mendymayhem

I'm just about six weeks out. And my number one goal has been met! Today I had a blood sugar reading of 82! 82! I'm so happy. I'm a diabetic. A flaming diabetic. Before surgery I injected insulin four times a day, every day. My blood sugar was averaging 250 or so. A1c was 10.8. I felt so hopeless against this disease that at one time I was able to control. I feared the future. And the thought of not being here for my husband, children, and precious grandchildren tore me up.Well I have not taken any insulin since I got home from the hospital. None. And my readings have been so good. And then tonight my sugar was 82. Dang. I'm stunned.It's been 18 months since I've been any where near 100. Good health was my number one priority. I've only lost 24 pounds and nothing in the past several weeks. But that's ok. It will come off. But boy I feel good. My diabetes is well under control. I can't believe how emotional I am over this. Happy tears. H He

So glad I was warned of the dreaded stall, but so sick of it. I was sleeved on 10/22/12, and lost 23 pounds by 11/05/12. Well, I have gained 2 pounds back ( I think because I slacked on my water for a few days), and I am so ready to lose again. Just how does the body not lose weight at this point? And just what determines when it starts to lose again? I'm not freaked out on it like I would have been in the past, but don't we have this six month optimum window for weight loss? A month is now gone. Only five months left this optimum time to lose. And I have read that many of you have had stalls that have gone on for months! Argh!

I'm just over four weeks out and I'm now eating a little chicken or beef. But let me tell you, it sits like a rock right below my breast bone! And if I eat a bite too much...yikes. Beef is worse so I'm passing on that. And I'm beginning to recognize full. But I am really wanting to avoid meat at this point. That wouldn't concern me, but since my surgery I can not stand my protien shakes. So bizarre , because I have been using this product for years and loving it. Getting plenty of protien was never a concern. Untill post surgery and now it tastes like metal in my mouth! I've added fruit, cocoa, sf syrups.....still yuck. I fear I will lose my hair if this keeps up. And, of course I have no energy, and weight loss has stalled. The stall doesn't concern me, I know it's temporary. But I sure could use some energy!

I am so sorry that you have such a lack of support. My advice, give up on it. Looking for support other than here that is. We cannot change the way other people feel. But changing your expectations of family and friends in the "outside world" at least wont leave you let down. Not to defend those around you, but they are realistically in the dark regarding this surgery. We have all done hours and hours of research, searched out qualified doctors, heard the good , the bad, and the ugly about this surgery from many others who have traveled this road before us. We are informed. Most on the outside are not, and ignorance feeds fear. And there are those who feel somewhat jealous or insecure. Just focus on preparing yourself. I wouldn't even bring it up around the non-supporters again. And if they have more to say, encourage them to do some in depth research in order to understand where you are coming from. Let them know that this is a major step towards good health and in your best interest. I don't mean to sound like I think I have all the answers! One more thing though just in case....most likely you can't depend ( or may not want to) on them during the first week or so while you are real sore and tired. Prepare an area in your home (I used my recliner) for early recovery. Stash water, Chapstick ,tissue, a book ,magazines, phone charger, meds, ect in a basket with easy access for yourself before you leave for the hospital. Just to ease the first few days. Remember, this is something you are doing to benefit your health and quality of life. Your success does not depend on anyone's support. But you will find plenty of it right here! Take care of yourself and keep us posted, mendy

When we have bathroom issues at my house I make a batch of steel cut oats. You can get them at most grocery stores these days and you cook them on the stove top. They are amazing. My cousin told me they have changed her life! Lol. I read a long time ago that we should have "satisfying bowel movements". I didn't get what they meant until we started with the steel cut oats! Hope you find them helpful!

So, tomarrow I can start adding new foods one at a time. So far I haven't had any problems. Sometimes soft meat feels heavy in my chest for awhile, but other than that I'm good. Have any of you been eating popcorn? And how has it agreed with you? It's my favorite snack. Popped with olive oil, and sprinkled with brewers yeast. Really really good. Anywho, I am a little nervous about it, but could sure use the fiber! Thanks for your input!

