-
Content Count
241 -
Joined
-
Last visited
Content Type
Profiles
Forums
Gallery
Blogs
Store
WLS Magazine
Podcasts
Everything posted by BajanSleeve
-
Anxious - Lonely - No Friends to Support My Journey
BajanSleeve replied to Born in Missouri's topic in Gastric Bypass Surgery Forums
Lee's Summit - I think a lot of people may not get how exhausting and emotional chronic pain is . My heart goes out to you. You have gone through A LOT but yet you persevere and press on. Admirable -
Am I drinking too much?
BajanSleeve replied to Melloyellow's topic in Tell Your Weight Loss Surgery Story
I am following this topic. I am 13 days post op and I find I can drink a lot of soup and drink at the same time without pain. I thought the idea was that it would be too painful to put too much in but perhaps there is another reason. So I am also wondering if I am drinking too much. I have 6 to 7 oz of soup for a meal. But I don't hit my water/liquid daily quota - only reach about 45 oz. I did mistake a couple times and gulped a drink and it was uncomfortable but not hugely. Interested to hear what others say. Sometimes I feel as if I might fail on this VSG if I can already consume so much -
The photo that was the catalyst to my WLS decision
BajanSleeve replied to BajanSleeve's topic in Tell Your Weight Loss Surgery Story
Girl, use that picture to motivate you to stay on track! This photo is on my fridge to do just that -
Week 7 stall after gastric sleeve
BajanSleeve replied to myTime2Shine*'s topic in Gastric Sleeve Surgery Forums
I ate one square of dark chocolate today -
Week 7 stall after gastric sleeve
BajanSleeve replied to myTime2Shine*'s topic in Gastric Sleeve Surgery Forums
Somehow I had the notion that persons who did WLS were not supposed to do exercise. I had a local friend who did by-pass and she gave me this impression. However the hospital I did my VSG with told me explicitly that I MUST start exercising after week 2 by taking walks/treadmill at least 25 mins a day. The paper information they gave me encourages accelerating exercise from week 4. So WLS is not the magic button that maybe some of us thought it would be. (including myself in that one!) There is no way around balanced, disciplined living where we have to burn calories and restrict intake of food in order to progress and kick weight loss to next levels. It will be difficult for me to break old habits of being lazy and not walking but I am looking forward to pushing myself next week to change that. I am sure I will get incentive to continue when the scale reflects the effort. I wont make the assumption that you have not been excising 7 weeks post op. But if you have not I hope you are encouraged to. I'm hoping this forum will help me be more accountable when I start because its not one of my strongest areas of discipline -
Hey May sleevers! You hit the stall yet?
BajanSleeve replied to moondoggie1983's topic in POST-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
I’m sick to death of the Optifast shakes!!! I have GOT to find a recipe for a Protein Shake that I’m actually going to like! I really like the flavour of these protein shakes Nature's Best Isopure Zero Carb Protein Powder, 100-Percent Whey Protein Isolate, Strawberries and Cream. They also have cookies and cream and banana cream (yum). I find the flavour really good and are 25 grams of protein per scoop which is very high. -
I agree. The surgery and the recovery part has been easier than I thought. But adjusting to new eating and dealing with the hunger has been the hardest part for me, so far. In addition I am diabetic so trying to adjust insulin levels without going hypoglycemic is also an additional challenge. So I have been erring on being on the high sigh. I've wondered the same thing too but if you try to eat more than you can you will defiantly know that your stomach has been decreased! The pain you feel will remind you I just wished this hunger hormone would chill out more than it has. Based on what I had read I anticipated that I could feel much less hunger than I actually have
-
I am exactly 2 weeks out of surgery today. I am in the phase 2 stage so pureed foods but still liquids per say. My greatest challenge is maintaining the 500-600 calories in this stage! Good gosh, I mange 700-800 calories. My protein powder alone is 176.10 calories alone to make my 80 grams of protein a day quota. I am no where near meeting my 64 oz liquid a day. The highest I have managed is 45 oz and that includes soup and protein drink including flavoured water. I feel like my life revolves around drinking. My parents returned to Barbados with me for a month to help me recover. I have actually been cooking some meals for them and having to go out to meals with them and family. Its very hard because just the smell alone makes me want to dive into food. However I learned a lesson last night. I fried some local fish last night for them and I ate just the smallest bit - maybe 2 1/2 inches long and an inch wide and boy did my stomach feel like it was backing up into my chest! I shall not be doing that again until the solid food stage. I have not lost weight in 3 days now
