ShapeShifter

Hi Shannon! I am so sorry you have experienced such struggle. I am pre-op, but I'm wondering if you shouldn't consider eating the way a recent post-op would eat, since you have more weight to lose. I wonder what would happen if you went back to the plan you were given... i.e., liquids for two weeks, full liquids for two weeks, mushees and purees for two weeks, then add dense Proteins with veggies first, then fruits. Drink Water, water, and more water. Cut out the carbs and caffeine (which can cause water retention) and cut out the processed foods and carbs completely. I have a weakness for crunchy things like brown rice chips, and of course... chocolate. But I find that a few days without those things eventually becomes okay. I can feel okay without them, once they are out of my system. Wishing you WELL, and great success in your new career... Melissa

I am pre-op, but based on reading I've done since February, I'd say everything in moderation AFTER you've reached your goal. Otherwise, you may lose a lot slower than you'd like, and there is a window of opportunity here that will be gone in 12-18 months. Good luck!

It is definitely an obstacle course you really have to want to win! I thought I'd be done with my final weigh-in in June... may be nearing surgical clearance and receiving a date by the end of July... if I'm lucky! I made sure I got copies of everything along the way and have been personally delivering each test result and write-up to the surgeon's office. And still... there is always "one more appointment" to be made. Don't worry... we'll get there. The planets have to be aligned *just* right. ; }

I have a friend who lost 200 lbs with the sleeve, stopped to have a baby, lost the minimal baby weight, and is still dropping. You can do this!

I am feeling a similar frustration (very similar story - but about 5 months now), but am trying to convince myself that the delays are giving me the chance to practice patience, do more reading and shopping to be prepared, and that all of the various doctors they've sent me to, will ensure that I am healthy enough to come through the surgery with flying colors. It helps... sometimes. Wishing you WELL!

I only get caffiene (pre-op) through coffee. I've been weaning myself off by doing half caf/half decaf, and gradually using less and less regular coffee. I wonder if you could try doing something like that with tea.

I just wanted to leave you some love. I'm so sorry you are going through all of this. Stupid cancer.

It sometimes helps to remind ourselves, when we are suffering, that this is only temporary. The body has been through great trauma and needs time to heal. Be sure to drink your water and walk as much as you can to help release the gas. Feel better!

I don't know about the pain, but if you have a local massage school, you can likely get on a list to help students get their practice hours... for free or a minimal donation. Feel better!

Lots of people recommend GasX strips... and lots of walking and sipping water. Feel better!

B12 defficiency can cause neuropathy, so be sure you are getting your supplements every day!

The key word here is depression. Please see a doctor and therapist about your depression. I know how it can feel like an identity crisis when you are no longer able to do the job you once felt defined you. But a job is not who you are. The circumstances suck, but the situation is not about you, it is about male insecurity. You need to take care of YOU, and move forward. I've read about a five day pouch test, and yogurt day... to kind of cleanse your sleeve, so to speak, and kick the carb addiction, so that you can return to the way you were eating when you lost your weight in the beginning. Lots of Water and Protein first, then veggies, then fruit. You can do this! You already have. You are stronger than you think you are, and that was not the last job you will have and love. You will find a new place to shine. Just remember who you are, put on your warrior outfit, and get back out there!

I'm pre-op, but have read that an ant-acid / PPI may help with that sensation. Good luck!

There is at least one sleeve vlogger I've followed on youtube who is three and a half years out, and she was very helpful in my decision. You can find her under AmySDMom on Youtube. It does seem that lots of folks out there are using an alias, and it would be difficult to find someone you know unless you know what to search for. All the best to you on your journey!

So heartbroken for you and your beloved family. I've seen my Dad cry once in 43 years, and I know how hearing your Dad cry must have slayed you. Please know that you are not alone, for we are all one. Remember to take care of yourself and continue to feed your body well, for it must carry you through some difficult days ahead. Surrounding you and yours with love and light, and wishing your beloved father comfort and ease.

I finished jumping through hoops the first week of June, and submitted all of my bits and pieces to the patient advocate for insurance approval. I felt such a sense of urgency when I stepped on that scale on the morning of the sixth month of dr. assisted weight loss. Of course, my advocate asked about the other three steps I'd not submitted (because it was not explained to me that way), and the message I received from the universe was... patience. Be patient, and the universe will provide you with what you seek. So, I scheduled the remaining hoop jumps, and chose to set aside anxiety and anticipation and release my attachment to outcome (well, to a point). This has certainly been an exercise in persistence, patience, and slow and steady wins the race. Today, the advocate called to tell me my insurance company has approved my surgery. Tomorrow I will finish the steps for surgical clearance, and learn about what comes next for scheduling surgery. I guess what I'm exploring now... is how I feel about it. Excited? Nervous? Anxious? I guess for now, I'll settle for grateful and hopeful. Hoping all is wonderful in your world!

*they are* sheesh...

The wires are pretty lengthy, so you can move pretty well... but there never long enough to get to the bathroom. (are you sensing a theme here?)

I'm a side sleeper, and honestly didn't feel like I slept much at all. And yet... they determined that I stopped breathing 54 times an hour. I won't say it is easy, but if you don't stress out about having to pee as soon as you're hooked up, you'll probably be okay. Ha! Oh! Take whatever you need for good rest... I didn't think of it for the first test, but for the second test I brought three pillows and my white noise machine.

The sleep study will be the easiest test you'll take. Ha! They let me bring my white noise machine, so you might be able to get away with a fan. They will wire you up and then monitor your breathing, or lack there of, while you sleep. If you have severe apnea, they may wake you to try a CPAP machine right away, or you may need to go back for a CPAP study. If you're really lucky... you will be apnea free. I am not so lucky (for now). They usually send you home around 6 or 7am. Good luck!

My NUT showed me a 5 ounce measuring glass and said that I should get used to the idea of that amount (I'm pre-op), and that I'd plan to have four meals that size each day. 3oz protein, 2oz veg. I've read some people have signs it is time to stop, like a runny nose. Anything like that happen to you... before you get sick?

Knowing that all shall be well. Happy new beginning!

The mantra I use to get through difficult times, which always works because I know it to be true... this is only temporary! Everyone writes of difficult days in the beginning and that things do get better as the tummy heals. Believe that each day will get better and better... and it will. Wishing you WELL!

From what I've read, going back to the beginning can help. Search for 5-Day Sleeve (Pouch) Test... which takes you back to liquid for a day or two, then a day or two on mushies, etc. Cutting out carbs is likely the best tactic. AmySDMom on Youtube does a day or two of just yogurt. Good luck!

Before you get too excited, I've read somewhere that those 'bullets' are collagen, and not whey protein isolate, which is the best kind of protein for absorption purposes. You may want to research ingredients. I can't tell you how many cans of low carb protein powder I've ordered and realized they weren't the right kind or protein. One of the experienced sleevers here will have a better understanding than I. Could you conisder the unflavored whey protein to mix into other beverages like low sodium V8, if it is the sweet powders that are bothering you? I ampre-op, so I don't actually know how well that works. Wishing you all the best on finding what works for you!