MSCoastRPh

Starting wt 3/2012-412 lbs Wt day of surgery 12/13/12-325.5lbs Wt today (10/21/13)-237lbs Total loss so far-175 lbs This has not been an easy journey and the battle to lose will continue for quite a while longer for me! I exercise 7 days/wk almost every week. I lift weights 6 days/wk and do at least 30 min of cardio every day. I am in a size large top and size 16 pants in some things and 18 in others. I would do the surgery again in a heartbeat if I had it to do over. Hope this helps some who haven't had surgery yet but have as much to lose as I did. It is doable-just don't get frustrated and expect it to happen overnight. It took time to get to the weight we were and will take more to get healthy! Best if luck to all! Denise

Started at 412 lbs; lost 86.5 prior to surgery on 12/10/2012; lost 70.5 since then-total of 157lbs-still another 70 to go

10 1/2 weeks out-43 lbs lost since surgery, 129.5 lbs total lost

Two suggestions -Chike has a website that you can order a variety pack of their flavors from-expensive but they taste very good! Also, my protein of choice is amplified whey protein chocolate from GNC. 3 scoops gives you 60 gms of protein for only 290 cal. I can do 20gms in 4 oz of water and it's only 96 cal! Taste very good also!

Hi! I'll be 5 weeks post-op on Monday. I lost 85 lbs prior to surgery by limiting calories and doing cardio daily and lifting weights 3 times weekly. I started back on mild cardio 3 days after surgery and am now up to 1 1/2 hrs of cardio daily-burning 1000-1200 calories every day, Here is my question for others exercising this hard-how many calories are you consuming daily? I know the point of this surgery is calorie restriction and most eat low carb but my nutritionist and I agree 800 cal and 40 carbs just won't cut it for me! She recommended 1200-1400 cal in several small meals. I had been losing 27 lbs in 24 days but with this increase in exercise, I only lost 1/2 lb this last week. I know I will have stalls and am happy with my loss, just looking for experience from others.

Also keep in mind that some meds begin to be "broken down"in the stomach acid and with a sleeve, especially if on a PPI (protonix, Prilosec), this can vary a lot. Also, the transit time through the stomach is now different-just ideas why the same dose may be affecting you differently.

Tylenol makes Junior chewable tablets that are 160mh each-I found this easier than stomaching slimy Tylenol liquid.

I usually buy bottled water so I know when I've finished 3 20 oz bottles I'm done (I already mix 12 oz of water with protein shake).

Am craving oatmeal-how soon after surgery did anyone eat it? I have a food processor that can mush it up pretty well. Thanks for any info.

This sounds like my GNC amplified wheybolic protein shake-exact same specs and only 2 gms of sugar. I researched many different proteins and tried very many and found this one to be highest protein content for calorie count and sugar content. I also liove the taste of the chocolate!

Thanks so much-that sounds good to me. I know I'll have to wait a couple more weeks, but it gives me something to look forward to!

I had my surgery Monday, Dec 10, and came home Tues night. Stayed with a friend til Thurs then came home Thurs morning. I haven't had any bad surgical pain, just the typical gas pains, but not enough to need pain meds. I haven't been hungry since the surgery but getting my 64 oz of Fluid and 60-80gms of Protein in by Wed. Started back driving Thurs with no problem. Also started back to gym on Thurs with a slow walk on treadmill for 15 min. Up to 32 min on treadmill and 18 min on Arc Trainer on Saturday. Haven't weighed yet because several people on here recommend waiting 2 weeks to let overload of fluids in hosp come off. With all this being said, I really feel good. I am so glad I took the leap and had the surgery. I go back to work in a week and feel confident I will have this sipping down so that I can still get in all my fluids at work. Merry Christmad everyone!! Denise

My suggestion would be to join a gym and start workin out in the morning before you go to work. That way, you'll keep your metabolism revved up during the day and it might help motivate you to do some activity in the evening.

I have Cigna and it took exactly 10 days although even Cigna told me it can take up to 30 days . Best of luck and hope it works out. Denise

Just a quick question for any recently sleeved people. How much fluid were you able to get in the first few days of full liquids? I've gotten in my 80 gms of protein but only about 22 ounces of fluids so far today-I'm 2 days post-op. it is an extreme struggle fore to go any faster because the gas pains make me feel nauseated and full/bloated.

Dana, I am using GNC's amplified wheybolic Protein which had 60 gms of protein to be mixed in 12 oz Water. The rest of the day I'm drinking crystal light packets mixed in water. I honestly haven't been hungry. The protein relieves any hunger I have. I am on full liquids, which, for me, means broth, yogurt drinks, sugar free Jello, protein supp and water. Hope that helped some. Denise

Just got sleeved 2 days ago on Monday with hiatal hernia repair. Pain was nothing like I had anticipated! Gas pains are the worst of it with some nausea. Home last night (day after surgery) and already ha a shower and gotten in my 60 gms of protein so far. Doctor said my only job for next 2 weeks is to walk and get all my fluids in! I was scared before surgery to the point of tears rolling into surgery but had no problems at all. Thankful for an opportunity to kick this fat outta here! Denise

I, too, am scheduled for the 10th at 730am! I am right here with you on the being nervous! I am ready to get this next week over with so we can move along! Best of luck to you and I'll say a little prayer for all of us 10th sleevers in the morning!

Yes, I'll ask my doctor but just making preparation for my Dec 10th surgery and realized that was one thing I forgot to ask and haven't seen addressed. I know I will be back at work in 2 weeks but just curious if any drove before that? Thanks, Denise

Mine was sent to insurance (Cigna) Nov 2nd and my surgeon's office called yesterday and scheduled my date because they received approval!! I am sch Dec 10th with Dr Avara in Biloxi, MS. Very nervous but glad to have the date so I can make myself get ready! Still trying to learn to not drink with meal (will be easier after surgery because hernia will be gone). Have other things I need to work on but at least know my timeframe now!! Denise

I definitely understand and feel your indecision! I had to go through the 6 mo of weight loss management required by my insurance, Cigna. I lost 70 lbs during this time so really began to question my decision to have the surgery. I actually decided against it for 3-4 weeks. I then realized I still have about 150lbs to lose and need the surgery as one of several "weapons" against this fat I've been saddled with all my life! I say take the time waiting for surgery to systematically get rid of as many bad eating habits as you can, learn to really appreciate the value of exercise to help you manage the slip ups that are inevitable and just get down to the task of living the rest of your life! My surgeon has submitted to Cigna and we are now waiting for approval. Best of luck to us all! Denise