Tired_of_being_Tired

Hi everyone - I am three weeks post op and live in Ontario, CA. I have been looking for support groups around my area, but haven't been able to find one. I feel a little alone - other than people online of course. I keep thinking it would be great to meet others who have just started their journey, who are already into their journey, or who have marked their paths for us to learn from. I have no idea how to even go about this, so I thought I would just post something here and see if anyone else is near me. Its better than posting on Craigslist - haha! For me, it's hard to explain to my significant other what I am going through, because he does not fully get it. He wants to understand and be involved so that he can help, but on the other hand I know all the research I am doing online, and me being on the computer bother's him as well. The friends I currently have either live really far, or I haven't seen in quite a while. I think it's time for me to make some new friends, and if that can be someone who is going through, or has already gone through what I am going through how perfect would that be.

Sleeved in October at age 43 - best decision ever!!

It's so good to hear everyone's story. I was sleeved on Oct 9th and I feel awesome!! I have to confess I have not been to the gym at all. I have hit little stalls now and then but I know I am still losing inches. I have been in a stall for about 2 weeks now so I think I have to change things up. I pretty much eat what I want but definitely not much of it. I don't drink soda or beer and a few things here and there that my stomach just does not like anymore. I have about 25 lbs to go to get to my goal weight and will be hitting the gym on Monday and going back to basics. I am going on vacation in June so I need to hit my goal by then - I will be on a mission! Congratulations everyone!

It really depends who your Doctor is. I was on my monthly cycle and did not have to remove my undies. I also did not have drains, or a catheter and I hear many do. I guess it just depends...

Wow! This was a long one... I could only give my opinion so here it is. Unless you have had WLS, you will never truly understand exactly what your fiance` is going through - no matter how supportive you try to be. I have a very supportive loving boyfriend and although he is wonderful, there are somethings he will never understand because it's something I am going through. With that said, you really need to get pass the whole (he didn't bother taking into consideration the way you felt about the surgery) because his mind was made up and it was decision he alone could make for himself. I agree with everyone when they say there is a bigger issue here with you and your finance` and I believe it's probably deeper then you even know. If you feel unappreciated or taken for granted only you can change that. I would say let him enjoy this journey of his, but stay on track with your own journey and don't lose yourself because of what he is going through. You have to be happy with "you" first before you can be happy with anything or anyone else in your life. Consider this a blessing in disguise that this is all happening before you got married. Hopefully you understand getting married will not fix any of these problems because marriage brings in it's own new set of problems. Sometimes we need to take a step back, take some time apart to really see the "big picture" See if this is still what you really want. Time will tell if this is something he still wants as well. We are all outsiders looking in and listening to only your side of the story. He may have a different story entirely and probably does. There's always two sides to every story. You need to do what you feel is right for you. He took a step and had the surgery because he felt that was right for him. Whatever decision you make, I wish you the best and will pray that the Lord help you both through this.

I had a hernia repair with my surgery as well. Prior to my surgery I ALWAYS had major acid reflux, it was awful to the point where I didn't sleep well at all. I am sure my weight and sleep apnea had everything to do with it. Immediately after surgery my acid reflux went away. I am 13 weeks out in two days, and just recently I have started to feel a little acid coming on, but very little. I sit up, and maybe a small burp passes and then I am fine. It's so weird, but I pray everyday that this part of my pre-surgery health does not return. What I have heard, is sometimes patients get major acid reflux right after surgery, especially if they had a hernia repair as well, but eventually as time passes it goes away or gets much, much better. I hope you start feeling better soon!

It's good to hear I wasn't the only one who had slips during the Holidays. Something funny that happened to me over Christmas was, I didn't even realize it, but I had served myself a plate of a little of everything and when I sat down to eat, I was like Holy Moly what did I do? Needless to say, I was full after a few bites and thought to myself, wow before I would have finished this plate and gotten up for seconds. It is definitely a whole mindset change. I keep having to remind myself!

