dargar27

Two weeks of a liquid diet? I didn'treally have to have a complete liquid diet except for the one day I was in the hospital, then they immediately put me on soft foods, such as Jello, pudding, Soups, yogurts, and shakes. Is that what you're considering the liquid part? If so, it really wasn't too bad because you aren't really hungry anyway. Although, after a couple of weeks, I was ecstatic to finally get to eat a scrambled egg!! Good luck with your surgery, and remember to walk, walk, walk!

I was a little freaked out about it too, but it honestly does grow back. I started losing hair about a month after surgery...a lot of hair. I have a lot to begin with, but it was still a little freaky. I took my Vitamins, ate way more Protein than I had too, but still my body went into a kind of shock after the surgery. The Hair loss lasted about 2 months, a lot at first, then slowed down, and started growing back after a couple of months. No bald spots or anything, just a thinning.

That happened to me, and my doctor made me go back to liquids, Soups, and soft foods for a few more days. Take it slow, and check with your nut

My best advice is for your spouse to join you in your meetings, groups etc., and to read the postings on here. If he can attend some of the nutrition classes, or the meeting with your surgeon, he'll better understand what you're going through, or about to go through. Best of luck to you!!

Hi there, my dargar27 on MFP...add me! I don't have any other sleevers as friends, so it will be nice to have a sleeve buddy!

Darlene

I'm in a similar boat. I lost 55 pounds, then started eating crap around Halloween time and haven't lost a single pound since halloween. Since the beginning of the year, I decided I'm getting back on the boat. I started working out again, and eating Protein first and staying away from the junk. I ended up having to go through the whole sugar withdrawal thing again which sucked, but I'm mostly through it and back on track. I'll support you and we'll make it through!!

I have been absent from the forum for a very long time and it is nice to be back. I guess I was feeling confident and happy with my progress and did not find the need to be on here as much. Well, sad to say I have relapsed. I have not lost anything in about 8 weeks. I have been eating junk...mainly carbs. Not only have I not lost weight, but I do feel sluggish and weak again. I am proud of my accomplishments...I started as a size 28 and I am down to an 18....but I have so far to still go, so I am back to the forums, and I will begin again following the rules of Protein, and for me, I also need to stop drinking with my meals. I hope it is not too late and that my stomach has not grown back. Good luck to us all!

Best of luck to you! You're doing awesome, keep up the hard work! I too have been able to eat whatever I want, and have had to be super careful or I can really over eat....but only the sliders and foods I really shouldn't be eating...lol When I eat Protein, I fill up very quickly, and can only eat about 4 or 5 oz at a time at the most, so that is what I try to concentrate on. It's funny though because I also have been craving sweets and I never did before. I have always craved the more savory stuff like pizza, etc., but lately it's been suger. Weird. Go back to the basics, and you might even try tracking your calories, Protein, carbs, etc. on a site like www.myfitnesspal.com. I started using this when my weight began to slow down and it's awesome!! I"m on there as dargar27 and would love to befriend you on it if you would like some support. I'm currently 4 months out since surgery. Good luck!!

Thanks so much for all of your advice, It makes me feel better to know that this could be just a minor change for me and I need to retrain my sleeve and get back to basics! I was thinking to mix up my work outs, try new things to move the calories better! I will also look into circut training and see if it does any good! Thank you so much for all your help....I really greatly appreciate it! I hope I can get this last 20 pounds off without killing myself to much

I still believe the sleeve was the best thing I ever did and I have been very happy and healthy!

Happy Halloween Everyone!

Ohmygosh, that's awful that they wouldn't give you more pain meds! I have to say my doctors and nurses were great with pain control. As soon as I opened my eyes they asked me if I needed anything. Definitely yes....lol They set me up with the "button" I could push when I needed it, and then I would blissfully surrender to sleep for that first day and a half. After that, I no longer needed the pain meds very much, and just walked the halls until they released me later the second day. I do remember the shoulder pain too, and had a similar thing when I had my C Sections...it hurt but passed within a few days.

I had my surgery at 9am Sept. 23.... 9 days ago. My next coherent thought was at 2pm that afternoon. I was immediately aware of the terrible pain in my left shoulder that I had been warned about. The pain in my shoulder was strong enough that my brain didn't register any other pain... in my stomach or anything. The nurse was in the room with me and I asked if I could go to the bathroom. She said of course- and I was surprised to find that I could get up and walk over to the bathroom myself. The nurse saw that I was fine and left the room. On my way back to the bed I decided to pace my room for a few minutes- hoping to relieve the shoulder gas pain (unfortunately didn't get any relief). Back in the bed it was hard to think of anything other than the pain-- I couldn't read a magazine, watch tv or anything-- they were there-- but I could only think about the pain.