-
Any Diabetics? Learning new insulin dosages
BajanSleeve posted a topic in Gastric Sleeve Surgery Forums
I am a type II diabetic and 12 days post op gastric sleeve. For the last 7 days I was able to take just a few units (10 to 15 units) of rapid acting insulin to bring my sugar levels to acceptable (9-13). But now that I am able to eat more substantive foods my sugar levels are of course going up but I feel very scared to take the long acting insulin. Are there any other diabetic sleevers who can share some of your experience on controlling blood sugar after surgery and did you use long acting insulin or only short acting? I am scared of long acting and going to sleep...…...I live alone so there is no one to check on me. Of course I need to keep BS down to help my incisions heal as well as the internal staples. Incisions are healing very well, Thank God! How long did it take before you stopped needing to use insulin? -
Any Diabetics? Learning new insulin dosages
BajanSleeve replied to BajanSleeve's topic in Gastric Sleeve Surgery Forums
Thanks Medic. I am not on any oral diabetic meds. I used to take huge amounts of long acting and rapid acting together, am and pm, but that was when I was uncontrolled. To me this is a guessing game now...…...I am still obese so even with a whole lot less calories I can still get high. I was at 23 last night! I took 30 units of rapid acting and I woke up at 12.3 today so that is not bad. I just have to keep guessing the dosages based on numbers...…..its nerve wracking. I did use long acting yesterday in the morning but just 15 units -
I use an antibiotic powder to help the healing. Never a cream. I am diabetic so I needed the extra help to ensure there is no infection. I bought bio oil to use on my incision scars and on my stomach, thighs and arms to help minimize weight loss stretch marks
-
How many pounds should you lose from day of surgery to 5 days post op?
BajanSleeve replied to annanay1's topic in Gastric Sleeve Surgery Forums
I gained 4 lbs the day after my surgery. It took 6 days for my stomach to deflate to a semi normal size after all the gas they had pumped in it. I would not pay too much attention to the scale until about day 7. Give your body time to get out all of that gas and the water that was put into your body via the IV -
8 days post HELP ME PLEASE
BajanSleeve replied to eso0402's topic in POST-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
Gatorade is recommended but I personally don't drink it because of the artificial ingredients and colouring. I buy EmergenC vitamin packets and mix it into my water with crystal light pure. If you are having loose stool I also recommend you add an electrolyte tablet into your water mix asap. I ordered the electrolyte tablet off of Amazon Nuun Active Hydrating Drink Tablets, Juice Box Mix, 4 count were the ones I got off Amazon -
8 days post HELP ME PLEASE
BajanSleeve replied to eso0402's topic in POST-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
What exactly are you still experiencing? Pain when you eat? -
My VSG was May 29th so technically a May sleeve albeit at the end . How did everyone's surgery go? Mine went very well, no issues. I am in phase 2 post op. I feel hungry all the time though. I am having difficulty keeping the 500-600 calorie range. Its more like 700-800 :/ I am surprised at how much I can drink at one time and I certainly can comfortably drink more than 4 oz of soup. More like 6 oz. I am starting to feel like there is something wrong because I feel like I can ingest more than they say I should be able to comfortably. How are you all doing?
-
The photo that was the catalyst to my WLS decision
BajanSleeve replied to BajanSleeve's topic in Tell Your Weight Loss Surgery Story
Thanks for the encouragement. It really is a small world isn't it? Sadly over the years and with construction the beach at Mullins is almost non existent Its such a pity as I remember it being one of the best beaches on the Island in my 20's. If you come here again, give me a shout -
The photo that was the catalyst to my WLS decision
BajanSleeve replied to BajanSleeve's topic in Tell Your Weight Loss Surgery Story
Thanks for those kind words. I really appreciate them -
I had a similar issue with coughing. I am so glad that I bought the elastic belly support band which I have used when I flew on the plane, when I am driving and when I go out. It helps stabilize and support your belly and minimizes pain with movement, coughing, any little jerks or bumps. You should look into buying one. I got mine off of amazon prime. If you are interested I could private message you the link from amazon.
