MelissaAnd

I still have a hard time with sweetners. I try to find things with sugar and then just dilute them. I know that it slows my weight gain, but I am happy to loose only a couple of pounds a week. Slower is better because it will be more permanent and I won't have all that loose skin hanging on my body! As long as you are conscious about it, I think you will be fine. I am about 11 weeks post-op and I have lost a total of 48 lbs. I am pretty happy with the weight loss so far and I am even happier that I can finally get in the total amount of fluids. Just this last week, i started being able to drink enough liquid! Good luck! Happy that you are now on our side:)!...the loser's bench always has room for more!!

I usually get that feeling of tightness right in my chest, then I hiccup. I know I am full. If I take one more bite because I am not paying attention, then I feel miserable for about 30 mins. I usually have to get up and walk around or something. I never measure anymore and I just eyeball what I can eat. I have been using small plates since I had surgery and I know what I can eat by that. It definetly is not a pleasurable feeling when you take that one bite too many, but it is a nice reminder of the restrictiveness of our new tummys.

I had surgery 2/28 so I am about 10+ weeks post-op. A typical day for me looks like this: Breakfast: A scrambled egg Snack: Cottage cheese with fruit Lunch: 1/4 sandwich on whole wheat bread with slice of turkey or ham and a slice of cheddar or jack cheese. Snack: Nuts or Jerky (whatever I have on hand) Dinner: chicken tenderloin, veggie (usually green Beans or a small amount of salad finely chopped up with cucumber and carrots), and usually a fruit or an additional Protein. Snack: Usually nuts, jerky or Activia Yogurt I drink throughout the day and can usually get in my 64 oz. I am loosing about 2-3 lbs per week, which my doctor says is perfect!

I mostly drink splenda sweetened home-brewed ice tea. I also like watered down apple juice and fruit juice (Minute Maid). Other than that, I don't drink any Crystal Light or other liquids from my pre-op diet. I had a bad experience in the hospital so I am unable to drink them, including my Protein shakes! I drink Water when I don't have any ice tea or juice. Other than that, that's about all I drink now.

WOW! I am also 9 weeks out, but I have only lost 47 lbs! You rock!! Great job:)!

Well, it is confirmed! My gallbladder must come out! I will be 8 weeks post op on Monday and that is the day for my gallbladder removal. Dr wants me back on fluids only all weekend before and for a week after. I have had horrible acid reflux the whole time since my sleeve. On Nexium 2 times a day, but provides no relief. Ultrasound showed small gallstones and sludge in my gall bladder...dr thinks it is post-surgery caused. So, basically, I have to start all over again with my diet! I am frustrated and tired of being in discomfort! Dr is hoping that my sleeve isn't overly sensitive and the gallbladder is causing me all the problems. I guess I will know soon enough! Not looking forward to 4 more tiny incisions, but if it will help, I am OK with it. I am ready to take a step forward instead of all of the steps backwards!

I ended up having my gall bladder out on Monday. I felt better the next day with very little heartburn. I also had to have a large mass of adhesions removed from my abdomen. So, maybe the gall bladder going bad was a blessing in disguise??!! I had 2 places in my intestines that were flat from the adhesions. So, my surgeon fixed it all up. He also said my sleeve looks great! I am not sure if there is much that you can do to prevent having problems with your gall bladder, but I know that it can be a common issue for many WLS patients. Now to start the healing process all over again!

Well, I had my gallbladder out on Monday and I am back on pureed foods! I am 8 weeks post-op, but had gall bladder problems. To top that, I also had a whole mass of adhesions wrapped around my intestines that would have eventually caused more serious problems. Thank goodness for a great surgeon! The adhesions were from a C-section 17 yrs ago and a hysterectomy 4 years ago. Dr. said my sleeve looked perfect! He said it healed perfectly and that I am doing exceptionally well. Now, I just need to heal my 5 new incisions and let my tummy heal from the bruising! Has anyone else out there had some setbacks?

Sorry! I put my topic on the wrong thread!! I moved it to Post-Op, where I intended it to be. I did not know how to delete it from here!

I am 7 weeks post-op and I am still waiting to feel normal again! Although, my gallbladder is acting up and must come out. My sense of smell is still elevated, but it is getting better. I take each day one at a time and try to eat as much protein and drink as much water as possible.

I understand how hard it is to have an unsupportive spouse! I have one myself, except that mine had a gastric bypass 5 years ago and actually talked me into the surgery. I chose the sleeve over the gastric bypass and he thinks I made a huge mistake. So, I understand what you are going through, but on a different level. By far, this has been the best decision I have ever made and I stuck to it regardless of what my family thought or said. I had little support before and now, they are all amazed at my progress. I am only 7 weeks post-op, but I feel 100% better! Sometimes our loved ones fear change and don't want their simple lives to be affected. You need to do this for yourself because you are important and your health is important. Your wife will come around once she sees that you will be fine! Don't be afraid to make the journey alone, if you have to. There are so many people on here that will support you no matter what! Best wishes and keep your chin up! Your wife knows that you love her and hopefully, she will come around and become supportive of your decision!!

I have been thinking about you lately and wondering how you are doing. Glad that the doctors didn't talk you into the revision! Sounds like they are getting a handle on things with you! I am so happy that you are back home!! Sending warm wishes for a speedy recovery!! Keep us posted on your progress!

