Roo101769

Girl....seriously??? Wow. Not trying to be a negative meany but you look like you gave birth! You have very little tummy left from before to after! You may live with it and not get to appreciate it as someone who doesn't see you, ( I totally get what you mean) but DANG!!!! You are doing an absolutely fabulous job and should be immensely happy and proud of where you are. At this rate you will be next to nothing in no time....A BIG congratulations on how far you have come!!!!

I am actually kind of glad to see this post, and response from Laura-Ven. I am past it now, but I too had blurred vision for a bit post op. Also some very slight memory issues. As I said all have passed. ( I was sleeved 10/21) But for a while I was really worried. I did have a lot of problems with the anesthesia ( could not wake up) and I had SEVERE nausea. So hearing that both anesthesia and anti nausea meds can cause these issues makes total and complete sense to me. I am glad to know I am not too abnormal!!! LOL

Highest weight (spring 2013)- 316lbs. Surgery weight(10/21)-283lbs. Today -264lbs. Slow and steady wins the race...lol

Ok. I have to get in on this subject. I totally and completely get what you are saying. But I am at an even worse place in a way. I have lost 52lbs to date ( since my heaviest earlier this year) and I am just NOW where you started Lipstick !!! ( 5'3" - 264lbs) My weight loss is noticeable to everyone but me. The only thing I can see at this point is just how gross my neck looks. ( I am working on it, trust me) I still wear my size 26W clothes, although they hang on me. I guess part of me finds it comforting. Thing was, at 316lbs those size 26W were stretched to peak capacity. I was just too...vain(?)... to go up another size. I do have some 24W clothes that I have been wearing on occasion. They fit, in fact they are starting to get loose. But I still go back to the 26W because......I don't know why. Maybe there is a sense of comfort there although I was totally uncomfortable and miserable. It is a pretty strange and perplexing thing. And as far as seeing myself "skinny"??? That is the farthest thing from my mind and the hardest to imagine. I ONCE had a dream that I was normal size since I started the whole process of WLS. I woke up so excited for it to be a reality. I have never dreamed that again. I have been losing weight a little slower post op, so it has been even harder to see a change. I just have to keep pushing forward and do what I need to do and hope that maybe someday, I will feel like something other than the fat girl...

First...step away from the scale. Now, take a deep breath. Now I am going to share my deepest wisdom, gonna get all zen here. It will be what it will be....You cannot force things to change when they won't. You have had the surgery. You are working the plan worked out for you by your surgeon and NUT. That is it. That is all there is and needs to be. Your body will decide when it is ready to let go of the weight. There will be times of great loss, followed by times of nothingness. Your body is in metamorphosis and it is a stop and start journey. I too weigh every day, so I can't and won't chastise that. But remember you are new to this. I too went through a stall...I lost 13 lbs in less than two weeks post op. Then I didn't drop another pound for over two weeks. It was hard to deal with. As the days wore on my mental resolve wavered. I knew the statistics in my head, but that didn't help the feelings I was not going to succeed this time from sneaking in. But then suddenly, at about 33 days post op two things happened. I hit the 50lb mark. From the very start of my journey I have lost over 50lbs. I have never accomplished that before since I became obese. Then another fact hit me. I had dropped 4lbs on 3 days. Two more pounds the day after that! The stall has broke. How long or how much I will drop until it stalls again I do not know. But I know I am doing this. I am losing weight. I will succeed. There will be times that will test my resolve greatly, but I will get through it. My advice to you is to try to remember the same. You WILL get through this!

