sclark75149

12 weeks post-op - down 38 lbs. Is that normal? I feel as though I should be down more. Haven't lost more than a pound per week in the last month and a half. I'm taking my vitamins, getting in the protein, not eating too much but I just feel as though I should've lost more by now.

the liquid whey protein shots that I take from walmart - yes, they are 42 gms of protein and yes, my nutritionist said you dont get all that protein BUT im finding that with most everything. She said the Premier Protein shakes are great for protein and they are tasty. Costco and Sam's carries them. Back on the shots, however, I was mixing them with my water, but I found a watermelon flavor and it tastes great so I can shoot it. The fruit punch, grape and acai berry and good too, but they are a little thick, so putting them in my water bottle works great. Since I only need 60 gms of protein or so now, this shot works well.

I can eat anything and everything without any problem at 12 weeks post-op and have since 6 weeks. Spicy foods don't bother me (although its different for each person). I make sure I get all my Protein. I've added Protein Tracker to my iPhone so I can keep up with how much protein I am getting every day. I have found the liquid whey protein bullets (Walmart) are terrific. I was having too much protein (I though 80-100 gms. per day after the first 6 weeks, but doctor told my husband (he had it 3 weeks after me) that we only need 60 gms of protein per day). So, I drink 1/2 of the bullet for 21 gms of protein and then get the remainder from my food. You would be surprised how quickly the protein adds up - a little here, a little there. I take Flintstones multi-Vitamin, citracal Vitamin D, and a Fiber advantage gummy every day. I am feeling great. More energy than I've had in a really long time (like 10-15 years ..., LOL!) I do take sips of liquid with my meal (very small ones). The doctor said I could to wash the food down if I had issues. Hope this helps.

I have to say, however, I am wearing a Medium (even one Small) from an Extra Large AND from a size 14-16 pants to a 10 (even an 8-10). So, if I look at it that way, I feel much better. I just don't understand why I'm not losing. Around 4-6 weeks I didn't lose at all, then it picked up again. Appears I have stalled yet again. I am working out, although not as much as I should I guess.

I couldnt find it either - I went to Walmart and got a pill crusher and crushed the calcium citrate - put all the crushed up in my mouth and took a drink. Worked great BUT before that I used the chewable Calcium + D caramel - Viactiv - the pharmacist said the only difference between that and calcium citrate is that the citrate has salt in it. so i alternate - i do the viactiv (since I had already bought those) in the morning and the citrate at night (crushed)

Congrats! I understand that at weeks 4-5 you may have a plateau (which is week 4 for me now) - I'm at 28 lbs.

Try GenesisToday Liquid Protein 100. One 1 oz. shot is 15 gm. of protein and you can take a shot in the morning, lunch and dinner for 45 gms. Then you can add other things like try to drink a Premier Protein meal replacement shake - 30 gms. protein. My doctor and nurse said mix it up. I am starting my 4th week and just started eating soft solid foods. Can't eat much but it's yummy! Good luck!

My BMI was not 40 either. I had high cholesterol, diabetes (moderate to low numbers), sleep apnea and that was enough to qualify under Blue Cross Blue Shield Texas.

