ismini9

Thanks for the wishes Kathy. I wish you all the best on your journey. Just to clarify, I would like to say that during my hospital time I had no problems with the little breathing machine... The problem started when I started eating non-liquid foods. Breathing through my lungs doesn't seem to be a problem, however breathing down to the stomach is difficult when the stomach is full. There is no space for air, and it has to be forced down there...

All I can say is: WOW!!!

I am now 6 months out of surgery, lost around 92 pounds and very happy about it!!! However, sometimes I am having trouble taking deep breaths, especially when I have just eaten. Does anyone else have this problem???

July 1, 2011 - 77 pounds lost

You look gorgeous!!! Well done! Can't wait to get there...

To answer some of your questions: Is working the sleeve just like being on another diet? No - when sleeved: (1) you do not feel hunger as you do when on a diet (you may feel hunger after 3-4 hours have passed since your last meal, but then you eat again), (2) small quantities of food are more than satisfactory, (3) as time passes you will realize that you do not need the same foods as previously to be satisfied - basically you will be eating lighter food because it will be easier for your stomach to digest and taste will not be that important to you any more... You will be eating just because you have to... And, mind you, having small meals every 3-4 hours is the best thing for your body as it will constantly be burning fat - will lead to a healthier life. Do you always still have to have tremendous will power? No. You will not have any other choice than to eat small (healthy) portions. Even if you do have to have tremendous will power in the beginning, it will get better as time passes - remember, your body's needs will change. I admit, i have cravings some time, which I always satisfy, for example i went and got myself a double cheesburger from McDonalds, however i was only able to eat a very small portion of the burger as the sleeve couldn't handle it. It is not healthy enought for smooth digestion. Now, I don't even crave it any more. I now crave foods which will not mess up my digestive system... This might sound rediculous but I hear some say they are craving foods and are some really hungry and others full, are you ever hungry and full at the same time? What does that feel like? Never What you have to keep in mind is that being sleeved is a life-changing decision. It will be difficult at first to get used to a new lifestyle, but it will become easier as time passes. Hope my reply helped you a bit.

I got mine the day after surgery. The doc however said that there would be no problem if I had gotten it on the same day...

Congratulations!!! you look great!

When you are at the liquid food stage it is normal to feel hunger more often as the food you are getting is in liquid form and is digested faster. When you get to the puree stage it won't feel the same.

According to my doctor, carbonated drinks stretch the sleeve, so if I were you I wouldn't drink them in order to avoid gaining weight in the future...

WOW! You look beautiful! congrats

How about trying some pregnancy creams to prevent stretch marks? I have been using them since I had the surgery and I have only gotten a few. I know it is still a bit early, but it has worked to date...

I wish you all the best with your surgery. let us know how it goes!!!

It is normal. I am almost 3 months out and there are foods I used to eat which I do not really enjoy now. However, the basic issue for me now is which foods i can digest easily. I really do not care what I eat now as long as I eat every 3-4 hours so that my body can burn the fat. Smooth digestion is a must in order to avoid the suffering.

Once you have had the surgery your weight (at least for the first months) will drop dramatically! It will be so amazing, you won't believe it! Neither will the people around you!!! In contrast to yourself, I was lucky and did not have to go on a pre-op diet. I, instead, chose my last meals very carefully Now, my eating habbits have totally changed and I don't crave the foods I craved before. Wish you all the best in your journey!