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I have been fighting a cough since January. Got rid of it before my appendix was removed, and then it came back. Made it thru that surgery ok, but did not have a cough then. My doc put me on a steroid dose pack, KETEK (been on it for almost 20 days now), and Albuterol when needed (using it now). He wants to make sure it does not develop into pneumonia like before. Cold seems to set off my cough. I can breathe fine most of the time, but when the air conditioner kicks on at night I start to cough. Dr. is thinking that I am developing asthma or "reactive airway disease", and says that they may not do my surgery if it does not go away soon. X-ray is totally clear. My hubby says it is allergies because I have a sneeze sometimes. Even though I am a bit scared of the whole surgery thing, since it is so close, I don't want them to cancel it. Anyone have experience with Asthma and surgery? Will they still do it? Should I tell my surgeon? Any advice?

I'm the same as you (eat way less and better and think about food all the time) but I like it (? ) I enjoy finding the most nutritious food instead now. I can't do fly by seat of pants like him either, I find I put on when I eat reactively.

I adore shepherds. I had one when I was very young. I couldn't have her inside due to allergies. I have to stick to the hypo-allergenic breeds now because I firmly believe dogs belong inside. I'm doing fine - my incisions are starting to itch a bit but I think that's normal. ~Sabrina

I'm sure hoping it's not going to be an issue for me, Sonia. I have Sarcoidosis, which is an autoimmune disease -- very rare, where the white blood cells form granular lesions in various parts of the body (in my case, my lungs). It's possible to react to anything -- I mean, I react to hypoallergenic metals, go figure -- but the band (and other things put into people's bodies) is supposed to be non-reactive for the vast majority of people. What I seem to remember reading on the Inamed site is that it's contraindicated for people with connective tissue autoimmune diseases like Scleroderma. Here's what I found at their site. It's contraindication number 18. "You or someone in your family has an autoimmune connective tissue disease. That might be a disease such as systemic lupus erythematosus or scleroderma. The same is true if you have symptoms of one of these diseases. " My assumption -- and based on responses from surgeons I've talked to it's correct -- is that it's only some AI diseases that are the problem. I suppose it's possible that anything we do to the body can cause a flare up of an autoimmune disease, and I'm prepared for that. But it's my thought that in my case, shedding weight will make dealing with my Sarcoidosis much easier. Wish I had more information for you, Sonia. I'm interested, though, in whatever you can find out.

You have to go on that new inventors show with the new elbow screw for weight loss Jack, you could make millions!!! HA!! It is just so comfortable to fall back into those old eating habits...it's easier than to actually have to think about what is going into our mouths or to think about it and then throw that thought away because the food is so satisfying for the moment. I am getting on the scale in the morning and I know some crying will be going on afterwards and I hope that will kick me into shape because I am sure to have gained weight this week. Good thing the PMS is done though so I should be less reactive to my cravings hopefully. I'm still not back on track, but hoping to be so soon enough I've still got to lose another 75 pounds and the second half will be sooo much harder than the first half!

Hi. Just wanted to introduce myself. I am a 41 years old female residing in southern California. I have been overweight most of my life and am just starting to suffer the consequences to my health. my weight just hit an all time high of 300 lbs. This is my heaviest ever. Not to mention, I was able to pull off being overweight in my twenties and thirties due to having some semblence of fitness despite my size. This is no longer the case. It is high time for a change and I am hopefully starting the first steps of a new life journey. Can't wait to see where this ends up! I am currently enrolled in a bariatric surgery program through my health insurance and with any luck, will be able to have surgery at the end of this 6-8 month "jump through hoops" period. (fingers crossed, although I know it is not guaranteed) I originally was considering the lap band, but with research, I am beginning to lean towards the VGS and that is why I am here, to research, hear testimonies and get a feel for how it has changed lives. I am also interested in anyone who has had hypothyroidism and how this surgery has worked for them. I am severely hypo due to post RAI. I am married, no children and I am self employed. Anyway, that's me! Looking forward to making some new buddies and educating myself!

