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Hello to all the October Sleevers. Here is my experience from Oct. 4. (I know that before my procedure I wanted to read everything I could about what to expect, so I hope this helps)
I was scheduled to be at Good Samaritan Hosp. in San Jose at 4:00 pm for a 6:30 pm procedure time. I personally didn't want to be the last surgery of the day, but you take what you get. It was a 3 hour drive to the hospital, so my parents picked me up and drove me. We checked my parents into their hotel and then headed for the hospital. The admitting nurse was ready and waiting for me to arrive. That was nice. I got setup in the admitting area and had about 50 pages to sign while they did all the pre-op stuff. I was pleased that I had lost 10 lbs. The nurse got my IV in on 2nd try and then I sat and waited. They finally were ready for me at 7:30 pm. My doctor makes you walk to surgery, so I headed down the hall to the OR room. Got myself on the table and the next thing I remember was waking up in recovery. I groggily looked around and the next thing after that was in my room with my parents standing there. I was informed that Dr. Cirangle had also found a hiatal hernia that he repaired and then I drifted off again. I was so groggy and it was about midnight. The nurse made me get up 1/2 hour later and walk. Dr's order. I asked for ice chips. These are a godsend during recovery. My Dr. gives you a morphine pump to self medicate, but I realized by Wed. that the morphine was making me so groggy I couldn't stand it. They kept giving me my button, but since my stomach didn't hurt that bad, (only the biggest incision by my belly button hurt) I wouldn't use it. They brought me chicken or beef broth, 2 cups of Jello, and a bottle of power Protein drink for EVERY meal. It was a little annoying that I would usually have to ask for Water to put in my Protein Drink. I would sip the broth, take 2 bites of jello, and then try to sip the gross protein drink. Wow, this was my first sign that I would never be able to eat the same again. Remember the warning that your tastes change.
My Dr. came to see me about 4:00 pm and because I got into my room so late and because my blood pressure was elevated, they decided to have me stay another day. (My Dr. usually only keeps you for 1 day) They told me before the Dr. came that they were moving me from the morphine pump to oral pain meds to get ready to go home, but when they decided to keep me, they tried to give me the morphine back. I asked if I could take the oral pain meds (Lortab liquid) and it definitely helped me sleep without being groggy. I am a side sleeper and the bed was miserable. If you need to try to turn on your side, the Lortab will help with this. I continued to walk every few hours and eating the same. On Thursday, they took labs to check my blood pressure again, and it just wouldn't come down. They finally gave me a blood pressure pill and released me about 1:00 pm. (I have never had high blood pressure nor take blood pressure medicine, but I realized that there was a medical reason for losing weight now too) This helped to validate why I did this. They weighed me before I left and I had gained 10 lbs from the IV fluids. Drove the 3 hours home, stopping every hour for blood cot concerns. Be warned, the 10lbs of Fluid in you has to come out. (Unless I'm just strange) So I was up every 1/2 hour - hour all night peeing. But, the next day (Fri) the 10 lbs were gone and I was back to the weigh in weight at the hospital. Spent the next 2 days just around the house and sleeping. This just makes you sooo tired. Went to church on Sunday, made it through a church potluck (drank ice tea and helped serve) and now I have another week to enjoy my 2nd week of vacation from work. I am just trying to adjust to the liquid, all the protein, what my new stomach can handle.
Here's some observations for you.
During the 2 day pre-op liquid diet, I couldn't stand to watch food commercials or food shows. A Burger King hamburger never looked so good. Now, the commercials don't bother me because I'm just not that hungry.
My sense of smell is off. I asked everyone in my household (husband and 2 boys) if someone got new cologne because the smell was making me gag. Nope. Hopefully this will pass.
Tried beef broth Protein powder and almost threw up. If the mix clumps, it will not help you eat.
I realize that a week of my life with pain and discomfort is worth the REST of my life as the new me.

The left is December, a week after surgery, and the right is this past Sunday in a freaking size 12 structured dress from H&M!!

I was sleeved September 2nd, 2011 and I have lost 134.2 lbs thus far. I am 6 lbs from "normal" and 13.2 lbs from goal. While I originally wanted to make this by my surgiversary, now I am satisfied just to know beyond a shadow of a doubt that I WILL make it!

Sleeved Oct. 2011. Lost 92 lbs, 8 lbs to go.

I was wondering:
How many of you have heartburn? Was it only short-term or is it a case of being on a PPI for life? Rarely get heartburn and I take no PPI. Dr prescribed right after surgery, but have not taken any for 6-7 months.
Do any of you have dumping syndrome with the sleeve? (some research says it's possible)
No dumping issues. Sometimes when I eat certain things, it doesn't agree with my new stomach, but doesn't happen very often.
Have any of you had any complications out of the norm/ not easily resolved? No complications and I have lost 93 of my 100 lb goal.
IS anyone aware of any studies with Long-term efficacy of the sleeve (5+ years out?) No info on long term, but at 9 months out, I still can't eat a half a sandwich for lunch. I eat a lettuce, tomato, and meat sand and throw the bread away. Wouldn't trade this for anything. Hope this helps.

