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46 and getting sleeve 9/10/18

Complications are pretty rare, recovery is easier than gall bladder or total knee replacement. I am 63 and had my sleeve done 10 months ago. Pick a good surgeon, do your research. Ask what complication rate he/she has. Ask what size he makes the sleeve. Ask if he does the leak test after surgery, mine did - he has never had a leak, has never had to repair a sleeve he performed, has never lost a patient. Also your general health right now and genetics will impact your recovery to an extent. An EGD as part of preop will give insight into whether you have acid reflux, that is one relatively common problem some people have after the sleeve if they are prone to it prior to surgery. Some physicians put patients on a PPI right away to keep that in check - ask about that. I don't know what other long term effects you are afraid of, be specific.

I remember back,thinking those months would never end, was I ready? was there anything I could have done better? Can I really do this thing? But stay faithful,do your testing, watch,your diet, follow every rule,your doctor hsd, he or she has been doing this business longer than you. And then the day will finally come. , you will be less 3 days to go. And that old bugaboo, Father Time,that,you felt wasn't cooperating,all the sudden you are riding that runaway freight train to surgery, did you pack everything you wanted to take? What are you going wear there? And have you got food stuffs ready for when you get home or are you making an emergency run to Target or another store? Do you have your laundry caught up? Nothing worse,than coming home to 3 baskets and you can't lift 10 pounds. Are the animals taken. care of, how about your spouse and kids? one thing, that I still gotta do, change out the,litter in the cat box, won't be wanting to bend over there soon Do you have a living will,or power of attorney paperwork. Did you remember to have your insurance cards and med list? Do,you,have a charger for you cell phone. All the sudden these small,stuff worries pop up, and you kill them all. And you put a smile on your face, a song on your lips,hope in your heart, and you go check in. You're ready. you go peacefully to sleep,knowing your are safe with,the best team possible,,while you are asleep, magic will be performed , and when you wake your new life begins, and it will be,good, a little more good healing and you can utilize the changes for good.

My wedding dress. Surgery is Dec 12th and we are planning a new years day wedding for 01 01 2020 fingers crossed.

I had hernia surgery at the same time so it took me longer to start working out. My bypass was March 26th. I ride 10 to 12 miles on a bike every morning and walk my dog 20 minutes every night. I start light weight training in 10 days. Don’t be in a hurry. You have the rest of your life. January 1, 2018 379 lbs, September 1, 2018 266 lbs. I have 77 lbs more to obtain my goal, but I’m giving myself 12 months to get there.

Clear liquids will mostly go straight through the sleeve and into the duodenum. The pyloric valve immediately lets most thin liquids through pretty quickly. I'm 3 weeks post-op and can drink probably 6-8 oz of clear liquids most of the time pretty quickly, then repeat ~10 minutes later. Thicker protein shakes or soups though - only 2-3 oz at most then must wait about 30 minutes. With the bypass liquids should just flow through the anastomosis.

I feel ya. I e put about 30 pounds back on by the small accrual of old bad habits and letting new good habits fade. I git my **** together in the past 10 days and am doing ver6 good going back to basics. Mostly liquid diet at the moment, and working with a behavioral therapist. The important thing is I didn’t let it get out of hand, I asked for help, and I understand it will always be a struggle. But it’s a struggle I can win, becaus3 I did it once already.

Woke up this morning with the lowest energy. tried to get up and do a couple things around the house but I can't. I haven't felt this way since surgery. I wear a fitbit and have been getting around 7,000 steps walking the dogs twice a day. But today, I can't do much. Is this normal??? 10 days since my surgery. Over all my fluid intake hasn't been a problem. I drink more water now, and like it, than before surgery. Can't understand why protein is so difficult. I'm still on liquid diet until this Thursday ( can't wait) my doctor said I should be drinking 2 protein shakes a day. I can only complete 1. Yesterday I ordered some protein powder online and it will be here Tuesday. Am I able to use the protein powder with everything???

