SoCalDixieGal

Why is it everyone seems to be an expert at losing weight and think they can dictate what we should/shouldn't do? If it were so easy to lose and maintain we wouldn't be where we were! My doc explained the science behind weight loss/gain to me which I found VERY eye opening. I'm not going to get the names right so I'll just call things hormones instead. So, turns out when you go on a diet to lose weight your body increases the hormone production that causes you to be hungry - your body is very anti-diet. If you successfully lose to reach your goal, these hormones never balance back out again. You're still overproducing the things that make you hungry and hungrier. However, when you have WLS these hormones don't increase. You are able to lose and it's easier to maintain that loss because your body hasn't gone out of whack. I found that to be very interesting. Without WLS the chances of losing and maintaining is very limited. Just remember that this is for you. It seems that a lot of people immediately have a negative reaction, but may come around. And, if they don't remember that you need to make the decision for you - and you only.

So sorry, but also it was a great call by the doc. Revision is always more dangerous than just the sleeve and this way, you're stomach will be in great shape to have the surgery in the future. The complications can be so severe that while frustrating, it will make future surgery much safer. You're probably on a post-op eating plan for a bit right now, then you'll be on a pre-op plan again so probably 4 - 5 months of concern. Doesnt' make it any easier, but perhaps breaking it down might help it seem less daunting? Good luck to you!

I too enjoyed the typical 3 week stall a little early as mine hit after week 2. It moved again pretty quickly. You're doing everything right. The scale will move again.

I went solo and actually preferred it. You need the time to rest and recover after the surgery. And, the last thing you want afterwards is someone near you eating a meal. The smell would make you gag. It seems that for the folks who have someone with them, they're out shopping and running around. Which while you might think you're ready for that - you're not! One of the docs at a followup appointment for me highly discourages people from going shopping, etc. But, your friend/family/etc will want something to do! If I wasn't back at the dr. office for a followup I spend most of my time in my room resting, reading, watching tv or pacing around my room. My friends would have been bored stiff.

I too went to Mexico, but was self pay with my band using a local surgeon. That time it was about 4 - 6 weeks. This time it was a bit longer, but that's because I was working with my schedule.

Oh yeah, those hurt! Even worse is when someone makes you laugh!

I only had my surgery back on 2/11/13 so I'm still new but it's night and day experiences! I started band at 252, started the sleeve journey at 229. Lost 10 lbs on preop diet which was hard! So went in at 219. Today I'm at 208. Little slower than others but I'm thrilled with 11 lbs in about 18 days! Huge difference was with the band I was hungry in just a matter of days but was on a strict healing diet. Same diet now basically (phases last longer) but I'm not hungry at all. I totally lucked out in that I've not even had cravings or head hunger. Only now getting some cravings but more gnat like. I'm really amazed by that.

Oh yeah. I think so many of us have done that. And, I'm sure there will be times in the future when I'm further out that I'll miss drowning myself in a huge plate of pasta. But, those choices were killing me and making me miserable. Something had to change and it was me!

I'm sorry this hasn't been better for you. I felt the same way with my band and just hope this will work. You may have already done this, but have you had your thyroid checked?

But the key you've identified is craving versus hunger. Two totally different things. Unfortunately the surgery only deals with one of them. It's still a matter of self control to stop the grazing and giving into cravings and head hunger. The only good thing is that you're full faster. Probably need to find some evening behavior changes. Finding other things that can get you out of the kitchen in the evening.

I'm also a revision patient. Had my band for a little over 5 years. Lost 20 the first 6-8 months then another 30 lbs over the next 2 - 3 years! Yep, 50 lbs in 3 years. Then over the next 2 steadily regained 30. I didn't have horrible complications. But, I was only in the fill "sweet spot" for a very short period of time. I had to diet without any real band assistance. If it was too tight, I had horrible acid reflux and basically ate "slider" foods - they go down easily but are usually the higher fat foods. Too loose (which was just a smidgen removed) and it was like it wasn't there. Nothing like having WLS then not having a tool that works. At least for me. I just wish I could have gone back and had this surgery then!

Wow! I started off self pay with the same surgeon who did my lap-band surgery five years ago. He has support meetings, etc that are no-charge. I did decide to change to a different doc and they too offer ongoing support. It's mostly email and online support but I can email the doc, or NUT at any time and get a very timely response.

You do not need to disclose what type of surgery you are having and they are not allowed to ask. I simply said I was going out for surgery and how much time I needed.