Friday, April 26, 2013 I'm down 30-1/2 lbs at 5-1/2 weeks post-op. I bought size medium tops this week (from an XL originall). And I was wearing 14/16 pants, now I have on 12 skinny jeans. Pretty pumped. Not going to buy a lot of new clothes but it makes me feel better So, my husband found out something today from the nurse at his 3 week checkup that I hadn't thought about asking. He's been doing great, but having a burning sensation sometimes at the large incision. They said this is normal - in a week or so he will hear a "pop" and that will be the incision breaking away from the muscle. That's what all the tightness has been about - they sew your stomach muscle, stomach and skin (that's why it puckers) together so the stomach doesn't move around a lot. Good to know Posted a picture of me today. Compare it to the picture of me and my husband - big difference. Monday, April 15, 2013 Well, my husband is almost a week post-op and doing really well. He's down 27 lbs. (but that includes his 13 before surgery). I'm down 28 lbs.(I lost 11 pre-surgery but gained it all back post-surgery from the liquids, fluids). I will be 4 weeks post-op tomorrow. I feel better than I have in a lot of years. My husband and I walked around the block 3 times yesterday. We even went to dinner and to a movie last night. Neither of us are snoring anymore (woo hoo!) Thursday, April 11, 2013 (My birthday) My husband had his sleeve done on Tuesday. He is doing amazing! He didn't throw up like I did so he's way ahead of me already. It's easier sleeping on the recliner for the first week. I got up this morning and he was up, had let the dog out, already took a shot of Genesis Today Liquid Protein 100 for 15gms of protein in a 1 oz. shot. Already started heating up his broth and ready to take a shower. He thinks he's going to work today (day 2 after surgery). I told him to take it easy but you never know with him. I went for my 3 week checkup on Tuesday (day of husband's surgery) and I'm down 26 lbs now (it was 25 that day). Having the most horrible breath since surgery - said it was ketosis and will get better when I start eating food. If you live in the DFW area I would highly recommend Dr. Nick Nicholson and Forest Park Medical Center. Both are first rate. I had only a regular room to myself but my husband had a suite. It was huge. Even had a room that had a couch that made into a bed, with a TV and sink in it. He had a full restroom with a shower. His room had a recliner and 3 other chairs and a flat screen TV. The nurses, techs, etc. were so nice and helpful. Starting week 4, I've been cleaning the house, sweeping and even picking up with dust pan. I bought an abdominal wrap and it has helped tremendously.

I just started soft solids. I bought 4 oz ramekins with lids. last night i made turkey meatloaf, mashed potatoes and canned carrots. I put a little mashed potatoes in bottom, then carrots and meatloaf on top. I just am starting my 4th week. It took me an hour and a half to eat 3.5 oz. of that food (LoL!) I buy the Premier Protein - chocolate Meal Replacement shakes. I also made myself some cheese Snacks. Got 2% sharp cheddar, sprayed pan with PAM, spread out the shredded cheese and backed until almost overdone - like cheese nips sort of. Pretty good. Also brought sugar free applesauce.

I didn't have a revision but both my husband and I used Dr. Nicholson. Very personable and great bedside manner. Good thing is, I don't have to drive to his Plano office if I don't want to for my visits - had the surgery at Forest Park Medical Center - highly recommend that place - pretty, staff very attentive AND you can go there for your 1, 3, 6 week, 6 months visits and see a bariatric nurse. I had my surgery 3 weeks ago and have already lost 26 lbs. My husband had his Tuesday of this week. He's doing amazing.

I know what you mean. I am into my 4th week and it is horrible. I bought mouth spray, mouth wash, I scrub my tongue all the time, bought the wispys (little toothbrushes you carry with you). I am embarrassed. Now that I'm eating real food, the doctor said it should get better - hope so!

I tried OJ over the weekend, put in a splash of water and it didn't bother me at all

Good luck!

