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October 23, 2018, I started my journey towards weight loss surgery (sleeve). I am so excited to get this weight off and keeping it off. Please feel free to post if you are with me and just starting. The surgeon said it will be about 3 months until I get my date to have surgery. I will wait patiently and do everything that is required reach my goal. My starting weight is 266lbs and my short term goal is 199.75 (to get under 200) and my long term goal is 160lb. in the next could of years.

I you have 6 weeks you can take -- take them. I am taking a total of 6 weeks (sleeved on September 28 and going back to work on November 14). There is no way I could have gone back after 2 weeks, and even though I am feeling better for the most part, as soon as I go back to work, the focus will be on work and not on getting my Protein and fluids in. My long-term success hinged on taking time to get myself started down this post-op path before stress and work drama get added into my mix. (That being said, I have been with my company for 10 years, and I have tremendous benefits -- short-term disability that pays at 100% for up to 13 weeks being one of them.) As far as telling your colleagues, that is your decision to make. I have been very open with everyone in my life from before the first doctor's appointment. I also lost 99 pounds during my six-month pre-op insurance-required diet program, so everyone in my life is well-aware of my journey and what is going on with me. Good luck!

HEY FATPHAT.. IT WAS TAKEN ON 9-10-2011..

Broccoli and Cheese Soup Cooking Spray, 1 large chopped onion, 2 garlic cloves, minced, 3 cups chicken broth, 1-16 oz package broccoli florets, 2 1/2 cups heavy cream, 1/3 cup all-purpose flour, 1/4 tsp black pepper, 8 ounces cheese of your choice. Preparation: Heat a large nonstick pan coated with cooking spray over medium high heat. Add onions and garlic; saute 3 minutes or until tender. Add broth and broccoli. Reduce heat to medium; cook 10 minutes. Combine cream, flour and pepper, stirring with a wisk until well blended. Add cream mixture to broccoli mixture. Cook 5 minutes or until slightly thick. Remove from heat and use immersible blender until smooth, or use food processor. Add cheese, stir until melted. Makes 6 - 1 1/3 cup servings.

Good luck! I never gave in to it except a couple times I'd eat later in the evening than I should have because my head told me I was hungry. But never ate junk. We can do this I'm sure I haven't seen the last of my mind telling me to eat badly or when I'm not suppose to but I'm sure glad that it's over for now. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App First time I cooked my kids dinner since sugery and oh man the smell of the pizza crust was appealing. Nothing wrong witg enjoying smells. I'm having yummy onion and beef soup pureed then added Water to make it thin) I've reminded myself that one day when I'm in the maintenance phase and not weightloss phase I can add some carbs to my diet. Just not today and that's OK. Pizza has always been my weakness. I love the smell, the taste, the look omg. Love love love. I could have eaten it day and night. However, I've found my tastebuds have changed so much. When I was allowed cheeses, I tried the toppings off the pizza I ordered for the football boys that seem to live at my house and it was disgusting to me. I ordered it from my favorite place and ordered cheese pizza which is also my favorite. I am glad to say I have no desire to eat it ever again. Like I said, it didn't taste good to me but most important, my body said NO to it and I was hurting for 10 mins or so afterwards. I only had 2 bites before I decided I didn't like it anymore. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

If the pain is about 2 inches to the right of navel then I am having it too. I am 9 days post op. I am hopefully going to see my surgeon again this week to discuss it. I was told it is port suture(s) that holds it down, but why would it be 3 inches below the port? The one who told me had very foreign accent and seemed in a hurry to see next patient and I didn't get the full discussion I wanted. So I am going this week to discuss it again with my surgeon, not his subordinate. It hurts me when I get up and down and is extreme, like a 9 out of 1-10 on pain scale. It's fast then goes away. Like being stabbed. It's really messing with my plans to walk, so now I'm not smoking, not eating ,can barely drink and not have pain messing with my mobility. Geez. Oh yea, no caffeine or cokes lol. I'm still swollen and bloated from surgery and only lost 3 pounds since surgery lol. I know it will get better but I could cry

Thanks for the article @Matt Z. I saw this study a while back and was convinced that daily weighing could stay. I think it really helps me. It can be a head-trip when the scale makes me its little bi*ch, but I just have to suck it up and get on with life. I do think it holds my feet to the accountability fire though and for that I'm very grateful! https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4380831/ @Green_Tealael, this study used men and women... Methods Study Design As previously stated, we present a secondary analysis from the WEIGH study. A detailed description of the study design, intervention and report of the main outcomes has been previously published.9 Briefly, eligibility criteria included adults aged 18–60 years, body mass index (BMI) of 25–40, Internet access, and no medical conditions that might affect participation. Participants were recruited predominantly from the Chapel Hill, NC area. Following eligibility screening, informed consent was obtained and baseline measures were collected. Participants (N=91) were then randomized to a 6-month daily self-weighing intervention (n=47) or a delayed intervention control group (n=44). All participants were reassessed at 3 and 6 months. Data collection occurred from February to August 2011 in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill institutional review board approved and monitored the study. Measures Demographics At baseline, a variety of demographic variables were collected to help characterize the sample including age, sex, race/ethnicity (American Indian/Alaskan Native; Asian; Black or African-American; Hispanic, Latino, Portuguese, or Cape Verdean; White; Other), and education [Grade School (6 years or less); Junior High school (7–9 years); High School (10–12 years); Vocational Training (beyond High School); Some College (less than 4 years); College/University degree; Graduate or Professional Education].

