CanyonBaby

Another idea is adding unflavored Protein powder to Soup, I like the chunkier types, AFTER it is cooked. I found out the hard way to cook the soup first, as the whey powder will "bloom" in the bowl as I microwave it! NOT GOOD! But if I add it afterwards, and add a little milk/water to thin it a little (if necessary), I really don't notice the powder, or the flavor of it. My only trouble is I can rarely eat even a small portion, so I still don't get all the protein I intend to!

Is this group still meeting? I would be interested in attending, and l live in Cheney. Thanks...

This may or may not help, but I had the sleeve for one specific reason: diabetes. I had a number of complications from the "D" word already setting in, and if I wanted to get rid of it this was, according to my Dr., the only "cure" for it. So I did it, back in December, and all signs of the "D" are gone! The sleeve allows me to continue taking N-Saids for my arthritis, whereas with the RNY ulcers can be a real issue if you need to take N-Saids. As most of us end up with some type of arthritis as we age, my recommendation would be for the sleeve. I don't think people really think about the N-Said issue (some folks are younger and haven't had arthritis issues yet, but that doesn't mean it won't become a problem down the road, and for me, I like to be able to reduce my pain by taking something for it) so if it is an issue for you, think about it!

Hi and welcome! If you use the search, you will probably find what you're looking for. All the questions people have ever had have been asked close to a million times on here, so ask away, someone is bound to answer! Where are you in your journey? Have you decided which surgery you are interested in? When are you having your surgery? Just let us know what you need, there are lots of very helpful, caring folks here and someone is likely to know the answer to what you have to ask!

Thought I'd add that with the sleeve you should still be able to take N-Saids, especially if, like me, you have arthritis which needs an anti-inflammatory. I understand with the RNY it (N-Saids) can cause ulcers more so than with the sleeve. And since I'm only in my 50's, with a long, painful run ahead of me, I want to be able to take pain meds. Have a good evening!

If there is one, there are a million responses to this. I personally chose the sleeve to get rid of my diabetes. And I did. I would do it again in a heartbeat, and wish I had known about it sooner, to alleviate some of the complications I endure from the diabetes. But now, if I follow the rules, I shouldn't ever have any other issues with diabetes. All worth it. And it was the easiest and least painful of my 22 surgeries. Yes, there will always be the chance of complications, but for me, having the sleeve was the way to go because I wanted it to be permanent, without the option of reversing it. It was an "all or nothing" kind of deal. Good luck in your decision making, and for your surgery!

After a few weeks of little scale joy, in fact a downer last Monday (I gained a pound) - which is the day of the week I weigh - I went shopping and bought a top that was actually a size large...AND IT FITS!!! And it is loose and flowy...LIKE IT'S SUPPOSED TO BE!!! NSV TO THE WORLD!!! So why the joy? I haven't fit in this size since my teens, some 35 YEARS ago! That is DECADES! Joy, indeed ahhh...

So sweet of you all...Support is AWESOME!!!!!

Yes, spices are the way to go! Think of the type of food you like (Mexican, Asian, Italian...), then go to the grocery and load up on spices for those particular delights. You can research them on the internet if you don't know which ones to buy. I like mixing different spices together to come up with some pretty interesting combinations. You can also find MILLIONS of recipes for ways to use those spices on the internet, I like FoodNetwork. But there are so many sites for recipes, you shouldn't have any trouble. Cooking for me is fun, and you can freeze in individual portions what you don't want to use right away. Just pull out of the freezer, heat and eat!

I'm not just hoping, I'M PRAYING!!! Let us know how it goes, we're here for you....

And even though you haven't lost the 43.5lbs IN YOUR FACE, that is where people notice it the most, because that is what they see first.! Look in the mirror, do you see it?! All happiness to you!

@@Focused1103 Maybe you could "test the waters" with this friend, before you tell him (her) to see how they respond. One suggestion would be to ask if they've noticed you've lost weight (they will, it's inevitable!), and tell them (which is true) that you're watching what you eat, and are exercising, to see how they respond to that. Then tell them what a challenge it has been for you to lose weight over the years, and sometimes it takes drastic measures to get the results you need. Then, depending on their response, you can determine how much more you want to reveal to them. Especially if they have or have not been supportive to your efforts to this point. The best part is, YOU get to decide whether to bestow upon them the HONOR of knowing the serious and devoted commitment you have to losing this unwanted weight! By then you will undoubtedly be so proud of your accomplishments, you may be just singing to the world about your surgery, because afterall, others may take the cue from you to have the surgery, which will help them also to get control over their weight! Good luck with your surgery!

And remember, it is healing from the inside out, and the inside - being the most susceptible to problems - may heal faster than the outside. Thus the "erupting"-like surface. If you notice that you have a temperature, call your Dr., as that can be a sign of infection. But from what you've described, it sounds like you're on a normal healing path. Have you ever had serious surgery, with deep wounds, before? That may be a way to gauge your healing, as well.

I have had 22 surgeries to date, thus LOTS of incisions. And lots and lots (thousands) of stitches.... One thing I have noticed is that not all wounds heal the same. I have had 3 surgeries through my belly button, and NOT the sleeve (too much scar tissue). I have had holes develop, and I think the reason is the scarring pushing up from underneath makes it look like the "hole" is getting larger, when in fact it is actually healing from underneath. Scar tissue is thicker, denser material than the tissue that was originally there, so misshapen formation is not uncommon, and eventually the scar will smooth out with a little ridging over the area where the scalpel was used. The skin on the body is not necessarily the same in one area that is is in another area. Skin that has been stretched from weight gain will not be of the same thickness necessarily as skin in an area the hasn't been stretched so much. So it seems reasonable that scarring will heal differently and may even look different on different parts of body. One thing to look for as a danger sign would be draining. Redness is common, to a degree, because the skin is angry it has been disrupted and it is in pain. Now it has to heal, and it wasn't planning on that! Just keep an eye on it, it will be painful for awhile, it is a deep scar. Always contact your Dr.s, even if they say the same thing over and over again, if you have concerns - it's what you've paid them for! Good luck to you, And keep us informed!

