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If I can lose 25 more pounds by January 22 2014 I will be EXACTLY where I want to be in terms of pace of weight loss. On that day, this year I had my surgery. I have about 21 weeks (or 145 days) to make this happen. Completely doable but I have to really try, because the days of dropping pounds without effort are behind me. I never really had what I would call a honeymoon period, I always had to try, but around month 6 or 7 I really noticed a slow down and I really had to increase my efforts to maintain a weight loss of a pound or two per week. SO, as with anything, a game plan is helpful. Up until this point I have done very little in the way of exercise. Please don't crucify me for that, I just hate getting sweaty, I dunno what to say. HOWEVER, I have set my mind to getting over it and Monday I begin my couch to 5K program. In about an hour my husband and I are going to reactivate our 24hour fitness (supersport, because I'm a spoiled brat) membership. Couch to 5k is three days a week, and I am still looking for something to do for the other 4 days a week in the gym, because I don't do well if I show up without a plan. I do plan on utilizing the pool, but I'm not a good swimmer and sometimes I feel like I do more fiddling around in there than actually burning calories. Maybe I'll look into classes or something. I'm not very outgoing so sometimes the group type settings make me a touch uncomfortable but I can get over that. I don't know, I'm open to suggestions.

In reviewing my discharge instructions. One of the criteria for calling your surgeon's office is "New onset of upper back or left shoulder pain." As you lose weight the fat that cushions your bone joints disappears, therefore some patients report bone joint pain after weight loss. But in your case 3 weeks post op is a little too soon to experience this. Getting tired after doing light housework could be caused by a number of things. Top on the list is that your body is still in a major heal mode. But other things might be starting to show up. For example if you were taking prescription medicine prior to surgery, the dosage rate of this medicine might need to be adjusted. Not meeting daily Vitamins, Protein, fluids levels might also come into play. If you experience dizziness and fainting combined with the weakness, it might point to reactive hypoglycemia.

Hi, I have Type II Diabetes and am wondering how to manage my "hypos" (blood sugar drops) when you are preparing for surgery and post surgery on the liquid diets? I know when I have prepped for a colonoscopy before and had to be on a liquid diet for 24 hours, I had a very tough time managing my blood sugar on that diet! I am worried about this. I know many people who go through with the Lap-Band surgery have Diabetes. How does this work? Thank you for any advice/insight you have! Vacationgirl

Sometimes after a bad bout of reflux it is helpful to back up and do clear liquids for a day or so to give the esophagus and sleeve a rest. The reflux puts acid in places where it is not supposed to be, so you get some reactive swelling. Treat it nice and it will heal!

