TX HS FB Coach

I weighed over 400 pounds about 18 months ago---I know weigh 335. My goal is to settle around 230. I have hit a wall and need some feedback on how to get to my goal. I had by sleeve surgery on July 26, 2010. Almost one year later, I am down about 70 pounds and definetely feel better. The problem is I dropped 60 of those pounds the first 6 months and only 8-9 pounds in the past 5 months. I find myself eating anything I want---with the oly restrictions being the amount I eat. I do make better choices but I struggle with eating sweets and drinking soft drinks as I did in the "old" days. I want to begin a new phase and try to lose 50 pounds or so in the next 6-8 months and lose the remaining 105 pounds in about 12-18 months. Any suggestions from others on how to "kick start" this new phase and suggestions on what to eat and what type of exercising to do?

I just had my 6 week Dr. visit this week and I am down 38 pounds in 42 days. I feel great and have eaten a wider variety of foods than I could ever imagine without any complications. This is going to be an amazing journey.

I got sleeved on 7/26 and besides spending the 1 night in a hospital bed, I slept 9 nights in a row in my recliner. My incisions are still sore but i noticed less pain on Day 10 or 11. I do suggest spending $25 and getting a belly binder. I bought on one and wore it after Day 7 and i was able to go to work this week.

Congrats on join the Post Op ranks! It gets better. I was sleeved on July 26 and the pain is beginning to subside and I begin soft foods in 2 days. I have actually started back to work this week and I do recommend buying a belly binder to wear after about day 4 or 5 to cope with the pain while still trying to be mobile and walk some. Take care and good luck!

Has anyone had sharp pains in their left rib cage area and/or a large sunken area on left side below left rib cage? This is pretty much the only issues I have had at 8 days Post Op. No nausea, no worries!! But I am very ready for mushy food stage!

I was sleeved on Monday, July 26 by Dr. Nick Nicholson @ Baylor Hospital in Plano, TX. I am now 3 days Post Op and here are my observations: PROS: No nausea or diarrhea thus far; I was up walking 6 hours after surgery; no problems with drinking fluids or broth; NO Hunger thus far!! CONS: Drainage tube and giving myself blood thinner shots; sharp pains near rib cage and sunken areas of stomach are very sensitive especially when I try to get out of a chair Start of PreOp Diet- (July 12, 2010)- 399.9 VSG Surgery by Dr. Nicholson @ Baylor-Plano- (July 26, 2010)- 391.1 Weight Goal by Jan. 1, 2011- 325.0 Ultimate Goal Weight- 230

I am 6 days Post Op and to tell you the truth, I was given a 14 day Pre Op diet and I was limited to a 1200 calorie, low carb diet. I followed it for 7 of the 14 days and when I went to get my Pre Op Upper GI on Day 11, I asked the tech what my liver looked like and they said "Great"! I immediately spent the next 3 days eating (in moderation) foods that I know I can't have for several months Post Op. And I am happy to report, I have not had one episode of nausea or any complications since my surgery 6 days o.k. despite my Pre Op "cheating". But I also know that everyone is different................

That is good news as I am a fan of the meatball!! I am on Liquids portion right now and just moving along with my SF Kool Aid and SF Fudgesicles. I am wondering if I even need to go two full weeks of liquids because I am 4 days Post Op with no nausea yet.

I am 4 days post op and besides the sharp, tearing-like pain along my left side, I am recovering great!! Donna4545---you nailed it with your list of non-worries. Reading your reply further gave me optimism about life after the sleeve.

Great info DallMike--I am also getting it at Baylor-Plano this afternoon. I plan on taking it very easy this week. Thanks for the food info-----I hope I am able to keep some of that stuff down.

DallMike- how did your surgery go with Dr. Nick? I am getting mine in a few hours from him. I am very optimistic as he has a great reputation. Any complications for you thus far?

Thx for the info. Possumtrot---best of luck to you in your recovery and new life!

DallMike- I am right behind you; I am getting sleeved by Dr. Nick in 4 days (July 26). His office and the staff at Baylor-Plano have been wonderful. Pre Op Diet – 7/11 to 7/26/2010- Beginning weight- 399.9 Sleeve Surgery (Dr. Nick Nicholson- Baylor Hospital – Plano, TX. ) on 7/26/2010- Weight before surgery- 394.2 My Goal Weight- 230 or less

I am getting the sleeve on Mon. July 26 and I also have anxiety. My main issue is that I am a HS football coach and I want to be ready to go in a couple of weeks. I realize I will be limited the first 1-2 weeks after surgery but I want to be ready to go by Aug. 9. I also share the worry about getting dehydrated and not being able to satisfy my thirst. Does anyone have personal experiences as to when the "mushy" food stage began for you and what are some good mushy foods that you felt agreed with your new stomach.

I am a high school football coach and I am getting the sleeve on July 26. I am scheduled to begin practices on Aug. 9th. I am trying to get an idea of what my condition will be like. Can anyone help me with these questions-- 1. How many days after the surgery will I feel pain and how intense is it? 2. Will I be able to walk around the first few days? 3. How weak will I feel during the 2 week liquids only period post-op?

I'm getting sleeved on July 26 and Dr. Nick is doing my surgery. The experience thus far has been awesome. I'm sure when I am sore and miserable the first couple of weeks after the surgery I will not be so happy with him!! I am curious how hard the first 2-3 weeks are as I am a high school football coach and I start practices 2 weeks after my surgery.

I am impressed with Dr. Nicholson and am on the verge of having him band me in late July. Does anyone have success stories (or failures) to share regarding him?