wannalise

Wanting to feel normal is totally normal Congrats on breaking that stall! Anna

My ideals are 600-800 calories per day, 70 g Protein. I don't stress as much about carbs anymore. Lately I have been about 800-1100 per day. It is normal to get there at this far out I guess but it stresses me out!!!! I really think that journaling is key, I have found that on days when I don't if I go back and enter what I ate just to see, that I am always shocked at what I ate. I feel more in control if I go to my journaling site (obesityhelp.com) and do the next days journal in advance. I always end up making changes to it, but having a loose game plan makes it so I don't get too busy in my day to make the choices that are important to me. Hopefully this helps! Anna

You are not defective, but for the Grace of God go all of us on this board. You are not a lost cause, you are not incapable of becoming healthy, both physically and emotionally. This life is a journey and we unfortunately learn the whole way through. Be aggressive with your own care, if this therapist is not a fit for you find a program that is. You have a wealth of love and support here, but your weight is only a symptom, and I am sure you already know that. This still can work for you, but if it doesn't even if you stay obese, you are of no less value as an individual. You are intelligent, you are a mother, and it sounds like your career will you give you the opportunity to give to others. Be the caregiver for yourself you would be for others. Be kind to yourself. I want nothing but the best for you. Anna

Welcome aboard, what a thrilling time for you! You absolutely can lose those extra preop pounds, and post op you will get a chance (and I'm sure be very pleased with yourself) to realize just how strong you really are. Keep on posting, you have our support and would also be happy to answer any questions you may have. Take care and again welcome! Anna

I have sent mine to several people, so I will copy and paste here. Please feel free to PM me if you have any further questions. I was never the kind of person willing to have surgery in Mexico. I remember hearing about others going that route and thinking they were CRAZY!!! I can say with all honesty the care I received there was amazing. There are only 6-7 patients there at a time and aside from the overnight shift you usually have access to multiple nurses. Dr. Aceves and Campos also come around several times pre and post op and are an excellent support. As far as tips my first would be that your goal in the first two weeks is hydration. That is it. You will not be able to get adequate calories and you may be obsessing how much Protein you are getting. Do what you can on that front, but becoming dehydrated is really rough that close to your surgery, I finally had to drink gatorade because nothing else was working. The first little while Water will hit your stomach and is REALLY uncomfortable. Initially post op the PH of water does not react well to the new PH of your stomach (it gets better) you may want to mix in crystal light as that changes the acid content in water and for many is easier to get down. I remember the first couple days after being home feeling like I would NEVER be able to get enough fluids down, it seemed impossible. You will experience swelling inside your stomach and really just have to be patient. My second tip would be, be patient with yourself. Other people who have had surgery can give you loads of advice, but some of it you have to learn on your own. Hunger and fullness will not feel like anything familiar. You have to eat and drink very slowly and you will eventually recognize your signals. You will be very tired, it is okay! You will go from eating 3000 calories a day (and in my case drinking loads of diet coke) to eating 600 calories (and for a while you won't be able to get that down.) You will adjust and feel better than ever, but be patient. It is easy to get on the boards and see others who are healing differently then you, who have started exercising before you. They aren't you. Listen carefully to your body, and do what you can. Rest if you need to, and let yourself heal. I can think of no other surgery where you would have 80% of an organ removed and then expect yourself to start exercising. Stay connected to others either through a support group in your area or with the message boards. There will be things that happen and you will wonder if they are normal or unique to you. Ask! We have all had different experiences and there is bound to be someone who can help you understand what is happening. If you are going to Mexicali alone pack light. You will want to rest, and you won't need a lot of clothes. I chose to take my own pajamas because they were comfy to me and because you are walking the halls as much as you can. I overpacked and the day of travel after my surgery was overwhelmed. I was very tired and not well hydrated and I'm pretty sure I looked crazy to anyone who could see me. The TV is kind of hilarious. I am not a big Wheel of Fortune fan, but I ended up watching a lot of it there. One day I was so proud of myself because I solved the puzzle way before anyone else, it wasn't until later in the show that I realized, I had already watched that episode! (Needless to say I'm a lightweight when it comes to anasthesia.) I also fell asleep to Mexican Wrestling. I am not sure if this answers the questions you have but please feel free to email or message me. Enjoy your last meal the night before surgery! But realize that you really will be able to eat any food after surgery, just in really small quantities. And the crazy part for me is that in the past after eating something I would always want more and would obsess about it. Now I really can eat a few bites of something and I feel pretty good. I don't generally obsess and I move on. Okay! Sorry for rambling. Best of luck to you in both your surgery and your recovery. Be kind to yourself through this experience. I know a lot of us initially feel bad that we weren't able to do this on our own. That we are weak, but I think taking care of yourself and moving on shows a lot of strength. Take Care, Anna

