makemyownluck

I didn't have a drain tube. I asked my surgeon before hand and he said "I don't anticipate that" but I don't really know what that means... not sure why some people have them and others don't. best to ask your surgeon to see what he does.

Hi Patti! There's definitely support here, and there's a place to post specifically for support for the amount of weight you have to lose. I see a lot of these "lightweights" around here and wonder if they could possibly understand where I'm coming from. We're all in the same boat, tho, and I've found a lot of support from people on all different parts of this journey! My heaviest was 11/12 @ 459. I had surgery 5/2/13 @ 406. I finally made it to the 300s now and I'm looking forward to the scale moving lower and lower. I don't have a support group I go to, I just pop on here when I have a question or feel like being with 'my people'. I would definitely tell your surgeon about the support you get online, and definitely let this be a resource. It's funny, I didn't know a family friend had surgery in the past until I started talking to my mom about wanting surgery. It seems people come out of the woodwork when they know someone else is considering surgery... even though she had a different surgery, she told me to not think twice about doing it. She said it's still the best decision she ever made and has never been happier. I'm doing great post op, wish I was losing more and faster, but I realize it's not a race and that a loss is a loss, no matter how long it takes to get it. As long as the scale isn't moving up, I'm happy! :) Good luck to you! You have support here when you need it!

No, they won't cancel! I COMPLETELY understand the fear, tho. I had a sinus infection 1 wk before surgery and thought FOR SURE they would cancel, but thankfully they didn't. A nurse should call you the day before to confirm surgery time and go over a list of questions with you, which will include asking if you're on your period or your last menstrual period date. You can't wear a tampon or cup, you have to have on a pad. If you don't normally use pads, I would buy some now - the ones at the hospital aren't always the best, and not always designed for a heavy flow (which, you never know if the surgery/anesthesia will alter your normal flow for better or worse). It sucks to have that going on at the same time, but it shouldn't affect your surgery at all. Good luck!!

I am doing really well! I don't know why I didn't see these tags I got from this thread til now - but I'm 17 days post op and feeling fine. The only thing I can't quite do yet is sleep in my side. I'm still sleeping upright also. I can sleep in my back, but it makes me back ache (which is why I'm usually a side sleeper), so I still sleep inclined. Can't wait to get comfy in my bed like before... I think I'll be ready in a week or so. I also get a little ache in my upper left incision (the big one, where the stomach came out) when I stretch, cough or sneeze. Not painful, just a dull ache for a second or two. I think that's gonna be the last one to heal up. Otherwise, I'm okay with bending over, sitting, standing, crouching... as far as diet, I'm on soft foods. I've tolerated everything fine! No nausea, vomiting, or pain when eating. I'm getting about 1000 calories a day and 90g of protein.

GRAPE NUTS!!! omg, i love grape nuts. I'm still gonna try the wheat germ because that sounds tasty, but I think some grape nuts will have to come back into my life when I'm cleared for stuff like that. Thank you so much for the suggestions! I CAN'T BELIEVE I FORGOT ALL ABOUT GRAPE NUTS! lol

I might try the benefiber. I haven't tried any drink fibers, but I have tried a couple chewable and one gummy fiber supplement, and it really didn't do anything. I will keep the wheat germ in mind. Where do you find that? Is it in a grocery store? I'm already doing bananas and pb a few times a week, so that idea sounds great for me, when I'm cleared for it. I assume you don't need much so that carbs aren't as big of a concern?

My BMI is wayyy higher, but I wish I had done this 10 years ago when I was lighter. My body is going to be a wreck (most likely - I'm talking a cosmetic wreck with loose skin) when I lose the weight and I'll most likely have to have more painful surgery down the line -- all worth it in the long run -- but I see no reason to wait until you're literally at a breaking point like I was/am until you do something about it. Many people will say "You're not big enough for that" or something along those lines, but those people don't know what it feels like to be you. Just because your START BMI would be a dream GOAL BMI for someone like me doesn't mean you don't deserve to take back your health, too. We all have a different path to go through with this. I can say it hurts a little bit to me when I tell people about my surgery and they are all for it! Though no one has dared say this, it sort of feels like people in my life are just glad I'm finally doing something about my obvious significant weight problem. For a lot of us, whether we want to admit it or not, there's a little shame involved with having to go to these measures. It's an emotion that I'm sure will pass the more time goes by/results I see. Honestly, I don't know if I'd be considering this if I was your size, but I don't know that for sure, either. 10 years ago I didn't do surgery because I was healthy - but if I had other health problems related to my weight, I'd totally go for it. There's NO REASON TO SUFFER. I don't know why anyone would think their opinion matters on who "deserves" or "has the right" to have this surgery. It's ELECTIVE for everyone!! Anyway, we're from two different perspectives here, thought I'd share mine. I applaud anyone who is willing to face their fears, who is willing to be proactive and make a change in their life by having this surgery. I wish you the best of luck and hope we all have the opportunities to meet our goals, regardless of where we start!

