ChaChaBurch

I would LOVE to have someone here where I live to work with that had "been there". I don't currently work out at a gym because of that simple fact. I think you would be a great inspiration to others, and I think it will go a loooong way to help motivate and encourage others when they know your story. I think turning your life around in this way and using it to help others is awesome!!

I subscribe to her blog and think she's amazing! I even follow her on facebook.

Yesterday I was 5 weeks post-op. So far, the sleeve has been very good to me, and I have been good to it. I am following the plan the NUT gave me, and I have had no problems. I have lost 32lbs (including the pre-op diet). I count that because to me, that was a part of the sleeve journey that I had to go through. My current challenge is protein - sounds familiar huh? I cannot take another protein shake, shot, etc. I've tried numerous different "unflavored" protein powders, but can't stand the "feel" of the powder mixed with other things. I am also tired of chicken and tuna. I am going to town today to buy some thin sliced turkey deli meat, and will also buy some more talapia (it has 20g in each fillet). I guess I'll eat that until I get tired of it too. A real challenge for me is that I get bored with foods really quick. I will eat tuna every day then after about 7-10 days, I don't want to see another bite of tuna. Same thing with chicken. I knew going into this that protein was the #1 necessity once I had the sleeve, but I guess it just didn't really hit home how important it was, or how challenging it was going to be to get it. I know that in about 2 more weeks, once I get on "regular" foods, protein will be a little less challenging, but until, onward and forward My energy is WAY up - even from back before the surgery. I've lost 2 dress sizes (from a 24W to a 20W), and I'm walking 2.4 miles 3x a week. Prior to surgery, there was no way I could have walked even half that far without having to sit down and rest. I walk with a friend, and we even talk during the walk (and yes, we're walking, not strolling). Not that we aren't huffing and puffing that last little bit But just the fact that I can do that at all is amazing to me. I plan on starting Yoga next week via a DVD (Yoga for Beginners). Thought this might help with some stretching of muscles and flexibility. Since I'm 50, I just don't have the range of motion that I used to have, so I hope this helps. Might even help me to "center" myself a bit more. I have the Zumba DVD's and I'm a bit hesitant to start those yet. I think I'll save them until I've lost about 30 more pounds. I think it's going to really wear me out This forum has been such a fantastic source of encouragement, education, and support, and I KNOW I would have never had the courage to take this step if I hadn't found it. What a fantastic group of folks!! Thank you to everyone out there who has been cheering me on, and mentoring me!

Hooray!

This is really great information - and insight! I am 5 weeks post-op and am doing well . . . so far. Thanks!

I love your insights, and the way you think!

That's awesome! Good for you. I will be watching

I had the band in 2007 - paid for by my insurance (BCBS). At the time we lived in Dallas, and DH and I both had the same insurance (BCBS of Minnesota - our employers home office was in Minnesota). We moved to Arkansas in 2009, and I had problem after problem with my band (I didn't work, and DH insurance didn't cover anything to do with WLS), and I couldn't find a single Doctor in AR that would have anything to do with my band - since they weren't the one who put it in. In September 2012 I started researching the sleeve. I found a great surgeon in Hot Springs who used to do the band but quit because he felt it wasn't effective, and had a large failure rate (DUH). He began doing the sleeve and was very pleased with the overall results. He agreed to do my revision (although he had never done one before - but being a general surgeon, I felt VERY comfortable with him). I began the process in January 2012 (figuring I would self-pay ($16,000 out of my 401k). His patient advocate called me about 8 weeks prior to surgery saying that she had heard that BCBS Anthem was paying for the sleeve beginning in 2012. She submitted all of my paperwork to them . . . . and SURPRISE!!! They approved it - first letter. I couldn't believe it. I had my revision surgery 3/22/12. I just received today the EOB and sure enough, they paid all but $2500. I was so afraid that they would change their mind at the last minute, or figure that somehow I didn't fit their "idea" of what they should approve. It was such a load off my shoulders.

How's everyone doing so far? What's your plans for the weekend? I am doing surprisingly well. I am 5 weeks today, and feeling great. My energy is WAY higher than prior to this surgery, and so far I'm eating and tolerating foods really well. For the weekend, DH and I are working on my raised bed garden. Lots of tomatoes, squash, peppers, lettuce, herbs, beans, etc to plant! I can't wait!! Those veggies will be awesome later this summer. Also, I'm taking a canning/freezing class on May 8th, so I won't waste anything

What you're feeling is completely normal. Your new sleeve is still swollen from the surgery (takes about 10-14 days for swelling to go down). Just remember that at this point, anything you drink (or eat) to take itty bitty baby sips (or bites). Wait a few minutes between sips/bites. I had a band to sleeve revision on 3/22/12 and I'm down 32lbs. I can tell such a HUGE difference with the sleeve. I'm on soft foods right now and by the end of next week I'll be on "regular foods" (woo-hoo)!! It will get better for you, I promise!

I'm 1 month post-op, and as I travel the road towards "regular food", I'm thinking more and more about salads. My NUT told me this would be one of the very last foods added back to my food inventory. When could you eat salads, at what point in your progress could you handle them, what kinds of issues did you have, if any? Any feedback is appreciated.

Really good observations! Being 50, I can remember the model "Twiggy". She was the "be all" in how girls in my school wanted to look. Later, we learned she was a drug addict! I still see models today who are so thin it's scary! My oldest daughter is 27, 5'7" and weighs 130lbs. She still thinks she needs to lose about 5 more pounds! She wears a size 6! This is what the media can do if we as parents don't pay attention to what our kids are seeing.

