S@ssen@ch

I had the band in 2005. It was good in the first couple of months, but after my gallbladder decided to go bad, my banded life was never the same. I suffered with chronic reflux and could not tolerate a fill. The reflux was directly related to laying flat, so I slept sitting up for almost 5 years. When I had my band out, my bariatric surgeon offered to convert me to the sleeve at that time. But I didn't know enough about it and wasn't comfortable permanently changing my anatomy. 8 years later, after I gained all of my weight back, I started seriously looking into being sleeved. Was finally sleeved on 4/10/18. Here's the differences I've experienced: Because I couldn't tolerate any fills in my band, I had very little food restriction. I had limitations in the AMOUNT of food I could consume, but I had no food intolerance with the band. The only thing that kept me on track was faithfully following the banded rules. I'm now almost 6 weeks out from being sleeved. I have more restriction than I ever did with the band. My stomach gurgled a lot at the beginning, but not so much now. I have very little appetite. In terms of food intolerance, I have noticed that I don't do well with bread. That's bread that's gone through the rising process. I don't vomit or anything, it just doesn't feel good or comfortable whenever I eat bread (even if it's toasted). I'm good with tortillas and crackers, but not bread. I've had pasta and rice with no issue, although I must admit that I can't eat very much of it and I certainly wouldn't make a meal of it. At most I can eat a half cup. If I try even 1 more bite after I've hit my limit, I suffer for at least a half hour. It feels like I have to burp but nothing comes out other than slimy bubbles. (sorry if that's TMI, but it's the truth). Also, with most of my meals I am forced to eat very slowly. If I eat too quickly I get an uncomfortable feeling, not quite pain, but my sleeve reminds me very fast that I am eating too quickly. EX: it takes me about 20 minutes to eat a single serving of Greek yogurt. Hope this helps.

On the other side of this. Had lap band in 2005. Did well in the weight loss department, but quality of life was miserable. Started out with gall bladder issues only 3 months in that my doctor did not properly diagnose and I was miserable for months. Then for the next 5 years I suffered with all kinds of weird symptoms the doctor always chalked up to reflux. I couldn't tolerate fills and slept sitting up for the better part of 5 years. Eventually I had it out and only recently learned (during my sleeve insurance approval process) that my band was actually slipped. Since having the band out, I gained all of my 90 lbs back, thankfully they didn't bring many friends. I started considering and seeking out help. It took me 2 years to settle on the sleeve. I had a lot of questions and reservations because of the risk for increased reflux issues that seem to be associated. I discovered that my reflux was largely situational (undiagnosed slipped band, eating certain trigger foods, or eating a larger meal too soon before bed). So, I jumped. Had sleeve surgery 4/10/18. My surgeon said that the band left a mess of scar tissue for him and it took him a long time to clear it out to do the sleeve. I think it also delayed my recovery because I was really in no shape to walk or sip for the first day or so. General warning: those of us who have gone through previous WLS do tend to lose weight a little slower than those who are on their first time around. Not 100% sure why, but I see it a lot on here and in speaking with my friends who have been down the same road. Personally, I see it coming off. Not sure I care that it's slow. I feel good, I look better, and I will get there. Good luck on your renewed journey.

I'm a side sleeper, too. I don't toss/turn much, but I sleep best on my side. After surgery, I was unable to sleep on my side for about 2 weeks. And not for lack of trying either. I didn't have pain, per se. It sort of felt like my guts were shifting. It was uncomfortable and had me worried, so I couldn't sleep. During those 2 weeks, I slept propped up with pillows. I didn't like it and I didn't sleep well, but it passed.

I had a Samsung smart watch. It was bulky, so when the battery died I switched. Happened to win a Garmin Vivo Fit at a conference. Love it! Not bulky. Never have to charge. Water resistant. Compatible with my fitness pal. Sent from my SM-G960U using BariatricPal mobile app

Premier protein (chocolate, vanilla, caramel) have been staples for me since pre-op. But, in the last few weeks I have to force myself to drink them. I'm trying to clear up my supply before I switch brands. It's not the smell of the Premier Protein. They are just too sweet tasting for me and there's a thick quality to them that is off-putting to me. I assume it has to do with preservatives to keep them good at room temperature. All protein supplements that I've tried have some smell/taste. I suppose it can be nasty to some. I've gotten used to it and some brands are better than others. I used Unjury brand for years with my lap band and am going back to what I know works for me. Besides, the powders are more versatile. The RTD is sure convenient, but with limited variety.

I'm 6 weeks post-op. Noticed this week that I am losing a little bit of hair, but not enough to make a difference. Am faithful to hair/skin/nails related vitamins, focusing on getting enough protein, and even upped my iron intake to stay on top of it. I did notice that my hands and my hips were starting to get a little crepe-y a couple weeks ago, so I stepped up my moisturizing routine to include my hands and some of those "at risk areas" like chest, neck, abdomen. Ran across a post on Bio-Oil where people swore by it for stretch marks, scars, and even reducing hanging skin (turkey-neck and even upper arm areas). So, I bought some and have been putting it on twice a day since Sunday. My skin has never looked better.

