FitnFabfor2014

That the foods I used to be able to eat are not longer allowed in my new tummy. Believe me, not by choice. In the beginning I had a lot of guest re-appearances. Also, a few teaspoons of anything makes me feel like a ate an entire holiday meal. I never thought that would happen.

I had to wait six months for my approval also. I'd be more than happy to answer any questions anyone has. It is a lot to take in prior to the surgery, because you really don't know what to expect. I wouldn't change my decision to have the surgery. The best choice I made.

Hi. Congratulations on taking your first steps. If you would like someone to talk to I would be more than happy to help. I am almost 9 months out. Down from a 18/20 bottom, to 8/10. Things are going pretty great so far.

I'm almost 9 months out. There are still some foods I can not tolerate. Pork is really hard for me to eat. For the most part I can eat almost anything, just in very small portions. I have not tried rice, pasta or breads. I have decided to stay away from those. I am usually full in 3-4 bites.

Hi, The picture in the purple I was probably 240, the picture in black was taken 2 months ago, at 165. I have lost another pant size since then.

When I had my surgery the same thing was happening to me. I switched to room temp, or warm/hot drinks and it helped. For me, it may be different for you, I could not (and still can't) drink the Vitamin Water zeros or any of the water additives. Something about what's in them does not sit well in my throat or stomach. Felt (and still does feel) like sandpaper going down. It becomes a trial and error finding out what works best for you. Because what works for one person, doesn't work for another. Good luck with your recovery.

I used sick time, and your employer doesn't need to know what the surgery Is for (HIPPA laws). My doctor just wrote a letter stating I was having a procedure and the starting and ending dates. They put down 6 weeks, but said if I was able to go back sooner I could, it was just easier to let them give you all the time in the beginning instead of asking for more time later. My job still does not know I had the surgery, and I am almost 9 months out. Good luck with your upcoming surgery.

I had one. I wore it for the first 2 weeks and it helped so much with keeping the pain minimal. I would highly suggest it.

Hi! I am almost 9 months out. Down about 100lbs (254 to 155), from a size 20/22 to a 8/10 pants, 2xl/3xl to a med/large top. I NEVER thought the surgery would be this successful. I am 100% happy with where I am now (weight wise). My friends are actually telling me to stop loosing weight. I have to agree, I can see my collar bone, it's not pretty. I need to focus on toning. I never thought I would say that!!! I wouldn't trade this surgery for anything!! Congratulations everyone on your success!

Hi I am almost 9 months out. Went from a size 20 to a 10. If you need any help or have questions feel free to inbox me. I'm not on here much anymore, but I am available via email also. Good luck with your consult.

I have to admit subway is definitely an option for me because it's close to my job, but I don't get the sandwich, I get a salad. Since you can make any sandwich into a salad it works out perfectly! I haven't had a sandwich since I was a month pre-op. Have to admit it's tempting sometimes, but I've managed. I did have a jamba juice maybe 4 months ago, a high Protein something. I couldn't finish it. It started to make me sick. I make my own at home most times. They have a frozen berry blend at costco, I add some OJ, and Water with some protein. Tastes great!!!

​Hello Fellow Sleevers, I am wondering if anyone has experienced this with their drain when they were released from the hospital (I am supposed to have the drain removed Wednesday thank goodness). I am going to wait until the doctors office opens this AM to see someone, but just wondering if anyone else with a drain has experienced this. I was woken up at 3:30am by pressure in my stomach. I have this drain that goes from my stomach to this bulb. i drain it daily. i have to take the air out of the bulb so it can siphon out the blood from my stomach. well in the middle of the night a blood clot got stuck in the drain tube and the bulb inflated. needless to say all the blood had nowhere to go but out of my insicion. There was a small pool of blood on my bed when I woke up. I went in the bathroom and tried to drain the bulb, OMG I thought I was dying. the pressure was so intense (since the blood had nowhere to go) it had collected in my incision (and stomach). I tried to knead the drain tube (which I was advised to do) and I started screaming. I had to stop!!! I swear I have never felt a pain like that. i finally got the blood clot cleared from the bulb, but it was ridiculously painful. i took two percocet and it helped, but I feel like i need to take two more. I called the doctor and she said "it happens". if the percocet doesnt help the pain to call then back (i talked to her at 4:10a) and put on a heating pad. I finally fell asleep and just woke up. I can feel the pressure again, but it definitely isnt as bad (yet). My drain bulb is almost full (it has never filled up like this, and its filling up quick. it only took an 1.5 hours). i am going to call the doctor at 8a and hopefully they can see me. i feel the percocet wearing off. i can only take 2 every 4 hours. its only been an hour . I'm sitting very still and moving very minimally. Just counting the hours until 8am .

