Ladybug2659

Been battling ME/CFS for over two years. Spent thousands on specialists. All the rheumatologist wants to do is to use drugs to suppress the immune system. No, not doing it. Discussed at length with bariatric surgeon who indicated that weight loss helps a normal person’s energy level to increase, and that joint pain is reduced by the fact that your skeleton is not hauling excess fat, straining connective tissue, and so on. I was told that if I elected the sleeve that I would have some improvement. It certainly did help my overall health and the fibromyalgia pain seems less intense (but I clearly grapple with it). I am down 50 lbs in 4 months, I did NOT bounce back like others do — it took me 3 weeks before I could function. The chronic fatigue was horrendous. I decided that because I had most of my stomach removed, that I would only eat healthy nutritional foods, clean organic foods and began my probiotics. Fat stores toxins, I felt like crap as my body rapidly shed weight, hormones began to fluctuate and I seriously thought I had maimed myself further until I noticed that my vision wasn’t so blurred as before, the dry eye was better, I had less anxiety, sensitivity to light and startling at loud sounds. I went from bone broth to organic protein, fish, veggies and keep craving REAL lemonade (no sugar). Introduced oregano oil as well as my bariatric vitamin supplements. Started walking (5-10 minutes a day on treadmill). By 10 weeks out I was feeling almost human. At the core of my being, I feel there has been an improvement in my central nervous system but not one doctor can substantiate why. Considering where I was 1 year ago, this is a big turn around. I am by no means cured, I still have down days where I just need to rest. I budget my energy and log everything I put in my mouth. I have no cravings for carbs anymore, I don’t drink sodas and seldom eat bread or any kind of pasta. Bottom line is that I believe that gut was the primary cause of everything going whack — add to that a high stress career, a history of having a horrible case of mono, massive antibiotics after surgeries. My body just shut down and I was getting angry and depressed because these doctors have no clue. ME/CFS is real. In my case, VSG helped me but it wasn’t easy. The struggle is real.

I don’t eat pasta or bread so mostly focus on protein. I love restaurants that serve lentil soup, raw foods(sliced avacado over bean sprouts, garbanzo beans, sliced boiled egg, cold boiled shrimp). Pretty much stay away from any fast food places but in a fix will get 4 count grilled chicken nuggets and diet lemonade from Chick-fil-A. I still love gourmet cheeses but I literally log everything I eat in fitness pal. There is a forum there for us sleevers. Wishing you the best on your journey.

I am 58 with fine but relatively thick hair that’s a little below my back bra strap. I am 3 months post op and my hair and nails are growing much faster due to the combo of quality bariatric vitamins (Watch the stinking fillers), collagen (put in your tea or smoothie) which gives you 11 grams of protein with few calories and the extra biotin. Lastly, my scalp and skin have been extraordinarily dry so it’s a struggle to stay hydrated— I gave my scalp an oil treatment and it really did help texture. Hey, if you are gonna do this weight loss journey you must exercise self care — in my opinion this entails changing many habits into best practices so you can be the best version of yourself possible.

Sleeved Jan 12th, down 43 lbs and I eat a varied diet and that includes a glass of wine, small but nutritionally sound meals and added whey protein that adds only a few calories and 11 grams of protein which dissolves in my hot tea. I love sushi but prefer it wrapped in cucumber vs rice, no bread, no pasta, just poultry, filet and hibachi veggies. I do like a weight watchers chocolate ice cream from time to time. I also like the the electrolyte drops to help super charge hydration. Track all my food in Fitness Pal. Love those weekly reports. Keep up the good work... we all are on this journey together.

I am 58, sleeved in January. Hit a milestone this week as I am out of women’s size clothes. Weight loss is slow but steady— my BMI was at 36 at time of surgery. It’s become apparent that I will need some work done as my neck is showing that droopy crepe that annoys me. I don’t mind being mature, I just prefer not to look like a worn out shoe. The health benefits far out weigh (excuse the pun) the aesthetics but I want to be the best version of me SO I will address these challenges as part of my constant research. Congrats on your decision and wi#hing you the best possible outcomes.

