hollyr

You may want to ask the dr for a prescription strength reflux med. I take prolisec and Zantac twice a day. I was on Nexium recently when my pharmacy was out of Prilosec and hated it. I stayed nauseous the whole time. It's a matter of finding the right med and dose. Until then eat/drink very small amounts at a time. Good luck I hope you feel better soon. Holly

I'm super proud of you. Good luck to you!

Personally, I would not eat it, especially so early on. It really has no nutritional value.

http://maps.google.com/maps/api/staticmap?center=32.596942,-96.939941&zoom=14&markers=32.596942,-96.939941&size=400x300&sensor=true Hopefully I attached these pics right lol. These are the ones I have gotten since my surgery. (Covered up two others w them). I got really sick after my sleeve, so these have a lot of meaning to me. ????

I had a leak immediately after surgery not by any wrongdoing on my part. A staple came out. Yes I was part of that 1% and it nearly killed me. Literally. I spent 2.5 months in the hospital and 5 months off of work. 7 additional surgeries. I won't go into it all but my stomach will never be like someone who didn't have complications. Would I do it again? No. Because getting sick had a huge impact on my family for a very long time. I am now 18 months post op and they still worry when I have a stomach ache that I'll be in the hospital again. But it also gave me a new outlook on life and I don't take things or people for granted. Good luck to you in your research and decision. Don't let others discourage you or be rude to you because you are asking valid questions.

My hubby has said the same in the past. He missed me eating with him. I never realized how much we planned stuff around food and just bc I was over living that way didn't mean he was. So now I order something when we go out. Even if I only eat a bite it makes him happy. I think he worries I am deprived lol. It has helped though that we go to the gym together religiously. He's gotten in better shape right along with me so it helps with the insecurity issues.

I have a hard time w sugars. I like Jay Robb protein shakes. The vanilla is good. I think vitamin shoppe has sample packets you can buy to try first.

I am a nurse as well. I have been in the medical field since I was 19. Honestly. I think working nights for 20 years was the hardest thing on my body and PART of the reason I steadily gained weight. Poor sleep habits, eating habits etc. But that's just my opinion. Happiness to all.

Why were you in the hospital for 2 months? You lost an incredible amount..You must be thrilled!!!!!!!!! I had a leak right after my surgery. I was readmitted within a week of my sleeve surgery. By then I was already septic with abscesses in my abdomen. Didn't help that my dr was out of town and while I was already readmitted, they didn't do the first corrective surgery for another week. There were a lot of bad decisions made by my doctor that delayed my care and recovery. It has been a long hard road and I am grateful for every day I am here. I spend a tremendous amount of time in the gym and still working towards my goal. While it didn't come easy I am happy that I have lost as much as I have and still working towards my goal. You and i have something in common...both of us had complications with our WLS. I too had a leak which lead to me becoming septic...I was in the hospital for 5 months...13 surgeries and even now over a year later I struggle with my health....so I understand what you have been through.... I know this sounds odd but it is kinda nice to know that I am not the only one who felt that kind of pain and darkness through this journey..... I too am glad to be alive...I almost died too..... Thank goodness you made it! Did you have stents put in to fix your leak?I had NO clue I could ever get so sick from this and I am a nurse. Before my surgery I asked my dr about leaks and he totally under played it bc his record is so good. Which is why I picked him. It is nice to talk to people who went through what we did. It really took a toll on me and most people don't want to hear about the ugly side of what can happen. Over a year later I still have a lot of issues as well. My diet is 99% Protein shakes/ Protein Bars. About once a week I eat a few bites of real food. But overall it hurts my stomach and I feel icky after. But I am grateful to eat anything. I thought I would end up with a permanent feeding tube for a while. If you ever need to chat let me know. I am a good listener.

Why were you in the hospital for 2 months? You lost an incredible amount..You must be thrilled!!!!!!!!! I had a leak right after my surgery. I was readmitted within a week of my sleeve surgery. By then I was already septic with abscesses in my abdomen. Didn't help that my dr was out of town and while I was already readmitted, they didn't do the first corrective surgery for another week. There were a lot of bad decisions made by my doctor that delayed my care and recovery. It has been a long hard road and I am grateful for every day I am here. I spend a tremendous amount of time in the gym and still working towards my goal. While it didn't come easy I am happy that I have lost as much as I have and still working towards my goal.

There are mental changes as well as physical associated with large weight loss for a lot of us. Some men get a bit intimidated when their partner changes so drastically physically. And becoming more confident may increase that feeling. You really have to keep that communication open. But there are definite advantages to the physical relationship when you weigh less.

Plastic surgery to fix what all my hours in the gym just cannot do.

I had my surgery Nov 2012 and was in the hospital until Mid January. I don't think I was really losing while I was in there. Maybe 10lbs if anything so not exactly sure of my January weight but I lost 115 lbs total by the end of 2013.

I am over a year out and still drink my shakes. I prefer powder over ready mix so I can dilute it a bit more. Too thick/ strong makes me ick. I also tend to mix vanilla w another flavor (half vanilla/half choc) bc again if the flavor is too "strong" my belly gets angry.

Before I decide if I am really hungry or not, I will drink some water. Once it has "settled" and if I still feel hungry then I will eat. So many times I was just thirsty. This really helps prevent a lot of snacking.

A full body lift means the incision goes around your body 360 degrees. I had a full body lift also. http://www.bariatricpal.com/gallery/member/116222-sweetpee/ I have before and after pictures in my gallery. Thank you! I am just now starting to think about plastics in the future. I had major complications after my sleeve that I am still recovering from but hoping one day I will be brave enough to get something like what you had done. I've lost over 115lbs but still want to lose 15-20 more. But I know one thing for sure- I look better with my clothes ON! Lol

Thanks so much for sharing the truths and "lessons learned" about what to expect. I think that's so important. Holly

Not to be Debbie Downer but you can still get dumping with the sleeve. I can attest to that and have spoken with others who have experienced the same.

Ok. I have to ask... What all does a full body lift entail? Thanks.

I actually told my husband today that I am just now starting to really understand how I can eat. I eat very small amounts every few hours. (I eat mostly Protein bars and a few times a week I eat a bit of "normal" food) That's what works for me and everyone is different. You'll figure out what works for you.

I agree, try something else. I am a year out and my belly still dislikes potatoes. We all have to learn patience when learning to eat again.

Yes, that can fill a whole different thread... From an article I read recently.., "Body-image experts say it’s not uncommon for people, especially women, who have lost a lot of weight to be disappointed to some extent to discover that they still aren’t “perfect.” The excess fat is gone when they reach their goal weight, but they may have sagging skin, cellulite or a body shape that they still deem undesirable. Some even continue to see themselves as though they are overweight. Some specialists use the term “phantom fat” to refer to this phenomenon of feeling fat and unacceptable after weight loss." Bariatric surgery will not cure self esteem issues.. So very true. I am more critical of myself now than I was 115lbs ago. This trip is 99% mental.

I learned the hard way that I should've filled out my FMLA/ Short term disability forms prior to surgery. I only planned on taking one week of PTO and then was going to work from home until better. I ended up being off work 5 months. And trying to do that kind of paperwork in the hospital very sick was horrible. Lesson learned:be prepared.

I agree and I was thinking the same about the solids food choices being a little rough so soon, but I am not the typical sleever. A lot of people have issues with eggs too. A few bites of potatoes may be a better start. And just take a few bites or a few sips of liquid at a time. Listen to your body. Stay after the dr until he can figure out what's wrong. Big hugs. Will say a prayer for you. I truly understand what you're going through.

Saying prayers for you.