rline66

Hello fellow sleevers! Life has been going well since my surgery at the end of June. I was 343 pre-op and 300 days of surgery. I currently weight 261 so have lost 39 pounds since surgery. I think the percentage of weight loss varies by person, eating and exercise habits. Seems that people with higher BMI lose the most, guess that's obvious though.

Here is my latest YouTube update: this is the 5th video I have posted. You can find it here http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E2NdFsUuM-M. Keep up the good work and thanks for being here...

I too am 7 weeks out and dresses have been essential. Picked up a couple on the clearance rack. My pants fit my rear and legs just fine but when it come to zipping and buttoning not so comfortable. I always test my pants out sitting in a chair, if they are snug sitting down they will not be comfortable.

My surgeon does not recommend Gummy Vitamins at all. Your best bet is a chewable designed for bariatric use. He says you want to have at least 200% percent of USDA requirements in your multi. I use Celebrate Chewable Multivitamin (mandarin orange); they cost 15.95 per month. That is not a lot of money considering your multi is the most important supplement.

Compare Flinstones side by side to Celebrate (free shipping from MedMarket.com).

http://flintstonesvitamins.com/en/products/flintstones_gummies_complete.php and http://www.celebratevitamins.com/supplement_facts/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=48

I got the go ahead to resume aqua aerobics. I walked 10 laps in the pool yesterday anticipating a hour of aqua aerobics today. I was only able to do a half hour, not fully recovered from surgery yet. I know if I push myself too hard I can damage my new stomach. I've always gone full tilt boogie, this is a change for me but it's o.k. I'm 4 weeks out today!

I just posted my 3 weeks post-op video for those interested. You can find it here

or by typing "Rachel's Life After Gastric Sleeve Surgery 3 Weeks Out" in the YouTube search bar. Hope everyone is well.

I haven't checked in for a while. Since having surgery on June 25th, I've lost 20 pounds. I lost 43 before surgery so I'm down 63 pounds since January. This have been going o.k. I did get an infection in one of my incisions; the surgeon cut the stitch to help it drain. I'm on liquid Keflex and will be done with the antibiotics in a couple days. Worried the wound won't close up but will have to wait and see. As far as food I've just moved up to pureed food. Did clear liquid for 2 weeks, full liquids for 1 week and starting a couple days early on the pureed. My sensitivity to taste has changed, I pureed some zucchini and added a teaspoon of pesto I made before surgery. Can't believe how garlicky it is! I'll have to add more veggies. Now seeing just how hard I was on my stomach;( In any case post a new YouTube video on Monday for my 3 weeks out. I have already posted a 3 day and 10 day video. Just type "Rachel's Life After Gastric Sleeve Surgery" in the YouTube search bar. Hoping we all get through the first 6 weeks without too many bumps!

Rachel

Thank You Angie, more to come!

Has anyone else had a PULLED ABDOMINAL MUSCLE? The nurse thinks that's what it is; on the left side but down further than my stomach. My guess is that I started sitting up out of bed too soon, really could have been anything. I also had a few hard sneezes while sitting down. I found a pair of girdle shorts that helps the abdominal pain a bit but the band goes right accross my sleeve! Going to lay low this weekend due to lots of pain; the exception is going to the store. After 2 weeks of Clear Liquids I've been advanced to full liquids, finally going to get some real nutrition!

Wishing you all well,

Rachel

Has anyone else had a PULLED ABDOMINAL MUSCLE? The nurse thinks that's what it is; on the left side but down further than my stomach. My guess is that I started sitting up out of bed too soon, really could have been anything. I also had a few hard sneezes while sitting down. Going to lay low this weekend due to lots of pain; the exception is going to the store. After 2 weeks of Clear Liquids I've been advanced to full liquids, finally going to get some real nutrition!