Woot woo!!!! Great job. The energy thing may be NUT related, by it really does take of us a little longer to adjust to the huge decrease in caloric intake. How exciting, goal by Thanksgiving!!!!! Go you, keep us posted on what your doc says. Anna

I haven't been posting as much with the new forum, but just thinking about my friends on here. Wondering how you are doing, and honestly could use a pep talk, I am still losing, I am still doing mostly what I need to, but I can feel myself becoming more and more complacent and it scares me. Last week was my boyfriend and my best friend's birthday and I find myself using all these events as excuses to indulge, which is fine, but I can tell it makes the next day harder and I found myself having a full week of 1200 calorie days, and that is not where I want to be! A little advice or encouragement from you would mean a lot to me. My weight loss is much slower, I have been monitoring what I actually burn daily and as I weigh less, obviously I burn less (I only burn about 2000 calories daily.) I am getting scared. I know that statistically if we don't get to goal within the first 12 months, the likelihood of it happening rapidly decreases! And the last couple months I am only losing about 8 lbs. Anna

Time to regroup. This is your golden opportunity! You have people here who have been where you are, it is time to be humble and take the surgeon/nut advice. They are initially just trying to keep you safe. The food stages were each a training ground and a confidence boost for me, where I was able to prove to myself that I could do harder things then I thought I could, and you can do. Start now. Even if long term you choose not to follow the nutritional goals for yourself the first few months you remain at risk for complications, that can be physically and financially catastrophic. Please take them seriously! Anna

Gonna second Tiff. Hydration must be your number one goal for these first few weeks. Your body can handle being deficient in everything else for short bursts of time but not fluids. Also, be patient! You just had MAJOR trauma done to your body. I think many of us expect a lot of ourselves quickly post op because the surgery was elective, but if you knew someone who had 80% of their tummy removed and had loads of anasthesia plus whatever meds you were sent home with you would anticipate that they would be exhausted, depressed, etc. You really will come around! You have loads of support here. Anna

I choose not to drink soda, as my surgeon advised against it, and because for me it is a HUGE trigger! It makes me want to eat anything and everything. I have noticed that sugar hits my bloodstream faster then it used to, so I just obviously don't eat it fast or as much, but I enjoyed birthday cake on my BF's birthday this last week. I don't do really well with super simple carbs, especially rice or Pasta, but only because if you don't eat them VERY slowly they grow in your tummy and sometimes you are full before you realize it. Okay so this turned out rambly! I can eat essentially everything, though I try to make choices that don't hinder my health and motivation. The blessing of this surgery is that you are left with a fully functional tummy, albeit much much smaller! Best of luck to you! Anna

I did loads of homework and went with Aceves with NO regrets, however had I not gone with him I also liked the track record of Dr. Joya in Puerto Vallarta. There are several of his patients on youtube who I have chatted with and who have had a good deal of success. If you have other ?'s feel free to PM me and I can give you further info. Anna (But seriously, Aceves is amazing. Best medical experience I have ever had)

Stop beating yourself up! We ALL go through this, we question ourselves, we decide we are weak and start that cycle of punishing ourselves with food. Don't! You can handle this, you are way stronger then you even know! Don't focus on the big picture (sounds kooky I know) just get through this phase. You have just a short time and in reality if you had an awesome payoff, you could do almost anything you don't like for 2 weeks, keep posting and getting support (even if its just the same concern over and over, I've done that!) You can do this!!!!! Good luck. Anna

Count me in! I am almost 7 months post op, amazing experience. I was very well taken care of, had the pleasure of going back a month ago with my best friend who had her sleeve, they treated both of us like gold and even did a swallow study on me (plus I got a scolding for not exercising!) I would make this decision, and most certainly with that surgeon again and again.

