Tink22-sleeve

I would love to connect with anyone who is >7 years out from surgery. How are you doing?

Hi Seif_s88, Yes I can relate. I lost about 100 pounds and have gained back about 50. 10 days ago I restarted a keto diet which has worked for me in the past. Down 10 pounds so far. I find that the keto diet helps with cravings and I like the discipline. I check my urine ketones every morning, and I find that to be motivating, as well as seeing the scale move down. I remembered to get baseline measurements, so I can see progress that way too. Omgoodness- body image issues. I get that too. I am 55 and was sleeved almost 10 years ago. The ups and downs sometimes make my head spin. Some days I look in the mirror and am shocked to how time has gone by. Overall, I try to be kind to myself. When I get too much in my head about my appearance, I try to remind myself that I am more than this body. So much more.. and so are you

I'll tell you a tip that really helped me get in enough water--- Good ice chips:) 8 oz ice chips = 4 oz Water I prefer the ice chips at Sonic- perfect for enjoying ice chips. A Route 44 cup of ice = 22 ounces of water. Also Sugar Free popsicles will really help you out- so helpful, soothing and yummy. Hope this helps.

Hi fed- up. So sorry to hear about your situation. To answer your questions- I had one and then the 2nd infusion about a week later. No not painful at all- just an IV poke. The first infusion took an hour and a half- just to watch for side effects. The second infusion was about 20 minutes. No major Side effects. Kinda tired the day after. The infusion felt a little cold going in. Perhaps a little achy in the bones the night after the infusion- but all mild and transient. However there are major adverse effects risks like low phosphorus in the blood that could lead to increase in fractures and other yucky stuff. By the way - The name of the medication was Injectafer. Hope this helps you out. Sincerely, tink

Hi All, I have low Iron. I just received my 2nd infusion 2 days ago. I am happy to answer any questions From my understanding, the low iron is a complication of the gastric sleeve, as it causes me to not be able to absorb enough iron. I tried everything I could think of, but it didn't help. I felt terrible for a longtime with significant fatigue. After the infusions I feel rather weak and tired for a day, but overall feeling mucho better with increase physical energy and mental clarity-- but I also started keto a week ago, and that feels good ,too. It sounds like my hematologist will redraw my iron levels in a about 2-3 months to see if I need more infusions. Yes it was very expensive-- about $1700 per infusion (my insurance is covering it).

Hmm. Sounds like lots of us had significant weight regain or never met goal. I also found out that my severe GERD that started immediately after the sleeve surgery is due to a hiatal hernia (also not there pre surgery). My choices? A sleeve revision, bypass, or be content with where I am. I’d love to hear what choices you all are making. thank you 😊

Hi NettieD, Yes please do PM me. I’d love to chat. :)

Hi All, I recently found out that I am quite Iron deficient. I am wondering about which Iron supplements (types and brands) are the best tolerated. In the past Iron supplements have upset my stomach (Sleeve) and cause constipation. Ever try the Iron patches? Thank you BariatricPal Community!

Things are so crazy right now. I work a couple jobs-- Occupational Health and Home Care supervision. We are in dire need of caregivers if you know any. Your stats are awesome. Congrats on reaching goal!

Awesome kristieshannon Where do you work?

I live in Vancouver and work in Portland. Nice to meet you guys!

Have you tried popsicles? Give it a shot. Helps with the need for chewing and helps get your fluids in.

Some ideas for getting in liquids that really helped me: Ice chips- Sonic has the best ice chips for chewing. Remember that a 44 oz cup of ice equals to 22 ounces of water. Popsicles- So nice to enjoy the chewing of the popsicle. Very satisfying. You'll be wanting more. Hope these tricks help.

Oh I am so glad it is helping. I use a heating pad for comfort and warmth frequently. Please take good care of yourself. It gets better soon.

A heating pad is very helpful

I'd love to be honest about it. The weight loss is nice...but I still have to be VERY DISCICPLINED in what I eat or I REGAIN weight. Also, I woke up from surgery with horrid GERD that has not gone away and HUNGRY. I still get hungry (famished) just like before the surgery. Long term GERD and PPI use have significant health issues associated with them. I have moderate anemia now (10 years post op), and can't seem to absorb enough through food. I may have to have Iron infusions. I have to have an endoscopy to check on things next month. I may have to have a revision to bypass. I hope it's not more serious than needing a revision (Please God, no Barrett's esophagus, or {gulp} cancer). Most times, I am OK and have come to acceptance for the most part...but other times I seriously regret having 85% of my stomach removed (I really didn't have any co-morbidities) and I get a little freaked out about what I have done to myself and what might happen as a result of this serious surgery (no going back). I was so desperate I was to lose weight. I gotta tell you... the biggest problem was a selfish, unloving, critical, abusive husband and my own lack of self-esteem. I was glad to get rid of all 180 pounds of HIM! Now that was the best and healthiest weight loss of all. I wish I had gotten rid of him first, because after he was gone, I started working out, lifting weights and got in shape. That was a game changer. I would encourage everyone to do their own research. Look up the rate of weight regain after the sleeve. Look up the risk of GERD associated with the sleeve. Look up the rate of hunger after surgery. Weigh the pros and cons. This is not a benign surgery. At least that is how I feel about it today

Hi PM2022, What kind of surgery did you have? I had a sleeve 10 years ago. Yes, with a sleeve I am able to physically drink coffee. I love my coffee, but it sometimes make my GERD worse. And , yes, I can drink beer too, but the carbonation is irritating to the stomach many times. But here's the deal. I can eat and drink anything I want (smaller portions)... I have also proven to myself that I can regain 30 pounds indulging on calorie-rich food and alcohol. (That doesn't feel good, trust me.) I would encourage you to hang tough Enjoy your new tummy and the restriction (even though it may be temperamental for awhile), follow the diet, log your foods , and enjoy the weight loss. "Nothing tastes as good as feeling thin feels." It will be worth the effort. Hang tough!

Great tips, learn2cook! Thanks so much!

Hi All, I am 11 years post sleeve. I recently had lab work done (it had been quite awhile) and was shocked to find out how anemic I am. I thought I had a decent diet. Anyway.... I am wondering if anyone has some recipe ideas for Iron-rich foods? Thank you in advance. I will ask about the best tolerated Iron supplements in another forum.

Thank you all so much for sharing this wonderful info with me. All very helpful. Thanks for the food list, and suggestions regarding heme and Vitamin C. Very appreciated.