3 weeks since conversion surgery: band to sleeve

[genepha 47]

Hi all!

Today marks 3 weeks since my band removal and conversion from banded plication to sleeve. I am still working on getting all of my Protein in. Luckily, I purchased a lot of sample packs of Protein drinks before surgery so I haven't gotten bored with any particular brand or flavor. I also bought several different brands so that's helped me too. Since this is my 3rd WLS, I felt I was prepared for what life would be like immediately post-op and it was pretty much what I expected.

I'm still sore from where the band and stomach were removed. I also had a large hernia repair in the same area, so my left side is still tender. My incisions look great and I'm almost completely healed externally. I try to not lift heavy items but still tote groceries and laundry baskets full of clothes around! I'm off from work for another 6 weeks due to summer break (I'm a teacher) so hopefully, I'll have my eating and drinking patterns established by then.

What I've learned so far to help me:

1. Drink 4-8 ounces of Water upon waking (I learned this from VSGTanya on Youtube)

2. Drink a Protein shake soon after waking (Right now I'm only drinking about 4-5 ounces)

3. Eat protein every 2-3 hours

4. Try to get some form of exercise or activity everyday (I use exercise t.v. and videos at night)

I also look for opportunities to exercise. For example, I took my kiddos to the park and I walked around the playground while they played.

5. Use MFP or another food tracking method for accountability

6. Go to therapy (This has been helpful to me and it's something I never did while banded)

7. If you can, find a support group that you like and go!

8. Enlist help from family and friends (Only my DH and 1 good friend know I had the sleeve. A few friends know I had my band removed. This has been a bit difficult for me but I feel that's the best decision for me, right now)

9. Measure food, especially in the beginning. I don't have a food scale yet but I put everything in cups or dishes that have measurements on them.

10. So far, I seem to lose better with a bit higher calories (around 500-600), a bit higher carbs (around 40-50) and more exercise. When I was "eating" lower calories (around 300-400) I would plateau, even if I exercised. This, so far, seems to be what my body likes - that may change later.

11. Recovery was easier than I thought but the mental part is WAY more difficult!!

12. Enjoy the journey.

This is my journey and while I think it's important to learn from others and listen to my doctors, I don't intend to follow someone else's idea of what my journey should be. This is probably the first time in my life that I've felt like that!!

Although I've only been sleeved for 3 weeks, I've had WLS for 12 years so hopefully, some of those years weren't all wasted and I learned from them! Thanks for reading. Sorry for rambling!

[aldfnp 20]

Hi all!

Today marks 3 weeks since my band removal and conversion from banded plication to sleeve. I am still working on getting all of my Protein in. Luckily' date=' I purchased a lot of sample packs of Protein drinks before surgery so I haven't gotten bored with any particular brand or flavor. I also bought several different brands so that's helped me too. Since this is my 3rd WLS, I felt I was prepared for what life would be like immediately post-op and it was pretty much what I expected.

I'm still sore from where the band and stomach were removed. I also had a large hernia repair in the same area, so my left side is still tender. My incisions look great and I'm almost completely healed externally. I try to not lift heavy items but still tote groceries and laundry baskets full of clothes around! I'm off from work for another 6 weeks due to summer break (I'm a teacher) so hopefully, I'll have my eating and drinking patterns established by then.

What I've learned so far to help me:

1. Drink 4-8 ounces of Water upon waking (I learned this from VSGTanya on Youtube)

2. Drink a protein shake soon after waking (Right now I'm only drinking about 4-5 ounces)

3. Eat protein every 2-3 hours

4. Try to get some form of exercise or activity everyday (I use exercise t.v. and videos at night)

I also look for opportunities to exercise. For example, I took my kiddos to the park and I walked around the playground while they played.

5. Use MFP or another food tracking method for accountability

6. Go to therapy (This has been helpful to me and it's something I never did while banded)

7. If you can, find a support group that you like and go!

8. Enlist help from family and friends (Only my DH and 1 good friend know I had the sleeve. A few friends know I had my band removed. This has been a bit difficult for me but I feel that's the best decision for me, right now)

9. Measure food, especially in the beginning. I don't have a food scale yet but I put everything in cups or dishes that have measurements on them.

10. So far, I seem to lose better with a bit higher calories (around 500-600), a bit higher carbs (around 40-50) and more exercise. When I was "eating" lower calories (around 300-400) I would plateau, even if I exercised. This, so far, seems to be what my body likes - that may change later.

11. Recovery was easier than I thought but the mental part is WAY more difficult!!

12. Enjoy the journey.

This is my journey and while I think it's important to learn from others and listen to my doctors, I don't intend to follow someone else's idea of what my journey should be. This is probably the first time in my life that I've felt like that!!

Although I've only been sleeved for 3 weeks, I've had WLS for 12 years so hopefully, some of those years weren't all wasted and I learned from them! Thanks for reading. Sorry for rambling![/quote']

Keep up the good work...how much weight have you lost so far?

[mich 74]

Thank you for your story. If I may ask, number 11 on your list has me curious. I would love to hear about why the mental is so challenging. I'm in the process of band to sleeve revision and trying to learn as much as I can. Thanks.

[genepha 47]

Keep up the good work...how much weight have you lost so far?

Hi,

I'm down almost 30 since my first visit to my revision surgeon.

Since my lapband surgery in 2001, I've lost 50 pounds.

[genepha 47]

Thank you for your story. If I may ask, number 11 on your list has me curious. I would love to hear about why the mental is so challenging. I'm in the process of band to sleeve revision and trying to learn as much as I can. Thanks.

The mental part of weight loss seems to be the most difficult for me mainly due to head hunger. I mostly cook for my family (2 kids ages 5 and 6 and DH) so that makes it hard when I make delicious and tasty food that I am not eating, yet. In addition, I have been on a liquid/puree/mushy diet for over 6 weeks (2 weeks pre-op, 4 weeks post-op) and it's getting boring!! I am trying out new recipes and just made a new one tonight in hopes of helping with the boredom but eggs, yogurt, Protein Shakes, cottage cheese, etc. are getting ooooollllllddd!!

In addition, I faithfully track all of my intake on MFP. This is new for me even though I've had WLS before. I never tracked before and had little knowledge of how much Protein, carbs, fat, etc I ate. Now I am keenly aware of everything that I eat, how much exercise I'm getting, as well as, my Water intake. I also keep track of my measurements using MFP which helps when my scale hasn't moved in awhile.

Good luck to you on your journey!