These are some of the common abbreviations used on this website: ACL = Anterior cruciate ligament AGB = Adjustable gastric banding AMRAP = As Many Rounds As Possible (crossfit) AT = Aspiration Therapy BB = belly button bc = because BCBS = Blue Cross/Blue Shield BED = Binge Eating Disorder bf = best friend BM = bowel movement BMI = Body Mass Index bp = blood pressure BPD = Borderline Personality Disorder or Biliary Pancreatic Diversion bs = blood sugar btw = by the way C25K = Couch Potato to Running 5K CBT = cognitive-behavioral therapy CC = common channel c diff = clostridium difficile cos or cuz = because CPAP = continuous positive airway pressure CRNP = certified registered nurse practitioners CT = Computed Tomography (commonly called CAT Scan) cw = current weight CXR = Chest X-Ray DDD = degenerative disc disease Dr. = doctor DS = Dumping Syndrome or Duodenal Switch EBT = Endoscopic Bariatric Therapies EGD = Esophagogastroduodenoscopy EKG = Electrocardiography ER = emergency room ESG = Endoscopic Sleeve Gastroplasty ff = fat free f/u = follow up GB = gastric bypass GERD = gastroesophageal reflux disease GI = gastrointestinal GIF = Gastric Intrinsic Factor GNC = General Nutrition Corporation store GP = general practitioner or family doctor HBP = high blood pressure hr = heart rate hw = highest weight ICU = Intensive Care Unit Idk = I don’t know IGB = intragastric balloons IF = Intrinsic Factor IMHO = in my humble (honest) opinion IMO = in my opinion IUI = Intrauterine insemination LAP Band = Laparoscopic Adjustable Gastric Band LES = lower esophageal sphincter lol = laughing out loud LSG = Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy med = medicine MFP = my fitness pal MGB = Mini Gastric Bypass msg = message NAFLD = nonalcoholic fatty liver disease NASH = Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis nf = non fat NG = Nasogastric NP = nurse practitioner NSAIDS = Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug NSV = non-Scale victory (“scale” means “weight scale”) NUT = nutritionist OA = Overeaters Anonymous omw = on my way Onederland = a magical place or destination for those trying to lose weight. It might correspond to attaining a weight in the hundreds or losing a hundred pounds. op = operation OSA = Obstructive Sleep Apnea OTC = Over the counter Oz = Australia PB = Productive Burps PCOS = Polycystic Ovary Syndrome PCP = Primary Care Physician PICC= Peripherally Inserted Central Catheter PM = private message (email) PMS = premenstrual syndrome POSE = Primary Obesity Surgery Endolumenal postop or post–op = post-operation or post-surgery PPI = Proton Pump Inhibitors ppl = people preop or pre-op = pre-operation or pre-surgery PTSD = Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder PVC = Premature ventricular contractions RA = Rheumatoid arthritis RH = reactive hypoglycemia RN = registered nurse RNY = Roux-en-Y RTD = ready to drink Rx = Prescription medicine RYGB = Roux-en-Y gastric bypass SADI-S = single anastomosis duodeno–ileal bypass with sleeve gastrectomy s/f or sf = sugar free SG = Sleeve gastrectomy SIPS = stomach intestinal pylorus-sparing surgery smh = shaking my head, scratching my head SO = significant other SOB = shortness of breath sw = weight at surgery tmi = too much information TPN = total parenteral nutrition TT = tummy tuck TTC = trying to conceive Ty = Thank you. [but according to the urban dictionary “Ty” is also an abbreviation for “a total stud with a massive carrot”.] u = You UGI = Upper Gastrointestinal VSG = Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy Vit = vitamin wks = weeks WLS = Weight Loss Surgery WOD = Workout of the Day w/o = without wt = weight

My personal experience with Smart Shape wasn't the greatest. This was my first foray into private health care and I wasn't super impressed. Pre-op everything went ok; however, on the day of my surgery, the surgeon came in to see me just prior and said, "So we have you booked for a gastric sleeve..." I was for a mini gastric bypass, so this was a little unnerving that he had me down for the wrong surgery in his notes, but I guess it's good he checked! The surgery itself went alright which I guess is the main thing. However, post-op care was not spectacular. I found pain management to be an issue as they prescribed dilaudid IV push every 4 hours for the first 24 hours. Push drugs work for immediate relief, but they also wear off really fast, so it didn't hold me for 4 hours. They never offered pain relief on a regular basis, so I felt like I was badgering them for it. Nobody wears an ID tag, so I wasn't sure if they were actually RN's or LPN's and I found it strange that when I mentioned I was experiencing a some urinary retention/hesitation (ie. "a sleepy bladder") post op, the nurse didn't seem to know what I was talking about. This is a very common complication after a general anesthetic (up to 70% of patients). I didn't have a proper call bell and I had to let them know that my oxygen tank and IV bags were empty (these should be monitored). Months later, I began to experience significant reactive hypoglycemia and sought guidance from Smart Shape nurses and nutritionists. However, they really didn't know much about this and weren't very helpful. I requested a consult with my surgeon to discuss it and was told by the nurse that I needed to follow up with my own GP (who knows little about bariatric surgery). Eventually, I was referred to an endochrinologist who tells me that this is a well known and potentially serious complication of gastric bypass. I'm disappointed that this possibility was not part of the "informed consent" that I gave for the procedure. I'm a health care professional, so perhaps my standards are high, but I think we all should have high standards when considering our health and safety. And for many of us, it's a hell of a lot of money. So, if I had to do it all again, I'd go with a different organization. Best, Kerri