I altered a comfy tshirt to wear at the hospital (snaps along under the arm and along the side seams). This allowed me to wear my own top and not that hospital gown incase I had to have an IV (didn't have IV fluids, only 'ports' left in to administer meds). Then my own undergarments and comfy sweat pants. Brought my own robe but never needed it. For me, I loved wearing my own clothing. Felt more 'me' and less 'patient' while there, more in control. My hubby was with me, as the room had a couch he could sleep on. But as others said, he didn't need to be there. I was in the room about 430pm and was walking by 530. No one helped me, but hubby was afraid I would fall so walked with me. I was able to change out of the gown and into my own clothes, able to use the restroom myself, etc. Energy level was low. I was mentally ready to go but had no stamina. I wanted to walk a lap around the floor but couldn't. I mentioned this to the nurse and she put out chairs every 5 rooms in the hall. I plopped in one if I wanted to rest, then off to walk again. Was a great idea she had, and several of us used the 'breaks' to keep on walking. I was in a lot of pain the first 24 hours. Maybe 7 or 8 on a scale of 1 to 10. But after that, maybe a 2. More 'uncomfortable' than pain.

Hello everyone! I just recently found this site and what great information!! I contemplated band vs sleeve last year but then had to have 2 foot surgeries, so weight loss was put on the back burner. Here I am now, plus about 10 lbs, thinking about it again. I've already had a consult with one dr and going to another next week. I keep doubting myself though for some reason, maybe I can try to lose weight on my own (even though I've tried tons of times over the last 12 years!), maybe this is too drastic, etc. Obviously if we could all lose weight on our own, we would. So I'm thinking I'm just second guessing myself now? I was diagnosed with bipolar disorder about a year ago and now with the meds I'm on, my weight just keeps going up and no matter what do, I can't lose weight! Anyone have words of wisdom or encouragement? Of course I'm scared of the surgery itself and the pain and post op issues. But I'm hoping that I can get in the right frame of mind to convince myself that this is the right thing to do and stop second guessing myself! Be happy with my decision & look forward to a healthier life. Can someone help me get there? Is this a normal feeling at this stage? Thank you so much in advance!!

Hey all had the sleeve on 10/14, just got put on pureed and I am struggling to get it down. The food keeps getting stuck. Making me nauseous. Do I need to puree it longer? I switch to soft foods on Thursday and I am not sure I will be able to eat anything. I feel like I will live on cream soup for the rest of my life lol. Sent from my SM-N981U using BariatricPal mobile app

I think patience is the hardest thing to grasp. When I went for my first fill 5 weeks post op, I had lost 1 lb. Since then, I have dropped 12 lbs. No appt until 3/8 for second fill and have been at same weight since 10 days after 1st fill. (I was scheduled for a fill on 2/4 but had to reschedule due to inclement weather in Houston...go figure:) ) I'm really not worried because I know the weight loss will resume. I keep telling myself that the band is a tool and as long as I am doing the right thing, Life is Good! I'm sure you will do fine. It gets easier every day,

Has anyone gotten pregnant after the sleeve? I’m 10 weeks and having bad food aversions and nausea. Idk how I’m going to gain weight when I barely ate before pregnancy and now even less with pregnancy because nothing looks appetizing and I’m sick half the time (not throwing up just nausea). I’m just nervous I won’t be able to eat enough to gain the recommended weight for pregnancy. Sigh! 😞

I was also very nervous about "going under", but it all happens so fast and all the people are so kind and understanding that your fears just slip to the back of your mind. Next thing you know, you are waking up and it's all done! I too had a c-section, and I can tell you that there is no comparison. You will feel just fine, although a bit sore. I had my band done on Feb. 1st and am back to my regular routine. I get my first fill on the 28th, but have already lost 10 lbs. I guess it's that super delicious liquid diet! Don't be afraid - it will be the best thing you can do for yourself and the ones you love.

Main ingredients in sennokot is senna. You can buy its natural tea form and drink semi regularly. Helps alot takes about 8-10 hours but it's a natural process. On a side note I have very little tolerance these days for sugar substitutes including Stevia. When ever I feel like I need a digestive cleaning I use them and viola!