I was wondering:
How many of you have heartburn? Was it only short-term or is it a case of being on a PPI for life? Rarely get heartburn and I take no PPI. Dr prescribed right after surgery, but have not taken any for 6-7 months.
Do any of you have dumping syndrome with the sleeve? (some research says it's possible)
No dumping issues. Sometimes when I eat certain things, it doesn't agree with my new stomach, but doesn't happen very often.
Have any of you had any complications out of the norm/ not easily resolved? No complications and I have lost 93 of my 100 lb goal.
IS anyone aware of any studies with Long-term efficacy of the sleeve (5+ years out?) No info on long term, but at 9 months out, I still can't eat a half a sandwich for lunch. I eat a lettuce, tomato, and meat sand and throw the bread away. Wouldn't trade this for anything. Hope this helps.

I was sleeved 10/4/11. Glad you had a great time on the coast. I don't miss the heat. I see by your stats, you're pretty close to mine. I never reach 5'7". I stopped growing at 5'6 3/4" so I'm about 5'6ish now. I can't believe that I'm almost to goal. I had convinced myself that 160 would be fine because I didn't lose any weight for 3 weeks and the loss has definitely slowed, but all of a sudden, I have lost 4 lbs in the last week, so I'm pretty excited to make it to goal. My doctor told me to lose all I want before my 1 year anniversary, because it will really slow down after that.

Thanks for sharing.

No leaks, No regrets only that I didnt do it sooner and i'm sure 99.9 % of the people registered on this site would agree..

Sorry for the late reply- had a sleep study last night and lets just say not much sleep was had lol
Slim here are recipies for some of the things I mentioned. I'm a measure by eye girl on most of the things i cook but I'll try to give an estimate. Remember all these things can be adapted, things can be added, substituted and portions can be changed. This is just a guesstimate
Califlower rice
1 head of cauliflower
Cut into chunks and pulse in the food processor until it has the look and feel of rice. Put in a bowl and microwave for 3-5 minutes (depending on microwave) And voila!
chicken coconut curry over 'rice'
Boneless skinless chicken breast
1 bell pepper
1 medium onion
1 zuccini
Scallion
1 tsp curry powder
1tsp light brown sugar
1tsp cumin
1 can light coconut milk
Cut the chicken into bite size pieces. Brown in a pan. Take them out and set aside and saute the onion, scallion and bell pepper (I diced them up into small pieces) when they are slightly translucent add in diced up zuccini. Cook until slightly tender, then add in the cumin and curry powder. Cook for a few minutes until the spices are fragrent then add in the coconut milk. Cover and simmer for 5 minutes or until the milk cooks down enough so it's not so soupy. Add in the tea spoon of brown sugar (optional, it adds a little sweatness to counter the spice of the curry and in a big pot its not much.) Add the browned chicken back in and serve over califlower rice. This was awesome!
Fried 'rice'
1 cup of riced cauliflower
2 tsp of low sodium soy sauce
1 egg
scallion
I sprayed a skillet with a little PAM and added one scrambled egg. Chop it up in the skillet as I went, then added my 'rice'. Let cook for a minute, added soy sauce and let it 'fry'. Added in some chopped scallion before serving.
Moc Mashed potato bake
2 cups for riced cauliflower
2 cloved of garlic
a few tbs of FF sour cream (you could use greek yogurt I bet for more protein)
chopped fresh parsley
1/2 cup for FF shredded mozerella cheese
Put cauliflower, garlic, souce cream and parsley in a food processor and pulse until creamy. I mixed with most of the shredded cheese after I was done and put it in a baking dish and sprinkled a bit of the cheese that was left on top. Baked 350 for 10-15 minutes.
Bean shrimp and garlic over zuccini 'pasta'
1 can of white Beans
8 shrimp (mine were jumbo)
2 cloves of garlic
2 zuccini
Parsley
Splash of chicken stock
Cook the shrimp till translucent and then take out of pan. Sauteed the beans in a tsp of EVOO, added the garlic and parsley. Let the beans cook down until soft, added the chicken stock so it wasn't so dry. Add the shrimp back in and shut off. Slice the zuccini with a veg pealer, or mandolin (It takes some practice. Google 'zuccini noodles/pasta' and it should help.) Once sliced microwave for a few minutes until 'al dente' Serve the shrimp and bean mixture over the 'pasta' and done!
The pizza crust recipie you can find all over online- google low carb pizza crust. It was just riced cauliflower, shredded cheese and Italian seasonings. I made one with a chicken, mushrooms and onions on top and the other I did something different and put slicked fresh mission figs and goat cheese with a drizzle of balsamic vinagar. Also really nice with some arugula on top!

That is so awesome to hear. Especially in today's times when people are afraid to let anyone know their beliefs in business. Hope for a speedy recovery.

