1Day1Life4Now

I'm only 6 weeks post-op but I would do it again in a heart beat. My only regret is not having it sooner. No complications and other than the first two weeks, a very uneventful recovery. I'm a sleever believer. :-)

/at 6 weeks out my is hollering when I eat certain things but not always. I sure hope it goes away.

It was less than a week for my approval once the paperwork was submitted. I called the insurance company to make sure everything had been submitted and they said yes it was submitted and approved but they hadn't called the Dr. office yet. So I then called the Dr. Office to let them know. A week and a half later I had my surgery.

Love it!!! you're making me hungry.

I can't sleep on my side without a pillow between my knees. It helps to align your spine and gives a little bit of cushion between the knees.

Hi Natalie, Wow, sounds like you have a lot going on over there. I can relate to some of it as I also have Osteo and Rheumatoid Arthritis. I have had spinal fusion and other back issues as well. I am currently in remission but I feel like it is because I chose to take control of my own situation and my health. The doctors had me on so many medications and I was gaining weight, feeling tired and just feeling sick all of the time. I was severely depressed all of the time because of how I felt. I decided that all of those medications were interacting with one another and preventing me from living the life I wanted to lead. I chose to get off of more than half of the medications because I personally felt that they were toxic to my system. The doctors were not happy but It's my life and I was taking control of it. Anyway, I gradually started changing my nutrition and eating habits and it really made me feel better. To get the weight off I chose the gastric sleeve and it has really helped. I'm only 6 weeks out but I can already tell a big difference. Anyway, nutrition is everything. If you want to get better, you have to make nutrition your number one priority. You can not heal without protein and our body can't fight the pain without protein. Be sure you have the powdered Whey protein and put it in yogurt, a cup of tea, oatmeal. Anything you can eat or drink. Protein is the magic bullet that is going to allow you to be better. Since you are having trouble eating, I know there is no way you can consume the amount of protein you need directly from food. You have either got to have the liquid protein shakes or the powdered stuff in your food and drinks. It is difficult to make changes, I know that all too well, but you can make one change at a time. The first one is to add the protein and later you can make other changes. Remember, take it one day at a time....one change at a time.

Hi Jill, Stop beating yourself up. 37 pounds in 2 months is wonderful, that's 18.5 pounds each month. When have you ever lost that much weight that quickly???? That's 4 or more pounds per week. Don't compare yourself to others because their journey is not your journey. Everyone is different, they have different metabolisms and varied work out routines. When you look at other people's stats they may be including their pre-op weight loss in addition to the post-op, so their stats may be a bit skewed. As long as you are losing you are winning the battle. This is not a race, it's a life style. Remember what the turtle told the hare....slow and steady wins the race. Take care and congratulations on a job well done. Keep up the good work.

Pamela, sounds like you have really been through it. I am so sorry to hear you had those complications but happy you are on the mend. As faras starting over, I suggest starting back at square one. Maybe some protein shakes and measuring all of your foods to ensure you have the protein and fluids you need each day. As soon as you are able to exercise add that and you should be back to losing. You might want to contact your surgeon and the nutritionist to see how to get back on the program. They may have more insight. Good luck and glad you are feeling better.

I haven't told anyone about my surgery either so I'm not really sure how I would address a friend like this but sometimes I can be pretty blunt when something is bothering me. When shopping, I would probably say "Jane Doe, I can't believe you haven't mentioned my weight loss". This doesn't leave the person any "outs". They have to say, "I have noticed and chose not to say anything" or "No sorry I didn't notice". Well, after 60 pounds, if they haven't noticed, then you are invisible to them. I'm not saying to do it this way but I am thinking I probably would. This gets everything out on the table so it can be discussed. Plus, if you are looking for bridesmaids dresses you will most likely be ordering a size much smaller than you currently are. She will have to notice that as well. Maybe she suspects you had the surgery and feels hurt you didn't share that info with her, so she has decided not to acknowledge the weight loss. I don't know, people can be pretty weird sometimes. By the way, congratulations on losing that 60 pounds. That is great work and you look fabulous. Be happy for yourself and don't let others steal your joy.

No that shouldn't effect the outcome of your evaluation. What they are looking for is unaddressed issues that could prevent you from being able to do the weight loss or other issues that would cause you to choose another addiction such drugs, alcohol or smoking. Don't stress about the Psyche evaluation. It's not as scary as it seems.