My drain was on the right side of my stomach.

I asked my surgeon the same question. My surgeon said it's just based on the surgeon. My surgeon believes it helps with the recovery, less complications. At that time I would have disagreed, but at 10 months later I can understand.

Hi Yummymummy, I agree with you regarding your frustration. Which is one reason why I stopped logging onto this web site. There are so many "happy updates" about massive amounts of weight loss. I felt like I was making it harder for myself every time I saw those posts and compared them to my own weight loss. So I focused on my progress, dedicated my time to my health. Do you have a my fitness pal account? It's an app that helps you track what you eat daily. So you know which foods to steer clear of. It has helped me a lot. I am not a fast looser either, but it's steady. You should'nt compare weight loss for yourself, with someone who may have started off heavier than you. There are so many factors that separate US. I bet if you calculate the percentages you are in the same ball park. When I was working out I didn't see a dramatic change. The trainer told me I was gaining muscle. It will take a while for our body to catch up. Whatever you do don't give up. I know exactly what you mean about your boobs and your butt! I have no butt anymore and I want to cry! I have to start on my lunges. I bought a couple of great bras and the girls are up again. I just can't release them from the bra or they will droop to the ground! I swear I went from a 42dd to a 38dd and the girls are like deflated balloons, and my butt looks like a pancake (I always had a nice firm butt). I guess that's the price I have to pay. Take care of you!!! It will all come together .

You can try applesauce. I can't remember if I was cleared at four or six weeks for fruit (not blended), but once I was I NEVER looked back! I LOVE fruits and veggies now (still struggle with cooked and raw carrots). Definitely fruits and veggies are my go to. Only difference is now I take the skin off apples. So much easier to digest. Once you are given the ok you will love it! Good luck with it journey.

Hi! You absolutely will enjoy food. I remember thinking the same thing when I started this journey. I couldn't even imagine enjoying anything again. It has definitely been a learning experience. I am almost 5 months out, and I am still learning new ways to eat. There are some things I can not tolerate (like pork, and chili), but everyone's tolerance is different. The one thing I have gained is control over my eating habits. I never had that before, it's GREAT! For me the first two months were the most difficult. Each day it got a little better. Good luck with your journey.

Great work Kindle! I remember we were sleeved within a month of each other. You look fab! Congratulations!

100%. I felt the exact same way! Life after the sleeve requires change, but you can definitely still enjoy food! And a plus, I've learned control. I never had that before!!!

It lasted about 3 weeks. The first two months for me were the hardest. I did not have a "textbook" recovery. This might sound crazy, but it could be what you are drinking. For me I could not add crystal light or anything like that to my Water. My stomach would start hurting. It took me awhile (about 2 months) to figured it out. I also couldn't drink the sugar free Vitamin waters. If I get tired of water I will add a little OJ and dilute the heck out of it. You get creative on this journey, and find out what works best for you . Everyone is so different in their recovery, so you do what is best for you.

It eat the Special K Protein cereal also. It really does curb my appetite. I have it maybe twice a week. I only eat about half a cup (if that, sometimes I can't even finish the half a cup). The Special K protein cereal is not a slider (for me). I actually get full from it, and I am still loosing weight (so far, went from a 20 to a 12). I switch off with different things for breakfast so I don't get burnt out.

Hi, I absolutely did. It was horrible. I feel for you. Honestly the only thing that helped was warm tea. I put some trivia in it to sweeten it, and it was a life over. For me it had something to do with the cold liquids. Hope you feel better soon.