Non-diabetic Hypoglycemia What is non-diabetic hypoglycemia? Non-diabetic Hypoglycemia Care Guide Non-diabetic Hypoglycemia Non-diabetic Hypoglycemia Aftercare Instructions Non-diabetic Hypoglycemia Discharge Care Non-diabetic Hypoglycemia Inpatient Care En Espanol Non-diabetic hypoglycemia is a condition that causes the sugar (glucose) in your blood to drop too low. This can happen in people who do not have diabetes. The 2 types of non-diabetic hypoglycemia are fasting hypoglycemia and reactive hypoglycemia. Fasting hypoglycemia often happens after the person goes without food for 8 hours or longer. Reactive hypoglycemia usually happens about 2 to 4 hours after a meal. When your blood sugar level is low, your muscles and brain cells do not function properly. What causes non-diabetic hypoglycemia? Fasting hypoglycemia: Certain medicines or herbal supplements such as fenugreek, ginseng, or cinnamon Alcohol Exercise Medical conditions such as liver disease, hypothyroidism, and tumors Eating disorders or malnutrition Stomach surgery or hemodialysis From what I have read it suggest something to eat or drink. I am going to try a cup of milk when I wake up tonight. I will let you know how that works. Non-diabetic Hypoglycemia What is non-diabetic hypoglycemia? Non-diabetic Hypoglycemia Care Guide Non-diabetic Hypoglycemia Non-diabetic Hypoglycemia Aftercare Instructions Non-diabetic Hypoglycemia Discharge Care Non-diabetic Hypoglycemia Inpatient Care En Espanol Non-diabetic hypoglycemia is a condition that causes the sugar (glucose) in your blood to drop too low. This can happen in people who do not have diabetes. The 2 types of non-diabetic hypoglycemia are fasting hypoglycemia and reactive hypoglycemia. Fasting hypoglycemia often happens after the person goes without food for 8 hours or longer. Reactive hypoglycemia usually happens about 2 to 4 hours after a meal. When your blood sugar level is low, your muscles and brain cells do not function properly. What causes non-diabetic hypoglycemia? Fasting hypoglycemia: Certain medicines or herbal supplements such as fenugreek, ginseng, or cinnamon Alcohol Exercise Medical conditions such as liver disease, hypothyroidism, and tumors Eating disorders or malnutrition Stomach surgery or hemodialysis From what I have read it suggest something to eat or drink. I am going to try a cup of milk when I wake up tonight. I will let you know how that works.

The three most important elements after RNY gastric bypass surgery are to meet your daily Protein, Fluid and Vitamin requirements. food is secondary because your body is converting your stored fat into the energy that drives your body. Thus you lose weight. Weight loss is achieved after surgery through volume control. You begin at 2 ounces (1/4 cup) per meal and gradually over the next year and a half increase the volume to 1 cup per meal. With this minuscule amount of food, it is next to impossible to meet your protein daily requirements by food alone, so therefore you need to rely on supplements such as Protein shakes. Back to the point of Dizziness. It might be due to several factors. For example if you were taking medication prior to surgery, they may need to be adjusted. This can especially be true for medication to control blood sugar and blood pressure. Also there is a condition called reactive hypoglycemia that some individuals encounter after weight loss surgery. Dizziness or lightheadedness is also caused by dehydration. In order to get a handle on the cause, you might want to evaluate when it occurs. For example, do you experience this first thing in the morning when you get out of bed or when you get up after sitting down. Or do you experience this a few hours after a meal? Do you experience this all the time?

the body will get sued to whgat you are doing- you must move around and switch the foods and cal intake, or you will not lose, Because of weight loss my dr just reduced my thyroid meds, I am hypo- and losing weigth is always an issue, but time for body change,,, cause I am in the plateou!

