longer-life

This is NOT the "easy way out". It has been difficult for me at times. I was extremely, debilitatingly weak and dizzy for the first 10 weeks because I had too much restriction and could only get about 250-300 calories in and not enough fluids. My blood pressure was so low that every time I stood I'd have to hold onto something because everything would go black and I'd feel like I was going to faint. I was exhausted just walking from the couch to the bathroom or kitchen. Life became more normal at the 2 1/2 mo. mark because I began to notice I could eat a little more and drink more and my energy began to come back. I remember standing one day and realizing I wasn't dizzy and didn't have to hold something to wait for it to pass. I'm now nearing my 6 mo. surgiversary and I can now average 800-1000 calories.
But, even in the midst of this difficult recovery time, I KNEW it would be worth it. The pounds were dropping off and I was feeling better about myself each day. I'm glad I don't have to do this twice but if I had to, I would do it again. Every single day I am reminded how wonderful it is to have this weight off. I WANT to walk and hike now. I WANT to go shopping for new, cute, tiny outfits to wear. I WANT to see people I haven't seen in a while. I used to avoid so many things due to my embarrassment, shame, and lack of energy. My negative self talk was constant and it's gone. I had given up on the thought of living a long, happy life but not any more. I have my life back!

Yes I would do it again. I am 11 days out and starting to feel better physically. I already see a change in my attitude because I know this time that every pound that I lose will not come back again like every other diet I tried. I am still on liquids so that has been challenging. But I am not hungry so that helps.
Everything that has been described on this board from the good to the bad and ugly gave me an idea of exactly what to expect. They were right on target with every bit of it. Now I am excited to get down the road and start experiencing some of the other positive aspects of this surgery...like skinny clothes!

I am not a coffee drinker and needless to say, I don't drink sodas, so my caffeine intake is near zero. Dragging @ss was my operatus modi for a few weeks post surgery. I upped my carbs and for me, it was like a veil lifted. I had energy, I could think clearer and was motivated in so many ways. That is when I started exercising more and one thing led to another and ... well, look at my stats and check out my blog.
Like Diva says, carbs and exercise are great for getting energy. But they go hand in hand. The more carbs you increase by, the more you should be moving. The more you are moving, the more carbs you need.

I agree with my sleeve friends before me, I would do it all over again in a heartbeat. I had a small complication compared to 3 people I have seen on here, JASleeve, peace queen and mememe.
This operation gave me a new lease on life and is going to bring me into my twilight years with my husband. I have so much more energy, make no mistake it is hard. You are relearning to eat, learning to listen to your body, learning exercise is important, learning you must drink Water, learning to keep your Protein up but most of all you will have learned, YOU ARE WORTH IT!
Keep researching until you find calm, then you will know.
Best to you

I'm at the beginning of my journey even though I had my surgery on Dec. 27th. I had a leak,,was on tpn (fed by iv) for 3 weeks,,that meant no food or fluids,,at all. I gained 13 of the 24 pounds I had lost in 2 weeks,,,that stunk. I was asked if I had regrets and at that time I said yes,,I think I do. But then I got to go home,,was still on tpn so I was swinging between regret and maybe not regret. Then they took me off tpn and in 9 days I lost those 13 pounds so now I'm back to where I was..feeling pretty good,,losing weight,,still learning to eat but saying all of that..I would do this again. You're doing the right thing by asking lots of questions and doing your research. Complications happen but alot less than the successes.

Having WLS is kinda like being pregnant. Everyone has an opinion and many, many people think it is important to share that opinion with you. I have heard it all I think. Diva is right. You have to develop a thick skin and a way to deal with comments that is best for you. For me, that doesn't include being snarky back. That just makes me feel worse. Instead, I try to reason with those I care about and I simply ignore those I don't care about by cutting the conversation short.
I too am afraid of weight regain. My opinion: By the time you get thin you will have heard so much that you won't really care about other's opinions as much. You will care more about weight regain for yourself, not what others think.
Lynda

Alana,
I am 8 months post op, and down 100 pounds. Everyday I struggle with the thought that I might gain it back. I am scared to death that I might gain. And somehow, my old friend--- food--- always pops up to comfort me. I struggle not to eat junk food when I am worried about weight gain. Doesn't make sense does it? I am trying so hard to break the habit of turning to food when I am stressed. It is a life long habit, and SO hard to break!!!
I was 258 pounds at my highest. I am now 158 or 159 depending on the day. But some days I actually go up to 160 or 161. Those are the days it is hardest to stay away from the foods that have always comforted me. I tell myself over and over that I shouldn't eat ___________ (you fill in the blanks, it might be Twinkies, HO-HOs, mashed potatoes, ice cream, etc. But for sure it is a comfort food.) But somedays I just can't stop myself. It makes me worry about my long term success. Every one says how well I have done, but they don't know I am scared spitless that I might wreck it and eat my way back up to 250+ pounds.
The main reason I continue to frequent this forum is that it helps me keep my determination to stay where I am and continue to lose. I am so thankful for the wonderful people here who encourage me to keep on this path I started in June. Best of luck on yur journey!