My husband, Pat, and I have several friends who have had great success with the Gastric Sleeve surgery, so in December 2012, we both decided to go to the doctor to see if we qualify for our insurance to cover the procedure. Luckily, after several tests, we were approved. I had diabetes, high cholesterol and sleep apnea. My husband had high cholesterol, sleep apnea and heart disease runs in his family. We also both has joint issues so we were approved at the end of January 2013. We had our psychological evaluation, sleep study (where we found out about the sleep apnea), then we were on our way. Today, March 25, 2013, I am 6 days post op (March 19). We have a great surgeon, Dr. Nick Nicholson, in Dallas. I threw up for 3 days so my stomach is more sore than what it would normally be I believe. I've got the routine down now. I came back to work today and I'm really tired ... Tried to get in the 42 grams of protein in the first couple of hours to give me some energy. I go for my one week checkup today. My husband went in today for his pre-op testing. His surgery is scheduled for April 9. So, here are a few things you should know ... know going into the surgery that you will come out of the surgery weighing more than what you went in weighing. I had to lose 11 lbs. pre-surgery. I had lost 11.5. I had the surgery on Tuesday and discharged on Wednesday. I left the hospital weighing 11 lbs. more than when I went in so, basically, I lost nothing. Here it is not even one week later and I am down 17 lbs. I left the hospital not taking any diabetes, high cholesterol medicine (not that I took it anyway, LOL!) Helpful hints. When they say walk, then do it. The more you walk, the less sore you feel. 3/26/13 - I weighed this morning and even after gaining so much back right after surgery, I am down 19.5 lbs. (including the 2 week pre-diet. Woo hoo! My stomach is so much better today. Yesterday I went back to work and thought I was going to die. I had no energy at ALL. I left after 8 hours and went home and iced my stomach for about 2 hours. OMG, why didn't someone tell me I could this? It made all the difference in the world. Tomorrow I get to start cream based soups. I bought 2 strainers (1 to carry in my purse). I will thin out my cream of chicken, cream of mushroom, cream of potato and tomato soups. Beef broth is terrible. Another helpful hint: Get up in the morning and first thing take your chewable vitamin and Pepsid AC. I then have an empty water bottle and pour in my bullet of liquid whey protein (grapes my favorite so far) and add a little water so it isn't so thick. If your physician didn't give you the little 1 oz. shot glasses, go get you some. I put out 4 and fill them each and drink those 4 per hour. In no time at all I have 42 grams of protein finished. I then start water, doing the same thing, then my SlimFast (but I've changed to Walmart brand because it's cheaper). I ordered six 4 oz. ramekins. When I can actually eat food in 2 weeks, I'm going to make up little meals so I don't overeat (and I can determine in my mind how much is enough). I'm going to do layers like mashed potatoes, then meat loaf (90/10) and brown gravy. Another one might be lean turkey (90/10) with spaghetti sauce and put either ricotta or cottage cheese on top, then pop in microwave when ready to eat. I'm 3 weeks ahead of my husband so I know all my helpful hints will work for him. Thanks for listening Week 2, day 1 (8 days post-op) March 27, 2013 - went to my 1 week visit - yep down 19.5 lbs. now I had lost 11 pre-surgery diet but gained all of that back after surgery - so I seriously did lost 19.5 lbs in one week - woo hoo! Found out some new things - I was using the bullet liquid whey protein and they were good mixing them with water and it was supposed to give me 42 gms of protein - WELL, didn't know it has collagen in it so you only get about 50% of the protein She had me change to a protein shake that's pretty good. It's called Premier Protein. In 11 oz. you get 30 true gms of protein and it's low in sugar. It's not as good as Slim Fast and a little more expensive BUT I can drink 2 of those and get 60 gms of protein a day I get to start eating any soup I want today (if it has chunks then I have to blend it) - this for 2 weeks. Then I get to start food like thin sliced deli meat, canned tuna or chicken, ground turkey, ground chicken or ground beef (sirloin) as long as its 90/10 lean, mashed potatoes, eggs (you know the softer stuff). Feeling pretty amazing! Going to Painting with a Twist tonight after work cannot wait - it's so much fun! And remember, I'm only one week and one day post-op 3/28/13 - Day 9 Post-Op Worked all day yesterday and went to a painting class for 2 hours - had a great time but was a little tired come 10 pm but I'm back and at it again today at work. I am feeling great. Still holding at 19 lbs. to 19.5 lbs. (fluctuates a little). Still swollen around my stomach area. Talked to dr.'s office and they said I could buy an abdomenal binder (going to see about that and see if the support makes it better, not that it's bad but instead of it bouncing around ... lol!) We have weekly family dinners so going to a hibachi grill tonight. I'll have their broth soup. Funny thing is, I never feel hungry but my stomach growls, which, in turn, tells my head - oh you're hungry, but it's a mind hunger thing - I don't feel hungry (does that make sense?) 4/1/13 - Day 13 Post-Op I cannot tell you how great I feel. I went and purchased an abdominal wrap and that has helped a lot. I wear it all day at work and then take if off when I get home. Just gives some support. I haven't had any additional weight loss - holding between 19 and 19.5 lbs. Yesterday was Easter and for the first time I purchased Easter (or any holiday) lunch. It not only cost me 1/2 of what I normally spend, I didn't have to do anything I blended some cream of potato soup (watered down a bit) and it was really good. So, I felt like I was getting my mashed potatoes at least

