CJ Porter

HW - 298 SW - 277 on 8/31/15 CW - 251 CJ

My doc says no caffeinated coffee for 6 months post surgery. In addition to the stomach acid, caffeine can be dehydrating and you need to drink more Water. I'm doing some decaf now when I'm really craving it. I only take a splash of cream, so, it's not a big deal. But I miss real coffee. CJ

I log everything on Fitbit. I like having my steps, activity, weight and food all logged in one place. I think the database is pretty inclusive. And I went with the premium membership that lets me print out what I've been eating and take it to my dietitian. CJ

I was 51. Best decision I ever made. Yes, I worry about flabby skin and I'm already seeing batwings for goodness sake. But I'm feeling SO much better, coming off meds, have more energy and am looking forward to life again. It was worth it. CJ

I've been reading about the 4 week stall and am less than happy to report that while I skipped it at 4 weeks, I seem to have embraced my first stall at 5 weeks! I say first stall because I know it won't be my last. Ugh. So, fellow stallers, did you do anything to move yourself along or were you just patient (not my strong suit!!) and let nature take it's course? CJ

I discussed this with my dietitian. I honestly don't know what to believe. I'm diabetic, so, obviously I have to watch my carbs. But is a small amount of sugar as opposed to artificial sweeteners that are screwing with my brain chemistry (by some reports) better or worse for me - which is the larger evil? Right now I'm trying to avoid sweet things altogether with the exception of a small packet of splenda if I have cream of wheat, which I do infrequently. Sweets are a major trigger for me and I'm doing what I can to readjust my eating. So... no answers for you. But I continue to ask the same question!

My doctor was ready to release me the next day but I insisted on a second day. I was doing great - keeping fluids down, passing gas, peeing.. you know, all those fun things. I just didn't feel steady enough on my feet given the pain I was experiencing. I am glad I stayed a second day - I got more rest at the hospital than I would have at home!

Regular exercise. I'm trying to so hard to establish a routine but it's been difficult, especially since going back to work and picking back up all of my life responsibilities!! (5.5 weeks out here... vets please tell me it gets easier... I forgot the easiest part! Well, I agree with someone who commented after me - eating smaller portions has been easier than I expected. And not going hog wild when there are sweets around me has been okay so far. Just trying to keep my eyes on the prize! CJ

I had lingering pain up until about a week ago in my left abdomen. It was sometimes very sharp. (Surgery date of 8/31.) I asked about it and was told that it was the side that did all of the "heavy lifting" during the surgery - largest incision, where the stomach portion came out, etc. and that it wasn't unusual. But I agree with twinhappy - don't be afraid to call your doc or the nurse and ask! I think they'd rather you do that and be sure than be worried!

Thank you Trinn! Your response helps a great deal. I'm giving the flavored Water a try today. Also picked up some decaf coffee. It's not the same but I miss coffee so much... So we'll see how it goes. I find I'm also a little impatient - I expect I should be fully healed, and the weight should be dropping off without me even thinking about it. I think that may play into my expectation of not feeling discomfort. CJ

Hello everyone! My name is CJ, and I had a VSG done on August 31, 2015. Recovery was uneventful. Doctor wanted to send me home next day since I was keeping things down and I passed the gas test, but, I felt I was too unsteady on my feet. I stayed another night and went home to begin my clear liquid diet. I started this process at 298 pounds, 5'3". I began low-carbing when I first met with my surgeon in June and right now I'm at 251 pounds. I'm a type II diabetic and was on 4 diabetes medications before surgery. One medication has been discontinued. I'm still taking metformin and the amounts of insulin (long and short acting) are significantly lower. I do believe this is the best decision I've ever made. I'm working in the exercise and sticking to my post-surgery diet. There are just a few things that are bothering me right now and was wondering if anyone else experienced the same things. No matter how much Water I drink, I get incredibly hungry in between meals. I've been doing 3 small meals and 3 small Snacks (and still consuming about 800 calories a day) but I wasn't expecting to feel so very hungry all the time. Anyone else experience this? I saw on the FAQ that it often is heartburn but I'm on prilosec twice a day, so, I can't imagine that wouldn't be helping to combat that. The other thing I'm experiencing right now is just stomach discomfort. It's not really pain, and it's not after I've eaten. It's just a persistent uncomfortable feeling. I've got a doctor's appointment next week and will mention it to him, however, I'd like to hear from other bariatric patients too. I figure no one knows what I'm going through better than you all. Thank you in advance for your replies. I'm looking forward to meeting people here! CJ

I've been taking tylenol. Sometimes it helps, sometimes it doesn't. I'm staying clear of caffeine right now but eventually I think that might help. CJ Porter

I'm 5 weeks out and am also experiencing hunger. (51 here, btw.) It's the same for me - not head hunger. It's stomach rumbling, distracting hunger. I'm on prilosec 2X a day so I have a hard time believing it's acid. I read someplace else that some people don't swell like others do. I tend to believe I'm experiencing this now because the swelling in my stomach is down and my body just hasn't gotten the memo yet that I'm just fine with only 20% of my stomach. I'm also on insulin which makes me hungry. So I have to stick it out until the planets align, or I lose enough weight to get off insulin or my mind and stomach have a conversation and get on the same page. CJ

Hello folks! I'm a little late to the party. I was sleeved on 8/31. Lately I've been hungry all the time and uncomfortable. There's some comfort in seeing other people talk about some of the same things - I have to stick it out and let my body catch up. Overall I'm very happy with my choice!

I had to reassure a member of the wait staff the other day that I really did like the food - just couldn't eat much. It was the first time I ordered my own plate out. You've been given a lot of great tips here. I've been mostly sharing with family or friends, or getting an "add-on" to whatever they're getting (grilled shrimp skewer, for example) and eat that. I find that sometimes it's hard - they don't cook the vegetables near enough for my needs, so I don't do veggies in restaurants. I don't drink Water with the meal. But I eat SUPER slow because I don't want to finish long before everyone else! Good luck! You can do this!