My best friend is being sleeved 12/17. I have been strongly encouraging him to try to change his eating habits now, to make later easier. ( I did. I started eating a high protein/ low carb fat and calorie diet in August before my 10/21 sleeve date) I think it worked for me because I had already fought the head demon back before I had to adjust physically to the sleeve. Does the head demon still appear? Sure. I think it always will. But I already had a handle on controlling it before I got to surgery. Having surgery just gave me another tool to use in my battle. Anyway, I think my friend is scared of the unknown. His relationship (ie:addiction) to food is even more deep seated than my own. For a couple of weeks now he has been saying how he is eating everything in sight, but knows he need to get his s**t together soon- yet he keeps eating. It is a very hard emotional battle, not just physical. Try to set your sights on healthy and wise choices. Yes, a little splurge won't kill you. But it will be something to think about. Start trying to set boundries for yourself now, it will help you a great deal later on.

Thanks for the tip!! I have been looking for more flavors of SF Toroni, but my local grocery store only has SF vanilla. So....I just stocked up! Yay!!! I look forward to using all my new goodies...Thanks again!

My dreaded three week stall that is. I actually stalled at about two weeks, and it held until just past four weeks. Last Tuesday was my one month check and I was 270lbs. I am very lucky that my home scales and my surgeons scales weigh the same. (I was 270lbs at home too) As of this morning I am 264lbs. And my other major milestone was I hit my 50lb mark over the weekend. Since this all began I have lost (now) over 50lbs. I still have a long way to go to hit my goal, but this is the single biggest weight loss I have ever had in all the years I have been obese. It is such an awesome feeling. It is inspiring me to keep on keeping on! ( esp. after the stall) And part of that weight loss I did on my own, before the sleeve. I knew my life was about to change and I couldn't wait to get at it. I do have a lot to be thankful for this week, I finally see a brighter future.

Ok, ok...I wasn't going to write anything about this but I have to be honest in the fact it is starting to really get me down. I was sleeved 10/21. In the first two weeks I lost 12 lbs. Since then just one pound, only 13lbs in a month. I have been stalled for two weeks now. I know there are many factors that go into a stall. Pre op I lost over thirty pounds on my own since August. I decided to change my eating habits then to get a jump on my new life. Since I had the surgery I have actually struggled to get my protein in and enough calories. (And even fluids) In the past week I have really worked on that, knowing my body needs it to do the work. And I have even increased my exercise. I was just cleared to do "whatever I want" on Tuesday, but I already had started walking a lot and doing more physical things. I know form reading posts over and over that this is not uncommon, but I am really starting to be a little blue here. People are always asking "how much have you lost"? It is getting a little discouraging to say nothing since last time you asked. I just wish the darn scale would start heading down again. I do know to stay the course and all that, and that my body needs this time to adjust. I just wish I knew a way to help the process along faster...Just not a huge fan of waiting I guess.

I made these last night for a work carry in. I had trouble finding Atkins flour, so I bought soy flour. ( low carb / lots of protein) And thanks to a bulb being burned out in my kitchen ( and it being very dim in there) I put in a tablespoon of cinnamon instead of a teaspoon. But...they were still yummy! More of a spice cake taste than chocolate. My icing did not work well, was thick and sticky. I either need more milk or just omit as the cake is dense but moist and yummy!

I just posted my frustration on this exact same thing last night. I know all the research, I have read others' experiences. Still, it is upsetting to know all you have gone through to get here and only see a couple pounds difference. ( I have only lost 13lbs since 10/21 sleeve date) It is especially tough when you read posts from those who have lost 20+lbs in the same time frame. I just have to be patient, which is not my strong suit. LOL I keep saying to myself "slow and steady wins the race".

I think that looks not right, but I am not medically trained. I can tell you one or two of my outer stitches opened on my main incision about 8 days out. It became tender, and started to drain. I decided to put a couple butterfly bandages on it, to draw the edges closer together. ( the rest of the incision was fine) It continued to drain for about a week or so, but the drainage didn't look infected. (nor was the wound red or irritated looking) I started applying anti biotic cream to it about two weeks out. Within a couple days the drainage stopped and I formed a scab. I saw my doctor yesterday for my 1 month follow up and he said it looked good. He said sometimes the incisions will open a little, but my guess is he did not mean anything like yours is. I would certainly get another opinion.