I thunk I shrunk again. I can wear 12s and even 13s. I'm also wearing some Hang Ten Jeans that looked like doll clothes 6 months ago. I even fit into a 34 x 32 BUTTON FLY 501 pair! I got 10 pair of new/old pants and 6 new/old tops.
Funny about some of the jeans and pants I have. The ones from the 90s or so (I think) are high wasted and the denim is HEAVY. Don't like them at all. I gave them to Goodwill as well. The Hang Tens are acid washed. My daughter just rolls her eyes and puts on her skinny jeans.
My dad saw me this weekend and he hasn't seen me since Father's day and he was flabbergasted and pleased. I don't notice differences so much because I see me every day.
I also have to bless God that I can hike up strenuous terrain without even breathing hard anymore.
I have old pants in reserve in size 10 and 8. I expect to get to a 6 and a small top. It will be wonderful to shop for things I won't grow .... in? of --- shrink out of? HAHA! I love saying that: "Shrink out of." I will probably do a combination of Ebay, Goodwill, Tilly's, Old Navy and American Eagle. I can't WAIT!
When I got at my heaviest I was busting out of a 20 and I didn't want to by a size larger let alone buy anything my size. Now I have so many clothes I can wear that I can't decide sometimes.

The full feeling is like thanksgiving where you ate way too much. You definitely learn to eat slowww and 1 less bite. When I eat too much, I also get a runny nose and sometimes have a sneezing fit. Our bodies are a mysterious adventure.

I understand about the liquid diet phase pre surgery. I had to change the channel when Burger King commercials came on. Now, if I actually Want a burger, all it takes is 3 bites without the bun and I am stuffed.

I have lost 82 lbs and have bought 4 pairs of pants. 2 pairs at Goodwill and 2 pair at TJMaxx. 2 of those pair I didn't buy until 50 lbs down and have moved past them. (Couldn't think of what to say because we used to say we outgrew our clothes. Woo hoo, no more of that)
Thankfully I had kept my clothes from my last weight loss from 6 years ago, so I just keep pulling out more clothes. I have almost exhausted my supply though. I have bought tops for work because my shirts got too big. Don't buy anything until after surgery though. Then have fun.

I have lost 82 lbs and have bought 4 pairs of pants. 2 pairs at Goodwill and 2 pair at TJMaxx. 2 of those pair I didn't buy until 50 lbs down and have moved past them. (Couldn't think of what to say because we used to say we outgrew our clothes. Woo hoo, no more of that)
Thankfully I had kept my clothes from my last weight loss from 6 years ago, so I just keep pulling out more clothes. I have almost exhausted my supply though. I have bought tops for work because my shirts got too big. Don't buy anything until after surgery though. Then have fun.

What a onederful feeling. Way to go!

Looking great!

Congratulations! You look beautiful.

Please realize that every body shape is different. If I looked at all these size 2 and 4 people I would definately be depressed. I am 5'6" and was 240 on surgery day and wore an 18W. I have lost 72 lbs and am just now wearing a size 14. Even when I was 20 years old and weighed 135, I wore a size 11. I have 28 lbs to go until my goal weight and I don't know if I will ever be a size 2, 4, or 6. I may end up a size 10 or 12, but I am happy with that. Be content with how you feel in your body. To me, size 14 looks so small right now.

MARCH 21, 2012



I am excited to be on the final stretch of the pre op experience!



Nervous - YEs! Why you ask? Because I am nervous about what the other side of BIG GIRL is out there!



Excited??? Hell Yes! But, I am still me and know somethings will change but me being healthy and around for my husband and kids..... PRICELESS!



I attached a picture from last year when I completed my first 10k this year I will be 10 days out from Surgery and still will finish it!! God Willing. Thanks you guys for giving the support and encouragement.



SHOUT OUT TO ALL MY MARCH SLEEVES!!

Please realize that every body shape is different. If I looked at all these size 2 and 4 people I would definately be depressed. I am 5'6" and was 240 on surgery day and wore an 18W. I have lost 72 lbs and am just now wearing a size 14. Even when I was 20 years old and weighed 135, I wore a size 11. I have 28 lbs to go until my goal weight and I don't know if I will ever be a size 2, 4, or 6. I may end up a size 10 or 12, but I am happy with that. Be content with how you feel in your body. To me, size 14 looks so small right now.

I soo understand where you're at. Only my family and my best friend knew beforehand but my husband is the pastor of a small church. So, everybody knows way to much about everyone. So, when I ate like a bird at our Thanksgiving potluck and at every Sunday lunch, you can't quite keep that a secret. Especially after how I ate before the surgery. So, my church family knows but they are all very supportive.

I am 5 months out and 72 lbs down. I think the same thing sometimes, but then I put food on my plate and eat 6-7 bites and I'm full. Then I remember, woo hoo, it's still working. Hang in there.

Congratulations. Awesome job. We share the same goal. Looking forward to getting there with you.