up4challenge

I lost 13 pounds during the pre-op diet. I heard / read about people losing 20-30 pounds and was very discouraged, anxious and nervous that it may cause problems during and after the surgery. All my doctor told me during the date of the surgery was 'not to stress on it' and that each person's body weight loss takes its own course and not to keep comparing with others weight loss scores.

I am a little over 2 months after the surgery. I was down with cold and flu 10 days ago and did take Tussin. I was scared first that I might throw up but it was alright. Please try half a spoon (half a tablet) of the dosage first and give it 15 minutes to see how you feel and then take the remaining dosage.

I get restless every time I have to take tablets . My doctor doesn't allow me to take Gummy Vitamins (heard from a few friends that they look forward to eating their vitamins) . Please try Chamomile tea, it really soothes you.

I had my good days and bad days when it came to sleeping after my surgery. The first day after surgery I was hardly awake, used to get up only to vomit. But the 2nd and 3rd day I had very little sleep (less than an hour). However, after I got home from the hospital I noticed that I either used to sleep too much or too little. I found Chamomile tea to be of big help. Try sipping it before going to sleep. It soothes you. I also found exercising helps. Exercising half hour before bed time - only light hand movements and walks (I take walks inside my apartment from room to room), this makes me tired and then I sip the Chamomile tea and go to sleep. This technique works well for me at least 5 days a week! I've had 2 cycles since the surgery (I was sleeved on 17th Dec 2016) and my periods started on the 19th of Dec. I had hell of a time during the 5 days (I never had periods for just 5 days without the assistance of any hormonal tablet). In Jan I felt from the 2nd week onwards any day I might get my period because of the abdominal /back pain, but nothing for almost a week and then I had my periods during the mid of Jan. I checked with my gynecologist and she says 'not to stress' and let my body settle with the new surgery and things will go back to normal over a period of time (which varies form person to person).

I had my good days and bad days when it came to sleeping after my surgery. The first day after surgery I was hardly awake, used to get up only to vomit. But the 2nd and 3rd day I had very little sleep (less than an hour). However, after I got home from the hospital I noticed that I either used to sleep too much or too little. I found Chamomile tea to be of big help. Try sipping it before going to sleep. It soothes you. I also found exercising helps. Exercising half hour before bed time - only light hand movements and walks (I take walks inside my apartment from room to room), this makes me tired and then I sip the Chamomile tea and go to sleep . This technique works well for me at least 5 days a week!

I was sleeved on 17th December and my doctor still wants me to wait. I am a little past 8 weeks and during my last week's appointment when I asked him twice, he told me 'NO'.

@Carol94303: Each person's body copes up differently after the surgery. It's good that you are walking around. Try walking 2-3 minutes every half hour. If you have pain in the stomach area or feel uneasy getting up and lying down, try walking 2-3 minutes every 1 hour. Do not give up on walking. Don't overdo too. I found sitting up made be feel less bloated and a little comfortable (than lying), but painful at the same time. I had severe vomiting for 2 consecutive days after the surgery was done. I pray to God that he gives you lots and lots of strength .

@helloworld85: It’s natural to feel some nervousness before the surgery; I did too, but I have confidence that everything will be fine. God will take care of you and help you in your recovery. All the very best!!

