RVAGirl

I was told no straws but I always have used them and I'm still guilty time to time of using them. It does create gas but I'm more comfy using them and I sip better as well with them.

Be careful if you choose to eat it and if you do make sure you have thin or toasted crust. The hand toss dough can gunk up in your stomach and be hard to digest.

I also had the same pains and had a hiatal hernia repair too during surgery. The pain is a result from eating or drinking too fast and gas. The best way to get rid of it is to walk. Walking helps release the pressure built up inside you that is causing that pain under your breast. When I feel it I get on my treadmill and walk about 5 mins and it helps a ton. Also when I started eating slower I don't get it as much. Be sure to eat slow and chew very good.

I get it to and my surgeon said it's most likely due to acid reflux. I'm on Prilosec but I still get it time to time. It sucks =/

I had Vertical Sleeve surgery on April 4, 2011. I am experiencing what seems to be weakening of the enamel on my teeth since surgery. I get the recommended daily intake of protein, calcium supplements, B-12, B-Complex, and a Multivitamin. I also don't eat foods higher than 3g of sugar and I don't drink any beverages with sugar, caffeine, or carbon. I take really good care of my teeth doing the whole flossing, mouthwash, brushing, and ACT fluoride rinse. I was wondering if anyone else has experienced problems like this since having surgery? I guess it's time for a trip to the dentist to perhaps get that enamel coating they put over teeth...sucks

I had my surgeon tell me the same thing about trying to stick with thicker foods. He doesn't wanting me eating cereal too often but he said once or twice a week is okay and suggested Special K Protein Plus Cereal (Can be found at Walmart). I also eat Quaker Weight Control Variety Pack Oatmeal, Eggbeaters, Dannon Fat Free Yogurt, Special K or Protein Plus Protein bars. The protein bars I choose I read the nutritional labels on to check the calories, fat, protein, and sodium. I've found Protein Plus to be the best for me. I do a protein bar if I can't stomach a "normal" breakfast but I don't make it a habit.

I've been drinking them since surgery. My surgeon doesn't see a problem with them. I like the Fruit Punch and the Strawberry Melon best.

My sleeve was done April 4th, 2011. I've lost 45lbs since the surgery with little effort, 60lbs if you count the pre-surgery diet. I'm just now starting to exercise on the treadmill so hopefully that will make me lose some more. I think it just varies based on the person and their activity levels and diet.

I'm about a month and a half out and I had horrible back pain. Turns out it was because my gall bladder had stones. It was sending radiating pain to my back. After weight loss surgery people can experience gall bladder issues. I think you are just experiencing it from the weight loss but if it turns into severe pain contact your surgeon to discuss it.

I despise all artificial sugar too. They are sooo bitter and horrid. However, I still haven't used the sugar. The reason being is it doesn't digest well and it lurks around in the bottom of your stomach and intestines. I have had to experiment in finding drinks and soups that taste good. I mostly drink Vitamin Water Zero, Arizona Diet Green Tea, Diet Snapple Peach Tea, Lifewater, Sugar free cocoa, Crystal light, and my new favorite is Mio. All of them come in different flavors and are all sugar free. As far as protein shakes Slimfast Protein, Special K chocolate shake, Carnation sugar free, and Atkins protein shake have tasted the best to me. The only protein powder I can handle is Elite Whey Protein Isolate powder in chocolate from GNC. I add a scoop of it in with my Slimfast or whatever protein shake I was having and man it's good. I blend it up like a frapp. I think you'll just have to experiment but I'd keep the sugar to a minimum. Good luck!

If they tell you to switch to gastric bypass I would def get a second opinion first. I do know people who have had issues with strictures but I've never heard of switching from sleeve to gastric. That seems very harsh to me since you just had surgery to go in and do another so fast. I do have a cousin who has had gastric and has lost a great deal of weight with it in a years time. She looks and feels amazing. I got my sleeve surgery the same day as you. I did have issues getting the liquids down to. I never had much to drink there. I was dependent on my IV's as well. I was in the hospital 2 nights and a day. I'm so sorry that you're dealing with this. Did they tell you what caused the stricture? I really hope you can get to the bottom of it but I strongly believe in a second opinion if they can't fix you without a surgery.

You really need to follow the food guidelines set by your surgeon. Just because you can eat that much doesn't mean you should. Also they give you those guidelines so you don't get things stuck in your throat, acid refux , and also don't pop your staples. I got my sleeve April 4th and I did 2 weeks on full liquids, 2 weeks on mushy, then i was allowed moist meats. That pain your feeling is most likely acid reflux or if you aren't chewing the food real good or eating to fast. If you are suppose to be on liquids then do it. You don't want to end up back in the hospital. If you feel you are hungry you need to let your surgeon know that. You may have what is referred to as "head hunger" where you feel hungry but your stomach really isn't hungry. It's a form of food addiction and there are food counselors you can see to help with that. I went to a few sessions pre and post surgery. My insurance covers it and it was extremely helpful. Good luck!

I lost 16 lbs in my first 2 weeks out of surgery then I hit a "stall" period where I didn't lost but 1 lb for a week. I was like whatttt!! Turns out the surgeon told me that's normal because the water in your body is shifting and adjusting to your weight loss. I see a lot of people have experienced weight loss spurts. You will hit weeks that you lose and then may go a period not losing while your body adjusts, but bottom line you're going to lose the weight. Stick to your new eating plan and you'll do great. Good luck!

In my personal experience with the sleeve the first 3 days were pretty bad for me. Not so much pain just nausea. They did give me pain and nausea medication and it does help. Around day 4 which was when I got my drain removed I was much better. I really despised the drain hanging off my body and was glad to see it go. You'll experience nausea time to time the first few weeks but pain shouldn't be a issue. If you're in pain let your surgeon know and they'll prescribe you something for it. I was so scared to have my surgery from reading things other people wrote and it wasn't bad at all. I almost felt embarrassed that I got so nervous and bent out of shape before it, lol. You'll be fine as long as you just take it easy and stick to the diet and meds they give you. Well wishes.