Lissa

Peacequeen, since this is your thread I'll happy dance for you first!!! I'm so happy you're going to be on the loser's bench soon! You deserve it, just for being so patient!!! Cattracks, you've got a lot to celebrate as well, so I'll happy dance a second time for you. Plus it counts as aerobic exercise! Congrats!! We neeed to make the loser's bench a little bigger for all the December Sleevers!

Awesome, Rootman!! Congrats on the loss and the anniversary! I'm looking forward to my 1 year anniversary, too. Of course, mine is 9 months away! LOL

I refuse to hear negativity towards WLS. Those who know me know that I am working my tushie off, literally! WLS gave me a jump start, but it's not keeping the car running, KWIM? I've told all kinds of people about my WLS. Of course, I have a gajillion cousins and aunts, etc, who all know about the surgery and they'd tell it in a heartbeat. So, once my family knew, there was no way to keep quiet anyway. I also am of the opinion that the general public's attitude about WLS won't change until those of us who have had it start being vocal about it AND showing that it really does work. Everyone knows "someone" who had WLS and gained all their weight back. I'm thinking it's time people saw some of us who have WLS and don't regain our weight. Good luck with your journey!!

I like the Premier Nutrition bars, sold at Sam's Club. I keep one in my purse at all times, just in case I need something to eat and I'm nowhere near a good protein source.

Wow! I hope it does turn out to be just a reaction to the tape. Being allergic is no fun, but being "sick" is worse, especially this early post-op. Let us know, please?

The drain I had for 8 days post-op wasn't that big a deal, IMO. But, some docs use them and some don't. I haven't seen any evidence that one way is better than the other. It comes down to the doc's personal preference.

Renee, How close are you to TOM? Lots of ladies notice a couple of pound increase just before because we are retaining Water, then most see a loss immediately afterwards. That three week stall is a booger, isn't it!? I was so worried about mine, but just kept doing the water, doing the Protein, and then I had a big drop, 4 or 5 pounds, IIRC. I hit another one at the end of my 2nd month/beginning of the 3rd month, so I upped my walking and gained a pound. My regular doc told me that I wouldn't lose until I backed off the walking for a few days. I rolled my eyes when he told me that muscle weighs more than fat, but he's right. And, during that second stall, I lost inches in a hurry! That's when I dropped the second pants size, so always check your measurements when you stall on the scale. Also, always look for those NSV's (non scale victories). I've had tons of them lately and I make sure to keep my eyes open for them. Something as simple as being able to slide into a booth in a restaurant will thrill me, although I might not say anything to my dining companions. I was thrilled to be able to buy a belt...and then it was too big the first time I wore it! I had to adjust my car seat because I not longer need to sit way to one side so that the seat belt latch doesn't dig into my tush. Those are all somewhat silly, but they are the things that make me go YEAH! Good luck to you all!

Let's see, my calculator says that you are losing about 19 pounds a month or nearly 5 pounds a week. That's pretty freaking incredible, IMO!!! I, too, started at a higher BMI and I've lost 61 pounds in 3 months, 1 week, or just about 5 pounds a week. My surgeon is THRILLED at my progress, and so am I. That NP should be shot for telling you that you are not doing well. I think you're right on track and probably beating the average weight loss per week/month right across the board. Even adjusting for higher BMI (mine was 53/54 when I started), then you are rocking your sleeve! Don't jump off that ledge, instead go in that office and toss her out the window! She has no clue. I cannot imagine how she figures that you are losing too slowly. I'll be THRILLED to death if I'm at 94 pounds at 5 months out! My surgeon did say that the majority of our weight comes off in the first year, but that doesn't mean that we can't reach goal if we don'g reach it in some magical 12 month period. We CAN and WILL reach our goals, so long as we continue to do what is required, Protein, Water, exercise. I plan on being the poster child for WLS once I reach my goal, and your picture is going to be right beside mine. I'd say you should tell that NP to bite you, but she might actually do it. Wait until you hit goal, then I think you should parade your tiny butt through her office and say "How do you like me now?" I'm betting she won't even know who you are! BTW, this might actually be that NPs backwards way of thinking she's giving you motivation to stay on track, although I think that is pretty twisted. I think you're doing an amazing job and I hope to do as well as you are doing!!! Good luck...and stay off the ledge!!!