I'm wondering how to up my Fiber intake while still limiting my carbs. I know some people count their carbs by subtracting the dietary fiber from it, but I don't understand how that works. I love it in theory, because then I could enjoy some carbs with much less guilt, but I need to know why this is a 'thing' and how it works... if anyone can clearly explain it or knows of a site that would be helpful, I'd appreciate it. Also, how do you get your fiber in? I tried supplements pre and post op and they haven't helped. The only thing I can seem to do to stay regular is take Colace or Milk of Magnesia, and I'd really like to figure out a balance so I don't have to rely on medications to be healthy. Right now I'm on soft foods, transitioning to solids slowly. I'm not quite ready for raw fruits/veggies or dense Protein like chicken/beef, but I'm doing deli meats, fish, soft fruits/veggies, etc.

My Fitness Pal. You can even scan UPCs of your foods. I love it.

Well my NUT told me that the reason TO have this surgery (as opposed to bypass) is that you don't have to have weird diets in the long term. Basically, you do the work pre-op to clean up your diet, you work through the post op stages, then you make good choices but can incorporate anything you want into your diet. You just have to be mindful of Protein for strength/muscle and all your vitamins/minerals. I'm doing my post op plan and already getting about 900-1000 cals per day. I think I'll eventually be up to 1200 or so, but I want that to be from actual food. Right now, my protein shakes are making up a lot of calories, so getting through the stages, I hope to replace the shakes with real food and then work on getting my calories right. I do agree with limiting the carbs, especially in the beginning due to digestive issues. But to each their own. Personally, I didn't have this surgery to be on a whack diet like that for the rest of my life. I did this so I could have a 'normal' relationship with food. I hope your referral to the new NUT goes better. good luck!!

That's so awesome, Laura!! I'm so happy that you're able to do the fun things your Superman husband wants to do - and what a pretty area you live in, too!! Can't wait til I can go on birdwatching hikes with my best friend. He's had this hobby for a few years now and goes on 2-3 hour hikes ALMOST EVERY DAY. I would love to be able to join him for one (tho I'd probably drive him nuts due to my inability to shut the hell up). What a wonderful day for you!

try almond milk. Soy milk has more protein, but also more calories and has more of an aftertaste to is. You can get Almond milk, unsweetened, vanilla flavor that has only 30 calories per serving. And you won't be able to taste it with the shake. It will blend in flavor-wise like milk does.

I'm 15 days out and already on soft foods. I was cleared to move on to mushy food after a week and have since started introducing other things back into my diet. I didn't have a problem drinking after the first 3 days or so. But shakes took some getting used to after surgery - it's really the only thing that has given me gas post-op! I mean, I may have a little burp here or there on some things, but shakes consistently give me gas and my tummy will start grumbling the whole time it's digesting it. I'm doing fine on my soft foods - lots of yogurt, soft cheeses, even cheese sticks, scrambled eggs, cottage cheese, Soups... I tried deli meat for the first time yesterday and it was fine. All I can offer is my experience, which is that it does get easier. I can't help but think it's harder the longer you're on liquids, though, because your body is used to digesting those. So when you DO add in more, go slowly, and have some gas-x on hand! Good luck. I think you may find "real food" easier.

Off topic: But unfortunately, looking like an Oompa Loompa doesn't stop ENOUGH people from using self-tanner! lol!

Well, I won't sugar coat it... it's was pretty painful for me the first couple of days. I was feeling better by the end of day 2 when they sent me home, but the soreness is still here 2 wks later. The first few days, tho, it was tough to move around like they wanted me to. I WANTED to get up and walk like they suggested, but it was so very hard. They will give you meds to help control the pain, or at least curb it. And ask them for an abdominal binder, because for me, standing up and my stomach falling due to gravity was very, very uncomfortable. It gets better everyday. I can move around now with no problems (bending, etc), but it's still sore - more like 'an awareness' of the incisions is still there.