I would compare the pain to a really sharp leg cramp (but in your shoulder obviously). We've all probably felt the level of pain before-- and coped with it-- but only for 10-15 minutes. Having this pain for about 30 hours strait made is what really made it so bad.

So back to the story... I got back in to bed after the bathroom and squirmed/moand for about 15 minutes. Then I called the nurse and begged for pain medicine-- she said I already had what she could give me and I think I was due for more in like 2 hours. That sounded like eternity. I would have thought the pain was too much for me to fall asleep but, miraculously I must have fallen asleep. Next the surgeon woke me up about 4 to check on me. I told him the pain was intolerable. He was sympathetic but said it was completely standard and he couldn't give me more pain medicine. His position is that its important to be able to feel pain unless something really is wrong those first few days.... he was great in every way except this one... my advice is to find out your surgeon's position on post surgery pain control- before the surgery.

i asked him if he would give me something to sleep- if not for the pain-- and he said "sure, no problem". With that-- I made it through the two nights in the hospital pretty much just by having the pain and sleep medication staggered- so that when I was awake-- I was generally less than an hour away from my next dose of relief-- in either form. (the pain medication obviously made me sleepy too.... so I was either asleep or awake and thinking only about the shoulder pain for the first 24 hours).

I have heard that the pain medicine doesn't necessarily work for the shoulder pain--- I'm not sure if that's true-- but, it worked enough to put me to sleep-- so relief is relief.

By the day after surgery- I had some periods with no significant pain- and other times where the shoulder was in full force. I really don't remember having any internal or external stomach pain.... maybe some stomach gas.

I was able to get up and go to the bathroom, walk around, whatever without any trouble-- and it was a good distraction from the pain.

The 2nd night in the hospital- I was still counting the minutes till my next dose of something. When I woke up the next morning though-- that was the first time I was able to just kind of lounge in the bed-- with minimal thought about the pain. I was out of the hospital mid-day-- was driven to the pharmacy to pick up my prescriptions-- and pretty much could be out in the world functioning-- just moving slow and hiding the drains.

When I woke up the next morning-- the pain really has been minimal sense. I had my surgery on a Friday and worked a full day of work on Wednesday--- more time off would have been better--- but, it was okay. Nobody at work knows I had surgery-- and no one suspected itbased on my ability to function wednesday.

Since then- its just been better and better every day--- except yesterday- a week after surgery-- my stitch areas got super itchy and rashy--- horrible pain-- but, soothable.... stitches coming out tomorrow-- hoping that alleviates things.

I also still get 10 second bursts of the shoulder pain every few hours-- but, its quick. And when I have drunk or eaten anything too fast or too much- I have a few minutes of stomach pain-- then it passes.

I've had kidney stones, and given birth-- so, I've had some pain. I would say in summary that for about 36 hours- I had a level of pain that i would certainly not want to repeat-- and had me question the surgery. But by 48 hours-- everything was fine. I haven't even felt the exhaustion I had heard about-- I'm fine.

Hope that gives some insight-- it was cleansing to write it all down. And I do want to share the tip with everyone to ask their doctor what their view on pain management is post surgery.

Hi,

Turkey meatballs are good and can be heated up quickly. Two usually fill me up. Jimmy Dean sausages, eggs. I will often boil up a bunch of eggs and make deviled eggs to take with me to work and as a snack in the evenings if I get hungry. Turkey bologna, salami, shrimp (very easy to just boil and take with you for lunch), and sometimes just whole wheat toast with Peanut Butter. Oh, and I've taken to buying grilled chicken in freezer section to put on top of my caesar salad which is also very easy to make and take with me to work. Hope this helps!!

HI friends! I need some help. I am 5 1/2 weeks out from surgery, doing very well. I have not eaten anything yet that I didn't tolerate. However, I could really use some ideas for high Protein, low carb snacks/small meals. Here's the kicker: I do not like cheese, cottage cheese, yogurt, tuna, beef jerky; basically all the things you all seem to be eating! My doctor wants me to eat 5 times per day, so I am treating 2 of those as Snacks (smaller, quicker) with the other 3 being my meals. Also, it needs to be portable and quick, so I can bring it to work. So far my go-to has been a tbsp of Peanut Butter, sometimes by itself and sometimes with a few crackers, depending on how I am doing with carbs for the day. I saw someone mention pepperoni crisps, so I am going to try that. Any other ideas, please???