I refuse to see food as "good" or "bad". Food is either Protein or it isn't, in my book. I've eaten a slice of pizza since surgery, and I still had a loss the next day. Granted, it was a small slice, but it was good. I'm really working on the "eat anything you like in moderation" line. I can have cake, chocolate, Cookies, chicken, tuna, steak, whatever. There is no good or bad. My main goal is to meet my protein and Water requirements, preferably without snacking. Once those are met, if I am truly hungry, I can afford to have a little snack. Usually I choose something more healthy like nuts or a babybel cheese, but sometimes I have an ice cream sandwich or a SF pudding. I even ate a cannolli the other night! I'm not saying that you shouldn't watch what you eat, but a slice of pizza is not inherently evil. It's FOOD. Most of what you said about the pizza is no big deal. You ate the cheese and meat off the pizza. While it's a little greasy, that is basically protein. You even ate a few bites of the crust. That's not horrible either, because we need some carbs to keep our bodies running. What worries me is that you then reverted to old habits and "snuck" a piece of pizza. Truthfully, you didn't sneak anything. The only person who matters when you eat is YOU. By hiding, we don't negate the calories in a food, even though lots of us think that way. We only reinforce to ourselves that WE aren't in control, food is in control. I suggest you make an appt with the psyche counselor who did your evaluation, or another therapist who has experience with bariatric patients. You need to discuss with them what food means to you. For me, and lost of us, it was a comfort when things were bad, then a source of guilt because I gained so much weight from getting my comfort. I'm not saying you're crazy, but you probably need someone to help you change your outlook on food. Once it's not "good" or "bad" anymore, but just food, then it will be easier for you to resist those things that you decide you shouldn't be eating. BTW, I made pizza for 12 years, so it's not a trigger food for me. I usually order something that I know is healthier (baked chicken wings, no sauce) and use my own low fat dressing. Everyone is different in how foods affect them, but we all have similar issues to work out. Good luck!! And, sorry for writing a book yet again.

A cup of decaf coffee every day keeps me regular. Even before surgery, coffee kept things moving regularly for me. That hasn't changed.

I know a couple where the hubby had a vasectomy after they had 3 kids, but they had another baby anyway. After the baby was born, mommy had a tubal and daddy had a second vasectomy. Then they had child number 5. So, if God intends you to have children, you will have them, no matter what. My granny had 10 kids, then the doctor told her she had run out of umbilical cord. I thnk he did a tubal on her even though they weren't common or legal at the time. She didn't have anymore children, even though she wanted more. I had mine tied, cut and burned when my tubal was done. And the doc shortchanged me on the anesthetic, so I felt it all. If I ever get preggo, I'm going to sue that doc for pain and suffereing TWICE. LOL I seriously doubt that my tubal will come undone. I definitely do NOT want to start over on raising kids. Mine are 25 and 21. I would be lost with a newborn to care for 24/7. Personally, I'm waiting on grandkids!

Hip Hip Hooray!!! I'm thrilled for you!!!

