Revgirl

I had vertical sleeve in 2014. I can't believe its been 6 years. I have kept off the weight of 105 pounds for that 6 years bringing back the help of a dietician when I felt I needed it. I have been on PPI's for longer to reduce acid reflux. I am just recently experiencing low white blood cell count. I have heard PPI's can suppress the immune system causing this issue. Has anyone else experienced this? Are there other medications not in the PPI family that were effective for your GERD issues? Any info appreciated... Sent from my SM-G965U using BariatricPal mobile app

Starwars and cupcakes, Thanks for your insights! I would love to hear more about your second procedure. Hoping I don't have to go that route.

I'm two years post surgery. Is it ok to take a daily anti inflammatory? My allergist put me on singulair for allergies. I don't know if this can cause stomach bleeding... Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G925A using the BariatricPal App

Thank you both for your helpful input. It's a relief to know people with sleeves who have been on this medication. Very helpful Thank you both for your helpful input. It's a relief to know people with sleeves who have been on this medication. Very helpful

Hello everyone, Feb. 7th will be my 3 month anniversary. I have lost 50 pds. and am wearing a size 16. I've been getting alot of compliments from family and support from them as well. Buying new clothes is so much fun and a great reward! I have set some personal goals. Once I see a '1' in front of my weight I've decided I'm getting a tattoo that says, "Believe". And when I reach 100 pds. lost I'm getting my second tattoo that says, "Re-Imagine!" These are two powerful words for me because it wasn't until I believed and I re-imagined how my life could be that I was able to take steps to make it happen. Would love to hear how everyone is doing...

At the 3 week mark since surgery. Have lost 29 pds. Wanted to ask if anyone is still experiencing pain where your drain tube was? I seem to catch gas in that area and it is quite painful.

Sorry for the typo! It is Bariatric Foodie

I did promise some wonderful resources. Two I have found online are Bariatric Foodie which has fantastic recipes of all kinds and Nashua Nutrition where I've ordered the most delicious protein shakes/ puddings. I also highly recommend Daiya cheeses from the grocery store. So the recipes I'm using from Bariatric goodie? For thanksgiving I'm making a Chocolate Cheesecake by mixing 2 packets of Nashua Cheesecake mix for every 8 oz. Chocolate protein drink. The whole cheesecake takes 4 packets of cheesecake mix and 2 8 oz. Chocolate protein drinks. Let it set in fridge and enjoy! The other recipe that can be used in the full liquid stage and beyond is what I call Swiss cheese soup. Place 8 oz. of water in a bowl, add 1 boullion cube (I like chicken) then add 2 slices of Daiya Swiss cheese. Microwave for 3mins. Enjoy! When in the puree stage I hope to use this as a cheese sauce to add flavor.

Becca, I think what I'm dealing with in my throat is thrush. I will be heading to the Dr. Today. It can be caused by antibiotics which of course we were on after surgery. It is not dangerous in any way, it does hurt alot in my throat though. Hoping to get it under control before thanksgiving!

Is anyone experiencing uncomfortableness or soreness in your throat from when that entibate you during surgery? I'm one week and 4days in and thought my throat would feel better by now.

Susie MN, going into this I knew how hot natured I was and that Mexico would be warmer. The spray bottle was for my husband to spray my face nd arms when I got to hot and then with the fan in me would have a nice cooling effect. After surgery though I'm now cold natured and find myself bundled up these days. Curious how everyone is doing with their weight loss. Do you include the weight you lost before surgery? I do. So far 24 pounds total, 18 pds. before surgery and 6 pds. since surgery. I plan to weigh at the end of each week.

Wanted to share one strange but good effect from the surgery. Before surgery I was a hot natured person. Since surgery I've been cold natured. I researched and found out this can be an effect of the surgery. I actually like it!

Revgirl checking in! Didn't mean to worry anyone. Just concentrating on laying low! One week and 3 days after surgery with Garcia at Florence. The best surgery experience I've ever had. Professional, efficient, caring staff and very organized. Things that I found very valuable was bring my own fan, gas x, spray bottle and wash clothes. Have to tell the funny story of how I made my husband order certain foods to eat so I could smell it! Yes, smell it before he could eat it! Aroma therapy was my saving grace! Week two into the diet, I find myself always eating or drinking so I'm very rarely hungry. I feel best on days I walk. Soon I'll post some fantastic sites, products and recipes I've found on line. Glad to hear everyone's experiences and for anyone anticipating, peace in the thought that their are alot of great people there to go through the process with you!

Krispaz, So glad you are doing so well!! I'll be on my way tomorrow! I hope your husband has been a great support to you as well as the nursing staff! Praying for comfort and continued healing! Blessings!

