pnw218

Congrats on your success! It is great to hear from someone who is 2 years out! Thanks for popping back in with your update!

We are allowed to have some fruit; I think cantelope is one of the lowest in calories and carbs. Personally, I think moderation is the key. Have a few pieces as a snack or at the end of a meal. Keep track of your calories, etc - and see how you do. This guideline allows for fruit: http://www.cornellweightlosssurgery.org/pdf/dietary_guidelines_sleeve_gastrectomy.pdf good luck!

It does get frustrating at times. I guess we just have to be thankful that we did have less to lose - even tho we will reach goal at about the same time! : ) Except for the first week, I have overall averaged about 2 lbs per week, however the last month or two has been very slow - probably half that. On the bright side, I am wearing smaller clothes even tho the scale is moving slowly. I do feel better, have much less back pain and am sleeping better. I started with the cpap machine soon after surgery - and hope to give it up after six months or so when my weight has stabilized. When the scale gets stuck, I will switch to Protein shakes instead of meals. Or I will go the other way and add a few hundred more calories for a few days. Usually shakes up the body a little and the scale moves. I like the Premier chocolate Protein Shakes from costco. 11 oz, 160 calories, 30 protein. I would like to lose my last 20 pounds by August 18th - the 6 month point, however I am happy with my progress. I was able to resume physical activity a month or so ago and for the past couple of weeks, have been doing weights and conditioning with the high school volleyball team. I was so sore! So many muscles were in shock! LOL I feel better and that keeps me motivated. (I was on restrictions due to 4 bulging disks in my back, not surgery) I used to run a quarter mile in 60.3 seconds. Took me over 2.5 minutes the other day! UGH! ok, I am 30 years older but really, 2.5 minutes??? I even ran 3/4 of it! ok, barely jogged but I was moving. haha! Stalls happen, our bodies are adjusting, we just have to be patient. I thought I would start losing more when I got back to exercising but that hasn't happened. I don't feel like I am eating any different - but after 4 days of intensive workouts, I may have to up calories or something cause I have been exhausted : ) Picking a "real" goal weight can be a crap shoot. I would love to lose at least 10-15 more, getting down into the 120's would be a bonus. Buying a size 6 pair of Levis yesterday, when I started out wearing a size 16? I am pretty darn happy now! Keep at it. If you are consuming 550-750 calories or even a bit more than that, the weight will come off. Most of us used to eat more than that every single meal! Below is the link to the guidelines I used - for the most part. http://www.cornellweightlosssurgery.org/pdf/dietary_guidelines_sleeve_gastrectomy.pdf

I didn't have any noticeable swelling and by the time I got home (day 3 post op), I was already in a smaller size of jeans! I didn't feel like I had lost any weight, but when I weighed on the morning of day 4, I was down over 10 pounds. When I had a tummy tuck tho in 2007, the swelling from that lasted for weeks. For me, that was a much more difficult surgery with a cut from hip to hip. The sleeve was a lap surgery and very few discomforts at all. If you have a pair of sweats, yoga pants or something similar, you should be fine. I like the danskin pants from Walmart. Inexpensive and comfy in the waistband. good luck! I hope your surgery and recovery goes smoothly! it is an amazing surgery!

I ditto what Kathy said ... to both posters. Just because they had alot of education, doesn't make them nice people. Unfortunately, sometimes they put themselves on a pedastal and sometimes we put them on pedastals. Do you have any other options? I get that sometimes tough love must be used, but I'm not sure it was necessary in your case. Especially when you say you are 237 and 5'5"??? Good grief. According to my insurance, with a BMI under 40, you don't even qualify for surgery unless you have other health problems!! The sleep study is a good thing. I never even realized I could have sleep apnea. I have never had an issue with surgeries and was overweight for several of the nine, altho it can happen. I have been using a cpap machine for over 3 months and I am feeling better. Less tired during the day and better in the mornings. If you qualify to get one, try to have your dr prescribe one that is auto adjusting for pressure. If not, you will need to have yours adjusted as you lose weight. In another 10 or 20 pounds, I will have my pressure needs recalculated and then they might put me on a set pressure instead of the auto. Most of us have an issue with food or we wouldn't be where we are. If I could have better controlled my eating, I obviously wouldn't have needed surgery! It is amazing how insensitive people are - especially those who are trained to help us be healthier. good luck to you! if you have to deal with this guy to get the surgery, do it. You will succeed - it seems almost impossible not to : )