3 years out. I feel like I eat small to normal size meals now. I still take a long time to eat a meal and usually just take leftovers home and eat in "chapters" as my other WLS friends say. The amount of restriction varies, sometimes I can only get down a few bites and sometimes I can eat almost a full meal. I've only had actual dumping once or twice. If I eat a few bites too much or something too carb heavy I will feel a little bit sick for maybe half an hour. It's nothing serious, but it's enough to make me think twice about taking that last bite of something. My biggest challenge is protein intake and blood sugar management. I don't eat meat much anymore, so I try to eat a lot of legumes. I have some instances of hypoglycemia and I have more frequent occurrences of reactive hypoglycemia after I eat. My body still makes too much insulin and drops my blood sugar. I keep a lot of juice boxes and small snacks around.

Several individuals that undergo bariatric surgery experience a type of low blood sugar after the surgery. It is known as reactive hypoglycemia. This is independent of whether you were diabetic prior to surgery. Here are a couple links to the condition: https://www.ridgeviewmedical.org/services/bariatric-weight-loss/enewsletter-articles/reactive-hypoglycemia-postgastric-bypass https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/diabetes/expert-answers/reactive-hypoglycemia/faq-20057778

Dont worry about it ask your surgeon see what he suggests you can always give the steristrips a try providing the wound is a smaller one, I understand there are 5 wounds in all, take a look at some of the Pictures people have put online, from experience with patients they are normally ok, any probs they just peel off and possibly could be Hypo allergenic.. the glue however can be a bit "Iffy" Good Luck!:eek:

I had a severe reaction to every type of tape/bandage I used. I had a dressing longer than some because I came home with a drain for 1 1/2 weeks, and inspite of my trying to move the dressing/tape each day, the skin was breaking down. By the time I was able to stop using dressings to cover the drain wound, I had raw spots all over my abdomen where the skin was just gone because of the tape. I used a lot of polysporin to prevent infections and tried to keep any old adhesive cleaned off my skin. I have heard that there is a hypo-allergenic paper surgical tape (Micropore) made by 3m. If I had know how much trouble I was going to have in the long-run, I would have tried it immediately.

Thanks. I'll look the hypo-allergenic tape. :tongue_smilie: My skin is just irritated all around from the tape I use now. Some of the areas are drying up as well and that causes itching. The redness is the painful part. Its tolerable but enough to notice. More like a sting.

I forgot to mention that I have to eat more often because I have reactive hypoglycemia as a result of my surgery. When I eat popcorn it's a normal serving according the package and I always have it with Protein. I only eat it twice a day for like lunch and maybe a late night snack and again always with protein. The Protein Bars I have more of then I probably should but I have a hard time getting meat protein down a lot of times so I compensate with the bars. I need to go back I think to having more shakes like I used to. Well thanks James for your input. The exercise I do get is going up and down the stairs at least a dozen times a day so i'm not totally immobile. I suffer from osteoarthritis, RSD, fibromyalgia and stenosis of the spine so exercise recently has been more difficult to go to the gym but I have confidence I'll get back there.

I have slightly hypo thyroid and it does not affect my WLS at all. I still take my pill everyday no problems!