@jeni42: First of all stop regretting your decision. I love chicken broth but consuming same food over and over again pre and post surgery, I hated it. I regretted my decision of getting the surgery done for a whole month after the surgery. I had severe constipation, unable to eat / drink anything, severe hunger and family members who kept constantly pouncing at me saying I am not eating enough food and I will suffer the consequences in the long run. I am a little over 8 weeks and still cannot get my fluids anywhere close to what my doctor wants me to. The only thing that kept me going was 'ME'. No one can help you until and unless you want to help yourself. A few things that I did that helped me: 1. Stop being negative, start your day positively. The more positive you stay, the more positive your body will react. 2. Take breaks while consuming Protein shakes. I consumed Protein Shakes for 3 months (1 month before and 2 months after the surgery) and I had my days where I liked / disliked it. Don't try consuming the whole 8 oz (that is the amount I was asked to take per day) at one go. Take breaks, I used to mix it in the morning and take about 4 oz in the morning and 4 oz in the evening. I have stopped with processed powders as my doctor wants me to consume natural protein foods like eggs, soya, lentils, etc. 3. Start walking and simple hand movement exercises, this helps in digestion and avoids bloating and any gassy feeling. 4. Take your medicines regularly. If need be keep constant reminders on phone to remind you about the medicine intake. 5. Stop stressing yourself. Stress makes anything worse. Don't stress because someone who did the operation somewhere during / before your time has lost a lot of weight or is feeling better. Remember that each person's body takes its own time in coping up. Give some time for your body to cope up with the surgery. Most importantly, don't give up HOPE. Hope is the one thing that will keep you motivated and going in the long run. Remember why you did the surgery, I'm sure it is for your good health. So don't let anyone / anything ruin this for you. All the best!

I've tried 2 different brands - GNC and Celebrate. I like both but GNC more. GNC Total Lean shake 25 - I like the French vanilla flavor and Celebrate's Wildberry variant has good amount of Protein and less fat. I used to love chocolate drinks but after the surgery I dislike them.

@hmm33502: It is really good to hear that your periods are regular after so many years. I know the feeling . Congrats on your weight loss. 27 lbs in 6 weeks is excellent! I am losing weight way too slowly about 0.5 - 1 pound a week and my doc says it's good this way for me. I was stressed out in the beginning but then the doc said the more I stress, the more I will gain. So I am taking it slow. I am motivated (and there are days when I feel a little low). Periods have always been heavy for me, so I do not notice much of a change in the flow, except the blood clots are much lower compared to the freak show I used to have. What is 'spiro'? I generally don't like sugar or any sweet items (I take about 1 tsp of sugar a day with tea). I love chocolates but after the surgery I don't like them any more . Carbs: Out here at our place, rice is one of the most common dishes, which I can take about 1-2 tablespoon per meal. So I eat rice about 2-3 times a week. I mostly rely on fruits (papaya, watermelon, banana and strawberries) for lunch and dinner and consume GNC Protein shake in the morning. I am trying to add eggs, chicken and fish to my diet but I still hate the taste and smell of these.

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 am almost 2 months out and I still feel nauseous while take vitamins. In fact the thought of taking vitamins makes me nauseous. I take them half hour - 1 hour after meal and this is much better (compared to taking them before food). My doctor does not allow vitamin patches and insists I take the vitamin tablets daily. Try walking a little after you take your tablet, I found this to help as well.

@Elhotka2:

@Elhotka2: All the Best .

@hmm33502: How are you doing after the surgery? I've had 2 period cycles after the surgery and so far so good with the flow but the pain still kills me on Day 2 and Day 3. I have not gone on any medication for PCOS as of now. My doctor wants me to wait for 4-6 months to see what is going on with my health and then take a call. The only worry is my Vitamin D levels, which are very low. I take monthly injections of 6 lakhs units for this. I will be celebrating a 2 month anniversary on the 17th of this month. Losing weight has been quite challenging for me even now. I've lost about 22 pounds (pre-op to today).

@@iKarma1408 First of all congrats on your 38 lbs victory. I know how hard it is to lose even 1 lb. In my case (before the surgery), if I lost 1 lb this week, next week I will end up gaining 2 lbs. I know what you mean when you say not telling people. I am one month out of the surgery and there are only 3 people who know about it - my husband, mom and sister (my doctor and my friends out here on this website). The only disappointing thing is when I meet my sister. She totally makes me feel bad by saying she sees no difference in me. I've lost close to 20 pounds from the liquid stage until now. I am a major case of PCOS and had taken all the incorrect drugs for about a decade and finally made a decision of doing the surgery for improving my health. Losing 20 pounds may be smaller for many, but not for me and I am very happy for what I have achieved. I am happy to add you to my buddy list . Stay strong, stay happy and stay positive. All the very best for your surgery . Regards, TJ

You are truly my inspiration .

