Katie713

I had my surgery last year, April 2012 at 56 years old. Best thing I ever did for myself. It works for the young, and it works for the old. Let me know if you have specific concerns.

Sannah, know that you do not have to post daily. We'll still check back and watch for you. Some days I was just too tired so I get it. And I know they lovely supporters you have here will as well. Just don't leave us too long as we worry.
I'm laying in bed in Alaska and the northern lights are giving me a show. I'm so damn tired (I was up at 2am) that I just want to sleep, but hate to miss it LOL
You made me cry my dear. The story of the lovely doctor. What a wonderful man. I had this "horrible" nurse. Brusk as all get out. NAGGED me to breath in that damn breathing thing constantly. I yelled at her and told her I was just trying to survive for gods sake (this was right after my first chaplin visit LOL) so to get off my back. (This is not how I am normally LOL). She walked to the door and closed it, then came back and stood over my bed with her arms crossed (wearing a puppy love smock...I can still picture it LOL) and very fiercely said "No body dies on my watch missy. I don't care what those guys say, you're going to stay alive until you do what I ask you to do!" I think I laughed for the first time in weeks She did too, and sat down on my bed and helped me breath in that stupid thing then squeezed my hand and said quietly, "You aren't going to die honey, I won't let you". OK now I'm crying again....damn old woman...I don't even remember her name but she was lovely.
I had my son's stuffed dog "Charlie" with me all of the time. He is with all of us when we're sick and when I was being shoved in the ambulance a friend gave it to me. I cried over that stupid dog daily, but he reminded me of my son's need every second of the time I was away. I will always have that dog. Find a memento...I know you're home, but keep something of her with you every second honey. Those kids give us strength we never knew we possessed. You're finding out your strength is much more than you probably thought. I'm impressed by it. I know what it takes to keep it up.
You are doing this baby. I know you have good and bad days but you are taking the steps. True baby steps at times honey, but steps! The fact that you are discovering things that happened in hospital means you're well enough to care. I have many blank moments that I learn about here and there from friends I saw and don't remember seeing to things DH says. But you're caring now and filing it all away as you search for the next step forward.
My son Sannah is HORSE MAD! I got to go shopping today to pick up a treat because he had a milestone at school today while I was gone. I actually thought of you and your little darling as I was shopping....in a few years Sannah you're going to be standing in front of the "horse" isle at the toy store, because aren't all girls horse mad? and you will be picking up the perfect one for her. Hours of play will follow on your hands and knees...and you'll not be thinking of all of this horror. Your life will be better and this will all have passed! When you're there, think of me and send me a mental smile.
Oh and on a lighter note...tooth fairy! Oh yes we do all magic...santa, tooth fairy, Easter bunny....and no we're not religious, but I take the fun from all holidays LOL I think magic is a wonderful part of a childs life and frankly, sneaking into his bedroom to take his tooth and replace it with...whatever you do....is incredibly fun He actually had his first two teeth pulled due to an accident. It was such a sudden thing that I hadn't thought of the fairy and we were staying at a hotel. I'd tipped every red cent on me and had nothing but 20's. He put his head on the pillow and said how excited he was going to be to see what the tooth fairy left...talk about an "awe chit" moment! Alone with a kid just getting over anesthesia I couldn't leave obviously (he was 5) so I called the front desk and they sent up a stuffed bear to which I attached a 20 with a note that said the tooth fairy knew he was going by a train store in the morning and she wanted him to pick out his favorite train.
He was so impressed she knew our plans LOL (She is a smartie LOL). The second loss was when I was on a business trip overnight. My darling nanny called and asked what to do....I remembered we had a stuffed toy hidden that I forgot to put out at Christmas (in the wine room where we hide all the kids toys LOL) so she had to creep down the dark steps to the cellar and find that stuffed dog He was entranced. At that point I'd set a horrific standard for the tooth fairy! The third tooth I left a beautiful 1.00 coin in the little silver box he leaves his teeth in and he was happy with it, but asked if the tooth fairy was on a budget LMAO (apparently he's been listening to daddy!). I have stuffed toys in reserve now heh heh
Lesson learned...Sannah you never know when they are going to lose a tooth. BE PREPARED and DON'T SET THE BAR TOO HIGH DUE TO LACK OF COINAGE LMAO
Smooches darling. You are getting better....one step at a time. We'll all walk it with you hun. All you have to do is fight and that's easy for a mom! Practice for the teen years

