up4challenge

I am 11 months post-op and I feel hungry every half hour. I don't want to eat and gain weight, but not eating anything only makes it worse. I get angry, feel tired and uninterested in doing anything. I'm scared what if my sleeve expands most of the time and end up staring at the ceiling most of the time, as I took a loan on my credit card to pay for the surgery. I take my meds on time. I take a protein shake every day, but this hunger generally starts during the second half of the day and gets worst from 6 p.m. onwards. I cannot take water still. I can take 2-3 sips at a time, then 2-3 more sips after half hour, but food (veggies, fruits, bread) is okay to consume. My starting weight was 251 pounds, on the day of surgery I was 240 pounds and in 11 months now I am 180 pounds and my goal weight is 155 pounds. I don't eat junk food....no burger, no fries (I do eat potato once a week fried in an air fryer or popcorn made again in air fryer), no soda, 1-2 tablespoons of sugar on a daily basis (in my glass of tea and coffee, which I take in the morning and evening), nothing more. The quantity of food intake has increased compared to what I used to eat two months ago, to what I eat this month. And to make things worst I noticed today that I've gained 2.2 pounds (1 kg) since last week. I tell myself not to worry but I am freaking out. Please advise what should I do. Any suggestion is appreciated.

@littlelizzielilliput: I take biotin, collagen, vitamins tablets (3 tablets after lunch and 3 after dinner) and days that I don't feel like eating lunch or skip lunch which is like once in a month, I make sure I take Nexpro 40 (gas tablet) half hour before my dinner.

@proudgrammy : Thank you for the encouraging response. I will try and add more water starting today to my regular schedule. Any suggestions as to what foods to include in my daily diet? I still have bad days with severe constipation and I will try my best to drink more water.

@Nessy76@jenn1 : My routine on a daily basis is as follows: 1) I start my day with a cup of milk tea (about 275ml tea with 1 spoon of sugar) at 9 a.m. and I take close to 3 hours to finish that. I do not and cannot eat anything until the tea is finished as I am full. 2) About 12.30 p.m. I eat lunch which includes about 1/4 chicken breast + 1 egg. 3) Around 3.30 p.m. I consume a glass of coffee / water depending on how I feel to take in my meds (about 275 ml water/coffee+1 spoon sugar). 4) Around 5.30 p.m. I mix protein shake (I take GNC Chocolate flavor) which I take about an hour or some days 1.5 hours to finish). 5) About 7.30 p.m. when I feel hungry I much on 5-10 nuts (peanut/fox nut/almond/walnut) or orange/apple/grapes. 6) Around 8.30 p.m. I try to take half a glass of water which turns out to be nothing more than 2-3 sips of water. 7) At 9.30 p.m. I eat my dinner, which includes lentils/beans and 1/4 or 1/2 chicken breast or 2 pieces of salmon slices (air fried) along with one fruit like banana/orange/4-5 slices of papaya or 4-5 slices of watermelon or some days 3-5 spoons of rice with yoghurt or 1/2 slice of bread with butter (I do not like butter or anything sweet or chocolatey) or some days 1/2 cup pasta about 10 small pieces of macaroni (no cheese/butter with onions, pepper, tomatoes). 8) About 11.00 p.m I take one more glass water and take in the meds. I go to sleep by 12.30 or 1.30 a.m., as I have to work until then. I do a lot of cooking/cleaning in the house in between work (as I am a freelancer and log in from home) and I routinely work out on the elliptical every day twenty minutes in the morning and evening. If I do not have many tasks then I take a walk in the night after dinner for about forty minutes (which is about 1-2 times a week). Once every 2 weeks, I eat about 50 - 100 gms of popcorn and once a week I eat corn on the cob (boiled with a little salt, no butter). At times (during the last 11 months) I had 1/4 snickers bar and 1/4 slice pizza after 6 months post-op. I cut potatoes in the shape of french fries (about 5-6 pieces of them) and air fry them and consume them 1-2 times a week. Please note I am an extreme case of PCOS. Before my surgery, I had my periods for 9 continuous months and then 3 months of nothing, which made me take the decision of doing this surgery. Even now my periods are not great. I have them one month of 10 days, nothing for 2 months, then about 2 days flow, then nothing again for a month, then an outburst every 15 days. My gynaecologist says things will get better and I am still waiting and hoping.

@MGCA: Glad to hear you are feeling better. Sending best wishes and positive vibes your way!

