My gastric sleeve experience

[tct 0]

First let me say that I have been looking for a website like this for a few weeks now. I really need to talk with and have feedback from other patient's experiences. I have been overweight most of my adult life since having children. Let's just say that I am a child of the 60's so I am not a young woman. I have considered this surgery for at least 10 years. I was diagnosed as a Type 2 diabetic in 2001. It was inevitable as I had gestational diabetes, family history and did not control my weight. Recently I decided to pursue and second career, a challenge in itself due to my age. However, my health has declined rapidly in the last five years and I was forced to take a medical leave for many reasons. This was my wake up call that I could wait no longer. After a "family meeting" in January it was decided that I would have the surgery. My surgery was May 17, 2011 and I am currently 6 weeks out. I lost ten pounds before surgery and 30 pounds in 30 days after surgery. Immediately after surgery I was off of my insulin completely. However, about week three or four my blood sugars started creeping back up. My diabetic specialist had me begin taking about 1/2 to 1/3 of my previous doses. After two weeks my blood sugars started crashing. I cut back my dosages again and as of three days ago I am not taking any insulin! In the last two weeks I have not lost any more weight and I am getting scared that I will not lose anymore. I am not even close to my goal weight. I wondered if maybe the insulin is causing me to hold onto the weight. I have been diligent about tracking my blood sugars, blood pressure, Protein intake and Water. However, I have not been diligent about tracking calories or carbs. As of two weeks ago, when I started the insulin again I have not lost any more weight. I am thrilled with the progress I have made and I feel better than I have in twenty years. I am 40 pounds lighter, I have dropped three sizes, I have gone from ten prescriptions to three. All wonderful progress. However, I am concerned that I have not lost anything in two weeks. Would love to chat with anyone who has advice or just a similar experience. I am scheduled to see my surgeon and my diabetic specialist again this week. Just thrilled to have found a forum on which to share and hopefully support others too!

<a href="http://www.myfitnesspal.com/weight-loss-ticker"><img border="0" src="http://tickers.myfitnesspal.com/ticker/show/905/1122/9051122.png" /></a><p style="text-align:center;width:420px;"><small>Created by MyFitnessPal - <a href="http://www.myfitnesspal.com">Nutrition Facts</a> For Foods</small></p>

Edited June 29, 2011 by tct

[kellyw74 258]

Hello and welcome!!

I too am diabetic. NOT insilin dependent, but did take medication prior to surgery. 7 days after surgery, my blood sugars were completly NORMAL and I do not take my meds anymore!! WOOT. I also have been taken off my high bp meds!

We were sleeved about the same time. I was 5/9/11 and what you are experiencing is SOO normal. I have lost 28lbs, but for about 2 1/2 weeks, I lost NOTHING!! I think our bodies have to take a break for a minute and say "WHAT THE HECK IS GOING ON"!! Don't get discouraged. You can not, not lose weight with the sleeve. As long as you are following the rules, you will lose!

You have also come to the right place. Everyone here is so nice and supportive. You will find answers to everything you need right here. Just ask!