You won't feel your restriction (real fullness) until you eat solid food down the line, don't worry you'll know the difference!
I also hiccup when full. It is a good barometer of when to stop. I get like an internal hiccup or burp, and then 1 or 2 loud hiccups. At my house everyone knows what that means. Sometimes it happens so fast!
By the way, you don't have a pouch or a stoma unless you had Gastric Bypass surgery. You just have a smaller stomach, the shape of a banana. You still have your pylorus intact at the base of your stomach.
Stalls happen. Just stay on track and you will lose the weight !! Don't stress over the scale readings, it will drive you nuts.
Drink lots of Water or other SF drinks and get your protein!!
Good luck!!
Spaghetti sauce is fine for pureed stage. Try it as a ricotta bake. Take a mini baking dish and spread with about 1/3 c. sauce (meat sauce or marinara) on the bottom, then ricotta cheese mixed with an egg and a little parm, then some shredded motzarella, then more sauce topped with motzarella and parm and bake in the oven until bubbly and starting to brown. It's the BOMB. Tastes like lasagna but no noodles.
The bruising and sore feeling will go away with time. Don't do anything too strenous until the pain is gone.

Typical day for me:
Breakfast
coffee (2 large cups)
1/2 c. low-fat cottage cheese with 1/2 c. canned fruit (pears/pineapple or peaches)
or
1 c. Kellogs Special K Protein cereal flakes with 3/4 c 1% milk
On the weekends I might have scrambled eggs with diced ham/mushrooms/onions and some shredded cheddar and 1 slice of whole wheat toast
Morning snack - Protein shake
lunch
1 c. of Soup - usually I buy Progresso light Soups
1 piece of fruit
or
salad with grilled chicken
Snack
Protein Bar or a piece of fruit with a slice of cheese
or a handful of nuts
or black olives and string cheese
dinner
3-4 oz of Protein
salad or steamed veggies
Stir frys (assorted)
Soups (Hearty)
Evening snack
Blue Bunny Frozen Dessert Bars (70 cal)
or Weight Watchers Frozen Dessert Bars (80 cal)
A typical day totals up to about 1300 calories, 70 grams of protein, and under 50 grams of carbs.

You Aussie girls are a hoot
Being that I'm older, actually I'll be 58 this July - this next chapter of my life includes being able to enjoy so many of the things I avoided when I was really huge. As I move toward retirement, I look forward to those long walks on the beach, heading to the YMCA for morning aqua-aerobics, traveling abroad (without the seat belt extension) riding all the rides at theme parks with my grandson and enjoying many tasty but tiny meals along the way....oh and there WILL be shopping

I haven't posted a recent pic either...I guess waiting to get alot closer to goal to strut my stuff. I'm still dealing with the changes I'm going thru but I am so happy with my sleeve!!

OP you got a myriad of opinions from posters and everyone speaks from their own perspective, some who are giving you a strict admonishment and some who think you're probably ok but don't repeat the behavior. We're all here trying to help and there are NO absoutely right answers, surgeons and nutritionists give different dietary guidelines. Common sense does come into play, you have a brand new suture line that doesn't need to be tested or having solids trying to work thru the seam.
Here's the other thing I want to say, just because you can doesn't mean you should. Psycholgically you may have lost your fear of eating things outside of your recommended diet, and this may continue to plague you as you move forward and affect your weight loss. After a while its a struggle to lose, this is the time you should be on the mark. Stock your cupboards with Protein powder and Soups so you always have something on hand, later down the line when you are cleared for solids, keep cheese sticks, yogurt or cottage cheese, beef jerkey, nuts...always have the right food handy if possible.

OP you got a myriad of opinions from posters and everyone speaks from their own perspective, some who are giving you a strict admonishment and some who think you're probably ok but don't repeat the behavior. We're all here trying to help and there are NO absoutely right answers, surgeons and nutritionists give different dietary guidelines. Common sense does come into play, you have a brand new suture line that doesn't need to be tested or having solids trying to work thru the seam.
Here's the other thing I want to say, just because you can doesn't mean you should. Psycholgically you may have lost your fear of eating things outside of your recommended diet, and this may continue to plague you as you move forward and affect your weight loss. After a while its a struggle to lose, this is the time you should be on the mark. Stock your cupboards with Protein powder and Soups so you always have something on hand, later down the line when you are cleared for solids, keep cheese sticks, yogurt or cottage cheese, beef jerkey, nuts...always have the right food handy if possible.

