dallasmom4

My life's next chapter will begin at Forest Park Medical Center. Hopefully the goblins stay away Monday

That's where I had my surgery. Is Dr. Nicholson your surgeon?

First off, congrats to all of you 'lower BMI-ers' for your success so far. I'm glad I found this thread....I hope there's room for another in this 'lower starting BMI' boat....? I'm starting with a BMI of 33 and my surgery is in four days (Halloween...yikes!). My goal is to drop about 65 lbs total. I realize I may be the only male on this thread but regardless, I just wanted to say hello and congrats to everyone. Wish me luck for the big day Monday.

Male or female you are welcome!

Halloween will be a great starting point and I'm sure your procedure will go well. I'm happy to say that I did not experience one negative side effect and that's pretty common.

Where are you having your surgery?

First off, congrats to all of you 'lower BMI-ers' for your success so far. I'm glad I found this thread....I hope there's room for another in this 'lower starting BMI' boat....? I'm starting with a BMI of 33 and my surgery is in four days (Halloween...yikes!). My goal is to drop about 65 lbs total. I realize I may be the only male on this thread but regardless, I just wanted to say hello and congrats to everyone. Wish me luck for the big day Monday.

Male or female you are welcome!

Halloween will be a great starting point and I'm sure your procedure will go well. I'm happy to say that I did not experience one negative side effect and that's pretty common.

Where are you having your surgery?

Turner, you will love it. I can't tell you how much my life has changed for the better over the past three months. I have got my self confidence back. I struggled with my weight for 11 years yo-yo dieting. I could take the weight off but I would put it back on. I look at this as a tool I can use forever if I do what I'm supposed to and not drink carbonated drinks and not over stuff myself. I have heard that people can gain the weight back if they do stuff their not supposed to. Everyone I see makes such a big deal when they see me, which makes me feel great. I have had a lot of people say "you weren't big enough to have surgery" and I say this " if my BMI considers me obese, than I wasn't too big for surgery." So I am so pleased with my weight loss. I have 15 more pounds and I will be at my goal 135. I had my surgery Aug 9 and I have lost 43 pds. I'm excited for you, it going to be a new start to a new life. If you have any questions feel free to ask.

Congratulations, JM. What a great attitude. I hope my stall ends soon! This is a life-changing procedure

Turner, you will love it. I can't tell you how much my life has changed for the better over the past three months. I have got my self confidence back. I struggled with my weight for 11 years yo-yo dieting. I could take the weight off but I would put it back on. I look at this as a tool I can use forever if I do what I'm supposed to and not drink carbonated drinks and not over stuff myself. I have heard that people can gain the weight back if they do stuff their not supposed to. Everyone I see makes such a big deal when they see me, which makes me feel great. I have had a lot of people say "you weren't big enough to have surgery" and I say this " if my BMI considers me obese, than I wasn't too big for surgery." So I am so pleased with my weight loss. I have 15 more pounds and I will be at my goal 135. I had my surgery Aug 9 and I have lost 43 pds. I'm excited for you, it going to be a new start to a new life. If you have any questions feel free to ask.

Congratulations, JM. What a great attitude. I hope my stall ends soon! This is a life-changing procedure

Hello I had my surgery Aug 9th. My Bmi was 31 I weighed 189. I weigh 149 now, I have stayed this weight for a while so I'm guessing I'm really gonna need to step up to lose the next 20. I'm worried I have loss some muscle because Im having a hard time getting all my Protein on. The Protein shakes makes me sick. But I have been eating lots of cheese, chicken and beef. Im kinda getting nervous for my 3 month follow up blood work, I hope I'm not really low in anything. Y'all are doing great, keep up the good work.

It sounds like you're doing quite well. I couldn't do the Protein Shakes, either, but my saving grace was Chobani brand Greek yogurt. Each small container provides 14g of protein. It takes me about 20-30 minutes to eat one but I try to get in 4 per day. I focus on other types of protein (cheese, salmon, tuna, beef) for other meals. I'm not eating raw fruits or vegetables yet--still on "mushy" foods.

