SKCUNNINGHAM

Everyone's full signal is different. Some people sneeze, their noses run, or they get some signal from their stomach. Maybe you get the bubbles. Sharon

If you think my face looks 21, God Bless You for the compliment. It's been many years since I was 21. Sharon

Hang in there, it does get better. Here's why I was emotional after surgery. My body doesn't like being cut on, that alone takes time to recover from My body doesn't like being put under anesthesia, that takes time to recover from (weeks for me). My comfort foods were taken from me and I was having to face life (and emotional upheaval) without them. I felt like crap and was having trouble swallowing anything. My digestive system was torn up and I was having trouble "going". My stomach muscles rebelled every time I tried to sit up, lay down, or roll over. I didn't feel like having relations with my husband, which really put me in a bad mood. My disappearing fat cells were dumping estrogen into my system like crazy - making me an emotional wreck. So you are probably feeling some or all of the above. Believe me - in a few weeks it will all get better. Sharon

I take a prescription Pepcid morning and evening (still at 2 years and 9 months). What I would do when I got that feeling after eating is to take a GASX dissolving strip or chewable tablet, then drink something warm (cup of broth or tea). Seemed to make it go away. Once I was healed from the surgery, I tried not to eat more frequently than 4 hours. I would drink broth in the interim or other non calorie fluids. If I am really bothered by acid or reflux, I supplement the Pepcid with Prilosec morning, evening or both.

I like my cottage cheese sweet (with unsweetened fruit) I also like mix a few tablespoons of it into yougurt. The craziest way I eat it is to mix about 2-3 Tablespoons of Salsa into about 1/2 cup of cottage cheese. Looks awful, tastes good.

I would not let them deter your decision, you are an adult and it is up to you. You might also gently remind them that people who love each other stand by and are supportive of each other, even when someone is making a decision the other party doesn't approve of. I'm sure you could pull a few examples of where you stood by them even though you didn't like the choices they were making. Best of luck to you.

I used my weight from the day I had my consultation. It was pretty close (within 5 pounds) of my max weight. Never have been pregnant, so that wasn't a concern for me. Sharon

If you want an easy food plan to go on prior to your TT, follow the pre-surgery diet your doctor gave your prior to your Sleeve. Mine was liquid Protein drink 2X per day and a salad with lean protein on top for dinner. All the broth and no calorie liquid you could drink. Also - write down every morsel you are putting in your mouth and see what your patterns are.

I am a patient of Dr. Nicholson in Dallas. I think he is wonderful, so much that I have my testimonial on his website My process for picking a surgeon was to find out the criteria my insurance used for approving surgeons. I was covered on four different insurance plans while I was qualifying for surgery (long story). All of the policies required a "Center of Excellence" surgeons, so I limited my list to those surgeons in the area. Then I did research on what the risk factors are for the surgery and how to minimize them (I am a statistician, so forgive me for this approach). Two key things that can minimize the risk is 1) pick a surgeon that has done at least 50-100 of your surgery (sleeve) in the last 12 months. 2) pick a hospital that has supported surgeons performing your surgery (sleeve)at least 50-100 times in the last year. So I limited my selection to those doctors and hospitals. I was pushy getting this info - I didn't care how many bands and bypasses they had done - I wanted sleeve data. Then I went an met my surgeon candidatess. Pick the one you have the best raport with that practices at the hospital you want. My selection was Nicholson. Have never regretted that decision one moment.

This is one thing I never stopped doing. I had my hair done colored at between 5 - 8 week intervals from the time I had surgery. I made sure I had it colored right before sugery, so it wouldn't need to be something I had to think about while I was recovering.

My response is only my opinion - I am not a doctor or a nutritionist. I am 2 years and 7 months out from surgery. For the first 2-3 weeks, I primarily drank Protein drinks, then my doctor started moving me into real foods. There is no agreed upon "one best way" for VST post op care - so doctors do what they think is best. I think the doctors who work with dieticians in their practice are probably better informed. But I am the kind of person I did a bunch of reading on my own outside of what my doctor provided. Also a lot of it is personal preference and how much an individual wants to have to think / plan / prepare their food. Protein Bars and drinks can give you a balanced diet (except for fiber) with very little effort and can keep you out of the kitchen. I use to make a Protein shake (with powdered protein, fruit and yogurt) every morning since Breakfast food isn't my favorite. I use protein bars and drinks when it is convenient (flying on a plane, etc). I don't get as much satisfaction from them as I do with "real" food. I think the important things are to make sure you get sufficient protein, liquids, Vitamins and Fiber during the first year after surgery. Making sure you get quality protein in is more important than what the protein is. BEWARE - all Protein shakes / powders are not the same quality of protein. As you move into year two, you will find the things that work for you and it will become more routine. Best of luck to you Sharon

Congratulations! You are doing great. Your post really inspired me. I have been sleeved 2 years and 7 months as of today. I am looking forward to my 3 year anniversary.

I am 2 years and 7 months after surgery. I started taking Biotin as soon as I had surgery and was able to swallow the pills. My hair did thin, but it is now back to pre-surgery levels if not actually thicker than before. I think I eat better now, which is reflected in the health of my hair. It seems to grow more quickly, too. I continue to take Biotin. Hope this helps.

I couldn't handle chili at five weeks out. I would do a shredded chicken in broth, with a little rice, then mostly puree the whole lot. Or maybe a creamy, cheesy soup with some shredded chicken. Don't overdo! Be careful.

Lissa,I am so sorry you had such a scary experience with your attempted surgery and are still in pain with the gallbladder. I waited six weeks from diagnosis to surgery for my gallbladder, and remember how painful it was. I hope your surgeon can get it done soon, and there are no more problems with your heart. My prayers are with you. Sharon