Search the Community

After 1 week post op i had it

Last time I tried refried beans, they hurt. That was nearly two months ago. Last week had a sesame grilled chicken salad at BJs Brewhouse. The napa cabbage sat like a brick in my stomach. I can eat coleslaw without a problem or any other raw salad. Pork is hit or miss. So is beef.

I've had my hair done every 6 weeks since before I got my sleeve and throughout the entire time I've had it. I have thin, easily breakable hair, and even though probably 1/3 of it fell out last year, it is now growing back in and I have my old level of thickness to about the tops of my ears. I have not noticed that my usual color or the foils I have done every 3 months made any difference in the fragility of my hair and I wasn't willing to have ugly roots just to find out.

Luckily my surgery is (supposedly) going to be the week before or of thanksgiving then I'll be on liquids for Christmas I think.

Tunnel Vision. Defined as: “the tendency to focus exclusively on a single or limited goal or point of view”. A lot of people view tunnel vision as a bad thing. And in some instances, it can be. But in the instance of my health and physical fitness? It’s an amazinggggg thing! I sorta-kinda had counted myself out of the 5k I had planned to do next month due to some health set-backs and overall apathy while dealing with some of life’s other BS. But I’m glad to say my "tunnel vision" goggles have returned (as it pertains to getting in better shape) See this pic? That's me. RUNNING (jog/trot is more accurate) across the Woodrow Wilson Bridge (MD to VA). The span is 2.-something miles. I did NOT run the entire length, but d@mmit, I DID it. 2 years ago - and 100# heavier - I could have never imagined this for myself. My 1st 5k race is in 3 weeks. I am determined to do it!! My inner athlete at work This weekend I headed out with my family for a traipse across the Woodrow Wilson Bridge. The span itself is a little over 2 miles one way. The trail totals 6 miles – there & back, including the bridge span. I hadn’t planned on running at all, but when the urge hit me? I took off! Like, didn’t even THINK about running. It just felt…NATURAL. For the first time. EVER. And I’m so incredibly proud of myself. I had nearly given up on the idea of being able to get in that 5k race next month, but this was just the encouragement I needed to stick to my plan. Like I said previously – even if I have to crawl over the finish line, I’m going to FINISH. #the end. My Sweetface...running like the wind! On another note: Who woulda thunk that my Sweetface 3 year old would serve as my biggest source of encouragement? Her daddy used to be runner, so I guess it’s in her genes. (damn shol aint in mine!) *shrug* But she knows it’s a struggle for me. At one point she said “See? Just like this, Mommy” – and took off running. Then said “COME ON, MOMMY! You can do it! Go Mommy!” How could I NOT find the energy after that?? I have exactly 3 weeks to get my bootay in gear. I have enlisted the help of Jillian Michaels and her “Last Chance” workout DVD to help amp it up a notch. So tonight, I will take my first 30 minute punishment. The REALLY insane part? I’m looking forward to it. That blows my mind. Not only that, but I’ve found another 5k race to get under my belt in October. Except this one is going to be funnnnn. (It’s a 5k obstacle course -entitled “Run for ya Lives”. Yeah – running from ZOMBIES! Presumable trying to eat my brains… *lol* Doesn’t get much better than that. Who thought I’d truly ever be excited to run – for any reason other than towards a cupcake truck?!?) Times, they are a changing. And so is my body. Y’all betta watch out… Size 12 is coming.

Starting at 265, my 22/24 and 1 or 2X clothes were fitting me "tightly" in places. Then I lost 15 pounds on the pre-op diet, which I could always lose in the past but never get past on the scale. By then my clothes were fitting me the way they should have fit me. I remember cleaning out my closet 6 weeks after surgery and got rid of half my closet. I still have a pile of nice clothes I need to take pictures of and sell, including a nice black interview suit worn once. I was about 235-240 then and was wearing some 18's a little snug. By 8 weeks out, the 18's fit like they should and I went down in bra size. By 11 weeks out, the 18's were sad and people I barely knew told me to stop wearing the 1X tops because it looked like I was "wearing another person's wardrobe." Now, at almost 13 weeks I'm wearing a solid 16 pants (even some 14 stretch work pants) and either a size M-L top. The first 6 weeks seeing the weight come off but not truly dropping in clothes was frustrating, it just take a little longer to catch up. It's funny now how I'll buy a pair of pants and remember them as "tighter than I'd like" to only find two weeks later already becoming looser than I'd like!!!

I'm curious to hear what your all pre-op diets are? I know liquids but what about the specifics. I will ONLY be allowed Protein drinks and can't go 40-50 carbs a day in doing those. I have to do this for 2 weeks. -Heather in Oregon

I am almost two weeks post op ( I have three days left of the liquid diet ... total of 4 weeks ) . I have to tell you this is the hardest thing I have ever done.... I suggest keeping your mind active and off of the food. I have cheated several times and can assure you that is something you dont want to do. I suggest tying to add as much variety as possible especially with the Protein shakes.... go to the Vitamin store and get samples of all the different Protein drinks. good luck !

I'm a bit over two weeks post op and I get that too. I was wondering as well - I think I may be eating too much at once, perhaps? A couple times for sure it was gas, other times I think it's me eating too much. Ah, this is such a learning process.

