Tiffykins

Since your sleeve does NOT recognized weighted foods, it was always recommended to use volume measuring by my program. The main issue with solid meats is that most of them measured with weight and pre-cooked so Protein counts can be off with using volume, but some different meats are pretty close. 90% of the veteran sleevesters I know, and have followed as mentors, and I'm talking about 2-5 years out all use volume for measuring. Measuring food by weight can get you in trouble because your stomach does not recognize weight. Our stomachs are cut off based on volume. A good visual is 1 matchbox is 1 ounce, 3ounces is a deck of cards if measuring cups are not a readily available tool. For women, 3oz is about the amount of food you can fit in the palm of your hand unless the woman has super huge hands, or extremely petite hands. Essentially, the average sized woman's palm is close to 3oz. For mushy/puree, measuring cups were essential for me to ensure I was not overeating. As I got to solids, really measuring out the amount guaranteed that I underate my sleeve to stay within calorie intake recommendations.

Edit Profile Button Scroll down to Where it says Profile Information Member Title You should be able to enter whatever you want in that space Mine says "Believes in the Sleeve" if that title is what you are referring to.

A lot of it has to do with your metabolism has changed. Also, alcohol is a can have a diuretic effect so it's calories, but you might urinate more, and in effort to make up for it, your body is processing stuff differently. Calories in, calories out, pushing Protein and fluids. The closer to your goal, you might find that you have to tweak your intake even more. I had the same issue as I was getting close to goal and trying to get my losing to slow down. You're building muscle which in turn burns fat stores, and takes up less space in the body. You've done great, and for me, there was no rhyme of reason as to the number of the scales, I never stalled, lost consistently and never questioned it. I just kept going until it was maintenance. That's when the real work begins on this journey.

As much as people give numbers, I can tell you I eat very normal portions for a 5'2", 125lb woman at 2 years out. Last night, I went out with my girlfriends for Italian food. Of course, there was bread with oil service, 2 slices of bread dipped in herby oil about 30 minutes before our meal arrived(super thin, crunchy type bread), bread is a total slider for me. I proceeded to sip my Water until my meal was served. I ate the bread super slow, the oil lubed it up, and through 30-40 minutes of conversation, I knew I had room for food. So, what did I order?? You're thinking Protein meal right? WRONG, I order a veal/spinach/ricotta canneloni, it was 2 little tube canneloni stuffed with mainly ricotta, veal pieces and a hint of spinach, pretty much just enough to give some color, not a lot of spinach flavor. I ate the first one, and we proceeded to sit there for another hour,and I had actually asked that the 2nd one be boxed up to bring home. Well, as we sat, talked, laughed, b.s.'d for another hour, I nibbled on the second canneloni. Sooooooooooooooooo for me, that's totally normal. Yes, I realize everything I ate was pretty much mush/puree consistency. The canneloni shell was super thin, like I could see the veal through it. Oh and it was smothered in vodka sauce, and freshly grated parmesan cheese slivers. As for dense protein, I can eat half of an 8oz ribeye cooked medium with about 1/4 cup of either mashed potatoes, or 1/2 cup of green veggies, and be perfectly content. I can eat 1 soft taco from Taco Bell, or if I tear away all the additional tortilla, I can eat 3/4 of a bean burrito. I can eat 1 cup of chili with Beans. With the sleeve, there is minimal stretching. Honestly, there is NOT enough tissue left behind to stretch if the surgery is performed correctly. I'm eating the same amounts I was eating around 8-9 months out with some variations on certain foods that have become sliders for me. Bread used to bother me, now certain bready items are slider foods. Biscuits still give me hell, but I don't miss them. As for cheating the sleeve, yep, I do it, and have done it to maintain my weight. I could not eat enough calories in 4 meals per day, and by following the rule of not making my meal last any more than 20-30 minutes. I stretch out my meals further to get in a couple of more ounces. Also, I take breaks when I eat to allow time for some digestion to take place. I am never questioned about my portions, and I realized it's because I'm not eating any differently than my naturally skinny girlfriends. I never realized how little they ate before because I could enough for 3 of us. I can honestly tell you that I'm normal by all definitions that the world has defined. I can eat 2 slices of pizza if I extend the meal, usually 1 thin slice is good though, but if I wait 15 minutes, I can have another. So, it really depends on how your body works. There's other people that are further out than I am, and they can't tolerate bread, but they can eat more meat than I can, or they can eat 3-4 eggs where I can only eat 1 scrambled egg and it sits like a brick in my stomach. I also can not eat an entire chicken breast, but can eat nearly 6oz of flank or skirt steak because of the consistency/fat content on steak vs. chicken breast. It's weird how different foods work for me. But, I can tell you that if I follow the rules, and don't slack off, I still have amazing restriction. So, there are some variables that surgeons and nutritionists never are privy to. I'm open with my surgeon about things I eat, and how I get in my calories/protein. So, he knows that everyone's mileage is different. I'm not trying to convince you, but what you feel is normal, might change, and your experience could be different.

