SleeveDreamer

I had a sleeve 5 1/2 yrs. ago. However I had a lot of repair that had to be done then at the same time to my diaphragm. Before surgery 2/3 pf my stomach was betweeno my lungs headed for my heart so the doctor had to perform a sleeve to get my stomach back down without destroying my diaphragm. I had so many stitches in my diaphragm he could not apply the mesh to keep another hiatal hernia from starting. About 6 months ago i started getting bad reflux again. I had an upper gi endoscopy and discovered a small spot of Barretts that came back negative, but i was refluxing throughout the procedure bad. My hiatal hernia is starting to come back. My doctor said I can have just that fixed or have a gastric bypass and solve the acid problem for good and of course no more Barretts would come. So i am having the Roux en y gastrojujenstoma bypass on June 12. Can't wait. I had no problems with that surgery and he told me this one would basically be a piece of cake after the first. Have not gained any weight back in 5 1/2 years. If you have a hiatal hernia repaired with mesh the same time as your sleeve, I think your acid should be OK.

Don't be nervous. When you get to regular foods, you should be able to eat anything if your sleeve handles it. I am a little over 10 months out and to my goal. I can eat anything! My sleeve must be made of steel cuz nothing bothers it. There may be some things you find you don't even want anymore. In my case, my taste buds changed a little. You will just need to eat much less (because you have to cuz you can't eat a lot) and eat in moderation, and drink a lot. You will be able to go out to eat and everything with no problem, so everything will be fine. Don't even think now of what you will be able to eat later. Think about how much healthier you will be and what great things you are doing for your body and the rest of your life. Good luck on your journey!

I am 17 months out and I stopped counting calories about 9 months ago. I was tracking on MFP and never came close so I thought I would try it on my own because I didn't want to think I was always on a diet, and thats's what counting calories reminded me of. I have been very successful and have gotten to my goal of 75 lbs. i really only had 60 lbs. to lose that my doctor wanted me to lose but he said I could go to 75 if I wanted to as long as I felt good but not any more. I just started tracking calories again yeterday on MFP and have not changed anything, I just ws curious to see about how many I am actually taking in so I can tell him next month when I go for my 18 month checkup. He himself told me that alot of his patients stress out too much and worry about calorie intake. I was surprised yesterday when I started tracking again and I am taking in less than 1,000 still. I still can't eat that much, but he did tell me that your stomach restriction changes at 18 months. So I am right on track for that and have proven that I have changed my wy of eating so much, that I can do it on my own. I will continue tracking for 3 months to see if my restrictions change like he says they will, and will probably have to increase my caloric intake a little to keep from losing more. I am 62 and healthier than I have ever been my entire adult life. Have gone from a size 18 jeans to a size 2. I take Bariatric Advantage chewable Multi Vitamins, BA Chewable Iron, BA sublimal B12 and BA Vitamin D. I am not on ANY meds at all at age 62! Will be 63 next month! LOVE MY SLEEVE!

I certainly don't imply that it is bad to track calories, if that is your thing. However, some people obsess so much about the calories, they just completely stress out and if they eat 20 more than they should, they think they are going to gain! Everyone is different as to what works for them.

I know I'm not around as much lately, but I just popped in and someone had liked an old post of mine. While scrolling through the thread, I saw names I remember from way back and some newer names. What struck me as AWESOME, though, was the tickers at the bottom of everyone's post. Each and every ticker shows some tremendous weight loss for every person on the thread. FYI, the post was "Anyone have a Relatively Easy Recovery". I'm stunned at the high numbers everyone is showing (including me! YAY! ) IF anyone ever doubts that the Sleeve works, just scroll through a few of the older threads and look at those tickers. It's a ticker tape parade!!!