Fair enough. I agree, people do have to eat to live and people don't have to do heroin to live, but eating more food than our bodies need is a choice. That is correct. Unless we choose to live on Artificial Nutrients, or Some other way... As far as being over weight.. Not everyone is a addict, some have Medical Problems. Mine started at the age of 4 months ! I began to get "BLOWN UP". Only to learn later that I had a Fluid RETENTION problem. So they put me on Water pills about 2 yrs. ago, and I am still on them. Also found a extremely HYPO THYROID. I am just now getting on medication for that. So with the band, and the Meds, and control. This will work, and I will do this. Just wanted to add that I had a PARASTIC TWIN inside me, found out with the removal of the gallbladder, and exploratory. It was attached at the intestines, and if it would have been on the outside? We would have been conjoined twins. The problem was no one new about this, and I was for ever sick. As a result parents, and Grandparents were forever stuffing something in my mouth so I would get nutrition, and Vitamins, and be Healthy. Well, it didn't work ! the twin still got it all, and I still got sick. When the surgeon found it in my 30s, I was already stuffing all kinds of stuff in my mouth, because of a learned habit, and everything tasted so fantastic "ADDICTION" I believe. He was shocked, I thought I was pregnant with twins, then even still under Anesthesia, I thought he was crazy, until he brought me the pics with my name on them. I almost threw up. It was terrible. He told me I would be better now. Well he was right. I barely get sick, but the love for food was always there. What to do.... My oldest son was playing catch with a baseball, and he threw when I was not looking, and broke my nose. I can't taste anything, and can barely smell bleach. So the specialist said forget it ! ! ! That's nerve damage. So now my hang up on food is over. I'm just telling my story, but I don't have a thing for it anymore. I do believe in Food Addiction, but I also know that complex medical problems can cause anything to happen. So now I am waiting to see my surgeon next week, and see if my turtle moves. That is a big deal to me...

Weigh loss surgery can affect your blood sugar levels. Some individuals experience a condition called reactive hypoglycemia. The symptoms of hypoglycemia are: blurry vision rapid heartbeat sudden mood changes sudden nervousness unexplained fatigue pale skin headache hunger shaking dizziness sweating difficulty sleeping skin tingling trouble thinking clearly or concentrating loss of consciousness If this is the cause, it sounds like you only have a mild version at this point. But it is something to keep an eye on.

I am seventeen months out and I do not count calories. Never have. I eat Protein first and then veggies followed by my carb whatever that is. Breakfast I eat Raisin Bran with 2% milk. I find it keeps me regular. After 1/2 hour I drink a tea with 2% milk in it and take my morning pills and Vitamins. Noon I always eat a 1/2 sandwich with real meat and cheese on it. Sometimes I eat a salad with wheat hearts or legumes. Or crackers with hummus..I make sure they are complex carbs..As they are much better for you. I then take some more vitamins and at three o'clock I have a second tea and take more of my vitamins with that. Meanwhile I drink 1/2 bottle of G2 Gatorade mixed 1/2 and 1/2 with Water. That is 32 oz of water right there. I get that down before early afternoon and I fill up my 32 oz container with water again. This time with lemon water or just plain water. I then eat dinner and have protein of some sort. I love fish and chicken but will make lamb too..I eat a lot of Beans and seeds and wild rice...I always try to make my meals pretty and interesting so that even though I am not eating a lot I feel like it is special. Dinner has always been my favorite meal. After dinner I wait and at nine or 10 I have a few nuts and seeds or fruit depending on my mood. Sometimes I have a hot chocolate and ( diet one ) make sure I finish all the water for the day. Before bed I take the rest of my pills with orange juice like clock work because the Iron works better with orange juice. There are things I love to eat and others not so much. I will eat a Smart for Life bar instead of lunch if I am on the road going somewhere. The days I work out I eat added to the list above a 1/2 larabar before workout and 1/2 after. My daughter makes them for me and they are so good. I am very, very picky now when it comes to quality. I deserve quality. So I make sure I have it. I hardly ever weigh myself. I think it is harmful to our minds because we become obsessed with the numbers instead of what we need to concentrate on. And that is our need to change how we feel about food. Fix the brain, we fix the body. Working out has caused a problem for me as I now have reactive Hypoglycemia. It came on hard and fast. So now I have to change my program to accommodate that lovely problem. So added to what I said above I started today after talking to my dietitian, a snack at 11:00 and a snack at 3:30....one cheese the other yogurt or nuts protein of some sort. I believe that we can tell how we are doing by the clothes we wear. I think once I hit maintenance then I will weigh myself more and be concerned if I gain and lose 5-10 lbs. One thing you need to know is that if you are not eating enough your body will shut you down. It will protect itself so you have to be careful how you treat it. This is not a race this is a change of life a learning experience and one that did not happen over night and will not be repaired in a few months. Hope this answered some things.

