alwaysvegas

Warmest congratulations @@laurenella82 and welcome to the Losers' Bench! Glad to hear that your surgery and your recovery both went well! Don't forget to drink your fluids as you've been doing! The shakes will start to go through more quickly as your sleeve heals. I actually was afraid my sleeve was too big because the shakes went through so quickly after the first week. But once I got to mushies/purees...wow, what a difference! Keep us updated!

OK, this is seriously funny, but I just got back from a week in Vegas and I lost weight. How much do I love my sleeve? You bet I do! This is a victory on many levels because the last time I was in Vegas, I was over 300 lbs and could barely walk for more than 1/2 hour before feeling winded and needing to take a break. This trip...I walked over FIVE HOURS three days in a row. I just stopped every now and then for some quick gambling, some hydration, etc. It's like I had the seemingly endless energy I had 20 years ago! It felt fantastic! No pained feet, knees, back...I felt fit again!!! I stayed off-Strip, so the hotel buffet ($8 for Breakfast or lunch) was totally worth it. Breakfast with eggs, cheese, sausage, bacon...about 4-5 oz worth was delicious! It's actually fun to try "just a bite" of many different things. lunch was bone-in chicken (removed most of the skin), beef fajitas, and steamed veggies (broccoli and grean beans). I indulged in a fried ravioli and a couple bites of teriyaki chicken (totally fried and sugar-coated) also, which were the first fried items I'd had in months and both were yummy. I still have this fear that I'll fall back into eating too much of that garbage, but trying to deal with it rationally and maintaining balance. My eyes were seriously bigger than my sleeve (as I knew my eyes would be)...even though I used a small salad plate. I seriously wished I had my scale with me so I could determine how much I was eating. I brought my small flatware (appetizer-sized fork and spoon) to keep myself in check. I eat very fast, so small bites are a must for me. I did overdo it once at lunch and got the slimes, but live and learn. The food was still wonderful even in small quantities. I knew I'd probably try and check the boundaries of my sleeve at a buffet. Yup, I still can't eat too much. It's fantastic! I also tried the Fit Slam (Proteins and the low-carb melons and finished less than half. It still feels a bit insane to actually leave food on my plate, but I'm getting used to it! I did Atkins for several years and total carb-junkie, so I'm still a bit afraid of carbs. After years of trying to find the most food for the money, it's strange to search out the best Protein values. I did check out this site (meats are just not sleeve-friendly. I tried beef fajitas and pork tenderloin. They seem to go down fine, but fill me up too quickly even with chewing. Next time, I'm dropping the dry meats in a soup or adding some gravy like I do at home. I seem to be able to eat oodles of meat-heavy Soups without problem. Eating out wasn't too bad. I traveled alone, so kept feeling like any "big" meal would be a waste of money. I found that Subway's salads were too much lettuce after they chopped it all up (seriously like three meals there in one salad with the bulk being lettuce) but ordering a sandwich and eating everything but the bread (I ordered flatbread to make it easy) was just perfect at around $5. I got the oven-baked chicken (Protein Bars (I like the Pure Protein best because they're seemingly low-carb though I don't completely trust carb content on protein bars...chocolate Shake" (http://eas.com/products/drinks/carb-control-drinks-rich-dark-chocolate) which were awesome in decaf iced coffees through out the day for some extra protein. I did alot of people-watching and was really aware of how overweight so many people are...and I was just like that a year ago. That was a big reality-check as I could barely get up a flight of stairs a year ago and I was literally sprinting up stairs every chance I got. I really don't want to fall back into old habits. It feels like a slippery slope. I'm sure most of us who have yo-yo-ed throughout our lives get that panic feeling when we're at a healthy weight. It's a good feeling, but also scary. But when all is said and done...I lost 5 lbs in Vegas, which I'd never done without my beloved sleeve! I look forward to vacations now with lots of walking and outdoors-y stuff because I seriously have the energy now for it!

I was/am eating between 700-1000 calories per day.

Higher fat, calories, and cholesterol. My nutritionist recommended limiting to two whole eggs per week and egg whites for the remainder. All depends on your own health situation, of course.

The answer will vary widely depending on your insurance requirements (including observed nutrition program), insurance approval, and your surgeon's schedule. My process took about 5 months, which included a 3-month observed nutrition program required by insurance. Some insurance companies require 6. My understanding is that self-pay is generally the fastest option because you have no insurance requirements to satisfy.