I was 44 when I developed the severe co-morbs. I've had problems with my knees for years, even when I was 11 and weighed nothing I dislocated a knee cap. I dislocated a knee at 23, when I was 9 months pregnant with my youngest, and I probably weighed about 230 then. Last year I did hard core Atkins and lost 50 pounds, but I got pneumonia in March of this year and the steroids/antibiotics put that, plus some, back on me within a couple of weeks. I had previous dx of rheumatoid arthritis, borderline diabetes, probably sleep apnea, and borderline high blood pressure. I think the HBP dx was wrong, though, because the only time my BP was high was when I went to that particular doctor. After the pneumonia, they dx me with asthma, severe sleep apnea, and added another borderline diabetes dx. I was 352 or so when I got those dx. I couldn't walk from my car to the door without being winded and I couldn't carry groceries because I couldn't breathe when I added that kind of load. I also had a huge blood clot in my left leg (DVT) and that spawned two small clots that sat in my lungs (pulmonary emoblisms), but thankfully, those two did not burst. Between March and June, I was hospitalized 3 times. I had surgery Aug 30, 2011, and started walking as soon as I got home. At first it was a struggle to walk around the end of my building, but I persisted and did that several times a day, then I started walking around the farther end of my building. Once I could do that without feeling like I was going to die, I started adding more distance. I managed to walk around the lake in my apartment complex about 3 weeks out from surgery! I'm now doing at least a mile every other day on the treadmill, at 3 months out. My goal there is to walk a 5k in January, 2012. I'm still on the asthma meds, but they are being reduced each time I see the doc. I am still taking coumadin for blood clots, but only because I had some clot factor in my last blood test. The doctor is pretty sure that the coumadin will be gone by Jan 15, when I have my next blood test. At 280 pounds, so hopefully within this month, my doctor plans to take me off the bi-pap completely. That will be 20% of my highest weight gone, which seems to be the magic number to drop the c-pap. I'm looking forward to that! So, by about 4 months out, my two worst co-morbidities should be gone. I haven't had blood tests yet to check the blood sugar levels, but I think they will be phenomenal as well. Good luck with your journey!

(((Ready2BDone))) You're having a rough day. Take a hot bath, get a good night's sleep and it will all look better tomorrow. This WILL happen for you and you will rock the sleeve! You've come so far and done so well. Before surgery, I could gain 10 pounds in a few days from TOM or just regular bloating. Now, it seems like I lose no matter what. That will happen for you!!! Good Luck!!!

Wow! Just WOWWWWWW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Everyone has a different full signal. This pain MAY be yours. Are you taking an acid reducer? If not, try one and see if that helps. Also, it's very hard when you are newly post-op to get in all the requirements (64 oz of Water and 70 g of protein) daily. Work on the liquid first. It's way more important in the first few weeks than the Protein. Good luck!!

Yep! I'm lactose intolerant and have been since about 5 days post op. My son made me a Protein shake and I drank a few sips, then it waas off to the races!!! I can do small amounts of cheese, but no milk, cottage cheese or any other soft dairy items. Good luck!

I'm so glad to see that you followed through on the surgery! And, I'm thrilled that you let us know how it went! You have had a lot of changes this last couple of years and you still have a great attitude. I'm looking forward to watching you shrink!

I can already see a HUGE difference in your belly and hips! You're doing great! Keep up the good work!

I am glad that you are a member of all three boards. That means you are doing your research and looking for the right choice for yourself. I'm a Virgo, so I understand wanting to have all of the information possible before making a decision...and it better be the right decision, too. I don't see people here bashing the band so much as posting what they think about things. And, that's a good thing. I spent a lot of time on the LB boards where it seemed like most people were sold on their choice as well. I didn't get the impression they were bashing other types of WLS, either. It's good that you have spent a lot of time researching and have stood firm on what you think is the right decision for you. All of us have individual reasons for making our final choices, whether it is because insurance will or won't pay for a procedure, or because we don't like the thought of losing part of our stomach, or because we want to be able to reverse the procedure we have done. My final decision to do VSG over LB is that I wanted the restriction for even slider foods and I have a latex allergy that was discovered after minor surgery. I know the LB is supposed to be non-allergenic, but I felt would be that one person who became allergic to the material which composes the band. I'm also allergic to the glue used to put shoes together, so my body definitely knows how to pick it's allergies! I really do want to hear about your journey with the LB/plication, so I'll be looking for your posts. I hope you are extremely successful!

