LAN2k

I know all too well what kind of battle you refer to when you say you think your body has a mind of it's own so-to-speak. I have hypothyroidism too and after the surgery, dropped 30lbs in less than a month. My stomach now reduced to the size of a 3 or 4oz tube...was a shocker! I was also convinced that my body was at war with me and just would not allow my body mass to reduce to lean It hadn't truly occurred to me that it would take me hours to consume a 20 oz size Protein Drink and often I could not drink the entire 20 ounces. I couldn't tolerate the yummy Protein Shakes I had woofed down pre surgery-not in any flavor or consistency--all protein shakes whey, hemp, soy you name it nauseated me, (& still do). I was lucky to find a ready made refrigerated protein drink called Naked-Tropical and it cost me nearly $4.00 per bottle...then after around the 4 month mark they stopped making it so I learned to mix up a scoop of Protein powder in hot morning cereal and/or yogurt. For the first 4.5 months I was grateful to get in 400 calories. Today I manage between 600-800...I have less than 20lbs to reach the weight I was BEFORE I became overweight as an adolescent. Things change drastically with this surgery. Maybe finding an experienced surgeon who would modify the procedure for you could give you the tool you need to curb that ravenous hunger you feel, but the standard sleeve gastrectomy designated for people who are more or less in excess of 100lbs, in my opinion, would ravage you. I feel you will find a solution since you are determined and here seeking out answers from real people who have experience with this particular WL surgery.

I tried babyfood. I bought a bunch of organic baby food in jars and ended up donating it to a local church's foodbank. I did eat some of it though, mainly the fruit,added to yogurt or warm Cereal. I add a scoop of Protein powder from Solgar (whey to Go) vanilla bean to Uncle Bens "Healthy Grain" cream of wheat-1 packet=7gms protein. I still use only half packet but with the level scoop of vanilla whey powder whisked in, it adds an additional 16gm of protein.

So sorry for your trouble. I appreciate you posting the details thus far. Please know that you are in my prayers for a speedy recovery and wellness. I know how hard this must be for you right now but things will get better and eventually your ability to get the nutrition will regulate. Fluids are most important as you know to prevent dehydration. I hope to know more as you progress and are up to it please keep us informed.

I am so glad that you are rethinking having this surgery. Thank you Tiff for being unbiased and truly helpful. Please understand that with this surgery you would not be able to eat a "normal" meal. For the initial few MONTHS, eating is tedious as well as Fluid intake. You would drop 30lbs in weeks and the weight loss would keep going. Eventually, the portions of food increase but still when compared to even a "normal" healthy dietary intake--the sleeve limits the majority of people to about 4 oz of dense food, meats etc. and eventually 6oz give or take a couple of soft/soupy/mushy stuff like warm Cereal, Soup, yogurt. It is a MAJOR change and I fear you would lose just too much weight very quickly and you just don't have that much weight to lose. I'm 7.5 months out of surgery and my starting weight was 232 I'm now 154...still losing. By the 3rd month I was down approx. 70lbs. Even though I had nearly 100lbs to lose, I was really shaken up with my inability to consume enough to stay healthy and for that first couple of months I was terrified at looking at the scale because the loss was so rapid...Although I understand what you are saying, I think this is too drastic a measure for you. I wish you success in finding a way to help yourself.

You are to be commended in doing much research and asking many questions. Hair loss is expected. I personally lost at least a third of my hair. Although it came out in handfuls during a wash etc. Oddly enough the hair lost was evenly distributed around my head. I am 7.5 months out of surgery and the hair loss is about ended. I am hoping that my hair will thicken once again. I have not encountered "dumping". I do not fully enjoy eating however and must eat slowly not to feel too full to eat enough. It seems that many others have little problem enjoying food. Your question about eating later on in life and the potential for malnutrition makes sense to me. As you must already know the gastric "sleeve" per se' has not been around as a weight loss procedure for that many years. You would perhaps benefit by researching the stomach gastrectomy which has been done for decades, performed for health reasons other than weight loss.

I have not heard of that rule but I do know that if I have eaten too much I can NOT take a deep breath or my esophagus feels like it will burst!

I don't think the soda, diet, and/or flat is recommended with the sleeve. I can only tell you what my surgeon and nutritionist told me and that was that all carbonated beverages were not to be had after surgery.