No, you don't come on too strong. You are straight forward, and I appreciate that. My first surgeon gave me his rules: Protein shakes for 2 days after a fill, then soft foods, like soft scrambled eggs and sugar free pudding and Jello. Then I can work up to fish and soft veggies. The last doc said nothing but Water for the first day (clear liquids) no milk, then the 2nd day Protein Shakes, and the 3rd day soft foods. Told me I shouldn't be able to eat much, but I can eat an entire 12 in Subway sub (toasted ham and cheese). You are right. I have to get back to basics. I do drink when I eat. I will work on that this week. No more bread, rice or Pasta, either. What about coffee? Can I still have my coffee? The dietician said I had 3 overlapping issues with sugar. She said I may be having dumping syndrome, reactive hypoglycemia, and pre-diabetic hypoglycemia. She said that each of these things can mess up my sugar, but can be controlled. Also, when I had my gallbladder out, I get the Worst case of burping! It doesn't matter what I eat, I burp.

hypo here My dr say weight loss might lessen need for my dosage, but all ok

Hi Julie, My band is very reactive to stress. When my stress level goes up, my band with tighten, to the point of being too tight and throwing up at every meal. I went through a period when I wasn't following up with my dr. and when I did it was because I was so miserable. I now know the signs and will gladly pay the $40 copay to get my band where it needs to be. Awesome job on your weight loss!

You are so lucky you have BCBS. They seem like the best insurance. From all I read you will be fine especially with apnea which is considered serious. I have UHC and they said only "serious " co-morbidities would work which they get to determine what is serious. Basically it was diabetes, hypertension, or apnea is all they would accept under 40 and for 5 years and you had to have two of then!! I have insulin resistance taking metformin for, high cholesterol , triglycerides , and reactive airway. Not good enough after 3 appeals. Anyhow good you have BCBS and sure you will get through approved. Good luck

Hi @@audaciousmarie! Hi @@Phoenix40! So last Thursday I went for my Nutrition/Surgeon/Coordinator appointment. I'll describe each appointment below: First you are weighed in and your height is taken Nutrition: The nutritionist is a very nice lady and she will ask you about what type of diet you have been on (I started following the 1200 calorie diet after orientation). You will have to describe what you usually eat for breakfast, lunch, dinner, Snacks,etc. She also talks about Vitamins and what type you will need post op (this will depend on if you get the sleeve or bypass) and what to expect as far as diet goes in the first weeks after surgery (i.e. liquids, soft foods, etc) She also informed me about the different types of Protein drinks and answered any questions I had. Surgeon: Dr. Hahn was very patient. He went over my BMI, co morbidities, medications, etc to ensure that I would be a good candidate for surgery. He said it would be my choice whether to go for sleeve or bypass as I would be great candidate for either (I don't have acid reflux). We talked about the differences between sleeve and bypass (right off the bat he discouraged from the lap band so we were in agreement about that). He reiterated that regain was possible with either surgery and so is dumping (so it really comes down to the patient being willing to put in the work to not only lose the weight but keep it off). He went into detail about possible complications withe each procedure (ulcers, reactive hypoglycemia, reflux, etc). He then set a weight loss goal for me. Normally they ask the patients to lose 10% of their body weight but Dr. Hahn only requires a 7-8%, of total body weight, loss. For me 7-8% was 19 pounds (I had already lost 9 pounds since orientation and he credited me so I needed to lose 10 pounds to get a surgery date and 5 pounds to get a psych appointment). The only other requirements Dr. Hahn set out for me, besides weight loss, is attending at least one support group, and an EKG (I already finished my bloodwork). Coordinator: She was very pleasant. She informed of what my next steps to surgery are (support group, psych appointment, etc) and that to be sure I call monthly to update them on my weight and progress. Before the psych appointment each patient must fill out a surgery quiz (located in Chapter 9 of the Bariatric binder) and send it in before the appointment. Overrall it was an interesting yet quick appointment. I was told to expect to be there for 3 hours but for me it was more like 2 hours. Sent from my SM-G925T using the BariatricPal App Thank you for posting this! Your timing was perfect! I was struggling with one of my bad habits when I saw this and it helped me get passed it. Hearing about the appointment made me excited for my next step and reminded me why I am doing this.