My DH was on Coumadin for many months this last year, following a blood clot in his ileac artery. He developed the clot, following a test they were doing prior to scheduling his open heart surgery to repair/replace his mitral valve. He took the coumadin for 8 weeks, went off for a few days, had his surgery, and resumed the coumadin for several more months. He had his PT checked every week minimally, and they adjusted his dosage to keep him at a therapuetic level. I think this may have been a blessing in disguise! At least the surgery you had when it was found to be a problem, was minor as far as surgeries go! Now you know to have yourself tested, and find out if you have issues with clotting, or if you have a c reactive issue. Then you can be properly monitored, especially if you ever have to have a BIG operation of some sort. Now, while you are dealing with all of this, your healing time with the band is slowly passing---by the time you are back to normal with the clot, you will be almost back to normal with the band, and ready to GO!!!! I know it is scary---but you know about it, and know if you begin hurting, what to do. It is much better than being in the dark over a problem! You are showing yourself and everyone around you how strong you are---good for you. Hang in there---you, and the band are going to be going strong very soon!!!! (((hugs))) Kat

Your story is exactly like mine! My name is Michelle too.. Are you me?! I'm also wondering what life with hypo is like after surgery.

Yes it is called reactive Hypoglycemia. If this is true then it certainly would make me feel a little better, somewhat, maybe. I have to say though. I really really hate that word!

Wow, I just looked at my license and it's 100 pounds over where I am now. When we came back to AZ 6 years ago they just reactivated the license from 25(?) years ago, when the weight was a terrible, terrible lie. Oddly enough, it still has my height from 25(?) years ago. I've since shrunk by a couple inches. I don't want to be shorter on my license so I'll live with the weight. Tek

My Doctor is Dr Mark Pleatman in Bloomfield hills Mi. I'm scheduled May 28, 3013..I'm doing all fluid day before only. I'm 5'6 and weight is 204..with co morbities...and hypo thyroid..I'm ready for a new journey and being healthy!

Whenever I go to see the surgeon's office, even though I am 27 months post-op, the word obesity appears on the forms. This threw me for a loop because I am no longer obese. It dawned on me that this is all about insurance. They have to code my visit for insurance billing purposes and since I had WLS, this is the best coding they can use. I was wondering about your hypoglycemia. There is one form that is tied to meals which is called reactive hypoglycemia. Reactive hypoglycemia (postprandial hypoglycemia) is low blood sugar that occurs after a meal — usually within four hours after eating. Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) usually occurs while fasting. Signs and symptoms of reactive hypoglycemia may include hunger, weakness, shakiness, sleepiness, sweating, lightheadedness, anxiety and confusion. Someone told me that it is like a spike in blood sugar followed by a crash. If this is the type you have then you have a bit of control because you can time your meals.

I am hypo, I was hyper after having my son. I had to have radio-active iodine to "kill" it. I feel like I am hitting my head against a wall trying to lose weight, I do not think it is the thyroid, I am on 112 Synthroid and my levels are fine. What do you all eat, how often (3 or 6 meals) and how many calories? Just wondering how the weight is coming off? I have not lost anything since my daughter was born 20 months ago, aside from the 35 pounds I gained with her. I am very frustrated, had a fill Monday and still don't really feel restricted. Anyway, just thought I would ask, to see if anyone had any ideas.

Thanks for the reply! I am happy to hear that the LB has the potential to help me. I have been hypo since I was 16 years old and I am now 30 years old. I definitely have always felt that I am doomed to be fat forever because of my thyroid ( well, now lack there of since I have it entirely removed last month ).

