A New New Dawn

I think it really all boils down to your goals and your personal mindset. For me, I have been overweight or obese (mostly obese) all of my life. I have been on dozens of diets over the years, and had temporary success (even weighing under 200 pounds for about a year when I was 21-22), only to re-gain and be miserable again eventually. Finally, I got to almost 400 pounds. Everything on me was starting to become dangerous (blood sugar, A1C, cholesterol, etc., etc., etc.). I was having trouble navigating at the airport (I travel a lot for my work); I couldn't pee without dribbling on myself because of all of the fat; I had no energy and no sex drive. There's more, but you get the picture. At that moment of harsh reality, I finally decided that food and drink wasn't worth all of that misery -- food is just food, not a way of life. And 15 months later (6 months pre-op diet program plus 9 months post-op), I weigh under 200 pounds, my labs are perfect, my health is secured, I feel like a normal person, and I look great. I am going to continue to embrace a Keto way of eating long-term because I refuse to gain weight back. Being this size is more important to me than any food or drink.
The early days post-op suck. There is no way around it. And things do get better pretty quickly. But it will never be the same as it was before. And, for me, that is a good thing. But you have to decide for yourself what is the most important to you and then design your life around that.
It looks like you have had success with your band. And I'm sure you will have success with the sleeve as well. I wish you the best as you continue your journey.

The first few weeks are the hardest. It will get much easier. My surgeon told me to make sure I got 3-4 cups of fluids a day to stay hydrated and work up to 64 ounces in time. For the first few weeks, you may only be able to take very small sips. Keep your liquids nearby and take small sips all day to get in what you can. If you're getting that, you should be good there. You won't be able to get the full amount in until 3-4 weeks probably. I'm 3 months post op and feeling great! As for eating, every doctor is different so I would suggest confirming with your doctor. Don't try too push it as you don't want to cause any harm.

In my opinion, YES. I switched from band to sleeve three years ago and it was the best decision ever.

Getting your Protein in makes a big difference in your weight loss too. Mine really slows down if I'm not. I don't care to eat in the morning so I have a Premier Protein drink (30 gr protein, 2 gr sugar and 160 cal). It keeps my protein up and an easy Breakfast. I mix their caramel with ice and coffee, or blend their strawberry with half a frozen banana and both are very good. You can do this.

Around the time of my 6 month surgery anniversary, I was getting sloppy with weighing what I ate. I was down to 316 pounds ( pre surgery weight was 470 in Nov 2016) but I stayed 316 for a few weeks. I had stopped weighing all my food on my digital kitchen scale. I would "eye" all my portions. Finally, I decided to get back to weighing and measuring everything. That did the trick. As soon as I started weighing everything, I noticed that the portions I had been giving myself were a little too big. The number on the scale soon began to go down again and as of today I'm 310 (that's 160 pounds lost in 7 months). So, it looks like I'm going to keep weighing and measuring all my food because I need to. I still have BIG EYES and cannot trust my brain to know what the right portion size is.

How did your surgery go evesta?


Lap band 2009
Sw 200/lw 161/cw 214
Sleeve revision booked 17 May

I just converted from the band to the sleeve on Mar 14. They were able to do it in one procedure. He also removed scar tissue and a hiatal hernia (from too much vomiting with the slipped band).

I second the caramel Premier Protein. I make iced coffee with it.

I second the caramel Premier Protein. I make iced coffee with it.

Two weeks to surgery. Eek!!
(Don't like Unjury vanilla shakes, love the chocolate though).

Writing to give you all an update. I had my band to sleeve revision on April 12. Today is April 17 and I am starting to feel real again. It helps that I am able to add Protein back today. My tummy is still sore and swollen, but seems the major soreness is limited to the area where the band and scar tissue were removed. I go back to the doctor on Friday for check up. My intent is to return to work on April 24 which will be 12 days out. I need to get some energy before then. While I do have a desk job, I do have a fair amount of driving between locations. I want to make sure that I am alert enough to handle.
Life is good.

That you all for the replies. So far I see 2, 8, and 9 days out of work after band to sleeve conversion. This does confirm 7 - 10 days is realistic. Any one else what to share their experience?

I had revision done 3/14. I took 9 days and glad I did. I ended up having a lot of scar tissue removed and a hiatal hernia, I didn't know I had, repaired. It's an adjustment getting liquids and Protein in and having energy for a full day. Best of luck to you!

As I lose the weight, now down 70lbs, I expect more and more people to notice and make a positive comment about it. (The exact opposite thought when I was gaining my weight.)
I was with family and friends last week and their reaction was minimal. I was a little bothered by the lack of reaction, and then realized how hypocritical it is of me to want reactions now, but a few short months ago I did not want any attention given to my physical condition.
A- I am still 280, so it's not like I am skinny.
B- I am wearing smaller size clothes, so my stomach (flat tire) is still visible.
C- it's ok for now as I am only ½ way, and even if no one notices, I do and that is enough.
During that same week we went as a family to Knotts berry farm, I was able to fit on all the rides and roller coasters with my daughters which was a big deal to me personally. I am currently not a slave to my cravings and feel a since of freedom I haven't felt for a very long time.
Do I want people to still notice, yes. But it was a good lesson to learn, I don't need it.
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my nurse practitioner had me give up all liquid Protein Shakes, yogurt, hummus, etc. and only eat foods like chicken breast and hamburger patties -- anything that takes more effort to eat. i also am making sure not to drink 30 minutes before and after eating. i find that this has helped my Portion Control, and i'm back to losing again -- slow but steady.

I think the nutritionist told me it could stretch your pouch. Also, cause discomfort.


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I think the nutritionist told me it could stretch your pouch. Also, cause discomfort.


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I would suggest you consider seeking professional help for dealing with some of your emotions behind all of this. Also, clearly eating crap isn't advisable as you need nutrition to properly fuel and nourish your body and that is leading you down a destructive path again. I've sought therapy to help with my emotions and it's the best thing I've done for myself in a long time.


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Chapstick!!!! toothbrush/paste, deodorant, phone charger, and comfy clothes.
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I would suggest you consider seeking professional help for dealing with some of your emotions behind all of this. Also, clearly eating crap isn't advisable as you need nutrition to properly fuel and nourish your body and that is leading you down a destructive path again. I've sought therapy to help with my emotions and it's the best thing I've done for myself in a long time.


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I would suggest you consider seeking professional help for dealing with some of your emotions behind all of this. Also, clearly eating crap isn't advisable as you need nutrition to properly fuel and nourish your body and that is leading you down a destructive path again. I've sought therapy to help with my emotions and it's the best thing I've done for myself in a long time.


Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

I would suggest you consider seeking professional help for dealing with some of your emotions behind all of this. Also, clearly eating crap isn't advisable as you need nutrition to properly fuel and nourish your body and that is leading you down a destructive path again. I've sought therapy to help with my emotions and it's the best thing I've done for myself in a long time.


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Yes. And not to worry about Vitamins for about 4 weeks after. Good luck!

Yes. Mine did

The tests will depend on your doctor. I had to go for a blood draw, chest X-ray, EKG, and endoscopy. He also wants me to take results to my regular doctor for her to sign off on it.


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