Any Pittsburgh Pa Sleeve people out there?!?

[claddagh66 132]

So glad to hear! Good luck at your follow up!!! How has the hunger feeling been for you? I too go for an apt Thursday! It will be my second one ???? Good luck at your apt! Hope you get al the answers you need!

[meganliz0824 65]

Hunger has been better. Mostly just cravings but I'm beating them. Really can't wait for scrambled eggs with a bit of cheese.

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[claddagh66 132]

Your too cute. I'm glad your getting this under your thumb so to speak. I read it could mean indigestion or you need more liquids. Have you tried more? If so has it helped? How much do u think you've lost at this point? How long will you be off work?

[meganliz0824 65]

Drinking more helps slightly but not for long. I've lost at least 20 pounds so far. I'm off work for another 2 weeks, possibly 4 because of the labor intensive job. Have to wait and see what the dr says tomorrow.

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[claddagh66 132]

What do u do for them

How are you feeling overall healing wise

[Sarahkc 7]

Hello! I had my sleeve by Dr. Courcoulas on 10/14 at Magee in Pittsburgh!

I loved my doctor - she is incredibly informed about recent research findings and data because she is actively researching and presenting on bariatric surgery/weight loss. Her whole team is also amazing. They are incredible responsive and understanding about all my questions - especially her PA Vicki.

At roughly 7 weeks out I have lost about 35 pounds from the start of the lifestyle program (about 25 from surgery). I am now 'regular foods' although I tend to eat soft foods roughly 80% of the time. I have also started exercising so I am hoping it boosts my energy and weight loss! I hope everyone in da burgh is doing well!

[claddagh66 132]

Hello! I had my sleeve by Dr. Courcoulas on 10/14 at Magee in Pittsburgh!

I loved my doctor - she is incredibly informed about recent research findings and data because she is actively researching and presenting on bariatric surgery/weight loss. Her whole team is also amazing. They are incredible responsive and understanding about all my questions - especially her PA Vicki.

At roughly 7 weeks out I have lost about 35 pounds from the start of the lifestyle program (about 25 from surgery). I am now 'regular foods' although I tend to eat soft foods roughly 80% of the time. I have also started exercising so I am hoping it boosts my energy and weight loss! I hope everyone in da burgh is doing well!

[claddagh66 132]

Welcome Sarahkc! I have heard of this doctor but didn't know that much. That's fantastic you had such a wonderful experience! That's just how it should be!

How did your surgery itself go and your healing and pain? How many weeks did they have you off till you went back to work?

Your doctor sounds a lot like mine! My doctor is always doing seminars and research. His team is great also! Sure makes you feel better about it that's for sure!

You sound like your doing really well so far and have a good outlook on it! You've lost apt so far. How much do you want to lose?

Where about in Pgh are you located?

Thank you so much for joining in and giving us your information! It al helps and I love hearing from people out there! Especially my local peeps!???? Keep up on your great success and stay in touch!

[Sarahkc 7]

Hello claddagh66! My surgery went really well - especially considering I had some scar tissue from a previous Lap-Band (removed years ago). My healing and pain was not bad at all - I was on the meds for about a week and then just switched to otc meds. The bad part for me was that I was extremely nauseous on day 2 and couldn't keep anything down for about a day (liquid meds included ). They kept me an extra night to let it pass and it did. Its pretty normal for sleevers I was told. I was released mid day on day 4. Honestly it was horrible while it was happening but looking back on it, I survived and it wasn't that bad - I would do it all again already!

I went back to work after two weeks - but I really could have managed if I had gone back after a week and a half. I have a somewhat sedentary, desk job so it might have been fine. My biggest concern was my energy level. I was exhausted towards the end of the day and I wanted to wait until my diet was advanced from Clear Liquids to just liquid (I was on Clear Liquids for two weeks and it was tough toward the end). I was pretty tired those first 2 weeks back to work and didn't expect it (so first month post-op), but it slowly got better and now I feel fantastic (sleeping better, exercising, not totally obsessing over food).

Another things I didn't see coming, was I didn't expect my hormones to go absolutely crazy. Apparently toxins and hormones are stored in fat cells so when losing weight rapidly, some people experience mood swings or are super emotional. I also think it was because I was so tired too. I literally burst into tears when my punk neighbors stole ALL the Halloween candy at 5:50 pm on Halloween, and would also get angry at the stupidest inconveniences! The mood swings have lessened now thank goodness!

Another minor thing I ran into was that I am often bored now – before surgery, I would spend a lot of my free time eating and/or vegging on the couch. And as bad as it sounds, I used to also smoke and drink and eat a lot – and plan activities around those things (drinks after work, dinners out). None of which I do now. It’s kind of weird to lose most of your vices at once, so now I just plan activities or errands for after work and weekends to fill that time/space (I also found I am not as interested in TV without snacking!).

My goal weight is 165lbs and anything under that would be bonus. Phew – that got long! I hope it helps!

Edited December 4, 2015 by Sarahkc

[Beck Gal 68]

Dr Felix at Hope bariatrics is who I'm going through. My surgery will be at heritage valley sewickley. It's a center of excellence for bariatrics surgeries!! Sleeve date is December 15th

[Sgt7546 69]

Good luck Beck. I'm three days post op from

UPMC/ Magee and am healing normally.

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[Beck Gal 68]

Good luck Beck. I'm three days post op from

UPMC/ Magee and am healing normally.

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Great to hear sgt7546!!

[claddagh66 132]

SarahkcSarahkc

Well it sure sounds like you had a fantastic experience other than the nausea! That is one thing I am real worried about too is the nausea since I get that often now anyways. Zophran is my friend!

I think the energy level is so low due to all the loss of foods and Protein loss and the fact that you can't drink a bunch of Water. Not to mention all the trauma and healing your having to do. I think you've done fabulous!

I have another friend who has told me about the mood swings so I'm thinking that's pretty normal unfortunately. I'm an emotional person also so I can't imagine how bad that will be for me! Oy! Lol.

I too love to sit around and munch. Everything I do seems to revolve around where or what to eat. It's gonna be hard redoing what we are so programmed to do daily. I'm even worried about no coffee!!! I can't even function or talk without it! Talk about becoming emotional! Omg!

I am so happy you had such a positive and successful experience with all of this so far. I wish you all the luck!!! How much do you need to lose? I hope you reach your goal and I know you will! We are here for you if you feel your sipping or sad or just need a word of encouragement! Never forget that! You got this!!!????

[claddagh66 132]

Hi Beck Gal!!! Welcome! I've never heard of Hope Bariatrics but I sure know where Sewickly is! Your day is just right around the corner!!! How are you feeling about it being so close?!? So exciting! Please keep us posted as you can and let us know how you do and al your progress! Best wishes to you on your journey!!!~Dawn

Good luck Beck. I'm three days post op from

UPMC/ Magee and am healing normally.

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[claddagh66 132]

Stg7546 how are you doing???? How was the surgery and your days in the hospital? Any issues or nausea like others have stated?