Please don't obsess about it. there is no way you will eat like you did before. I am almost 15 months out and just have about five more pounds to get where I want to be, but I don't even think about it anymore as far as calories or pounds. I still cannot even get close to the number of calories I will need to maintain my weight! At first I kept track on MFP, and that is Ok while you are learning what you can or cannot eat, but then I thought to myself that this is not a diet, this is a new way of everyday eating. When I stopped that (MFP) and stopped even counting calories, I lost faster, because my mind was set and I knew what i can or cannot eat. I do watch my carbs though, and while I am still losing the 5 lbs. I try not to go over 30 g a day, and that is easy. but I know if I want to, I can and I will be OK. To maintain I can go up to 150 g per day, and I can't see that happening! I also watch my sugar and try to eat as litle sugar content as possible. Also, you must remember, don't freak out if you don't lose pounds once you get a little far out. You most likely are still losing inches and going down in sizes. The more you excercise, your fat is turing into muscle, so you may not be losing the pounds, but you are still being successful. You will not lose weight everyday. I weigh myself everyday, and always have, and always will, because I want to, but you should stay consistent for several days, then you may go down another pound or two and then you will stay consistent with that. Don't get impatient. You will get to your goal. Don't obsess and just start to enjoy your new life and don't worry about the calories and the word "diet". This is not a diet. You are finished with dieting! Good luck to all of you. LOVE my sleeve!

I had my sleeve on 12/14/11 when I was almost 61 1/2. My bd was in June nd I turned 62. I am no longer on any medication and feel better than I have for years. I went from a size 18 to 4 jeans. You are never too old to be healthy. I hope people who really need this done, will realize that age is not an issue. I only had 55 lbs. to lose but it was all in my abdomen headed for my heart and in a very dangerous place. Who knows what would have happened had I not had this surgery. I also had some repair done to my esophagus at the same time from some damage from some reflux surgery I had in 1999. I feel my VSG surgeon saved my life. I never had any pain or complications, never was nauseous, and never had Hair loss. i am truly blessed to have been able to have this done. Good luck to anyone over 60 who is thinking about having this done. No regrets here. LOVE my sleeve!

I got a great cookbook on Amazon for after weight loss surgery, and I heard from someone there was one out there for vegetarians after WLS. Might check it out!

I am 17 months out and I stopped counting calories about 9 months ago. I was tracking on MFP and never came close so I thought I would try it on my own because I didn't want to think I was always on a diet, and thats's what counting calories reminded me of. I have been very successful and have gotten to my goal of 75 lbs. i really only had 60 lbs. to lose that my doctor wanted me to lose but he said I could go to 75 if I wanted to as long as I felt good but not any more. I just started tracking calories again yeterday on MFP and have not changed anything, I just ws curious to see about how many I am actually taking in so I can tell him next month when I go for my 18 month checkup. He himself told me that alot of his patients stress out too much and worry about calorie intake. I was surprised yesterday when I started tracking again and I am taking in less than 1,000 still. I still can't eat that much, but he did tell me that your stomach restriction changes at 18 months. So I am right on track for that and have proven that I have changed my wy of eating so much, that I can do it on my own. I will continue tracking for 3 months to see if my restrictions change like he says they will, and will probably have to increase my caloric intake a little to keep from losing more. I am 62 and healthier than I have ever been my entire adult life. Have gone from a size 18 jeans to a size 2. I take Bariatric Advantage chewable Multi Vitamins, BA Chewable Iron, BA sublimal B12 and BA Vitamin D. I am not on ANY meds at all at age 62! Will be 63 next month! LOVE MY SLEEVE!

I have lost 41 lbs. and was never nauseated nor had any pain at all. I am only 15 lbs. from my goal. I love my sleeve and it loives everything I eat. I still can't eat over 8 oz. at a time and I can't get in over 800 calories a day but I get in alot of Protein and drink a gallon of flavored Water a day. Take Bariatric Advantage chewable multi-Vitamins and Iron pills. I have gone from a size 18 to a size 8. Please, please follow your doctor's orders for pre-op and post-op diet and don't try to rush things after surgery. Your time will come when you can eat regular foods again. You need to give your stomach a chance to heal. Good luck!