How's everyone from this thread doing now? I had surgery august 29, starting weight 174. After a 3 day pre-op liquid diet, and 1 week after surgery, I was down 13 lbs. Now it has taken me 7 weeks to lose another 13 lbs. 18 lbs to go until goal of 130. It's going very slowly, but I'll get there. I guess this is how it goes with a lower bmi. I would be really interested to hear other low bmi's early weight loss to compare. It does us no good to compare with higher bmi's weight loss, it only discourages you!

I had a lower BMI and am also moving very slowly. I had surgery 6 weeks ago and have only lost 22lbs which fell off pretty quickly. For the past 3 weeks I seem to be in a stall. I'm also not obsessing about it because I can't imagine that with the small amount of food I'm eating I wouldn't lose weight. However, I need to increase my exercise and eat more regularly which would probably speed things up. My goal is to lose another 28lbs.

The absence of the ghrelin hormone really is evident in the hunger factor. I find it hard to believe that I haven't had a bite of whole food in 13 days and am still sane.

I was sleeved on September 6 in Dallas and have had no problems at all. I stayed in the hospital one night and required very little pain medication while there. I had no problem urinating or swallowing. Since I've been home I've not taken even one dose of the pain meds which surprised me but I have taken things slowly. I have gotten a lot of rest and my husband has been a saint....DISCLAIMER: I am past the age of having little kids to take care of which I know would be a game changer!

I am on thin liquids for 3 weeks but I fill up very, very fast. Since I'm not a sweet eater the Protein Shakes are pretty gaggy to me and I prefer chicken buillion and pureed homemade Soups. Luckily, I have a VitaMix which liquifies things very easily so they flow through a strainer. I also sip a little Bloody Mary mix in addition to my Water to keep my salt craving at bay.

I have had no issues with Constipation or nausea but I did begin experiencing the sharp "tearing/searing" pain in my left side about 10 days post surgery. This is due, of course, to the healing of the largest incision and will take about 3/4 weeks but it comes and goes and is not dibilitating. When it hits though it hurts like a SOB for a few seconds before it's gone. I find if I adjust my position it subsides. I also have been able to discontinue my medication for acid reflux.

I believe the key is to follow what Dr. Nicholson outlined for me to the letter. It's pretty simple and I have to be patient.

Prior to my surgery I read numerous positive posts that helped me understand what to expect and I really appreciate it.

I have lost 15lbs in the 12days since my surgery with 32lbs to go. I am really grateful to have been able to have this surgery.

Good luck to everyone!

I was sleeved on September 6 in Dallas and have had no problems at all. I stayed in the hospital one night and required very little pain medication while there. I had no problem urinating or swallowing. Since I've been home I've not taken even one dose of the pain meds which surprised me but I have taken things slowly. I have gotten a lot of rest and my husband has been a saint....DISCLAIMER: I am past the age of having little kids to take care of which I know would be a game changer!

I am on thin liquids for 3 weeks but I fill up very, very fast. Since I'm not a sweet eater the Protein Shakes are pretty gaggy to me and I prefer chicken buillion and pureed homemade Soups. Luckily, I have a VitaMix which liquifies things very easily so they flow through a strainer. I also sip a little Bloody Mary mix in addition to my Water to keep my salt craving at bay.

I have had no issues with Constipation or nausea but I did begin experiencing the sharp "tearing/searing" pain in my left side about 10 days post surgery. This is due, of course, to the healing of the largest incision and will take about 3/4 weeks but it comes and goes and is not dibilitating. When it hits though it hurts like a SOB for a few seconds before it's gone. I find if I adjust my position it subsides. I also have been able to discontinue my medication for acid reflux.

I believe the key is to follow what Dr. Nicholson outlined for me to the letter. It's pretty simple and I have to be patient.

Prior to my surgery I read numerous positive posts that helped me understand what to expect and I really appreciate it.

I have lost 15lbs in the 12days since my surgery with 32lbs to go. I am really grateful to have been able to have this surgery.

Good luck to everyone!