I am hoping to get some ideas from all of you on what you are eating these days? I am 8 weeks post op today and find I am getting so bored with the same foods I keep eating. I lost quite a bit of weight in the beginning and now I am losing 1 - 2 lbs a week, which I am just fine with. But I wonder if I could lose more if I eat differently? Am I eating the wrong foods? I am very in tune with my body and once I start feeling an inkling of being full, I stop. These are the things I tend to eat: Yogurt (sometimes) Cottage cheese (sometimes) String Cheese (usually one a day or every other day) Tuna Salmon Sardines chicken meatballs (a couple of times) Soup Deli meats eggs Protein shake (here and there) Rotisserie chicken (because it's moist, no skin) Pringles 100 calorie pack (have had 2 since my doctor cleared me at week 5 for all foods) Peanut Butter (maybe 2 tbs twice) Shrimp Sushi (doesn't agree with me right now) so sad about this... And I think that's about. I love salad, but I haven't tried it because I am pretty scared of it getting stuck right now. I haven't eaten much vegetables either, because by the time I am done with the protein I am pretty full. I kind of feel like a creature of habit at this point and feel I need some other suggestions. Can you give me examples of what a typical day would be for you? Any information is appreciated! Thank you everyone!

Sleeved in Oct 2014 and so happy about the changes I am going through! Inland Empire here, Ontario/Chino area.

You will be fine alone. I was alone during the day and actually was happy about it because the gas gods were not good to me. It sounded like a shooting range in my house, but since I was alone, I didn't worry about it. (and I am happy to report no animals were hurt by the cross fire) Sorry if that was TMI! I had my surgery on a Thursday, was released from the hospital on Saturday, was off 1 full week and back to work on the following Monday, with no problems, and most importantly, no gas heehee! Good luck! You will be just fine

I should clarify, I am NOT gulping Water and eating at the same time. There is absolutely no way I could do that, and wouldn't even attempt. But I have sipped a little bit of water when eating a few times. I am trying to stop and have actually been pretty good at waiting the 30 minutes after I eat to drink water. I'm definitely learning as I go. Everyone is different, so what works for someone, might not work for you. Another thing I didn't mention in my last post was how much healthier I feel now. I use to never have energy, I was always sluggish and was borderline diabetic. All that has completely changed now. I have lots of energy, my sugar is fine, and I don't feel sluggish, sometimes a little tired, but not that ugh, I have to drag myself somewhere feeling. Feeling this way put me in a deep depression for the last 5 years and that is why I truly got the surgery. Sure fitting into a size 7 would be a wonderful achievement, but my health and the way I am feeling now, has been priceless!!

