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Im a teacher and didnt take any time off. My co teacher (controller of students in my class at the time) knew of my surgery and I went back to work on Monday (surg was sat left hos on sunday) and "took it easy". I taught at the front of the class so on my feet all day but she got the students to help ie handing out papers so I wasnt running around. I spent 4 hours on my feet 4 hours at my desk so it wasnt that bad. Post op my biggest challenge was stairs and the 10 walk up and down the hill to my house to and from work. My doc said I should take a few days off ( actually I had so much gas in my lungs he wanted to keep me a few days but I went home against his wishes, since im still here 3 years later things worked out ok) but turned out ok. Now most of his patients follow my lead and go back to work asap helping with recovery because moving = gas going faster I would suggest 1-2 days off work and then when back at work walk 5 mintues every hour and 10 deep breathes every hour

I can give you the reason why I fought to have VSG instead of RNY for my revision. 1) regain stats for RNY are just scary 2) # of RNY patients seeking revisions to DS or ERNY because the malabsorption of calories/fat only lasts 2 years, BUT, the malabsorption of nutrients and Vitamins last a lifetime. Not really a fair trade off in my opinion 3) I didn't want to self punish myself if I wanted a cookie. I mean come on that's pretty evil to induce dumping syndrome. Skinny bitches have a cookie or two here and there. Plus, dumping only occurs in 30% of RNY patients, no guarantee it'd keep me out of the cookie jar. 4) I didn't want a blind stomach that can still develop cancer and ulcers yet is difficult to access for scopes, and nearly impossible to diagnose because of the complicated staple line. 5) The pouch caused by the RNY and band are pretty much the same. My body hated the pouch with my band. I knew it would be the same with RNY. It's not natural, I love having a normal, fully functioning tummy. NO pouch, NO stoma with VSG. 6) No Vitamin, nutrient deficiencies with VSG caused by malabsorption. 7) Long term complications with RNY were too numerous for me to even consider a malabsorptive procedure 8) Gastrectomies have been performed for decades upon decades for stomach cancer and ulcerative conditions. Out of all of my research, I found gastrectomy patients living very normal, full lives with partial or complete gastrectomies. Some people have their entire stomach remove and are able to live fairly normal lives. Of course, there are dietary changes and different requirements, but overall, their lives were close to normal. 9) I know several RNY patients in real life, personal close friends, that struggle with regain, Iron infusions weekly for 8 weeks then off for a month, and back on for 2, bowel obstructions, pouch dilation, and other issues related to RNY. 10) The weight loss stats with VSG are neck and neck with VSG and RNY. I knew restriction would be enough for me. Portion control and constant restriction is what I needed. RNY is a great surgery for some people, but for me, it was not a match. For me, VSG was the only option. If I could not have had VSG, my band would have been removed, and I would have stayed fat.

I am about to head to the hospital.Good luck my friend! Let's compare notes on the losers bench! We made it through the preop with regular size stomachs- the rest will be better....(optimistic here). I lost 19 pounds! xoxo hugs to you.

As far as pre-op "blues" I figured i didn't have a corner on this. I was so blue, i unfortunately did the worst thing in the world. I figured I would eat some food i should not have, since i know i couldn't later. I.E. Cookies, and other stuff like that :nonod: Over the past 6 weeks i actually have gained 20 lbs :confused5: Boy is it easy to gain weight. I'm so upset this happened. There's nothing i can do of course now. My dr. didn't require a 5% weight loss, so i over ate!! After Thanksgiving I'm gonna put myself on a strict liquid diet, maybe to lose 5-10 lbs. So i just wanted to unload. Thanx WLS 12/6/11 kathy :nonod:

Protein is IMPERATIVE to bariatric patients. And the great thing is we have so many options! Once upon a time it was nearly impossible for a bariatric patient to keep their protein counts up. We were taught to only eat certain foods and to avoid others. Chicken breast, lean beef, and fish was the rule of thumb. The problem with these foods was that several people had problems eating, swallowing, and digesting them. And we were told that once we hit a certain point, to avoid protein drinks as we needed to be eating our protein rather than drinking it. Isn't it nice to know that times have changed? New research and information has given the bariatric patient so many more options on foods we can eat now to keep our protein levels where they should be. We are no longer restricted to the leanest cuts of meat, but are encouraged to try other cuts such as dark meat chicken, 80/20 or 90/10 ground beef, and (a personal favorite) BACON. Additionally, we are encouraged to eat eggs and shrimp, salmon and pork. And protein drinks (when done RIGHT) are no longer a no-no! How Much Protein Do We REALLY Need and Why Is It So Important? According to most surgeons and nutritionists, we need about 65-70 grams of protein daily. That goes up a little bit if you're recovering from surgery or are sick or pregnant (to about 85-90 grams). Protein is an essential building block of our bodies. When we're losing weight, especially, protein is one of the hardest working macronutrients on the planet. Beyond muscle building, it also helps strengthen our immune system, rebuilds tissue, and can even improve brain function. Additionally, when we lose weight, our bodies burn protein. When we're not getting enough protein, our body takes it from wherever it can get it - typically our body muscle. What's more, it can actually take muscle from our cardiac system! How Can I Get My Protein? Focusing on protein is the #1 concern of many bariatric patients. Of course, eating your protein is the very best bet. Focusing on protein foods with a high protein to fat ratio is the very best bet. Some of the best protein foods are egg whites, chicken breast, and shrimp. Although other meats, poultry, and seafood are also good options. Cheese is another great choice as are nuts and seeds. Beans do give some protein, but many bariatric patients have issues with digesting them. Another good option is the protein drink. Once only encouraged in the early phases after surgery, now many nutritionists and dietitians are encouraging the bariatric patient to include protein supplements in their daily diets. Most contain high (35+ g) amounts of protein, and leave you free to consume other healthy (and needed) foods later on such as vital fruits and vegetables. The #1 suggested protein drink that nutritionists suggest is whey protein. It is, by far, the most digestible and assimilated protein on the market (that means your body can use it a lot easier than other kinds). Sadly, many people can't tolerate whey or stomach it. If this is the case, there are other options available that are almost as easily digested such as egg white protein or vegan (brown rice, pea, and hemp) proteins. If I'm Focusing On Protein, I Don't Have Room For Other Foods, HELP! VITAMINS! You remember those vitamins and fiber supplements the doctor sent you home with? TAKE THEM. It's true that we often have to forgo fruits, vegetables, and whole grains when we're focusing on protein. That's why these supplements are so important to our lifestyle. Remember The Basics! The basics of our lifestyle don't change with time. We still need to remain focused on protein, water, and our vitamin supplements. Keeping these three things at the forefront of your mind will help ensure you successful weight loss, successful maintenance, and a successful lifestyle overall!

I tried so many protien drink mixes and could not stand the taste or smell. I have since found two brands that are so good they are like a treat. Special K Protien shake 10 prot. 160 cal. 25 carb Love the dark chocolate, milk chocolate caramel. EAS AdvantEdge carb control 17 prot. 110 cal 10 carb my favorites are mocha something, dark chocolate and cafe caramel. They are really good, at least to me. Hope this helps. It will get better.

The pizza, pumpkin carmel bake and pumpkin cheesecake are. The yogurt isnt, and I didn't put the protein ice cream because we basically took a shake and put it in an ice cream maker so doh! Pumpkin cheesecake: http://sleevers.wordpress.com/2013/11/09/pumpkin-cheesecake-vanilla-protein-mousse/ Caramel bake: http://sleevers.wordpress.com/2013/10/02/pumpkin-caramel-bake-high-protein-low-carb-gluten-free/ Flatout pizza: http://sleevers.wordpress.com/2013/11/16/low-carb-flatout-pizza/

Hang in there! There are many different flavors/types of protein powder and protein shots and protein drinks. Have you tried liquid nutritional supplements like boost? ensure? Those both have some protein in them. How about making some broth and adding one of the unjury chicken or beef flavored powders while it's warm (not hot)? Protein is super important, as I'm sure you know. Maybe ask your doctor to prescribe some medicine for nausea? My doctor gave me 600ml of phenergan liquid. I take 10-15ml once every couple days when I feel nauseous and it helps worlds (Although beware, it does make you tired!)

I went in to surgery just below 34 bmi. I was told to expect to be a slow loser and not to compare my weight loss numbers with others. Surgery was almost 3 weeks ago and I've only lost 10 lbs, but overall I'm down 26 lbs from my first consult, mainly due to the pre-op liquid diet. I don't mind a slower loss. Fewer raised eyebrows and likely fewer skin issues.

During my first 22 months I would eat 1000 calories a day. I lost 208 lbs. my dr suggest 1500 to start but I just couldn't consume that much food so my dr had me track everything for a month and he was fine with my loss. I averaged around 10 lbs each month...some more some less of course. Now I bumped it up to 1200 or so although my dr had me stop tracking it so I would learn to eyeball it and continue to lose. I am 8 lbs from my goal. I still eat 3-4 oz of Protein, 1/2 c veggies and 1/4 c starch at meals although I usually don't finish the startch.