@@jenjoon Thank you for the best wishes. Hope you are doing well after your surgery.

Hi guys, Last month 17th I underwent my VSG and it has been one month since. I cannot believe time went by so fast. I visited my doctor yesterday and he suggested me to start consuming 2 tablets of 'Celebrate hair, Skin and Nails Capsules' from the 6th week onwards. My pre-diet weight was 251lbs, on the surgery day I weighed 238 lbs and today after 1 month I weigh 228 lbs. I know there is not much of a weight loss compared to many who lose close to 20 pounds during the first month, but my doctor says to take it slow and is happy with my progress. He says I have to give it atleast 6-8 months time to see 55-60 lbs weight loss and not to take any stress and let my health take its course. Has anyone taken this brand? I have had lot of hair fall before the surgery due to PCOS and hair fall is said to happen more from the 6th week onwards and I am freaking out. Does Celebrate Hair, Skin and Nails Capsules (consuming 2 tablets a day) for six months help in restoring one's hair?

I have had lot of hair fall before my VSG surgery due to PCOS and hair fall is said to happen more from the 6th week onwards and I am freaking out. Any good Biotin shampoos out there that can help in restoring the lost hair and make my hair regrow?

Any good biotin shampoo brands that will help my scalp regrow the lost hair?

This is my 4th week after the surgery and I've been noticing for about 2 weeks now that when I throw up food or Water, I find my saliva to be be slimy, frothy (foamy). Is this normal? Most of the time when I drink water I throw up. I can manage about 100-200 ml Protein shake but not water. I am still on mushy foods. I wait half hour after I've finished eating my lunch/dinner and then consume water. But, this only makes me puke out the water along with slimy, foamy saliva. I also notice that if I fill my stomach with food only up to 60-70% of the hunger that I feel, then I feel good and no vomiting. If I cross that I stuff myself a little too much and I'm 80% full, then there is a 100% chance of me throwing up. Most people say they don't feel hungry, but in my case I do feel hungry. However, when I take in 4-5 sips of water the gurgling noises that come from my stomach stop. Does anyone else have the same issue? Is this going to be the case forever? Will this slimy, foamy saliva stop?

@@JamieLogical Thank you for your suggestion. I shall try and eat slowly starting today. Hoping it settles.

@@minervaxx6 First stop worrying and freaking out. The pain is more of a mental one than a physical one. I had my surgery on 12/17/16 and I woke up 2 hours after the surgery in an ICU. I had severe nausea, but did not feel anything else. About 2-3 hours later I was shifted into my private ward and after 3-4 hours of good sleep I tried to get up for the first time. Was it painful - Yes, it was. I was unable to get up, I had help from my a nurse and my mom, but I couldn't. I tried some 4 times and finally was able to get up from the bed and start walking. Initially for half hour or so I felt some pain, but after that I felt walking really helped. Walk at least 50 steps every 45 minutes. I liked sitting in the chair rather than lying on my back. The day after the surgery was much better, I did feel slight pain in my stomach but could get up and walk (however, needed help while getting up). 2nd day after the surgery I came back home and 1 week after the surgery I got back to work. If I sleep I tend to sleep a lot, real sound sleep but most of the times I try to stay up. Coming to the surgery incisions, last Friday my doctor removed the sutures and I've been bathing every alternate day and now 3 weeks after the surgery the incisions have begun to heal too. Stay positive. Don't worry. And get up and start walking atleast 5 hours after the surgery. Walking will ease your pain. All the very best. I pray to God that he gives you lots and lots of strength before, during and after the surgery .