TanyaB

Was banded in 2008. Lost 90 lbs until it slipped. Regained about 70. Had the band out in August 2013 and got the sleeve October 3. Have lost 21 pounds in 3 weeks. Very pleased with the sleeve. It's a much different and much better experience. Definitely worth your time. Best of luck!

Yep! Blisters. I can't use them anymore.

Just remember it's all about attitude. There are people there much thinner and much more in shape than we are that have much less self confidence and are way more worried about what you're thinking about them. Just remember you may not be the fastest person there but you're still lapping anybody sitting on the couch! Good luck

Thanks Lory!!!!!

After the first week I was able to start drinking water a pretty decent rate. I can drink 8 ounces in about 5 minutes without feeling over full. Some people just have swelling the last longer than others.

I had issues with my stomach being itchy as well. I found that if I took a washcloth with some soap and wash off all the areas I could remove the iodine that was left over that made a huge difference in how I felt. Even if you can't see the orange when you wash off you will see it on your washcloth.

I am two and a half weeks out and feeling pretty good. I still have a lot of left side pain where they separated the muscles but I also used to have a lap band and think I have some extra scar tissue in there that is contributing to the extra pain. As long as I'm on my pain meds I'm feeling great and I'm 20 pounds down. Don't let all the story scare you it's definitely worth it! Best of luck

Tanyawilkersonbell

Thank you so much! Sounds exactly like what I'm going through. I really appreciate you taking the time to share.

So glad you did your research before making your decision. Best of luck on your new adventure

I am two and a half weeks out. Doing absolutely great with weight loss. I've lost 20 pounds so far. Tracking my food and my protein and my water intake, everything is good. What I'm having is severe muscle spasms and the left side of my abdomen from where they dilate those muscles and remove the stomach. Sometimes the pain is debilitating. I'm still taking my lortab and I take diazepam for muscle spasms. I also use a heating pad at night. I mostly just need to hear from others who have this pain that it will eventually go away and it's not something I should be too scared of. I had back surgery last year that turned into an infection in my spine. This led to a week in the hospital and 8 weeks of disability over an outpatient surgery so I am over worried about this pain lasting so long. Any information that anyone can provide is very much appreciated. I mostly just need to hear that I am not alone and that this will pass. If anyone can provide their personal experience of how long it took to get past this point I think it will help me. Thank you in advance.

Absolutely! Count me in.

I had my lap-band removed in August and then I had my sleeve done 2 weeks ago. My insurance company did not require the 6 month diet they only required proof from the doctors office that I had a complication with the band which was the slippage. The doctors office did require a psych evaluation but that was not a part of my insurance approval. When the doctors office submit the request to your insurance they will tell them its due to complications and that should alleviate many of the requirements for the initial surgery. My insurance was united healthcare. Best of luck

I'm two weeks post op today. I had two days of liquids before surgery and have lost 18 pounds. Starting weight 275, height 5'9". Yay!

It's maltitol! Always always always check sugar free food for this ingredient. It even have my dog the runs so I check all dog treats for it. Many sf products use maltitol. Acts like a laxative. Not good LOL

Carbohydrates increase the release of serotonin, your feel good hormone. Being on this high protein, low carb diet can make you cranky and depressed. If I'm feeling especially emotional I will eat something small with some sugar like one hersheys kiss. It helps, but so does my Prozac LOL. I always stick to one of whatever it is which isn't too hard since my taste for sweets is way down. Good luck to all.

I like the light vanilla if I'm just drinking It.

A full stomach stimulates the vagus nerve which can cause sneezing.

I found that eating with a baby spoon and using small sauce bowls is very helpful. I'm 2 weeks out. Having a full sauce or condiment bowl gives me the visual that I have a full dish to eat from. Using the baby spoon ensures that I take smaller bites and eat slower. Sounds kind of silly I know but it has been helping me tremendously.

Congratulations! You should by no means be embarrassed by your pre pictures because they were not bad at all! I think you look fabulous in both! keep up the great work!

So glad you are feeling better!!!!!! Keep in touch!

Don't take any chances sweetie. Call or go to an ER.

Chills can be a sign of infection. Call your Doctor! Tonight!

The left side pain is very normal. The surgeon has to dilate muscles to pull out the piece of stomach they removed and sometimes they put a very deep stitched into those muscles to pull them back together. I am 1 week out and the pain is getting better. Days 3-5 were my worst . Feels like a runner's cramp. I found that muscle relaxers help because of the muscle that's irritated. You may want to ask your surgeon if you can take that. Make sure you're taking your pain medicine as often as you can and use this time to rest. No two people heal the same so your situation will not be exactly like your husband. I was a little surprised at the pain myself as I used to have a lap band and did not experience this but found it was from the muscle manipulation. Focus on staying hydrated and sip fluids all day long. Even if its tiny drinks. You may be in the regret stage which we all go through. I promise you this will pass. You will feel like a completely different person in the week. Congrats on your new life!

I just went through the same thing and have my sleeve done October 3rd. I'm very excited about how it's going so far. I think it's a very positive move. Good luck in your adventure!