Wishing you all well,

Rachel

Hello everyone! I'm 10 days post-op and added another video on youtube today about how my recovery is going. You can find it here

or just type "Rachel's Life After Gastric Sleeve Surgery 10 Days Out". It's a better way for me to check in with you all. Hope your day is going well. Each and every one of you have my respect; changing you life takes a lot of courage.

Looking Ahead, don't stress abut the drain removal. It's more uncomfortable than painful; a strange sensation as they pull it out. tara1021 I too take an anti-depressant. Had my Wellbutrin formula changed from SR (sustained release) to the standard formula for crushing. Ask your doctor about crushing your med(s); I do and mix it with liquid.

Surprised some of you are eating soft foods and full liquids already. I have a clear liquid diet for another week; 2 weeks altogether. I have been able to meet my Protein requirement because I've been mixing Isopure with water; nurse says 40 grams of Protein is enough for right now. I'm not hungry for food but I do miss cooking and eating.

I'll be posting another YouTube video about my journey on July 5th. You will be able to find it on YouTube be typing "Rachel's Life After Gastric Sleeve Surgery" in the search bar.

Keep up the good work friends!

Rachel

I had surgery June 25th as well. I used Gas X strips while in hospital and now am using duel action acid controller complete. You can get it at Walmart or Target for about $10. Both things I mentioned have been approved by the bariatric nurse and surgeon, feel better soon.

Hello everyone! I'm 3 days post-op, got home from the hospital yesterday. In lots of pain but I expected it. I made a YouTube channel to document my journey. You can find it here

. I'm pretty out of it but happy to have the surgery behind me. Hope all is well with you all!

Just popped in to wish everyone a surgery with no complications and a future as bright as the sun.

I chopped up my last green salad and started crying when I put away my knife and cutting board: I know I won't see them again for almost 2 months. Clear Liquids tomorrow then surgery Monday from 11:40 until 3:10. At this point all my friends know about surgery which is a good thing, it's not like they won't notice me shedding pounds soon. I'm proud of what I'm doing for myself, perhaps I can inspire others. Anyhow, doing well overall, when I'm not crying like a baby! Will check back in tomorrow, take care fellow sleevers <3

Had my pre-op appointment today. Was a bit surprised when I found out the surgery was going to be 3.5 hours long. Perhaps it's longer because I'm getting another Endoscopy before the sleeve. They took 4 vials of blood, urine and topped it off with an EKG. On stop shopping, lol! Time to start packing for the hospital; I'm probably going to obsess over it all weekend.

Best Wishes,

Rachel

Ok so we are all less than a week out, I am wondering what everyone has done to prepare for the post op diet phase. what have you purchased. Just so I have an idea.

Daniel,

I purchased the following:

Celebrate chewable vitamins (Amazon) Isopure Zero unflavored Protein Powder (Amazon) Acid Reducer Complete chewable (Walmart) Rapid Burst Liquid Acetaminophen extra strength cherry (CVS) SF Jello, No sugar added Dryer fruit popsicles, 100% clear juices (apple, white grape, white cranberry) that will be diluted by 50% with Water, Propel Zero Fitness Water (Costco) Gas X strips (Walmart) Listerine Pocket strips (Walmart) Moist heating pad (Walmart).

That's all I think, lol. I hope this helps.

Best Wishes,

Rachel

Hello June 25th sleevers! I can't seem to stop moving; some of it is nervous energy and some is as a result of losing about 40 pounds pre-surgery weight. I have everything I need for the Phase One liquid diet (2 weeks). Oh...and I bought plenty of Appletini Crystal Light; it was a Raley's. It was out of stock at Walmart and Amazon want too much for it. It really is good, tastes just like an apple jolly rancher hard candy. My insurance doesn't cover liquid Loritab (for pain relief) so that is going to be out of pocket. They will cover Vicodin which can be crushed; hoping to avoid having to do this because I have tons of other meds I will already be crushing. Well, that's it for my update. Hang in there everyone and know everything is going to work out just fine.

