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4/22/19 here. The best of luck to everyone!

That's awesome! I am 10 days after surgery and I can't get that much water down - getting close though. I sip and sip all day but it's still a challenge for me.

I had mine on March 18th, 2019. I am doing pretty good so far. The nausea the first day or 2 after surgery was HORRIBLE! It did get better though. Only real problems I am having right now is eating/drinking enough water. I can only tolerate liquids right now and sometimes even that's hard to keep down.

I think, like many areas of bariatrics, different doctors have differing opinions. My dietician is hard core on the not drinking while eating or for 30 minutes after to prevent the flushing through, but not so much on the 30 minutes before. I'm allowed to drink up to 10 or 15 minutes before I eat.

I started with a BMI of 36 and the loss has been extremely slow. I also have PCOS which is a hormonal condition, and was warned that we tend to lose slower anyway. I have only lost 16 lbs in the 7 weeks since surgery. I am disappointed, but it's still 16 lbs more than I would have lost. I weigh every day and track everything - protein, calories, carbs, water, exercise, poops. I know I'm doing everything right - but I ate 1300 cals or less a day for years prior to surgery (have been tracking everything in MFP for 7 years now) and still didn't lose. In the back of my mind is the fear that I will be the only one that surgery doesn't work for because my metabolism is so broken. I stalled on day 10 and have had many since - I just keep trying to change things up to kick start it again, but it does feel a little like spinning plates in the air, LOL.

Well your next labs should tell the story, if they are cool, then you've got it beaten. I was mildly deficent in D, well who isn't in the American Midwest? We don't want frostbite or to wet ourselves before we peak down all the layers. Also added Ferrocite, I was getting some iron in my prenatal vitamins, yeah my dietician recommended them, but not enough. Well evidently it still wasn't enough because I had an Iron INFUSION on March 11th. It wasn't that bad but as my body came to terms with it I had a tsunami of fecal urgency, black, sticky at first but on and on until the last three were like filthy mopwater. Did I retain enough? Geeze, I hope so, my PCP told me, he didn't order it , my Bariatric surgery people did that, that I might have these every 3 months. That would make the next one June Tomkitten birthday month, as a matter of fact almost exactly it. Maybe while we're in Columbus I will take him to dinner. Now that I weigh less than him , he's thinking of asking Dr Needleman himself about whether he would,be a candidate. It would be a fate date , since they share initals. Told him this is one decision you make for yourself, Mama can help and support but it is up to you! I am a whole 20 pounds lighter although he would tell you it's only 15. Do you know how hard I have worked for this day? There was a day where I was over a hundred pounds larger. Not a good time, not a happy time, a heading for my death time. And I dropped weight pretty quick after my PICC line was discontinued, Oh it wasn't,too bad to have, kind of became,my friend, but like my dietary ex- boyfriend, "quick fast-food" I didn't lose that much weight with it around, 1400 calories kicked my tushie badly, was losing maybe a pound a month. Wow I am back to my Golden Honeymoon of WL. Anybody want to know what I weigh now? Gonna tell you anyway! 234.6 pounds, now all you peeps that started in the 200s and are now trying discretely to stifle a yawn, Moi. started this endeavour at 365+, I say plus because after I was weighed at that point I refused to climb upon a scale again. Figured the next step was Farmers Equity where they weigh out feed. Might have considered offing myself but feared I'd miss and how do you explain that burned part in your head where the bullet creased your head. Oh I can shoot animals, I just draw the line at ME. Someday I'll tell the story of how Late Lamented and I went deer- hunting. I shot a 10 and half point buck, he just cursed his fool head off because I shot that buck, he winged a tree limb. Never went hunting again. Okay I shot my quota of squirrels and such with my Daddy and my custom - painted rifle. In those days you couldn't get pink camo so Daddy's friend customed for me. Why did I learn to hunt? Well my boy cousins wanted to, so why shouldn't I? Late Lamented called it the Candy Stick but it shot straight and true. Actually shot the deer with HIS gun, he didn't think I could do it! Don't challenge me, I play for keeps, and that's how it's gonna be with Weight Loss, might not lose as fast as the younger chicks but I am in it to Win it, and Win It I Shall. A joke about my Redheadness. Do you what aredheaded woman driver is like? We're a lot like blonde ones except we will lconvince you That Accident was all Your Fault!