Yes, I was told about this at my nutrition class before surgery. It was stressed for me because I have severe gastric reflux. I also take protonics every day.

I had my gall bladder out several years ago.... way before WLS. Gall bladder problems can affect any of us at any time regardless of WLS or not. You can't predict it.

My doctor said wait one year before drinking. Right now I'm afraid of the empty calories but I do miss my glass of red wine.

Nancy, I have BCBS of MS and prior to WLS I had a breast reduction. My breasts were causing me back pain and my bra straps were digging into my shoulders. I went to a surgeon who wrote up the proposal and the insurance company paid for it all. Luckily, with a breast reduction, they give you a breast lift as well. Now I'm hoping the weight loss will make the rest of me as good as the breasts. if you go to a plastic surgeon they can write up the proposal that most insurance companies will approve. Good luck to you.

CurvyCakes, to be honest with you, I was a major Carb-addict prior to surgery. Pasta, in any form, breads, cheese straws, sweets, desserts.... I loved making them and eating them. I know that carbs are addictive and the more you eat them the more you have to have so I make a conscious decision to limit them. Of course by the time I have eaten my protein and then my veggie... I'm satisfied. I might take 1 bite of a starch but that is my limit. I still crave spaghetti and meat sauce but I don't want a quarter of a cup. I want an entire plate full of it. I love it, but I'm not going to eat it. I can not go down that slippery slope of temptation. I have to win this war against the weight... I have my tools for battle and I will fight with them. Once I lay them down and quit fighting.... I will lose the war and gain the weight.

Hi Izzy, I was sleeved on Feb. 10th as well. I'm much older than you... at 58, I'm married and my kids are grown. Anything I can do to help you in your journey or give you support, all you have to do is ask. Good luck. Oh, and I live in Mississippi. Janet

Timo, did you find any skypers? Guess everyone wants to wait till their thinner before going on camera. LOL Hope you are doing well post surgery. Janet

Natalie, we're all here to help you. Just ask. I'm in Mississippi, not too far from Texas. Wishing you the best and just remember...we're here... just send a message.

Hi beldary, welcome to the forum. I had the sleeve on Feb. 10th. Im now 6 weeks out and feeling fabulous. I pretty much had a text book case but am very aware of all that could have gone wrong. I'll be happy to answer any questions about the sleeve and my journey. I am 58, I live in Mississippi and I'm just happy to be here. :-)

wishing you a quick recovery and no complications. Hurry back to the US.

I'm only 6 weeks out and the only time I have thrown up is when I took the multi-vitamin with iron. Iron has always made me sick at my stomach. I quit the multi-vitamin and never happened again. I have found a new vitamin but haven't started it yet.... but I will. The trip to Duke for a second opinion sounds like an excellent idea. you really need to get that done for peace of mind and to ensure you have not damaged your stomach with all of that vomiting. I wish you much luck and quick healing.

Hmmm, I'm going looking for those.

Seela, I'm not dehydrated but my skin is noticeably drier after surgery. Remember, we are not getting all those fluids through foods we used to get so being dry, though uncomfortable, is nothing to be alarmed about as long as you are getting a sufficient amount of fluids. You mentioned you were drinking a protein drink every day. Those are usually 11 oz each so that is 11 oz to add to your fluid intake. I drink vitamin water and plain water mixed with SF kool aid drops and they seem to be easier to swallow than just plain water. For some reason plain water and tap water all have a metallic taste now and I can not seem to get tthem down. Spring water with kool aid does the trick. I never thought at 58 years of age I would be drinking kool aid but hey... if it works I'll take it. Wishing you luck.

Hi, I was reading your post about drinking the caloric juices. I can understand the boredom with water. In fact, I can't even drink plain water after surgery as it always has a metallic taste now. I used to be a water fiend pre surgery. Now I buy SF Kool aid drops to flavor my water. It tastes like fruit juice but zero calories and it makes me get my fluid intake accomplished. I don't know if you like the taste of kool aid but you might want to give it a try.

Just to add... I took one week off for surgery. I had my sleeve surgery on a Monday and I was back at work the following Monday. Nobody knew I had surgery, it was business as usual. I think the by-pass a lengthier recovery and I am not sure about the band.