MINI-Me

http://www.time.com/time/photogallery/0,29307,2037749_2219823,00.html

Yep! Shrinking our stomach did nothing to those hormones! This early out, I say you are ok with 1/2 a SF pudding with the cravings. When you get to more solid foods, try to keep Protein Snacks around - beef jerkey, cheese, deviled egg, etc. Those seem to help. This far out, I sometimes "allow" myself some chocolate. Yesterday, I had some chocolate in the trail mix - YUMMY! Just what my tummy and hormones needed. And, it seemed to give me a little bounce to my step (it may have been all in my head, but it helped!)

Lisa - does your husband show signs of dehydration? These symptoms sound pretty typical of a few days out, but he HAS to get in liquids. Protein is great, but I was told that liquids were my main priority the first week especially. If he is dehydrated, get him to an ER or Outpatient Clinic ASAP. They can deliver fluids via IV which should help perk him up immediately. (Or call one of your docs where you work & see if they can administer.) If he is dehydrated, he'll only want to lie around & not try. You'll need to be the pushy wife and force him to take care of himself. If you don't think he is dehydrated yet, call his surgeon and discuss your concerns. I'm sure they will have some advice for you. Good luck and keep us updated.

I think he was trying to scare you a bit and make sure you don't do damage. Just because your stomach can hold more, doesn't mean you to have eat to capacity. There are some days that I want more. Some days I do eat more ... But, I'm really trying to be "in tune". Have I had enough to be satisfied? Do I really want that extra bite or two that will take me from satisfied to "just ate Thanksgiving meal" stuffed feeling? Make sense?

The suspense is killing us ... argh!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Mine is gone too! In fact - it feels weird to actually feel by bones there.

As Tiff says, by law they are required to give them to you if you request them ... BUT, they are also allowed to charge an "administrative" fee for the paperwork, manpower, and supplies. So, be prepared to pay. Around here, it is about $15 per page.

I definitely agree with Tiff. Why does he think bypass is right for you? Is it because he isn't comfortable with performing the sleeve? If so - find another surgeon! If it is a medical reason, be sure to listen. I would not want the bypass, but I would definitely listen to an experienced surgeon's opinion.

ok ... I admit ... I can't stand Dr. Phil. But, this sounds like the one smart thing he's ever said. (Sorry to all of you that do like him - he's just not my cup of tea.)

Is it a great choice? No. Is it the worst choice? No In those first few weeks, getting anything down is hard. So, if the SF Icecream helps you get Protein in, go for it. Just be sure to count your protein, calories and carbs and don't overdue it. You shouldn't be eating the entire container each day. Watch your portion sizes - it's a slider so you won't get a full feeling.

My leak tests were done as part of the surgery. One with a blue dye and another with a scope so he could visually review the staple line inside and outside the stomach. I did not have one after surgery. P.S. - If you have the blue dye test during surgery, just know that you will pee like Smurfette for a week or so. Quite a surprising site the first time!

Beer fills me up and makes me uncomfortable ... even at 14 months out. White wine is definitely my drink of choice. If I am careful with the food & calorie choices, a screwdriver goes down well as well.

Yep! This place is definitely addictive. It's a great support system - that's why I still come out here 14 months post-op. Glad to have you join us.

I had some of those same responses from my family as well. Now that I'm at goal, they are worried that I'm too small. Ugh! Get real. Have to have something to "complain" about I guess. Just take it in stride the best you can. Te failure stories get passed around a lot more than the successes. My theory on why? They are good excuses for people not to get off their duffs and do something for their health. Surgery is not "the easy way". It's a lot of work, pain, and mental tormoil. And, I am worth it!

That is great!

You are doing just fine ... your body is your body ... everyone is different. You've lost over 5 pounds a week. Bet you couldn't do that BEFORE surgery. Just take each day at a time ... Celebrate each pound. Follow your plan and your weight will go down!

A great trick is using a cocktail sized fork and spoon. You have to eat slower, because such small amounts fit on them. Helped me A LOT!

You are at that point where things are healing - nerves are repairing, stomach swelling is gone/reduced ... so, it's normal that some days you can eat more than normal. Pre-surgery, I bet you had days like that too - just the amounts were larger so you didn't notice as much. At 14 months out, I can definitely eat more than I could at 3 months, but it's still about 1/4 (or often less) of what I ate in one sitting before. I just have to laugh when "regular" portions are set out in front of me. I'm like "As if ...". But, it makes me a cheap date. If we don't share a meal, I have leftovers for 3 additional meals. I'd say don't worry too much about it. At 3 months, you still need to focus on Protein first (try that instead of the toast), non-calorie liquids second, and then veggies/fruits. If you do that and stay within your nutrition guidelines, you will be fine.

Glad to hear you aren't dead. Is that considered a NSV?

Best of luck ... Welcome to the Loser's Bench!

Unfortunately, there really isn't anway to tell. I lost over 70 pounds. The doctors I talked to said that due to my age and weight, I should not have much lose skin. Well, they were right in most areas. BUT, I have quite a bit of loose skin on my upper thighs & my stomach is a mess. Luckily, I can hide them under clothes and you can't tell. I am investigating a tummy tuck, but need to save funds. Good luck on your journey.

Awesome!

My surgery was outpatient. In the OR at 7:30 and discharged at 2:00 that same day. No matter how long you stay, you MUST have help at home for the first few days especially. If you child is still in diapers, you will need a plan since you should not be lifting over 10 pounds for the first few weeks.

I am so sorry ... but, don't give up hope. Talk with your surgeon and find out what you can do to improve your test results. Develop a plan and get a new surgery date. I know it's devestating, but you need to go into surgery with the best health possible. Those results could have been devastating if you'd had surgery without them knowing about these conditions. Chin up ... it's delayed, not over! {{{ HUGS }}}

What about finding another doctor? Look for WLS Surgeons in your area & see if they have support groups. If so, attendees may have PCP suggestions for you - PCP's that support their patients with weightloss.