Aloha, who are my Aug 2019 bypass siblings? I am doing it for my GERD and many more issues. What about you? I am doing mine at Houston Methodist Hospital!

I haven't seen any more August 2019 yet, so you may be our Trail Guide. Welcome and may you be one of many!😝

Day three was bad for me too, but I pushed through the pain and really worked on trying to walk around the house. I would take my pain medicine and walk for 10 minutes in the house and then nap because the meds made me tired. It really helped though. I took the meds every 4 hours and did not skip even if I did not feel any pain I was able to walk a lot and on day 4 I felt a million times better. Keep your chin up. My life has changed so much in just two months and I will never regret this. Feel better and get ready to really start living!!!

I definitely thought about food quite a lot during the clear liquids stage - it's just so boring! However, it never got as bad as it would've gotten pre-surgery - I stuck to my 10 days of clear liquids and never had anything that wasn't allowed on that stage. I was able to control myself, thankfully, so hopefully, so can you!

Ok, Love bugs for Surgery in Aug 2019! I got approve for my surgery and my insurance is paying 100%. I am very excited!!! Counting down the days ... Aug please hurry up!

I'm just shy of 5'3" and I would like to get to around 130lbs but would be happy to just be in a size 10 again....

There are many people on VST and MFP (My Fitness Pal) that lose well over 100 lbs. I would say you will lose what you put into it. Your first 6 months will be your biggest weight loss. You can increase your loss during this time by following all of the rules, including watching what you eat and working out. After the first 6 months it slows for most people. When I say slows its still a higher loss than someone without VST could probably attain, but its just not crazy weight loss like 5-10 lbs in one week that can happen occasionally. You want to take full advantage the first full year and follow your nutritionists guidelines as best you can and you will learn great habits into the 2nd year when you just have to work a little harder to lose. I'm 10 months out and my weight loss has slowed considerably since month 7, but I'm also very close to goal so its to be expected. How I wouldn't love one more big week though... On a final note...If you go in with the expectation that this isn't a magic pill and you put in a lot of effort to take full advantage of the benefits this surgery can offer, you can achieve anything. Good luck, you can do it! I hope this was helpful. Sent from my iPhone using VST

@@Kittymappus At 10 months I was probably close to 1400 calories a day, doing cardio 5 days a week. I know I had to quickly push up over 1100 calories a day in order to do any sort of intense cardio and once I got to the point where I was running 5k's again, I needed closer to that 1400 mark.

Darby, we were all nervous here, I can tell you! My husband has so many health problems I was TERRIFIED but I felt we would die from the asthma, HBP, diabetes, heart problem, sleep apnea, neuropathy (not counting all the medicines we were taking for all these problems), if we did not have the sleeve. So there was fear either way. This is the best decision we ever made for ourselves and our health and we are looking and feeling great. Never even felt like I had surgery (I thought they pretended lol). It was 10 times easier than anticipated. Relax and go for it! Linda

Oh gosh me too. I’m almost 9 years post-op from my RNY. Lost a total of 110 pounds. Kept it all off for several years but then gained back 60. I’ve lost 10 on my own but coming here for encouragement and support to lose at least 40 more.

I was banded 10/19/11. I am a food addict as well. I am still struggling with that but it get easier every day! I would love to keep in touch!

It's day 5, and things really are getting easier, thank you guys so much for the support! Yesterday was definitely the worst day so far, with me having to be at work for 16 hours straight (im a nurse) and see my co workers and clients eating. I also had to make dinner for the unit! Rough day, but if i can make it through that day, any other day should be manageable only 10 days to go!!

Today is my day one of the liquid diet, and it also marks 2 weeks before my surgery! So far I'm doing pretty good, but then again it;s only 10:48am on day 1 lol. Anyone have any good liquid diet tips? Any specific broth people prefer? <3

I lost 19 lbs first week.

While I bet you've lost a lot of weight, your scale is probably light compared to the doctor's scale. I have two scales and they are completely different. I use the one that matches with my doctor's scale. I do find that my body seems to hold onto my weight and releases it all at one time, which could be the case for you. I will stay the same and lose and regain the same 3-4 pounds for a few weeks, and then drop 8-10 in the next 2 weeks. It's very strange, but I've finally realized that it is a pattern and not a fluke. It sounds like you have lost a great deal of weight this week, but I bet the scale is off a bit. Do you have an old scale you can try?