@phayes - guess it depends on the nutritionist - LOL! Here's another liquid protein - 15 gms every ounce - http://www.genesistoday.com/products/protein-100. But, like all of them, maybe it doesn't absorb all either - i just put in a call to my dietician to see what they say. it was the bariatric nurse who told me to do the premier protein shake. let you all know what she says

Right after surgery I felt good. It was 1 day stay in hospital. If you throw up (or dry heave basically), then that seems to make it take a little longer for your stomach to heal. Per my doctor, when you throw up, each time, you 4 oz. little pouch gets smaller and smaller and then you will have to basically wait until you quit throwing up for the swelling to go back down so you can hold down liquids. I did this for 3 days but I actually felt good. I had it last Tuesday. By Saturday, I was out and about all day (sitting mostly, but still out and about). I was gone from 9 am until 10:30 pm. May have overdone it just a bit because I went to church on Sunday and I was exhausted BUT, after my protein drink kicked in, I felt good again. By day 6, I was back at work (tired and very very sore in the spot where they took out my stomach). I put a gel ice pack on it for about 3 hours and it made all the difference in the world. Day 7 was terrific. Last night (day 8), I worked all day, then went to a painting class for 2 hours and still felt good. Every day gets better. I have a high tolerance for pain and didn't use the morphine but twice and when I got home, I only used my Hydrocodone twice. Using children's liquid Tylenol if I have any discomfort but haven't used anything in about 3 days now. Good luck.

be sure and get a gel ice pak. no one told me to do that so I asked the doctor and they said yes, it was ok - made a HUGE difference. I have an office job too. took a pillow with me the first 2 days back.

I should've said I'm telling you that for incentive - everyday gets better and better!

ok I am 8 days post-op. Came back to work 3 days ago. I was feeling good until that day (this past Monday) because I was sore and tired. BUT, get a gel ice pack and put it on the surgery area. Made all the difference in the world. Tuesday I was like a new person. Today is Wednesday and I'm going to a painting class with my friends after work. I've been to dinner with friends Monday and Tuesday nights eating soup (broth). I can now have any soup but blended if it has big chunks or lumps. Follow my blog and I put in helpful hints as I come up with things.

yes. I can have ground beef (sirloin),ground turkey or ground chicken as long as it is 90/10 but no steak for about 6 months;

Ask for some gas drops if they won't let you do the chewable. Walk (I know it hurts, but do it). I threw up for 3 days (nothing really came out but it killed my stomach). I have a weak gag reflex so that made it worse. Hang in there! It's been a week today for me and I actually feel great! Came back to work yesterday and felt horrible!

I officially started my 2 weeks last Friday because I was afraid I wouldn't lose the required 11 UBS

I'm happy for you. Same day as mine! . Doing 2 Slimfast and 2 Slimfast snacks and small dinner each day for 2 weeks before. Already did samplings of liquid protein. Found a great deal - do one whey protein bullet (42 grams protein and $2.87 at Walmart) and add to bottle of water. Be sure and get at least 65 grams of protein per day after diet. I know someone who had surgery in November 2012 and is losing hair because she isn't getting enough protein. Good luck!

Surgery scheduled Mar 19, 2013. Monday starts my 2 week pre-op diet (Slimfast and one small dinner)