My sleeve was done june 22/11 and yes hitting plateus are hard. I found increasing my fish oils to 8 per day helped but also cutting back on the carb count in half. and yes more Water. It does not hurt to have a protien shake for Breakfast and lunch. I have 5 tiny meals a day, enough that all I need is a fruit nappy bowl for my food. Soups are only 1/3 cup. I have an awsome recipe for chicken Soup that my husband ate most of it. It was that good, You will get your weight down don't worry. Focus on results not eating so much. I know sometimes it is hard

Jessica,

Will you share your soup recipe? My husband and I love soup so that can "kill two birds". I am only one week out so it will be 2 weeks more before I am able to eat anything that doesn't go through a strainer.

Today I had my chocolate/peanut butter Protein shake with skim milk. I used to enjoy them ... for the most part. This morning it took EVERYTHING in me to get most of it down. I don't know if I've developed a milk intolerance or if it's just too sweet now? Whatever the case it was a struggle to get each sip down. I still feel slightly nauseous and I've moved on to drinking my Water with a splash of lemon juice in it.

I had surgery 8/17 and I'm going to venture into the world of mushy/soft foods sooner rather than later. I've seen posts where people mention adding flavorless Protein to their foods.

What is it and where do I get it from?

Thanks in advance!!!

Try bariatricadvantage.com. My doctor recommended I use their products for post-op diet and I ordered 30 days worth of Meal Replacement Protein Powder. I would be very surprised if they don't have what your looking for. Good luck and feel better.

As a result of fainting back in April, not required by WL surgeon, I had three cardiac tests: Holder (wearing the monitor for 3 days), echocardiogram and a nuclear stress test. Passed the first two, but "failed" the third. Because of that, I had an angiogram yesterday and he found absolutely no problem. Instead of a possible stent or open heart surgery, I went home in the afternoon. Was so hoping to not have my WLS postponed.

I am glad I had all the tests, but now I realize that they can definitely suggest problems when there are none.

Whew! So glad to hear you're cleared. A postponement was my dread, as well. When is your surgery?

Thanks for your support. Everyone please pray for me. My surgery date is 9/6 and I just found out today that my EKG was abnormal. I've had stress tests in the past and no problems ever. I am praying this won't delay my surgery. I've been on the pre-op diet now 9 days and am ready to be on the other side.

I also received a call yesterday telling me my EKG was abnormal just five days before my scheduled 9/6 self-pay surgery in Dallas. I've never had an abnormal EKG so I was floored and made arrangements to have it re-done immediately...this time at a cardiologist's office. So glad I did because I just received a call a few minutes ago from the cardiologist and my EKG is fine. Appears the first reading was incorrect so I'm glad I had the test re-done. These tests are so often misinterpreted if not read by a specialist and jumping straight in to a battery of cardiac tests didn't seem plausible to me. I was able to get right in to my Mother's cardiologist so I didn't burn valuable time had I needed to go ahead with the full range of tests which they could also have done. Simply retaking the EKG was certainly the way to go. My surgery is scheduled for next Tuesday and I was not looking forward to postponing. Wheww.

PS...I'm not a doctor but I recommend re-taking the 5 minute EKG anytime there is a question arising from only one prior test.

My first test was done at Forest Park Surgical Center....was yours done there, as well?

I just received a call from the cardiologist and my EKG is fine! Appears the first reading was incorrect so I'm glad I had the EKG re-done at a cardiologist's office. These tests are so often misinterpreted if not read by a specialist and jumping straight in to a battery of cardiac tests didn't seem plausible to me. I was able to get right in to my Mother's cardiologist so I didn't burn valuable time had I needed to go ahead with the full range of tests. Simply retaking the EKG was certainly the way to go. My surgery is scheduled for next Tuesday and I was not looking forward to postponing. Wheww.

PS...I'm not a doctor but I recommend re-taking the 5 minute EKG anytime there is a question arising from only one prior test.