I had a horrible stall from week 2 through week 5. I am hearing that stalls are common. I just kept at my plan and tried to keep focused on the fact that my clothes were fitting so much better. The scale is so not my friend!! It hasn't been for a long time! What I am finding, being 7 weeks post-op, is that I will loose a pound one day and gain it back the next, then on day 3, it drops off for good. I think this yo-yo effect is common too! Try to focus on the fact that your clothes will fit better very soon. Stalls are hard and very disheartening! I started to get depressed at first because I went through all the trouble to get the surgery and for what?? To stall on my weight-loss! It's hard not to beat yourself up. BUT take it from me, the stall will pass and you will resume your weight loss. You can conquer this!

You might be introducing things too early in your diet. I am having some issues, but it's my gallbladder. I have to have it out in about 2 weeks. My husband gets dumping syndrome as he had a rouxny. He is usually sick for about 20-30 minutes after eating the forbidden food. He gets very ill and ends up having to sleep it off for about 15 mins. I do know that there have been a few cases of it with people who have had a sleeve, but it is rare.

You look fabulous! Congratulations!

I am so sorry that you are having problems and I am sending positive thoughts and prayers your way! Hopefully, when your doctor returns, you will get the answers that you need to feel better! I know how hard it is to be away from your family. My procedure was done 130 miles away from home. I missed my kids so much as I was gone for a week from them. Amazingly, my absence from home made them appreciate me more. I wish you the very best and I hope it helps bring comfort to know that you have lots of support from all of us on here! Don't give up! Keep a positive mind and keep your spirits up!

I was only 2 weeks out and stalled for 2 weeks! I am now almost 5 weeks post-op and beginning to slowly loose some weight. What I do notice is that I am loosing inches like crazy! It's not always about the pounds. A good friend of mine said to measure yourself and use that as a guide in addition to the scale. It helps you to realize that sometimes your body isn't dropping weight because you are sculpting and changing fat into muscle. I will loose a pound and gain it back the next day. It sits with me for another day and then drops. It seems to be the way I am loosing right now. Although, I know that when i kick in my exercise plan, I will begin dropping weight much faster, but I really hope not too fast. I want to maintain my weight loss and most people seem to be better at doing that when their weight loss is slower.

I agree with vol1cathy. Find out if you can have a refridgerator and microwave in your room. Also, locate shopping areas around where you will be staying. It might also be smart to take some small containers with lids to keep things in the refridgerator. 2 weeks after surgery I felt pretty decent. Just remember that you will tire easier and will need a little more rest. Your body will still be going through some major healing. Good luck with your trip! I am sure it will all be fine. Just plan for it ahead of time.

I, too, was disappointed at week 3. I had a major stall and got so frustrated! However, even though I didn't loose any weight, I have lost almost 3 sizes in clothes!!! Don't get discouraged, although I am the first to admit that it is easy to do in these stalls! I haven't changed anything, but about every 3 or 4 days I loose another pound. My husband made a good point in that I did not put the weight all on in a short time, so loosing slowly is better in the long run. OH, and since surgery, I have only lost 21 lbs. I am counting my weight loss since my pre-op diet. It really helps me feel better about this whole journey! Keep your chin up! I am sure that if you look back in a month, you will have a different perspective on things. I am also only 4 weeks out, almost 5. This was a big change and it's easy to fall into those past thoughts! I hope you find comfort in knowing that we have all been there and we will all be here for you throughout your journey !!

My ultrasound today showed gallstones! I see my PCP on Monday to see what the plan is! I never had problems before surgery from my gallbladder. I guess it is a 20-30% chance that after WLS, the gallbladder will act up.

I had the same issue as you mentioned. I originally planned to have the gastric bypass. However, closer to surgery, I changed to the vertical sleeve. I am only a month post-op, but I am very glad that I changed my mind. My husband had a gastric bypass about 5 years ago and he is amazed at how fast I can reintroduce foods into my diet. He had to be on a liquid diet for 3 weeks and he had a difficult time (and still does) with beef and ground meats. Sleevers are usually able to try and tolerate those things within about 10 months. Plus, the surgery is not as long and there is less cutting. Also, when he experiences the "dumping syndrome" he is very sick for about 30 mins. I have not had this experience and my doctor said many sleevers don't, but he does have a patient who does. I am also not at as big of a risk for Vitamin deficiencies as he is as I do not have any malabsorption issues. There are pros and cons to both. Really research and evaluate each procedure and then decide which is best for you. Regardless of which procedure, be prepared mentally for a huge life-changing event. There are lots of members on here who had their procedures over a year ago. I have yet to read a post by one of them that is sorry that they did the surgery. Best of luck!

The first 3 days were the hardest for me. It does get better! Hang in there!!

Cutting your hair actually makes it healthier! Talk to your stylist. They can look at your hair and decide if your hair is healthy enough for it. I am planning to get highlights in about a month, just in time for summer! I have very healthy hair and lots of it. So any hair loss won't be noticed. Besides, it makes us all feel good to do these things for ourselves!

I am taking Fushion Orange Creme. I have always had trouble with vitamins, but not due to the taste. They upset my stomach. I take them with a cracker and it seems to help. My doctor suggested the Fushion brand as you will not need any additional supplements with it. So instead of multiple pills, I only take 2 a day!