one_elle26

Hi everyone, I haven't been here in a while because 'life' has gotten a bit busy....a "direct" consequence of having a Sleeve done 11 months ago. I have been busy starting to 'live' again !!!!!!!!! Yesterday, I received a phone call that I had been hoping to get for a couple of weeks , and I was officially accredited to be a Foster Carer for children of all ages from Newborn to 17. And then this afternoon, I got a second phone call telling me that I will be caring for a 7 year old girl with Special Needs as of tomorrow. This is the realisation of a lifelong dream to care for children. I wanted to do Paediatric Nursing when I started Nursing, but my Father thought I should do 'General Adult' Nursing, so I did as I was told. Because my Sleeve has given me my Life back I can do what I have always wanted to do....at 58 years of age I am starting a new phase. I am also hoping to go back to some Part time work. "Pre-Sleeve", I would never have dreamed that any of this would be possible. I am really happy about the 7 year old, but my 'ultimate dream' is to care for Infants and Pre-school age kids...that will happen just not right at this moment. Congratulations to everyone who is starting out on this adventure and to those that have achieved success with making this decision of a Lifetime. Keep up the good work everyone. Best Wishes Michele

Hi, Welcome to the thread. I am on an Aussie Bypass FB page and in my discussions with my Bypass friends, it seems that our goals and 'issues' if they occur seem to be very similar. If you're interested in joining the FB page, please let me know and I can get you added? Congratulations on your success so far. Well Done. Best Wishes Michele

Hi angel_ina , I hope everything goes well for you on the 29th April. That will be my one year anniversary, and if you have as easy a time as I have had then you will be smiling from ear to ear like I am these days. All the Best for a safe surgery and a speedy recovery. Michele

Welcome to all of the new members, this is a great thread and there's lots of great support and advice here. As far as the 'Hair Loss' goes, I must be the 'exception that proves the rule'...that's the story of my life in general, lol, because I didn't experience 'hair loss'. In fact, my hair is thicker and healthier than it has been in 10 years and I have even gone through Menopause in that time. It was my greatest fear, that I would have to cut my hair short or that it would become thin and lifeless. I think it is just the 'luck of the draw', however, I also think that my Surgeon's post op regime may have had an impact on the health of my hair. I only had to do 2 weeks of 'free fluids' post op and then I was back on 'normal food' as tolerated. I was able to eat steak during my 3rd week post op. I am not suggesting that you ignore your Surgeon's/ Dietitian's guidelines, I just think that I was very relaxed because I didn't have the stress of a 'modified diet' for many weeks post op. For all of the 'Pre -Sleevers', I hope that your pre-op preparation goes smoothly and that you have safe surgeries and speedy recoveries. Best Wishes Michele

I saw my Surgeon last Friday and I am now at the lightest weight that I have been since the late '90's. I have lost 34 kg in 8 months, very happy WLS patient here. I also went clothes shopping today in Target and for the first time in what seems like forever, I had to shop in the 'Normal' section and I have bought Size 16 and 18 tops...I spent a load of money that I shouldn't have spent, but hey, I might not be here tomorrow although I'd better be, because now I have so many new clothes to wear I won't need to wash anything for a month. Everyone is doing so well, keep up the good work. Have a great day !!!!!! Lots of Love Michele

Hi everyone, it sounds like everyone is making great progress post op. I am also having some success, I am at the lowest weight that I can remember since the late 90's. Mine has been a case of 'slow and steady', just like the Tortoise in the Tortoise and the Hare story. There have certainly been moments where I have doubted my decision and 'life' has gotten in the way a few times....the most recent 'crisis' was breaking my tooth over Christmas and now I need to have an implant done. It's not only the physical pain involved in having such major Dental work done but it is really going to leave a hole in my pocket at $5000+ . Because I have cleaned so many dentures from patients in my years of Nursing, I will go to whatever lengths are needed to avoid the inevitable phase of needing dentures. Hey guys- just looking for some advice, I'm having surgery next week and just wondering if you can remember how you felt on discharge? I live alone and I'm hoping to go to my place (rather than having to travels to my family about an hour away). Dr seems to think it should be ok. Also how long til you all felt ok to drive? It's the one question forgot to ask - as to how long before that's ok... Hi and welcome Soontobesleeved, I live alone too and I came home to just my adorable fur baby Rosie. I did have a lot of 'fluids' in the fridge before I went into hospital...but there is always, 'on line shopping' if you get really stuck. Also, the delivery person will actually bring the shopping inside and put it on the table so you don't have to lift it. I also have an amazing GP and local Pharmacy and I let them know before my surgery that I was having the op and when I came home, I was able to phone my GP and ask for prescriptions if I needed anything more than I was given on discharge. My GP would fax the prescriptions to the pharmacy and then the pharmacy delivered the medications to me. Most pharmacies will deliver if you ask them. I was able to drive about 1 week post op. I hope that your surgery goes well and you make a speedy recovery so that you can achieve the results that we are all getting. Have a great Day All. Michele