Thanks!!!

Are you sure you aren't 5'8" and 265? lol Okay, I'm kidding...a little

Hi all, my name is Lisa, my journey actually began a year ago when i was deliberating to have the sleeve or not, after years of yo yo dieting, gaining and losing. I have finally decided to have it done. I have Kaiser Insurance so went to my primary MD for the sought after referral for bariatric surgery. after many doctors visits he finally consented but added, you probably wont get approved for the surgery d/t your bmi is not high enough and you dont have any comorbs. okay, I am 5'9, 260 lbs, and yes I have no comorbs, but I dont want to have any either. I do have shortness of breath even when sleeping, IBS(irritable bowel syndrome)plantar faschitis, osteoarthritis in my right knee, stress incontinence, gerd, do I need to go on.lol. well that being said, I decided okay since my surgery isnt going to pay for my surgery then I will pay for it my self, hence the surgery in Mexico. well last week imagine my surprise when i got an appointment card in the mail with the RNP on Oct 6th, I guess this is the first step for kaiser, checking your availability, bmi etc. but from what I understand its not a done deal, that still doesnt make you approved. I guess I am still going to keep my appointment in November and see what my appointment on Oct 6 has to offer. I am scared and anxious at the same time, but finally glad to be able to get this weight off and keep it off for good. thanks all for letting me vent.

I know this will sound odd, and it might be TMI, but when I had my C Section I had similar pain. It was awful, achy, and truly kept me awake at night. The nurse gave me some great advice that honestly helped. Lay down on your bed on your tummy and stick your booty up in the air sort of like a baby would sleep, you know? Rock back and forth and just stay there in that position for awhile. The nurse explained that the gas has no place to go, so by sticking your booty in the air, it helps give it another place to go and will relieve the pressure off your neck and shoulders. Sounds totally weird but it really did help me, at least I think so...lol Can't hurt to try, right? Good luck!

Hello,

I was just sleeved on Monday 9/26 and everything went very well. I was up and walking around within hours post-op. I was discharged on Tuesday 9/27 and ever since I have been having extreme shoulder pain. Of all things!! LOL! I know it is more than likely from the gas that is used during surgery but I wanted to see if anyone else experienced anything similar and if so what is the solution? I've tried walking, been walking ALOT!! I was thinking about trying Gas X strips...anyone know if that might work??? Thanks in advance for your input!!

I'm on the road a lot for my job, and Starbucks has a Cafe Misto that I love. I do Decaf and it's really nice to have the hot drink and still get the taste and feel of drinking coffee. My nut basically said no more caffeine ever, but I've had many days where I've done 1/2 caff and I'm fine. I'm 3 months out

I stay away from caffeine mainly because I am diabetic and I've read that it is a huge contributor to spiking blood sugar levels. And I have experienced this...drinking too much regular coffee makes me very hungry. I have found that Dunkin Donuts and Starbucks make great decaf coffees.

Hi Amanda,

I had my surgery only 3 months ago, and also am totally freaked about regaining my weight. I'd much rather be healthy, however, than not, so I try to be careful with what I eat and usually consume around 1100 calories in a day plus exercise. It sounds like you have gotten a little off track, and just need to get back to the basics of nutrition. It also sounds like you have an eating disorder that maybe you can't handle alone. Please talk with your doctor about some support groups, find a good nutritionist, and get yourself back in the game. Being too fat is unhealthy, but so is being too thin. You need your calories for energy and health. I hope you can work this out, but don't be afraid to ask for help. You may need to see a psychologist for a consult, and may need a little help getting through this. I hope you are okay!

Hi everyone,

I am new to the group. I had my gastric sleeve done in July of 10'. I was 220 with a BMI of 38 at the time when the surgery was done. My surgery went well and so did the weight loss...it has actually gone too well. I am now 109lbs and 5'4. My BMI is 18 now. My problem is that I have developed an awful case of anorexia and bullemia. I restrict calories to only 200-300 a day and throw up what ever I eat. My doctors are really concerned. I just don't want to gain weight again and I am so scared that if I start eating again that I will. My husband is a medical student and totally panicked over this whole situation. I dont think it is a big deal. I can not make anyone happy. At first I was too big and now I am too small. WHat do they want from me? I'm 24 and have a beautiful 3 year old. I just like the feeling of being empty after being full for so long. I really like the pain that I get from restriction. It eases my anxiety, stress and makes my depression better. Has anyone experienced anything like this after WLS? I am really looking for some support and quidance from those who have been there. Thanks for your time!