The scope doesn't hurt, as you will be mildly sedated. But it does tend to irritate your throat a bit. Not a big deal, honestly. ( I was actually pretty nervous about the scope, but didn't need to be) My journey took about three months in all. My first visit with surgeon was 8/6. I started knocking out all of his and the insurance requirements, but was hung up for a short time scheduling into the nutritionist. Once all was said and done, and all pre insurance approval testing was complete, it was around the first of October. My approval was lightening quick, less than 24hrs. ( Just a VERY lucky coincidence) Two days later I was scheduled for 10/21. All of my hospital required pre op testing, my 10 day liquid diet and the endoscope was all done within the following few weeks. I was sleeved 10/21 and I am already a month out- which is incredibly hard to believe!!! I too had met my insurance cap for the year due to other health issues, so I was really wanting the surgery in 2013. I had hoped to be done BEFORE the holidays, so I was extremely fortunate the way it all worked out for me. Be sure to stay on top of all you are needed to do. Be proactive about scheduling appointments and get all done you have to. Hopefully that way you will be able to get the surgery in the time frame you wish. Good luck!!!

Not every surgeon chooses to do a pre op liquid diet. Mine did, a ten day liquid. ( full liquids for 10 days, switching to Clear Liquids the afternoon before surgery day) The reasoning is it is to shrink a fatty liver. The liver is situated in the same area as the stomach. To help keep the liver out of the way during surgery ( and so they do not have to make more incisions to put more instruments in to move it) they like the liver to be as small as possible. It may be different with sleeve vs. band because they are actually cutting things in there. You certainly do NOT want them to cut your liver!!! Also, because we did liquids for ten days pre op there was no need for a bowel prep before surgery.

I can promise you post op it will be MUCH easier to remember and follow suit. I too worried about the eating too fast / not chewing enough thing. I also worried about NOT drinking around meals. All of these were lifelong ingrained habits. Once I started eating post op it was no longer a concern. I could feel as things hit my stomach. I waited to see how my stomach would react to it. I didn't drink because it wasn't really needed at first, not on liquid diet. Now I have been allowed to start introducing "solids". I had a turkey burger last night for dinner. Just a single patty, cooked with a piece of ff cheese and maybe a teaspoon of light mayo. A couple times during the course of the "meal" I had to stop and wait several minutes before continuing. I probably did not chew well enough and I could feel it when it hit my stomach. ( not pain, but uncomfortable) Your sleeve will help you remember what you need to do. But it is very proactive of you to be trying now! Just keep up the good work and you will succeed..

Also had surgery 10/21. HW= 316lbs. SW=308lbs CW= 268-270lbs (been fluctuating and stalled a while)

I have absolutely nothing to say but glowing reviews about the hospital and staff that took care of me during my surgery. I was sleeved at Grandview Hospital in Dayton Ohio. This is an older hospital in a bad part of town that has had a bad reputation. But several years ago it was brought into a network of four hospitals in the Dayton area and went through an extensive remodel. The hospital is beautiful now. Clean and modern, yet warm. My room was basically private. When you enter from the hall it splits into two rooms. So I had privacy and plenty of room for visitors. The bathroom was very large and easy to manuever in. And the staff were beyond compare. Each person truly seemed to care about me and my well being. So I give the highest props to all at Grandview Hospital in Dayton Ohio!

I started sleeping on my left side, with a pillow wedged against my stomach, the day I came home from the hospital. I cannot sleep on my back all night, and didn't have an adjustable medical bed to help me..Right side sleeping took a little longer. And I was about two weeks when I first laid on my stomach. Just work with your body and what is comfortable for you.

I made "cream of" soup while I was in my full liquid stage. I blended cream of chicken, cream of broccoli and cream of potato together. ( all pureed in food processor to make sure no chunks) It tasted really good, but became old fast. If I never eat another cream of soup again I will be a-ok.