Hi all. I was 21 months out on Sept. 14th and went to my doctor for follow-up. I go see him every 3 months. I am still doing great. I have lost 75 lbs. (I really only had 60 to lose all mainly in my abdomen). Those of you who know my story know that most of my stomach had protruded through my diaphragm. I had a Nissen Fundiplication surgery for my reflux in 1999, and this was a result of that. Anyway, my stomach was lodged between my lungs headed for my heart so with my sleeve surgery at the same time he had to repair that which took and additional 2 1/2 hours. My doctor told me that your restrictions change at 18 months post-op so it is important to stay on track. This time when I went, he said I have lost too much muscle mass in the last three months, which will affect my metabolism, so he said I need to start working out with weights on my upper body and get that up before December hen I see him again. I was doing endurance training on the treadmill but I had to have unexpected arthroscopic surgery on my knee to remove a meniscus tear in July, so that slowed down my walking and treadmill, so that contributed to my muscle mass loss since I was not exercising everyday for awhile. So today I will see a personal trainer and start on a weight program for my upper body only (I lost so much I need to tone my biceps so they don't look like crepe paper!). Also I need to increase my RTD Protein Drinks to two per day. He also said that the powdered Protein drinks were not as good as everyone thinks, because people add so much to them, ie, bananas, sugary fruits, yogurt, etc. that they end up having too much sugar and calories in them. I have always used the RTD anyway, because I couldn't stand the aftertaste or consistency of the ones made from powder. So at this point, the surgery is still the best thing I have ever done for myself, went from an 18 jeans to a 2 jeans, and couldn't be happier. Not on any meds anymore whatsoever and healthier than I have ever been my entire adult life. Don't give up or get discouraged. It does not happen over night, but you be stay on track and stay committed. The weight is bound to come off if you are only eating about 8 oz. at a time. I still have a hard time getting in 1,000 calories a day! Good luck to all of you. Also, you will love this forum. You can learn so much from others who have done it before you. Don't be afraid to ask anything on here! I learned so much from this forum.

Just remember that you WILL NOT lose pounds every day. You will have times you will go for a couple weeks without losing pounds. That's OK. You will still be losing body fat and your BMI will still be going down as long as you do Protein first, then veggies, then carbs. I went from 54% body fat to 26% body fat. If you can't eat more than 4 oz. of protein, then stop eating! Don't try to stuff yourself and make yourself feel sick or get the slimes. You will succeed if you stick to what your doctor says! You will change your way of eating so much, you will never want to eat like you did before. You will get used to the changes and you will love the results. At first you need to eat less and every two-three hours. Don't forget your tummy is 85% smaller than it was before. You will get into a new routine before you know it and wonder how you ever survived before eating like you did! LOVE my sleeve! I have before and after pics on my profile page but the after was taken in May of 2012. You will love this forum and don't be afraid to ask questions here, because everyone is here for everyone else. I learned so much from these people.

Hi all. I was 21 months out on Sept. 14th and went to my doctor for follow-up. I go see him every 3 months. I am still doing great. I have lost 75 lbs. (I really only had 60 to lose all mainly in my abdomen). Those of you who know my story know that most of my stomach had protruded through my diaphragm. I had a Nissen Fundiplication surgery for my reflux in 1999, and this was a result of that. Anyway, my stomach was lodged between my lungs headed for my heart so with my sleeve surgery at the same time he had to repair that which took and additional 2 1/2 hours. My doctor told me that your restrictions change at 18 months post-op so it is important to stay on track. This time when I went, he said I have lost too much muscle mass in the last three months, which will affect my metabolism, so he said I need to start working out with weights on my upper body and get that up before December hen I see him again. I was doing endurance training on the treadmill but I had to have unexpected arthroscopic surgery on my knee to remove a meniscus tear in July, so that slowed down my walking and treadmill, so that contributed to my muscle mass loss since I was not exercising everyday for awhile. So today I will see a personal trainer and start on a weight program for my upper body only (I lost so much I need to tone my biceps so they don't look like crepe paper!). Also I need to increase my RTD Protein Drinks to two per day. He also said that the powdered Protein drinks were not as good as everyone thinks, because people add so much to them, ie, bananas, sugary fruits, yogurt, etc. that they end up having too much sugar and calories in them. I have always used the RTD anyway, because I couldn't stand the aftertaste or consistency of the ones made from powder. So at this point, the surgery is still the best thing I have ever done for myself, went from an 18 jeans to a 2 jeans, and couldn't be happier. Not on any meds anymore whatsoever and healthier than I have ever been my entire adult life. Don't give up or get discouraged. It does not happen over night, but you be stay on track and stay committed. The weight is bound to come off if you are only eating about 8 oz. at a time. I still have a hard time getting in 1,000 calories a day! Good luck to all of you. Also, you will love this forum. You can learn so much from others who have done it before you. Don't be afraid to ask anything on here! I learned so much from this forum.