You will be fine : ) In the beginning, it took me an hour to get 2 ounces down! Then you factor in the down drink too soon before or after, and I could never get the fluids in. It was a mad circle. You will get better every day and it will get easier. Promise! I found Premier chocolate Protein shakes at costco. They were about $22 for 18?? Each one is 11 oz, 160 calories and 30 protein! Those made a huge difference for me! I have one almost every morning and sometimes again later in the day. Tonite - I had a late snack so haven't had dinner. I might have one now before bed. Also - I just had complete lab work done a couple of weeks ago. Everything was just fine except for Vitamin D, which was a little low. Keep in mind that the sun doesn't shine here in the PNW very often : ) I am on an RX for Vit D for 12 weeks, by then, the sun should be out for our two weeks of summer. LOL Do what you can now - don't stress out and get a little exercise. It will all come together : )

I am sorry to hear about the delay. That must be very frustrating! Stay proactive. You are your own best advocate. Vitamin D was the only item low on my recent lab work. I am also taking that mega dose for 12 weeks. At least it is only once a week and the pill is a pretty blue. LOL I have seen others post about having a large liver and it does seem to correct itself quickly. good luck and hang in there! I don't have any patience so can appreciate how frustrating this is to you!

well, they all have to start somewhere! I don't know if a video and watching someone else is good or not, don't know if they start out practicing on donated bodies or real live ones : ) I am sure since he is newer, you would be watched carefully. To me, it seems that he might even be more cautious than a dr who has done hundreds of surgeries - the latter might be the ones who get a little lax and make a mistake here or there. The 300 rny's impresses me. If that was less than 10, I might be concerned. Good luck with your decision!

Addicted here! : ) I weigh every morning but not again the rest of the day. Seems most people go up alittle as the day goes on. Some days it is down a little in the morning, then it might pop back up for a day or two, then down again. So long as it stays 2 steps forward and 1 step back, I am fine with it. Weighing once a week or even longer might be better, but I would be pretty bummed if the one day I weighed was one of those up days instead of a down day! LOL My scale has hardly moved recently but I bought a smaller size of jeans today. If you haven't taken your measurements, I would suggest doing that. I was shocked to find out that I had lost 40 inches the last time I checked! Keep a list of NSV (non scale victories). Those will keep up your spirits when the scale disappoints! Good luck!

Congrats Angie! I am looking forward to normal also! At the rate you are losing, it won't be long! I have snacks once in a while also. I haven't lost much weight recently but went down another size in jeans. Can't really explain that one - but so long as the clothes get smaller, I am happy! Congrats again!

Congrats! This is an amazing surgery! I could not lose weight on my own - this has definitely been a Godsend! Hopefully you will be very surprised and happy when you get weighed next at your doctor's office! It is so easy to get addicted to the scale; I can't put mine away! I will be out of town next week for about 5-6 days and won't weigh on any other scales - so will go thru a little withdrawals : ) Hope your recovery goes smoothly!

First, congrats on your surgery! The first couple of days are the worst. You will feel better every day. Everyone is different, like Christie said, but the sooner you get back to a normal schedule, the better you should feel. By two weeks, I felt normal and would have to remind myself that I had surgery, especially when I was eating or drinking! : ) Did you travel for surgery or were you able to stay close to home? For sleeping, I used extra pillows. When I laid on my side, I would put a pillow between my knees as well as along the side of my body to support my stomach. It really made a difference. If I was laying on my back, I put a pillow under my legs from the knees down. Took some pressure off my abdomen. Good luck! Hope your recovery goes smoothly!

Samantha! That is amazing! Congrats on your success! How do you feel? Like a totally different person? I hope you continue to lose and the last 70 pounds goes quickly!

Fab ~ I have not passed you up! LOL You have lost 20 pounds more than me! : ) Hi Maria .... I am glad my experience provided you with some helpful info. I made the decision to have surgery fairly quickly and fortunately, have not had any regrets. My surgery was $5300 plus travel from Seattle to San Diego and a hotel room in SD the night I arrived. The driver picked me up from the airport the next morning. So about $6000 all together. Definitely money well spent! Dr. A removes about 80% of the stomach. I don't remember specifically what size it is now. I am still limited to about 2-4oz of food at a time, depending on what I am eating. It is frustrating to get full so quickly but I am getting used to it. I was also leaning towards the lapband and am so grateful I changed my mind! My stomach is doing great, I am exercising regularly and basically eat what I want. My weight loss has been slow and steady; certainly not at the fast pace of those with higher starting BMI's - however I am happy. TODAY I bought a pair of size 6 Levis!!!! Truly amazing. Started in a size 16; 4 months later I am in a 6. I would like to lose 10-20 more pounds however just firming up the hips, tush and thighs would be great too. I am still surviving the weight conditioning with the high school team! Barely somedays tho! Slept 10 hours the other night. LOL I may need to increase Protein, calories or something to keep up. In the meantime, it feels really good!

congrats on your surgery Kevin! You will feel better every day! By two weeks, I felt normal - except the food part! : ) val ~ I also had surgery on my birthday! Decided it was a great way to celebrate! hope you both continue to do well!

