Tiffykins

From what most people say they return to work (sedentary positions) around 7-8 days post-op. If your job requires lifting, up and moving a bunch, you may want to take 2 weeks. Your energy levels will be low the first couple of weeks due to lack of calories. I was extremely tired the first couple of weeks with my band surgery, but I returned to my position in an insurance agency 5 days post-op.

My marriage is stronger post-op. I have always been super confident regardless of my pant size, but now it's a better mindset and confidence. Plus, I am more active. I no longer avoid outdoor stuff, or long walks, trips to the mall, or other outings because my body no longer aches. Our sex life has improved dramatically. Not just the physical aspect, but the intimacy is better because I am not as self-conscious. I still have my flaws, but my new rocking body makes me feel better about myself. I, personally, have not changed at all with my attitude towards my husband. I've always been a bit "stuck up" in social settings. It's a defense mechanism, and I have gotten better over the last year. But, I still walk tall and proud. I don't let anyone walk all over me, I don't steer clear of the social gatherings because I hate being the fattest wife in the group. The only negative thus far has been my husband is a bit more possessive now. I guess he didn't think I got hit on when I was fat. He is more affectionate in public. If he notices another man checking me out, he'll wrap his arm around my waist, and kiss my forehead. I tell him to "marking his territory and hiking his leg on my thigh". We're working through it, he doesn't like that I get more attention now, but he deals with it, and he's even more proud that he has me as his wife.

Hey Randi, first off welcome. I'm about 6 months out, by no means an expert, but I am more than willing to be your buddy. I've been through the wringer with my journey, and I'll try to help you as much as possible. I send you a private message with my contact information. I have unlimited texting as well. I'm pretty good about checking email, but not as good as I am with texting. I also use Facebook so I'll send you that information as well. Congrats on getting your date, and I look forward to getting to know you.

I eat foods with fat. I didn't immediately after surgery, but now 6 months out, I do consume some fat in my foods.

Not a stupid question at all ! ! ! I did not have a drain with my initial revision from band to sleeve. But, some doctors do you place on. I drain is placed for a leak test typically. I had all my leak test done under fluoro/ct scan. So, I didn't have a drain. Ask your doctor if he places a drain. The average stay in the hospital is a total of 3 days, surgery day, and then 2 other days. The surgery time ranges. Some patients report as little as 45 minutes to an hour. Some others report about 1.5 hours. Make sure to ask your surgeon all of these questions. If you need to, write down the questions, and put them in your pocket so you can ask the surgeon that morning.

You too ! ! ! I still have the inevitable belly fat that is shrinking, but not as fast as I would like. If I could shave that off, I'd be in a size 10 by now. I can't work out because of the stupid clot in my leg they found last week, and I'm so frustrated with the belly fat. Hopefully, I'll be able to start working out on Wednesday or Thursday, and then I'm hitting the gym, and doing my core exercises. I have got to lose this belly fat roll. John affectionately calls it my little "donut tire". It's smaller than the spare, but still there.

I'm with you 100%. I'm a control freak by nature, and regardless of how "nutty" it seems, I have to weigh every day, sometimes multiple times a day. It's just "who" I am.

I didn't have sutures of any sort. I didn't have my surgery with Dr. Aceves, and if I remember correctly, he doesn't use sutures either. I hope one of his patients chime in here. But, they used glue and butterfly strips on my tiny incisions.

Brad, that is absolutely amazing ! ! ! You're doing fabulous, and it's only going to get better. Congrats and best wishes on your continued success.

Well, yesterday marked my 6 month surgeriversary for my band to sleeve revision. I have lost a total of 103 pounds as of June 3rd. I have dropped from a size 22-24W to a regular 14 or 15 in juniors. From a 26/28 (4X) blouse/shirt to a Medium blouse/shirt. Sometimes a large depending on the cut of the shirt. My shoe size shrunk from a 8W to a normal 7-7.5 My legs (thighs mainly) no longer go numb after extensive time on my feet. I can see all the bones in my feet, and ankles. Above all of the physical changes, my outlook on life is even more positive, and upbeat. I no longer feel like the "fattest" person in the group. I can walk around the mall for hours, shopping, and just enjoying being out of the house without my knees hurting after 30 minutes. I no longer experience shortness of breath when I walk up stairs. I look in the mirror and see a completely different woman, inside and out. I still see flaws within my body, but I'll live with those flaws instead of the fat rolls. There have been many ups and downs over the last 6 months, but I would gladly endure all of it again. I used to take each day for granted, but now, I cherish each and every day that God has blessed me with on this Earth. For those of you pre-op, my best advice is to do your research, prepare yourself mentally, physically, and emotionally. This surgery will change your life, not just your body or BMI. For all of the post-ops, continue to ROCK your sleeve. Y'all have been my support system, and friends during this journey and without y'all I would seriously be lost. For anyone struggling, get back to basics, lean on us, we're here for you, and we all believe that you can and will be successful. Thank you all for taking this ride with me. It's been a wild ride for sure, but it's been totally worth it.

