Tamosy

Ok, So I'm just past 4 weeks post op and have really had no issues whatsoever with food. I have been on soft foods for the last 10 days, I've had many types of fish, scallops, chicken, even a few small bites of port sausages, the typical soft food fare and all seems to be just fine. Small bites, chew to excess, Protein first etc... no issues. But Water... makes me nauseous??? I have always drank water, lots of it, primarily only water. But it feels like a brick in my stomach and gives me an immediate nauseated feeling when I try to drink it. It's the weirdest thing! I can drink decaff coffee, hot tea, gatorade, Protein shakes, but plain water makes me feel sick. Cold water is even worse... I won't even touch it anymore. Does anyone else experience this? If so, did it go away for you? I just find it odd that nothing else bothers me but water. Thanks for your shared experiences and advise. To anyone else who may be experiencing this, try hot tea. I get most my "fluids" in through decaf in the morning, my Protein shake and then hot tea the rest of the day. I can down 8-12 oz of hot tea leisurely in 10-15 minutes, regular water same amount, takes me over an hour of constantly "trying" to drink it! Thanks for any replies and shared experiences!

This may be in part some melancholy from your cycle. However, there is a big adjustment in wrapping our heads around the fact that we are approaching a "normal weight" not just losing weight, but for most of us, doing it with confidence we will never again struggle like we have in the past to keep it off. What would that be like, to lose weight, get to a normal weight, wear normal clothes, shop like normal weight people, and do it all without the anxiety of knowing it is probably temporary. That's a HUGE psychological shift. I still feel embarrassed when people talk about my weight and appearance. Its so personal... I don't want attention, but people can't help themselves. I can't wait to be normal for so long, people forget the old physical version and I am just me again. I posted a picture on facebook this past weekend of me and a friend enjoying ourselves at a concert and had a ton of comments from people about how skinny and hot I looked. I wanted to pull it down, but worried that would draw more attention. I felt for one, it must have been a crazy flattering picture because I do not see myself the way these people were commenting, you'd think I looked like a Baywatch star (I most definitely do not!). It was so freaking embarrassing to me. But I ran into someone who posted one of those comments the next day (she hadn't seen me since last summer) and she was very insistant that I need to get used to the fact I look good (she said amazing) and until I get used to that and accept that people are just happy for me, it will keep me feeling awkward. I don't know why it bothers me so much. I don't want to talk about my decision to have surgery with everyone under the sun. I don't want to talk about my weight, body, or appearance period.... I'm still the same person. It's a personal journey to me. One I share with people close to me, though I am a very sociable and widely networked person. We all have to make adjustments and psychological shifts as we can't hide that we are physically changing and people want to talk about it. I will say this though, I had a lot of odd fluctuations in my emotional state during month 2 and 3, I suspect from the shock of surgery, hormonal fluctuations from weight loss etc. I was a low BMIer so maybe it is longer for others with more weight to lose. I'm losing about a pound a week now and have been for a the last month (totally fine with that)... I feel great, totally normal. I wouldn't care if I stayed just like I am for the rest of my life.

I also have PCOS. 3-6 months between cycles typically pre surgery. I have been about 5 weeks and very predictable since surgery. Initially, I was VERY emotional with my periods (probably due to hormone fluctuations caused from rapid fat loss). But that has improved significantly. I am starting today (4 months post op) and I felt that I ovulated 2 weeks ago and predicted for the third time in a row the onset of my period! I'm 41 and NEVER had this experience. I have very mild cramps and very little emotional symptoms (maybe prone to slightly unusual annoyance and tire slightly easier)... but really uneventful overall. This surgery had a mad a huge dif in all of my pcos symptoms (except facial hair!!! arggggh), but totally worth it. I'm off metformin and feel great. Good luck to you!

I'm 4 months out and have not noticed any hair loss. Still waiting to see if I will escape that side effect. I wonder if the amount you lose has anything to do with it. I have lost a total of 29 pounds post surgery...(in almost 4 months)... I only had 50 pounds to lose from my start point. I still think it is so different for every one, no way of knowing what your personal experience will be. I think the more important question if that is you fear... would be, "Has hair loss left anyone regretting their surgry." It sounds like most would answer no Good luck to you!

