Malaika

Truthfully, I am not sure what causes the hernia - I guess I've never cared enough to research it and am glad that Dr. Aceves repaired it. I am doing fine, just had to learn how to deal with the spasming and I finally figure that out. Bearded and I are thinking of going to Hawaii for our honeymoon - any suggestions? Don't worry about being turned around - you're doing fine - and it will get easier as time goes on. We're just glad you're here!

that's one of the things that goes down easily for both Bearded and I - either ham and cheese roll-ups or turkey and cheese rollups -- sometimes I use cheddar cheese and sometimes I use laughing cow -- I found it the other day in french onion - it's yummy. When Ruthi was here, we thought about mixing the laughing cow with ricotta and seeing if it tasted like french onion dip--just never got around to it, so maybe I'll give that a try tomorrow.

I had a bone density test about 9 months ago and it was perfect and the calcium on my labs showed up as normal, so I think I am getting enough calcium in the foods I eat - I'll continue to have the bone density test annually and the labs done every 3-6 months and if either show a change, then I'll start taking calcium. Exercise helps alot, too!

A Thinner Me - welcome to the VST family. Congratulations on making your decision and getting a date. You did the right thing on your pre-op diet when you realized you ate a hot dog - you didn't just say well I've screwed up so why bother, you just acknowledged it and moved on - that is the best attitude now and afterwards - everyone makes mistakes, you just can't let it defeat you. Remember that this is a short-term thing, as is the liquids phase of the post-op diet - it's the long term you need to have your eye on the prize~!

Hi Cathy and welcome to the VST family. I'm glad you were able to get the sleeve instead of the band - I didn't have the band, but there are several on here who have and most, not all, but most, don't have anything good to say about it.

I would seek counseling on this issue as it's going to happen and with the sleeve you will have a hard time to gain the weight back - but why would you want to - find the reason for the fact that you're uncomfortable NOW so that when it happens, you'll be prepared. Maybe Norma can help you-she's having her surgery today I think, so it might be a bit before she posts. You could always PM here.

Yes, it just depends on what coast or time zone you are in - just keep trying, you'll eventually catch someone in there.

I didn't have any nauseau from the surgery - however, I do have acid reflux - which I had before the surgery. Generally the surgeon likes you to be on Nexium or something along those lines for at least 3 months until the stomach realizes it is smaller and doesn't have to produce as much acid as if it were a full-sized stomach - eventually the acid production levels out.

That's an AWESOME idea Cajun - I think I will look for something like that next year - all kids like stickers and they get so much candy it'll be a nice change -- thanks for putting that out there!

They are titanium and they stay there forever - eventually tissue grows over them and you they won't even be seen on xrays - since they are titanium, there's no issue with MRIs, CT-scans or going through any type of security, like at the airport.

We must have bought the same bag of candy Shanda (well, not the SAME bag, but you know what I mean!) I gave in and took a Twix bar - I didn't even enjoy it so wasn't the least bit tempted to have another ... now Bearded on the other hand .......

Dale Welcome to VST - we're glad you decided to join us - it's a great big family here and we're here to help you in any way we are capable. Don't worry overly about the slip-up with the sandwich - pre-op diets are difficult and everyone slips up now and again - the important thing is you recognized it and are aware of it - so put it behind you and next time make a better choice--that is what this surgery is about - not dieting the rest of your life, only making better choices in what you put into your body. Keep us posted on your progress and if you have other questions, ask away!

Natural Vegetable Juices ( example Carrot, V-8 juice ) Protein drinks mixed with water ( example Matrix ) Whey Nectar Protein Mix Cream soups Yogurt Jello-O Boiled pureed fruit ( example apple, pear) applesauce Watermelon, papaya or melon in small pieces Low fat milk 1 or 2% Water, Propel, tea Soy beverages Sugar free pudding Protein shakes and protein powders mixed with milk Soft food should be the consistency of a thick liquid ( no chunks or solid material ) and it should be chewed very well before swallowing until it is a liquid consistency ) Tofu Low fat cottage cheese Cereal Oatmeal Precooked pureed rice Low fat Yogurt Yogurt mixed with fruit very well blended Cream soups Eggs Boiled pureed fruit ( example pear, apple ) Watermelon, papaya or melon in small pieces Boiled pureed vegetables Beans

Judy - I too agree with Tiff and others - this is just a speed bump and you'll get over it in no time - it is good they found out your BP was so high and didn't go through with surgery as you could stroke out - everything happens for a reason, even if we don't understand the reasons why. Get your BP under control - and with medication I am sure it won't take long - and then you'll be in tip-top shape for your surgery. Keep us posted!