The hair grows back. I'm living proof of drastic hair loss, and it's been growing back for the last month or so. I have lots of little baby hairs popping in on my part and around my crown. I'm now taking Biotin 5000mcg daily. It won't help slow down the loss, but it will help grow new hair. I also use Folicure shampoo which is supposed to promote new growth. It doesn't dry out my hair, and I use Nexxus Dualiste anti-breakage shampoo and conditioner as well to help with any damaged hair. I've lost at 1/3 of my hair. Grant it, I had super thick, coarse hair so it isn't noticeable to anyone but myself and the husband. The hair loss has slowed down, but it's still coming out. It's been happening since mid to late September. My nutritionist recommended taking additional folic acid and flax seed oil. My multi-Vitamin has 100% daily recommended value of Folic Acid (I take 2 per day, so that's 200%), and I just haven't bought any flax seed oil. It's only temporary. If I curl my hair, fluff it up a bit, no one can even remotely notice that I've lost hair.

Thought I would hop into chat tonight for a bit ! ! ! Anyone else???

I want those sneaks as well. I'm hoping our BX gets them so I can get a pair for a good price with zero tax.

Hey Angel - Congrats on getting your surgery date. You're gonna love the sleeve. My best advice is to prepare not only physically, but emotionally and mentally. Realize that the pre-op and post-op diet is ONLY temporary, and each day gets easier and more manageable. I wouldn't stock up on any specific Protein drinks, or mixes. Most patients experience changes in our tastebuds. If you want to order in advance, order sample packs. There is a thread on here in the Food/drink recipe forum specifically for places to order protein supplements. I did buy a bunch of Gas X strips because I hate gas pain, and they were a lifesaver. We're all here for you, and if you need anything, don't ever hesitate to contact me.

My surgeon's protocol says 2 Multivitamins with Iron daily, 1000 mg calcium citrate, and B12 if needed. I use GNC Solotron chewable Multivitamin with highly bioavailable Iron, they are super yummy. I have 1 in the morning, and 1 at night. I do take 2500mcg of sublingual B12. I have yet to find a calcium citrate supplement that I can tolerate, and my levels have been fine. I will start taking calcium citrate when I can find one I like. Because even those my calcium levels have been fine on my blood work, osteoporosis runs in my family especially on my mother's side. Therefore due to the Prilosec usage, I will start supplementing with some form of calcium citrate in the near future. Bone scans/Dexa scans are the only way to truly measure bone density, and I'm too young for my insurance to cover that specific test. I don't want to rush osteoporosis.

You are one amazing chick Chancie ! ! ! I'm so very proud of you. Keep on rocking, and you'll be to goal in no time FLAT ! ! !

**Raises her hand and says " Hi, my name is Tiffany, and I am scale obsessed."** I weigh at least once a day sometimes twice a day. It's worked for me for the last 6 months, and I don't see it changing anytime soon. I thought I was going to lose my mind when we went out of town for Thanksgiving. John forbade me to take my scale with me even though I had room in my suitcase. He was like "let it go for just a week." We made a trip to Wal-Mart and I snuck over to the hardware department to weigh on one of those scales. I know that it probably isn't the most healthy behavior, but it's what keeps me accountable. I agree with everyone else that said you just have to find what works for you.

Hey Ange, I'm late on this, but I'm sorry to hear that you are feeling so icky during your pregnancy. But, big congrats on your little peanut ! ! ! Keep us posted on how you are doing with the pregnancy, and sickness.

YAY YAY I'm so glad to hear you're doing well ! ! !

Perfect sense. I cook for the 2 men in my house, and then I eat a smaller portion of whatever they are having. I don't have any fabulous ideas for cooking for one because it's always been me plus Caysen. Then, almost 2 years ago, I married John and cooking became much easier. I hope someone has some good ideas. I do cook significantly smaller quantities now since both John and I have changed our habits. I also divide meat out and freezer bag it for portion control, and attempt to avoid leftovers.

I had drains left in for 3 weeks after I had abscesses/fluid pockets found in my abdomen, and one worked it's way down close my pelvic cavity. The one close to my pelvic cavity quit draining, and it disappeared in about 2-3 weeks after the drain was removed. I was was on heavy antibiotics, and anti-nausea meds the entire time. Zofran was the nausea drug that worked for me. I had the same issue eating when the pockets were still in my abdomen, but once they were completely gone, I had no issues with discomfort. I'm pretty sure every patient is different when it comes to how long they hang around in there. I know the drains helped significantly.

I just told them. I'm a pretty open, and well, brutally honest person. I had the band before, and hated life with it. They knew of my struggles. I just told them I had to get the band out. They were very supportive, and once I gave them more information about the sleeve they were more understanding. A lot of negativity when telling people is because we neglect to educate people about our decision. Education is power, and the more information we give our friends and family, it gives them less ammunition to be negative. If you need anything, contact me anytime ! ! !

That's right, as of today, I've lost 100lbs since beginning my weight loss surgery journey. I can't believe it, and was shocked to come to the realization today when I stepped on the scale. I had the band placed on October 1, 2008 then revised to the sleeve on June 3rd, 2009. So, as of today, I'm 100lbs lighter. I am absolutely in shock, and can't believe it. Of course, I've lost 93lbs with the sleeve, and a mere 7lbs with the band, but in the end, it's still 100 pounds. I'm glowing with pure joy today ! ! !

With the band, I couldn't drink through a straw because it added too much air to my pouch. Early in my recovery with my band to sleeve revision, straws were a big no-no. It definitely put more air in my tummy, and made me uncomfortable. Now, I can drink through straws with zero issue. I have found that I actually get in more liquid if I drink through a straw. I don't drink through a straw with that first sip after a meal (of course 30 minutes after food) because that still causes some slight discomfort.