So, I do believe I just had what you all refer to as the slimmies. Had about 2oz of yogurt and felt full. Then took some meds with several swallows of water. Then I felt a really full feeling with many many tiny burbs, constant burps . It felt like spit was trying to come up past that little shut off valve. Some did, and the next thing I knew I went from pacing my house to spitting/ throwing up slimy water type liquid. Sorry so graphic. But I felt better almost immediately. Does that sound like the slimmies to you guys? It would be nice to have one of those experiences behind me! Thanks for your input and sharing your experience ! mendy mayhem.

My a1c had risen to 10.4 before surgery. I was diagnosed two and a half years ago with a 12.6 a1c. Then brought it down with diet and meds, then just with diet to 5.7! But slowly it began to rise. AM readings from 170-275 , 250 to 350 easy the rest of the day. At that point I was injecting 4 times a day , two different insulins. It was just so out of control. I was sleeved three and a half weeks ago. My readings have been amazing! Since I've been home I have taken no insulin . This is a trial period. I had a 106 BS reading day before yesterday! I realize that this may just be a honeymoon period after surgery, and that insulin may be a regular part of my life still. We'll see. Of course I kept it on hand just in case because my life may very well depend on it. Of course I'm hoping that wont be the case but that could take years to confirm. But I am optimistic, and realistic. The better in control your sugars are, the better healing you can expect. I have to tell you I feel soooo much better. I have lost twenty three pounds so far and gained confidence I hadn't had in years, and mental clarity that I was low on before with those lousy BS readings. Before surgery, the best readings I got were when I stayed on a strick low card diet. And when I did have carbs, they were high quality and reasonable accounts. I used a whey Protein I got at wallmart and mixed it with frozen berrys and Splenda. It was like a yummy shake. You can do this. It's only for a short while, once you can look back on it. And you will find the sleeve to be an incredible tool after surgery. I don't regret my surgery at all. The first few days were painful going to and from the bathroom. I needed my husbands help getting off the toilet at first. We've been together for 29 years now and that was the first time he'd seen me on the toilet. Bummer . But I am so grateful for the support. He stayed in my room all night for the three days I was there, seeing to my needs and comfort. I sure love that man. I don't know if any of this will help you, other to let you know that there is light at the end of the tunnel. I hope that all goes just perfect for you and that soon you will be talking of your surgery in pass tense! Keep us posted please. The support you will find here in priceless. Hoping you find comfort and peace of heart though heartfelt prayer with your concerns. See you on the losers bench.....mendymayhem

There is a liquid Protein at Walmart that I add to low calorie Gatorade or sugar free Hawaiian Punch. It comes flavored but i like to add it to these anyway. Hope it helps you get your protein in.

So, does anyone know when the danger for leak is over?

I meant that 4 oz is the most I can possibly eat at this point. Lol.

Sorry....cat jumped up and sent my response! Anywho.... I never regretted the surgery. I was just glad it was behind me and I was on the healing side of things. And every day it got better. I still have pain, but not much and not constant. I eat 4oz TOPS now. It may seem like nothing, but believe me it is enough. I'm not hungry. I'm full. I do find myself craving these salty little chips I used to eat, but I wouldn't dare at this point. I can have a reasonable amount in the future. My doctor says no alcohol from here on out. I know there are different thoughts on that. His reasoning is that alcohol is so hard on our bodies,and we really only have a little stomach left. If we damage that, it would have to be replaced with intestines. Before surgery I enjoyed a glass of wine now and then. Last night, we had a fire outside on the patio with friends and family over. That would have been a night where I would have liked a glass. But it honestly didn't even appeal to me. But if you feel you have an alcohol situation, talk honestly with your doctor well before surgery. I have lost twenty one pounds so far and feel great. My blood sugar is down to the point I'm not taking insulin anymore. I was on four injections a day before. This surgery has been an amazing thing for me at only three weeks! Do your research, there is no reason to believe it won't be for you. Just do what your doc says, pay attention to your body, and enjoy the results!