I was required to go command and had both a drain and a catheter put in place while I was in dreamland. I was not pleased with the catheter.

I had very watery diarrhea for the first week. It wasn't the greatest time of my life, but at least I knew everything was moving on through. Things got normal quick after that and now it's keeping enough Fiber in to avoid constipation. A small price to pay for a healthier lifestyle. Hang in there!

I've tried several different bars, including Atkins, but think of Protein bars as more of a treat than a meal or healthy source of protein. I'm dubious about the hidden carbs and sugar alcohols except in moderation. Of course, you should follow your surgeon's orders, but I'd opt for real protein sources and eat the bars in moderation. I also love making 'powder pudding' with Protein Powder, sugar free pudding, and greek yogurt. Pudding isn't the greatest food on earth, but it's a wonderful treat. I understand they can be frozen also, but it never lasts that long.

I'm six months out and just now got clearance for all foods. I was still on restriction for pork, beef, and 'fibrous' veggies. Every surgeon/nutritionist has a different plan. However, everything on the plan is "as tolerated." If you try a new food, eat very small bites, chew alot, and listen to your body. If your Frankensleeve doesn't like a food this week, it might next week! Take it slow as you have the rest of your (likely now LONGER) life to get back to 'regular' foods. My plan is here: http://www.360bariatrics.com/360-process/bariatric-diets/

That's exactly what my surgeon said, so the resulting size can vary a bit. I understand (and shared) the fear of getting 'too big' but my surgeon assured me I would be pleased. I believe mine was a 34 bougie. And I'm just over 6 months out and can eat about 4.5 oz at a time and I *love* it!!! I feel perfectly satisfied and full, no acid reflux, or any other problems. I do admit that just after surgery when I was on liquids I thought maybe the sleeve was too big, but it was just the liquids passing through quickly. Once I started on mushies it was a world of difference and my sleeve was just dandy!

I had some fleeting thoughts about not doing the weight loss for life on my own. I've maintained a healthy weight for several years at a time, but eventually packed it back on. But now that I'm cured of sleep apnea, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, and pre-diabetes...I have no regrets at all. Maintaining a healthy weight still requires conscious choices, but the sleeve has helped tremendously with hunger and portion control, just as the sleeve was meant to. My biggest fear is the fear of failing even with the sleeve, but I have plenty of family support, online resources, and bariatric support groups both onilne and in person. It all helps me keep my focus on a healthy lifestyle.

I began adding hot sauce about two weeks post-op without problem. Each surgeon has their specific phases to get you back to 'regular foods.' The foods in every phase are "as tolerated." If your surgeon has cleared you to have a particular food, but the food doesn't agree with your new sleeve, then give it a few weeks. Most people find their tolerance improves weekly after surgery, but your mileage may vary. Listen to your doctor and listen to your tummy!

@@Aribay1 If you're having really bad pain, you could be experiencing dumping syndrome. This seems to happen more with gastric bypass surgeries, but can happen with the sleeve. Did you eat something that was somewhat fatty or sugary? It can also happen from overfilling the sleeve, which forces larger bits into the intestine. Check out this article: http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/dumping-syndrome/basics/definition/con-20028034

There was a HUGE difference between how much Protein shake/liquid I could drink and how much puree I could eat. And also how long the puree 'sat' in my sleeve. I found the purees much more satisfying and filling for a longer period. Of course, it varies alot by person. Men usually have a slightly larger sleeve than women. When I started mushies I could eat about 2-2.5 oz at a time, but it expanded to 3-3.5 oz after about a month. It also varies with the protein. Ground turkey fills me up much faster than ground chicken. Best of luck on your journey!

It's a learning process to say the least. I end up with the slimes every few weeks now from eating too fast or a bit too much. But I still love having my bumperguard sleeve to keep me in line. That's why I got it! Best of luck!

Check out Davinci and Torani brand sugar free syrups. Oodles of flavors that can make the shakes you like have much more variety.

