jaxmom

Hey duckydoom! I'm a former bandster. I had it for 6 years, went from 197 to 162. (I'm 5 foot on a good day FYI ) My band broke and I had a regain (also had full knee replacement and foot surgery that had me scooter bound for 3 months- boo!!!!) My surgeon discovered my broken band while trying to do a fill. I freaked out and he told me not to worry, he would remove band and create a sleeve. He did less than 2 months later. I was a self pay for my band in the Dominican Republic but insurance (blue cross) covered removal/sleeve. I had an extensive amount of scar tissue from the band and was a little tender after surgery but recovery was very quick and easy. It's been almost 6 weeks and I feel great. I'm losing at a slower pace than some but the good people here on this website say not to compare yourself to others. They also say hide your scale when you encounter a stall and concentrate on fluids and Protein. I was 177 on surgery day, last time I weighed myself I was 159. I feel like I did when I played rugby in college. Full of energy and loving life. The good news is I'm all grown up now (sigh) and not partying like I was then. ;) Overall I am thrilled with my surgery and feel very lucky to have this website to turn to for help and support. If you have any questions, feel free to ask. I would love to help someone as much as I've been helped here. Good luck with your journey. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

Hey JoeVegas... Gulp. Your post made me have a lump in my throat... I completely understand the dunes. I've seen them myself. They are horrible. It's not an easy thing to talk about because not everyone in the world understands the pain of unseen barriers. I think you it's amazing and brave that you are taking the steps by having this surgery to get on the beach. And you will. I can't wait to watch your process and can't wait to see the pictures from the beach of the deck. Have faith. You so can do this. Check out some of the amazing stories members have shared. It's not always easy and does take a lot of commitment but it sounds like you have the right mindset and motivation. Thank you so much for sharing and keep us posted with your surgery date. Take care. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

Hey there!!! I had 2 c sections and for me, they were way more uncomfortable than the sleeve surgery and took longer to recover from. My sleeve pain was very mild and I was back on my feet running around town 4 or 5 days after surgery. I'm now 5 and 1/2 weeks out and other than the restriction I would never know I had surgery. LipstickLady is right about the gas pain... That's what usually surprises the people the most- ouch! The quicker you move the faster it feels better. Good luck and take care! Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

Congrats!!!! Keep up the good work. You must feel fantastic. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

@@KindaFamiliar Heh. Also, great song quote. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

Ahhhhhhhhhhhh!!!!!!!! What????! They did what to me??? I could have lived my whole life without knowing this!! I'm one of those people who when I go to a doctors office I request a room "with the least amount of icky graphic charts." I just can't. I prefer to think I'm stuffed... Like a teddy bear... Or possibly have a center like a fancy boxed chocolate- thick peanut buttery goodness inside me. Maybe raspberry jam. Yep. I know some of you are shaking your heads but really, this life of denial has worked just great for me. I've had so many surgeries (knee replacement, foot, back, lap band now sleeve) and I have an impressive thick folder of X-rays to show for it. It's all freaks me out. I do like the word bougie though and French bougie sounds downright awesome.. Kinda like a donut! "I'll have a croissant and 2 French bougies to go please." Ummmmm.... Donut... (That was Homer Simpson, not me. My inner voice says Ummmm.... Mango salsa and a glass of Pinot griot...) Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

Woah. Ok all of these are genius ideas and are now in screenshot form so I can refer to them in the future. Can you explain what you tell the sushi guy? Oh and btw... I have created a folder on my phone just of your ideas... Thankyouthsnkyouthankyou Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

Oh man I loved phentermine!!!! I had so much energy I could clean, clean for days... Shoot I would have cleaned the neighbors houses if they didn't think I was so bat shit crazy with my excessive chatter. That was one of the problems I had with it- I could not shut up. I'm a pretty happy person anyway but phentermine turned me into a full on Disney character- my family was not at all happy with this. I also couldn't sleep and that started getting old. The worst part is your body does get used to it and when it does, the party is over. Your appetite resumes and for me, it did with a vengeance. Ate that little Disney character right into something evil. Again, my family was not happy. I had weight loss surgery for a permanent solution to eating issues and I feel great. My house isn't as clean but my family is VERY happy. La la la! Good luck!!!! Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

That everyone loses at a different pace and not to get discouraged if at first you don't show huge lb drops on the scale. To echo another member, the tape measure is a great tool to judge your success. Stick to your program and everything will be fine. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