Hello - My HW on October 2, 2014 was 225 lbs. I had to be on a 7 day pre-op liquid diet and had my surgery on October 9th. During surgery they discovered a hiatal hernia (a complicated one at that) and repaired no extra charge. I was up and out of bed as soon as I woke up. A requirement was that we walk up and down the hospital corridor at least 3 times a day. I was doing that within 25 minutes after waking up from the anesthesia. I had no complications from the anesthesia, which I am grateful for, because I have heard many people get nausea the first few days or so. My hospital stay was two days. I had my surgery in Piedras Negras, Mexico, about 2 hours from San Antonio, TX, so I had to fly home to Southern California the day after I was released from the hospital. Other than my flight being delayed for 8 hours, and having to wait at the airport terminal, I was doing great. Lucky I had my laptop and watched movies, so the time went by no problem. When I got home I had some discomfort more on my left side close to the larger incision where they removed my tummy for about a week. The pain medication worked great and allowed me to sleep with no problem. I realized right away that the heartburn I had consecutive for the last 6 years had completely gone away. I couldn't believe it. It was literally from one day to the next. I was on a liquid diet for 1 week after surgery and then on a full liquid diet for 2 weeks after that. On week 3 I was able to move on to soft foods and then on week 5, I graduated to full solids. I was off work for 1 full week after I had my surgery and then returned to work with absolutely no problems. I was dancing 2 1/2 weeks after surgery and if you would have seen me dancing, you would have never thought I had surgery 2 1/2 weeks priors. I had to keep reminding myself I can't do the worm, I can't do the worm, haha just kidding. My incisions itched as well for the first 2-3 weeks but after that I was fine. I still can't sleep on my left side for that long, I don't want to say that it's uncomfortable, but I will say after a while I am not as comfortable as I am sleeping on my right side. Maybe it's all in my head. On my 7 day pre-op diet I lost 13 lbs and since surgery I have lost 26 lbs to date. Total loss since October 2nd is 39 lbs. Prior to surgery I was in a very tight size 16 jeans (really should have been wearing a size 18) but I refused to go buy a larger size pair of pants. I am a comfortable size 12 today. My goal is to fit into a size 7 and I will be happy. I will be honest I haven't gone to the gym yet, but I plan to start going next week. I believe I had a short stall 2 weeks ago, but it only lasted about 6 days and then I lost 2 lbs. I didn't let it depress me though, I stood positive because I have read so much about stalls that I just let it ride. If I can lose 2 lbs a week, I will reach my goal in May of next year and will so happy to finally be able to wear shorts in the summer! I haven't worn shorts in the summer (in public) for almost 6 years! The truth, I use to dread the summer. It just made me so depressed to think of all the cute clothes I could be wearing if I could only lose the weight and most importantly keep it off. But boy oh boy, am I looking forward to this summer!! I even see a bathing suit in my future and believe me, it's been more than 5 years since I have come close to wearing any type of swimwear. Since surgery, my depression has almost completely gone away. At times I am a little and believe me it's only a "little" depressed about food, only because the things I use to like (sushi most importantly) do not agree with me right now. Yesterday, I went to a casino with a fabulous buffet and I still lost a pound this morning - too awesome!! I had no desire to get any dessert, but then ate a little bit of ice cream and a little bit of tapioca pudding. So the fact that I lost a pound this morning surprised the heck out of me. Oh and I also ate a little bit of nachos! I know it's not the best food at all to be eating, but I can tell you, I no longer have a craving for ice cream or nachos, it's like I had it and I don't need to have it again for months. I can't explain the feeling, but it's out of my system now. My only struggle to date is eating and drinking at the same time. Oh, and still eating too fast. I definitely do not chew and eat my food in 25 -30 minutes like I am supposed too, but I am trying my hardest to eat slower. Now I can take full gulps of Water with no problem, and have been doing so since 4 weeks post surgery. I don't take more than 3 gulps, although they are not like my "old" 3 FULL gulps prior to surgery, they are gulps nonetheless. I love ice cold water, it just goes down that much faster. I am absolutely terrified of anything carbonated so I really only drink water, fresh fruit juice (on occasion cause it has lots of natural sugar) and crystal light. On occasion, I have had an iced tea - but not too much. I eat things like eggs, boiled or over medium suit me best, smoked salmon, rotisserie chicken, tuna, cottage cheese, string cheese, yogurt, Soups, sugar free popsicles (seldom) hummus, Wendy's chili, refried Beans, avocado, shrimp, and just started eating a couple of almonds. I tried sushi twice and - no bueno - so I will wait to try again later. I do find that certain foods just turn me off now. (i.e. Jack in the Box, McDonalds, Taco Bell) just to name a few. I tried a meaty egg Breakfast burrito from Jack in the Box maybe 3 weeks ago and it got me sick to my stomach and since then I have absolutely no desire to go back. Maybe my taste buds will change after I am in maintenance, but if they never do for these places that's fine by me too. Those places got me to my highest weight. if you are contemplating this surgery, I would say, GO FOR IT!! The only thing you will regret (in my opinion) is not doing it sooner! I wish you the best of luck and a speedy recovery if you do chose to move forward. Sorry my post was sooo long...I can type for days...