So week 3 I gained 3 pounds and didn’t weigh myself again until week 5 and then I lost 10 pounds more. I don’t think weighing daily is healthy for anyone and I’m week 6.5 and I haven’t weighed since week 5... I think we can do is just follow the program... do our best... and it will all work out in the end!!! Good luck 🍀 to us Alan

I did my annual “go into the front closet and try on all of the winter coats” sort just now. Usually it’s a depressing exercise that means trying on 10 coats, none of them buttoning or hanging exactly right, pulling out the two that are somewhat manageable, and then vowing to buy something better-fitting at a sale. I then have to keep all of them on hand, to account for weight gain or the day I wear a bulky sweater. This year every single one of them fit. Four immediately went into the donate pile for being too big, three others went into the resale pile for just not being as flattering as I’d like, and three look FANTASTIC. Better yet I’ll likely be able to wear them all season, since as I lose weight I’ll wear more sweaters/layers, so if they fit over a tank now we’re good. I am astounded by how straightforward and affirming that was. Again: this is how average weight people go through life? They just do things like sort through winter clothes without feeling depressed for days after?

My starting BMI was 35.5. no co morbidities, but a family history that concerned me. I self paid through Blossom Bariatric. Three weeks from first appointment to surgery. I did have a full day where I met with a counselor and nutritionist, and had to show a history of previous attempts to lose weight. Perhaps the wait is longer without that history. I lost 40 lbs in the first 3 months. I was very strict in observing my diet and exercise routine. I've been less careful since (I'm 8 months out now) and have only lost an additional 10 pounds. I'd like to lose at least 15 more, and know that would be easily accomplished with strict adherence to diet and exercise.

Im 39 days away from my 1 year surgiversary and couldn't be happier with my results. I was able to spend 10 days hiking/roaming in England, Ireland & Scotland in July with my oldest son. The most real comment he made to me was 3 days into the trip when we got done with several miles and were sitting in Green Park outside Buckingham Palace. He looked at me and said we never could've done this when I was fat! Ouch...but so true. So glad I decided to get healthy and live life to the fullest! Sent from my SM-G960U using BariatricPal mobile app

Hmmm. I need to remind myself OFTEN that this is not a crash diet, it’s for good, I’m doing the best I can so whether I stand on the scale or not... it will not change how I eat for the day but it could really ruin my mood and make it difficult for me. It’s hard not to be a Slave to that scale though. We did something so drastic, we want results and we want them NOW dangit! About to go weig myself now. As of day 10 post op yesterday, I had lost the 9lb IV fluid I gained at surgery and was a mere little 2lb down from surgery day. Talk about aggravating especially when I’m on clear liquids only... but I’m reminding myself, it’s a marathon and not a race. And steady wins the race. Rate of loss is different for everyone, we just have to accept and love our bodies for even giving up the weight following the years of food abuse we have put it through.

Hi 45 going through the beginning stages of all these doctor visits and hopeful surgery beginning of 2019 year. Excited and scared out of mind!

I wore into the hospital what I planned to wear out - a large, long, loose-fitting dress that would be easy to get on rather than pants that I'd have to button near surgery site. As long as your pants are loose and soft (or worn a little lower) you should be good! I don't think you need more than one pair besides the ones you're wearing if you want to change! I appreciated having a longer cord - mine is one of the cheap 10 ft cables you can get at target/walgreens/etc. If you like podcasts/audiobooks, I'd download a couple for post-surgery. I found that I was lucid/awake enough to want something to pay attention to, but groggy enough that keeping eyes open to focus on tv or a book was more than I really felt like. I went with the socks they provided, and asked for an extra blanket if I got cold. A cozy sweater is a great idea, but just make sure it's not a pull over because you will have tubes! It should be something large/baggy enough and that you can get on one sleeve at a time, I think. I did not shower there or worry about makeup, but then again I never wear makeup so that's up to you! I showered the day after I got home, but I was only in the hospital one night. My surgery was 7:30am Monday morning and I was on my way home around 1pm Tuesday, so it was a quick stay! Best of luck!!! You're going to do great!! (Edited to add additional answers )