I wouldn't stress about it, consider yourself super grateful, sounds like your swelling went down quickly, when I was finally able to drink more normally nothing could have made me happier and I was finally fully hydrated! Good for you, your weight loss is looking great! Anna

Neither a smoker, nor a medical expert, but as I recall it puts you at greater risk for ulcer and infection along your staple line. Might be worth waiting a couple more weeks. Can you patch it?

Woooot woo!!!! Good for you!!!! Amazing to get to look and feel so good. Congratulations. Anna

Hydration. That will be it. The first little while that will be your only objective in life. To sip frequently enough to stay hydrated. This feels like eternity, but then one day you are able to take real drinks of Water and things get WAY easier. You should be just fine, but obviously only the advice from your NUT and surgeon can ensure your safety. Anna

My dear, this will all soon be very worthwhile to you. I had people in my life who loved me and who I felt like were being unsupportive, but I have since realized that for most of them it was some type of fear. Fear of my having surgical complications, fear that I won't succeed, fear that my weight loss will alter my relationships with them....this is yours. People quickly become more supportive when they see you physically, spiritually, and emotionally become the version of you that you want to be. Keep posting here, you will always have plenty of support and info! Anna

I was in that desperate needing Protein place and got the shots and they made me really sick, I have no idea why, but I was seriously nauseated and threw up violently after drinking them, after that I was out. Unfortunately none of us can tell you what Proteins will work for you. Like Tiffany I have tried LOADS of types, there are several websites that will offer protein samples and you can find what works for you. This is the site I used and have been able to try several things, also sometimes I like to keep the sample packs in my pantry so for hurried days I can grab them and take them with me, rather then having that whole out in the world hungry, not having the foods I need and end up eating foods that don't work out as well. Anywho! Hopefully you find the solution that works best for you! Anna http://www.mybariatricpantry.com/Bariatric_Protein_Samples_s/35.htm (they have samples from oh yeah!, nectar, Bariatric Advantage, & isopure)

Walk walk walk and the gas x are totally okay! It is just a time thing. If it gets lodged in your ribs or under your shoulder blade use a heating pad. Good luck! Anna

Was an absolute game changer for me. Three years ago this month I was walking (actually on a break from work walking to my car to get a 44 oz diet coke and a giant cadbury bar) and just by walking broke my foot. Yup. Broke the damn thing. ( I will also have you know that I still went and got the soda and chocolate) Ever since then and actually way before then even, my feet hurt all the time. This last summer I walked all over Universal Studios and got to the end of the day and realized I wasn't in pain. It was amazing to me. I have a crummy back and that is partly just a hereditary thing, but preop I had been at a place where I was throwing it out (like can't move got stuck on the floor) every couple months minimum. I haven't thrown it out once since surgery. Obviously we will still have to deal with the damage we have done to our bodies by being obese, but I hope that this really makes a huge difference in her pain, and I promise it will make a huge difference in her life. Anna

Hey lady! I am right with you, I am trying to maintain a good attitude about it. The thing that has gotten to me is that not only do good habits yield good results, but for me good results also yield good habits. I am really having to stay focused to not totally lose my motivation, so you are my hero! You are still fighting the good fight and getting your exercise in. It will go slower, but it will go! You are still doing so well, and I hope you know what a great support and inspiration you are to me and to others. Hang in there my dear! Anna

I have no great advice because I have been fortunate enough to not experience this, but it is the kind of thing that you also have to trust yourself, if you don't feel like the dr's are doing all that you think needs done speak up. You really are your best and only advocate. Good luck and hopefully they find a whole lot of nothing! Anna

You are totally normal! We have all had these worries and wonders. This is what I had to realize. If you have surgery the risk of complication is there, but minimal. If you stay you are taking greater risks: * 80% of type II diabetes related to obesity * 70% of Cardiovascular disease related to obesity * 42% breast and colon cancer diagnosed among obese individuals * 30% of gall bladder surgery related to obesity * 26% of obese people having high blood pressure Best of luck to you, I wouldn't change any of this and you have loads of support here on the boards. Anna