Hello everyone - Some background: Had my VSG on Oct 9th so I am almost 7 weeks post op. During my hospital stay, my IV became infiltrated (hope I spelled that right) and my blood started flowing back into my IV. The nurse finally caught it and corrected it, a pain I do not want to remember, and eventually just removed the IV altogether. The site was sore but all in all the surgery went well with no complications. However, about 3-4 days after being home and everything to started to sink in, I realized that I had a pea size lump in my vein where the IV site was. It was very tender to the touch at the time and I brushed it off as a result of the infiltration and figured it would just go away on its own. My question is; has anyone else experienced this? And if so, how long did it take to go away? I try not to touch it because although it's not as tender as before, it like a stubborn little troll that gets angry and lets me know it if I try to touch it. I read that it is common when infiltration occurs but for the most part it goes away on its own after a few weeks. So far it's been 7 weeks for me, is mine here to stay? Should I worry? Any information is appreciated. Thank you everyone!

Hi Crystall88 - I use to be a grazer pre-op and I think that's how I gained so much weight; because I grazed on all the wrong things. I had my surgery on October 9th and eat 3 meals plus 2 Snacks a day now and this is just fine with my surgeon. Even with my 2 snacks I still do not get to 800 calories, which is irritating at times. My snacks typically are either a string cheese, a half of an avocado, a sliced peach cup, or a yogurt. With that said, I don't think having a snack is bad if you are making healthy choices I am at solid foods now and still trying to see what my new tummy likes and doesn't like. So far the only thing it seems to reject is sashimi sushi (which I love) but will wait a few months to try again. I try my best to eat Protein first since I haven't been doing shakes (yet). I can only eat 2oz of protein per serving and I am full (that makes me smile even now just typing it) Another thing that makes me smile is I am able to gulp Water now, maybe 3 good drinks, haven't tried more because I am scared to push it. I am grateful to the Lord for this otherwise I know I probably would be dehydrated by now. I haven't gone to the gym yet, but will start next week. I went back to work a week and a half after surgery and have been doing just fine. I experienced a stall for a week, it may have been because it was that TOM, but am happy to report I was down 2 lbs this morning yay - broke the stall! I don't exactly meal prep (mostly due to not having a kitchen at this time - completely gutted - being renovated) but I do buy my lunch for the week and keep it at my office or in my small fridge in my office. I eat tuna, salmon, chicken, yogurt, sliced turkey, avocados, eggs, things of that nature and I feel fine. Ice water, Crystal Light, Gatorade are things I drink as long as it's very cold. Soon you will find what works for you. You will hear a lot of, do this, or do that, but really you just have to listen to your body and your sleeve. I count my calories on an app called "Lose It" and it's great. I wish you all the best and hope you find your way through this new journey of ours. :)

Hello everyone - So...I am a little concerned. I had my surgery on Oct 9th, and after 1 week on liquids and 2 weeks on full liquids, I have been cleared by my Doctor to eat soft foods (including chicken) today, I ordered (2) pieces of grilled chicken from KFC, it was a small drumstick and a decent size thigh. My concern is I was able to eat both of them at one sitting...well...maybe not all of the thigh but most of it. I did not have any sides just the chicken. I was also able to eat a whole over medium egg this morning - I have to say I was excited about that. Is this normal? I am also able to take big drinks of Water at a time as well, especially ice cold water. Sometimes it bothers me a bit, but for the most part it doesn't, it this normal?? A little worried, I am over doing it.

I really have to learn to eat slower. This is the first time I have felt the accelerated heartbeat and it freaked me out. So far nothing has come up, nor have I felt like throwing up, but the full feelings is NO BUENO!

Has anyone experienced an accelerated heartbeat when feeling this uncomfortable fullness? I feel it right now, and my heartbeat is beating a little faster than normal. Should I be worried?

Oh I forgot to mention, I also had a Hiatal Hernia repaired during my VSG surgery as well and still feel ok. I am also able to gulp Water with no problem maybe 3 good drinks, I haven't tried anything more. It was an accidental surprise actually. I forgot I had my surgery and was so thirsty I just started drinking ice cold water out of instinct and by the 3rd gulp stop dead in my tracks and waited, and prayed, and waited some more, and prayed some more and all was good. This happened over the weekend. So now I have been able to drink and not have to sip, sip, sip.