Hello everyone this is probably going to be long but really could use the input. Nov 2019 I had the gastric sleeve done. Since this I have had nothing but troubles. 10 days after surgery I was admitted due to blood in my belly and a hematoma on my spleen. They fixed that and discharged 3 days later. I have not been able to eat much more then let's say a chicken nugget(less then an ounce of anything including liquids) I got dehydrated was admitted again 29 days post op. Stayed for 12 days got a picc line with tpn since I can not eat or drink much. During this stay had endoscopy and they stretched a stricture lower part of stomach to intestines from 15mm to 25ish mm. Went home no change still not able to eat. Had another endoscopy and stretch this time my stomach was twisted and she tried stretching to 30mm but was only able to get to about 28mm. Went home still no change to eating and drinking. On the 16th of January I had another endoscopy stretch. Stomach was twisted again and was barely able to stretch it at all. I aspirated during the procedure. I woke up to them telling me to keep coughing to get it up. They observed me for 3hrs was on 4liters of oxygen at first then 2. I got up to pee with help my oxygen corrected itself. They said there was no need to keep me I only aspirated a tiny amount. They let me go home (2 hr drive home) I was freezing hole way hubby cranked up heat. Took temp when I got home and found I had a fever of 102.6 went to local er where they did xray and ct found I had developed pneumonia and I also had a pulmonary embolism. They felt I should go back to hospital where this happened and I stayed there for 6 days. 5 days of iv antibiotics and heparin for embolism then discharged on lovonox to continue for 6 months to a yr. I still have no change so now its crunch time it has been 3 months since and cant eat or drink much at all. They want to do another stretch which I would need to come off the lovanox which is putting my life at risk. Not to mention I have had it done 3 times and it has not helped. Also if it doesnt work i would need to have the bypass revision which means 2 procedures putting me at risk 2 times) Surgeon says only other option is revision to bypass(unless he sees scar tissue and can fix. But i have to agree to bypass incase there is no scar tissue or it cant be fixed) My family is up in arms it's hard either way. I dont want anymore procedures but I need to get stomach fixed and I need to get back to work. 3 months no pay we cant take this financially anymore. So for me I feel like they need to do the bypass and I hope for the best and have minimal complications. However the rest of family is worried I will have more complications than I have currently. Plus my sister had bypass and has had to have 15 different repairs(this makes them more worried) I could really use some insight on this what would you do? What do you think I should do?

I was super freaked out a few weeks ago and had a few thoughts of not going through with the surgery. I had some of the same thoughts as you as I have always been a big guy, not tall like you, but big (5' 10", 325). I decided I would rather be too skinny than deal with being to large for plane seats, riding amusement park rides with my kids, being the biggest guy in the meetings at work, and the general health issues that come with obesity as I get older (40 is just around the corner). One huge motivating factor is thinking about being there for my kids growing up and being healthy enough to enjoy my grandkids to the fullest in my later years. I think a list like Lotte22 mentioned is a good idea to keep your goals in focus. I don't regret my surgery at this point, but I'm really early on just enjoying the scale going down for the first time in a decade.

Today is sooo much better than yesterday! I go for my post op at 3pm PST. The left side pain is all that is left. My surgeon said that will stick around a while. But I am down 10 so whoo hoo!!

Good for you! The first two weeks you tend to drop a lot of water weight. Depending on your weight, they say the first 10-20 lbs is water weight. It's normal. Then it slows down to about 1-5 lbs per week. Make sure you get that protein in though, and plenty of liquids. You don't want to end up dehydrated and with your hair falling out. I, for one, was getting maybe 20 oz of water in a day (counting 2 protein shakes made with water) and started getting very dizzy and strong migraines...I was getting dehydrated really bad. I upped my water intake using lemon ice tea crystal light, because water tasted gross to me after surgery, and I began to feel better within a day.

I'm about 4 weeks postop and still on purred liquids and a few mushies. I'm pretty new to this obviously but I think it is very individual. Some eat right away, some are on liquids for 4 weeks. I tried mushy foods at 2.5 weeks and kept vomiting it right back up. And then, since I irritated my new tiny stomach I started vomiting liquids. I had to re-group, go back to liquids, and start all over. My doc said if I vomit or get real naseaous it is one of 3 things. Ate too fast Ate too much Introduced a food too soon. When they say stop eating at the 1st sign of fullness they were right. A few times I think I ate a few bites more and it all came back up immediately. Being a slow learner, now I take a small sip or bite, wait and see how it feels. Then try another and wait. And now I stop long before I feel full. I can always eat a little more later. The amount of mushy food I can eat is very little. A few table spoons, bite-wait. Bite-wait, can take 10+ minutes to eat. So WEIRD compared to the huge amount I used to inhale! It is so different.

Thanks for your advice... I have been doing the treadmill every day.. 1st day only 3 minutes before a pause.. 2nd day 5 minutes before a pause... 3rd day 7 minutes before a pause... I do 10 minutes at the beginning and 5 minutes after my work out.... Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-J727AZ using BariatricPal mobile app

Yup. I came home from the hospital at 9 days post-op (I had non-surgical complications) and when I weighed myself a week later I was down 19 pounds. I was worried I wouldn't lose any more weight after I came home, but in my second month I was down another 10 pounds.

Hi I'm new here and I have my first surgery consultation 4/19 ....so i read somwhere that you have to be off birthcontrol before surgery, so my question is is that true and if so why?

I am in safford az! Just got banded 9/21/12. Feeling great , just wondering when I'm going to lose weight? I'm still swollen and full of gas but I need some loss on my scales to help me know I made the right choice! I hear of people down like 10-16 lb already and I gained a lb. grrrr I'm impatient !