The risk for marginal ulcers is extremely slim with VSG. As for acid reflux, I'm 2 years out and still take Nexium, not because I had or have reflux, but because I don't want to have it. As for your question on worsening reflux, it can happen. Do you know if you have a hiatal hernia? They are extremely common in obese patients. Some people that have them repaired during sleeve surgery, are able to wean off the PPI after 6 months. Some that have reflux pre-op are still able to wean off. I simply choose to stay on a PPI. As for Vitamins, I've never had issues with any deficiencies at all. I take a multi with Iron, sublingual b12, and citrate. That's it, and all I take is the daily recommended intake instead of double to triple DR values like RNY patients need to take. Now with all that being said, labs should be ran pre-op to determine if there is anything lacking, and then at a minimum at 6 months out, and especially at 1 year out then levels and intake can be adjusted. I've never had any issues personally. I never took Biotin either. That was just another thing for me to remember, and it doesn't stop the hair loss, and there's no proof it helps with regrowth for all patients. So, I never bothered with it. Good luck with your sleeve. I know it's agonizing waiting for your date, and not really knowing what's going to transpire. Just take it one day at time.

Well, this is just me; I can't take away the calories, there's nothing positive to do except not do it again. Go for a walk, you'll burn the calories. Don't beat yourself up, I know it's tough, but honestly, it's done and over with. Make a plan, get yourself some pork rinds for the crunchy/salty urge, or make some cheese crisps (google for the directions), and just move forward. Guilt is a big reason why so many people can't get over their food issues. At some point, you'll have to learn to forgive yourself, ENTIRELY so you can recognize the behavior and move forward.

I always heard "you have such a pretty face", "if you'd lose a few pounds you'd be gorgeous instead of just pretty". . . As for your loss, that's the average for sleeve patients.

You look fabulous seriously ! ! ! And, can I just tell you have a naturally skinny girlfriend that is a hardcore runner, never been overweight a day in her life and she has cottage cheese thighs so I find great comfort in knowing that even the most "perfect" women in the world suffer from cellulite.

Here's another topic with my standard reply: http://www.verticalsleevetalk.com/topic/15965-my-dr-says-my-sleeve-can-stretch-really-quickly/page__p__135033__hl__stretching__fromsearch__1#entry135033

You better ! ! !

I think that can be true for some patients, and how they want to lose weight. I can without a doubt tell you that my body doesn't lose weight by simply restricting calories. I have to restrict carbs to lose, and a carb is a carb in my book. I don't care if it's a piece of fruit, or 6 saltine crackers, it's all sugar to my body, and my body likes to burn that sugar/carbs instead of burning my fat stores. I am not saying to not listen to your surgeon, every program, every patient is different. I know what works for me, my body and what my goals are/were during my losing stage. I will never be in the group of people that can just restrict calories and lose weight how I want to lose weight. If it were just about calories, then Atkins wouldn't work so smashingly well for 1000s of people.

My son was 10 with my band surgery, and turned 11 just a few days after my revision. My son was my biggest cheerleader. Also, with all my complications after the revision, he was my little helper, and was a total trooper through everything. He almost cried the first time he realized he could wrap his arms all the way around me and his fingers could touch. He does miss his squishy mommy, but you know, he loves that I'm not taking breaks at the mall when we go shopping, or when he's playing sports, I can get out on the field with him and run around. We have a very special bond because I was single for 9 years of his life, and I'm all he had, and he's my world. It was very difficult through my complications, but we managed, we leaned on each other, he would help make sure I was eating/drinking on time. It seemed like a lot for a kid to take on, but we are stronger because of what we endured. He was my little food and drink policeman. He would walk with me, and even though I was filled with guilt because of what he had to endure at such a young age with my complications, he was not traumatized nor was his mental health compromised over the situation. He's always been a bit "older" than his age in regards to our relationship, and I know that he'd cheer me on again through any medical situation. He jokingly tells me his misses my "softness", but he really loves that we can both fit on one couch cushion ! ! !

