Justsleevin49

I have no idea how I missed this Michigan group, but am really glad to hear about some of you. I was sleeved Oct. 22, down 57 lbs and about 30 to go. Since many of you sound like you are surprised about the length of time it takes to get approved/scheduled, I will tell you I started in April of last year and didn't get approved until July. We have HAP and I had to jump through several hoops to get there. Then we had an all day group information meeting, scheduled visit with the Dr., Psych evaluation, Medical clearance appointment and Physical Therapy evaluation all of which took a few more months before I could be scheduled. Dr. Carlin at downtown Henry Ford was my Dr. (only one HAP would pay for), he is wonderful and so is his staff. I wasn't excited about going to Detroit, but was quite pleased with the care and the hospital (I am a nurse so might be a little more critical that most people). Staff was very knowledgeable and informative. Surgery was easy, recovery was nothing unexpected, never took any pain meds once I got home, although I do know other people who weren't as lucky. Recovery at home was great. Weight loss has been a little slow recently, but exercise has been difficult at times due to arthritis pain in knee (facing joint replacement next). Never-the-less, I am ecstatic with the results and have never regretted my decision for a single moment. Good Luck everyone!!!

This topic was very helpful, would like to find protein bars that are low in sugar to supplement when I am on the go. Have tried some, but none so far that tasted that good. Maybe need to freeze them?

I am now 5 months out. Feel like I napped through the first two months. Found out your body shuts down due to the sudden decrease in calories and goes into hibernation, causing you to need to sleep as it responds with a reduction in metabolism. Make sure you are getting exercise balanced with rest.

By the way....I am an old nurse too!

I'm 63, sleeved 10/23/12, my age never came into the equation. My health was first and foremost in my mind when I found out in addition to hypertension, high cholesterol, cardiac issues, obesity, osteoarthritis, I was now pre-diabetic. I have been an unsuccessful dieter since my 20's. Little did I know, it was probably the very first time I dieted, way back when, that set me up for failure for the rest of my life. My body fought me every step of the way, each and every time I tried to lose, as if it was saying "Here she goes again!", shut down my metabolism and regained with a vengance. Lots of research, questions, and reading....here I am! So far - 36 pounds lighter in 6 weeks and a lot of healthy years (hopefully) to look forward to.

I use the bullet too, but I put in about 3/4 cup of crushed ice, then skim milk and the protein powder on top. After blending, it's just like a milk shake. No foam.

I think the body has to adjust to the rapid weight loss, I have experienced this in past dieting. When I am not losing, my body seems to change anyway. Never-the-less, I was at a one week stall, 4 weeks out of surgery, increased my caloric intake by 100 calories and stepped up exercise because I was afraid my body had gone into a low metabolism, calorie conserving period because it is geared to do that in a primitive "low food" cycle. Seemed to help, down almost 2 lbs in past two days. Frustrating though.

Please don't get discouraged - this will not last.

There's a lot of dairy in the pudding. Soy milk was probably OK, maybe try clear liquids for just a day or 1/2 day. Hydrate and don't worry about getting in the protein or calories. Did they give you Prevacid? (Omiprazole) You take it once a day. I think that really helped me a lot. Calms the stomach.

Just think about how you would be feeling if you never had the surgery, stayed at your old BMI and felt that there was no light at the end of the tunnel? This is a temporary set back, you can overcome it and move on. Sleevers tend to have difficulty with nausea at first, some a littlthe longer as I understand it. My Doc puts his patients on Omeprazole (Levsin) three times/day as well as Prevacid once a day for this very reason. Seems to work well for me. I still occasionally get nauseated, but it is not severe and passes quickly and I am 4 weeks postop. Good luck, you still did the right thing.

I understand that having either the sleeve or the bypass can cause you to become lactose intolerant. You would have to talk to the dietitian regarding if that includes the whey protein, since that is made from milk. Sorry you had such a set back - you sure have had a time of it. It will get better!!!!!

Just starting the third stage. Taking it really slowly, bought some hummus and really crispy rice crackers today. Tried fish at the restaurant the other night but could only eat a tiny bit, chewed it up like crazy. Still having to fill in protein need with a couple of shakes a day, found a great chicken soup I ordered from Unjury. How are you doing?

I am three weeks out, have been weighing everyday, just because I'm excited. However, set backs do bum me out, so am either going to switch to twice a week or once a week. Dietician explained, if we get stuck sometimes it means we actually have to increase calories to jump start metabolism again. Waiting a week to find out that I'm not losing due to not taking in enough calories seems like too long. Don't want to obsess either.

I read that after our very first attempt at dieting our bodies recognize the pattern. Each time you diet afterwards it is harder and harder and you regain plus some afterwards as your body tries to stock up for the next "starvation" period. I tried something similar to Medifast called the HMR diet, also did Nutrisystem, Jenny Craig, Weight Watches (so many times), South Beach, Atkins, Medical Wt. Loss Clinic, L.A. Weight loss, Metabolife, Slim-fast (at least three times). This is the ONLY thing that reduces the hunger. It isn't easy though. You still have to watch what you eat and take the vitamins for the rest of your life. I'm ecstatic about it, just wish I hadn't taken 63 years to make up my mind.

Sleeved Oct 23. Just starting to advance foods this week. ALso stalled wt. loss, but the dietician warned us to make sure we are getting calories in as about this time our bodies shut metabolism down to make up for the low calorie intake. So, I tried to increase a bit without sacrificing protein. Upping exercise as well. Occasional nausea and diarrhea depending on what I have eaten. Down 26 lbs including preop wt. loss, now wearing my size 16's. So excited to see what I get to wear for Christmas!!!