SleeveToBypass2023

I didn't have to do an xray but I did have to do an EKG and a slew of bloodwork. Also, had to get clearance from my neuro and my PCP and had to do a full physical. I have insurance and from start to surgery day took 2 1/2 months. I don't think self pay would delay it. If anything, I would think it would be faster since less hoops have to be jumped through.

Yep, definitely a stall. I get them a lot. Literally every time I drop more than 5 or 6 pounds in a 2 week period, my body freaks out for 1-3 weeks. It's ANNOYING. Makes things frustrating and very sloooow.

Yep, about 3 or 4 months out my stomach sounded like something from the movie Alien lol It's really annoying, and a little embarrassing, but it is what it is.

Same, and I was in tears because I was always hungry. I felt like I got ripped off. And I also never had any restriction after the first 2 weeks at all. So I had to completely teach myself that I had to avoid slider foods, teach my stomach and brain that eating the designed portions ARE enough and I WON'T starve. I also had to work on head hunger. When my stomach wasn't hungry but I looked at the time and realized I hadn't eaten in a couple hours, I immediately became starving. OR....I would know I had a snack in there, and had already had one, and then decided I was starving if I didn't eat it right then. There's a huge difference between true hunger and head hunger, and I had to deal with both. But I did it. A lot of trial and error, but at almost 6 months out, I feel like I got there and can ignore head hunger (for the most part). But it was an uphill battle, and not an easy one, but it IS possible. But you have to be determined and dedicated and not give up.

From what my surgeon told me, if you test positive for anything associated with a drug (nicotine, thc, cannabinoids, hard drugs, alcohol, etc) then the surgery is postponed until you can pee completely clean.

I never lost my hunger at all. With the sleeve, they normally remove the hunger hormone, but not only was I still hungry, I was RAVENOUS. Never did get to have that "I have to make myself eat because I'm never hungry" that so many others had. You can overcome it, but it takes A LOT of work.

I love that!!! Half of my starting weight would be 194, which is only 6 pounds from my goal. Maybe I'll change my goal to 190 so I can say I lost MORE than half of me lol I'm really happy for you and the progress you're making!!!

The pre-op diet is the absolute worst. You have the hunger and stomach size of an obese person but none of the solid, filling food to satisfy it. It's really rough. But just keep reminding yourself that it won't be like that after the surgery. Yes, you'll be on the liquid diet after, but only for a short while, and your stomach will be so small and sensitive you won't want, or be able, to eat regular food. It'll definitely get better. And by the time you hit 6 weeks out, you can eat normal (albeit healthier, smaller portions) of food.

Really having a hard time not falling back into my old way of thinking and eating (or not eating, as it were). My husband pointed out today that I'm restricting again. He said he noticed it Friday and all through the weekend. I've been in a lot of pain because I pulled 2 muscles in my back, have had a lot of stress the last week, and instead of going to over eating like I used to, I fell back into my new "old" habit of restricting. I was worrying I would overeat, and I guess I went right back into my new "fall back" habit of just not eating much of anything. My husband made notes on what he saw me eating and I had 450 calories and 18 carbs on Friday, 413 calories and 14 carbs on Saturday and 344 calories and 10 carbs on Sunday. I honestly didn't even notice it, and that really freaks me out. I can fall back into it that easily and it doesn't even faze me. I drink so much water now (flavored only, because plain water is EW) that I honestly didn't even feel hungry. I hate that I swapped one disordered way of thinking for another. PLEASE pay close attention to your feelings, thoughts, and habits. DO NOT tell yourself that because you're fat/obese/overweight or whatever that you can't develop an ED. Trust me, you can. And it can sneak up on you and smack you in the head when you don't expect it to. I thought I was doing so well. Been logging my food, not cheating, not restricting, doing my therapy, and then BAM. Here we go again. Be kind to yourself, but be mindful and aware.

I'm really ready for my hair to stop shedding!!! I'm doing all the things I'm supposed to, and I know it's normal and will eventually stop. But I really wish it would hurry up and get to it. I'm 5 1/2 months post op, and I started shedding around 3 months out, so I know I still have a ways to go. But OMG my hair just gets EVERYWHERE!!! Couch, bed, pillows, shower, floor, my clothes, EVERYWHERE. So, so annoying. My NP at the surgeon's office said I've lost so much weight in such a short amount of time that she's not surprised that I'm shedding like crazy. I know that, and I know it'll stop. But honestly, I'm shocked I'm not bald!!! Ugh....

I noticed quite a few people don't want to admit to having WLS, and I totally get it. But when hubby and I go to a restaurant, I always tell the server that I had gastric sleeve surgery and I will definitely need to make a couple of substitutions on my meal and I will need a to-go box (any time we go out to eat, my meal is good for that night and at least 1, sometimes 2, more). I've had a few ask questions about it, and they all have always congratulated me and were more than happy to accommodate my needs for the substitution (typically I swap out potatoes and/or rice for a side salad or extra veggies). I'm always proud to tell them I had the surgery, and I usually include how far out I am from surgery and how much weight I've lost so far. Is that weird? I don't feel the slightest bit awkward or uncomfortable about it. Not at all. My family and friends all know and cheer me on. I was never shy or worried about telling people, and I don't particularly care if anyone has a problem with the fact that I had the surgery. Again, is that weird?