Another milestone! 6-26-2010 149.4!! I did have a little help getting there tho! I have had a flu bug for a couple of days. The nausea has been horrible. Ate very little the last 2 days and dropped a full pound : ) Still struggling to even get down a Protein shake but planning to walk the local farmers market today and run the stairs at the high school stadium this afternoon. Figure I have to do something this weekend or Monday will be rough! Getting closer to that "normal" BMI. Just under 5 pounds to go!

It will be all very well worth it when it is done! There are definitely alot of mixed emotions in the final days. I wouldn't change it now tho at all. Very happy I had the surgery! Hoping your travel, surgery and recovery goes smoothly!

I remember that time very clearly! I found that popsicles were a life saver. There are healthier lo cal ones too. Being able to hold the ice in my mouth longer than a sip seemed to help. Eventually, you will be able to take big drinks. I can now and it is wonderful! Good Luck!

And ITA with Mini! The measurements are very encouraging or pay attention to your clothes. Even tho my weight loss is on a lower level than some, I have been going thru sizes like crazy.

This link will give you calorie counts, etc and some meal plans. Hope it helps! http://www.cornellweightlosssurgery.org/pdf/dietary_guidelines_sleeve_gastrectomy.pdf I had to shake things up a bit at times. Either added calories or went back to Protein Shakes only for a few days. Seemed to work. It does get frustrating but hang in there ~ you can't help but lose with so few calories. The body is just adjusting and storing for winter : )

It is exciting! I would absolutely do it again! I still dislike it that I had to take such drastic measures, but being thin again is wonderful! I will post a link to my entire experience at the end. Feel free to private message any other questions you might want to ask : ) 1. Who was your surgeon .... see below. I had a great experience. I also went down with another gal two months later for her surgery. Nothing to complain about. 2. How do I get the ball rolling- how do I approach my doctor, what do I need to ask for? If you have insurance, check that first. See if you have coverage. If not, then decide if you will do it locally or in Mexico. In my area, it is about $25k cash. I spent $6k counting airfare, hotels, etc. My insurance would not cover because my BMI was 33, not 35 - even tho I had back issues and sleep apnea. I needed to gain 40 pounds (LOL) and do a one year dr supervised diet/exercise program. I was too old for that! : ) 3. I have never had "major" surgery before- like I've been put under for a leep-cone procedure before, and I've done natural child birth, but what do I expect physically? How bad does it hurt after and for how long? This was my 9th surgery. The first day or two was lousy (nausea, pain from being intubated). Pretty typical. By late the 2nd day I was much better. On day 3, I flew home. Walked thru the airport, no problem. Went grocery shopping when I got home. Never took another pain med. I have a high pain tolerance apparently; delivered three 9lb babies without meds. Stay positive, get up, move around. 4. I've read that recovery is quite exhausting, and that it's hard to cope with so few calories (energy wise). I'm already tired all the time- When does the energy come back? I moved to mushies and full liguids early - in the first week. Wasn't so much hunger as weak. Once I started eating, I was good. Went back to work on day 4. I was back to a regular schedule and feeling great within the first two weeks. 5. What about all the EXTRA SKIN? Is there a way to help that without more surgery later? You can certainly have cosmetic surgery when you are done losing weight for most parts of your body. I think the upper arms is the most difficult surgery wise. There is a gal here tho that just posted her photos and her arms look great!! Someone will remember her name; I will try to find it too. 6. What about hair LOSS!? I like to pretend I'm not vain, but that might be a bit hard to take, how do I cope with the inevitable hair loss? Yep. It happened at 3.5 months. Fortunately, I started with very thick hair so will probably survive. It is annoying tho. If your hair starts out thinner, I can see it being very frustrating. Supposedly it will grow back. I even took prenatals thinking that would give me lots of extra vitamins! LOL Kinda embarrassing to be in the store buying prenatals at 49 tho ..... 7. Beer? Can I have beer? It's my FAVORITE summertime treat, but it's fizzy and I haven't been able to find much on alcohol consumption... This is certainly not a "deal breaker", but I'm curious :scared0: Yes!! It will take a little while but I was having sips and small drinks around a month or so. 8. I've seen several posts and responses about how to cope with eating out and in public, does it ever "feel" normal again? I mean, will it stop feeling strange that I can barely eat half a slice of pizza? (that's assuming I can tolerate the cheese and the pepperoni and the sauce...) Eating out stinks. Well, for me at this point it still does. Depends on what I am eating but I am still very limited quantity wise. I get full but still want more. It is getting easier tho and just means I get 3 or 4 meals out of each dining out plate. I can eat pretty much anything I want tho. 9. The puking and dehydration.... Um, does EVERYBODY struggle with that? Is it FOREVER? Haven't had either issue at all. I had a difficult time getting in the fluids in the beginning - trying to schedule between meals. Not on a strict schedule now just back to "normal". Just had labs checked with primary dr and all was good except Vit D. Of course, I live in the PNW and the sun hasn't been out forever!! haha! 10. Finally, is there anything else I should know? Do your research. Make your own decision. Don't tell too many family and friends. You will get tired of explaining yourself. I told 3 people before surgery. And many totally don't get it. So many people only know about the bypass and the bad stuff. It is an amazing tool! Good Luck! Here is my experience link: http://verticalsleevetalk.com/tell-your-story/3651-mexico-bust.html

