*susan*

My surgeon has you do ten days of clear liquids, ten days of full liquids and ten days of mushies. I did have problems, but that was in large part my own fault. I just couldn't get enough fluids in my body. We all know how difficult it is in the beginning to even just sip a drink. I didn't push myself enough to sip, sip, sip and when my family asked me if I was sipping, I fibbed and said "of course I am". Well, I wasn't and I landed in the hospital three times in the first month due to severe dehydration, which resulted in bladder and kidney infections. That is why I am such a strong advocate now about really getting on to people to make sure they get their fluids in, no matter how difficult it is, because it really is vital to your health that you do so.

I too am a band to sleeve revision. I have to tell you, it was the best thing that ever happened to me. I had nothing but problems with the band, and in all honesty, could not and would not ever in good conscience recommend it to anyone. My surgeon did the band removal and revision to sleeve at the same time. There was no way I would have been able to return to work after just a couple of days. I could possibly see that with just having the band removed, but not after you have the sleeve done. You don't want to push it. The main thing I found was I was terribly weak from the lack of food. I had no energy and there was no way I could have functioned at work.

I never had a problem with acid prior to my surgery, so I was surprised that I have so much trouble with it now. The doctor had prescribed me something for the first three months, indicating that it takes the stomach approximately that long to realize that it is not as large as it used to be, thus it no longer needs to produce as much acid as it did before. Unfortunately, it appears my stomach never got the message, lol. Most days, as long as I take a Prilosec first thing in the morning, I do fine. Occasionally, I eat something that just doesn't agree with me and then, not even the Prilosec helps. And, when I eat, I had better not even think about laying down for a minimum of one hour, or boy do I pay the price. As far as hunger, that really has never been much of an issue for me. I can go all day without eating, and not really experience true hunger. I just still struggle with head hunger, usually in the afternoons, which is why I have a healthy snack to combat it.

This is such a common problem for sleevers in the beginning. It is uncomfortable, and can be downright painful as well! Milk of Magnesia was what my doctor recommended as well, and it worked wonderfully for me.

I absolutely have to start my day off with plenty of Protein, or I am miserable all day long. It took me a while, but I finally found a good Protein shake that I really like, and it keeps me full until lunch time. I almost always have an afternoon snack, usually nuts or something like that. It helps keep me satisfied. At well over two years out, I still struggle terribly with acid issues, and yes, I have found that there are times I have mistaken that as being hungry. But, if I eat just one cracker, it seems to help with the acid and I do much better. I am really quite shocked that your doctor said no to Protein shakes. That is the first I have ever heard of that from any doctor. That is a major staple for most sleevers.

I am so glad to see I am not the only one! The only thing I am fortunate at home in is that my guy tends to be cold as well. We have flannel sheets and four very heavy, thick blankets on our bed. At work, it is a constant battle for me. I have started wearing boots to work, with very thick socks. I keep sugar free hot chocolate, because that works wonders for warming me up from the inside out. I keep a nice, thick sweater at work, and, finally, I bought a small heater on eBay that I keep discreetly hid under my desk. Hey, a girl has to do what she has to do to keep warm.

Hi, and welcome to VST. PM me the email address you want to use for this account, and I will get it straightened out for you.

Sandy, you are an absolute sweetheart! And you know what, you are right, Alex is an amazing man! I owe so much to him and couldn't imagine having gone through first my band and now my sleeve without the wonderful forums he has provided us.

Inquiring minds are dieing to know, LOL!

Awww, thanks Kathy, that is so sweet and much appreciated. Heather, I agree, I really can't do beer or sodas, the carbonation does not agree with my sleeve at all.

Oh man, that looks and sounds wonderful, lol.

MMMMM, food porn, is it hot in here, or is it just me? LOL. I love popcorn and whenever I go to the movies, I have some. As for wings and other spicy foods, I am a chili head. I love hot, hot, hot wings and other spicy food, and my sleeve doesn't seem to mind it one bit. My motto, everything in moderation!

Congratulations! Now your new and healthier life is officially under way. As the others have said, you will feel a little better each day. Take care of you and keep us posted on how you are feeling.

Kacee, while we are a support site, we are also a site for people to research and learn about the sleeve, as well as all the options available to them. As long as you are speaking from your own personal experience with the doctor, you are well within the rules of this site to post your story. I am sorry your experience turned out so badly.

Exactly, Aussiegirl, you got this tool to be able to live life normally. Normal people drink socially, it is okay.

Indymom, I hear you! I am definitely going to start tracking religiously again. I have got to get that scale moving down, down and down again!

Wow, just wow, what a transformation. And, such a beautiful lady as well! So proud of all you have accomplished!

Girl, my chocolate cravings are off the wall during PMS time, which happens to be right now! Skinny Cow makes these amazing milk chocolate dreamy clusters that taste so good, but are really low calorie. If you haven't already, check them out. Right now I am freezing and craving chocolate, so I am sitting here at work drinking a yummy cup of Nestle fat free hot chocolate. To me, it tastes just as good as the regular hot chocolate and helps satisfy the chocolate cravings.

I definitely get an "education" every time I sneak in there, LOL.

At 2 1/2 years out, I don't honestly think I can say I have once experienced actual hunger pains. I hadn't really given that much thought, but I haven't. Oh, I have had head hunger, and given in to it, but in terms of actual physical hunger, I just don't experience it anymore.

Welcome to the forums, we are glad to have you here. It sounds like you are going to have a great support system, that is wonderful that basically you and your husband will be doing this together. I know I was having quite a few health problems that have been eliminated as a result of the this surgery. I truly believe it is a lifesaver. Congratulations on your decision.

Mine is to have a better year than 2011, which was an absolute emotional roller coaster for me that resulted in my slipping in to some of my old eating habits. I plan to get back on track with my eating, making sure I keep track of every bite I put in my mouth and get the last of this weight off. I would like to exercise more, as well, But, that will be dependent on how things go for me in January. I am having spinal surgery sometime then, and will see how it long it takes me to recover and get back into my Jiu Jitsu and other exercise programs.

A lot of people will say it is empty calories, but I am sure they have treats that are empty calories as well. I believe the same with alcohol as I do food, everything in moderation. I monitor my calories, make sure I meet my daily nutritional requirements and enjoy one or two White Russians or glasses of wine just about every night. I know a lot of people will frown on me for that, but at least I am honest. Presently, I am in a great deal of physical pain due to severe back problems. Having those one or two drinks in the evening helps me relax and sleep better. I will be having spinal surgery next month. Will I continue to have my one or two glasses of wine or whatever at night after that, probably, but that doesn't make me an alcoholic. Not by a longshot.

Welcome, we are so glad you found us. It is understandable for your wife to worry, she loves you! I went to Mexicali and had no problems whatsoever. I received the most amazing care there. You will do fine. I am so excited for you and look forward to getting to know you better.

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