OP you got a myriad of opinions from posters and everyone speaks from their own perspective, some who are giving you a strict admonishment and some who think you're probably ok but don't repeat the behavior. We're all here trying to help and there are NO absoutely right answers, surgeons and nutritionists give different dietary guidelines. Common sense does come into play, you have a brand new suture line that doesn't need to be tested or having solids trying to work thru the seam.
Here's the other thing I want to say, just because you can doesn't mean you should. Psycholgically you may have lost your fear of eating things outside of your recommended diet, and this may continue to plague you as you move forward and affect your weight loss. After a while its a struggle to lose, this is the time you should be on the mark. Stock your cupboards with Protein powder and Soups so you always have something on hand, later down the line when you are cleared for solids, keep cheese sticks, yogurt or cottage cheese, beef jerkey, nuts...always have the right food handy if possible.

Sannah, Liz, Iggy...you've all been through so much, I admire your strength and hope you get stronger every day. I too have a wonderful child to snuggle up to, my 9 yr old grandson, he lives with me and worried I would get too skinny, now he says "Hey Nana your butt's not so big anymore, its cute!" Kids...gotta love em.

It takes time to adjust. It also takes committment and stocking the cupboards with healthy Snacks so that you don't totally return to old habits that will result in weight gain. You got the surgery to lose weight, don't let yourself fall into self sabotage. In the beginning there were times when I just cried - missing the comfort of my go-to (food)....but I let the tears come, and deep breathing, and putting into perspective in my mind. We can't depend on that crutch anymore if we want to succeed at this. I find that we eat so little, as long as your Snacks are the right ones you will slowly start to come to terms with this new life. My snacks include a few grapes and a couple of cubes of cheese, or a handful of nuts, a cheese stick and sliced apple, or some olives.< /p>
Good Luck!!

It takes time to adjust. It also takes committment and stocking the cupboards with healthy Snacks so that you don't totally return to old habits that will result in weight gain. You got the surgery to lose weight, don't let yourself fall into self sabotage. In the beginning there were times when I just cried - missing the comfort of my go-to (food)....but I let the tears come, and deep breathing, and putting into perspective in my mind. We can't depend on that crutch anymore if we want to succeed at this. I find that we eat so little, as long as your Snacks are the right ones you will slowly start to come to terms with this new life. My snacks include a few grapes and a couple of cubes of cheese, or a handful of nuts, a cheese stick and sliced apple, or some olives.< /p>
Good Luck!!

It takes time to adjust. It also takes committment and stocking the cupboards with healthy Snacks so that you don't totally return to old habits that will result in weight gain. You got the surgery to lose weight, don't let yourself fall into self sabotage. In the beginning there were times when I just cried - missing the comfort of my go-to (food)....but I let the tears come, and deep breathing, and putting into perspective in my mind. We can't depend on that crutch anymore if we want to succeed at this. I find that we eat so little, as long as your Snacks are the right ones you will slowly start to come to terms with this new life. My snacks include a few grapes and a couple of cubes of cheese, or a handful of nuts, a cheese stick and sliced apple, or some olives.< /p>
Good Luck!!

I love my MIO sweet too Laura! It's the BOMB!!

If it gets too bad, head to the ER sweetie. At least there they can monitor and respond to what is going on with your heart.

Best to read labels carefully, some Protein Bars are high in calories, fat, and carbs. I love the Atkins day break bars...about 150 calories and 10-15 grams of Protein and 3 net carbs, the almond cranberry are perfect for Breakfast and the chocolate Peanut Butter fudge perfect for an afternoon snack. The Power Crunch bars are to die for they are like wafer Cookies and the flavors are great, I buy them at Trader Joes and sometimes Rite Aid. I don't like the Pure Protein bars they have 25 grams of protein but taste weird to me. Luna bars are good but only 9 grams of protein and 180 calories. Try a few and see what you like, but again, check the label, some aren't weight loss friendly.

Best to read labels carefully, some Protein Bars are high in calories, fat, and carbs. I love the Atkins day break bars...about 150 calories and 10-15 grams of Protein and 3 net carbs, the almond cranberry are perfect for Breakfast and the chocolate Peanut Butter fudge perfect for an afternoon snack. The Power Crunch bars are to die for they are like wafer Cookies and the flavors are great, I buy them at Trader Joes and sometimes Rite Aid. I don't like the Pure Protein bars they have 25 grams of protein but taste weird to me. Luna bars are good but only 9 grams of protein and 180 calories. Try a few and see what you like, but again, check the label, some aren't weight loss friendly.