Well the day has arrived , a day I feared would happen. it is now ONLY A FEW DAYS UNTIL MY SURGERY. Now I wonder, am I truly ready? I have packed, repackaged everything. least twice, I have gone back and re-read all the other postings for five,years. Slacks- 1,2, or3 pair? socks- shoud,i take any soft,ones or just b wear the non skid they provide in bed ? I know the hospitals keep those,rooms cold. Should I pack a bed. jacket, sweater. or carry a mictongiber or knitted poncho to,keep my shoulders warm? Charger for my cell phone, is a 6 foot cord long enough or should I check Staples or Wal-Mart for,longer ones.? Make sure if I am going to work with what I have now, don't take the one that one that makes the boopity boop boop should if bumped while plugged in. Do I also take my tablet or a paperback or two to read to alleviate boredom between walks.? Disable wipes, do I assume they may have these or take my hypoallergenic ones? Will they laugh if they see the kiddy frogs? A notebook and decent non-skipping pen so I can journal? PaperMates soy-based ink is good. List,of phone # to call when surgery is done.There are 5 or 6 who asked to be called. And surprise, PCP gave my son his answering group # as well as his personal cell in,case Tomkitten had reports out of office hours. And high school classmates, they sent an unexpected card, 10 signatures, 10 personal cellphone # And e'mail addresses! Was I wrong, did they actually like,the fat geeky nerd-girl I once was ? I sure didn't run around with the cheerleaders, majorettes and all the football teams girlfriends, I read, studied and stayed at home with my parents. Didn't even single-date until into college. Former boy classmates came up and asked. at class- reunion, " Why didn't WE date you in school? you're such a nice person after all!" Finally told one of them, who I i had unrequited crush on back then. " I really wish,you all had,broke,my,poor late Mama's heart too! Do you realize neither of the 2 Lesbians in the c o add ever asked me out either?" No don't try to kiss me NOW, you are 50some years too late. Do,i take any makeup, well at,least lipstick,and shadow, or am I expected to,look like a large dog chewed me up and then barfed on me? Hairbrush,comb, shampoo, conditioner and soap. Will,i,be taking a shower there or waiting until I get home. Which reminds me , better have,my shower chair and Squatty Potty in place for,my return. At least my landlord relented long enough to threaten eviction until later in the month.----- Quite A Story There! I have my GasX, will get my biotene, have,my slippers and robe in there. My ID, wouldn't you think if they scheduled me for surgery they ought to KNOW who I am? It's not like this is a free tattoo,that people stand in,long lines for. And what have I forgot? I forgotten my,insurance cards and a Medicine list, although those also should be on file. And it's not like I went out and bought supplements insurance from,Happy Henry's Insurance-a-Rama at the very last minute

I'm not late 50s but will turn 55 in November which was the impetus for me to do this. My dad died of a heart attack at age 55 and I was sending myself right down that road. My first month sucked, because I hate sweets and there are no protein shakes that taste like popcorn, LOL, but I feel AMAZING. Total loss of 55 lbs as of this morning and I am so healthy and happy and moving and feel better in every way possible. My only regret is that I didn't do this 10 years ago!

There has been nothing massive about my weight loss im loosing extremely slow and gained a pound.. i go to the gym 10 times a week and do cardio and strength and many times end up with less than 400,500, or 600 calories and im not loosing

I’m 10 days out and using guac to flavor my beans.

By the time you're 4-5 months out, 8-10 pounds/month is pretty normal. It's certainly not bad. Remember, your weight loss period is 12-18 months generally.

First post for me on this great forum and perfect topic for me right now! I had my first consult for a sleeve a week ago and am working on weight loss before my next appointment on 10/5. At first all was well then my beast roared awake and stomping!! I have not lost weight and am eating like a starving fool. Great ideas here—I’m going to start with planning and tracking calories. And walking. It is so crazy, this addiction, and at 67 I am OVER having it run my life, wreck my joints, etc. So there & thanks for great ideas.