Amanda

Hi there,

I went through Kaiser SSF with Dr. Alami in June 2011. He was great and I'm not having any issues except for a little acid still. Once I met my pre op weight loss goal and met with Dr. Alami, my surgery was scheduled right away...it's hard to remember, but I think within a month or so. I wish I had kept track of exact dates.

I was wondering who your surgeon was and if you liked them ? What was your time between meeting your surgeon and having your surgery ?

Hi Chef,

Nice to see your posts again I also had my 3 month check in with Dr. Alami recently and requested for him to renew my PPI. It definitely helps me, although my acid issues are so much better now than even a month ago. How are you doing with your weigh loss, exercise, diet, etc.?

Dr. Alami- SSF.

11 weeks+-

I am 3 months out and will be checking in with him on Tuesday...

I ran out of the drug they give you for stomach acid- and think I need some... Heartburn city...

Hey there,

I'm doing great over here. Weight loss is going a little slower than I would like, but I know it's because I'm not exercising like I should. I started getting back into it this week though and signed up for Myfitnesspal so I can document what I eat and how many calories I'm burning. I really want to kick things into gear before Christmas comes! How is everyone? How's the weight loss going? How is everyone doing with your new eating habits?

Hey, where did everyone go? How are you all doing? Time to wake up this Richmond thead for people who are new and looking for Kaiser support.

I had a great summer, what about you?

LOL Kelly, I will have the same issue in December when I see my mom for the first time since the surgery...she's mostly going to wonder why I won't eat more, and will try to force food on me...lol

I know right???!!! That is the stupid ass comments I don't and didn't want to hear. People are really ignorant if they think for one second that this is easy! This is harder than any diet I have ever done! I have to work twice as hard to lose weight than I have ever done in my life. It is so strange. But at the same time, it is so worth it.!!

I don't think my mom would be judgement towards me like that and with her living in another state, I really don't have to deal with it right now. I will in November tho when I go home for a visit! She has no idea that I have lost all this weight and I will definatley have some explaining to do! LOL

Kelly

I'm not sure if I'm the right person to respond to this because I still haven't told my own mother...lol I know she won't understand since she's never been overweight and tends to have problems understanding anything that is happening in the real world anyway...lol. It's funny too because I remember her always being on a diet when I was growing up. she was always doing the latest diet craze and wrapping herself in plastic wrap or something crazy, but she was never over weight! She never, ever noticed that I was fat though, and ignored my requests for her to help me lose weight. Her answer was to tell me I was fine and to eat....no such thing as fat free in our house!

I just learned to filter what I told her since having her not understand was worse to me than having her not involved at all. Just my two cents I hope your mom is different and can come around once she understands your side of it. Try to explain that this wasn't a hasty decision, that you've done your research, are aware of the side effects, and that even with the possible side effects, you're willing to risk them in order to live a happier (yes it's okay to admit that being thinner will make you happier) and healthier lifestyle. However, if she doesn't understand after that, or is still against the surgery, agree to disagree and then think about just letting it go. She's your mom, she loves you, and if she can't understand, you can't change that and it will just continue to frustrate you. She will eventually see you losing weight, and notice how much happier and healthier you are Good luck!!

This is what I get in response to clearly explaining the procedure and telling her about all of you:

"What does your primary doctor say? Does he recommend this?

I worry because any kind of surgery has side effects. I do not feel like celebrating something that is unnatural. God gave you a stomach just the way it is and not to be cut in half."

I want you to be happy. I did not realize that you were unhappy. So, you are saying that if you were thinner, you would be happy.

No, healthier!

and then the guilt trip:

"I have had more heartache than anyone can imagine. It seems like I always have to be dealing with something or another. "

After she said it was unnatural I lost it and fired back: "having your appendix out is unnatural."

Immature I know, but God put that organ in her and she had it out. Ugh!!

Perspective anyone?

Hi there,

I'm 3 months out, and can easily eat 1200 calories per day. I've always been able to eat more than the average bear since the surgery, so I really have to be careful to eat my Protein first so it fills me up

I've been sleeved one month now and I can eat pretty well. I'm getting 800-1100 calories per day. Sometimes I feel this is a lot!

Please tell me how many calories you eat per day and how long you've been sleeved.

Thanks everyone!

