Matthew

Nope...i sure didn't. I was at my heaviest the day of surgery. My restriction occurred for only 24 hrs prior to surgery. Surgeons all have different reasons and rationales....but they're the ones doing the job, so best to follow whatever route they have planned for you.

Well said...and needed to be said. Thank you.

101 with any exercise regime for beginners. Start slow....don't run out and do P90x or Insanity especially if you are really out of shape. You may do more damage than good. Mix it up with free weights, full body type movements....gauge where your at. Once you find a regime that you can COMFORTABLY do, then you've found a good baseline...keep a log and slowly increase weight, reps, or decrease time between sets. You may find out a simple program that sounds "easy" can be adjusted infinitely as you continue through it. Always log everything...every exercise and amounts. Now, once you stop seeing results from whatever route you choose...then you change up the entire program. Our bodies only react to stress to build muscle and you must shock the body occasionally to wake it up. There is no time frame or perfect workout regardless of what you read on forums or internet sites...we're built different and need to listen to our own bodies. I just pass this along in attempt to prevent you from setting yourself up for failure or injury at the begining. Also, just start walking, no worries....you don't need to dive into a 5k or 1/2 marathon at this stage. Consistent walking + weightloss -= cardiovascular capacity to start jogging/running. Slow and steady is key. This is a life long journey....the weight loss is just a nice side effect to our new stomach Best of luck.

Some of it is psychological, but much is metabolic. We've completely revamped our GI system...hormonal adjustments, portion sizes...it's really a shock to the body and takes a while to level out. Stick to proteins and produce for the rest of your life....you will adjust as we are...but we get cravings too. For instance, god knows why, I was craving the oddest thing the other day...pickled herring in sour cream, I just wanted something vinegary. Never once before had a craving for vinegary foods so it was odd. But, I went out and bought some....enjoying it in small amounts (watch your calories as always). We're all different.....just FYI, try things in small bits...low and slow. Keep track of your activities and calories and share with your nutritionist anytime. And if you catch yourself in old unhealthy habits...acknowledge it and share with others for support/motivation. Best of luck.

Our genetics just can't work as fast as food companies marketing.....but there are more factors than what they're making and advertising. Portion sizes, sedentary lifestyles, increased bombardment of stress and responsibilities are more to blame IMHO. But...like any capitalist philosophy....they're giving what there customers want. Bigger and "better". It's up to us to make informed choices regarding our diet....not government regulation. I feel there are so many more healthy food options out there now compared to the last 25 years...it's all up to the individual choice at the end of the day.

Tape and dressings are often the culprit.....hopefully it will self resolve.

I just had full blood work (basic chemistry level and hematology, with type and cross for blood), a barium swallow to visualize my stomach, EKG to make sure my ticker was up to snuff....and that was it. Nothing too exciting.

I've taken to 100% whole wheat bread thins and crackers. Not too bad and keeps the glycemic index low. You should be able to eat bread sparingly after you are off softs. Still most of my diet is proteins and produce....I really don't have much room to add bread into the mix.

Depends on the structure under the fat, age, and activity. I'm almost 2 months out and my provider/nutritionist still want me over 1200 cal/day. It's tough, but it's going to be individual based on these factors. We're all different. If you eat too little you'll slow weight loss dramatically due to starvation mode and metabolic slowing....too much intake and ...well, we all know what happens then. Best advice is to be honest with yourself and keep track of food intake and activities...work with your nutritionist if goals are not being met. Small changes can have big effects.....my 2 cents. Best of luck.

Take it easy for the next day or two....may have strained a bit too much. If it maintains worsens follow up with your provider.

Beer

Awesome tattoo....a bit jealous, but congrats. I'm still early in the game....so haven't plateaued yet. I'm sure you're not alone though. Keep it up.

OK guys and gals...I got the go ahead yesterday for strength training. Prior, I loved to lift and powerlifted years ago. I'm not dreaming about deadlifting a few hundred pounds right now, but would like some input from sleevers who weight lifted prior to surgery and where they started at when they were able to resume post op. High reps with light weights.....heavier weights low reps....little bit of both? I'm more concerned about maintaining (or dare I dream gaining) muscle mass than losing the fat right now....the latter will come in time as a pleasant side effect of the sleeve and weight training (yes, some cardio/yoga too ). Maintaining a positive nitrogen balance after being sleeved will be tough, but I'm hopeful. Thanks all.