I also work in an office setting, mostly working at a computer in a very sedentary position. I overcome this by planning and packing all of my meals. I track my meals on My FitnessPal and I schedule "walk time" in my calendar so that no one else tries to schedule things for me on top of it. I avoid the inevitable snacks that are in the break room because honestly I do not really want them. I see them. I look at them. I walk away. I no longer have that compulsive need to have some. Full disclosure: about 3 weeks ago someone brought in cupcakes. I really, REALLY wanted one. So I took one. Had 1 bite and I was done with that. I actually threw a cupcake away! I had a brief moment of regret because I was WASTING perfectly good food, but that passed. In my experience, my relationship with food has changed and not just because I've been following the post operative diet. My cravings and desire for food is just not there. I rarely get hungry and I can easily forget to eat if I don't keep an eye on the time and think about it.

I agree. This doesn't sound like it's related to the occasional constipation and hard stools a sleeved patient is prone to. The procedure may have made it worse by increasing hard to pass stools, BUT laxatives don't resolve the situation and the inability to move your bowels in a seated position/having to do it standing up doesn't seem to be something we could reasonably expect from the sleeve procedure. At the very least, let your bariatric doctor know and consider a GI consultation.

From what I have read, there is mixed information about their effectiveness. Some swear by them and say that their bloodwork is proof that the patches work. Others say there's no scientific proof that they work, citing things that say that the supplements cannot absorb through the skin. I liked my patches. I felt like they were effective, although I have no real evidence that they did. I also really enjoyed not having to swallow or chew any supplements. The problem is that I developed a sensitivity to the adhesive and had to stop using them.

Baritastic. www.baritastic.com/ My surgeon's office recommended it and I downloaded it right away. I felt like it was a little invasive and prefer My Fitness Pal for logging what I eat and my weight loss progress. Besides, My Fitness Pal is compatible with my Garmin fitness tracker.

Don't know if it's normal, but as I was trying different multivitamins, I took a Celebrate chewable and had the same reaction. Nauseated to the point I was afraid I would vomit in the car, and very warm. Looking forward to hearing everyone else's reactions.

During the pre-surgical phase, I weighed myself once a week. Post surgically, I try to limit myself to twice a week, at most. I find that if I do the daily weight thing then I'm setting myself up for disappointment because then I think I'm not losing fast enough. After a few months, probably close to 6 months, I plan to drop it to once a week and stay there.

My nose runs when I am full. I've had the hiccups, but not every time. I was told that these signs are common and could be as subtle as a sigh. I used to have the sigh when I had my Lap Band. It would turn into a runny nose if I ate beyond the sigh. With the sleeve it's a very runny nose to the point I have to put my fork down and grab a tissue!

Syntax, I've had some "feel sorry for myself" moments where I think very similar things. During my feel sorry for myself moments I wonder what will happen on special occasions like holidays or birthdays. I also wonder if I'll have to eat cold food for the rest of my life because by the time I finish a meal it is getting cold! I think your fears are normal. If they aren't, then we're both abnormal.

Frustr8, I don't think we're talking about true "food aversion", but more lack of appetite and possibly "food frustration." Lack of appetite is an intended side effect of surgery and frustration can come with that. Food aversion is defined as being repulsed by a particular food and can sometimes lead to nausea/vomiting at the mere thought of that food. It's as if the taste of the food is toxic. If anyone has those things going on, they should certainly notify their surgeon and consider a referral to a dietician/nutritionist and a counselor. In my opinion, the issue is that our relationship with food has changed. Before surgery, it is likely that our lives revolved around food, the pleasure and comfort it gave. Post surgically, our lives still largely revolve around food but now it's focused on making sure our body has the fuel it needs. It's probably not even pleasurable anymore. As you describe above, you "no longer have the urge to engulf food..." That's normal. It's also normal to be indifferent as in the "I do not care" comment. I myself have that. I eat because I have to. I make sure I have things that taste good to me, but I could easily go long periods of time without eating. You indicated you're concerned that your weight isn't melting off. Mine isn't either. We all lose at our own pace and as long as we continue to fuel our bodies within the guidelines of post bariatric eating, it will. Please note that I am not a doctor. If you are seriously concerned that you have a food aversion or that you're post surgical path is not normal, consult your doctor.

I can't say that I have "food aversion". I didn't have any appetite and the thought of eating was a bit stressful in those first 3 or 4 weeks. Right around the 4 week mark I noticed that eating was a little easier. I assumed the post operative swelling had gone down enough to make my tiny meals a little easier to tolerate. I'm 5 weeks out and I still feel like my entire life revolves around my eating schedule, what I can/can't have, and being OCD about proteins. If memory serves from my initial Lap Band experience, this food/eating obsession goes on for a long time. Disclaimer: my original Lap Band experience was over 10 years ago and I'm pretty early into the sleeve journey. In comparison, the sleeve is taking me A LOT more time to adjust to.