We're out here...just trying to get a word in occassionally

sit in the back so if you fart no one feels/smells it lol. But seriously i do pilates once a week, and i have never seen a funny look or felt displaced, just becuase women are thinner doesnt mean they arent worried there is always something to stress about. we think they are judging us, and actually they are thinking, "i hate my nose, "these pants make my butt look big", "i cant believe i ate all that ice cream" every woman has they dont like about themselves! Go and have a great time!

I agree with this. Andersonlj you were called rude on another post and I agreed with that too. I don't know what is happening to you. The other day I thought one of your posts was so sweet to a fellow poster that I mentioned it on one of my posts. I am here shaking my head. There is a fine line between being honest and rude. I walk that line everyday and hope that I don't cross it. You are crossing it.

Wow, I could have written many parts of this. LOVED your post. Thanks for sharing. Congratulations!!!!!!!!!!!

Yeah me too, but it's kinda creepy when other GUYS check you out - NOT THAT THERE'S ANYTHING WRONG WITH THAT YA'KNOW.

Does it count if you can't stop checking your own self out? Gheesh, i've suddenly become a mirror ***** since losing this weight!

You NEED to risk the loopy/sleepy thing. You must be a good girl and take your pain meds. When someone cuts you in many places and sews you back up, it's a given that it's going to hurt. That's why they prescribe the meds. I think if you just try it, you will find you are much happier about everything when the pain is decreased. Even if you're in a fog. Just do it. Like someone said on here before: you don't get extra points for leftover pain meds!

my life for sure is 100% better. had i remained at home after 16, i would have turned out to be just a factory worker with no education, probably married to a deadbeat man (I had dropped out of school already with parental ok) my family life was a disaster (violence) but thank god i met the love of my life during this time who totally INSISTED i return to school. he paid for it and with his help, i put myself through GED and past, then through a clerk typist course (remember those jobs?) worked at that for a while (17 years) then became a CNA (4 years), during that time started taking pre-req's at the university (on probabation of course until I pasted with a C+) for nursing, then nursing school, then MSN, and here i am, married to the same wonderful man for the past 34 years, wouldn't change anything with him. . have 2 kids born on the same day 10 years apart! Try that! am a 1st time granny, and am living a good life right now!
Question to the next poster: Tell us about yourself?

I am almost 4 months out from surgery now and have lost almost 60 lbs (some pre-op but most since surgery). I have gone from a size 20 to a size 14 in the blink of an eye and I'm still losing. My life has changed in so many ways. I feel better, the constant pain in my back is gone, I breathe easier, I have energy to do things and for sure I look better. I was aware of all of these things. But Sunday I was made aware of something else.....how much happier I am. Obviously I'm happy with the loss and all that has come with it, but I didn't realize that I am just generally a happier person. I am always in a good mood, I'm not moody at all, I have little stress and I just love life again, something I hadn't done in a long time.
On Sunday I went to a super bowl party and having seen someone I hadn't seen since last summer, she of course mentioned my weight loss and how good I looked. But she ended it with saying that there is something in my face that she can see that I just look happier. So interesting. I hadn't realized it before how unhappy I was, and how I was putting that out there. I didn't realize that I gave off an unhappy air.
I am very lucky, I have a good life, a husband, 2 great sons, a job, a home. I am one of the lucky ones. But I never felt happy. I guess I was depressed, although I did antidepressants for a while and they didn't change anything. But the fact is I was standing in the way of my own happiness by allowing myself to get fatter and fatter. I don't know why, but I was. There was very little I enjoyed in life, other than food. I was my own worst enemy. And I am so glad I am not anymore.
I just wake up happier, I like what I see in the mirror, I like how my clothes fit. I like just throwing something on to go to work and not having to spend 20 minutes figuring out how to make it look ok. I just get dressed now, any pants, any shirt, any shoes and they all look good. I like how I feel. I used to feel like I was wearing a fat suit that I couldn't take off. I always felt heavy, bloated, lumpy. Now I feel lighter....metaphorically, as well as literally.
This surgery was the best thing I ever did - it has changed my life in more ways than I ever thought it would. It isn't just about dropping pounds, its about changing your life physically and emotionally. Thanks for reading, I just needed to share!

