newlife281013

Wow! You must be feeling great, well done you.

Oh where to start. After many issues, having my son upset cause kids at school teased him about having a fat mum, you know the jokes "your mum is so fat..." Having trouble on plane flights "I fly with my job". Being out of breath.... The list goes on and on. I did a lot of research and deliberated cost as my insurance would not pay for it and then my brother said one night in all honesty that I could hold onto the money and just leave it to my son as I would not be around to spend it or see him grow up. That was the final straw, like you I am on my own with my son and I have a lot to see and do.

Have you had your ears checked ? Just a thought

Wow Misty you have done so well. Congratulations!

I've only lost 17kgs and I find that laying on my side in bed I can feel my hips dig in the bed. 1. I thing the rest of my weight is pushing down on less padding and 2. Need a new bed

This is why they are called OUTLAWs

Ok wisdom, I have none the grey hair is a rouse that's why I dye it. Hahaha. I am nearly 5 weeks out and happy to give an honest recap. Remember everyone is different and I believe how you prepare is as important as what you are doing and why. After years of yo yo dieting and always ending up worse off (gaining more than I lost). I researched and talked to my GP for nearly a year. In June 2013 I finally had my appointment with my surgeon. I knew in my head what I needed to do. I had severe back pain with spinal issues after an accident, very high blood pressure, obstructive sleep apnoea, and was just diagnosed with a sugar problem and just generally miserable. I have a high pressure job and a life to live that was going to be cut short. I lost both my parents young and wanted to be around for my son and the possibilities of grandchildren. Ok shiet out of the way. I chose the sleeve for several personal reasons I did not want a band inside me and did not want the refills etc. the bypass was too severe for my liking for several reasons, although is a better option for some your clinic surgeon will explain why it might be better for you if necessary. The waiting was probably the hardest part for me but if you set a goal and still live while waiting it is easier. To stop over load I limited the time I spent each week reading and stressing and tried to have days where I didn't go online and thing about it. I had a to do list with dates and a diary wholly for this change in my life, to not let it consume my thoughts. If you are self funding get your applications in early if you need super released or confirm with your health cover what is and what is not covered. In July my surgery was booked for 28th October. I had a 4 week pre op diet (every surgeon is different). I weighed 121 kgs pre op with a goal to loose 10 kgs before (this also aides in reducing the size of a fatty liver which helps your surgeon get to your stomach and your recovery ). Choose your surgeon and clinic carefully, mine has a clinic with psychs, dieticians, and nurses of which you become a life member for any help and follow ups for the future to ensure you get the best from your tool. Also the surgeon Dr George Hopkins was also known for being efficient but gentle (so less brushing and pain). With the preop diet try and train yourself to eat slower with small bites that you chew well and wait between swallowing and the next bite (this will really help once the surgery is done as eating a pizza in 10 mins because you have little time before the next meeting and you won't eat till after a long night of overtime will no longer be possible). Try and change this silly life issue because eating well and slowly is just as important as the next meeting at work remember you want your life to be longer and why you want to do this. I had surgery on the 28th. It went well but hiccup I'm allergic to most pain meds (I vomited for 3 days out due to the anesthetic and the pain meds hooked up in the IV so this slowed me getting up). I gave up the pain meds the first night and just had panadol in the drip. Amazingly the pain was not more than panadol could handle. I am a wooz and don't like needles at all so the heparin shots in my leg (too help with clotting) were the only thing I didn't like and on the second day realised my only brushing was from those and none from surgery. My surgeon has a swallow test ( to ensure no leaks) usually on the morning after due to being sick. I had it in the third day. I went home that same day after the test was clear and I could drink, water and apple juice and broth and yes once I had passed wind. (All drinks were sipping 20 mls at a time. Walk as much as you can short spurts as it will help with the gas and the moving of the loquats you are drinking. (I had more pain in my back for other reasons and the shiet bed than from surgery). Once home I followed the sipping rules and walked my backyard resting in between. I had 3 weeks off more because of the commute to work 1 and 1/2 hrs each way than the pain this also helped me get passed the liquid only diet before going back and get a routine than pain also just healing. Remember it is major surgery so NO lifting etc and you should not drive a car for at least 3 weeks after major surgery for your safety and others. Each week I have lost a little more and as I say I am 5 weeks out on the Monday coming and I am currently 104kgs feeling great and looking good. I had buyers remorse at 3 days and for a week but with the support of my son and this site each day was a new one and I am now very happy I did it, my sugar is no longer a problem and my blood pressure meds are now half. Energy is a problem for a little while but berrocca helped not the fizzy in water one there are tablets you can get and a blood test will have you NUT (nutritionist/dr/dietician) advise any vitiatmins you need. Everyone is different but I have experimented with foods as different textures are easier to eat. Suggestions buy a blender/ dish or stick to smash the food or blend for soup etc. slow cooked meat and fish can be blended down when you are ready for it and great source of protein. Find a shake you like nothing worse than throwing out a 5kg dish of crap shake and do drink WATER. Dehydration is your enemy, remember you will no longer be able to make up your water needs by chugging down a whole bottle in one go so sip constantly to ensure you get you water needs start this now. Good luck I know this is long winded but hope it helps. Everyone here is only to happy to support and answer questions no matter how silly you think they are, ease your mind and ask. Oh and don't take to much creed in the friendspert (the friend that never had it done, isn't a doctor but read a horror story and now knows everything). There is risk in any surgery be aware, you can make an informed decision with a good surgeon).

