Sassy Pants1

I am 8 months out this coming Tuesday. In the first couple of months, full did not feel normal - it felt more like a tightness in my chest. I would say at about 3 months out, full feels like it feels pre-surgery. I can drink fluids the same as pre-surgery now, but those first 1-2 months, you do have to take it slow. It can hurt if you take too big a drink, especially in the first few weeks. Remember to give yourself a break in those first few weeks, as most people do not hit their Fluid goals. Or Protein goals. I can tolerate any food. Really, nothing bothers my sleeve. I've never vomited. I just get full on far less food. I would encourage you to manage your expectations on weight loss. I am a very slow loser, especially as I get further out. I posted a gain in month 6 and no loss in month 7. Month 8 has been better, but I've really ramped up my movement in an effort to break the stall. It's no magic bullet, not for me anyway. The good news is that I am down 60 pounds, off blood pressure meds, and I fit better in airplane and movie seats. I don't sweat all the time. And I can jog.....a little. I'm wearing normal size clothes. This surgery has not handicapped me. Not at all. Lastly, I think it's absolutely normal to question the sanity of the procedure. For me, I came to terms with the fact that I was losing the battle. I was tired of fighting the battle and I needed a boost. It's still work, but somehow it seems more manageable now. I think because I'm not deprived and I'm certainly not always hungry. It's hard to explain, but my relationship with food is different. And by that, I mean, I'm not always thinking about it. Good luck on your journey! This forum is a great place to educate yourself, ask questions and share concerns.

No way! I never would have thought that was possible. Thanks for the PSA! And I sure hope you're on the road to wellness. Your journey has been like no other.

I thought my high blood pressure was 100% genetic. Turns out, I was just fat.

Nothing. Absolutely nothing. I've not vomited once since surgery.

Yes, please ask for the Prilosec. Acid often presents as hunger. I've taken it 2x daily since the day I got home. Somewhere in month 7, i started to feel like I don't need it anymore, but I'm afraid to stop taking it. It really helps!

I just looked at those at the store this morning. It's a pretty thick wrap with what looked like one thin slice of meat and one slice of cheese - mostly wrap. I passed on those and bought the P3 Portable Protein Snack by Hormel. 170 calories, 11g fat, 3g carbs and 14g protein. It's a pretty small snack, but seems just about right for a sleever.

I've seen posts on this before and they all indicated this happens when they eat too close to bedtime.

It really is different for everyone. I only noticed because how much came out when brushing or combing. And I always had/,have loose hairs all over my shoulders and back. The girl who cuts my hair could not really see any difference. It started at about 4 months and I started seeing it slow down towards the end of month 6. It really is temporary. Keep taking the biotin - not sure how much it helps, but I didn't want to find out the hard way!

My surgeon did address this. He says it can be stretched, but it would require chronic over-eating over a long period of time. That said, I am not sure they really have enough evidence to know for sure. I am erring on the side of caution.

So, with 17g of fiber, are there any, ummmm......intestinal issues? I have been wanting to try the Quest bars, but all that fiber scares me!

In my experience, Abreva only works if you start applying it the second you feel that tingling. If I don't get it until later, it doesn't seem to help me.

Diva, I feel your pain! In got the biggest, nastiest cold sore of my life almost two weeks ago. It's finally scrabbling over, which makes it look like I have a leach on my lip. Disgusting! Whenever I introduce myself, I feel I also need to introduce my cold sore since it is its own entity.

No, I can't say that was my experience. Did your doc give you any kind of anti-nausea med? Keep pushing the fluids to avoid dehydration.

I still take Dulcolax a couple times a week. They are very tiny so no issues with swallowing. I wasn't regular before and I'm certainly not now, either.

I was permitted deli meats starting in week 3. I had no issues with it. However, the hunger is a bit unusual, as once you start eating dense Protein, you should really feel your restriction. I think the reflux theory is a good one. Are you on some kind of acid reducer. Though, I will tell you, at that point, I was hungry every few hours. I could not eat enough to keep me full for long.

I was fine alone. But you can't bend over to pick anything up that might drop on the floor. If it fell, it stayed there.

50 pounds in 4 months is amazing, especially since you started out with a lower BMI. Today was my 6 month mark and I've lost 57 pounds. From where I sit, you're doing great!

Very normal. Once you're on dense protein, you will feel the restriction. I can take in more volume in a liquid form than I ever could in a dense form.

Totally normal. But it still sucks. Every. Single. Time. Go read the link on Butterthebean's signature line. Excellent article on why stalls happen. And in case your misery loves my company, I'm on a month-long stall. In fact, I've gained and lost (and gained) the same 3 pounds for the entire month. Frustrating, but I know it will break......eventually.

Gurl, not even a little. You look totally normal. I think it's a pretty common pitfall to get caught up in the numbers. I, like you, wanted this surgery to be healthier, more mobility and to (hopefully) extend my longevity. Overall, just to be healthier. Also like you, I am now totally caught up (read: obsessed) with the numbers. I am off almost all my meds. I wear smaller sizes. I am at a much more manageable weight and all I can think about is how much more I need to lose. Logically, I know I should enjoy my success and not stress so much. I guess it's a learning process, but I am quite sure we need to acknowledge and accept the success we've had to date. A good ole atta girl, if you will.

I was allowed SF Jello, but not pudding. Other than the protein drinks, everything had to be clear.

Excellent info! I just went there tonight and took the bun off my chicken sandwich. Good to know for next time!

Are you taking an acid reducer? Something like Prilosec?

I had a couple of sips of wine at thanksgiving and I was about 6 weeks out. It did not sit well. Now, at 6 months out, no problem. But I do limit myself to 2 glasses once a week. Too many empty calories, and I'd rather eat my calories!

At 6 months out, I am still taking Prilosec 2x daily. I don't have much of an issue with acid except on some mornings. Several times a week, I wake up feeling nauseated. I'm afraid to cut back on the Prilosec for fear it will get worse.