Becca, Thank you so much for being so candid and telling your story that was so poignant! It takes alot of courage to talk about the emotions that come with descrimination that sometimes feels like it takes away your power. Congratulations for being your own advocate, moving forward and making bold choices for your own life. I applaud you! Some of my struggles were similar to yours and some were different. I happened to be a "beanpole" growing up with frizzy, naturally curly hair and glasses. I say all this to make the point that even though I was skinny didn't mean I fit in...As I got married and had children ( 4 of them to be exact) My body decided it didn't want to lose weight. I too gained alot when I was pregnant with each child and never could really lose much afterwards, 20 pds. hear and there. But each time I lost, I would inevidably gain it back and then some. It was a steady climb up the weight gain "ladder." I am now 51. The wake up call was when I kept exercising, eating right and yet I would still gain weight. I blamed alot of the medications I'm on. Then my last dr. visit was like somebody snapped me out of a dream. "It looks like we will have to put you on a second blood pressure medication." I realized I was walking down the wrong road and with that decided I was taking charge of my health and my life and making a change. I decided to walk "the road less traveled." So, on this forum, it is nice to walk the road with others, like you! I hope we can encourage each other along the way. I have no reservations about the decision, I'm so ready! Just with losing 20 pds. on my pre-op diet, I notice when I go out that people talk to me more, respond to me more, hear what I'm saying. I don't feel so invisible. But my response from my immediate family members has been less than. Meaning, I would like them to celebrate my weight loss and yet, I usually get silence or them making some comment about how they are unable to lose weight, in other words the focus is on them. I think that is why this forum is a great relief to me because we are going through this together and can praise and celebrate our choices and accomplishments together. Tomorrow is my big day! flying to San Diego, having surgery in Tijuana on Friday! I can't wait!

Is anyone getting different responses from your family members or friends with your weight loss?

I really appreciate the lists! This is the day before I fly! A couple of other things I have on my list: Tylenol lemon drops (when my mouth gets dry) a fan (I've heard the hospital is hot!) long sundresses taking a book and my crochet Still feeling really excited! My surgery will be on Friday. As part of my process I've decided to make a videoblog to put on youtube. I'll let everyone know when it goes up. The day before I fly my first accomplishment: losing 19 pounds! A shout out to everyone who has gone before us with courage and awesomeness!

Becca, can't believe you are already there! Which hospital are you at? Please keep us updated. I will be flying into San Diego on Thurs. Just 3 more days. I have to pinch myself. Prayers for peace and wholeness and joy in the process!! Our thoughts are with you!

Becca, can't believe you are already there! Which hospital are you at? Please keep us updated. I will be flying into San Diego on Thurs. Just 3 more days. I have to pinch myself. Prayers for peace and wholeness and joy in the process!! Our thoughts are with you!

Becca R., today I hope to pack. I'm more nervous about forgetting something. My friend who already had the surgery suggested taking a fan because it is warm in the hospital ( I am heat intolerant due to my fibro). She also suggested clothing that is loose around the middle so, I plan to take my long sundresses. She said that they get you up and walking within 24 hrs. And want to get you back in your own clothes so I'm packing plenty of comfortable night gowns to wear at the hospital and hotel. I think I read that our hotel has a heated pool. My husband and I may take advantage of that but I think we might be too tired. When it is your turn, be expecting confirmation emails with important names and phone numbers. So far I've been impressed with how organized time4achange people have been with the process.

Wantingabetterlife, I definitely plan to put posts, updates, and details about my experience. I hope SMB will do the same. We are one day apart for our surgeries. I'm on the 7th of Nov. I will be packing this weekend. Pinching myself, can't believe it!

SMB, 14 pds. is more than pretty good! You should be proud of your accomplishment! And as far as what other people have to say about it, It is your choice for wholeness and healing in your life! I chose not to tell anyone til after I get back because I want only positive energy coming my way. I'm sure I'll get all kinds of comments after but the deed will be done and I'll be well on my way celebrating the new me!

One week for me too smb. How are you doing with your weight loss? I've lost 16 pds. So far

#49: My pre-op diet is going well. I actually started it two weeks early and try to walk 1/2 mile every day. I've lost 13 pounds. My regiment from the Dr. is liquid diet 1day before surgery. Not sure I'll do that any earlier as it makes me weak and moody. Need to keep my strength for the long travels. Going from East coast to West coast. My typical day is protein shake for breakfast and lunch and salad with protein for dinner. If I'm still hungry I'll do either a protein bar at bed time or a cup of hot tea with benefiber in it. I've also bought a food processor. Occasionally I'll mix fruit in with my vanilla protein drinks or mix decaf coffee in with it and drink it over ice. I like variety.

Thank you! I officially started my pre-op diet yesterday! Counting the days now til I head to Mexico. Cannot believe its only 2 weeks away!