Same here - had the nasty "D" word, talked with my PCP who told me WLS was the only cure for it, so I did it! No more meds, test only once a week, numbers are normal, my number one reason for doing the surgery ("D") has been sent to the hills, hopefully never to be seen or heard from again........

You're absolutely right, it's no one's business but your own. And IF you choose to tell someone, that's the way it should be - by your choice. I think people say it's cheating out of ignorance, they don't really know what all goes into this surgery, and what is involved for after the surgery. If they say they do know what it's all about and STILL feel it is cheating, then I think they are probably just mean. Maybe I'm wrong, but I can't fathom why anyone would say or feel that it is cheating. Good for you for sticking to what you feel is right for you!

I've been on this site for awhile, taken some hiatuses here and there when the words get seeming to be a little nasty, then come back for a refreshing new viewpoint on what I have just been through. Surgery of any type will send a person's mental status on an emotional ride, and we have to acknowledge that, for better or worse. There is little way, by reading a post, to tell what tone of voice is used, or attitude that is being taken by the person posting the post. Most of us are on this site to help each other through what are, at best, difficult circumstances and situations. We may seem as if we are too nosy, judgemental,, know-it-all-y, and maybe JUST A hair b#^&(@7, IF you know what I mean!!! I have found, if I DON'T want an opinion, no matter what type it may be, to either wait for someone else to ask about a particular topic, live without getting advice, or bravely ask - knowing I am likely to get all kinds of words (from not-so-nice to all-out magically wise) and attitudes and opinions. For the most part, people on here are kind, compassionate, and are in the same process as I am, the learning process. My particular wish is to help in any way I can, and NEVER to hurt anyone's feelings. Sometimes the truth hurts, and we have to recognize when, quite frankly, only the truth will do in particular topics. That's where emotional maturity steps in and sifts out the negative aspects from the genuine intent. Off to play with a puppy...the ONLY thing to do in such deeply needy times!

Give up already? How are you going to get through this if you give up already? This is a LIFELONG endeavor, not just a quick-fix. You will always have highs and lows, loss and re-gain - just read through some of these posts, where virtually EVERYONE has loss and regain. I just regained a pound, but I know it will go away in time. Because I'm doing what I am supposed to do. Following the rules. Our bodies have gone through something that is not natural, and they will fight this unnatural behavior, it's called survival. We are putting the body through starvation, the only way to put it, and it will fight back. It's one of the reasons we lose our hair, the starvation tells the body to focus nutrients where it is most critically needed, the organs, so that's where the nutrients are sent. Thus hair loss. How will you be when and if you lose hair? Time to rally-up the troops and get your mind set for the adventure you decided to go on when you had this surgery! No going back, now! We're here for you!

Two steps forward, one step back (or is it the reverse?).For me I think it's the reverse. I have been doing this two-step for at least a month, but AM slowly reducing. It definitely shows in the sizes I wear, and it seems no matter how much I change the size of my pants, they STILL are too big! No complaints there, but I look so funny , losing the weight on the BOTTOM and not the top - my back and upper arms are still close to what they originally were, size-wise, it's like that "monkey on my back" that refuses to let go! LET GO!

POPSICLES POPSICLES POPSICLES!!! The sugar-free kind - gives you the crunch you'll need. As for supplements (meaning vitamins?) try the melting (dissolvable) kind. You can get them on Amazon.com. They taste good and I don't have a problem with them. If you get nauseated after taking vitamins, try having some food first. This helps me a lot, as I take a lot of vitamin D, which is extremely nauseating on an empty stomach. Best to you!

@@Myonlybattle Thanks! Have you or anyone else noticed after you drink Crystal Light if it seems to increase your hunger, as I've heard aspartame can do that? Since I don't want to get hungry unnecessarily, I haven't tried the Crystal Light since I had my surgery.

Sounds normal to me! I had my surgery in December and still have that hollow feeling, not sure it will go away, but I am used to it now, not a big deal. Just take things real s l o w !!! Swallow slowly, and just tiny sips, but keep sipping even if it uncomfortable. Try drinking lukewarm liquids to start, cold and/or hot may make you uncomfortable. Is this your first surgery? Things should improve daily, a little at a time, but it may be real slow for you - everyone heals differently. Did you have hiatal hernia repair at the same time? If you did, that may slow things up even more so. Just be gentle and patient with yourself, give yourself lots of TLC - you've just been through ALOT!

I prepared ahead of time, too. My NUT gave me a list of foods for each stage (you should ask your NUT for one, as well), and it included all the stages of baby foods, and I did a lot of those - so handy to just grab, heat, and eat (but I have to say I ate that only at home!). I also got a Nutri-Bullet to puree my foods. The baby food was great as I didn't have such huge portions, you can reseal the jars, and after it was al said and done, I donated the rest of the unopened jars to the food bank.

Try brushing your tongue when you brush your teeth. I loved the sugar-free popsicles to break up the shakes, I have to say I ate a lot of them, but they got me through the serious hunger issues.

I like this one, as it has several quizzes that focus on many differing subjects: "Ultimate Gastric Sleeve Success" by Dr. Duc C. Vuong, a general surgeon. It explains the sleeve procedure, food advice, and some good psychological theories. I got it at Amazon.com, it was $19.95. It's a great way to start the journey! Best of luck!