Pretty much both sides of my family are obese. When we were growing up we never really had very healthy food. When I was 10 my mother had gastric bypass and she’s had very little problems with it and has stayed under 170 and my uncle had it several years after her and has gained a little back but nowhere near as big as he was. I’m just hoping I do really good with the sleeve. So far I’m 2 weeks out and since 2 weeks before surgery I’m down about 35 pounds

Tuna is a great means of getting-in protein. I am also not the greatest fan of eggs, but have found the need to push them more than I'd like. You are very correct, the powdered whys and similar are far from pleasant, but it's really about adding small amounts only.....barely enough to be tasted amounts....whenever we get the opportunity. There's really no way of making this thing easy, I know, but to keep in the back of our minds just how vital it is to work hard on keeping the protein intake as high as possible. Stating the obvious, I know!!! Your dislike of Yogurts don't help so much, although there's hardly masses of protein in standard yogurt. There are others that are 'high' protein, containing 15 grams or more per yogurt....but, you're not going to like those too much if you already don't enjoy regular ones, as it is a little noticeable that what the manufacturers have done, is basically add protein powder to a regular yogurt!! I'm not really helping too much, other than empathizing with the difficulties you're having....I, too am having difficulties and I wouldn't necessarily call myself a 'fussy eater. It becomes easier, as I mentioned, as your dietary allowances get better - it is seriously hard to get that protein until you get to the 'soft' phase....and even I only really managed to improve things with more eggs than I'd have really liked!! Be sure to drink your full allowances daily of Low Fat Milk and just do your best.....wishing you luck and success, and hit those cans of Tuna as hard as you're able!!!! (Should add that some of the low fat, low carb shakes available that sports-people use....or indeed the pre op low carb/high protein shakes we used ie 'Optifast' can be turned to, to give us around 10 grams of protein, all of which does help us....it really IS about making small changes....adding small amounts of protein absolutely whenever we get the chance to....a major challenge, I fully concur!!)

Well, dumping syndrome can be a significant issue and a variable between individuals. It is a well known and recognized syndrome of post partial, or sub-total gastrectomy surgery. Largely, it is the overfilling of what is now a very compromised, much smaller pouch for a stomach, which post-op is now around 10% or so of what its original size used to be. The feelings of over-fullness, aside from the bloating and abdominal discomfort it brings, can physiologically set-off events than vary from mild to serious. The blood pressure can fall as the body tries to adjust to overfilling of the pouch - as the body detects that we have food to digest, the blood supply to the gut is increased, diverted away from the muscles etc. (the very reason why Mum told us to never go swimming too soon after food, as the reduced skeletal and muscle blood supply can lead to muscle cramping and potential drowning etc). This can, and often does bring great discomfort generally, feelings of faintness and often, overwhelming fatigue, the need to lie down flat.....things, even simple things, can seem overwhelming. This all usually passes with rest and while we should try to relax and allow things to pass, it is not always easy to do so, as the feelings of general 'unwellness' are so strong and all encompassing. Far better, of course, to never over-eat, to stop eating before those feeling of absolute fullness ever arrive. Of course, avoiding drinking whilst eating and allowing 20 to 30 minutes to elapse before eating, then 30 mins afterwards before drinking once again, will greatly minimize symptoms of the dreaded dumping syndrome. Hope this helps a little. It is quite easy to forget and either eat and/or drink too quickly, not adequately chew our food and so-on, especially in the earlier days after surgery. Dumping Syndrome is definitely unpleasant enough an experience to remind us, that's for sure!