That was so powerful! Thanks for sharing and best of luck to you!

Hi all. I was 21 months out on Sept. 14th and went to my doctor for follow-up. I go see him every 3 months. I am still doing great. I have lost 75 lbs. (I really only had 60 to lose all mainly in my abdomen). Those of you who know my story know that most of my stomach had protruded through my diaphragm. I had a Nissen Fundiplication surgery for my reflux in 1999, and this was a result of that. Anyway, my stomach was lodged between my lungs headed for my heart so with my sleeve surgery at the same time he had to repair that which took and additional 2 1/2 hours. My doctor told me that your restrictions change at 18 months post-op so it is important to stay on track. This time when I went, he said I have lost too much muscle mass in the last three months, which will affect my metabolism, so he said I need to start working out with weights on my upper body and get that up before December hen I see him again. I was doing endurance training on the treadmill but I had to have unexpected arthroscopic surgery on my knee to remove a meniscus tear in July, so that slowed down my walking and treadmill, so that contributed to my muscle mass loss since I was not exercising everyday for awhile. So today I will see a personal trainer and start on a weight program for my upper body only (I lost so much I need to tone my biceps so they don't look like crepe paper!). Also I need to increase my RTD Protein Drinks to two per day. He also said that the powdered Protein drinks were not as good as everyone thinks, because people add so much to them, ie, bananas, sugary fruits, yogurt, etc. that they end up having too much sugar and calories in them. I have always used the RTD anyway, because I couldn't stand the aftertaste or consistency of the ones made from powder. So at this point, the surgery is still the best thing I have ever done for myself, went from an 18 jeans to a 2 jeans, and couldn't be happier. Not on any meds anymore whatsoever and healthier than I have ever been my entire adult life. Don't give up or get discouraged. It does not happen over night, but you be stay on track and stay committed. The weight is bound to come off if you are only eating about 8 oz. at a time. I still have a hard time getting in 1,000 calories a day! Good luck to all of you. Also, you will love this forum. You can learn so much from others who have done it before you. Don't be afraid to ask anything on here! I learned so much from this forum.

Hi all. I was 21 months out on Sept. 14th and went to my doctor for follow-up. I go see him every 3 months. I am still doing great. I have lost 75 lbs. (I really only had 60 to lose all mainly in my abdomen). Those of you who know my story know that most of my stomach had protruded through my diaphragm. I had a Nissen Fundiplication surgery for my reflux in 1999, and this was a result of that. Anyway, my stomach was lodged between my lungs headed for my heart so with my sleeve surgery at the same time he had to repair that which took and additional 2 1/2 hours. My doctor told me that your restrictions change at 18 months post-op so it is important to stay on track. This time when I went, he said I have lost too much muscle mass in the last three months, which will affect my metabolism, so he said I need to start working out with weights on my upper body and get that up before December hen I see him again. I was doing endurance training on the treadmill but I had to have unexpected arthroscopic surgery on my knee to remove a meniscus tear in July, so that slowed down my walking and treadmill, so that contributed to my muscle mass loss since I was not exercising everyday for awhile. So today I will see a personal trainer and start on a weight program for my upper body only (I lost so much I need to tone my biceps so they don't look like crepe paper!). Also I need to increase my RTD Protein Drinks to two per day. He also said that the powdered Protein drinks were not as good as everyone thinks, because people add so much to them, ie, bananas, sugary fruits, yogurt, etc. that they end up having too much sugar and calories in them. I have always used the RTD anyway, because I couldn't stand the aftertaste or consistency of the ones made from powder. So at this point, the surgery is still the best thing I have ever done for myself, went from an 18 jeans to a 2 jeans, and couldn't be happier. Not on any meds anymore whatsoever and healthier than I have ever been my entire adult life. Don't give up or get discouraged. It does not happen over night, but you be stay on track and stay committed. The weight is bound to come off if you are only eating about 8 oz. at a time. I still have a hard time getting in 1,000 calories a day! Good luck to all of you. Also, you will love this forum. You can learn so much from others who have done it before you. Don't be afraid to ask anything on here! I learned so much from this forum.