The process of tearing down and rebuilding muscles (strength training) requires Fluid retention. 2-3 pounds of weight gain is common for me from intense workouts OR just hormonal fluctuations which result in fluid retention. Keep in mind 3,500 calories = a pound of fat. That meandering 3,500 calories you are and did not use. So unless you are drinking milkshakes, juice, and eating slider crap all day long... Don't fret a couple pounds that show up from time to time. They are temporary visitors. Don't let them ruin your day!

IBS is better... Significantly. No experience with diverticulitis

This just solidifies what I have already been thinking. I was stuck at 186 for several weeks, then seemed to get to 181 over 2 weeks then stuck again for weeks... I'm at 176 now and have been for a couple weeks... I think as we get closer to goal, it is harder, for me (not sure if it is the same for most girls) I just don't lose in my luetal phase. I might even gain a pound or two in that 3 week phase (I have a prolonged luetal phase). Then I have a couple weeks where loss occurs... Less as goal gets closer. This is definitely a journey of patience and faith!

I dumped before I was sleeved. Anything with white flour (baked goods) often made me dump. So maybe there is a genetic/predisposition towards it that some sleepers are more susceptible to.

I am going to Disney world about 5 months out as well. Great suggestions above! My plan was to pack protein bars, jerkey, nuts, and berries. I would also do a balanced protein shake in the am everyday for breakfast to get the extra vit/min and fluids before starting the day. They have lots of food choices with grilled CHx and or turkey ... I'd do like above and remove the bread.

I have read articles about this as well. The first couple weeks of exercise can slow or even result in weight gain. I have done light workouts with little effect, but did an advanced body pump class followed the next day by an intense 90 minutes session with a personal trainer. I gained 3 pounds on the scale in that 48 hours... But I know it is my sore muscles swollen and holding into extra fluids trying to heal. Don't let the scale discourage you, after your muscles acclimate the excess fluids will be shed and the fat loss accelerated. The inches and fat loss are far superior to the typical loss without exercise. The more sore you feel, the more you will see the impact on the scale, but it is temporary. Just Fluid retention caused as your body adapts towards becoming a leaner stronger machine.

Ok... I just left my 3 month check up. I've lost a total of 37 pounds including 2 week pre op diet.not big numbers compared to most at 3 months... But my goal is a total loss of 63 pounds! So I have lost 59% of my weight to goal! I would love it if more folks could add to this thread and share percent of goal achieved instead of pounds which are so arbitrary given all our differences. So here are my percent of goal reached by the dates. Starting at 2 week preop 213lbs, goal to lose 63 lbs to get to 150 1 month 197 -16 lbs. 16/63 = 25% of goal 2 months 183 -14 lbs. 30/63 = 48% of goal 3 months 176 -7 lbs 37/63 = 59% of goal Those numbers look so much better when you frame it with perspective. I hope others will pitch in for newbies and veterans a like to keep a good perspective and stay motivated! One last cool thing, my blood pressure was 105/69 those numbers are priceless!!!

Love the different perspective. Hearing the percent fj goal achieved sounds so much better! It is so inspiring. Congrats on 97%!!! That's awesome! It's so easy to get caught up in hearing numbers and feeling inferior, talking percents really balanced out what is typical and to be expected.

I used Nuba ring. I have pcos and have been on a ton of different bcp Nuva Ring was the only one I tolerated well. I was emotionally distraught with the others, but I had no issues with the Nuva ring. I think i may have had slight headaches the first few days input one in, but easily treated. I'm super sensitive to hormones. I only have positive things to say about Nuva ring and I hate bcp in general.

Oh yes, you are right! I'm 5'8" I'll have to get that added to my signature! Thanks for pointing that out!

Please see my post I just made 100% real. What is your goal for loss? Figure out the percent to goal... 27 pounds means nothing without knowing where you started. We are all different and comparing by numbers alone with torture you when someone shares they have lost 60 pounds in 2 months! Have faith and keep perspective :-)

A few things, you are probably dehydrated. I found early out warm herbal teas were a lot easier to drink than plain Water. Also the crystal light or G2 was easier to drink. At 3 months out I am just starting to get comfortable drinking water. Secondly, you WILL fluctuate in weight up and down as your body retains fluids. I kicked my rear at the gym yesterday and am literally up 3 pounds this morning. I know it is because my muscles are all swollen and retaining fluids. No biggie... It's not the place we are but the place we are going that matters. This journey is a long one... And cannot be measured in instant gratification terms... For your sanity, don't do day to day weigh ins... They torture everyone. Go weekly at most, and even that you will still have stalls and fluctuations. You will feel better when you take in enough fluids, I recommend making that your top priority right now. Good luck!