I am so sorry sweetie that you're having such a hard time! I applaud your decision to take the step to find some help. I have a friend I went to H,S, with who lives in Las Vegas and she said it's hard to cope with the heat . . . much less without A/C! And having your house re-arranged?? You have had some MAJOR changes in your life in the last few weeks, and that makes it doubly hard to cope, especially since we're still in the healing process. I would encourage you to focus on YOU first, and do what you need to do in order to get better! Keep us posted on your progess -- ((HUGS))

How are all the March Sleevers doing? For me, doing really, really good. So glad to have the first 30 days behind me.

Congratulations! Glad to hear it.

Congratulations on your decision, and your surgery. I look forward to more of your blogs.

Hard to believe that it's been 1 month today. I really can't believe the difference! This weekend has been absolutely awesome. Saturday, we worked at the Food Bank, then came home for lunch and a nap (I had tuna salad, hubby had tuna salad sandwich with fresh fruit and potato salad). Then we worked on the fence around our barn, as some of our hens have been sneaking out during the day to go foraging around. We live out in the country where we have foxes, racoons, possums, bobcats and even black bear. Not to mention the dogs that everybody seems to like "dumping" out here. So now the girls can't get out and get eaten. I would dearly miss their fresh eggs! Their eggs have been a god-send during my initial recovery! Later we went to town, and went out to eat. I was nervous about going, but felt that it was time for me to step out and see what I could handle. We ended up at Red Lobster. I ordered the wood-grilled scallops, shrimp and chicken, with asparagus on the side, hold the salad please. I was able to eat 2 scallops and about 5 stalks of the Asparagus - they were super tiny. Got a "to go" container and brought the rest home. DH even ate super slow with me, (got a to go container too) and we spent the time talking and catching up on stuff from the week.DH even confessed that he was absolutely terrified for me having the surgery, but wanted me to be happy, and felt that if this was what it took, then he would support me. He said that he was so thankful that it was working for me, and that I was feeling really good, and he was also very glad that the first month was past. Today, while I was getting ready for church, I noticed that my pantsuit was way too big. So I had a mild panic attack thinking that I didn't have anything to wear. I looked further back in the closet and found another pantsuit that I hadn't worn in a long time. It was a size 20. I held the pants up to me and told DH that there was no way I could wear them. He said for me to try them on. So I did. And what a shock it was that they went on with no problems, and even after I zipped them up . . . they weren't the least bit tight!!!!! I was so shocked!! I've lost 30lbs so far, but I didn't know it would make such a difference. Prior to surgery I was a 24W, and now I'm in 20's. I keep thinking that maybe they have the wrong size tags in them. After church, DH and I enjoyed our leftovers. I still couldn't finish all of mine, so I had them for dinner tonight too. On Friday, as I was taking Mom to town for 2 of her doctor's appointment's, she said, "I don't think you notice this, but you have so much more energy". I said, "Well, I'm almost a month out from surgery, and if my energy wasn't starting to ramp up, I'd be a bit worried". She said, "No, that's not what I meant. I mean your energy is much more that it was even way before the surgery. Before the surgery, you always seemed tired. I am really proud of what you've done. It takes a lot of courage to do what you did, and I'm really proud of you for doing it". Wow - Mom made my day! I know my Mom loves me, but I can't recall the last time she told me she was proud of me. And, since she's mentioned it, I have to say, that of course she's right. I hadn't really noticed it, but I DO have more energy than I've had in a while. What a blessing this has been for me so far! I look forward to the next 30 days to see what is in store for me

Thanks for sharing! It's so good to use the blog, so that we can see where we've been, and it helps to get things down in writing. Keep up the good work!!

This sound pretty serious to me. Have you spoken to your doctor? It's possible that your blood pressure is dropping dangerously low. Also, you might consider speaking to a NUT about how to stop your weight loss. Best of luck to you!

I have to confess that I don't remember anything about my Doctor or NUT mentioning coffee. I was a 3-4 cup a day drinker. When I started my pre-op diet, I got down to just 1 cup a day. I went without coffee from the day of surgery until Day 4. I went right back to 1 cup a day (although it was a really tiny cup at the time - I have a Keurig that let's me select the size of cup I want), and can now drink a large cup daily. Once in a blue moon I might have 2 cups. However, I have days where the acid in the coffee wreaks havoc with me and sends me running for the bathroom, but it's not a daily occurrence.

What a great idea. I had never heard of one before. I think I'll have to order it and try. Thanks!

Come on Joni! Catch me if you can (hehehe)

My surgery was 3/22 also. I have a Dannon greek yogurt in the mornings (12g of protein in a single serving), and for lunch I have a tuna salad with a boiled egg (25g of protein), and then sipping throughout the day, a Muscltech Smart Protein Advanced Liquid Protein Shot mixed with really cold water (42g). Also, refried beans are a great way to get in some protein or even chicken fajita's (just the meat and veggies - no wrap). I can eat about 1/2 cup of the fajita meat, and then take the rest home -- but a whole cup is 23g of protein also.

Right now, the only work out I'm doing is walking. I live less than a mile from the lake, so I walk down and back. I have a beginners Yoga DVD that I'm going to start this week, and I also have the Zumba DVD. I don't know if I have what it takes to Zumba yet, but I will start with Yoga - I know . . . BIG difference

I had my sleeve done on 3/22 . . . I didn't have any appetite, nothing tasted the way I thought it was supposed to, AND I had no interest in eating. Those things resolved themselves just this week. Hang in there, it will get much better.