Part of the reason I'm so vocal about it is because I know (from when I was a waitress for 3 years a LONG time ago) that as soon as an obese person is seated, they start talking about them. I use to feel so bad for the customer, because we didn't know why they were overweight, if they had surgery or not, if there was a health reason for the weight, yet some of the waitresses would talk crap. If I can be open and share why I order the way I do, even though I look big still, maybe that will stop some of the jumping to conclusions and making assumptions. I'm proud of my success so far, and I'm proud I had the surgery, but I also know what it's like being thin and being obese. And if I can change even 1 person's way of thinking, then I'm all about it. I'm thankful and grateful I have the support I've had, but I know not everyone does. And I hate that. So if some of the stigma can be lifted, even a tiny bit, I'll do what I can. Even if it's over-sharing with my waitress lol

I absolutely understand why some people don't want to tell anyone, and it makes me sad that they have to feel that way. This shouldn't be something we need to feel bad about. This is an amazing, lifesaving procedure and should be celebrated as such.

My hair was down to my butt, but once it started shedding, I cut it to just touching my shoulders. It's actually pretty cute, I like it. I also use volumizing shampoo and conditioner in hopes that it'll hide it a bit. Not sure if it actually helps, but it makes my brain feel better about it lol I have PCOS so I was already used to shedding, but this is next level. Can't wait for it to stop.

Ok, I'm the rare weirdo that was absolutely not worried about anything. I was so excited and so ready that there was no room for nerves. When I got to the hospital that day, my surgeon said they could give me something for my nerves if I needed it and he was shocked that I didn't lol I was laughing and chatting and just ready. I haven't regretted it at all. I'm 5 1/2 months out, and I will say the week before and 2 weeks after the surgery were the hardest. Week before because of the liquid diet and 2 weeks after because my stomach was ultra sensitive and I had a lot of pain at my incisions. Week 3 was better, and by week 4 I was completely fine. There will be some pain, and you will absolutely have to relearn how to properly eat and drink. But I promise you, this will absolutely improve your life so much if you follow the plan and put in the work. It's a very useful tool.

I did chewables the first 2 weeks. Started those the day I got home. At the 2 week mark, I started slowly taking regular pills and vitamins (spaced them all out through the day, with meals) and at the 4 week mark, I could take them at the start of my day, with breakfast, like normal.

Um, what? Why is this a thing? What are you doing???

Yes that's me lol I'm actually at a 4 now for incline and speed at 5. Try adding the stationary bike, maybe get some ankle and wrist weights, and try some stomach crunches. Adding new things, and changing up what you do, can make all the difference.

Mine was 7.3 and my bp was 156/92 and they still did my surgery. I think you'll be ok.

Are you exercising? Maybe change up what you're doing. Log and weigh everything you eat. And watch for non scale victories.

How are things going now? Have you seen any changes? Are you getting in exercise? Even if it on a bike or walks, it all helps.

I had to have the full 2 weeks off because of the pain from 2 of the incisions and because I was so tired and would just randomly fall asleep. No way could I have gone back after 1 week.

After the first 2 or 3 weeks, I never had any restriction at all and my hunger hormone never went away. It's about training your brain to know that you've had enough, you're not starving, and even though you CAN eat more doesn't mean you SHOULD. I can eat a lot more than I thought I would be able to, at months out. But I just don't.

It's normal, and it'll eventually slow down and then stop. Takes several months, but it'll happen. Make sure you eat plenty of protein, take biotin (helps with the hair you have, won't make it regrow or not fall out) and I make sure to treat my hair with hair masks and whatnot. Helps me feel better and I know it helps the hair I still have look better. Keep what you have nice and healthy and when you stop losing it, you'll look and feel great. Also, I had hair down to my butt and when it started coming out a lot, I cut it to just above my shoulders. Helped SO much with looking thin. I also use a volumizing shampoo and conditioner, which also helps. Just hang in there, it'll be over soon. It's all for a good cause.

Every hour to eat seems excessive. I was told to drink every 30-45 minutes and eat a small meal every 3 hours 4-5x per day. Now I eat 3 small meals and a snack at night and I'm good. Also, at this stage you can also add a protein shake which will give you protein to help with that goal, fluids for that goal, and some extra calories (not a lot, but like 110 or 130 or something). I can't stand plain water, so I bought the water flavorings (Walmart has em) with no sugar and no calories or carbs, and let me tell you...they help SO much. I bought Propel flavored water and protein gatorade zero (no sugar but has protein in it). I also drink tea (sweetened and flavored with Jordan's skinny syrup with no sugar, no calories, no carbs, delicious taste). I don't drink caffeine anymore, but when I was coming off it, I drank tea with caffeine. Now I just drink regular tea (or herbal tea, depending on my mood).