To the others in the thread, I do apologize if I am getting off topic here, but I think this is a useful dialog. I didn't include sideeye's response in here so as to not make my reply super long. On that note though, and regarding your second to last point regarding your mother. I think it's important to note that I am not a Catholic, and my understanding is almost entirely what others have told me, with exception to a Catholic wedding I went to. I grew up as a baptist, and now am an evangelical, or non-denominational if you will. I wanted to find a church which preached the Bible "as is" and didn't try to put a spin on it. I haven't found a "perfect" pastor, but the late Dr. J. Vernon McGee literally preached from the start to the end of the Bible instead of "topic based" preaching which is much more common today. Nevertheless, I think many people lump the term "religion" with "faith" and I would argue that they are two different things. People, by nature, tend to be religious. We start with a core idea/belief and then add-on to it ad nauseam. I think cars are great, so I join a car club. But then I get more focused and join a different car club only with xyz car manufacturers. Then I feel somehow lesser because I don't go to cars and coffee... I'm sure you know John 3:16, so I won't repeat it here, other than it promises heaven if you have faith in Jesus Christ. I'm also sure you are familiar with the criminals on the cross next to Jesus on Calvary. One of them, having done nothing good in his life (As far as we know) changes his belief into Jesus and is permitted into heaven. The Bible is full of rules as you noted, and there are people who believe that you must comply with all rules in order to enter heaven. Going by those rules, I am, without a doubt, doomed to hell. I am only a human, I make mistakes all the time, and I'm guilty of breaking the 10 commandments ("Thou shalt not covet" in particular, I love, love, love cars that I simply cannot afford). I think this obsession with rules is what puts genuinely-interested people off, and what leads genuine faith-based Christians into a OCD-like ritual instead of maintaining a relationship with their Savior. My belief is that you don't earn your way into Heaven, you simply must have real faith about Jesus. So I suppose it would apply to the "Personal loyalty test". I think that my belief (And the Bible, at least if read as written) puts people off even more. How could a "good" person go to hell and a "bad" person who accepts Jesus as their personal savior at the last minute enter into heaven? There are many possible explanations ranging from "Hey it's the rules, like it or leave it" to "What standard is good, what is the measuring stick based on since different regions/cultures define 'good' differently?" I will refrain on the subject not because I don't think it is interesting, but I'm trying to keep the focus on answering the questions that brought you into this thread, and that topic could be dissected for years. I do ask you to keep this in mind, these are my beliefs and thoughts, and I'm positive that not all of the Christians in here shares my opinions, so I would not take my word as fact. I think the offer to pray for people in a non-lounge forum should be okay, so long that it is exactly that, and I think you might agree we both have taken it out of the original intent. I suppose the title should have been different, such as "If you want me to pray for you, please post inside" but I think the OP was actually trying not to offend people by warning them. As far as any attacking on either side though, that shouldn't be in this thread either, as the original intent was just to pray for people. Again, my apologies to everyone else who just came in here for prayer and not to get involved in religious rhetoric. I didn't want sideeye, nor any other atheists who did view the thread to think that we all fit into the same mold

As I reflect further, 15K seems awfully ambitious right out of the gate. For now I'm signing up for a Halloween-themed 5K that takes place on 10/27/2018. I feel like that gives me time to do C25K (or at least some of it) and 'dip my toe in the water' in terms of racing!

Mine is on 9/10 too🙌💜

@sleevedllama I saw my nutritionist this morning. Unfortunately I didn't really get any new magical advice. Just other protein shake brand options and suggestion to mix with milk to reduce the sweetness. I asked about the protein shots I've seen advertised (e.g. BariatricPal 15g protein shot). She was indifferent to it. Said I could try but in my case I've found that my stomach is pretty sensitive to certain things (e.g. biggest learning was that my stomach thinks sucralose is the devil lol) that we're not sure if I'll be able to tolerate these protein shots. But I think I'm going to try one just to see. I've only been eating 3, maybe 4, meals per day. She wants me to get 5 per day. Although, again, even 5 per day at average 5 g each only puts me at 25. Even 7 g only gets me to 30. I'm going to try to add the Unjury unflavored protein powder to as many meals as possible to help boost the number. Beyond that it seems I really need to find a way to get the rest in liquid form. Plus I'm not getting in enough liquids anyway so that would kill 2 birds with 1 stone. I had surgery on 8/15. Lost 10 lbs first week primary because of horrible bathroom issues and dehydration. In the last 9 days since then I've only lost 1 lb. Nutritionist says it's because I'm not getting in enough protein to burn the fat. Makes sense. But what a challenge.