-
Anxious - Lonely - No Friends to Support My Journey
BajanSleeve replied to Born in Missouri's topic in Gastric Bypass Surgery Forums
I'm new here but wanted to welcome you to this forum where from what I can see you will be encouraged. Good for you for making the bold step to get surgery! You and I started around a similar weight. I was a few lbs more. I understand what you said so well - just wearing the same thing - feeling so frustrated that is difficult to make the effort. But you know what? You did make the effort and you have begun the steps to a new life! All of us here 'get it', we understand the obesity struggle I hope that you are able to get some therapy and counselling assistance. Sounds like you have some things you have been through that surely you have looked to food to comfort you through it. I have not had such terrible experiences as you, but I have had trauma. Those things are root reasons to why we use food as a crutch. Working through the emotional issues is equally important as WLS so that we do not return to old habits rooted in our emotions. Are you able to access therapy? Praying a safe surgery and looking forward to celebrating your progress with you. Hugs. -
Surgery in Mexico
BajanSleeve replied to Sassytallgurl's topic in PRE-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
Posted Saturday at 08:24 PM (edited) I just had Gastric Sleeve surgery 10 days ago at Mexicali Bariatric Centre (MBC) at the Hospital Almater in Mexico. Dr. Rodolfo Wilhelmy and Dr. Edgar Campos were the main surgeons. I can't sing their praises enough! Their team has dedicated pre-surgery contacts who answer every single question imaginable and walk you through what you need to get to Mexicali every step of the way. They pick you up either from the San Diego airport or a near by hotel and take you to the hospital in Mexicali which is about a 2 hour drive plus border crossing time which is longer leaving Mexicali. You are also taken back to the San Diego airport after your surgery (all included in your package) The Almater Hospital is on par or even better than some hospitals in the West. Its modern, has a lovely atmosphere about it, the nursing staff is very professional, very kind and sweet. There is an English speaking liaison assigned to the Hospital who takes you through each process. Some of the nurses speak a bit of English but I had no issues because I used an English/Spanish translation ap. All of their equipment is top line, modern, extremely clean and I thought it was decorated very nicely (lovely art pieces ). The doctors were attentive, engaging and they checked on you regularly and they spoke English. You get a private room with ensuite bathroom which is very nice. There is a 3 seater couch and lounge chair in your room which your travel companion can sleep on and stay in your room. You also have the option of renting a near by hotel room for your travel companion which mine did and she took a taxi to see me daily. If you stay at the hospital, bring bedding for the sofa (blanket, sheet). I brought my own blanket for a mattress pad and my own blanket as well as a body pillow. To me, comfort is necessary when in pain. I would recommend you bring a clip on light to clip to the side of your bed as well as a small extension cord so that you do not have to get up and down to switch on lights when you are in pain, especially for when your travel companion is asleep. I never had any doubts about MBC whatsoever. They have great reviews and I felt safe and comfortable in the hospital and I had confidence in their skills and facilities. Their cost was SO MUCH cheaper than the USA and Canada, even including all the airfares I had to pay. To me, it was worth the effort to get all the way to Mexico from Barbados. If you have any questions, feel free to give me a shout. -
Surgery in Mexico
BajanSleeve replied to Sassytallgurl's topic in PRE-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
I just had a fantastic experience at Mexicali Bariatric Centre at the Hospital Almater. I posted about it in the Mexico forum. I can re-post it below. I certainly have no issues with my experience there at all -
4.5 year update w/pics and im running the boston marathon!
BajanSleeve replied to NY Lou's topic in POST-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
What an inspiring post! Well done for keeping the weight off and creating a whole new lifestyle. Well done for running for cancer. You look fabulous! Gave me something to aspire to. Seeing successful weight loss photos and stories really does encourage -
8 days post HELP ME PLEASE
BajanSleeve replied to eso0402's topic in POST-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
I was hungry 2 days after surgery! I was so confused about this. I was HUNGRY all the time! I thought you were not supposed to feel hunger with the smaller stomach but apparently that is not the case with everyone. I am 12 days post surgery and the good news is that I have found that now that I can eat things with more substance I get fuller faster. So I do get satisfied with a lot less. The 10 day liquid only period is quite difficult from my experience but then again, different doctors and hospitals seem to give variations on post op diets. I did liquid only. You just gotta push through the liquid only phase and know that you have something to look forward to after that period. The edge gets taken off the hunger as you progress through phases 2 and 3 -
8 days post HELP ME PLEASE
BajanSleeve replied to eso0402's topic in POST-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
Everyone seems to have variations in what their doctor/hospital recommends for post op diet. I was told to stay away from dairy and milk products until day 10 because they cause nausea and stomach upset. I'm wondering if the dairy in the yogurt and protein shakes are giving you these issues. Buy some flavored electrolytes to put in your water. They help when you have the runs and are not getting that much liquid - also help even out blood pressure. -
Hey May sleevers! You hit the stall yet?
BajanSleeve replied to moondoggie1983's topic in POST-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
I am 12 days post op end of May. I went 2 days without weight loss. The doctors at the hospital I went to encouraged me to start the treadmill at the end of week 2 to jump kick weight loss. The stall seems to happen with increased calories in phase 2. I lost 27 lbs pre and post surgery but already seem to be stalling. I was told that I needed to do daily walks for a minimum of 20 minutes a day from end of week 2 and onwards with increased exercise from week 4. I guess movement is a necessity to keep the ball rolling, not only calorie restriction