Kelly

First let me say that I have been looking for a website like this for a few weeks now. I really need to talk with and have feedback from other patient's experiences. I have been overweight most of my adult life since having children. Let's just say that I am a child of the 60's so I am not a young woman. I have considered this surgery for at least 10 years. I was diagnosed as a Type 2 diabetic in 2001. It was inevitable as I had gestational diabetes, family history and did not control my weight. Recently I decided to pursue and second career, a challenge in itself due to my age. However, my health has declined rapidly in the last five years and I was forced to take a medical leave for many reasons. This was my wake up call that I could wait no longer. After a "family meeting" in January it was decided that I would have the surgery. My surgery was May 17, 2011 and I am currently 6 weeks out. I lost ten pounds before surgery and 30 pounds in 30 days after surgery. Immediately after surgery I was off of my insulin completely. However, about week three or four my blood sugars started creeping back up. My diabetic specialist had me begin taking about 1/2 to 1/3 of my previous doses. After two weeks my blood sugars started crashing. I cut back my dosages again and as of three days ago I am not taking any insulin! In the last two weeks I have not lost any more weight and I am getting scared that I will not lose anymore. I am not even close to my goal weight. I wondered if maybe the insulin is causing me to hold onto the weight. I have been diligent about tracking my blood sugars, blood pressure, Protein intake and Water. However, I have not been diligent about tracking calories or carbs. As of two weeks ago, when I started the insulin again I have not lost any more weight. I am thrilled with the progress I have made and I feel better than I have in twenty years. I am 40 pounds lighter, I have dropped three sizes, I have gone from ten prescriptions to three. All wonderful progress. However, I am concerned that I have not lost anything in two weeks. Would love to chat with anyone who has advice or just a similar experience. I am scheduled to see my surgeon and my diabetic specialist again this week. Just thrilled to have found a forum on which to share and hopefully support others too!

[KellyL 173]

:welcome:

Hi, I'm glad you found this forum too, it is so helpful sharing info with other sleevers!! We are only a day apart on surgery dates. I was sleeved 5/16. I have had the same experience with not losing for 2-2 1/2 wks but its normal. I still feel like I am getting more compact, if that makes sense. I am also type 2 diabetic but off meds!! I am so happy about that! I look forward to sharing this journey with you.

[tct 0]

:welcome:

Hi, I'm glad you found this forum too, it is so helpful sharing info with other sleevers!! We are only a day apart on surgery dates. I was sleeved 5/16. I have had the same experience with not losing for 2-2 1/2 wks but its normal. I still feel like I am getting more compact, if that makes sense. I am also type 2 diabetic but off meds!! I am so happy about that! I look forward to sharing this journey with you.

Hi Kelly,

Thank you so much for your reply. I am so thrilled to have someone to talk to who is going through the same thing and can share my journey. Whew! I guess I need some help nutrition wise with what I am eating. I can't help but think that this is temporary but the fat girl in my gets frightened. I want to lose so much more, although I am so thankful for how far I have come. I would love to chat anytime and hope that we can support each other.

Thank you!

Tracy

[Griselda 7]

Hi tct, Kelly and I were sleeved same time. One thing you really should do is start journaling everything you eat. I use myfitnesspal.com, but there are several others. When i look at my intake, i can see patterns like not that many carbs, but most all of them sugars or not enough Vitamins, etc. It really helps to see it in print, as it were. I was on glyburide, 2000 mg of metformin and victoza. I am off all now. You are doing great and about same weight loss as me. it will come off, we are all going to be hot mamas.

[Oregondaisy 2,021]

you know you guys could pick a time and take into consideration any time changes, and you could meet and talk live in the chat room.

It's a great place to get questions answered and get support.

There's usually a few of us in there in the early evening, but you could put up a post in the daytime and ask if anyone wants to chat, or private message each other and set up a time to meet in there.

[tct 0]

Hi tct, Kelly and I were sleeved same time. One thing you really should do is start journaling everything you eat. I use myfitnesspal.com, but there are several others. When i look at my intake, i can see patterns like not that many carbs, but most all of them sugars or not enough Vitamins, etc. It really helps to see it in print, as it were. I was on glyburide, 2000 mg of metformin and victoza. I am off all now. You are doing great and about same weight loss as me. it will come off, we are all going to be hot mamas.

Thank you for the great tip, I am going to checkout the myfitnesspal website. I am trying to look at this as a temporary stall. I am sure I will feel much better about it all if I start tracking and journaling everything as you suggested. Everyone on this website is so supportive and helpful. Have a great week!

[tct 0]

you know you guys could pick a time and take into consideration any time changes, and you could meet and talk live in the chat room.

It's a great place to get questions answered and get support.

There's usually a few of us in there in the early evening, but you could put up a post in the daytime and ask if anyone wants to chat, or private message each other and set up a time to meet in there.

Another great suggestion. Thank you for your help and support!