Welcome Matt! You have come to the right place if you are seeking guidance, support and personal experiences. I am a revision patient (from lap band to sleeve) on April 20, 2016 so I'm still kind of a newbie. As a newbie, maybe I can give you some of my initial experiences and others can pick up along the way... The surgery part- For me, was very easy. In the hospital weds, out Thursday, felt the usual soreness and gas pains (those hurt more than anything!). It's tricky at first getting in your fluids but each day gets easier. I was back on my feet pretty normal by Monday- errands, gardening, dog park. I felt the more I moved the better I felt so I just kept moving. I haven't really stopped since! I'm lucky in that for some reason, this surgery game me a HUGE burst of energy. I think a huge part was mental- I wake up each day and think "oh my goodness... It's real! I have a sleeve!" Because to me the sleeve equals a tool to help take control of my life. It's by NO means a quick or easy fix to weight issues- it's a tool that you need to learn to work properly. There are lots of people here who can offer support and advice when you need it. Listen to your doctor and do what your team tells you. Your doctor knows you. He's doing your surgery. Follow his instructions. You will find that doctors orders vary enormously- it's almost funny at times. But you can't pick and chose things from other people's plans and try them all out. Someone on here has the motto "You do you". It's great advice. Don't compare your weight loss to others. Everyone loses at different rates. It can be discouraging to see people who had surgery the same time as you post numbers bigger than yours. We are all different- weights, exercise levels, etc. Again, your focus should be on you. Finally, I'm sure you are a smart guy since you are diligently doing your homework. That's a sign you are headed in the right direction. Go over all your post surgery stuff NOW and see what your team says to avoid. If it's coffee, soda, fruit, whatever, if you are loving it now, learn to say goodbye to it before you have your surgery. It's much easier if you wean yourself early on from the no no stuff. Don't wait. Start now. I'm sure you will have lots of folks give you great advice. And remember that's what this is- advice. Your doctor always knows best but you can't beat the kind of support you will find here. You will also find tough love which is just as important! It's also good if you have a good support system surrounding you. You can tell no one or share with the world but those in the know should understand what this surgery entails and how you need to commit to it 100%. I sincerely wish you the best of luck. Keep us posted and if I can help in any way, just ask! Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

Jacksonville, Florida. :) Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

Incredibly well said. I'm sure the OP appreciates your help. Have a great holiday weekend. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

Maybe the OP had not fully connected with her NUT or her NUT wasn't as knowledgable as other members have been lucky enough to to work with. This forum is a place to share. It's a place to learn. This site can be a lifeline for those who are still struggling with the masses of info you get in this life altering experience. I admire the OP for reaching out, wanting to get it right. I think the "do what your NUT says" response is flippant and rude. I'm a newbie but I've seen it thrown out there at times. Every time I see it I think "why?" Isn't it assumed that that's what any person who is going thorough the process does first, ask their NUT? If don't have a helpful suggestion, why even bother typing "ask your NUT?" Hopefully a veteran poster can steer this person in the right direction to get the info she needs. I wish I could help, but I'm not to the solid stage yet. When I am I will be seeking expert info here. Thanks to all of the posters who take their time and are so generous with their knowledge. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

Meh. I'm already driving that party bus. It's ok. All the best people are clearly headed there with me. It will be a fabulous party. With glitter and horns. (The kind on your head and the kind you blow.) I call shot gun!!!!!!! Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

No!!!! No reminders of Steven King stuff it's almost night night time!!!! Great now I'm going to have to look at pictures of kittens on Pinterest or I will think of that movie that terrified me... And Pet Cemetery... Ahhhhh!!!! All the lights on, must be something to clean, let's get tv going, little noise... Gulp. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

Lucky you!! How much weight have you lost, if you don't mind me asking? I know we aren't suppose to focus on the scale number but I'm averaging about a pound a day. I feel it's all in my face and not my body lol. I guess I need to just be patient it'll be easier when I notice differences in my size clothing though. I forgot to weigh myself the day of my surgery so the closet starting weight I have is that week before I was 221. Now I'm down to 207. When I first started the program 4 months ago I was at 237 but lost the first 16lbs on my own just by limiting my carbs and sugar. Sent from my SM-N920T using the BariatricPal App I've lost 17 pounds.... i thought it would be much more than that.... but i remind myself that i tried losing that by diet and exercise and lost barely anything. I know from when i had the band, i didn't lose much the first month, most of my weight loss occured month 3... so i have to be patient Hey Aussiegirl- I was sleeved on 4/20 as well, revised from a band. How ya doing? Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

Please put me on the call list for drama too. I love a good online fight... As long as I'm not part of it. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