6 weeks liquid seems more than the norm, but if that is what your doc suggests, then that is what it is. You are paying him to have your best interests first. As to what it will involve, he/she will inform you. Everyone is nervous before surgery, and run the worst case scenario through their heads. Do your research , and try to relax, think realistically . Easier said than done! I am three weeks out today. The first couple of days are rough , but I never

Surgery was 19 days ago and all is well. Since I started on purée foods I kind of have a bubbly feeling. No heart burn or anything, but a little pressure feeling that feels like it wants to be a burp but isn't. Especially at night. I'm eating a few tums during the night because I'm afraid of heartburn. Any experience with this? Is this why some of you are taking gas-x?

So I'm 17days post op. I started purée foods on last Sunday. I'm eating 4 oz, generally cream of wheat, cottage cheese, retried beans. Tonight my daughter made a roast in the crock pot. I puréed 2oz of the roast with some broth, then 2oz of veggies . I ate most of that for dinner. I feel fine, full, but fine. I notice that purée meats seam to be the norm on many of your meal plan. But my plan doesn't mention meat untill week four. I feel really guilty about not following the plan exactly. Oh yeah, I had 2oz of puréed chicken salad for lunch. What are your thoughts on this?

So sorry for all your going through. I can only relate to the liquid pain meds. It made me throw up at first. No fun, and painful. Have they given you anything for nausea? That helps. But for me it is the thought of the liquid that still gets me. Like I'm afraid of it making me puke. I never did after the first time, though the fear was always there. You shouldn't need it for long, but it will help you drink some, and help you rest. They put something in my IV a little before each dose of the liquid to help the nausea, then brought me the liquid. Hope this helps and that you are on the mend and soon enjoying the benefits of your new sleeve. Hang in there!

Hi there, I highly recommend that you do all you can to clear your intestines. Like empty. I didn't, big mistake. I didn't realize this untill about 7 days out or so. Out of the blue, I had a constipation situation not to be believed. Sorry if this is TMI, but if I can protect one person..... It wasn't that there was much in my intestines, but the small amount had changed texture during its extended stay in my body. I have a high tolerance for pain, but let me tell you.... I tried an enema, stool softeners, and finally a suppository laxative. Nothing. I really thought I was gonna have to go to the ER. I would rather have the surgery again than have to pass that through my body again. Major agony. If your dr ok's it, take milk of magnesia as soon as he says, or whatever he recommends, trust me, I will do everything in my power to never go trough that again! Congratulations on your new journey, and we look forward to your updates!

Hi Ladyt, I was sleeved 10/22/12. For the first week I had a constant headache. I'm not sure if it was from being put under , or from the pain mess in the hospital. But after about three days at home it went away and I felt so much better. Losing the headache made a world of differance . Try hard to keep up on your Water intake , I just kept telling myself it was helping flush all the chemicals out. Hang in there, you'll feel so much better soon!

I'm two weeks out and I often find that drinking water isn't the ordeal it was earlier. Do you know if this is due to healing/ less swelling? Or have I stretched my sleeve? Started mushies today and I can certainly feel them in there. I think I'm just paranoid!

Thank you both. You know ,I have read about the slimies, thanks for explaining!

You've lost a lot of weight in six weeks! My goodness. What is your food/ exercise routine? I'm two weeks out, down 20 lbs. I should also mention that I'm slow at navigating this site! Lol

So what's a full meal now? And how far post surgery are you ?

So I'm supposed to start purée tomarrow. Tonight I went ahead and had a SF pudding and added about 15 grams worth of protien powder to it. It went down fine, felt a little rumbly in my tumbly but fine. I can't put my finger on it , but the feeling was not what I had hoped for. Not hungry, not full. And now it's gone, will I ever feel satisfied again? I keep reading how you all get full after a few bites. Really? Does the solid food make that much of a differance , stay longer in your sleeve?

I confess.... That I'm Hungary. Can't wait for the purée stage That I weigh myself every day That sometimes the idea of food makes me weepy That I'm scared to death of a stall which will surely come and bring me down That I'm afraid I will be the one freak case where this surgery doesn't work

Welcome to this sight. I'm sure you will find a wealth of information , experience , compassion and help here!