magpie30

I did sort of the same this as you. I started the process back in 2009. But then i was going for the RNY, but all the side effects and malabsorbtion and scary issues people had was really freaking me out. My surgeons PA told me that if i was 50 or 60 that the RNY would be a better choice because i wouldn't have to deal with the long term complications, but being as i was only in my mid 20's. Of course it was my choice, but he said he looks at it as it's his job to try to talk people out of surgery, since it's such a huge deal that way the people who still go through with it really know and understand what they are doing. I had a surgery date and everything, and backed out. about a year and a half later after gaining some more weight i decided to restart, but again backed down, because i just wasn't ok with the RNY. Finally my insurance approved the Sleeve, and i jumped on that and had my surgery March 6 and i haven't looked back yet! You will do great!!

There really is no "norm" per say as everyone loses the weight differently. It also depends on how heavy you were to start with. someone who was 400lbs will drop weight faster at the beginning that someone who was 250lbs. As long as you are doing what you were told, i think you are just fine!

Oh gosh yes, head hunger is the worst!! As for the taste changes, yeah, i had 1 m&m today ( yeah i know) but i didn't like it at all. Which is great, cuz with Easter right around the corner my son is going to have candy floating around, and at least this year i know i won't be eating it, or wanting to eat it! Hang in there!!!

my doc had me on full liquids as soon as i got home from hospital, and at the 3 week mark i could add soft foods, like eggs, shirmp, fish, moist chicken... So each doc is different in what you should be eating and when.

try eating slower, smaller bites and chewing it really really well. I get pains from eating if i eat to fast, which sometimes seems slow to me but it's not slow enough. For a while i could not eat eggs, it make my stomach so grumbley and uncomfortable, but not sick feeling. So maybe there is a food that you can't tolerate yet. Hope it gets better soon!

It does get better, i promise! The first week is just awful but, just take small sips of water, keep doing it, keep up the walking, but don't over do it! That makes it hurt worse ( trust me i know). You passed the leak test at the docs before you went home, so as long as you do what you are told the chances of developing a leak are quite small. Hang in there, your going to do great!!

I'm so sorry to hear you are having a hard time! it will get better, i promise!

I have trouble getting in all my protein and water in a day, so my nut said that if i needed to i could alternate days. one day focus on protein and getting it all in, and the next getting all my water until I'm able to eat a larger quantity. Make sure you are getting some sort of exercise in, anything is better than nothing. Also remember everyone's bodies are different, and maybe yours is just still a bit freaked out from the surgery, so it's trying to hold on to as much as possible. Don't worry though, it will come off ,and think of it this way, the slower it comes off the less loose skin you will have! There has been one quote that always keeps me going even on my worst days " No matter how slow you go, you are still lapping everyone who is still on the couch". Hang in there and keep your chin up, you are doing great!!

my doc said no NSAID for the first 6 months, but then it was fine to take them as needed

Oh yes, lip balm is a MUST! other than that, lose fitting clothes, a robe if you have one is good. Your own pillow can be very helpful with getting sleep. deodorant and a hair brush and hair ties. you could bring your own shower things if you want, but they will also provide them for you. Oh and lotion, skin gets very dry. Good luck!

start now and find a protein powder that you like, flavored and unflavored. Unjury is a popular brand. get some chicken/beef/vegetable broth. sugar free jello and SF pudding, 100% juice and sf Popsicles. The popsicles were a real life saver! I would say cream soups, but i had it once and couldn't stand to even think about eating it again, even though it tasted good at the time. Make sure you have someone around, especially the first week cuz you wont feel like, or be able to do much of anything.

keeping my fingers crossed for you!! Good luck!

your not going to go bald, or have to cut your hair. If you have really thick hair you will probably only notice that more hair comes out in the shower than usual, and your hair may feel thinner as in, you have to wrap the band around it 3 times instead of 2. honestly i lost more hair when i was prego than i have so far from the surgery.

We waited 2 and a half weeks, but haven't done it much as both times it has made me sick to my stomach afterwards, and last night i actually threw up after sex. Maybe it was just to rough and jostled my stomach around to much? I don't now, but it wasn't pleasant. So next time i told my hubby to be very gentle, and we'll see how that goes.

I'm sorry to hear about your mom, i hope everything will be alright. But good for you! That is a huge step, you should feel good about! The more changes you can make prior to surgery, the easier life will be after. Keep up the good work, and i'll keep your family in my thoughts!

At 2 weeks out i could eat half an egg. I am 3 weeks out now and i can get down about 3/4 of the egg, but that is over about a 30 min period. Made chili for dinner last night and i could eat about 1/4 cup, which was hard cuz it tasted sooo good! Maybe if you try to take longer time to eat, 10 min is pretty fast, you will feel full sooner. If you are really concerned call your nut and ask.

my hospital takes before and then after pics a year after surgery. They send you a copy of the pics as well. Like you, i knew i was big, but holy freaking crap!! I can't believe i actually looked like that and was THAT huge! But i keep them out to remind me why i'm doing this. I don't like looking at them, but it is a huge wake up call. I can't wait to have some after pics, especially if i can look as good as you do! Damn girl, you totally rocked it!

you can have sugar and the dumping isn't really an issue with the sleeve, though some people find they don't tolerate sugar anymore. The main point is that refined sugar is awful for you and makes you gain weight like gangbusters. So while having some sugar once in a while is ok, i wouldn't make it a habit or you will see yourself starting to pack on the lbs. Though natural sugars, like honey and that found in fruit and 100% juice is fine.

Sending good vibes your way! I hope it all works out as planned!!

first, cut yourself some slack. you are relearning to eat and that is difficult to say the least! To help you slow down eating, set a timer for 2 min, and allow yourself a bite of food every 2 min. it may seem like a pain, but until you get used to eating slower it will help. remember to take small bites and chew very well, this will also help you slow down. I used to eat to fast and to much, and it felt awful, but i am finally figuring out how to eat slowly and when I am full. It takes time, but you'll figure it out!

stunning! lovely to see such successes.

That is amazing! I am so happy for you! Thank you for sharing this with us, it is very inspiring. Keep up the great work!!

Sounds with in the range of "normal" to me. Everyone's body is a little different, so we all tolerate things differently. Just be sure to take it slowly as your ease at drinking could become difficult any time. Hopefully you are just one of the lucky ones who have no problems with the fluids!!

As of today i am 3 weeks post op and aside from the general pain and discomfort of surgery i haven't had any problems. All my incisions are healing beautifully and the doctor was very pleased with my recovery. But today i've noticed that slightly above and behind the extraction site, i have pain when i bend down and if i gently press there it is quite firm and it hurts. I've searched the site to see if i could find anything but didn't come across anything that really fit what i'm having. So i was wondering if anyone has any ideas or has experienced this as well. OH and I had my gall bladder removed months ago, so no possibility it's that.

Thanks for the responses, and i think you are right, it probably is from over doing it. I've been feeling so much better lately that I've been cleaning like mad, and lots of bending, which has probably irritated it. I'll try to lay of the bending for a few days and see if that helps any.