How long has it been since you were "sleeved"? It took me quite a long time before I was able to actually enjoy any food at all. What saved me was an SNRI antidepressant, (and I am not advocating this). The side effect was that it stimulated appetite and for me the timing was right because I'd just not wanted to eat, hardly anything appealed to me. There is one staple in my diet that works well consistently and that is a hot cereal. I buy a brand called Uncle Ben's Cream of Wheat, Multi Grain... I cook it with water and mix in some almond, soy, or hazelnut milk then whisk in a scoop of Solgar Vanilla Bean Whey Powder (Whey To Go). I use a packet of stevia and a swirl of raw blue agave syrup or pure maple syrup. Things were especially easier to eat when I was on the medication but since I've stopped taking it my desire to eat has lessened, but not as severely as earlier out. Soups are good to fall back on when all else fails. Do you like cheese? I like sharp cheddar and some others to nibble on. I do hope that you will find some foods that you will enjoy. Feel better.

Will all those who have any problem or discomfort/distaste for drinking plain water POST surgery please state your case. I have asked my surgeon and nutritionist and they haven't a clue. I would like to pose this dilemma to Dr. Jossart and provide him with the link to this thread to illustrate that many of us have this issue. I am hoping he will be able to give us a satisfactory explanation. Thanks.

Dude...after all the positive responses, we'll be waiting to find out just how things progress with you! (and I've no doubt you'll see...) :thumbup:

It bugs me that some "sleevers" have no issue with water and some do. I am not one to be able to just shrug it off and think "oh well". I figure that something is causing this and would like to know. Ah maybe Dr. Jossart?

7 months out from surgery and I still find drinking plain water distastful and uncomfortable. I too feel it as heavy going in and after I drink it for a few lingering seconds... it just doesn't feel like it should. I have even gone to a local water store where they sell "Kangen" water..9.5 PH...I tried to drink that straight and still get that odd full/heavy feeling. I am using it to mix with Vitamin Water 50/50 (no artificial sweeteners) and can get it in that way (although it does make the Vitamin Water feel a bit heavier going down) Without diluting the Vitamin Water, I can drink a 20 oz bottle in less than an hour and it's smooth. I dilute it so I cut the carbs in half and get more plain water in me. I am hoping that once the really hot weather comes and I sweat that maybe I will be able to drink water straight. If you find out any more on this issue that some of us have with water please let me know. I'm baffled by it and my surgeon is clueless.

Was the hiatal hernia repaired? I don't tolerate artificial sweetener. My surgeon said the sleeve is not like the RNY we can tolerate real sugar. I don't advocate sugar but I use stevia and I drink the regular vitamin waters and dilute each bottle with half water.

Well I'm glad that some people like Isopure. I personally couldn't handle even one sip- I returned about 4 bottles plus the one I opened. I'll be curious to know if they work for you.

You are beautiful inside and out--and I love the entire outfit you pulled together for the formal. What can I say that hasn't been said already? I am so glad you are here to share your experience, strength and hope with us all.

Hang in there BJean...You will feel better each day...Here for you so don't hesitate to ask anything.

It's kind of good that you have an appetite and can eat so early out! It was so different for me. Nearly everything I looked at repulsed me. I'd take it really slow for a while until you are sufficiently healed. At least you know you can look forward to enjoying food, just in smaller portions.

Congratulations it's done! Great to know your doing so well!

Aw well at least your cat's still in the family. That's my "Coco" He's my best buddie even right this moment while sitting here typing he's on my lap staring up at my face-LOL-he acts like a dog really. Thanks!

So sorry you are having some complications. I hope that your recovery will be speedy and with ease. Praying for your comfort and wellness...

Congrats Wendy, welcome to the world of sleeve!

Prayer and best wishes to you BJean...may your surgery be uneventful and recovery smooth.

Another great one from you Tiff...thanks.

Tiff thanks for putting up that excerpt-I will bring it with me to educate my surgeon...(I'm not kidding). I think he sort of lumps the sleeve with the rny and figures it's a safer bet to say no to nsaids.

My nutritionist was not too concerned about carbs with me since I was struggling to get in even 400 calories the first 3 months at least! She did tell me to steer clear of rice, bread, pasta, etc. because they would swell up in my sleeve. I use stevia to sweeten my coffee and I drink decaff, mostly. I found a delicious vanilla-caramel tea in case your interested by Biglow. I add a little Silk organic Soy Milk or Almond Milk and one packet of stevia and I get the same satisfaction as if I were drinking a latte from Starbucks--hardly a carb in that.