out and now happy to report that's all I take for BS. So hopefully your levels will come down with a little time.

I did not pack light and was glad I had my creature comforts. If your bringing a lap top or tablet, an extension cord with multiple plug ins was really helpful. Heating pad for upper back/shoulder pain from the gas pain. Gas X strips. Bouillon cubes (for broth),extra panties/panty liners, a pair of loose shorts to put on under your hospital gown (so you can walk the halls without showing your behind). Some easy slip on shoes or slippers because bending over hurts your tummy. Hope this helps.

Hello uccmart, I am currently 51 years old, had my heart attack at age 46. Probably stress induced but I was a 2 pack a day smoker and 50 lbs overweight at that time. I also had high cholesterol and was insulin resistant. They put in 2 stents, told me to quit smoking (which I did), go exercise and enjoy life. Over the next 3 years I managed to put on another 50 lbs and found myself with full fledged diabetes. I was desperate to lose the weight and regain my health. So while researching the band I ran into this new surgery called a VST. I could have qualified with my insurance with my comorbidities, but after you have a heart attack they jack up your insurance premiums sky high and your forced to the go to a super high deductible . So for me the only choice was to have my surgery in Mexico. I hade my surgery the day after my 51st birthday (October 8, 2012). It was the BEST present I've ever given myself. I am 6 months out, down 90 lbs from my highest weight and off all diabetic medication. I feel like a new women. This surgery added years to my life and life to my years. If you have any other questions you can PM me, and good luck with your decision.

I was on Plavix after 2 seperate heart stents, and needed my gallbladder out (granted I was not in severe pain) but my cardiologist wouldn't clear me for the surgery because of the Plavix and the risk of heavy bleeding. The cardiologist did take me off of it after a year of treatment. Had my sleeve 6 months ago (and gallbladder removed). Down 90 lbs from my heaviest weight, off all diabetic meds, and feeling great.

The exact same thing happened to me. My surgery was Oct. 2012, then had another 3 months later. No more since then. I just attributed it to hormones. Did you check in with your GYN? I haven't, just wondering.

I've had 2 C-sections, and my gallbladder out at the same time as my sleeve surgery. My C-sections were 20 and 25 years ago, but that pain was by far worse than the sleeve/gallbladder surgery. Hope that helps. :wub: