Mandybb

Well I'm not sure why my message came out all crazy but to bigsexy, I wanted to just wish you the best on your journey and keep us updated!

@bigsexy28sc - I had the sleeve 2 months ago and while I've had a few bumps in the road, I wouldn't change a thing. I also was doing this to see my 4 year old son grow up because I was on a path that was going to cut my life short. Your life will change, and it will not always be easy. But it gets better with each day as you learn how to eat again, healthily. That in itself is a challenge. There are days that I miss food but watching my transformation in the mirror is incredible. I wish you the best of luck on your journey. @AnneElliot - I'm sorry you have had such a difficult recovery but you need to reevaluate the message you are sending out. You just suggested to this person (that is 240 pounds overweight) to not have surgery because he can't eat out again and he MIGHT get reflux? What about him having a heart attack, stroke, high blood pressure, or diabetes down the road???Those kill!! Or maybe him getting fired from his job for not being physically able to do it anymore. Reflux is bad Anne, but trying to persuade people to not have WLS is absurd. You are not a doctor and you are letting your personal story keep you from offering true support. And your story is not the typical experience, so why not just say that instead of making it seem like the world will end the minute he gets his sleeve? What's best for people in this group is for you to share your story and be honest. People are scared of surgery and the unknown and they need advice on how to cope with those feelings. You aren't offering that support because it's going against your advice and experience. It's rude and intrusive. Surely you can see how this could potentially be dangerous. And just FYI, my GERD and reflux were cured since getting my sleeve. Zero issues in that area unless I eat spicy foods. I wish you the best but this is a WLS board where we are supporting each other through the good and bad. It's not about diverting people away from WLS. I'm sure you could find a board that does that, and if not, create one since you are so passionate. I truly wish you the best and hope with time your symptoms improve.

I can't eat anything spicy and I'm completely bummed! I'm from Texas and spicy food is life. I can't even eat one bite if it's too spicy or I need a Zantac. Also can't do lemons or juice. Can't do too much fatty foods either including healthy fats.

Well it seems like you have really researched the doctor so that's wonderful. I feel your pain! I waited 2 years for the surgery because I gave up on doing the weigh ins the first time and decided I wasn't ready to give up food. This time around I did my 6 months weigh ins and I was ready. I'm 8 weeks out and not losing as fast as others. I'm probably going to be a slower loser but the doctor still says I'm on track to be down 100 pounds in a year. It's a lot to think about for sure, just prepare as much as possible. Some great boards to look up as well are "things I wish I knew before surgery" because there were so many things I wasn't prepared for and I wish I would have known. Keep us updated on your decision. Good luck again

There are so many boards that discuss this topic on this site, you might try looking them up for some good advice. The doctors name doesn't sound familiar to me, but if you have researched him and feel comfortable then good luck with surgery. There are absolute horror stories from surgery done in Mexico which is why many US doctors will not be on board with the decision. I'm not opposed to surgery in Mexico but I had so many problems after surgery that I'm glad I had it done in the US. I've also heard stories of people's insurance not covering the cost of medical treatments related to a surgery done in Mexico so you might want to call and make sure you would be covered if anything should happen. That's not to say a hospital wouldn't help in an emergency situation, but just that the insurance wouldn't cover the bill. Best to know exactly what you are getting into before making the leap. I've read many successful stories from people though, so I truly hope it works out for you.

Thank you for all the kind words and support! 3/3/17 CW:222.6 Losing sooooo slowly but I'm not complaining! So glad that stall is over.

Go get checked! I bled that first month after surgery so bad that I ended up needing a blood transfusion (3 units)!! I lost half my blood volume in 72 hours, I was critical. I still need iron transfusions to this day because the IUD only lessoned the bleeding but my body has not been able to recover. I'm having a hysterectomy in 2 weeks. [emoji17] I have bad PCOS and I'm only 37. Thankful I have my baby already. Provera and Lysteda worked well for the bleeding. They might try that route or an IUD works on most people just not me. If you feel it's too low go get checked!! I almost waited too late. Also I couldn't walk or stand to shower. I had a fast heart rate and low blood pressure. I was pale as a ghost! Don't wait till you are at that point. Obviously my story is rare but it's important to listen to your body! Try taking extra iron now until you can get your appointment. Eat lots of spinach and leafy greens. Look up foods that are high in iron. Hopefully you can get to the doctor soon. Good luck!!

I was stalled for almost a month this month. Just started losing again Friday. Keep to the plan no matter how frustrated you become because it will pay off in the end. Also I lost 4 inches during that time so maybe measure yourself. That kept me motivated and going. Good luck!!

Sweet Hallelujah I LOST A POUND!! 2/24 CW: 224 I'm not prepared to say my stall has ended, but seeing 224 on the scale is a victory in itself.

Agreed! Food scale, premier protein shakes (available at Walmart and Walgreens here), sugar free popsicles, sugar free jello, broth (I got lots of Vietnamese pho and wonton soup but just drink the broth no noodles). However when you can eat again, a single wonton with broth is yummy. Just make sure your choices are as close to sugar free as possible and low carb. You want to get in your protein so that's where the shakes help a lot! Also don't forget you need water!! Some people do crystal light, sugar free Powerade, diet Snapple. I found I couldn't get water down easily after surgery so Powerade zero was a life saver! Good luck with your surgery!!

Patients that are at risk of developing blood clots or have had them prior do have to stay on them a little longer. I had a previous clot and was put on Lovenox injections for 2 weeks after surgery. The injections bruise badly and can become sore so I stayed as far away from my incisions as possible. I think most people only get the shots while in the hospital.