Shelly, I appreciate that you are trying to get all the information you can on both procedures. It does sound like you are totally sold on the band with plication, though, so that should probably be your choice. Each of us is an individual and has different goals and different ideas on how to get there. You quoted two people who seemed to have conflicting ideas in your post. One thought that you could eat more regular food with the band and the other thought you could eat more regular food with the sleeve. The truth is that both the band and the sleeve will allow one to eat regular food. Both will also allow one to eat slider foods like ice cream, cake, etc. My choice of the sleeve is based on the restriction that the sleeve automatically gives without the need for fills. I can eat all those slider foods, but I can only eat so much of them before I'm too full to continue. THAT is the reason for sleeve versus band for me. LilMissDiva gave you links to success and failure areas for both lap band and for vertical sleeve. If you are truly interested in reading more about both procedures, those are the areas to check out. And, you are definitely going to get more praise for VSG on this board because that is the choice most of us have made. I'm sure you'll have a similar experience on the lap band board. Those folks have chosen the lap band for themselves and are working their program as well. I find it interesting that many lap band patients do end up having a revision from lap band to something else...and that revision is often to VSG. I knew that before I had my sleeve done and that was a factor in my decision. Also, I never heard of plication during my research phase. I definitely never heard anyone suggest a band with plication. I don't know anything about that process at all. It may turn out to be better than either or both the LB or the VSG. I'm all for any process which helps us to lose weight and become healthier. I hope that you will let us know how you are doing on your journey and I wish you the best of luck with it!

Raven, A couple of suggestions to help with the vomiting. First, it seems like you have progressed to soft foods very quickly. I was on "full liquids" at this point in my recovery. Protein shakes, pureed soups, cottage cheese. Basically, it was still "If you can chew it, don't do it". So, maybe you need to back up to full liquids for a little bit and give your sleeve more time to heal. Second, I discovered that I am lactose intolerant at about your current stage as well. I quit drinking milk, eating yogurt or cottage cheese and I didn't have diarrhea issues after that. Maybe try some non-dairy milk (soy or almond) and see if that helps. Third, are you taking an acid reducer? You may be sick because your sleeve is producing too much acid. Too much acid can also make you feel hungry all the time. Fourth, you should really be concentrating on getting your Water in at this early stage. Yes, you should work on the protein, but it's more important to stay hydrated than it is to reach the protein goal right now. As your swelling goes down, you'll be able to get more protein, but you must stay hydrated to avoid kidney stones and/or ending up in the hospital. Lastly, Good luck and welcome to VST!!! Good luck on your journey!!

Congrats on getting the approval letter!! And, welcome to VST! It's great for support and answers to all those questions we never think to ask our doctor!

I don't like any hot teas since surgery. I drink cold, decaf tea all day long. I'd be concerned with drinking cannabis tea because I'd hate to have a positive drug test. Does the THC transfer through the tea?

coffee, did they use regular tape on you or bandaids? If so, and the red marks are in those places, congrats, you have a latex allergy! My surgeon put a big bandaid over my drain opening when he pulled the drain out. The drain hole has healed pretty well at 3 months out, but I can still see the red mark from the bandaid around it! I was dx with the latex allergy after having a pre-cancerous melanoma removed from my back as an outpatient. The nurse taped a huge bandage onto my back and by morning I was screaming in pain. I went back into the docs office and when they pulled the tape off, everywhere they had put the tape, I had huge welts. Some of them were even weeping Fluid. Not a pleasant way to learn. I knew about my latex allergy before surgery and that's why I got to be the first operation of the day. That way they didn't have to clean the OR specifically for latex between operations. Maybe the nurses will weigh in here, but I guess that's a long, tedious process. I use a little hydrocortisone if the spots get itchy or weepy, otherwise, just wash them well when you bathe and it should heal up with time. It should also be noted on your medical chart for the doctor and hospital. "dermatitis" is one of those dx that docs use when they aren't sure what's actually bothering you. "Contact Dermatitis" means that your skin reacts to a certain substance. Good luck!