Some people do fairly well for a period of time on 800 calories but most have to increase for health and maintenance. You can still lose weight at 1000-1200 calories. In this case her body is clearly needing more nourishment for normal functions which may be worth consideration if she is fainting from low blood pressure which her doctor has stated may be from too few calories. I suggested she try to add calories to see if it helps, not just salt as some have suggested which isn't working for her anyway. OP I wish you the best, and I am only trying to give you my take on the situation.

If I were you I would take in more calories until you can stabilize your blood pressure, not so much as to gain weight but to maintain where you are, and add a healthy smoothie like a green smoothie with fruits and veggies to get more nutrition. You might have 25 lbs to lose but you need at least 1200-1400 calories for proper energy...sometimes we don't realize even if we are overweight we can starve ourselves and not have proper bodily function. You can do this! Take control, your life is worth it!!!

Sannah...you can call me on that banana-fone any old time!! Good for you for speaking your mind...you've been through ALOT.
Well once you get through this I am sure you will have a new appreciation for your precious life and be stronger for the journey. You are strong and sensible and you have a voice in your care, so do what you gotta do girlfriend!!
Wishing you nothing but the best!

sleeve sister....You will get there my dear. Have faith. Most of us who have gone through this experience know this. If you have one Protein Shake with at least 25 grams of Protein in the morning, and later in the afternoon or evening have say a Pure Protein bar with 25 grams there is your 50. Whatever protein you have at lunch or dinner adds to your total as well as any milk or dairy products you might consume. As far as your hydration is concerned, start your day with a large cup of Decaf coffee or tea if you like it, then later the shake, then later on the Water, crystal light, etc. and everyday should be a little easier.

Working you way to satiety is different with the sleeve. Not sure how to exactly explain it but when our full stomach is intact and we eat to fullness, those feel good sensations come upon us and provide a kind of "food high". With the sleeve, you get full so fast that you don't get that elongated period to reach that content feeling. You begin to eat for the nutrition and less for "that feeling" but physically you will get full. It takes time to wrap your head around this and then slow down your eating enough to regulate how you will feel.
liquids quickly move through the pyloric valve at the base of the stomach. Solids make the pyloric valve shut so that digestive juices can do their job as stomach contents need to be liquified to move down into the intestines. That is why you don't feel restriction, the liquid or sludge just keeps on moving, but solids shut the valve and pressure begins to build as solids fill the sleeve. I saw a great video on this digestive process that was so educational.

Get yourself checked out...just googling the symptom shows some possibilities that sound troublesome.
Unable to move leg
WebMD Symptom Checker helps you find the most common medical conditions indicated by the symptoms unable to move leg including Transient ischemic attack (mini-stroke), Broken (fractured) hip, and Broken (fractured) upper leg.
There are 8 conditions associated with unable to move leg. The links below will provide you with more detailed information on these medical conditions from the WebMD Symptom Checker and help provide a better understanding of causes and treatment of these related conditions.
=52&sid[0]=351"]Transient ischemic attack (mini-stroke)
Transient ischemic attacks cause headache, numbness, tingling, or weakness in the face, arm, or leg, and more.
=52&sid[0]=351"]Broken (fractured) hip
A broken hip is a break in the thighbone under the hip joint and causes pain and trouble or inability to walk.
=52&sid[0]=351"]Broken (fractured) upper leg
Symptoms of a broken thigh bone include severe pain, inability to move the leg, deformity, and swelling.
=52&sid[0]=351"]Multiple sclerosis
Multiple sclerosis is a disease of the nervous system causing difficulties with balance, speech, and movement.
=52&sid[0]=351"]Tick bite
A tick-related illness may cause a rash that expands out from the site of the bite, fever, chills, and more.
=52&sid[0]=351"]Intracranial hematoma
An intracranial hematoma occurs after a head injury and causes headache, drowsiness, confusion, and more.
=52&sid[0]=351"]Spinal tumor
Spinal tumors can cause back pain, weakness, and numbness in the legs and arms, and more serious issues.
=52&sid[0]=351"]Chagas disease
Chagas disease is caused by a tropical parasite and can cause fever, ill feeling, and swelling

Almost 10 months out - went thru Kaiser Panorama City - but had surgery at Kaiser West L.A. really happy with the bariatric program and how it all panned out. I would never have imagined that this dream came true for me. I have been a slow loser and I am at a standstill right now, but slow and sure has worked for me. I have to really push now to try and get alot closer to goal.
How about you? Have you reached your goal yet?

I am so impressed! You two look absolutely fantastic!! Bravo! Good Job!!