Trust me, you'll definitely know when you've eaten too much. I am 11 weeks out and I made this mistake...once. It only took once...lol I was eating lunch with a co-worker, was chatting and wasn't paying attention to how much i was eating, and all of a sudden the last bite got to me....after an hour of suffering, up it came. I hope I never make that mistake again! Now I eat slower, I pay attention, I put on my plate only what I think my sleeve will hold, and I stop eating for a few minutes about 1/2 way through just to make sure I am okay. I'm like Tiffykins, however, and when it comes to chips, crackers, etc., I can easily chow down! I can also eat bread products and although I can't eat very much, they don't bother me at all. I do my best to stick with Protein first and have embraced salads with grilled chicken on top....caesar salads rock right now for me

I have definitely eaten things I shouldn't have, such as ice creams, Cookies, cake, etc. These things have been very small, very seldom, and as treats. I know I shouldn't eat them, and usually don't, but part of the reason I wanted the sleeve was so I wouldn't be restricted as much with what I could eat. I have young children, and I know that I will have a slice of birthday cake on special occasions, and I will eat the occasional dessert....just very small portions, and not often. You'll be great, just don't beat yourself up. Stick with your meal plan, eat healthy foods and Protein, and the weight will come off. Good luck

I'm glad to know I'm not alone here as well! I'm 7 weeks out today (yay!!) and I have undereaten my sleeve all along. This is good, but it makes for a mystery and self doubt...or sleeve doubt. It makes me wonder whether I will know when I've eaten too much?? What will happen if I became weak and 'binged' as I have sooo many times in the past?? Fortunately I've not yet been placed in a situation that I've succumbed to temptation, but I know that time will come. This whole ride has been incredibly simple, yet incredibly heavy on the mind games and what ifs.....

Sounds like you are doing great! Two pounds a week is good, healthy weight loss. I keep wishing it would go faster too, but my head knows two pounds per week is awesome.

i was just wonering the same thing i am 5 weeks out and down 24 pounds, feeling like i should be losing more, i lost 16lbs the first week then only 8 the other 4??? i couldnt stomach any Protein though and was eating mainly cheese, so i am thinking that probably was why. i am trying to eat chicken and other lean Proteins now and make sure i watch my calories per day

Hi, I lost 15 pounds my first week, then nothing for a good week and a half. I started losing again around week 3 1/2 and have been pretty steady at around 2 pounds per week ish. I also consume around 800 - 1000 calories per day. Hope this helps!

im 6 days out of surgery and lost 8.6 pounds so far.....is that a good number? what have u lost per week? im just trying to gage this,lol my hubby thinks im loosing to fast? i lost most of it in the last 4 days..Thanks

I had forgotten about Milk Of M. I used it the first week, and it was awesome!

My Dr said if I had that problem to take Milk of Magnesia. I had that problem and took it and it helped. I am 2 weeks postop now and things are getting a little more to normal but nothing like before surgery.

There is so little going in that I guess it is to be expected there won't be much coming out.

I had a similar issue but I'm 8 weeks out and don't have that problem anymore Buy some benefiber and add it to your Soups or your drinks, and try to get all your Water in. It'll get better!

I haven't poo'ed in 5 days, but I've been on a liquid diet, so is it a big deal?

Hi Desert,

Congratulations on your surgery This is a great place to get loads of information, especially immediately following surgery. I still have little pains or weird things happen, and it's comforting to know others are going through similar issues. Helps keep me grounded so I don't freak out over what is totally normal. Let us know how you're doing, and best of luck to you!

Hi all,

I have been following this thread and perusing the forums in general since January. I started the process with KFH-Richmond in January and had surgery 07-25-11. My surgeon was Aarron Baggs MD. I started at 6'2" tall @ 330 lbs. I found the process with Kaiser Richmond to be fairly straight-forward and not a lot of fluff. I am happy they have you meet certain goals and do not rush the process. For me, it took time to wrap my head around removing part of my body, as it is not a natural act. Most staff in the Richmond program are great and each had their role to play.

I am tall, and my weight is well distributed. So, if it was not for the fact that my mother had a heart attack, stroke and was a diabetic before 50, I doubt I would have pursued this course. I am fairly healthy, SCUBA diver, swimmer and in decent shape, that said, I do have hypertension so it was just a matter of time before something happened to me.

Follow the directions given pre and post op by all staff members to a T. I can say I did and it was an easy process. Stay well ahead of pain management and use the PCA even if you do not have pain. Walk, walk and walk post-op, it really does help.

The med-surg floor is noisy at best and not a place to rest. Plan on waking to loud crashes and bangs by people who do not seem to care about those that are recovering.

That is my first post now that I have something to contribute. Looking forward to learning from those who have gone before me.

Regards,

DESERTDOC