Been there/done that, now I'm doing it again. During my Lap Band journey I happily donated my FAT clothes except for a few cute dresses that I eventually had to give up. Still sad about my favorite one by the way, and that was more than 10 years ago! Unfortunately, I re-gained most of my weight after Lap Band removal. I now have a host of sizes in my closet that I was saving for "one day" when I lose the weight again. But, that doesn't make it any easier to get rid of favorites that I seem to be shrinking out of. My current strategy is to be genuinely happy that I'm getting myself back together again. Even though it was very overwhelming to be able to shop in the "normal" size clothes, I'm sincerely looking forward to that feeling again. My advice to you: let the vulture friends have your "fat" clothes and you can re-build your closet to include even nicer, prettier clothes.

Had GERD off and on most of my adult life. As surgery approached, it was clear that the GERD was situational. Like if I ate a lot of bread or ate a very large meal. A friend of mine was sleeved with Barrets esophagus from lap band. Had no GERD after sleeve, so I took a chance. I got a little heartburn when I transitioned to puree food. Started Nexium. Heartburn gone and my recovery seemed to accelerate. Feeling good today. Feeling normal! Sent from my SM-G935V using BariatricPal mobile app

OMG! This almost happened to me! My surgeon said that I had so much scar tissue from my Lap Band that it caused a lot of extra work, said I really made him "earn his money". My surgery was at least a half hour longer because of it. I guess I was fortunate that he didn't give up and was able to proceed with the sleeve. But let me tell you, my recovery was nothing like I expected. I saw other sleevers in the hospital up and walking with cheery looks on their faces. I looked like I had been hit by a truck! I also stayed in the hospital an extra day because I just wasn't very functional and I certainly couldn't get enough fluids down. Even once I got home, the recovery was much slower than the reports of others. I spent those first few days not doing a whole heck of a lot. I had no energy, walking back/forth to the bathroom was exhausting and the entire focus of my day was when to be sipping liquids and when my next "feeding" was supposed to happen. Treemystic, I guess the good news is that your doctor has said that after you heal from this original surgery, you still have the option to get sleeved. Sure, it's a 6 week delay, which I think any one of us would be bummed about. BUT, it is still an option.

I'm also 4 weeks out. Have struggled to get my proteins in. Sometimes I succeed, sometimes I don't. I have had no appetite. I eat because I have to or it's "time". Although today I've been struggling with a bit of "head hunger". The dreaded 3 week stall hit me this week and instead of stalling, I've gained 2 pounds. For someone who is lucky to get 700 calories in per day without resorting to high carb foods, this setback is VERY troubling. Has me wondering if I have gone through this whole thing for nothing. I keep thinking, "If I'm going to gain at least let me enjoy getting there". Hence the "head hunger".

Frustr8, I have had all of those feelings about that show, plus some. I started watching it for inspiration and as a way to keep me motivated to do what I need to do. Not sure how much I need it now other than reinforcement.

Really? I'm 4 weeks out today and I still have a 3 out of 5 original steri strips hanging on. No s/s of infection, just stubborn adhesive.

For convenience, I typically use the RTD Premier Protein drinks. But, I am a BIG fan of Unjury brand powdered proteins. I always have a container of unflavored in my pantry and if I'm getting tired of the sweet-type protein drinks, I like the Unjury Chicken Soup flavored. It is a little high in sodium, but I only drink it when I need a change. I find that everyone has their own tastes in terms of protein supplements. My advice: get a few before you need them and test them out. You may also find that your likes/dislikes change after surgery and you need to test them out again.

I lost quite a bit of hair during my Lap Band journey to the point I could easily see my scalp, but can't say the same this time around. During the pre-op liquid diet, I noticed VERY large hairballs in the shower and was very worried that I would lose a lot of hair post operatively. At 4 weeks out, I am not losing any more hair than the usual few strands in the comb or brush after a washing. I try to get at least 60 grams of protein per day. Sometimes I succeed, sometimes I fail. I am using the MD patches (Gastric sleeve premium health pack and the biotin patch). As I prepared for surgery, I was worried about taking those oral "horse pill" vitamins post operatively and wasn't interested in trying to schedule a whole bunch of chewables. So, I thought I'd try the patch. They're easy and really convenient. I recently read that they have mixed reviews on effectiveness, but they seem to be doing well for me. Just ordered another month's worth.

My doctor's plan is to eat every 3 hours. But, I find that this type of scheduled eating is disrupting to my work day. I go to work and get involved in work/meetings/etc. The next thing I know it's been 4 or more hours. That's life and that's reality.