^^ was just gonna say "bet you don't do that again!" I really wanted some Jimmy John's today. but I know it's wayyyy too soon for all that bread - then I started wondering if I'd EVER be able to eat that bread again. I totally get the carb craving... I have it for bread all. the. time.

ohhhh.... pretty sure I have a filter to skip all the emails from this site. Even after updating my settings, I was getting a million too many. I'm gonna have to go look for that now!

*sigh* So, I lost 55lbs pre-op, from November 2012 til May 2013. During my pre-op liquid diet (2 wks), I lost 17lbs. having surgery put 12lbs back on me with the fluids/swelling/etc. I'm 2 wks post op. Week 1, I lost about 17lbs. That was Water weight, mostly. Week 2, I've lost 2lbs. 8*( I don't want to get frustrated. It's better than gaining 2lbs, I get it. I don't LIKE it, but I get it. I know this will work. Or at least, I HOPE it will. Eventually. Hopefully sooner rather than later. I'm just bummed out because I felt like I was doing AWESOME and now I've hit the brakes. I feel like this should be the time where it's easier since I've got my sleeve now, and yet it's not. I wasn't expecting any miracles. But 2lbs my 2nd week out is really disappointing. I ain't gonna lie. :\

awww snappp, you're famous, girl! (I don't have any idea what newsletter they are talking about, but I'll take Fiddleman's word for it). You rock. Thanks for always being helpful (and silly).

I wasn't a fan of EAS carb control, but I think all of these shakes take some getting used to. I use the RTD premier Protein shakes from costco. I think your NUT might nix the RTD because they are not 100% pure whey protein. They are a blend with casein, which is still acceptable per my NUT, but they all have differing opinions on what you should use. Syntrax nectar is good and has lots of different flavors. It's powder, but depending on the flavor, you can mix with Water or milk. They have a twisted cherry flavor that's pretty good with water, sort of like Kool-Aid. You can get a variety sample pack from bjsbariatrics.com and then pick what you like and get tubs of it from amazon.com. I tried the unjury, and for the price, quite frankly, I wasn't impressed. People say that chicken broth flavor is good, but I thought it was awful, and the others that I mixed with cold water or milk were clumpy even in a cup designed to shake up protein powders. I was disappointed, but I got their sample pack so my financial commitment wasn't too great. I have 2 tubs of Body Fortress, which is available at walmart. strawberry and the other is chocolate Peanut Butter. I also have 2 tubs of Syntrax Nectar unflavored (one unopened) and I just don't use any of them. I'd be willing to ship them off if someone was willing to pay (even a little bit) for opened Protein Powder... I just don't like them compared to the RTD Premier drinks - it bums me out to see the wasted money. :\ The point is that there isn't really a fool-proof flavor out there, unfortunately. You really have to try a bunch and see what works. I suggest getting a few sample packs like I mentioned and trying them out, cuz you're never really gonna know what you like otherwise! Good luck! liquid phase SUCKS - but I had surgery on May 2nd and can eat food again and it's worth it. I just had half of a wrap sandwich with a slice of turkey deli meat and small sliver of avocado, and I'm full. That would have NEVER filled me up pre-op! It's all worth it. Hang in there!