Hugs from California

Rachel

Checking in:) Surgery in 9 days! The closer it gets the more I think about it. I have everything I need so I'm set. Sometimes I cry happy tears and fearful tears; it's all good. I'm secure in the knowledge that I've made the right decision for myself. Pre-surgery appointment on Thursday:)

How is everyone else doing?

Checking in...

I had my last pre-op appointment with the nurse ans surgeon today. I'm down over 40 pounds since the beginning of the year! Making the decision to take this on was/is easier than doing the work. You can want this to death put unless you put everything you got into it, it won't work. I'm so happy that there is no "crash" diet for 2 weeks before surgery. My calorie intake has been reduced in stages and I'm down to 1,000 until surgery on the 25th. Thank god I get to eat regular food (along with Isopure) until the day before surgery. I only have to do a liquid diet for 24 hours. I still continue "nesting" around my apartment; it helps to release my nervous energy. Keep up the good work everyone! Surgery is just around the corner...

xo Rachel xo

I do believe there is a list of what to take to the hospital on the main pre-op forum. My 30 lb weight loss requirement started pretty much when I joined the program a few months ago. I've lost more than that, my calories were gradually reduced. I'll find out if there is something different I need to do for the next 2 weeks when I see the Dr on Wednesday. I filled out my advanced directive today, even though there is only a 1% chance of death, I'd much rather be safe than sorry. One of my "witnesses" said he would sign for me on one condition; that I walk everyday! Goodnight, it just turned midnight here is Northern California:)

It's a hot one in Northern California today, thankfully it's never muggy hot. I did a bunch of laundry today, when folding I realized just how big my shirts are! Looking forward to different clothes, need a style update anyhow.

My Dr said no more carbonated beverages, they are really hard on the stomach. I did read that flat clear sodas are o.k. after surgery. My pre op diet consists of regular healthy food but is restricted to 1,000 calories. I will know more specifics on Wednesday when I see the nurse and the Dr.

I'm scared, nervous, excited but above all grateful. I feel fortunate to be able to get the sleeve done. I have no idea what the future holds, I've been fat my entire adult life. There will be so many things I will be able to do, this thought keeps me going through the tuff times.

Take care,

Rachel

When do you start your pre op diet? I start this Monday. Just 2 more weeks !!!

I start my pre-op diet on the 11th, same as you. I'm already used to eating 1,300 calories but my pre-op diet is limited to 1,000 calories. Also, they don't want me to eat any grains starting on the 11th. I've been cleaning my apartment with the anxious energy. Can't believe it's only a couple weeks away!

June 25th , 11:00 am, Sutter Hospital, Santa Rosa, California. Surgeon Dr. Woodbury who founded healthy Steps Bariatric and Metabolic Center in Santa Rosa. I've been getting everything together for the surgery, can't believe the big day will be here soon. Would be great to stay connected with my June 25th sleevers. Best wishes to all!

How the heck do I edit my ticker to show I've lost more weight?

Had to say goodbye to my primary care physician today after 3 years. I get health care at a clinic and doctors rotate out every 2 or 3 years. She is the best doctor I've ever had, say goodbye was very difficult. She has helped me so much and has been part of my journey until now. The good news is that she told me what clinic she is going to work at. I can't wait to send her a picture of me 6 months post-op, that would make us both happy! One of the last things I asked of her is to suggest weight loss surgery to her obese patients, they can decide what to do with that. I share about my surgery in most cases except when I know the person will be a jerk.. If I hear "why don't use lose the weight on your own?" one more I will pull my hair out. Sometimes I do tell them that there is only a 10% chance of me losing 200 lbs and keeping it off. It sound very intelligent when you state a statistic! I'm down 4 more pounds and see the bariatric surgeon and nurse on the 13th. I could be wrong but I think it will be my last appointment until my surgery on the 25th. Getting all my stuff together for the hospital already.

Hope everyone has a good one.

Thanks for being here for me:)