BryBro63

I was told by my surgeon that for absorption reasons, take chewables in all your Vitamins for life. Now, the only thing I take in pill form are my blood pressure meds, since they are extended release. But of course I'm hoping to eventually reduce those or be off of them entirely!

Yes it definitely does get better with time...I do suggest that you get some Gas-X, since it really does help. i went to BJ's and got their generic version...works just as good!

I had no issues with them...at first I thought I was told to not take them for a few weeks after surgery, but when I saw my surgeon post-op, he said you should start your Vitamins immediately post-op. I take the calcium chews, and have never had any issues with them. Congrats, and wish you the best!!!

I think it's a great thing you're doing!! I'm sure she'll be that much more successful with such a supportive friend as you!!! Right now I'm sure what she needs the most is your company and your motivating moral support. At first with many of us, we get that 'buyer's remorse' feeling, wondering if we did the right thing...this is where she may need to lean on you for a bit. Once she starts feeling better and the weight starts dropping, that feeling quickly fades, and then on to success!! With you by her side, I'm sure she will indeed be quite successful!!

What happens when you have an attack? Hopefully you're not in alot of pain!

I found that any variations of Crystal Light helped as far as the diet liquids. As far as the broths, since you can only have but so much, they usually went very well. In fact I have a bunch of cans that I no longer need. As far as the Bai5, I've never hear d of them...are they sold locally where you are?

So very sorry about the hair loss. As a male I'm not too affected by the issue, but my sister also had the surgery, and she tells me that your body does adjust, and your hair does quickly grow back!

So far I've lost 38lbs, lost a total of 85lbs, I've gotten back into the gym, I can't fit ANY of my clothes since everything is way too small, my homies tell me that my head is shrinking as well as my body (please keep it clean!!!), my blood pressure is FINALLY starting to get under control, and I've learned the following: 1 - Some folks think of what you're doing as 'cheating', which I don't understand. The only thing I think I'm cheating is cheating death, since this journey is finally making me healthier. 2 - During this journey, you find out who your TRUE FRIENDS are...fortunately most of my friends have been extremely supportive! 3 - Even at 8 weeks out, if you try to eat too fast, you'll still bring the meal back up!! I have to keep in mind that the lifestyle change is forever, so I have to remember that the old adage of always cleaning your plate should stay as a thing in the past! I wish everyone much, much success!!!

Yes, Lajodster he is....the surgeon is really great!! He's very patient, answered all my questions, I introduced him to my family, and they liked him as well. The staff in his office are very nice, very helpful, and again very patient. However, I can't really give you any input as to the JFK hospital experience, since I requested that my surgery be done at St. Peter's Hospital in New Brunswick. This was only because my family and I have been to St. Peter's before, and all of my medical records are already there. My primary physician works out of St. Peter's as well. A word of advice...organization is key!!! I always had a folder and something to write with on me to every appointment, especially with the nutritionist!! You will get alot of handouts, and if you're like me, you'll have alot of questions! I always went to every appointment with a list of written questions, and once again, they were extremely patient and supportive in answering everything for me...actually they kinda liked it, because it shows you're truly engaged in the process, so they know you'll be successful!! I wish you the very best, and much success!!! See you on the 'Loser's' Side'!!!

Wow, small world!!! I am from Sayreville, seeing Dr. Nihalani in Edison, right across the street from JFK Hospital. I'm 8 weeks out...38 lbs. down since surgery, and total weight loss of 85 lbs. since starting my journey!!

First of all, congrats on your surgery...and just a quick caveat, I'm originally from Philly (I was actually born at Jefferson Hospital!!). I'm almost 8 weeks out, and still have an issue getting 64oz. in...the only way to do it is make a conscious effort and sip all day. It can be done, just takes some practice. Similar to you, I vomited the first day I was in the hospital, and barely got in a bowel movement the second day. Since I've been home, only had one other vomiting episode, but it was my own fault...I ate too fast! As you're home and you get more comfortable, things really do get easier each day...don't try to 'force' the liquids, but just keep sipping all day. Gas-X does help, but what helps the most is you just keep moving anytime you can...walk around the house, outside for a little bit, whatever. Just take it slow and as you get comfortable, move a little faster, but just a little at a time. The longer you sit still, the more gas build-up you get...at least that was what happened in my case. If you got gas...either 'upper' or 'lower', just let it out and move on. Hope this helps...please keep posting and hope to hear how well you're making out!