I use gummy multi-vitamins (Costco carries ones for adults; however I am taking children's right now - I just take 3 instead of 1). I also take B12 suspension that I found at Wal-Mart (thanks to OregonDaisy) and they taste really good. Other than that, I am not taking any other vitamins as my doctor did all types of blood work and my labs all came back great.

Hi RYCurtis and welcome to VST. Congratulations, too, on your surgery -- I know what you mean about the liquid stage - it is really tough to follow - each stage gets easier though and before you know it, you'll be eating solids -- just start out slow - and with small portions - you'll be amazed how little it will take to fill you up and make you satisfied.

well, I would have been if I'd seen this post this morning instead of at 4 today - LOL ... maybe tomorrow morning ...

I decided on the sleeve vs. the band after attending a seminar and then doing research on my own. I didn't like the idea of having a foreign object placed inside of me and all the after care that would be required along with the band. I don't know of anyone who is sorry to have had the sleeve; however, I know LOTS of people who have been sorry they had the band - and several of them are on this forum - and I am sure they will pipe in with their opinions.

I returned to work one week following my surgery and other than being tired at the end of the day, it wasn't a big deal, but then I have a desk job. I'm sure the more strenuous the job, the more time you'll need off work. And, btw - WELCOME TO VST!

Pennie - Welcome to VST and congratulations on your upcoming surgery - we are glad you joined our "family" and we'll be here to give you support, answer your questions and listen to your stories.

We went to the bank yesterday and they gave us candy - 2 candy bars (mini-size) - Bearded ate the Hershey and I took the crunch - omg - it was so sickening sweet I thought I was going to gag -- I took water and swished it around and around in my mouth to get the taste out -- I told Bearded -- DON'T EVER LET ME DO THAT AGAIN! I'm almost 5 months out and I still can't stand anything sweet -- I hope it lasts a lifetime!

Deb - First, let me say welcome to the VST family. Second, don't ever be afraid to post anything or ask any questions, no one will judge you - everyone has questions and the only way you learn, is to ask. As for the stomach cancer issue - if you have stomach cancer and they need to remove your stomach - no matter what size the stomach is, you can still live a long and normal life -- you don't have to have a stomach to eat or live. Not only was the VSG surgery my first elective surgery -- it was my first major surgery of any type. The only other surgery I had had was bilateral carpal tunnel 15 years ago and I was awake (sort of) for that. Getting the sleeve was the best thing I ever did to finally put me on the road to taking off my weight and keeping it off - that is always the difficult part - keeping it off. I understand your concern with having elective surgery; however, in the realm of things, this is a relatively safe surgery and it's amazing how quick you recover.

Okalani - check out the thread "Dr. Aceves' information" - there is a list of things to eat at various stages in the pre-op diet- may help give you some ideas. Also, check out the recipe section - I posted one for egg drop soup that is really good and tasty - plus there are other ideas as well.

JENN - that is so ABSOLUTELY WONDERFUL ... I am so very happy for you -- and your DH sounds absolutely wonderful.

Sam-I-Am -- welcome to VST; we're happy you decided to come out of hiding and join us. Congratulations on your surgery. I know how frustrating it is to feel things are "stuck" - I had that "feeling" for the 1st month and finally had a fluroscopy done and lo-and-behold, it wasn't my imagination at all -- it actually was getting "stuck" due to esophogeal spasming. My surgeon told me to stay on mushies an extra 6 weeks. Also, I've figured out that if I stick to warm liquids in the morning, it helps relax the restriction and helps with the spasming. I am now almost 5 months out and I still have the spasming; however, it has gotten better and like I said, I've learned to work with it instead of against it. Try warm liquids before eating anything and see if that helps. Keep us posted!