Hi Everyone, I have been keeping up with all of your news but life has been a bit hectic so I haven't been posting much anywhere. Welcome Back Sarahjp, I hope 'Dr Grumpy' is as happy with your loss as you are? Congratulations on your determination to make this surgery work for you. I am still seeing him and I actually got a hug and a smile out of him at my last visit, when I showed him the pictures of me on the top of the Sydney Harbour Bridge which I climbed on 5th October. Sueoco, I have never liked exercise and at 7 months post op, I still can't/don't want to make it part of my life. So, well done on joining the Gym. Merry, I know that lots of people lose their hair post op, however, I am 7 months post op and my hair is healthier, thicker and looking better than ever. So don't count on losing your hair because it may not happen. Misty, I am sorry that you are unwell after your surgery and I hope that the antibiotics do the trick before you travel back to India. I have now lost 30 kgs and have done something very impulsive, which I would never have done 7 months ago. I have booked myself a very quick trip to Sydney for the Sydney 500 V8 Supercars Final Round which is on over the weekend of 6,7,8 December. My favourite driver Craig Lowndes has a chance of winning the 2013 Championship and I have a Grandstand ticket at the finish line to see him win. I just a bit excited *in case you didn't already get that,lol*. I am a little anxious that I won't fit in the airplane seat, but I'll worry about that when I'm on the plane on Thursday. lol If there are any Sydneysiders who would like to get together for coffee or dinner over the weekend, I'd love to catch up. I'm staying in Parramatta and I won't have a car but I can do taxi's if necessary. Keep up the great work everyone and have a wonderful Thursday. Michele

Dean, AMAZING !!!!!!!!!! You should be feeling very proud of your achievement. Congratulations.

Hi everyone, I haven't been on line much recently because I have had my first full time Foster child staying with me for the past few weeks. And then my 'adopted son' decided he wanted to stay at my place for two weeks as well. I take my hat off to all of the Mums who who care for kids full time, whether that be as a Stay at home Mum or a Working Mum. I was exhausted at the end of every day and I am Retired. LOL . Yesterday was my 5 month post op date and I have managed to lose 25 kg. I am so happy with my results and at this point I have lost nearly as much as I lost with the Band which I had for 10 years. I am halfway to my goal of losing 50 kg. I am heading off on holidays on Wednesday morning...this is my 'Reward' for having the Sleeve. I was hoping to have lost a little more by the time I left, but as many of you will remember, I had some drama with an incompetent surgeon so my surgery was delayed by 6 weeks. We have so many excited things planned for the holiday and I would never have dared to dream that I would even consider many of them 6 months ago. I will post pictures of my adventures when I get back. To all those who are facing challenges, I send healing energy and ask the Angels to watch over you and help you get through the 'tough times'. To those about to embark on their 'Sleeve Journey' I hope that, like me, you can say 'I love my Sleeve'. I look forward to posting pics of my holiday on my return. Michele

Aussiegirl, So sorry to hear that you had such a tough time during your early recovery. I hope you are feeling much better now and well on the road to the new, re-defined body that you were hoping for. Sending LOTS of gentle HUGS to you. Michele xxxxxx

Hi Lissa, I am doing well thank you. My weight loss is slow and steady. A male friend noticed that I have lost weight tonight and I was really surprised because he is not usually the type to notice things like that. It felt pretty good, I must say. LOL I will pass on your well wishes to the 'girls' on the GSA page...it was 'Horgeous Alexander' who was asking how you're doing. Have a great Friday. Michele

Lissa, There are some people on the FB page asking after you and I was wondering if I could tell them that you are still doing well??? Michele

On a much sadder note, on the Gastric Sleevers Australia FB page we have been told about a fellow Sleeve Sister who passed away today from complications with her operation. There are no details of name or circumstances surrounding this tragic news. I hope that we can all send our thoughts and love to her family and friends during this very difficult time. We all know that this surgery is very risky, however, it is rare for things to turn out so tragically. I'm sure this lady would want each of us to continue to do our best to make our 'Sleeves' a success, just as she hoped to do before her surgery. Sending LOVE to her family and friends during this very difficult time. May she Rest in Peace. Michele

Happy Birthday Lissa, I hope you had a wonderful day and got very spoilt. lol....you deserve it after all of your hard work. Lots of Love Michele

Helen, it must be really disappointing to have woken up without having had your Sleeve done. However, it's far better to have a cautious Surgeon than a 'cowboy' who is prepared to put you at risk. I have everything crossed for you that your Sleeve goes ahead on Friday. Best Wishes Michele

