Down Days

[sweetpea63 10]

I had my surgery on Feb 6th. Other than Serious nausea no complications.

I had my surgery with a specialist in Arlington, TX. He didn't see me at my two week check in/follow up. Instead I got the PA or Nurse Practitioner (not sure) who is fairly negative. I had the band to sleeve revision and he feels the need to tell me that most B to S patients don't do as well as other patients.

I have been following the guidelines for diet and Vitamins but am having trouble getting to 64 grams of Protein w/o drinking Protein Shakes. Weight is dropping (at 197 from 232 pre surgery) but I am tired, cranky and way too weepy for my own good. I am walking daily and have been doing some fairly strenuous yard work.

Is it because of lack of protein and nutrients?

I have my 6 week appointment on Monday. What should I expect at that visit? If he gives the talk again I may slap him (jk).

Seriously I need my surgeon's team to be MY team in my success but even though I am losing (35 lbs in 6 weeks) I am dreading the appointment.

My husband is trying to be supportive but I haven't told outsiders about the revision so I don't have a "team".

[BostonGary 106]

The surgeon and team are really important. I would bring your experience up to the head surgeon when you are at a point where you feel more comfortable. It's not sounding like you've had a great experience. I had a terrific team and an incredibly supportive (and fun) doctor. So I can't imagine feeling the way you do, I'm sorry for your experience -- it should

For the amount of time you've had this surgery and the weight you've lost, it sounds to me like you're ahead of schedule. They should have explained that. You've lost 36 pounds in around 6 weeks, which is close to a pound a day.

That's pretty damn good and on track based on my experience.

I would try and focus on eating your Protein, drinking plenty of fluids and making sure you take your supplements.

I have no idea why they would think a B to S would have less weight loss, I've never heard that. In fact, I find that to be a little hard to believe since the sleeve is removing your stomach and the band simply restricts intake. Maybe they have numbers based on their experience, I would google around or talk to another specialist. However, the bottom line it sounds like you're having good success and you're on track.

Be positive, keep focused on YOU and make sure you try and not get too discouraged -- Trust me, you'll have periods of no weight loss and it's frustrating, then you'll break through and lose another 10 pounds. Think in terms of major goals and not worry too much on short term numbers.

[clc9 644]

My surgeon said I should have one Protein Shake a day until I can get it all from food, which might be a while. I was sleeved a 2 weeks after you.

[sweetpea63 10]

The surgeon and team are really important. I would bring your experience up to the head surgeon when you are at a point where you feel more comfortable. It's not sounding like you've had a great experience. I had a terrific team and an incredibly supportive (and fun) doctor. So I can't imagine feeling the way you do, I'm sorry for your experience -- it should
For the amount of time you've had this surgery and the weight you've lost, it sounds to me like you're ahead of schedule. They should have explained that. You've lost 36 pounds in around 6 weeks, which is close to a pound a day.
That's pretty damn good and on track based on my experience.
I would try and focus on eating your Protein, drinking plenty of fluids and making sure you take your supplements.< br> I have no idea why they would think a B to S would have less weight loss, I've never heard that. In fact, I find that to be a little hard to believe since the sleeve is removing your stomach and the band simply restricts intake. Maybe they have numbers based on their experience, I would google around or talk to another specialist. However, the bottom line it sounds like you're having good success and you're on track.
Be positive, keep focused on YOU and make sure you try and not get too discouraged -- Trust me, you'll have periods of no weight loss and it's frustrating, then you'll break through and lose another 10 pounds. Think in terms of major goals and not worry too much on short term numbers.

[sweetpea63 10]

I think it is based on people who got the band and didn't lose so they switched to sleeve. My band did work until it slipped
And caused major damage to my stomach and esophagus. I appreciate your encouraging words. Don't you sometimes feel that you think about food
More now than before?

[sweetpea63 10]

My surgeon said I should have one Protein Shake a day until I can get it all from food, which might be a while. I was sleeved a 2 weeks after you.

I will try that until i don't need to anymore.

[BostonGary 106]

2 minutes ago, sweetpea63 said:

I think it is based on people who got the band and didn't lose so they switched to sleeve. My band did work until it slipped
And caused major damage to my stomach and esophagus. I appreciate your encouraging words. Don't you sometimes feel that you think about food
More now than before?

I don't think about food at all until I get hungry (which is around normal times). I love food like the next person but I'm not someone who obsesses about food or feels they have to have something -- in fact, the only thing I really missed post surgery in the early stages was coffee (if you can believe that). Now that I can drink coffee, I'm good!

I have not had any moments that I think about food or different types of food. Odd as that sounds, for me, my weight issues have always been about portion size and lack of movement -- having a sedentary job.

Quite frankly, it's been rather comforting because in the past, I always was hungry and was always trying to feed my hunger to to curb my appetite -- now? I eat small portions and eat a lot more Protein and far less sized portions.

[sweetpea63 10]

I just mean that there is a constant thought process of how do I get enough nutrition.