@ MGCA: I completely understand your situation. The reason being I am very similar to you. I too am a private person and have not discussed about my surgery with anyone except my husband, mom and sister (my dad till date does not know why I was in the hospital 7 months ago). I was sleeved in December 2016 and making the decision of doing the surgery was tougher for me as I had to pay for it myself and had no support from my husband (who is till date not happy about it). I was 251 pounds when I met the bariatric surgeon for the first time and lost about 11 pounds during my pre-op (this is the good news). I did not go to any support group meetings held at my doctor’s office (pre and post-surgery) as I was not comfortable to face the people there, but bariatricpal website and its senior members were of great help. I found the best people who supported, coached me through my journey before and after the journey. Over a period of 7 months I have only lost 47 pounds, which according to my doctor is shockingly disappointing. I’ve been constantly reminded from the ones who know about the surgery that not much has been achieved for which I spent my savings and borrowed a loan on. I did the surgery mainly because I am a worst case of PCOS (I’ve had it for about 15 years now) and two years ago it got out of control and instead of just having periods for 1 or 2 months continuously, I ended up having it for 9 consecutive months (I was tired all the time and weak, but fat). I had tried homeopathy, Ayurveda, Unani, Acupuncture, but nothing worked, the flow continued on. I changed more than 13 gynaecologists to get this sorted, finally met someone who asked me to try the VSG option to bring down my weight, which I ignored for a year and tried several combination of drugs to regularize my periods and nothing helped. Finally, I went against my husband’s wishes and with the support and encouragement of my gynaecologist took a leap of faith and went ahead with the surgery. The first 2 months after the surgery my periods were regular but they’ve gone back to what they were before the surgery (every 10 days once I get my periods i.e., I have my periods about 3 times a month), which means I find it real hard to exercise, as I have bad abdominal pain. I lost about 5 pounds during my first month after the surgery and 5 more pounds the next month and went on a stall the 3rd and 4th month. It was not a pretty feeling. I was extremely stressed, disappointed in myself, hated every day of my life because I was not losing weight and was losing lots of hair on my head. I was not eating much, I was throwing up most of whatever I eat (be it fruits, protein shake or any solid food). Things seemed to get a little better from the 5th month onwards. I changed the way I eat my food. For example: If I have 3 slices of apple in my plate, I would eat them slowly, not within 5 mins but over a period of 2 hours and I noticed that I stopped throwing up. The slower I started consuming food, the better I felt. I still have issues in drinking more than a glass of water, which means bad constipation every day. I never like any brand of protein shake. 5th and 6th month I lost 12 pounds each and 7th month I lost about 6 pounds. Every day is challenging and stressful and when I cook real yummy food I get tempted a lot to eat it and at times I have eaten it but ended up throwing up the same in a matter of minutes. Oh by the way during my 5th month I had bad stomach cramps and pus oozing out of my belly button (found out that the stitches in the belly button were not dissolved and they were weeping, hence the pus) and when I took a scan I found gall stones and underwent a gallbladder removal surgery. Healing from this was a lot easier compared to VSG. Social dinners – I avoid them completely. When I go out many of them think I have some chronic disease (a few even asked me if I have cancer or something), but I don’t let their reactions bother me any time. I know I will feel and look better a few months from now. Please 1) Have Patience 2) Give your body time to heal 3) Everyone’s body reacts differently to the surgery 4) Stop taking in stress (the stress of not losing weight in my case caused me to go through two months of stalling) 5) Exercise - simple brisk walk, light aerobics at home, etc. 6) Don’t give up hope 7) Eat slowly 8) Take 5-6 small meals instead of 2-3 big meals 9) Remember why you did the surgery in the first place 10) Most important of all STAY POSITIVE!!! I hope you feel better soon. Feel free to message me if I can be of any assistance / support to you.

I always loved popcorn (before the surgery) and love it a little more now after the surgery . I was sleeved a little over 7 months ago. I have read many posts about popcorn being a slider food and totally agree. I cannot consume more than half a chicken wing, but can easily consume about 100-200 grams of popcorn. I was wondering if there is an alternate food that is healthy, fibrous and crunchy that can easily be substituted for popcorn? If yes, please share details.

Thank you all for the replies. I tried making popcorn with water today and loved it . Didn't know there was an option to make popcorn pop without oil.

I was sleeved on December 17, 2016 and had bad pain in my belly button area about 2 months ago. The pain continued for 3 days and on the 4th day a little pus started oozing out. I checked with the surgeon who performed the VSG and he asked me to get an abdominal scan. When I got the scan done, I was informed that there is a small secretion (later found out that the stitch in the belly button had not dissolved and was weeping, thus the pus) under my belly button and I was informed about gallstones as well. I finally underwent a gall bladder removal surgery June 22, 2017 and it is now over 40 days since my 2nd surgery in 7 months. Since a week I am having slight pain in my belly button area. I don't have any pus or anything oozing at this point, but I am scared to even talk to my doctor. Not sure what the pain will indicate this time. I am losing my mind and stressing about this thing since a week. I am unable to do abdominal crunches or twist and turn around in the bed. Is it normal to have pain the belly button area after a month of the gall bladder surgery?

