Domika03

Definitely normal. I had a low grade fever the first few days. I was told to drink more fluids. That seemed to help me. Drink a little at a time, but make sure you get enough fluids in. Remember, we're all different & heal differently. Take your time, but be sure to follow the rules you're given. You'll get better each day, I promise

BEST thing i ever did was get the band removed & replaced by the sleeve! I had it done all in 1 surgery. Recovery went well overall. I'm almost 8 weeks out & have no regrets. I do struggle with getting enough fluids & sometimes Protein in, but it's all me & has nothing to do with the surgery itself. Great decision, good luck!

What you guys are feeling is quite normal. Don't stress about it. This is a life-changing event. You have to remember the eating habits you're used to. Your diet was full of unhealthy foods, many which we considered "comfort foods" like the take out foods you were talking about. Weight loss, in general, is VERY psychological. You have to change the way you think about food now. You need to think about healthier options that taste good & can give you the right amount of fuel for the day. For example, eating these chips are going to fill me instantly & give me no nutritional value. I'll be hungry again in no time, and won't be satisfied overall. Why not look into a healthier option instead? It'll fill me, and give me the energy I need. Don't look at it as "aw shi*, I have to eat fish while my family eats X." Re-think that statement by thinking, 'how can I bake fish that my family can enjoy & eat with me?" How about an almond crusted flounder or pesto flavored cod? You know you can have more than just fish, right? If I may suggest, pre-plan your food at least a week in advance. This will help you get through each day. If you don't already, get yourself a crock pot. You can make meals for yourself & your family that will not leave you hungry or craving 'bad' stuff. Also, if you don't already, log onto myfitnesspal.com & track your food every day. This will hold you accountable, show you what Protein, calories and carbs you're having each day. You might also get ideas from other users as to what they're eating every day too. No, it isn't easy my friends. But, you had the WLS for a reason. You wanted to improve your health, your lifestyle & the way you feeling about yourselves. You can do this. Focus & change the way you think about food. Change & good vibes WILL come in time, I promise. In the meantime, vent all you want. Those of us that have been doing this for a while are happy to hold out our hands & help you out when & if we can. We've been there. We understand. Hang in there!!!

I used to enjoy eating bread, especially prior to WLS. That was probably my downfall. I had it once in a while after I was banded. Not a lot, of course, just a nibble here & there. Now that I'm sleeved (about 7 weeks out), I don't even crave it. I don't think about it, and if I see it, I don't even want it. It doesn't really phase me. Weird, huh? I'm OK with it since it's not the best healthiest option anyway.

Yup, that looks about right. I had that several months after I was banded in 2012. It kept going on for a while, but it was then suggested I take Biotin, and use a shampoo like Pantene. I can't remember why actually. Nonetheless, it did work & my hair stopped falling out at that pace. Now that I'm sleeved (about 7 weeks post op), and am running into not having enough Protein each day, I'm starting to lose some hair again when I wash & brush. Definitely not pleasant, but apparently a part of the WLS journey, as we lose a lot of weight & don't get enough daily protein. Hang in there. Things should slow down, eventually...

I live in the Westminster area, and had band to sleeve revision surgery in mid Jan. I'm fortunate enough to be at maintenance now, but am grateful for everything I've been through & learned through the process. I'd be happy to "talk" to anyone that wants a buddy. It keeps me focused, and can hopefully help you too

I was going to suggest investing in a crock pot, if you don't already have one. I see that Annadette (above) made a similiar suggestion. I LOVE mine. Actually, I have 3 of them. I know, over-kill, but I digress (easily). One of my favorite meals is turkey chili. I also enjoy making beef stew & spinach lentil Soup to name a few. All are healthy & easy to prepare. You come home from a long day at work & dinner is all ready! You'll find many online recipes! Don't stress. You can do this. Good luck!

I've lost 105 pounds & can totally relate to that sagging belly skin. I know insurance won't cover this so there's no point in me looking into it. It's considered cosmetic & not necessary. Too bad because I'd feel a lot better about my weight loss without all this lovely excess skin

Keep playing around & you'll get used to it, again! Not like you can break it, LOL!

Thank you very much!