I started the process with a BMI of 37.5 last April and I weighed in at 256 during my first bariatric consult. On the day of surgery (12/17/18), I weighed 234 and I had a BMI of 34.5. By New Years Eve, I was down to 224. On January 15, I was down to 212. By January 30, I was down to 204. On February 15, I was down to 197. On March 1, I weighed 196.7. March 15, I weighed 196.1. Today I weighed 193.2. So you can see that it came off fast and has leveled off. I have lost 2 inches off my waist since March 1, so the inches are coming off if the weight isn't. I follow a strict diet and exercise program--which is pretty intense, but I am really enjoying it. I feel awesome. Here's some photos documenting the journey. Last Summer this is me at 255 or so: This is me on Surgery Day (12/17/18) (weight: 234): This is me on January 17, 2019 (Weight: 210) This is me on February 28, 2019 (weight: 197.8) This is me on March 23, 2019 (Weight: 192.1): So, the weight loss has slowed up, but that's ok. I want to lose another 10-15 pounds, but I don't "need" to lose that weight. I am more concerned at this point with improving my physical conditioning and strength. The weight came off so fast that I didn't really "see" the difference in the mirror, but the photos show a dramatic change. I still hasn't really sunk in yet, but it's kind of like winning the health lottery. I am look healthy and fit. I am no longer diabetic according to my doctors. My BP is normal and my blood tests look great 3 months post op. Huge improvements. Honestly, having this surgery is the best thing I ever did for myself. I wish I had done this sooner--but better late than never. Obviously, the surgery helps get the ball rolling and gives you the tool so that the rest of the changes you make in your lifestyle will actually work for you. I have tried to do this before with hardcore dieting and exercise and I would just hit a wall and then lose ground. Not anymore!! If 191 is my wall, that's ok for me--but I think I'll still lose some more weight over the next few months, but the changes won't be as dramatic or noticeable (on the scale or otherwise).

I have my surgery tomorrow...what type of restrictions will I have on movement? I know I can't lift more than 10 pounds but I do a bunch of daily stretches on my back for my legs and back. Was wondering if I could even do them. -Matt Sent from my Pixel 2 XL using BariatricPal mobile app

Wow, you're down to 180???? That's amazing!!!! Good for you!!!! I know how you feel about the changes happening so fast. I am in the same position, although the scale is stuck around 191-194 for me--and has been for a while. I still want to drop at least 10 more pounds, but it's not going to be easy at this point. I have significantly improved my physical conditioning---cardio and strength in the past three months. Fortunately, my strength and conditioning continues to improve while the scale stays the same.

I was blessed to not suffer from obesity as a kid or even as an adult in my 20's. In fact, I worked as a personal trainer through college and part of law school and was in great shape in my early to mid twenties. I had a few mild ups and downs with the scale (gained 15-20 extra pounds) in my late twenties, but got back into shape and kept the weight off for a few years. It wasn't until I reach my early thirties (after I got married) that the weight started to accumulate. I didn't notice it in the mirror. I would gain 10 pounds take it off, regain 12 pounds take ten off, regain 14 pounds take 5 off---you know the pattern. The swings got to the point where I would drop 30 and regain 45. Low and behold, I got up to probably got up to around 270 (don't really know my true HW). Regardless of what the numbers on the scale said, I never saw myself as "obese"--not the guy in the mirror or the guy. In my dreams, I was always I my 20's, in great shape and super healthy. Waking up was always a big disappointment. I had my VSG in December 2018 and I have dropped about 75 pounds since my highest "measured" weight. Although I am now 45, I am almost back to the weight I was 20 years ago and the shape I was in too. Ironically, when I dream at night, I am now the fat version of me from the past 5 or so years. I actually have this reoccurring dream where I am standing next to my refrigerator stuffing my face as quickly as I can, when I hear my wife coming down the stairs. I start to panic to get the food back in the fridge to hide my binge eating from her. I am embarrassed by my behavior and disgusted with myself in these dreams. They cause me to wake up in a panic only to realize it's just a dream and I didn't gain the weight or start binge eating again. It's an awful feeling--almost as awful as waking up from a dream where I am thin only to find that the real me is morbidly obese. Maybe when I had dreams when I was fat about being skinny, it was my subconscious trying to remind me of the guy I was and am still meant to be. Maybe these new dreams are are my subconscious warning to myself about the possibility of what could happen to me if I don't stick to the plan. I would like to think these dreams are more than just an example of how I can torture myself and induce anxiety. Has anyone else had these types of dreams and experiences???