Ooooooo do it!!! And when you go on tour to promote your book I will be your assistant and fetch you Protein shakes. We could hit all the major cities and meet up with all the amazing people on this website. Hey and I wonder if you could get a big advance and use it to buy us clothes to wear on tour? And pretty shoes and purses. Makeup and accessories. Squeeeeee!!! Pushy little thing, aren't I? ;) It's so much fun to dream... Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

@@heather5565 When does your book come out? I want a copy!! Seriously, I've looked and there aren't a lot of options for guidance. Your attitude and delivery are awesome. Get typing girl! Oh and thank you... This list was a gift to a newbie like myself. The other veterans adding to is was icing on the cake. Oooooooo cake....... Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

I LOVE your posts pitbullgrl!!! I especially loved the one of the things you have learned- so helpful for a newbie like me. I took a screenshot of it so I can refer to it as needed. Your updates are fantastic- please keep us posted!! Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

My evil scale just got a pardon. I was ready to commit it to a watery grave (the pool) but it decided to actually go DOWN in numbers- finally! I had revision from a band to a sleeve on April 20th and for the last week had been stuck in the dreaded stall. Thanks to the wonderful advice of the members on this site I kept to plan- Protein, fluids and exercise. So here we go- this is the first time I'm posting actual numbers.... Surgery weight- 177 Current weight- 159 Goal weight- 140 I can honestly say this surgery has changed my life. I have unbelievable energy and feel fantastic. My kids are loving the mom that plays badminton in the evenings and da hubby loves that I want to run errands instead relying on my team of monkey butlers from Amazon to deliver things to my door. Yey me!! I know that there will be some hard work down the road but I'm glad that there is this site to keep me motivated and inspired. My scale just snickered at me... Yep it's still a jerk. The battle is ON!! Take care everyone. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

Hummmmmm.... That's a good question. There is definitely a different feeling. With the band I always had a "stuck" feeling when I swallowed, now I have a "full" sensation in my stomach. I liked my band, had it for 6 years before it gave out and during that time I changed my relationship with food. That being said, it was a pain. Fills, finding the green zone, and oh the fun time my germy kids brought home norovirus for Thanksgiving. Violent throwing up and bands do not make holiday fun. AT ALL. I'm thrilled with the sleeve and my weight loss but it's hard when I see other members numbers going down so rapidly. Ive read that revision patients lose slower, but I'm not sure that's true. It's all about calories in and getting my exercise on. I'm going to stay the course and keep on keeping on. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

Heeeeeeeeee!!!!! I'm so glad someone brought this up. I eagerly scrolled through looking for your response. As usual, priceless. Frog swallowing... Heh. Thankyouthankyouthankyouthankyou LipstickLady. So fun. :) Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

I can't agree more with the awesome posters above- and btw, these people know their stuff!!! I'm still a newbie (sleeve April 20th) but I can honestly tell you this: I wake up every day thrilled with my decision. The only thing that makes me sad is that I didn't do it sooner. I had done every diet in the book several times. Losing was easy, but there was always the horrible regain. I too had a lower BMI going in to surgery and am losing slower than some, but it's a great feeling knowing that those lbs may not come back. I had a knee replacement at 40 that never got 100% better. Guess what? It's finally getting better!!! I feel like I gave myself and my family a huge gift. That being said, the sleeve is tool. It alone won't solve all your problems with diet. You need to commit to putting in the work in your mind. But you can do this! As for other people's thoughts... Why even tell them? Read some of the great one liners for responding to people who ask too much. My personal favorite is the person who tells people they lost the weight through acupuncture and hypnosis. Awesome! This is about YOU. Don't forget that and best of luck. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

@@FrankiesGirl posted I think the big thing to realize is that exercise doesn't have to be boring, a chore, or hard work. It is much better if you can find something you enjoy and want to do - feel excited about getting to do - so you keep doing it. What sort of things did you like to do as a kid? Bike? Play a sport? Rollerskate? Climb trees (rockclimbing)? Swim? Go find out if it's something you still might like to do... you do not have to be good at it - just go have fun! ~ End Quote I love this so much!!!! It's so true, exercise does not have to be a bore or a chore. When we combine it with something we love it loses the "work" aspect and become something to look forward to. I love to kayak because I love spying on nature... And fancy fishermen with overpriced gear who have no idea what they are doing and then get their lines caught in tree limbs and say lots of bad bad words and HA! thats proof they have no business being on the Water in the first place and.... Oh wait. I'm sorry. Where was I? Oh yeah. Combining exercise with a hobby you have is a great idea. Even if it just feeds your inner nosy Mrs. Kravitz. Heh Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App