We're in a new office building & have see-through windows in conference rooms, with the exception of a frosted window strip going through the middle of the window walls so you can't see the people when they're sitting down around the table. So, I'm walking down the hall, passing one of the conference rooms & check out the reflection of a thin figure going by. I actually stopped myself in my own tracks realizing, "Holy shi*, that's ME!!!!!!!!!!!" I don't mean to sound conceited in any way, shape or form, but I actually looked nice. I can't believe I didn't even recognize my own reflection. It's taken me 1 1/2 years to get here, but guess what, I AM FINALLY HERE!!!

We're in a new office building & have see-through windows in conference rooms, with the exception of a frosted window strip going through the middle of the window walls so you can't see the people when they're sitting down around the table. So, I'm walking down the hall, passing one of the conference rooms & check out the reflection of a thin figure going by. I actually stopped myself in my own tracks realizing, "Holy shi*, that's ME!!!!!!!!!!!" I don't mean to sound conceited in any way, shape or form, but I actually looked nice. I can't believe I didn't even recognize my own reflection. It's taken me 1 1/2 years to get here, but guess what, I AM FINALLY HERE!!!

How about a reply like, "I'm not really sure what it is you want to see, but that's just weird. And while I appreciate your insightfullness, I've got this, thanks ... then just walk away.... Her behavior in a management related position is totally unacceptable. If she says stuff in front of other people, repeat yourself, "while I appreciate your insightful input, I've got this, thanks." If she doesn't stop, I would report her. Ignorant... Stay focused & keep that positive attitude. Good luck!

I actually went with the band back in August 2012 because I was concerned about the sleeve being "permanent." While I was quite successful with the band overall by losing 90 pounds, I wish I had just gone with the sleeve, because of the issues I dealt with. I.E., sliming, throwing up & eventually had a partially slipped band & had it removed & revised to the sleeve (same surgery) in Jan 2014. I did the conversion because I was terrified of gaining all the weight back. There was a reason I did the WLS to begin with. It was obvious to me that I was not capable of portion control. If I was I wouldn't have ballooned up to 245 pds pre-surgery. I have since lost an additional 17 pds & am considered to be at maintenance. I'm 5 '3 and am so thankful to be 139 pds. It's a good range (135-140). I'm happier, I feel great & I finally like the way I look. Keep in mind, WLS isn't for everyone. You have to be dedicated & want to follow the rules. They're there for a reason. Yea, you can have a bite of anything (like a dessert) BUT you will feel full quicker so focus on the healthier stuff that will give you more energy & more nutritional. Best of luck!

Very sorry for your loss. Hold on to those awesome memories!

Absolutely LOVE food. Only difference is that I love it in MUCH smaller portions, and (for the most part) in a healthier a fashion. While I a very personal decision, I have no regrets in converting from the band to the sleeve.

Hi Abigail! I know you don't want to hear this, but you have to make an apt to see your Dr., or in the very least, talk to your NUT. This person will have the knowledge to help you & suggest what you can do to get back on track. More importantly, do NOT be ashamed of yourself. This is a tough journey & we really need to work hard to make it work BUT IT DOES WORK!!! You didn't mention what you're eating or how much. That's the first thing I'd look at. I had my surgery done on Jan 16th, so I'm about 5 1/2 weeks out. I had my band removed & revised to the sleeve. Here's an example of what I eat at this point. Keep in mind, everyone's food menu is slightly different the first 6 - 8 weeks. It all depends on the Dr's office: Breakfast: 1/2 - 3/4 cup of egg whites mixed with feta cheese, turkey crumbles and spinach or 1 egg feta cheese, turkey crumbles and spinach or Protein drink (Greek yogurt, Pure Protein vanilla creme shake w/ 1 scoop of Pure Protein vanilla powder). I actually don't like chocolate that much lunch 1/2 cup - 3/4 cup of tuna fish blended with low-fat mayo 1/2 cup - 3/4 cup of leftover dinner from night before Dinner 1/2 - 3/4 cup of any lean protein (like homemade ham & navy bean Soup in the crock pot) 1/2 -3/4 cup of turkey chili (in the crock pot) tonight I'm making Lemony Lentil & Spinach Soup (yup, in the crock pot again, LOL) *No, I don't use the crock pot all the time, but it does help) I hope this might help you. But, I really think you should call your NUT. They're job is to help you. Do NOT be ashamed. Nothing to be ashamed of. You are NOT alone my dear. Most of us enjoy helping & encouraging others. You CAN do this & you WILL be successful. Best of luck & hang in there!