I've been hypo for about 14 years, but then had thyroid cancer 8 years ago. My thyroid was removed. Been clear now for 6 years, thank god...Thanks for asking... make it a great day

Hi @@judy vsg, few of us here with thyroid issues. Welcome to the club I have Graves disease, pain in the butt! However I am hoping for some stability in my thyroid once I reach goal weight. Have only been hypo for 1 month, 4 months after radioactive iodine treatment. Can't wait for my Thyroxine levels to be lowered and stay stable. How are you doing? Hope you are well.

They only gave me like 5 Protein shake options for preop and asked me to stick to those. Premier is reserved for post op for some reason. Of those preop shake options, two of them contain way too much actual sugar (I have reactive hypoglycemia) and caused me to have dumping syndrome. I have broth once a day at most because the shakes are pretty filling, and I don't so any sf Popsicles or Jello because I hate artificial sweetener and there's enough of that in the shakes as well. I haven't looked into the sodium in the shakes, though. I was thinking that once my Atkins supply runs out in two days, I'll make my own for the last 5 days and just use the muscle milk powder I already have. I can put lemon in my water. I'll try that. Maybe I just have an oversensitive system lol. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App Have you done yours? What did you use? Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

Congrats! I also got reactive hypoglycemia that Bothers me too with the sleeve.

3 meals per day and 2 or 3 planned healthy snacks so you are not going too long without food. Also avoid high carb and sugary foods as these cause reactive hypoglycaemia. If you do get a drop you need to manage it the same way as when you are diabetic. Something to bring your levels up quickly and yes that might be juice followed by something healthy to keep it stable. A small quantity of juice followed by something like a banana or whole meal crackers with protein should help.

I am what Kaiser calls a "reactivated case". I was in their bariatrics program years ago but dropped out and recently have been approved to go back. In the 4 years that I was gone, I gained 40 pounds. Kaiser wants me to lose that 40 pounds before surgery and they have given me approx. 4 months to do it... They gave me a meal plan and told me to exercise. I am going to have to BUST MY A** to lose this weight in 4 months and I need some serious suggestions...

Today I am officially one year out and I have a normal BMI. I just saw my nutritionist and she didn't recognize me at first. Which is funny and really nice. She also said she is very proud of me. Even though I developed Reactive Hypoglycemia which only 2% of Gastric Bypass patients get I wouldn't change a thing about having this surgery. The pluses out way the minus of getting this. It's been an educational journey which I will continue to take from this day forward. I wish all of you great success on your journeys too. Thank you for reading this.

I kept pretty good records from when I had the band in 2009. From the date of surgery to 1st mos I lost 8 lbs. 2nd mos I lost 4 lbs and 3rd mos 3 lbs. See my signature below for comparison. Keep in mind, I'm a slow loser, I have hypo thyroid and I was was a higher BMI when I got the band. So, to answer your question yes I'm losing faster with sleeve but best of all I'm doing it without throwing up & sliming every day like I did with the band.