Hi all. I was 21 months out on Sept. 14th and went to my doctor for follow-up. I go see him every 3 months. I am still doing great. I have lost 75 lbs. (I really only had 60 to lose all mainly in my abdomen). Those of you who know my story know that most of my stomach had protruded through my diaphragm. I had a Nissen Fundiplication surgery for my reflux in 1999, and this was a result of that. Anyway, my stomach was lodged between my lungs headed for my heart so with my sleeve surgery at the same time he had to repair that which took and additional 2 1/2 hours. My doctor told me that your restrictions change at 18 months post-op so it is important to stay on track. This time when I went, he said I have lost too much muscle mass in the last three months, which will affect my metabolism, so he said I need to start working out with weights on my upper body and get that up before December hen I see him again. I was doing endurance training on the treadmill but I had to have unexpected arthroscopic surgery on my knee to remove a meniscus tear in July, so that slowed down my walking and treadmill, so that contributed to my muscle mass loss since I was not exercising everyday for awhile. So today I will see a personal trainer and start on a weight program for my upper body only (I lost so much I need to tone my biceps so they don't look like crepe paper!). Also I need to increase my RTD Protein Drinks to two per day. He also said that the powdered Protein drinks were not as good as everyone thinks, because people add so much to them, ie, bananas, sugary fruits, yogurt, etc. that they end up having too much sugar and calories in them. I have always used the RTD anyway, because I couldn't stand the aftertaste or consistency of the ones made from powder. So at this point, the surgery is still the best thing I have ever done for myself, went from an 18 jeans to a 2 jeans, and couldn't be happier. Not on any meds anymore whatsoever and healthier than I have ever been my entire adult life. Don't give up or get discouraged. It does not happen over night, but you be stay on track and stay committed. The weight is bound to come off if you are only eating about 8 oz. at a time. I still have a hard time getting in 1,000 calories a day! Good luck to all of you. Also, you will love this forum. You can learn so much from others who have done it before you. Don't be afraid to ask anything on here! I learned so much from this forum.

Hi all. I was 21 months out on Sept. 14th and went to my doctor for follow-up. I go see him every 3 months. I am still doing great. I have lost 75 lbs. (I really only had 60 to lose all mainly in my abdomen). Those of you who know my story know that most of my stomach had protruded through my diaphragm. I had a Nissen Fundiplication surgery for my reflux in 1999, and this was a result of that. Anyway, my stomach was lodged between my lungs headed for my heart so with my sleeve surgery at the same time he had to repair that which took and additional 2 1/2 hours. My doctor told me that your restrictions change at 18 months post-op so it is important to stay on track. This time when I went, he said I have lost too much muscle mass in the last three months, which will affect my metabolism, so he said I need to start working out with weights on my upper body and get that up before December hen I see him again. I was doing endurance training on the treadmill but I had to have unexpected arthroscopic surgery on my knee to remove a meniscus tear in July, so that slowed down my walking and treadmill, so that contributed to my muscle mass loss since I was not exercising everyday for awhile. So today I will see a personal trainer and start on a weight program for my upper body only (I lost so much I need to tone my biceps so they don't look like crepe paper!). Also I need to increase my RTD Protein Drinks to two per day. He also said that the powdered Protein drinks were not as good as everyone thinks, because people add so much to them, ie, bananas, sugary fruits, yogurt, etc. that they end up having too much sugar and calories in them. I have always used the RTD anyway, because I couldn't stand the aftertaste or consistency of the ones made from powder. So at this point, the surgery is still the best thing I have ever done for myself, went from an 18 jeans to a 2 jeans, and couldn't be happier. Not on any meds anymore whatsoever and healthier than I have ever been my entire adult life. Don't give up or get discouraged. It does not happen over night, but you be stay on track and stay committed. The weight is bound to come off if you are only eating about 8 oz. at a time. I still have a hard time getting in 1,000 calories a day! Good luck to all of you. Also, you will love this forum. You can learn so much from others who have done it before you. Don't be afraid to ask anything on here! I learned so much from this forum.