I can relate only because I'm that social butterfly, have a packed calendar of lunches, brunches, potlucks, social outings, Girls nights out on a couple times a month rotation, and even though I'm an old (34), married, mom of 1 and with one on the way, I can tell you that the social aspect was the most difficult for me. I missed partying, just like I'm going to miss it when Sprout gets here in November. My birthday is just 6 weeks after Sprout's due date, and if I heal quickly, and am able to do it, I'm going to party like a rockstar because I'll be 35. As for the watching people eat, it skeeves me out to watch other people eat., It always has. I think it's because I was always wondering if people were watching me eat my enormous portions pre-op. What I can tell you is that you are really early out, and here in a few months, a more regular "young adult" lifestyle can return in some form. You might not be able to play beer pong, or drink beer upside down from a keg, but you will be able to have some of what you consider normalcy. For me, I spent all of my 20s FAT, HUGE actually in comparison to all of my friends. I was the fat, fun girl, and while I never allowed my pant size to define me, nor did I let my obesity keep me from a huge party life, I can only imagine how great I would have felt living life in smaller pants through my 20s. I dated rampantly through my 20s, I danced and partied, and had a grand old time, but I would give anything to have not had to deal with not being able to shop with my skinny girlfriends at Forever 21, The Gap, Charlotte Russe etc etc. I know it seems bleak at the moment, but I promise you'll get there, and the struggles that you're experiencing will subside. No one can tell you until you experience yourself. I promise, I do understand, but I think you would regret waiting until you were my age to live a more normal life through your 20s. Hang in there, it does get better ! ! !

You look fabulous, but if you're gonna PHOTO W *H*O*R*E IT UP, I expect a SMILE MISTER ! ! ! You've really rocked your sleeve! ! !

You know, NSV's don't happen to often for me anymore. Of course, last summer was my first swimsuit purchase and wearing in 20 years, and now here I am 5 months pregnant, rocking the bump, rocking the wrinkly thigh skin, and you know what I could give 2 poops what anyone else thinks of me. I've gained a whopping 10lbs with the pregnancy, and it's all belly. My butt is getting a little rounder, but really, I'm so grateful to be able to live the life I have today ! ! ! I can't count how many messages I receive about loose, wrinkly skin ! ! ! My answer is always the same " YEP, I got it, and you know what , I wouldn't change it for the back fat, and looking like can of Grand's biscuits busting at the seam! ! !" Honestly, who gives a **** about excess skin, and wrinklyness when you aren't slowly dying from obesity. I'm just as vain as the next woman, but let's be realistic, My boobs are deflated, my thighs look like I got beat with a bag of nickels, but I'm healthy, growing another human, and I feel amazing ! ! ! For all of those out there wondering if you should have the sleeve, or what your body is going to look like after surgery, it's a concern, I get it, but it's either live with some loose, wrinkly, flabby skin, or end up in a wooden box from obesity related diseases and conditions. Yeah I live here, it rocks ! ! ! Ohhhhhhh and the big bump ! ! ! I might look like a beached whale to everyone else, but who the hell cares ! ! ! I'm pregnant, wearing a medium regular swimsuit with bikini bottoms ! ! ! NOT a maternity suit either. . . So, ya know what, I'll enjoy every minute of it. I do have to cover up somewhat due to risk of melanoma and must use 50-70 SPF sunscreen so yeah I wear a little netting cover up because I've been picked and prodded so much for skin cancer, and have had more moles removed and sent for path reports than I care to count! ! !

You can sooooooooooooooooo do it chickee ! ! ! I know that it's going to be difficult for me to lose pregnancy weight even though everyone says that it'll be easy. I never realized how my mind had changed so much before pregnancy. All of the food demons that I hear people talking about, the head hunger, the cravings are a very real problem for me in this pregnancy. I never, and I mean never in my first 22 months post-op did I experience the mind issues that I'm facing now. I can only attribute it to the pregnancy, and raging hormones. I have always empathized with those that had tremendous head hunger, and cravings. BUT, now I'm living it, and it's a true struggle that has overwhelmed me. I didn't mean to highjack your topic, but thought I would add my experience to those that are struggling or have struggled. I have no doubt that you will achieve your goal. It'll be work, but it'll be so worth it ! ! !

Yep, same here. Had to have my acrylics removed, and bare toenails. Some people consider it "old school", but I just took it as another precaution.

115lbs in 6.5 months

Same experience here before pregnancy. I am the world's worst morning person. Seriously, I'd rather slice a person's throat than get out of bed in a good mood. I used to sleep 10+ hours and barely function. For the last year or so, everything has changed. I wake up with my husband around 6am, make coffee, take care of our 2 large dogs, switch over laundry, pack his lunch, and then I lounge for a couple of hours. I still enjoy my quiet time in the mornings, and started getting up with him because the kiddo was still asleep and I could have some alone time without the mister or kiddo asking for something. I typically crash out around 11-Midnight, and I'm up and moving by 6pm. I never stop once I'm up and running. I'm typically out of the house no later than 9am, and pack my day full of activities to keep myself busy. My husband says that I lie still, do not snore, and don't have that weird breathing pattern I had while I slept at 270lbs.