Congrats! You are a true inspiration for me!

@OutsideMatchInside and Berry78 Thank you for sharing the details and suggestions. On bra hunt this weekend!

I was sleeved 6 month ago and have lost close to 55 pounds (I am not loosing too much weight like many others and I don't regret it). Since 2 weeks, I've notice that my boobs have been sagging a lot compared to what they were before. I used to wear 42DD before the surgery and now 40DD is good. I picked up about 7 different types of underwire bras, but none of them seem to feel right. My doc suggested that I try compression sports bra and that should do the trick. But, when I tried sports bras, I do feel like my boob is hanging someone in the cup, I don't feel comfortable. I am not sure if I am putting across my point correctly. Even after 6 months of operation, if I wear underwire bras for more than 2 hours I get pain near the bra band where the small incision was made during the surgery. And wearing non-wired bras only makes my boobs sag more. Can anyone who has gone though a similar experience offer some advise on what type of bra may help me?

@sleevebabe: I went through something similar the day before the surgery (on my way to the hospital) and on the surgery day itself. When the nurse came in and told me to have bath by 4 a.m. and be ready for the surgery at 6 a.m. and I did tell my mom twice that I’d like to run away and she could pay the 1 day hospital fee and come home later . Don’t worry too much and stress yourself. I was finally sleeved at 6.30 am on December 17, 2017. It is a little over 6 months now and I end up laughing everytime thinking about how I wanted to run away just on the day of surgery. Trust me the surgery is worth every penny invested and I could not be happier. I wish you the best of luck with your surgery.

@Gabbby: Congratulations on the weight loss.

@nursejenny07: Congratulations. Thanks for sharing your experience and pics. Love that you took the time to share your experience. You are a true inspiration for me . I too think of getting a plastic surgery done, but the thought of it freaks me . Anyway, I ran this by the surgeon who performed my VSG and he has asked me not to even think about it for the next 1.5 years (I had my surgery in Dec 2016).

I was sleeved during December last year and it is going to be six months tomorrow. I've been experiencing sharp pain over my belly button (especially in and around the area where the incision was made during the surgery). At times I find it hard to inhale and exhale too. The pain comes and goes every time I sit down or get up or try to walk faster. I cannot bend to lift anything. I have been going through every little detail in my mind, but cannot remember lifting anything heavy. I do moderate exercises and use the elliptical for 10-15 mins everyday (which I haven't this whole week). The pain over the belly button started about 2 days ago and last night was hell. I was unable to sleep straight or turn on either side. Finally, met my doc and he asked me to get an abdominal scan done. Found out that the stitch put in my belly button had not dissolved and was weeping and there was 1ml pus collection near the umbilicus area. Apart from that, I also found out that I have many gallstones that are between 3 and 7mm. When I showed the report to my doctor, he told me that I need an operation, where my gallbladder will be removed. Should I just go for it and get the gall bladder removed or go in for a second opinion. Is it normal to have gallstones after 6 months of VSG? Should I be worried? Has anyone had a similar experience? If yes, please share your thoughts and experience.

Hi All, Thank you all for you best wishes. I am back home since June 24, 2017 and finally online today. I got the gall bladder removed on June 22, 2017 and was released from the hospital on the 24th. The operation went smoothly. Along with the operation the surgeon has removed the puss formed in the umbilicus area. I wouldn't say there is no pain, but the pain is certainly lesser compared to the VSG surgery. The doctor has not put me on any specific diet, but has asked me to continue my regular medicines that were prescribed to me after the VSG along with a mild pain killer for 3 days. I did have a little difficulty getting up and sitting down the first and second day after the surgery, but from the 3rd day onwards I feel a lot better. The surgeon did find a few stones, but the most important one was found in the neck of the bile duct and he did mention that getting the surgery done at the right time was the best decision taken by me. I thank you all for the experiences / thoughts / suggestions that you've graciously shared with me.

Thank you all for posting your replies. I really appreciate the same . I visited my doctor 2 days ago for getting the umbilicus area cleaned and dressed. As of now the pus oozing out has reduced to 1-2 drops a day. He mentioned that if it heals well, then we can do the gallbladder surgery. Fingers crossed. I have to visit him on Thursday, get a blood test and abdominal scan done and then he will take a call if I can get it done on Friday. I will keep you guys posted.