I am on day 7 and there are up days and down days. Some days I am very low energy but haven't cheated. My diet is 3 protein shakes and a small meal. I won't complain because I am giving myself the best shot I can during my surgery on Monday. It is a sacrifice but I can do anything for 10 days and the final result will be well worth it! We can all do this!

My program has asked me to lose 10% of my body weight, and I've been working on that for the last 18 months (yes, my program plays the looooooong game). I'm about 5lb away from that 10% mark at the moment, and I'm hopeful that my pre-op diet will take care of the rest. I've had a lot of difficulties losing anything because of a couple of my medications, and it's been a frustrating road.

I got my Slimband in November 2010 and have had issues with vomiting since day one. Almost 10 years later I'm starting to have almost unbearable symptoms (haven't been able to keep anything down since Friday, pain in my chest, difficulty breathing). I would love to hear from anyone that has had their Slimband removed and anyone that has sued them.

Hey Orchids&Dragons, someone on another thread had replied that they hoped you would see one of my posts as you liked your surgeon and they thought I would too. Thanks so much for responding. I have an appt. with Dr. Dyslin's office on 4/9/19. I put it a little bit out there as after discussing what I have been doing - supervised weight loss with primary doctor for 9 months now, already got clearance from psychiatrist - his office staff said to bring letters from both doctors with me to help get things moving along. I was a bit disappointed that they don't have a nutritionist on staff but I understand based on what you and his office staff indicated - they are in temporary quarters right now. They indicated that Cigna had the requirement for 90 days of supervised weight loss - I do have more than that but it is just so odd how the different plans and/or different dr's can have such different criteria. I did ask them about support group(s) and they indicated that the 'support' was done mainly via a private FB group. That works for me. I'll PM you on a few CIGNA questions.... Thanks so much!

I have a Gastric sleeve done 10 years ago and my doctor would like me to have it Resleeved! I lost 45 kilos after first surgery but have now put on 21kgs :( Has anyone had one - was it successful?

Hello Lisa, I had a gastric sleeve 2 1/2 years ago and also had severe Acid reflux / Gerd. I was sick six out of every seven days on average. I tried behavior modifications and several medications but they only worked for a short time. I became more and more concerned about Esophageal cancer so I finally had RnY revision surgery January 30, 2019 (about eight weeks ago). Since then I have had essentially no Acid reflux. I am still adjusting to the new diet regimen and yes it seems a little more restricting than my experience with the sleeve but I am progressing nicely and believe I made the correct decision. So I say do it. You won’t regret it and you’ll probably loose more weight.

27. Big Goal for 2019 is to write more.

Good afternoon fellow April Sleevers! I have finally been assigned a VSG surgery date: April 24, 2019. Yay. I am so excited and still so very nervous. Height: 5'6" SW: 356.2 Goal: 150 I'm having surgery in Portland, Oregon and Dr. Valerie Halpin is my surgeon.

The answer is both! First off, you don't count total carbs because the carbs that you eat in the form of fiber and sugar alcohols generally pass through undigested and don't contributed to weight gain or energy productiion. You have to deduct them from your total carb intake--so the focus is on net carbs. I am personally follow an ultra-low carb diet and try to keep my total carb intake under 30 net grams (usually under 20). I also count calories and track what I eat. I budget 1500 calories a day, with 45 percent come from protein, 45 percent from fat (healthy fats) andn 10% from carbs. It's working for me.