Hi all. I was 21 months out on Sept. 14th and went to my doctor for follow-up. I go see him every 3 months. I am still doing great. I have lost 75 lbs. (I really only had 60 to lose all mainly in my abdomen). Those of you who know my story know that most of my stomach had protruded through my diaphragm. I had a Nissen Fundiplication surgery for my reflux in 1999, and this was a result of that. Anyway, my stomach was lodged between my lungs headed for my heart so with my sleeve surgery at the same time he had to repair that which took and additional 2 1/2 hours. My doctor told me that your restrictions change at 18 months post-op so it is important to stay on track. This time when I went, he said I have lost too much muscle mass in the last three months, which will affect my metabolism, so he said I need to start working out with weights on my upper body and get that up before December hen I see him again. I was doing endurance training on the treadmill but I had to have unexpected arthroscopic surgery on my knee to remove a meniscus tear in July, so that slowed down my walking and treadmill, so that contributed to my muscle mass loss since I was not exercising everyday for awhile. So today I will see a personal trainer and start on a weight program for my upper body only (I lost so much I need to tone my biceps so they don't look like crepe paper!). Also I need to increase my RTD Protein Drinks to two per day. He also said that the powdered Protein drinks were not as good as everyone thinks, because people add so much to them, ie, bananas, sugary fruits, yogurt, etc. that they end up having too much sugar and calories in them. I have always used the RTD anyway, because I couldn't stand the aftertaste or consistency of the ones made from powder. So at this point, the surgery is still the best thing I have ever done for myself, went from an 18 jeans to a 2 jeans, and couldn't be happier. Not on any meds anymore whatsoever and healthier than I have ever been my entire adult life. Don't give up or get discouraged. It does not happen over night, but you be stay on track and stay committed. The weight is bound to come off if you are only eating about 8 oz. at a time. I still have a hard time getting in 1,000 calories a day! Good luck to all of you. Also, you will love this forum. You can learn so much from others who have done it before you. Don't be afraid to ask anything on here! I learned so much from this forum.

I am 17 months out and I stopped counting calories about 9 months ago. I was tracking on MFP and never came close so I thought I would try it on my own because I didn't want to think I was always on a diet, and thats's what counting calories reminded me of. I have been very successful and have gotten to my goal of 75 lbs. i really only had 60 lbs. to lose that my doctor wanted me to lose but he said I could go to 75 if I wanted to as long as I felt good but not any more. I just started tracking calories again yeterday on MFP and have not changed anything, I just ws curious to see about how many I am actually taking in so I can tell him next month when I go for my 18 month checkup. He himself told me that alot of his patients stress out too much and worry about calorie intake. I was surprised yesterday when I started tracking again and I am taking in less than 1,000 still. I still can't eat that much, but he did tell me that your stomach restriction changes at 18 months. So I am right on track for that and have proven that I have changed my wy of eating so much, that I can do it on my own. I will continue tracking for 3 months to see if my restrictions change like he says they will, and will probably have to increase my caloric intake a little to keep from losing more. I am 62 and healthier than I have ever been my entire adult life. Have gone from a size 18 jeans to a size 2. I take Bariatric Advantage chewable Multi Vitamins, BA Chewable Iron, BA sublimal B12 and BA Vitamin D. I am not on ANY meds at all at age 62! Will be 63 next month! LOVE MY SLEEVE!

Very cute and stylish!

Last weekend in LA- I'm on the left (in the LBD!)

Since I can't eat alot at dinner, I always have half of my pork chop left over. So I eat it the next morning diced up in a scrambled egg. So good! Just an idea for something different. Also, I made a pot roast in the crock pot yesterday. The kind that shreds really good. I mixed the leftovers with the mild taco seasoning and made tacos for my husband. I put some in the wonton wrappers with shredded cheese and refried Beans and a little taco sauce in the muffin pans and baked 375 for 10 minutes! Who needs big taco shells! YUM!

Since I can't eat alot at dinner, I always have half of my pork chop left over. So I eat it the next morning diced up in a scrambled egg. So good! Just an idea for something different. Also, I made a pot roast in the crock pot yesterday. The kind that shreds really good. I mixed the leftovers with the mild taco seasoning and made tacos for my husband. I put some in the wonton wrappers with shredded cheese and refried Beans and a little taco sauce in the muffin pans and baked 375 for 10 minutes! Who needs big taco shells! YUM!