OK, I'll admit it to all of you. I've had gastric sleeve weight loss surgery. There, I feel better. I actually have opened many peoples' eyes to the benefits of the surgery: friends, co-workers, and family. Many people have misconceptions about the surgery (or confuse it with other WLS). I do explain the life-changes I made and that it'll be a lifelong process, but I think most everybody understands where I'm coming from even if the surgery isn't right for them. Overall, if my telling one person motivates them to have the surgery and potentially saves their life...that's worth any bit of negativity (which I really haven't experienced much of) that I might endure. And I'm not judging anyone here for their choice to tell or not. I wish you all the best of luck with your surgeries and continued success!

30 POUNDS down! do not lose sight of that! That's an incredible accomplishment and because you said you're already feeling better that's a great goalpost you just passed! Stalls are common and many are just part of your body adjusting post-surgery. I had two stalls of almost a month each, but weight loss did kick back into gear. Yes, it can be disappointing, but I also tried to not lose sight of the accomplishments: sleep apnea cured, pre-diabetes cured, cholesterol cured, high blood pressure cured. There is SO much more than just the weight loss along the way. It looks like you're doing everything right and you will be able to eat a wider variety of foods as you get further out, so don't get overly-concerned over a stall. Having a wider variety of food choices can actually be a challenge because those include calorie-dense foods that packed our weight on the the first place. For now, try and maintain focus on a healthier lifestyle and don't forget that you are giving yourself a longer, healthier life! Best of luck to ya!

Like @@LipstickLady, I was exercising alot pre-op and was feeling a bit drained and added some egg whites and tofu to my broth for a few days, but went back to Clear liquids for surgery. I did let my nutritionist and surgeon know and it was okay, but they preferred I cut the exercise a bit and try to stick with the diet. The pre-op diet really was confidence builder, totally reset my palate, and I lost 25lbs! My sleep apnea was actually cured before surgery. The two weeks of liquids post-surgery was a snap. I wasn't the least bit hungry. Best of luck to you!

@@Idonerds So glad to hear you have a fantastic support system! It is very encouraging. I also encourage attending bariatric support groups. I love talking and sharing with others who've had the surgery. I love talking on here, of course, but meeting so many wonderful people in person is very motivating also. Best of luck on our surgery and keep us updated!

I did quite a bit of research on this before my psych evaluation. Not so I would say the "right thing," but to understand the proper mindset. These are the reasons people might not get cleared: History of anorexia/bulemia. History of mental illness. Having the surgery to please someone else like a spouse. Having the surgery to make things better like marriage. Not focused on health aspects. Not having an adequate support system. History of chemical dependency. Not showing commitment to better health, nutrition, and exercise. The purpose of the psych eval is to help ensure you have reasonable expectations about the surgery, that you have started making a commitment to life changes toward health, and that you have a support system to help you reach your goal.

This was my 1-month post-op diet selection. And it was heaven after liquids for a month! http://www.360bariatrics.com/360tools/360BariatricDiets_PhaseIII.pdf

I had a terrible fear that my hunger (head and/or physical) would come back in full force. I also felt like the Protein drinks/liquids went right through me. However, my hunger was nothing like pre-surgery hunger. I still had a fear that maybe my sleeve was too big or it didn't work right. However, purees...were SOOOO filling compared to liquids. It was totally night and day. I think that you will immediately feel the difference with the more solid Proteins filling you and keeping you full longer. Of course, your mileage may vary, but I think you'll be pleasantly surprised. The liquids, Protein drinks, cottage cheese, and kefir all break down really quickly. Likewise, there's a huge leap going from purees to solids as I *really* have to chew alot to avoid filling up too fast. This phased approach is really a wonderful learning process in addition to help ensure proper sleeve healing. Best of luck on your journey!

I receive them monthly...4 cases (with 18 drinks each) + Vitamins + scar cream. I have about 8 drink cases that I haven't opened yet. I'm good for awhile. My prescription was for 6 months, so I should get just one more case. So whatever you surgeon signed for your prescription is how much you'll receive. I think the first order has a copy of the prescription in it. You could always email InsureNutrition and ask. I originally got two cases of vanilla and 2 of chocolate, but I like chocolate better, so I switched to all chocolate. The first two months they provided liquid vitamins that I thought was fine, but I'm sure many people don't like it. Very citrus-y. Months 3-6 is chewable vitamins. There was so much scar cream that I could've used just the first one they sent and never run out. I tossed the rest. I'm not sure if they're still sending it as I have 2 shipping boxes I haven't opened yet.

2 weeks post-op, although I did try some egg whites and small tofu bits in broth a few days early without problem.