Hi All, I was sleeved during December last year and it is going to be six months in 10 days from now. I've been experiencing sharp pain over my belly button (especially in and around the area where the incision was made during the surgery). At times I find it hard to inhale and exhale too. The pain comes and goes every time I sit down or get up or try to walk faster. I cannot bend to lift anything. I have been going through every little detail in my mind, but cannot remember lifting anything heavy. I do moderate exercises and use the elliptical for 10-15 mins everyday (which I haven't this whole week). The pain over the belly button started about 2 days ago and last night was hell. I was unable to sleep straight or turn on either side. I called my doctor and he is out of town and will be back by Thursday, which means I've got 1.5 more days to go until I get this resolved. I don't want to go to any new doctor for now. I have a high threshold for pain and I know this time it is bad. I was ignoring the pain saying it should just be gas or abdominal cramps. Has anyone experienced something similar? Any suggestions? Honestly, I am scared (scared by the thought, what if they ask me to undergo any other surgery or any expensive tests, as I put in all the savings for the surgery) and I went completely against my husband to get this done for having a good health.

@sweitzer2148: Thank you for the response.

Hello everyone. I'm a newbie on this portal. I've had PCOS for about 16 years with horrible menstrual cycles and every bad side effect. My menstrual cycle took the worst turn last year when I had bleeding for 9 months non-stop. Yes, 9 whole months. I visited and changed several gynecologist but every single one wanted me to go on birth control pills, which I was totally against, the reason being I gained close to 88 lbs in a year after I took birth control pills (for a year). Finally, after long research, I found my current gynecologist (my guardian angel) who took care of my situation but still insisted that I loose as much weight as possible. I tried, I tried real hard but only lost 1-2 lbs a month and would gain that back again in the next month. My gynecologist suggested about undergoing a VSG about 2 years back, but I kept postponing the idea of a surgery due to financial issues. She has put me on a combination of Metformin tablets (I take 2X500mg tablets on a daily basis) and Meprate 10 tablet which I am suppose to take from the 16th day (after my periods have stopped). This combination worked like a charm and I started having regular periods (5 days flow), but after 6 months when I visited my gynecologist she said that she did not want me anymore on Meprate and I had to make a lifestyle change if I wanted to be healthy. My BP now reads 140 and I am close to becoming a diabetic. So finally I decided to undergo the VSG. I am scheduled for the surgery on Dec 26 (or 27). I like the bariatric surgeon who will be performing the surgery, he is a reputed doctor from UK and I will be undergoing the surgery in Bangalore, India (as I reside here). I have heard a lot about people supporting each other via support groups, hence when I was searching for one I came across this portal. I know I'm definitely going to need some support, someone to talk to who can relate to the day to day challenges of the post-op lifestyle. If there is anyone who wants to be a mentor or buddy please let me know. I'm currently 251 lbs and I know it's a long road to reach my goal weight, but with the assistance of the sleeve and the support of understanding people, I'm sure I can do it. Height: 5 ft 4 inches Current Weight: 251 lbs Goal Weight: 165 lbs I also need assistance with finding a good protein shake. I found many mixed review about ON Whey Protein Isolate and Compound and many other brands and was not sure which would be good for me pre and post surgery. Can someone suggest me a good protein shake brand that will be good for me and will be easily available in India? I will have to get on the protein shake diet from next week onwards.

I was a coffeeholic before the surgery and used to get headaches if I don't consume at least 1 cup in 24 hours. But it all changed after the surgery. I am a 9 weeks post surgery and I've have consumed coffee only 3 times in these 9 weeks. I kind of dislike the taste and smell . I feel sad, but I don't crave for it nor want to have it.

@ lambypie How are you feeling after the surgery? I am two months post VSG. I've had 3 cycles until now after the surgery. 1st was 2 days after the surgery, then a break of 40 days I had my 2nd period cyle and then after 18 days my 3rd cycle. My doctor has asked me not to take Metformin unless he advises. I am happy to have done the surgery because I have lost more that 25 pounds (pre and post surgery) which would have been impossible in a million years. I know I have not lost too many pounds like many, but I don't let that get to me. I would be happy to add you to my friend's list .

Can anyone suggest me some good tips to get rid of back fat and bra overhang?

I am a little over 2 months after the surgery and I do have a lot of heart burn if I don't take the tablet (Nexium 40) prescribed by my doctor before my meals. I hate taking tablets (it's more like a nightmare for me). I boldly tried only once eating a meal without consuming the tablet before the meal and had hell (or felt more like I was close to my death). Talk to your doctor and see what he/she says. I am sure they will give you a better remedy.