My surgeon asked me how I was feeling about the surgery in my Pre-op exam a week before my surgery. I said 'anxious, nervous. And a bit scared.'. He said that was good. It's the cocky people who have no fears that he gets concerned about. And as a side note he said that those people are the ones who usually have the bumpier ride bcs they aren't prepared. So, embrace your fears! They will help guide & educate you towards a wonderful, healthier you! :-)

I haven been on VST in a while because I am really enjoying the new me. I have been very active since my surgery on May 3rd 2013. I have lost a total of 83 lbs and this is the best i have felt in a very long time. I work out an 1 hour usually 3 to 4 times a week. I can really see the changes. I have went down from a 26/28 (some 30's) to wearing a size 18w pants. It used to be ashamed to try on clothes in the stores but, now take my own sweet time in the dressing room. When I was younger, I loved roller coasters. I stopped getting on them because i was too afraid that I would not fit and they would ask to get off. This summer I rode so many rides. I had the time of my life. I thank God that I have not had any complications. I usually do a protein shake in the morning, a lean cuisine for lunch, another protein shake, and a hearty protein for dinner. My appetite seems to go with the weather. Not for sure why. The only bad habit I have is I weigh myself too much and ooh I forgot the chocolate lol. My Dr and nutritionist have been there for the much needed support. My husband got the lap band 2 years ago so it makes it nice that we both can support each other. I have 70 more lbs to loose to be a my idea weight. I am not anxious to reach my goal. I have always told myself that when i got the surgery I would be the creator of my own success. Therefore, Im taking one day at time. Right now, I am just enjoying the new me.

I found Amazon to be very helpful when searching for protein shakes and vitamins. I love bariatric advantage. It's a little pricey but really tasty and formulated specifically for bariatric patients. Bariatric Advantage also carries calcium chews in a variety of flavors (lemon is best!) and vitamins. Their ultra vitamin has everything we need in three pills per day!

Today was my 2nd day of 14 on the all liquid diet. Ugh today was miserable. I'm praying that it gets better. I'm having a hard time concentrating at work and feel dizzy. Does the dizziness an headaches go away after the first week?

The preop diet is the roughest the first few days. I finished my first week yesterday and today am starting my second week. Day two was the worst! I thought there was no way I could do it. I was just sure I was going to have to cancel my surgery. I just couldn't stand the artificial sweetner taste and it was giving me awful diarrhea. In just a few short days things have changed tremendously. After day 2, things just kept getting better. I began to tolerate the tast of the artificial sweetner and the diarrhea went away. And, even on Saturday (preop day 5) I thought "these shakes are actually tasting kinda good". I wish you luck in your journey.

Your the second person in the last couple of weeks that has said that a surgeon wouldn't do your band because of a BMI>45. When I questioned my surgeon wondering why a surgeon would say that, he was surprised. We have done patients with BMI's in the 60's and they have been very successful. Makes you wonder if they really believe in the band or not??:mad:

Sue, I'm kind of stuck into it now. All of my appointments are set for next week and I assume I'll have a surgery date as soon as the test results are faxed over. I meet the actual doctor tomorrow and I'm sure it's not a problem, since the resident told me that he does lapbands for 50BMI. I feel pretty good about the choice of surgeon. We'll see if I feel the same tomorrow. Thanks for the input, Sue and everyone. I'll keep you updated. Laura

Same for me. I’m thinnest on Wednesday. Usually by four pounds. I’m considering moving my official weigh in day from Friday to Wednesday after seeing this trend for a few weeks....

I'm 5 weeks out as well... i would eat smaller portions and slower. 2.5 oz is alot right now. I'm barely getting 1-1.5 oz down. Even if u have to eat every 2-3 hours vs. 3 meals

I’d say I’m a fairly slow loser. I lost 16 pounds in first month and 1/2 of it was in the first week. I stalled at weeks 2-3 but since then I’ve lost 2-4 pound per week. I’m about 10 weeks out and have lost 32 lbs. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

My name is Dena, I've been reading the posts here for a few weeks and thought I'd say hi. I'm pre-op VSG, a little over four months into a six month program. So far so good, and hoping for surgery in October/November, fingers crossed. I'm excited, and happy to be a part of this community. After watching so many people track their journey on You Tube, I decided I would like to try that too. I thought it would help me both with motivation and staying accountable. You can find me as GrandmaDena VSG if you want to check it out. I'm really out of my comfort zone getting in front of a camera, but I'm pushing myself to try new things. Take care everyone, I look forward to getting to know all of you better! Sent from my iPad using the BariatricPal App

Almost 11 weeks postop and down 44 pounds. I have lost half my excess weight!! Super excited! The first pic is the day before surgery: 222 The second pic is my all time highest: 255 And the last is today: 178!

@@willstride and others having surgery..... you're gonna rock this..... it's normal to be nervous, but look how far you've come already just to get to this day!!! You're gonna do great, and every day will be better than the one before! I am a week post-op and every day I feel a little stronger and better. Will be awaiting news from you after your surgery. Good luck and God bless Will say general prayers for all who are at this point. Hugs, Jodi

I was also banded Dec. 27th (was a popular day!). My surgeon will not bill me for fills for 6 months at least he said (I was his first banding and he is still 'feeling' out the logistics for his practice). I had my first fill on 1/25 and my second last week, on 2/10. I agree with the above poster that I would be asking questions, at least demand a face-to-face appointment to discuss this issue. It is one thing if he does't want to do it because you are losing well, not healing or something. But to just not see you to make that determination is unacceptable. I wish you good luck! I want to see all of the Dec. 27th group do well!

Do you happen to have link to this article? I would be interested in reading it. My initial response would be: if you are following your program, try to give it time, people lose weight at different rates, and is probably a little early at 6 weeks to think this isn't going to work. But I get the anxiety, you will read pages and pages of other people who feel the same way. With that said, to better offer suggestions (just suggestions, mind you as we are mostly not medical professionals and cannot assume we would know what is best for you based on a post on an internet forum)...what are your stats? Starting weight, height? How much weight lost so far? What is your daily average caloric intake?

Congrats to both of you. It is an exciting journey. Looking forward to start my journey in under 2 weeks.