I actually made Breakfast muffins: eggs, turkey sausage crumbles, and spinach. Everyone in the family had 2, and I had one. Yummy and I have breakfast for tomorrow too

It's great that you're feeling so well. That's goods news. However, your stomach is still healing & recuperating so I'd be very careful at this stage. Be kind to your tummy because it needs the time to heal properly. It's interesting to see how we all have different instructions after surgery. I would definitely stick with what they told you, especially being only 1 week out. For me: Week 1 consisted of clear liquids, like Jello, broths, popsicles and tea. I stayed with that because I knew my tummy had to heal, and I wasn't really that hungry. More than anything, I was bored toward the end of the week with my menu. Week 2 - I was thrilled to be eating 3 tablespoons of real food like cream of wheat, mashed potatoes, SF pudding, creamy Soups made with milk, low fat yogurt smoothies or vanilla greek yogurts. Week 3 & 4 - I graduated to 1/4 of canned tuna in Water, egg whites, canned turkey chili, bean Soup (some ppl have a tough time with Beans at first), ricotta cheese, cottage cheese... Week 5 & on - I've been given the green light to try lean meats (up to 3/4 - 1 cup). I usually have 1/2 - 3/4 cups of food now. Tummy seems to be OK. Burping is my sign that I'm full so when I start or feel it's coming, I stop. Talk with your NUT & get her feedback. But, my suggestion for now is to really let yourself heal. One day at a time. Good luck

Thanks so much Lee6Lee, I appreciate your support!

Congrats, what a great accomplishment!!!

First thing you should do is talk to your Dr's office as they can check you out. We can offer suggestions or pull from our own experiences, but only a medical professional can help you out the right way I have this issue often, and am only 5 weeks post - op. I know I'm not getting enough fluids in per day. Apparently, I'm one of the few that can't seem to drink enough. IDK but it happens. Between that, AND not getting enough Protein in, I get dizzy. Make sure you're getting all your protein in because that is an issue for us. Gotta make sure we're getting our nutrients. Take care of yourself!

Hi, Weight gain / weight loss is such a psychological roller-coaster. It's easy to eat the wrong things. I think we're testing our limits as far as what we can eat & still lose weight with so we grab the quickest thing, which is typically not the healthiest option. As for staying motivated overall, you need to remember why you did this surgery in the first place. Why did you want to have it? What was the final straw that made you say, that's it, I need WLS. Asking for help is not a sign of weakness but a sign of strength. Contact your NUT for advice, or find a bariatric dietician that can help you re-focus your energy on eating the right things. I don't think doing something drastic, like going back to week 1, is the best idea, because you'll feel like you're depriving yourself. Call the Dr/ the NUT, and get advice on how to proceed. You need help, and seeing this now, before things gets worse is the best thing you can do. It's not even so much gaining weight back, or not losing any more, but making sure you eat healthy & get the needed nutrition you're body needs. The last thing you want is to suffer for weight related health issues. Good luck sweetie!

You may want to call your NUT for advice here. Are you trying mushy / puree foods? Maybe they're not 'soft' enough for you at this point? I could only have 3 tablespoons of soft foods (like cream of wheat & mashed potatoes) for 2 weeks, but I was able to keep it down. I'm 5 weeks post-op now & can eat 1/2 - cup of food. For some reason, I tend to struggle getting enough daily fluids in. I don't know why, just can't manage to get it all in. Best advice anyone can give you... call your NUT or Dr's office and see what they suggest. It'll get better!!!

I'm sorry to hear about your nausea & regrets. Hopefully, your Dr gave you anti-nausea meds that can help you feel better. You may want to ask your Dr's office about why you're experiencing this. Is it something you're eating that isn't sitting well, are you getting any Protein in (at this stage, it might be way too early to get your protein requirements), are you getting enough fluids (are you sipping or perhaps swallowing too quickly).... ? These are all possible questions, but the only one who can really help you is your surgeon. Please don't have any regrets until you know what's going on. Typically, things really do get better. It's a lifestyle change & it definitely takes some getting used to. I'm 5 weeks post-op & am feeling things out food-wise. Each day is a new adventure on what I can eat or how much. Hang in there & talk to your Dr's office. It'll get better