SashaWLS

Oh don't feel regret -- I have a friend with the sleeve and she's having a HORRIBLE summer. Can't drink liquid fast enough, sick from everything -- she's even having to cancel her summer vacation because she's worried she won't be able to stay hydrated!!! This may be slower, but it will happen. I was wishing for the sleeve, but after 3 months I've lost 30+ lbs and can wear my engagement ring again. I haven't worn it in 4 years!!! You'll get there.

Not my best day, but not my worst and WAYYYYY better than it would have been pre surgery!!! Over the course of the whole day I had: kid-sized bowl of Cereal with milk 2 light bon-bell cheeses an Hones-Tea 100cal cranberry lemonaid 1/2 hotdog and 1/4 burger (no buns on either) 1/4c baked Beans 1/2 cob of corn a glass of white wine Power Aid Zero 2-3 tbsp tabouli salad and 2 crackers 2 oreo Cookies couple of raw carrots small cup of Maker's Mark on the rocks 2 sports-bottles of Water This felt like a lot for me and I think I need a fill, but looking back, not a terrible day!

just listen to your body!

I wanted the sleeve because I have absolutely no intention of having this reversed... I want this to be permanent... But after doing a lot of research and not rushing into surgery, the decision came down to a numbers game... -- The mortality rate for the sleeve is 1/200... In the band it's 1/2000. -- 1% of the people who get the sleeve have a leak, and if they do, they're in AGONY in and out of the hospital for possibly 5-6 months at a time -- 1/3 of the people who get bypass or sleeve gain it back with no other option afterwards than to get the band (i.e. carny wilson) IMHO, the sleeve is a fabulous option when it works. But the risk that it could turn out to be a total disaster is way way way too high for me AS A FIRST ATTEMPT. Later, if the band doesn't work for some reason, it might be a good alternative as the next option. But why start with something that's more invasive than you may need?

Ack! That does scare me. But in a good way. Yikes...

As an overweight daughter who has concerned parents of her own, I say this in the kindest most empathetic way possible... I don't think you're in a position to "lead" her one way or the other. You haven't gained complete control of your own weight, your still in the losing phase, and she's 24... Unfortunately your high-impact parenting days (in terms of being able to affect her habits) have been over since she was about 7yo. And now that she's 24 and an adult, you only barely have in an influencing role, because it's something that you haven't completely mastered for yourself... Your experience is only a help to her if she decides to have the surgery herself. It's great for YOU that your surgery is working, congratulations!!! But it's probably a lot of pressure for her. She probably feels like a failure, is depressed, or feels hopeless about her own situation because she identifies with you, and yet she's not losing herself... My suggestion is to say nothing. Tell her when she looks good. Try not to be the food police. Don't talk about her weight or habits unless she wants to, and then only be a listener. At this point the best thing you can do is be the kind mom who's supportive with unconditional love. That's it. Anything else will feel like you're rubbing your success in her face.

Oh Ashley, I TOTALLY know where you're coming from. I was absolutely terrified leading up to the liquid diet. Something about the idea of "the end of food completely and forever" threw me into an absolute panic. However. It was fine. Just try not to drive yourself crazy. And remember that you WILL be able to eat after the surgery. This is not your last food or anything else. You can do it, and once you start, it's much much better than the crazy anticipation... Good luck!!

You need a fill and eat a regular-portion plate of food? Or is it just going down and I don't have to worry? Ideally I know I should control myself, but I feel hungry all the time. I'm just trying to figure out what if any damage I might be doing while I wait for my appointment next Tuesday.

I was thinking going to thrift store, though I've never been before. I honestly don't feel like shelling out a small fortune on transition clothes. I say donate them to the store and be done with it. Someone who finds them will be very happy.

I'd have them take out a little today. There's no reason to suffer.

I'm sure if you've had the band for a year you know better than me what gas pain feels like, but I thought I'd bring it up just in case you wanted to try taking an antacid or gasx to see if your pain responds. If it does, you know that it's that, and gas can feel like other things. Other than that I have no idea, but hope you see your doctor and figure out what's going on!!

this is torture for me and I still drink a little bit while eating. I try not to, but I get desperately thirsty while eating and end up having a few sips...

Well, your partner would have to be PRETTY large to poke your band, cause it's behind your ribcage!! :-) But I don't think you need to worry as long as you've healed completely and aren't doing something that can pull your port out of the stitches in your abdominal muscles...

Try a 3-day pre-op diet, you'll clean out, lose a bit, and wipe the slate clean

yes, but this is gas. It's responsive to Gas-X

don't worry about it... if you're not burping gas bubbles, you're fine. besides, the rule is to help you be comfortable, not to freak you out...

It sounds like you're irritated... Try getting a big mug of HOT tea with honey, as hot as you can drink it... It'll open the band and soothe your stomach.

Lisa, you can do it now!!! I did a full triathlon with Team in Training a few years ago—you just need to train, and be ok with being slow.

This is great. Here's what I look forward to: Wearing my engagement ring every day (not just a few days a month when I'm not bloated) Not having people glare at me if I sit next to them on the subway Being able to shop in regular stores Running around with my kid at the playground for more than 2 minutes Being able to wear short-sleeved shirts without rolls on my arms :-( Not having to retake photos with my husband 3-4 times to get one where I look ok Buying and wearing the same size clothes for more than one season.

Yeah, it's definitely not the surgery, but I can't figure out what it IS... Can it be caused by more carbs? I've been on vacation and have eaten more carbs the last few days...

According to this, it's even worse... Over 1/100... https://sites.google.com/a/clos.net/mini/mortality-rate-sleeve-gastrectomy-over-1-per-100

My surgeon said he usually gives realize to the bigger men and lap band to the ladies...

Drinking before is ok, just make sure it has passed before eating...

I was terrified of feeling it and I can't... I can feel the port if I go digging for it, and lying on my stomach on the computer isn't all that comfortable anymore because I feel a little achy. I can also feel cool liquid draining through when I drink, but that's comforting because it means all is flowing...