I had the same problem. My Dr. Instructed me to up my vitamin C. I also switched to flints one vitamins with iron. It seems to be helping... I definitely see a lot of improvement 4 weeks later. I've always bruised kind of easy... But I looked like a punching bag and had no explanation for 90 percent if the bruises arms, legs, hips... They were everywhere, my spouse was worried. Didn't believe I didn't know where they were from. Good luck!

Really, why would you think 15 pounds is bad or slow? You started at 211. Seems like a lower bmi to start with AND you are a conversion. It sounds like you are doing really well. Everyone is different and I think expectation is the worst enemy in this whole process. I've lost 27 pounds since my surgery date of 2/4 (exactly 3 months today). I feel great, I look good, I'm working out, and I am not concerned at all about how little that looks in comparison to others. I'm not them, and my doctor said it was reasonable to expect it to take 9 months to get to goal, so if I am way off that track, then I'll worry. You're doing great, this isn't a race, it is a journey. Stop and smell the roses, enjoy the road you are on all the way to your destination.

Low BMI'er (started at 31).... 12 weeks out, I have lost 27 pounds, completely happy with it. I knew I would be slower.

So, I generally stay around 800 to 1,000 calories... at least that is my goal right now. I eat healthy and follow my Dr.'s rec of Protein first, Water water water, and I have started back to intense workouts. Shifting from bootcamp style workouts and thinking about committing to a triathalon to ease stress on my shoulder. (nagging rotator issue) My Dr. wants me to try to eat more because I am working out so much and do struggle a little with what I think is abnormal fatigue working out. Focused on fluids and foods...he basically said try to get 1200 calories a couple days a week if I can. I've added muscle milk and lots of strategies to try to get there but mostly.. end up around 1,000. Yesterday I almost hit 1500! According to my fitness pal... BUT, it was the first day I "cheated" and it was easy to get to that number. In fact, it wasn't intentional, I just rolled with my day and didn't obsess about any of the "rules". So simple, it's actually scary! I drank a 20oz lemonade that turned out to be 267 calories!!!! I was with a friend and it was the only thing available to drink...90 degrees, sweating and thirsty! I accepted it... I never drink calorie fluids unless it is a Protein shake before or after surgery but I had left my water bottle in my car. I also had dinner with a friend and indulged in some boudin balls (first fried food I've probably eaten in years) but wanted to socially participate and get along, knew I wanted more calories anyway so indulged. Went down easy while waiting for my crab legs. Those 2 choices probably pushed me from my usually 1,000 calorie day to a 1500 calorie day. I really wondered how people gained weight and could overeat after this surgery. It is just such a struggle to get to 1,000 a day! What I learned yesterday... it's easy to pile on calories when we break rules. I do want to get my calories up, but definitely not by eating/drinking junk. What an eye opener. Just shocking how easy it was without any effort, when all the rules get thrown out the window.

oh, and I agree, cold made everything harder for me to drink. I still don't enjoy cold water, doesn't make me sick, but I can drink more, more comfortably in a short period of time if is is room temp.

I FINALLY get to be the veteran (by comparison) and offer some insight. My biggest complaint bar none was Water nausea and issues with trying to drink water. It could take me hourse to drink 8oz of plain water, but for some reason I could tolerate tea or G2, or crystal light better (I have never drank any of that before... well except hot tea). I don't like sweetened drinks and really didn't want to drink artificially flavored anythings for the indefinite future. I also posted probably around week 3 out of depression because I couldn't tolerate plain water. I am now about 10 weeks out and have just this week realized to my delight, water isn't bothering me any more! I can even take like 3 careful gulps and get that satisfied "chug" feeling ... carefully But I think this bridge has made me feel so "normal" like my old pre surgery self. My Dr. told me it would go away around 12 weeks typically, but it is different for everyone. I am soooooooooooooooo glad and loving my water again. Do what you have to do to get your fluids in, but realize, it's a temporary thing and once your stomach really heals, you should find that water doesn't feel any different than anything else. Hang in there, the time will fly by and you'll be where I am before you know it!