So here are my questions: 1. Why isn't the surgery more well known? The sleeve has only been used as a stand alone procedure for approx 5 years. Prior to that it was the first stage surgery for people who were too obese to have gastric bypass initially. Many people were having the surgery and losing enough weight with the sleeve alone, that it became a stand alone procedure. 2. Since I am considering the surgery, but have a lower BMI, would any US doctor perform this surgery for me if I paid out of pocket? Most surgeons look for a BMI above 35 so you would need to ask, this would be a case by case issue. 3. I'd love a realistic idea of pain involved post-op. Is it an ache? Please describe. This is one of the variables that I have had a WIDE range of responses to. My pain was minimal, but I did have a spinal block which surely helped. I have since had two friends who had surgery and both had enough pain that they needed pain medication, but not to the point that it was unmanageble. 4. I inquired online and was given the name of Dr. Jose Rodriguez in Juarez, Mexico. But most members (including my friend) seem to have had the surgery performed by Dr. Alberto Aceves or Dr. Alanza Reyes. They seem to perform the most number of sleeves. Any feedback on any of the above doctors? I can only speak to my own experience. I had surgery with Dr. Aceves and had a very positive experience. I have emailed that experience to several others so if you want more info then email me and I will send it to you. (wannalise@hotmail.com) 5. What do you feel like when you eat after the surgery? What is "foaming"? Is eating uncomfortable or painful? How long until eating (not over-eating) feel normal? The first few weeks you are just doing liquids/soft foods. I had to eat very slowly and eating wasn't uncomfortable so long as I paid very close attention to my full signals. For many (me included) the first few weeks when you drink Water it feels very strange, for me it felt very heavy and almost painful, I had to play around with it and either add crystal light or drink it ice cold and I am just fine. Foaming or slimeys is when you are overfull (or for me) when you consume to quickly, your body produces lots of extra saliva the way you would if you were about to throw up, only all you do is slime. It is disgusting and will quickly teach you how fast you can eat or drink. (My worst slime experience was with ice water that I apparently guzzled) I am not sure what you mean about feeling normal about eating. I am able to eat ANYTHING just in really small portions and that has been the case for several months. After I got back onto solid foods it took a while to be able to fully enjoy spicy foods, but I do now and am thrilled about it! 6. I would prefer to have a slightly larger sleeve so the weight loss is more gradual and my weight manageble. What are the options? Depends on your surgeon. I know there are some who are willing to do larger sleeves, I would want you to really talk this out with them. If you don't need extreme restriction or only need it for a short time, this may be something that would prove to extreme for you and eventually very frustrating, because it never goes away. I still can't sit down and eat a big old cheeseburger, this is what I want and needed, but there are still days that I want to eat the whole damn thing. 7. I am freaked out by two possible side effects: gall bladder problems (very painful) and hair loss (doesn't sound too preventable unless the weigh loss is more gradual). In the US, doctors use a medication aimed at preventing gall bladder issues...is this standard in Mexico and is it effective? I already don't have a gallbladder, but even if you went to MX I am sure that you could request the medication. The hair loss thing is in part to rapid weight loss, loss of estrogen, and just the result of trauma to your body. I won't lie it sucks. I followed all the rules to a T and like clockwork at 3 months it started and as I approach 7 it is slowing way down. 8. Any regrets? Or any tidbits you wished you'd know and prepared for before hand? I have no regrets. It is awesome to be able to say that with all honesty. The stuff that I would encourage you to be prepared for are not the physical things, you really have to learn to be aware of yourself. Most days that feels really awesome, I had no idea how much I had become detached from my own actions. Also, there are some who say this is effortless and for them it is, for me that is not true. I have worked my a** off. The difference between this and a diet is that I like my life. I see results, I don't deprive myself, and I am in a position where for the first time in years I trust myself. I know that what I say to myself is true. 9. How difficult is the post-op diet? I like soup, chili, etc. but not so sure I can handle "mushy" food... Post op was not bad for me (mushy was my least favorite though) but if you can do Soups you will be just fine. I was rigid about that phase, I had the surgery in Mexico and I refused to wreck my investment because any complications would have been catastrophic for me. Look at the post op stuff as temporary and a part of your healing, it is the way to take good care of your body and you need to do it! Keep asking if you need any other questions answered. Be very careful in making your decision, it really is permanent, but for me that is (most days) something I take a lot of comfort in. Good luck! Anna