I had surgery exactly 2 wks ago today. I can't help but think I'm jumping the gun going back to work (this coming from the woman who asked her surgeon if it was possible to get back to work in ONE week, now suddenly I wish I had two more weeks!). I had mush brain for most of the afternoon. I had to sit through a reallllly stupid meeting for an hour and a half this morning and I basically spent the entire day resisting the urge to run out of the building and never come back. I don't know if it's a coincidence or what, but after feeling great for about a week, I get back to work today and had a LOT pain on my left hand side. I think it's from the office chairs at work, which have always been uncomfortable. They are not built for fat people, let me tell you. I always feel like I'm spilling out of the thing and that it's not long enough in the seat to sit in any comfortable way. Well, with all the repositioning I have to do all day in that chair, I think it took its toll and my left side of by belly was aching by mid-morning. I hate my job. Actually, my actual JOB is something I enjoy, I just really dislike the company and management. If I could work from home, I'd never leave my job!! Being away from it really amplified that fact, because going back felt like a shock to my system. I missed having a nap, I missed being able to sleep in, I missed being able to wear comfy pajamas all day. Basically, I missed being on leave! In the back of my mind, when I decided to have this surgery, I said "When I lose some weight, I'm looking for a new job." I went on a few interviews in the past year or so and always get passed over. I even had an interview at a company that a fellow coworker also interviewed for. She was not as qualified as I am, had way less experience, and I can only conclude that she got the job because she's thin and pretty. I don't mean to sound hateful, she was one of my closest work buddies and I miss her, but it just seemed like that's what got her hired. I remember going to that interview and not seeing a single fat woman there. That's just the society we live in. All of the jobs I've gotten, I was interviewed by an overweight woman. All the jobs I DON'T get are when I'm interviewed by a man or by a thin woman. No, I didn't have this surgery to find a job. But I think if I can be slimmer, dress better and have more confidence, I'll be headed in the right direction to getting a new gig. Hopefully one that pays as well, because money is THE ONLY thing keeping me at my current job! :\ That was an unexpected tangent - but I can also share that I've moved on to the next diet stage, which includes soft meats like fish and deli meat. I haven't tried fish yet (not a huge fan, but would like to try it), but the deli turkey is working out great. I can have 1 or 2 slices and feel full. I haven't felt any hunger yet, but I am still fighting the urge to eat cuz I'm bored. That should calm down now that I'm back and work and out of the house most of the day. It was tough not reverting to old habits when I was just lounging around the house for days on end! Thankfully, even if I did eat out of boredom, I can eat so little that it's not a huge impact. Everything is going into MFP - I promised myself that I would track better after surgery, and I have. I'm getting in about 800-1000 cals and 90-110g protein per day. Part of me thinks that is too much/too soon, but in the grand scheme of things, it's not. I don't plan to bump my calories up too much as I move through the stages, and I'm happy that I'm not struggling with the protein. Everything I have tried has gone down just fine. I've had a bit of gas here and there, but I just burp and feel fine. No pain, no vomiting or over stuffing myself yet. Been feeling okay overall... just bummed I'm not independently wealthy. I've lost 21lbs since surgery 2 wks ago, but after the first week (which was mostly gas/fluids/swelling, my weight loss has slowed down. It's been 1lb every other day. I KNOWWW that's not bad, but considering that I started with a high BMI, I was hoping to be one of those folks whose weight slides right off. We'll see what happens. I'm hoping my soreness in my tummy with fade in the next 2 weeks so I can REALLY hit it at the gym. I feel like I can't even walk that fast right now because my belly moves around and hurts to much. Well, I'm going to try for that nap I've been wishing for all day! Hope all my fellow May sleevers are doing well!

My insurance covered the surgery, so my financial commitment has been minimal compared to some others that I've seen out there. But I can definitely understand being reluctant when so much of your hard earned cash is on the line. I had surgery 11 days ago and have lost 20lbs. I also lost more than 50 on the pre-op diet. I started at a higher weight, and very high weight folks like me tend to lose more quickly - but remember that we have a longer road to travel. Ultimately, slow and steady is the best way to do it to reduce sagging skin as much as possible. I'm just happy to get the weight off, no matter how fast or slow it happens. Given the restriction in eating, I don't think it's likely that you won't lose weight. If your fear is that it will happen too slowly, then try to learn some patience. It's not a race. As nice as it would be to drop all our extra weight overnight, it's just not going to happen that way. It took you years to gain it, so if it takes you over a year to lose it, that's still incredibly fast compared to how it went on! I chose the sleeve because I wanted to reduce my chances of regaining. I did a pre-op diet that mimicked what my post-op diet would be like (but ate more of it pre-op) so that I'd be prepared. Now I'm 11 days out, getting in 800 cals per day and 90g of Protein, in under 30g carbs for the day. I don't know that the weight will keep sliding off this easily (I know a lot several pounds that I lost were simply the surgical fluids/swelling), but I'm already happy with my decision. I'm happily looking forward to what the future holds!

doctor told me to expect 2 nights and that's how long I was there.

scrambled egg with cheese. yummm

11 days post op breakfast: 1 scrambled egg with 1/2 slice american cheese sipped a chocolate Protein shake through the morning lunch: 1/3 cup pureed veggie Soup, 4 oz cottage cheese dinner: baked ricotta with tomato basil sauce and parmesan and another Protein Shake. about 800 cals, 90g protein.