Welcome!

...is to be able to weigh myself on the house scale. I haven't been able to weigh myself at home or at the drs office in years. I now once i make it to 350 I have met a major goal of mine. I've always been a chunky girl and dressed my weight well I never focused on my weight!

I had the noises from the tummy too... sounded like Water sucking down the drain! It almost went away... just now and then a little peep. As far as the sweet thing... I hated sweet in the beginning... but the approach I took was... its medicine right now. Sometimes medicine tastes yuck. The idea early out is not to stress your tummy... not make it work too hard until it starts to heal. To avoid leaks. So keep it liquid and squishy... maybe some chicken stock with a tablespoon of instant potatoes, or I used to make chai tea lates with soy... and added some unflavored whey Protein powder... not too hot or it curdles....I was lactos intolerant for the first 4 months too. I drank some drinks I wouldnt touch with a ten foot pole now! But time went by quickly, and I took my medicine and now I can eat anything I like. Hang in there, the time will fly. Get help for your depression if you need to...keep up the walking and don't forget to enjoy the ride of your life!

last night was my 2nd night in a row that i did not throw up since coming home a week ago! im praying to high heaven that this is me improving! yesterday was my first day not throwing up. i was nauseous & gagged a few times and thought i would but i fought the feeling & it went away.
im praying that i keep looking up & not back. something tells me that i havent thrown up in the middle of the night because i took loritab these past 2nights for a headache. either way, i wasnt making a mad dash to my bathroom.

today i am having a better day & im terrified to jinx it! ill talk more about it tomorrow

When i was going through my own complications,,I had a leak too..I tried to keep on the down low. I knew at that time that my opinion would be harsh where the sleeve was concerned so I only gave updates instead of giving my opinion of the sleeve. I am slowly beginning to feel better,,still have a few issues but with time, I think it will all pass and I will be very happy with my decision. I didn't want to sway people from making a life changing decision by bashing the surgery. It may have its problems but I think for the most part it is a great thing. It's like if you have cancer,,,chemo has side effects,,horrible ones but one may go through without because of it being a last resort and desperation for healing. I think the sleeve is not the same but similar to certain extent.

I just wanted to say that I'm so sorry you are going through all of this. It sounds awful, painful, horrible and just plain exhausting. Add on top of that losing your job, your boyfriend, and basically having zero support, I think that any one of us in the same situation would feel a ton of regret, wishing to hit the "rewind" button and go back to life before surgery.
Also I think many of us *know* and *understand* that with any surgery there are RISKS. We realize there are risks, but *hope* that we fall into the 98% of people who DON'T have ANY complications at all. I know for a fact at support group there were people who were banded 3-5 years and yet when things like "erosion" and "slippage" were mentioned they acted shocked. A few of them asked for clarification, and I was thinking, "I've never even had the band and I knew all about those possible risks of being banded!" So I think a lot of times we go into this just hoping and praying that complications do not come our way.
I think that 1-2% leakage rate sounds really minimal until you ARE that 1-2% that has a severe complication then it's 100% for you! And that is the awful truth. And I'm sorry you are living through this and all the pain it has caused you, physically, emotionally, financially, and every other way. But I'm glad you are alive, and I know deep down you are a fighter because you are worth fighting for. I am glad you have a forum like this that is a place for you to vent and kick and scream and to SHARE. Thank you for sharing. I hope you feel like the people here care about you and I hope since you are lacking support from your real-life friends and family that you can at least come here and feel like everyone is cheering you on and hoping that soon you will have healed and that this will all be a distant horrid memory.
Please keep sharing, and we can keep lifting you up and for those of us who are the sort to pray that we can continue to include you in our prayers. Stay strong, and may better days lie ahead for you! HUGS!

I can't help but feel compelled to comment on this. Truth is an interesting concept, because each and every one of us will have our own truth. I think that the truth most members of this forum live is that this surgery has changed their lives for the better and they would do it again in an instant.
Ja's truth is scary to read about for sure, but the risk of these things happening are SO LOW. You are more likely to suffer severe complications from obesity than you are from this surgery. I certainly don't want to minimize what Ja is going through, because it's seriously awful stuff- but please keep in mind that she's not telling the 'truth about how awful this surgery is".... she's just telling her story of complications that are quite rare.
I hope that you spend more time reading this forum and see how many wonderful success stories are here of people who are so happy with their results in order to make a more balanced decision.

I was given my 3 prescriptions to swallow whole at the hospital (with a tiny sip of liquid) and I had no problem with them. I was told to wait 10 minutes between them. My pills are small though. They are size of Zyrtec pills. Perhaps you can look those up and compare to yours.