RCarter 76,

Thanks so much for the encouragement. It is good to have the support of others who have "been there." I am in Austin, but am having my procedure done in Dallas. My daughter is there and it was a bit more affordable. I guess there are a lot more bariatric procedures done in Dallas and Houston, my surgeon said Austin was "too fit." Sure hope I am one of those folks one day. I am scheduled for 12/29, since I am off work at that time. Thanks again for your post!

I just came across your posting. How did your surgery go? It looks like we're about the same size and I am also using Dr Nicholson. Would love to hear how you're doing today.

Although I am a self-pay sleever, going to Mexico I took it upon myself to do pre-op testing w/ my regular PCP. Everything turned out fine except for one thing. An ABNORMAL EKG!!. She explained that her analysis came up with a bit of an abnormal heart beat, however, she's going to refer me to a cardiologist who can better decipher what's going on an let me know if this will be a hinderance with my surgery. I hope to GOD that this is not the end of the road for me. I so need to do this and I don't think i can take living with a BMI of 43 or more any longer. I'm scheduling to see the cardio doc tomorrow or Friday, so hopefully it's nothing and my cardio can communicate w/ my surgeon and give me the OK. **sigh***

Any one else have an abnormal reading but was still cleared for surgery?

I received a call yesterday telling me my EKG was abnormal just five days before my scheduled surgery in Dallas. I've never had an abnormal EKG so I was floored and made arrangements to have it re-done. I'm waiting to hear the results this morning...pretty nervous. Hopefully, it is a bad reading (which happens) or easily resolved. Good luck. I will be watching to see what happens with you.

I'm feeling great. I'm 15 days out and doing wonderful. I still get nervous about getting a leak but other than that everything is going well.

I had the same fear. When I met with Dr Nicholson last week I told him I had 3 fears. 1) catching on fire on the table after seeing the GMA report 2) blod clots, and 3) a leak. He told me the ONLY thing (other than an incorrect surgical procedure) that can cause a leak is eating the wrong foods too soon. He said if patients follow the standard for recovery and eat just what they are supposed to there is no fear of a leak. He, of course, looked at me like I was a crazy person when he heard about the fire issue. The resident who is training with him started laughing and my husband, God love him, just shook his head. Whatever. I got my fears out on the table and got practical answers. Now I really have so much less apprehension.

Are you moving around normally now?

I didn't have a pre-op diet. My BMI was 31. I heard the main reason why they do the pre-op diet is to shrink the fatty liver before surgery. I'm sure the higher your BMI is the more they worry about the liver.

J, You may not want to answer but how much weight are you going to lose?

I didn't have a pre-op diet. My BMI was 31. I heard the main reason why they do the pre-op diet is to shrink the fatty liver before surgery. I'm sure the higher your BMI is the more they worry about the liver.

That must be the reason he didn't put me on one. My BMI is 34. My surgery is 2 weeks from today. How are you feeling?

HELLO Topic starter,

I had a bmi 33, and I had my surgery on July 12, and it was approved by my insurance blue cross blue shield.

Sheri

My preop diet doesn't seem too awfully stringent. What was yours like? Could it be the lower BMI?

I had very little nausea, and very little pain. I had this horrible air-trapped in my abdomen feeling. It was awful~ and I hated having a IV in. And I am a stomach sleeper and I couldn't do that until I got home. (ok, I am whining!) I really disliked the heparin injection in my stomach every 8 hours. I am a nurse and I hated the hospital. LOL Once I got home I was a new woman! I am thrilled about the 20lbs!!!

It all sounds reasonable to me . I have to give myself Lovenox injections for 5 days prior to surgery and I hate doing that!

This week is the first one where I've felt 100% back to normal. I'm positive that it's because I finally started taking Vitamins. It's so nice to feel like myself again, I can't even express it.

You look beautiful. So glad you're feeling well.

You had your surgery last Tuesday and you've already lost 20lbs? Wow! I noticed that you said the first several days were rough. Was it pain? Nausea? Both?

It went well, the first 3 days post op were rough. But now I feel almost normal and I am advancing my diet. I am little low on energy, but I have lost 20lbs and I am getting like 500 calories a day at this point so I can't expect to feel like I am full on energy! People are noticing I have lost weight and it is so much fun!