Yes the first day at finish time I could have drunk a swimming pool and a shocking headache, so I now have a bottle on my desk and a glass and my phone vibrates in my pocket every 10 minutes. By the by the end of the week my hand was automatically picking up the glass and I am now reaching between 1200 and 1300 mls a day. Still not the goal but getting there.

Well done Susan. Bet your feeling wonderful

Ok time for an update Last Monday was my first day back at work, I was dubious that I would last a day as lacking energy and did not know how I was going to eat as a few teaspoons took 30 mins to eat and 30 mins up and down to walk off. Well all went well, managed to get through Monday and after work had my check up with the surgeon who was very happy with my progress and assured me my slow back and forth move between fluids and runny mash is ok and nothing to worry about. Energy ? Just for an extra boost in the morning I take a barocca (not spelt right) tablet. Not the fizzy tablet in water, help heaps. I am currently 105 kgs 16 down from my start weight. I wasn't seeing it really and then due to lack of shopping a girl at work had given me a pair of size 16 work pants (I never fitted into them cause I was a size 22, never had the heart to tell her). OMG ( not a term I use ever). They slipped on like they were meant for me! I don't think I have ever smiled so much (other than when I gave birth 19 years ago). I have gone and bought another pair to see me through the next phase. I am still struggling getting my food down but have found that different texture goes down easier smashed up grilled barrimundi GOOD. smashed up lobster BAD. So I am learning and feeling much better. Hope everyone is well.

Glad all is well for you Misty

Thanks. I love this site when I'm feeling low I read other peoples inspiring stories. But nice to have other people going through the same thing. I don't have anyone as friends poopooed the surgery. I have my 19 who is great but he is 19. I am feeling chuffed about the weight loss prior I would loos 10 kgs and the gain it back so this tool is a heaven send (thanks to a dr or 2. Lol)

Hey I'm doing ok but struggling, back to work tomorrow and have noooo energy. I have been walking but not miles like some. Pre op diet for 1 month start 121 kgs Surgery 28/10/13. 117kgs 1st week. 109kg 2nd week 107kgs Tomorrow will be 3 weeks I moved to mushy food but mostly have fluidly as I wasn't getting enough in I can only manage 3 tsps and then I have trouble drinking water. I am greatful for the weight loss but worried how I will go at work when I'm stuffed by 2pm. How is everyone else?

I'm 3 weeks post tomorrow and still rumbling. Our dog has a tummy problem and has a loud rumble a lot I now give a run for her money although the family just think it's her cause she sits near me all the time. Lol

Well done, you look great!

Well done. Congratulations!

Unfortunately I don't have any answers I can only sent good vibes and healing light to you. I hope you troubles are over soon and you are on the mend. Give Hospital strength ensure a go it is for patients that can't eat or hospital strength sustegan. Good luck

Wow amazing, can you tell me what a typical day food and exercise is? I was sleeved 28th Oct and still on puréed food and not handling much food yet. Waiting for my check up Monday to see what I can do besides walking ( due to a spinal problem I can't do much of that yet)

All my positive thoughts are with you. Each day will get better and better. Let us know how you get on.

Thinking of you at this time. I lost my my Mum in 2011 after caring for her for over two years and then my Dad in 2012. I hid for almost a year feeling worthless and lost. I decided to get this surgery so I would be healthier for my own son my parents were only 64 and 65. I can still hear my Dad say where is the skinny girl in old photos I know he was only worried about me. But I know they are looking down smiling now that I making the changes needed, I still miss them terribly every day but I also know they would be pissed at me if I waisted my life. It takes a while but try to remember the good stuff xox

I have scrambled egg with as much skim milk as the egg to make it really runny. I make it in a little tiny pot and keep stirring so not completely firm but cooked. Or same with a soft boiled egg and slender blend with skim milk and a little no fat mayo

Good luck on your journey, have a great break I'm sure you deserve it. Look forward to seeing your updates

You have to ask yourselves a few questions.How old are you? How long have you been overweight? How many times have you succeeded and then put weight back on and some? Do you have co-morbidities? Are you doing this because your health is at risk? Is this something you have discussed long term with your GP that knows your history? I only say this as it is a life time surgery it is not something to be taken lightly (not suggesting you are), it's this something you can commit to for life? I am supportive of anyone taking up this surgery as it was my only other option. But I also support making a completely informed decision. At the end of the day only you can answer honestly all of these questions and I suggest that you speak with your Dr openly and honestly or someone close to you that you can be open and honest with or the psych at your clinic. I don't regret mine, as I said I had literally done everything else, but it is not an easy quick fix it is a tool to help you to make a lifetime change. Not trying to sway you either way because each of us has our reasons, and our history. Good luck either way you choose, everyone here is very supportive and encouraging along the journey. Many people on this site can answer from their own experience but only you know if it is right for you.

Wow you both look amazing. Funny we always find fault in ourselves but praise our partner, you both need to take a minute to pat yourselves on the back great job! I'm 2 1/2 weeks out and lost 14 kgs about 30 lbs. I wasn't whinging but did say it was not a lot and my son and I went shopping and he put a 10 kg bag of rice in the trolly when I asked what he was doing he said just demonstrating some of what I had lost. Touché

Yes and when I woke up they had removed the tube already and my cpap was running. My cpap has an inlet for oxygen so all was good