Wish you the best...you'll do great!!!

Many people recommend Isopure, since it's so high in Protein content, but not everyone likes the taste. I was using them at first, but my system doesn't particularly care for Splenda (Sucralose). I was using the New whey Protein shots pre-op, but when I tried this post-op, it was truly awful!! Couldn't keep them down!!! I personally did the best with the Pure Protein shakes and the EAS Advantage shakes...they do pretty well with the protein, without so many calories and carbs. Wish you the very best with your surgery and your weight loss efforts!!

So far the recovery has gone very well!! I was so anxious and couldn't wait to get the green light to get back to the gym!!! Also, the gradual process of getting in more solid food takes a lot of practice, but it's going well. According to my nutritionist, this is a very necessary process, since your body MUST get used to solid foods again! You must get used to the smaller portions, and I personally had to reteach myself to not always 'clean my plate'...learn your body, and know when you're full. As long as you make sure to get in your Proteins, and get on your liquids, you should be good and not have to deal with being weak or tired. Please keep in touch, and let me know how you're doing!

I asked my surgeon and my nutritionist the same thing. They both told me that when you get down to your ideal healthy weight, you will be able to eat to maintain, because your body and your eating habits will adjust. Just as there are some who do actually gain weight back if you're not careful, you can also adjust your calorie intake and activity habits to stay at the weight you want to maintain. Hope this info helps, and I wish you the very best in your journey!

Exactly as Jackarae posted, this was and should not be in no way any type of test!! And believe you me, no adverse experience was ever done on purpose!!! I am doing as prescribed as closely as possible, and the episode I did have...although it was indeed an accident...was entirely due to me missing the warning signs. When it did indeed happen, the only thoughts I had was my surgeon, my nutritionist, and the many forms of literature saying to me in unison "TOLD YOU SO"!!!

You know....at first I'm reading this post and saying...really? But then after thinking about what you're saying, I truly do feel you!! I was the same way post-op!! I was sleeved on 1/27, and I had my very first slime and vomit last Thursday!! Ironically this was after I posted to someone else that I had not had an episode during my entire 6 weeks post-op!! So I definitely know what you're saying, and I do wish you the very best success!!

When I spoke to my surgeon as well as my primary doctor, Gas-X seems to be the one of choice. This is OTC, and it's safe to use on a daily basis if needed.

I did the exact same thing on the day of my surgery...not the greatest feeling! I think it was because even though I was drinking slow, it wasn't slow enough! The next day I went home, and now at 6 weeks out, haven't had a vomiting episode since!

Wish you very best and much success!!! See you on the 'Losers' side!!

I just got my call today....I was denied. I have Aetna as my provider. Oh well...I took a shot!!

I have the same problem...I'm 6 weeks post op, and my NUT keeps stressing that I should try to be much more dependent on getting the Proteins from food sources rather than shakes. It can be a challenge, but she also gave me a list of high Protein foods. I try to steer towards chicken and especially seafood (shrimp, scallops, crab meat, lobsters, tuna)...they seem to be some of the best sources. Veggies and Beans are good too, but still, when I'm short for the day, I'll throw in a Protein Bar...not as filling, but at least you can get in about a third of proteins needed for the day. Hope this helps!

I'm in Central NJ...Sayreville!!

Very cool!!! Great job!!! AND...more Jersey folks!!! Where are you both located?

That sounds similar to what I was experiencing...I went to the surgeon and asked about this, and he said it's probably gas, so try to have 1 to 2 Gas-X pills before meals. Also, it's probably because you could be eating you meals too fast. I'm currently almost 6 weeks out, and I'm still trying to get used to eating more slowly. I followed this advice, and it seems to help me a lot. Please let me know how you make out!