Thank you all soooooo very much ! ! !

No your volume, sleeve capacity will change drastically over the coming months. At 2 years out, I can eat 6-8oz of white, flaky fish without issue. My capacity has been the same since I was around 7-8 months out. Right now, your stomach is immensely pissed off, swollen, your nerves have been cut, stapled off, and severely damaged.

It might. I'm not going to rant on about shocking your body by throwing man-made hormones into it, or dropping down to 500 calories a day again. I punished my body enough with up and down yo-yo type stuff. I'm just not a fan so I won't sway you one way or another, but I would really consider what you're body is already enduring, and what your liver is already trying to process before putting it through more. I know that HCG is the newest thing. I have a friend that lost 80lbs on it last year, being supervised by a doctor and all that, to date (she went off in early February) she's gained 60 of it back and is now looking at the sleeve. Doing it for a month should give you some results, I have no doubts in that at all. Just be careful and get it through a reputable source.

True starvation mode is a myth, and has been debunked by hundreds of dieticians and exercise physiologists. Think of the tribes in India and Africa that eat meat primarily, very little to zero carbs, and they aren't dying from starvation. Our bodies have enough fat stores to supply energy for months. I rarely hit over 800 calories a day in my losing stage, and never, I mean NEVER experienced a stall until I got within just a few pounds of being at goal and even then it only lasted around 10 days, then I dropped several pounds dropping me 2 pounds below goal. The difference is if you are burning 1200 calories a day, and only 400 calories at a normal body weight. Think anorexic/bulimic/excessive and obsessive exercisers that have little to zero body fat that are truly starving themselves, there's a big difference when our obese bodies have high percentages of body fat to burn and use for energy. The liver will breakdown the fat to glycogen for energy. Your body be lethargic, and you can feel listless with the huge caloric decrease, and it takes time for the body to adjust. The big difference is staying hydrated, feeding the body nutrients/vitamins via healthy food options that are lean, low calories, healthy fats and Vitamins to ensure proper nutrition that is being absorbed. There is muscle wasting, and other breakdown of body functions if you are truly starving yourself, but going low calorie for short amounts of time is not going to automatically stop or halt your weight loss. Even as I was getting into maintenance, adding in more calories, fats, and carbs, my body still lost weight. It took several months for me to get my loss to stop.

Pre Op /The Op If self pay - What does your fee involve? Is there some follow up care thrown in there, like labs at 3,6,9 and 12 months? Pre op diet � what to eat/drink and how long for? Do I get a nutritionist/psychologist? What size bougie is used? (This is the medical instrument which determines the size of your remaining stomach) Do you oversew the staple line? How many incisions do you make? Do you go in thru previous scars? How many nights in the hospital � is there facility for someone else to stay in my room as well? Do they need to be with me 24/ during my hospital stay? How many leak tests do you do? How many sleeves have you performed? Complication/leak stats? How many if any deaths? Who do I contact if I think I have a problem (most places give out an emergency number)? Is the hospital equipped an ICU and blood bank in case of complications? If complications do happen to occur, are these complications/additional surgery/days in hospital covered by the original quoted price of the surgery? Would you remove my gall bladder at the same time if needed? Can you give me some patient testimonials or do you have any before/after pictures of your patients that I could read/look at? Is it standard operation procedure, ie: no nail polish, no body jewellery? Do I need to stop taking any particular medication pre op? (Take a list of what you take and dosage) Post Op How often are the post op check ups? Where are they? � is price included? What supplements/anti acid drug would I need to take and for how long? Do I need labs done post op? � Are these checked with you or my local doctor? DO I get a dvd of the operation? Post op diet? How much weight would I be expected loose? What if I loose too much, how to maintain? Do you use heparin? � Will I have to inject it myself? How soon after the op can I��drive, swim, work out, lift weights, lift my kids?

Hiatal hernias are very common and often go undiagnosed. Acid reflux or chronic heartburn is a common symptom, and some doctors just treat with RX meds, and neglect to dig deeper into the cause. And, yes, hiatal hernias are extremely common among the obese population. I personally didn't have one, but they are common. If you have an upper GI performed as part of your pre-op requirements, it should be diagnosed before VSG and can be repaired simultaneously.