I'm 7 weeks post op and I've not lost a single ounce in 14 days! Nothing! It says 225.0 every stinkin day and it is frustrating. This is my longest stall. My first stall was at 2-3 weeks. That lasted about 10 days. I know it will eventually come off but it can be so frustrating. I have been losing inches though! My clothes are fitting looser so maybe search for non-scale victories! Hang in there though and don't lose hope, we will get through this!

I'm 7 weeks post op and had a urine test yesterday actually. I had bilirubin in mine as well, ketones, but no protein. My doctor said that it wasn't wildly high so he thinks it will be fine the next time. Ketones for keto diet is normal as well. He said the liver (I had a fatty liver) could be healing and the numbers may fluctuate in my urine for awhile. In my blood work my AST and ALT which have been high (also related to my fatty liver) have lowered!! Yay! Still high, but improving. He thinks by 6 months out my liver may have completely healed itself. That's exciting! I hope for you it's the same and nothing serious, good luck!!

Before surgery I started taking Biotin for 6 months. I was like you and had zero hair loss. At 4 weeks post op I started noticing a few strands coming out. Still taking Biotin to this day and still get a considerable amount of hair loss when showering and brushing. However, I have thick hair and it's made little difference in my overall appearance. I'm 7 weeks post op and have noticed my hair is thinner but not to a point I'm fretting or worried. There are thickening shampoos that people use to help with appearance. If you find that you are unhappy with the hair loss you can try that. Good luck with your surgery!

I wish I would have known how much I have to think about food and prep my meals for the day. I don't always feel like eating but I still have to think about what I'm going to be eating. It takes a conscious effort every single day to make better choices and stay on track and I assumed it would be so easy. It's a constant struggle the first few weeks weighing all your food and making sure you are eating the foods you need to, getting your protein, and getting your fluids. It's pretty much a full time job. I certainly don't regret the decision but it took some time adjusting. I'm 7 weeks post op now and still work hard to stay on track. Probably will for many more months.

2/17 weight 225.0. Still in a stall [emoji58] 225.0 on the dot every...single...morning

I'm 7 weeks post op and I can't do lettuce at all. Doctor approved it, but my tummy does not like it at all. It rumbles and makes noise every time. I can do baby spinach finely chopped, but only a few leaves. I have low iron so I've been eating spinach and recently started juicing my kale because I can't quite get it down uncooked. I miss salads and hopefully soon will be able to eat them again.

Since we are sharing stories, I had HORRIBLE acid reflux before surgery. I had GERD, a hiatal hernia, and a nasty ulcer (luckily it was on the stomach side that was removed). My doctor approved me for Sleeve surgery because he thought it wouldn't be an issue after he repaired my hernia and removed the ulcer, he was right! I have taken Prilosec for 10 years and still no kidney disease. AND my acid reflux is completely gone since getting my sleeve 7 weeks ago. I think I've taken maybe 4 pills since surgery. Even if I had to take it every day for the rest of my life (like I do my for my thyroid) I would because I know sacrifices have to be made. I no longer take high blood pressure meds! After 6 weeks and 40lbs gone I no longer need them! I've been on those since I was 20!! I have lived with acid reflux for years, and while at times it sucked bad, I just took the meds and it was fine. I would make this decision again in a heartbeat [emoji173].

I had some tears reading the posts about the booths. I have never experienced this problem even at my heaviest and can't imagine how that must have felt being constructed but too embarrassed to speak up. I always just pushed the table towards my husband and never thought much about it and how impactful that actually is. I truly wish you the best in your weight loss journey and may you have many of these small mile stones!! Good luck! [emoji256] Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

I have UHC and my requirements were different except the 6 months of appointments were the same. I didn't need nutrition appointments, ultrasound, or EKG but I needed the sleep study because my neck measured more than 17. I also had to register in UHC's bariatric program. It's very dependent on your individual insurance plan and surgeons requirement. I started in June and had surgery in Dec. It took 7 days to get my approval. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

Agreed it is head hunger and it will eventually get better as the days go by. Those first few weeks are tough but stay strong, you've got this!! Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

Hi everyone! I'm interested to see if anyone is juicing (like green juices)? Have you noticed an improvement in your health or blood work? I'm starting next week and would love any recipes you might want to share! Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

Oh no worries at all! They will take such good care of you and honestly I was so drugged up I don't remember most of it. I remember wanting water and them making me get up and walk. If you are uncomfortable or in pain they give you the good good medicine so you drift peacefully off to sleep. You will do great! Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

@char3672 - so sorry, that came out wrong. [emoji16] I meant that for me when they said "outpatient" in the past it meant same day as well. My confusion with this surgery was that outpatient had nothing to do with my length of stay but rather the surgical center I was using. It is weird that's why I suggested discussing in detail what the plan is with the surgeon because I think an overnight stay is pretty common. In fact my insurance required a 24 hr stay. And even though I was admitted through outpatient services, I had a room on the 3rd floor already. I think more than anything it has to do with individual hospitals. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

So there might be some confusion on what "outpatient" means. For example, I was scheduled and admitted through the outpatient surgery center of my hospital but I stayed 24 hours in the hospital after surgery. The word outpatient did not mean that I went home the same day as my surgery. I have never heard of same day Sleeve or bypass surgery and would be frightened if a doctor tried to do that. I was fine within 24 hours but many people stay 2 or 3 nights even. You don't know what your pain level will be or if you will have complications so I wouldn't have felt comfortable going home the same day. That's something to discuss in detail with your surgeon to make sure you understand completely what's happening. Good luck!! Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App