You will be on a full liquid diet likely at that point and focusing on getting in your Water which is harder than you could possibly imagine! 64 oz is not easy! I'm just hitting 3 weeks out. For me there's occasional twinges. I'm still under a lifting restriction so nothing over about 10 lbs (that varies by docs between 10 - 20lbs). So no suitcases in the overhead. I tire more easily. I've started back into the office the beginning of the third week and even doing a desk job haven't really been at work a full day yet. I really don't want to be around food and/or others eating and can't imagine going out to a restaurant. I'm not saying don't go, but it may be iffy and you'd definitely need to pack Protein Shakes (you can do powder packets and a shaker bottle). But, you won't be sitting down to a family meal. Some folks have a more difficult recovery period. Mine has been ridiculously easy but not even as easier as others! Oh - and no pool/ocean or getting into water for at least 3 - 4 weeks post surgery.

Jane you nailed it! My band was either too tight so I could only eat sliders or loose to the point I it was like it wasn't there. I felt like I had totally failed. But, I also think we have some advantages - we've already learned the tiny bites, chewing like crazy and the drinking thing. We've also learned that WLS isn't magic. It's so hard not to compare your loss to others. My opinion is that the yogurt is okay. Yes, it's high in carbs, but it's healthier carbs. Watch though for added sugars. I'm not familiar with that brand so I don't know if they add in sugars or if the carbs are just naturally from plain yogurt.

That is a great idea! Last time we went as our larger family most of us bought the meal plan which worked out well, but for sleevers it would be a waste of money. The snacks can really add up so nice to do that, and save money as well!

I'm between 400-500 calories (sleeved 2/11). I'm not exercising yet as not cleared until 3 weeks out. I did hit a stall right after week 2 though so mine hit a bit early. At this point, I'm simply focusing on getting Protein goals and Water. If you are exercising a lot, you may need to increase your calorie consumption so you're not operating in a total calorie deficit as your muscles won't be getting the nutrition they need to perform.

And good riddance to my band tomorrow! After over five years it's time to say goodbye and hello to a WLS that works. Although call me crazy . . . .I'm going to ask to keep my band (not in me!) I want to finally see exactly what I've wasted so much time, money, energy and frustration.

The parks have gotten much better over the last few years with healthier options on the menus as well as on the "street" stands. You'll now find carts loaded with fresh fruit and veges too. The meal sharing is a great idea! And, definitely look at what's on the appetizer menus. An appetizer (if not fried, etc) would make a great full meal.

It will definitely separate but shaking it up will help that. Be sure though to read the directions on whatever protein powder you buy. Some will say to drink immediately. Not sure if that's to prevent separation or for some other reason.

I've tried lots of different shakes and agree that the premiers are some of the better ones. However, the vanilla is kinda blah. The chocolate is really good. I also like the Chike shakes (purchase packets from their website). I find that if I make a Protein Shake using powder and frozen fruit they come out well in the blender. Using the packaged ones seem to make more foam. You'll get foam regardless, but it's less using powder. I'll use 1 scoop powder, handful of frozen fruit (choice of usually strawberries or banana or mango) and a scoop of yogurt then thin with Water. No need then for ice.

It seems like this is a common reaction that most of us go through. I sat myself down and went through all the reasons I was scared. Articulated or wrote each one down. Then addressed them bullet by bullet. The biggest question was if I was absolutely ready to make the change. If the answer was yes, then I scheduled. If it were simply fears of change I didn't let that hold me back. Not changing wasn't getting me where I knew I wanted to go. Fear though is common. You're about to dramatically change your life.

I don't post over there but I do notice something similar on the sleeve side. If people here post complications the immediate reaction is that they too must have done something wrong. I was lucky that I didn't have complications from my band - other than it just didn't provide restriction! I just wish I could go back and regain those wasted five years. But, I'm still surprised that so many people are choosing the band after the increased rates of complications and low weight loss in comparison to other surgeries.

Sounds like a great recovery so far! Welcome to the sleeved side!!!!

Interesting topic so curious what others have to say. The only thing I can contribute is some research I learned some time ago. From a hydration standpoint, our bodies can only absorb about 8 oz of Water every 20 minutes. So, if you drink more than that the extra water just flushes through your system and doesn't contribute to rehydration. That being said, you could still be drinking enough water, but would be possible to still be dehydrated. At least that's how I'd interpret the 8oz/20min fact.