Hi everyone.... So I am seriously considering training for a half marathon (eventually a full if all goes well). I've done a half before and have worked out most my life and consistently and aggressively for the last year and half. I've never really liked running. I suspect just being a "big girl" had a lot to do with never finding it comfortable. I have a best friend who is a marathoner and super excited to train me to do a half (we are looking at going for a 2.5 hour time goal... my last one was 3:10). Here is my concern... I worry I won't be able to eat enough to sustain the energy needed to train and compete effectively. I plan to do 2 boot camp style workouts with a personal trainer 2 x's per week and 3 to 4 running workouts per week. I look at what I eat right now and wonder how will I ever get enough fuel to sustain this??? I am 10 weeks out right now. I know there has to be some experienced sleevers on here that have gone on to embrace extreme fitness goals (not that mine are extreme), but I am competitive and want to be able to perform and feel strong doing it. Would love to here from others on how they meet their nutritional needs post sleeve with heavy workout schedules. Thanks!!!!

Yes... the hydration part is also a concern! I feel like at 10 weeks out I get my min, with lots of intentional effort. With summer coming and just feeling like I sweat half my fluids at my last workout, the hydration is a concern. On the optimistic side, I have noticed I can finally drink Water without nausea. I am able to take bigger sips and can finish a small bottle within an hour. I am thinking with our tiny tummies, if we are going to be working out hard, it's going to have to be 5 to 6 small meals (thinking a few and a couple shakes will be my goal) a day and I'm thinking as I'm able, I'll need to add more sweet potatoe/water containing fruits to get carbs up as well. I actually talked to my friend last night about focusing on a sprint triathalon this summer, and then training in the fall for the half marathon in February, then moving on to a full triathalon late summer 2015. I would love to connect with some others here to share in this journey that are also struggling with how to meet the nutrition and hydration needs while pushing ourselves towards these fitness goals. Hopefully, someone ahead of us in this journey can chime in here and share their wisdom .

Hi Steph-O... I suspect that pcos has had a great deal to do with my weight struggles. I've always been athletic and have spent 80% of my post puberty life dieting and obsessively exercising in some form. I've rarely ever been in a normal bmi... Once on phen phen while eating maybe an apple and string cheese a day... I pretty much starved myself. I was a low bmi for the sleeve (32) but I' know exercise and sports are the only reason I wasn't way heavier . My sister also has pcos and many of the same complaints I do... She had gastric bypass 6 years ago. I feel for your daughter, I hope so badly my own daughter escapes this hormonal mess! That being said, I would recommend a good endocrinologist and /or at the least an on that is very knowledgeable in pcos for your daughter. There is so much more knowledge now about this, and better treatment options. Meteor min made a big difference for me...it seemed to help level the playing field with weight loss efforts. Everyone experiences pcos different. I hate the facial hair more than anything! It's so masculine and I've always been so self conscious of it. Most people have no idea because I obsessively pluck and shave. My sister doesn't have that problem, but she has balding (very thinning scalp) from excess testosterone. We both had acne, horrible pms, very irregular absent periods , and extremely bad cramps. We both though childbirth was like bad cramps ( with exception of delivery but the contraction pain). Both of us were pretty immobilized from the pain of our periods when we did get them. It all improved with age and we both felt things were significantly improved after having children. I do think pcos had a lot to do with my struggle with weight. I'm 5'8" and was 203 the day of surgery. I can't work out like a used to, I worry about injuries as I'm aging, I needed help and I am optimistic I can stop the metformin with the metabolic changes brought on with the sleeve. Time will tell... I wish your daughter the best and the best advice I have is to make sure she has a knowledgeable dr. She listens to her body, and I highly recommend she cut out sugar and simple carbohydrates as much as possible. A major problem associates with pcos is insulin resistance. Even when test values are normal many pcos women still aren't able to utilize insulin correctly. It is why pcos runs such a high risk for diabetes and other problems later in life. I personally never tolerated birth control pills... That was what most dr.s tried to treat me with, but for some reason theyade me extremely emotional, even suicidal...and I know it was the pills every single time when I stopped within weeks it went away. The Nuba ring has been the only thing that gave me regular periods without crazy emotional side effects. Incidentally, I also have hyperprolactinemia, and lichen sclerosis ( I'm convinced both are somehow related to pcos and my lifetime of irregular and imbalanced hormones, but that's just my opinion) I was not overweight as a teenager, but I was always counting calories , dieting, and still struggled with weight though I looked normal/athletic.