Sandra Nuelken

That sounds rough, I drank a lot of protein drinks, soups nearly the entire time I had it. I never knew what would go down and what wouldn't. I had issues then at about 5 years I quit losing and the tubing was hitting my vagus nerve and cause heart issues. The port always hurt as it was where my jeans hit. I'm so happy it is gone and I'm happy with the sleeve surgery. Just impatient and want to lose all the weight right away.

I was a former Bander too and know the problems you had. I am 2 months out and I've had no problem at all. Now I did go through the post-surgery diet and stayed on high protein soft foods for several weeks longer and I've just added chicken and a few others lately. I'm a bit timid but eating healthy.

I was told no alcohol for 6 months. Couldn't even have on on my birthday.

I was almost 73 when I had mine done. You're never too old to feel better.

There is a group of those over 65 that have had the surgery. I had mine at 72 almost 73. I'm hoping the knees hurt less and that I get off the c-pap machine. No issues so far, I'm 2 months out. I'm just a bit impatient with the stalls. Mobility has improved and energy has also improved.

Sorry about your problem and I'm happy to hear you are on your journey! I was 72 when I had my sleeve done July 30. I'm losing and have hit my second stall, at almost 8 weeks. This time I'm not losing my mind, kind of. You know it is 1.8 pounds short of my next goal. I have set 5-pound goals since my surgery as I found 10-pound ones take too long. Keep drinking and keep your protein up, that is hard too when you don't eat much. I also went on Amazon and ordered children's stainless flatware. The small spoon and fork keep my bites small. You did great losing so much before surgery so I know you will be successful. It is great to have another senior in our group.

My uneducated reasoning is the body needs time to adjust and shift its stuff. It usually lasts about a week, Take a few days away from the scale and love yourself. Protein and water first.

I love great news! Congratulations on your success!!!

I was banded in 2009 and like you lost 120 pounds with the band and gained about 25 back. I was happy but as time went on I was getting sick on some foods, had dizzy spells, started gaining. I had fluids out then slowly put back. The tubing was hitting my venous nerve and caused heart issues. I had the thing removed and in July got the sleeve. I am so happy to be losing weight again. My knees are getting better and I am happier. I knew once the band was removed I needed to take another course as I was gaining and feeling bad.

I was told that the first few weeks are about recovery. Sip protein through the day, it is a fluid, and learn to love the bad taste, it is a side effect of Ketosis and will go away. I put my protein drink on ice to help with the taste. I used Ensure Max as it is 30 g of protein per carton so I "only" had to drink 2 per day. It wasn't until the 3-4 week that I was ready for something else. I am now almost 2 months out and still on my diet I got for week 4 as it fills me up. I carried some "tea" on ice in my Tervis to sip all day. It is decaffeinated and without sugar. Occasionally I use a clear protein drink to add a flavor to it.

I use MyFitnessPal to track protein and it also counts calories. I was told a range to try to stay in, but the protein is the most important measurement. I just record to keep myself honest. It worked for me when I had the band and when it failed I quit tracking and then started gaining thinking I really wasn't eating that much. The bottom like is whatever works for you.

The phases are designed to allow your stomach to heal. Throwing up is not a good thing. Now each doctor has their own program. I was on clear liquids week one, full liquids for two week and soft foods for 3 weeks. I'm still at phase 3 six weeks out because I'm not hungry. The pre-surgical and post-surgical diets are important, and everyone should follow their doctor's suggestions.

I was told and read that gummy vitamins are not a good source of vitamins.

Amazing results! You must be so proud of all of your hard work!

That is commonly referred to as the 3rd-week stall. It happens between 3-4 weeks. Stay off the scale for a week or it will drive you nuts. I didn't have stitches I had staples so I can't help you with the soreness but I imagine it will take a while to completely heal. I've had so many laparoscopic surgeries that I think I should have had velcro on my stomach. I've had the band in, the band out, hysterectomy, and then the sleeve. You'll pass this stall we all have it, there will be many more on your journey. The body just wants to "readjust" then you start losing again.

I found a protein drink I liked. I also got chicken broth but I didn't try vitamins for almost a month and you really won't be drinking a lot for about a month. I drink caffeine-free cold tea and Ensure Max one or two a day. Sugar-free popcycles were a real treat! I like no sugar added Outshine. I bought stuff I'll never drink so I'd just get some basics and shop later.

I'm just exploring new foods and tried tuna yesterday. It tasted great and went down just fine, but this morning I couldn't leave the bathroom for about an hour. I had the runs really bad. Does that mean that tuna should be off my food list? I know some folks will get nauseous or throw up, but does it also cause diarrhea if it is a food you shouldn't eat? Not eating tuna today will be waiting for some sage advice.

No mayo or salad dressing. Just Tuna with a touch of cold-pressed olive oil. I use that to keep my good cholesterol up. I've already had the olive oil. I thought the tuna tasted great and was looking forward to it today. Will try again tomorrow. Thanks.

I've had the lap band and not gastric sleeve so I thought that I wouldn't experience a lot of this, but I did. I was full of doubt the first several weeks and wondered if I was crazy. My husband had to "adjust" and I told him I would not sit at the table and watch him eat, nor would I fix his dinner. After 47 years of marriage, it was about time he figured it out. I'm now about 6 weeks out and I'm excited about the future weight loss and he is excited because he can feed himself. I never liked the food he liked and only ate it because that was what was fixed. We have a truce. Every once in a while he asks if I'm doing ok and I tell him I'm fine although I have to say when I've had really serious surgery he has been there for me. Hang in there it will get better. Men just don't like being inconvenienced. By the way, this time should be all about you. Don't feel guilty.

The people who really cared about me and my goodwill I told. They soon found out that this was not "the easy way out" and I got a lot of positive feedback about my dedication and willingness to give up foods that they said they could not. The people who normally would not ask or care if I was ok, I said nothing and said thank you when they noticed the weight loss. People not in your "inner circle of concern" are not owed an explanation or a made-up story.

I wasn't cleared for exercise or lifting until week 4. I also had staples and when I went in week 3 they were starting to annoy me. Other than that I haven't had pain at all.

I had a lot of loose skin after my weight loss using the Lap-Band so I had surgery. Well the surgery almost killed me, I threw 3 blood clots and they ended up in my lungs. I have permanent sensation loss. Would I do it again...Never. But everyone has to make their own decisions.

You're doing so good with your exercise routine. With as little as you are eating you absolutely need your vitamins. I have the mixed fruit chewable and take 2 a day. It says 4 but I have all the vitamins in my protein drinks so I figure I'll start with 2. I eased into them as I also didn't like the flavor and started with one and stopped at 2, one in the morning and one in the afternoon. I have noticed that it has helped. You need them to take care of yourself and to build muscles. It is my new "well you just have to do it" stuff like protein drinks. Mind over matter I guess. Also, muscle weighs more than fat, so you may be losing inches, but not losing pounds as you are gaining muscles. Remember this is a journey and not a sprint, your nutrition is as important as your exercise. You've done a great job and don't get impatient.

I've finished my first month to my new life, one more week of soft foods. Any advice when I reach next week and I start regular foods. I'm almost thinking I'll stay with what I am familiar with. I've never eaten really healthy, Maybe I'll add some salmon and tuna to the mix but pretty much stay with the food I know. I am so missing my collards. I never thought I'd say that having been born in the north. I'm so happy with my choice, the first few weeks are tough, the stall will drive you crazy, it is hard not to get on the scale daily but will drive you crazy if you do. I could not have gotten through this without all of your posts and all of your collective wisdom. Thanks.