quietcougar

I was sleeved on May 29th - went home on the 31st, was off the pain meds on the 31st. I've been very active, actually. Scales vary, but it looks like I've lost about 17 pounds so far. Going in to the doctor tomorrow, hopefully will get this drain out, and get a more accurate wait.

I've noticed that, too. I suppose that some of it is cultural; it's more acceptable socially for men to be overweight than women. Also, I think often the reasons vary why men become overweight vs. women. Men (not all, of course) tend not to be emotional eaters; we like *big* quantities, because we're big strong men. We've worked hard for that trip to Outback, and we deserve their biggest offering. A full plate of spaghetti? Yes, please, with seconds. A 12-pack of beer in the summer in a day? No problem. And years of this made us who we are. It's a quiet killer, though. In 2009, I took a 2-week trip to China to visit friends. I was lucky to fit in a single seat in the airplane. They were amazed at how much I ate, and the choices I made. There is a lot of street food in China; you can get corn on the cob, steamed dumplings, fried dumplings, scallion pancakes, and a host of other things like fresh fruits and vegetables. I consistently chose things that were fried, or were bad for me (like eating at KFC there), despite my friend's advice. You can see pictures in my profile of what I looked like then. None of them ate the way I did, and I didn't see a lot of overweight Chinese people. Those of us who are sleeved, or pursuing the sleeve, have pulled back from the edge of the funnel. This really is the last station of the diet train; we get off here. Good luck to everyone!

It's interesting that some had problems and others didn't. They did put a cath in me, which I wasn't thrilled about, but like others they did it while I was under. They did tell me ahead of time they were going to do that, and said it was to monitor my urine output for both proper hydration as well as potential leaks. It came out the day after surgery; it burned a little coming out. When I went to the bathroom later, it was like I was forcing acid through - it burned so bad it nearly brought me to tears. I kept trying, and each time it burned a little less, but it took me 2 days to feel "normal" again. Tell you what, if I never have another catheter again it'll be too soon! Loving the weight loss, though. In the end it was worth it.

I also liked the "productive flatulance" term. That got me laughing. I'm 5 days post op and everything just got going again Friday. Started with a good amount of gas and non-productive flatulance, but then Friday evening it hit. Just like you, I was tricked into thinking it was some simple gas, but no - it was actually a productive flatulance laying in wait. After some grumbling I decided just to trash the underwear. I'm getting thinner anyway, so they'll need to go sooner or later. I'm still dealing with this. My body makes sounds now like the Titanic did as it was sinking, I never know what to expect. It's cheap entertainment for the kids, I guess. Good luck!

I understand IADM. I have teenage kids at home who have grown up on, and grown to love, dad's cooking. Fortunately for them, they have very high metabolisms and exercise all the time. Unfortunately it didn't work that way for dad, and dad had surgery, so now we're at a quandry. They want the foods I always make and they love, like spaghetti and meatballs, baked Beans and hot dogs, Chinese food, tacos, and a whole host of other foods that if I keep on typing will drive me over the edge. I can't say that I *crave* them, and usually I can distract myself and make the hunger go away. I know very bad things will happen if I even attempt to eat that stuff at this point. Keep your spirits up, though, it'll get better.

I was sleeved on May 29th. Had some BP issues before the surgery (what do you mean 210/118 isn't normal? ) Feeling pretty good now. Right after the surgery was the worst - I felt like I had the flu, yuk. I haven't saddled up on the scale yet, but I know it's easier to do some of the things I had trouble with before. Follow up on Monday. Good luck to all the other May sleevers out there!

Hi Disneyteach, You posted in the pre-op forum, but doubtless some post-oper's read it. Even though I haven't been sleeved yet, I've studied it to death. A few common, basic guidelines: 1. Don't drink anything at least 1/2 hour before eating and 45 minutes after eating 2. Chew your bites at least 25 times; it should be mushy. 3. Eat Protein first, then vegetables/fruits, and lastly, carbs. 4. Your stomach can't hold much - measure your portions carefully. 5. Eat s l o w l y. Your meal should take at least 30 minutes. HTH!

May 29th for me, Midwest Bariatrics with Dr. Kevin Wasco.