I am trying to figure this out too. I know I need more exercise, but right now I am not super energetic. I was sleeved 10/21. I did heal a little slower. (thank blood thinners!) My energy levels are not as I hoped. Once I started getting in my Vitamins daily it helped a lot, but I still need work on Protein and liquids. I have also been on the lower end of calories. All things I am working on, trust me. The next things is exercise. I took my five year old to the local mall to do some shopping last Friday night. I forget the actual distance if you walk the whole mall ( interior) but it is well over a mile, and that does not include going into any stores. We were there for three hours and I was very tired and worn out when we left. It has been years since I have walked that whole mall, so I was pleased about that. It is just a gradual thing for me I guess. I am not giving up or giving in. I am just going with "slow and steady wins the race"!!!

I too am on blood thinners. I was off warfarin and on Lovenox for my surgery 10/21, but returned to oral warfarin right after. I have only had my blood checked once since surgery and it was within the range my PCP wants me to be. I go back 11/26 for another check, see what happens then. Hopefully I stay steady and do not develop issues. Hopefully they can figure something that will work better for you...

I am in the EXACT same boat as you pjackson. I was also sleeved 10/21. I have lost about 13lbs post op, and nothing for the last week and a half. I figured I hit the dreaded "stall" early. I read the info the was attributed to Butterthebean and have to admit some of my stall issues are mine to own. I have not been getting enough calories. Not because I am sick or suffering, I eat what I can. But it has been very low and I am working on increasing a little. Also same thing with fluids. It is much easier to drink now than it was even a week ago, so I am also working on increasing fluids. I just take each day as it comes, work the plan, and know that eventually the stall will break. In the mean time I try to improve what I can on my end to meet my sleeve somewhere in the middle. I believe it will get easier as time goes on, I feel I am still on the learning curve... Good luck to both of us getting the scale going back the way we need it to!!!

Hello. I was sleeved 10/21. I did not gain anything from surgery and have lost 13lbs post op. I have been a little...oh let's say frustrated because I hit the dreaded 3 week stall early. I have stayed the same about 2 weeks now. I know it happens, so I am not getting bent or anything. I will just be happy when my body decides it is time to start letting go of some more weight again! I did lose 33lbs from August on my own, so that may also be playing into things now. IDK... But I am still happy. I know my body is adjusting and figuring it all out. And to be honest, I have probably not been eating enough. Trying to up my calories a little more, plus get moving more, to break the stall and get back heading down...Good luck!

Three weeks out here and the "cold" front has already set in. I was never a super hot & sweaty person ( unless I exerted much energy) but now I am the cold person. Already have had one round of "turn the thermostat up/down" with a coworker. ( I am beside it so she is sort of s.o.l. hehehe) But I have taken to wearing warmer clothes. Tonight a major cold front is coming through. I wore one of my warmest sweaters today and have still been chilly, so I am in trouble the rest of the week!!! Oh well. I will take it.

I too was sleeved 10/21 and I too have only lost 14lbs. I was stalled for several days. I am pretty sure I know some of the reasons. First, I have had trouble getting enough calories in. I believe between 600-800 is good, but I have been lucky to be hitting 500. I am trying to boost it a little, but I truly am not hungry or get full fast. But this weekend I did increase by a little and dropped a pound. Second, I think I just stalled early, didn't wait for the "three week stall". That's ok, hopefully I will get past it early too! Pre op I started changing my diet in August, at my own discretion. So I dropped almost 33lbs before surgery, so my body has already been in a "losing" mode for a while now. And finally is my activity level. I haven't been cleared to exercise yet, but I know I could be doing more. (walking) But working 8-5 and raising a 5 year old makes it hard. Plus I am in Ohio and it is dark by 5:30, when I get home. Not much for walking in the dark and cold. Could walk at a mall or the Y, but my daughter has to come with me and that is just a whole other set of issues... Ok, the last thing is truly an excuse. I need to get more exercise, period. Anyway, I am exactly at the same point as you and I am not worried or giving up. Just keep on keepin' on ( with the plan) and things will start happening again.