Hello there! Thank you and Congratulations on your surgery date! You are going to be sooo happy!! I remember pre-op, I was on the liquid diet for 7 days, and it was hard at first, but by day 5 I was getting excited that my surgery was almost here and wasn't hungry any more. I am doing really well post-op - thank goodness. I am a little sore now and then, or if I move too quick in an odd position then I feel a little pinch, but other then that I am good. I am waiting to see if I experience the dreaded three week stall, but the truth I am not really dreading it if I do. I already feel so much better, and have lost 32 lbs in the last 26 days, that if I have to wait a minute for my body to catch up, then it's worth it. Are you excited? Are you nervous? Temecula is really nice - Wine Country!!

I am three weeks post op, actually 26 days post op and on soft foods. I will be going to Vega$ this weekend, but will also be cleared for solids by then by my Doctor. I probably won't drink, and the truth probably won't eat much either, but I am going for a wedding and I like to gamble and shop so I will be good. I think a lot will depend on the diet your Doctor will have you on. I know many Doctors are really strict while others are not as much. My Doctor didn't recommend that I drink but said a small glass of wine is fine after 6 weeks. Some Doctors say to wait a year, but I really think it's because they want their patient's to get the most out of their sleeve. Good luck and if you go, have fun!$!

I definitely agree with Kindle. While I am only 3 weeks post op, I noticed when I raised my calories a bit I lost weight! It was weird but overnight (and I am not kidding) I lost 6 lbs. The skeptical me, picked up my scale and weighed myself in different areas of my home because I started thinking my bathroom floor must be slanted haha. I didn't understand it at first because I knew I had eaten a little more the night before (half of a medium avocado, an over medium egg, and some hummus - not at the same time, but throughout the day). Your body may be trying to hold on to your weight because like Kindle said, it thinks it's in starvation mode. My calories were between 400 - 600 and now they are between 600 - 800 and my Doctor said that was good. I know everyone is different, so I am just saying what worked for me. Please don't cry, after reading many veteran sleever's testimonials it will come off, our body is just freaking out at the moment. Wishing you the best!

Thank you everyone for your great responses and advice! I was able to talk to my Doctor and he told me not to worry my sleeve will let me know if I am over doing it (i.e it will get stuck, I will feel nauseated) everyone is different and can tolerate things differently. He also said what many of you said, a thigh looks bigger because of the bones, but chances are I didn't eat as much as I thought. The Water gulping is not a problem either. Apparently everyone gets this back at one point or another, it was just sooner for me. I have to say I really prayed on this one, because the sip, sip, sip was just not working, working, working. I feel so much better now and happy I posted this on here. Approved by my Doctor, yesterday I tried eating sardines (mushing it up really good and added some lime juice) and after 1.5 ounces I was full. Just could not eat one more bite. So although I can tolerate soft chicken (dark meat) I may not be able to tolerate other things as quickly. Oh, and although I have no problems eating an over medium egg, deviled egg, or hard boiled egg, scrambled eggs are just not my friend. So for those of you who cannot eat them scrambled, maybe try them another way, you may be surprised that you will be able to tolerate them better. Hope everyone is having a great day so far!

@ Kathy812, I feel the same way, like I can eat a little more. but the good thing is, I do stop once I start feeling full. my chicken was dark and soft and went down easy, thank goodness. I hope u have a good experience when you have yours

@ auntiemel and Galaxy Girl, thank you for your responses.

The ironic this is. When I opened the box to the chicken I looked at it and had a talk with it. I said...now chicken, don't you give me any trouble going down. I have been very patiently waiting to taste, chew, and fill my tummy with the Protein you provide. I was trying to be funny, but the darn thing listened!! Or maybe it was the prayer I said just before I started eating. lol. In any case, I was able to eat it and didn't get sick, and now here I am worried and writing about it. I didn't even think about the bones. The thigh was pretty boney I am so happy to hear others are able to gulp too. I was really dreading having to possibly wait a year or longer without being able to gulp.