Yep. It happens. I am 58 and 3 months post op. Between the yo yo weight fluctuations I decided to stop fighting the hormones, age related spread and having to take awful BP meds that made me sick. I see my face and neck are drooping as the fat melts away, my skin is excessively dry... and, I have a few rolls of skin... won’t mention the breasts... [emoji44] But, people seem to think I look great.. My brain is still processing this sudden drop of significant weight... my clothes are hanging on me.... good problem to have. So, I am lining up a plastic surgeon because once I hit my target weight I desire to cross the finish line in style. That’s being the best version of me that I can be.

I am in Buckhead and like you, am still adjusting 3 months post-op. My BMI was not that high but the weight loss to date is slow but steady. It’s a mixed bag of emotions but I truly believe this surgery has improved my health, well being and life expectancy. Did tons of research, was pleased with my Doctor but had a less than stellar recovery. I am perplexed as my skin is excessively dry— the droopy skin is becoming pronounced but happy to say I am off BP meds. I track everything on Fitness Pal and host a Bariatric sharing community there. There’s about 60 of us sleevers experiencing this journey together.

It’s one of those days. Slept all night and had about 20 minutes of normal before exhaustion set in. I was able to eat a quarter cup of cottage cheese and a couple tablespoons of applesauce. Forced myself to empty the dishwasher, grill some chicken and made a cherry and cream trifle for my husband (who has never had a weight problem in his Life) and exists on protein, fruit, seeds and nuts and fish. But, it’s been 7 weeks since I have prepared anything that took effort. The brain fog is ridiculous. My muscles are sore and I am just so down. Took an ultram and trying to take a 15 much minute rest. My weight is steadily coming down even with light activity. Tried steamed mixed veggies yesterday and the sleeve said NO NO! That surprised me because I really have had no issues except the sleeve does NOT like scrambled eggs (boiled is okay). So let’s talk about clothes. OMG Droopy ass pants, tops hanging and forget about my jeggings. I dug out some size 14 and 16’s (not women’s plus size) and they almost will button. I just packed up 18-22W. We should have an online bariatric clothes store! So, while I am challenged with the ME/CFS at least I am making progress. Anyway, at least I know there are people that GET what it’s like dealing with this everyday. I have even done the vitamin IV’s, supplements, specialists, psychiatrist—you name it and I bet too that includes every medicine you can think of. I will not however start on any auto immune meds.... can’t someone find a cure for this malady?

On the go I have New Whey Liquid Protein bullets that are 3.8 oz 42 grams protein, zero sugar, zero fat, 2 carbs. It’s syrupy so I take small swigs. Lactose free, gluten free, caffeine free. Found out about it via YouTube body building video so I ordered it from Amazon. Comes in a variety of flavors, better yet refrigerated. I don’t have time for long drawn out meals sometimes, nor do I want that full feeling/legarthy when I am running errands.

Thank you Losebig. Starting a new week and I appreciate the encouragement. To your point, I literally wake up craving carbs in the middle of the night. I keep saltines next to the bed so I don’t get the shakes. When I get up I get so dizzy 😵 it is crazy. Congrats on your success, And I hope you have a great start to you Monday! Keep me posted 💐

I am about 6 weeks out. My surgery went well, however my recovery is impeded by CFS/Fibromyalgia. My sleeve is healing and I am introducing new foods each week. It is very difficult right now as I cannot function properly and exercise (other than walking) is out of the question due to severe arthritis. These issues are the veryreasons I had the procedure in the first place coupled with hypertension and pre-diabetic condition. I felt that these conditions would improve if I got the weight off. My weight is slowly but steadily coming down. However, I am exhausted, having difficulty focusing and I am having a hard time with short term recall. I purposely came to this forum to see if anyone else with autoimmune issues was having similar occurrences. My blood work has come back showing my vitamin B,and D are high so it’s not a malabsorption issue. I began to wonder if the anethstesia was impacting me this far out—or, a possible blood clot/TIA. I literally was knocked for a loop when I had to leave my successful career due to health problems and file SSI disability. At Christmas we had a house fire,7 days later my father died from heart failure, my surgery was about a week and a half after his passing. My doctor prescribed an anti depressant but I am not tolerating it well as it makes me more nauseous. I continue to take my thyroid medicine which helps a bit. I supplement my protein with protein bullets which have 42 grams — trying to stay hydrated and taking bariatric vitamins. This has GOT to improve—it’s hell. Having to move to corporate housing this week—will take 6 months to renovate the house. What a way to start 2018.