Thanks to everyone who shared how much your lives have changed post sleeve. I am at the beginning of my sleeve journey and I get frustrated that it seems slow; until a friend got me to hold 20 kg of Dog food yesterday *I have lost 19 kg since 29/4/2013*, and then I realised what I have achieved so far. I have at least another 30 kg to lose, however, I have taken the first steps and that feels great. Thanks again to the 'veterans' for supporting and inspiring us. Michele

Hi lessismore67, I had 'hunger' from Day 1 post op and 10 weeks later I still get hungry, the difference is that now, I can be satisfied with much, much smaller portions than pre sleeve. Don't worry too much about calories at this stage, the most important thing is to stay hydrated, especially if you had post op pneumonia. It sounds like you are doing really well. Michele

HelmC2, I don't see a Dietitian but I do know of a Bariatric Dietitian who does phone consultations, she is located in Qld, on the Gold Coast Ithink???? Some of the girls here already consult with her so they may be able to give you her contact details. Her name is Fiona Brown and she does seem to be 'on the ball'. If you choose to go to Fiona, feel free to tell her I gave you her name. Anyway, good luck with your pre op phase and finding a new Dietitian. May I ask who your Surgeon is, seems like his support is minimal which makes it difficult for you. We are all here to support you through this journey. Best Wishes Michele

Sarah jp and K8ee, Why don't we choose a date and place and get together for a coffee? Maybe we could plan a bigger 'get together' a few weeks down the track. K8ee, who was your Surgeon and have you had your surgery yet? K8ee, what's your availability for meeting for coffee? Sarah which Uni are you at, so that we can choose a place to meet? I had my sleeve done 10 weeks ago at Cabrini. I look forward to meeting both of you. Michele

It sounds like you might have an intolerance to one of the ingredients (it's very common) and I would suggest that you contact your Surgeon or Dietitian and tell them what is happening. There are alternatives to the Optifast such as a high Protein/Low Carb diet. Good Luck with your pre op preparation. Michele

Hi K8ee, his name is Stephen Blamey and he is located in Blackburn. Sorry, I didn't mean to exclude people, I would be happy for anyone else who wants to come to a get together to join us. Maybe I should just pick a date and have it at my home, but I am in Mornington, so it's not really central? Let me know if you would be interested. Best wishes Michele

Hi everyone, I've been a bit quiet lately, however, I have been watching everyone's great progress. Welcome back Sarah jp....I'm not sure if you have caught up with the fact that we now have the same Surgeon and I know he is not good with empathy, although I find him much more relaxed than he used to be. I'm also losing slowly and I don't think he's going to be happy when I see him in 3 weeks. Would you like to meet and have a coffee, it might help to have a chat? I don't work, so my time is fairly flexible, once we get past the School holidays. I know a few people who have the same Surgeon, maybe we could start a 'mini' Support group here in Melbourne?????? Have a great day. Michele

Cath, I hope that your blood tests come back negative. The other thing that can cause back pain is the Phrenic Nerve which runs around the base of the Diaphragm and can cause referred pain into the back. Mzbkt, I know that the pre op period can be really stressful, however, the serious complications that can result post op if you smoke up until the surgery could make your recovery very uncomfortable. If you can use the patches for even just a week before surgery, you could reduce the risks of Lung related complications and also the risk of developing a clot. Mistysj, it sounds like what you experienced today is called 'dumping', this usually happens when we drink/eat too much sugar (more commonly) or fat and it doesn't get absorbed. Unfortunately, the only treatment is to do what you are doing and rest until the symptoms pass. I am sorry that you have experienced this so early in your recovery. Lissa, I love your NSV about being told to buy 'smaller clothes'...that is such a hoot. LOL. I'll bet you had a quiet giggle at that comment. Bec, I hope that you are doing well after your surgery? Regards Michele

Hi all, Bec, the discolouration and 'furry teeth' could actually be a Thrush infection which is very common when the diet becomes deficient/severely restricted. A Pharmacist could have a look at your tongue and if he/she thinks it's Thrush you can buy 'over the counter' medication for it. Dean, hang in there with the last few kgs, sounds like you might have found your 'stride' again. Well Done!!!!!! Aussiegirl, all the best for your surgery. I was disheartened by last night's documentary, for me it seemed like an hour long advertisement for the LapBand. Wendy Brown, the only Bariatric Surgeon in the audience is very 'pro Band' and the clinic where she consults still focuses on Bands over other WLS. And, I agree it did nothing to educate the general public about the specific needs of those of us who live/have lived with this disease called Obesity. Anyway, I hope everyone has a great day !!!! Michele

Hey Lissa, AWESOME !!!! Fantastic effort, considering the 'challenging' start you had to your 'sleeve journey'. You are a STAR !!!!!!!! Best Wishes Michele