It's Reactive Hypo or Hyper Gylcemia

My post-op experience was a challenge also. The surgery itself (on 11/10) and the 2 days in the hospital went fine. It was after I was home about 5 days that things started going south. I called my surgeon's office to schedule my first post-op appt. His nurse did not like how I was sounding on the phone so she had him call me later that day. He told me to go into the office the next morning (11/18) to see his PA (he was going to be in his other office so I wasn't able to see him) and have her check me out. After the PA checked me out, what she found was my O2 sat was 85 and HR 115, she conferred with my surgeon by phone and then told my husband to drive me to the hospital for a CT to check for blood clots. No clots were found, thank goodness. However, my hospital journey began as they admitted me in order to run more tests. Over the course of a few days, I had multiple CT scans, x-rays, blood work, etc. Ended up with a couple of drains for a hematoma in my stomach and for where bile was collecting under my diaphragm. These two things plus an infection caused my body to create "reactive fluid" in the chest area between my ribs and left lung which is what was causing me to be so short of breath. After draining off over 1400cc of Fluid, my breathing improved considerably finally. My hospital stay lasted 13 days with an additional 5 days in inpatient rehab to try and regain some of my strength and balance back. I lost a lot of weight and muscle strength during those 18 days. I could not walk without assistance I was so weak. Once I was discharged from rehab on 12/6, I continued with outpatient rehab through December. Today I'm doing so much better physically, have lost about 40 lbs. since pre-surgery days, and am working out regularly to lose more. All that said, despite the complications I experienced after the surgery, I would have the surgery again. It took me a long time to make the decision to have the surgery, and I'm glad I did. I may not be losing the weight as quickly as my surgeon is expecting me to, but I am doing all the homework to make it happen, i.e. Protein protein protein, tracking food intake, ramped up my exercise routine, and staying away from the junk food. It will come off in due time. When you consider how small our stomachs are now, it makes it easier (at least for me) to make better choices about what to eat since I can eat so little before I'm full. I encourage anyone considering having VSG to do it. I don't believe you'll regret your decision to do whatever it takes to improve your health. I'm no longer on my diabetes or blood pressure medications I will be very interested to see what happens with my fatty liver situation as I get farther down the weight loss road. So I had my surgery on January 20th. I am a nurse and have researched this for years before finally decided on the surgery. I went to all the pre-op classes, did everything I was supposed to do when I was supposed to and i thought I knew exactly what I was getting myself into. Holy crap was I wrong. No amount of prep could have prepared me for what was in store. Post op, felt great. a bit nauseous but ok. Went for a nice long walk, had my foley, i was Nothing by mouth and a dilauded pca with zofran around the clock. I feel asleep for a bit woke at 2 am and was super sick to my stomach. The discontinued my iv in the morning and asked me to start drinking. WHAT!!!!! I tried, please understand I tried...so hard....They gave me Roxicodone liqiud, which just made things worse. My Blood pressure went through the rood because of the pain and nausea so they gave me meds for that which sucked because my head was killing me. They ended up restarting my IV and i was a blubbering idiot, in tears wondering what the hell i did to myself. The nurse practitioner came in and gave me toradol. with the hour i was able to stand again, ate some jello and cleaned up which allowed me to get out of the hospital that day. It is now 5 days later. I am doing so much better. Still have some staples in place and steri strips. Water is going down easier, Jello as well. Still not a big fan of broth. I know with all my heart and soul that this was the right thing for me to do but I had my moment of weakness. I felt guilty and stupid about it but the NP told me that no one, no matter how much you know, can anticipate how your body will react to the surgery. Be patient. Forgive yourself for the doubts you have because you will have doubts and remember....it will get better.

I was diagnosed with a HYPO thyroid.. (meaning underactive) or as in my case.. I just does not work on its own..... so I've been taking meds for it since the ripe ol age of 22.. I'm 37 now, and it is just part of my life.. it should have no effect on your surgery decision.

Hi, I had surgery Oct 2012 and have lost about 110lbs. I still need to lose about 30lbs to be to my own personal goal - one where I will be viable for skin surgery. I had shoulder surgery too, just a month ago and have put on 12lbs since that time! On Monday of this week I started cutting out all the junk that I've been eating over Christmas - I'm not totally low carb as I am diabetic and often feel like I get hypos when I don't have any carbs.. but I'm doing better. Trying not to weigh myself as I can easily get hung up on the numbers, if you know what I mean. Just want to feel better within myself. I'm thinking that I might have stretched my stomach a bit too, but hoping that if I have more liquid Protein meals that that will help some to get some of the restriction back. Maybe you should consider going back to your surgeon and getting some pointers from him? he may surprise you!