You're not alone......I'm 33 and 6 weeks out...I've felt dizzy very often when standing quickly post-op....I even blacked out once. Fortunately, nothing was out of whack with my blood work....but do get checked out, we're all different. Mine was a pretty classic sign of low blood pressure....which i never had or have a problem with. My providers and I concluded due to the abrupt fluid shifts post-op, quick weight loss, and my vasculature trying to play "catch up".....blood wasn't always getting to my head quick enough when standing up. It has gotten better, but I still get dizzy spells here and there. We're hopeful it will self resolve.

Without delving deep into the patho/pharm of NSAIDs.....the biggest worry is the local effect oral NSAIDs have on inhibiting enzymes necessary to protect your stomach lining....thus causing an ulcer/bleed. There is also a systemic or "body-wide" effect inhibiting these enzymes with topical NSAIDs...but the risk for ulcer/bleeding is much lower. Also remember, OTC and prescription NSAIDs are different animals regarding strength and methods of action....always discuss with your provider and make an informed decision. Not trying to scare anyone....just inform

If someone isn't the least bit nervous pre-op....I wouldn't think they'd be a candidate . But we all open the door for these potential problems with surgery....of any kind. Risk/reward, like anything in life. However, as you can see from the many success stories here....things more often than not work out well for so many. Also, for whatever reason...I've no clue, but people are are more apt to recall the rare horror stories versus celebrating the accomplishments. I'm not one to cling to "never say never"...but we all walk out our front door every day, into this scary world...and 99% of the time come home unscathed. Keep up the good spirits and you'll do fine. Hope your insurance situation comes though as expeditiously as the rest of your preop appointments. Best of luck.....great quote btw, one of my favorites.

NSAIDs are a huge cause of gastric ulcers/bleeding even in non-sleeved patients.....smaller stomach surface area we have now, the greater the risk. More so with bypass patients. Acetaminophen is really our only option for OTC pain control. Hopefully the cramping in your feet will subside a bit as you lose more weight....silver lining

5 days is a while....there are so many options. I won't list them all here, but your local drug store probably has a whole isle dedicated to your problem. Some work harsh and fast...stranding you on the toilet for most of the day...others are more gentle, but may be less effective. Consult with the pharmacist there if you have any questions about which may work the best. If you've taken something that has worked for you in the past, go that route. And yes, drink more water. You don't want to make a habit of taking chemical/stimulant laxatives all the time.....you body can get dependent on those. If it becomes a continuous problem you may want to consider a soluble/bulk fiber...like Benefiber in the future. But you must drink lots of water, especially if you're taking a daily fiber supplement, otherwise it may constipate you more.

Paxil does come in a "CR" or extended release forms....if this is the form you are taking, do not crush the tablet as it will not be in an extended release form after you crush it. Talk with your provider/pharmacist should this be the case. Just an FYI for you.

Thanks for the input. I use free weights at home....I'm going to stay away from the plates and bar to be on the side and stick to dumb bells...hopefully, engage a bit of my core to stabilize. I am concerned too about my abs....and not in the narcissistic sense. I've got a roman chair/dip/chin station I may attempt...we'll see how it goes. At first I'm contemplating basically upper/lower body super sets with dumbbells 3 days a week and yoga the other 3 days to maintain flexibility. Perhaps ab/lowback/balance work on lift days too. I'm like you....tend to hit things a bit too hard at times. I'll post my routine and let you all know how I do (strengths and weaknesses...lol) I appreciate the help. Thanks again.

Excellent point VSGKirk.....this is why men's multivitamins often leave the iron out. In addition, men typically have less deficiencies of iron than women....but this research is with normal stomach sizes and intake. So, an iron deficiency may or may not occur with sleeved men....add a history of hemochromatosis and it gets more complicated. You're spot on.....for the rest of our lives, take your blood work seriously and stay compliant with whatever vitamin/diet regimen is recommended by your provider.

Scrotal edema is not rare for men after abdominal surgeries. Some people have an underlying hernia (and may not know it) that can make it worse, but sometimes it just happens. I would tell your provider if it worsens....wear briefs for support and use ice pads for swelling (as tolerated of course). Fluids, proteins, and walking will help as well.

Annual or biannual requisite lab work from your provider should include B12 levels.....so no worries until your blood work or symptoms tell you otherwise gmanbat.

It's covered, you're surgeon just has to write you a script for it. B12 is not easily absorbed....sublingual and nasal versions a bit better, but the intramuscular shot is typically the best route. You do need to know how and where to give yourself a shot......some education with nursing staff would help here.

If it were something related to the stomach acid regarding the gurgling in your throat...you would likely have heartburn as well. I would get checked out.