I was not so hungry post op but weak. I only lasted a few days on clears - and actually, only 2 days cause the first two days after surgery I had zero by mouth, until the yucky purple stuff for the leak test. LOL I had mostly clears on day three, by days 4 and 5 - I was moving into full liquids, later that week it was mashed potatoes, yogurt, cottage cheese, etc. I had to have more substance to feel better. Everything settled just fine - so long as I didn't eat too much or too fast. I had talked to a nurse who also had surgery at the same time as I did. The drs she worked with said that she was fine to move on to mushies so long as it was tolerated. Everyone is different. I certainly don't advocate eating something that is going to damage your stomach (crunchy, seeds, etc) however there are also doctors and plans that allow for a larger variety of foods. I have read posts here from patients who had less strict guidelines. This is one link: http://www.cornellweightlosssurgery.org/pdf/dietary_guidelines_sleeve_gastrectomy.pdf

She wants to repeat the sleep apnea test to review the settings for my cpap machine. Asked if I was where I wanted to be ... I said about 20 more. She said no, that was too much. I said - ok, how about 10 and we revisit the issue?? : ) I definitely want to get into a normal BMI range .... I think if I am able to work out with the high school volleyball team all summer with weights and conditioning, my areas of concern (yep, mostly butt, hips and thighs) should be firmed up well. I'm not going to push the weight loss right now; just focus on exercise. I am so sore today that I can hardly walk! LOL Same with the other mom who is joining the school program. However, except for 2 passes across the gym, I did keep up with the teens! And I went to curves today. Took it easy but it felt good to stretch and use the muscles that are currently in shock! : ) Are we meeting up tomorrow??

4 month dr visit today! I had blood drawn last week. Here are the results and the (target). Cholesterol: 196 (120-200) Triglycerides: 80 (10-150) HDL: 53 (40-59) LDL: 127 (90-130) Total Calcium: 9.2 (8.5-10.5) Vitamin D25: 25 (30-100) **will be taking Vit D Ergocalciferol, 50000 unit caps, 1 cap 1x week for 12 weeks; then retest Vitamin B12: 442 (200-900) Magnesium: 2.1 (1.5-2.6) Phosphate: 2.6 (2.5-4.5) Also had an OCBC with Differential (complete blood count). All values were within the normal range. I have been taking: Potassium 99mg 1x daily Super B-Complex 1x daily Prenatal Multi Vitamin, Multi Mineral 1x daily Aspirin 81mg 1x daily For Sleep: Melatonin Plus 3mg Melatonin with 25mg Theanine 1x daily Typical Day: Item........................................................Calories.....Protein....Carbs.....Fat Breakfast: Premier Protein chocolate shake 11oz..........160..........30..........5..........3 Snack fruit cup................................................50............0........13..........0 Lunch: green salad........................................100............0..........5..........0 chicken.........................................................120..........24..........0........11 Snack: Nabisco 100 calorie snack pack..........100.............1.......18..........3 Dinner: fish...................................................100...........17.........1..........3 green salad (or green veggie)........................100.............0..........5.........0 Snack: glass of milk 1/2 cup 1%.......................55.............4..........6.........1 Total.............................................................785..........76..........3........21 Overall I am doing well - however the doctor doesn't want me to lose much more. And - yep! the hair is shedding! Thank goodness I started with extra!

I wasn't able to! I truly was at the 2oz limit for a long time. Even now, depending on what I am eating, it is somewhere between 2-4 oz. I can get down an 11oz Protein Drink in less than an hour tho! yahoo! : ) You really won't want to eat more than that - or you will likely be uncomfortable. If I took 2 oz, I expected to finish it. There were times that the last 2 bites put me over the limit. It is definitely a learning challenge figuring out how much is too much. I have never vomited but have felt like I wanted to! Most partially finished yogurts, etc went bad before I ever finished them. Congrats tho! Sounds like you are off to a great start!