joatsaint

A week ago I started taking Green Source Vitamins with Whole food Concentrates. And I feel a noticeable difference in my energy and it lasts all day. Previously, I was taking the Sam's Club generic Multivitamin, and never seemed to notice when I didn't take it or skipped a day. The recommended dosage is 3 tablets a day - and they ain't small either! But they do make me feel good all day. Anyone else have experience using any brand of Whole Food Concentrate vitamins?

You are completely normal - if you consider someone who has 80% of their stomach removed normal . eggs and chicken are two of the hardest things on my Sleeve. And 2 years out, I get the occasional grumble from Frankensleeve when I eat baked chicken. We all have different tolerances to different foods. Only by experimenting will you find out when your new sleeve is ready. It took almost 9 months before I could eat fibrous fruit like pineapple - 1/2 a bite would send Frankensleeve into spasms. But every few weeks, or when I got the opportunity, I'd eat a bite of pineapple, apple, or grapes to see how he'd react. It just takes time. So I'd say take advantage of this period to get used to eating slowly and in small amounts. At 6 months, my sleeve seemed to hold a little more, and again at 1 year, a little more. That's the point at which you need to have developed good eating habits and are going to have to use more willpower to stay with eating right and in the right amounts. I've found it all too easy to slide back into old eating habits.

I agree, pre-surgery, my thoughts were continually on, "What am I going to eat next?" - even while I was eating!! Yikes!!

I wish I knew why plain water (bottled or tap) makes me sick at my stomach - unless it's icy cold. I love Crystal Light lemonade and keep a supply handy to mix with water. I switched to Crystal Light (from Coke) in the early 2000's and have never gotten tired of the lemonade flavor. I've tried other flavors and brands of diet drink powder and always come back to Crystal Light lemonade.

I've only thrown up one time, in the hospital, the morning after surgery - I drank a little too much water. It hurt like hell, but it didn't do any damage. And right before I left the hospital, I got a case of the hiccups that lasted several minutes - I didn't think they were ever going to stop. Again, it hurt like hell and it felt like my staple line got stretched, but no damage.

tptacnik, Not to be a critic (it's very hard to type text and not come across critical, maybe someone can teach me to type compassionately ), but I hope you made your post in fun. Because 2/10's of a pound can be any number of things, including whether you weigh wearing socks and shirt (or like me, go commando! ), your scale's calibration, you drank more Water than usual, or you had some salty food. I'm a 2 year Sleeve veteran and my weight loss was never in a straight line downward. Even when I was as strict as possible about my exercise and diet, there would be days or weeks where my weight would stay the same or even go up a little. I just had to let my body do it's own thing. After a few experiences (and a lot of anxiety - I had lots of "Oh My God, is this all I'm going to lose?" moments), I figured out that if I just stayed with what was working, it would start working again... and it still does. Hope this helps, Randy Keep Pimpin' That Sleeve! I'm only 2 months post surgery and woke up this morning and had GAINED two-tenths of a pound...I know in the scheme of things it doesn't sound like a lot but I have worked so hard for the 37lbs that I have lost and I cannot understand how I could have ANY KIND OF GAIN...it made me sick to my stomach to see it. I don't know what could have caused it, not currently having any hormonal fluctuations...having a real hard time just letting it go...I had to borrow money from family to have the surgery and all I want to do is succeed...

I forgot to add, that if you have questions, please post them. There's bound to be someone here that has already gone through anything you may experience during your new "adventure". :-)

Hi Tori, Welcome to Bariatricpal and the Loser's Bench.

My doc never discussed how quickly I would be able to reach the recommended protein goals. And I don't know how many weeks before I finally reached my protein goals. But for weeks, I was only able to eat a can of soup a day. I didn't worry about it - as long as I felt okay and didn't have any health problems. I knew I'd get there eventually. My primary focus during that time was to stay hydrated. I knew I had enough fat stored on me to keep me fed... enough to last me through a Zombie Apocalypse!

I had horrible acid reflux for a few months post-op. I never took anything for it, just rode it out. I had to sleep propped up, on an incline, like in a hospital bed, to reduce the burning. Also, I wasn't able to lay on my back or side for weeks, I'd feel a pulling sensation somewhere inside when I did, so that was a 2nd reason I had to sleep propped up. I've never been able to sleep in a chair or recliner - although my dad could be an Olympic champion if sleeping in a recliner was a sport! So, I took an old comforter and rolled it into a big log - that plus a pillow, gave me enough of an incline to sleep comfortably and reduce the burning.

This may be TMI but when was the last time you pooped? I don't go but every 3 to 4 days and tend to increase in weight a little until I get rid of my payload.

This post is just goes to show that even Sleeve veterans aren't perfect. The key is to look at a setback as a delay, not a permanent failure, and get back on track. I was trying to stay low-carb till I lost about 20lbs, but I fell off the wagon this morning. Over the Thanksgiving week, I gained about 5 lbs and was up to 220 lbs in 5 days - probably from all the salt. So I went back to what's worked in the past, low-carb eating - lean Protein (pork loin) and a few vegetables (squash, cauliflower). Low-carbing worked well, I lost the excess Water plus a few pounds. In 6 days I've lost 9.6 lbs. But the stress from work has been pretty overwhelming these past few days. And when I came into work this morning, there was a fresh hot box of donuts waiting in the kitchen. I started to limit myself to 1, but then though about how good I was going to feel when I ate them. So I got 2... Go BIG or Go HOME! and enjoyed every bite!!!!! Will those 2 donuts affect my weight? Probably not, as long as I don't continue eating junk every day. Will it cause my weight loss to stall? I'll know soon enough, the scale will tell me tomorrow morning. P.S. I'll be back on pork loin and cauliflower for lunch today. Keep Pimpin' That Sleeve!!!! Randy UPDATE: 12/08/2014 Well, eating the donuts plus my "cheat" meal on Saturday night, I woke up on Sunday morning weighing 1.4lbs heavier. But I got back on my diet on Sunday and Monday (today). I lost the weight and weigh the same as I did last Friday (the day before I ate the donuts). I'm back down to 210.4 Now let's see if I can finally break 200lbs. 2nd UPDATE: 12/10/2014 Hit an all time new low today, 208.2 lbs. Still sticking to my diet. 3rd UPDATE: 12/13/2014 Still low-carbing (sorta) Hit another all time low this morning - 206 lbs. Haven't been that low since high school (38 years ago). My diet revolves around eating pork loin and Raisin Bran (I eat Raisin Bran cause they give it to us free at work) and coffee (loaded with creamer and Splenda). And I'm taking Puritans Pride "Green Source" whole food Vitamins made from whole food concentrates. I swear these vitamins make me feel so much better than any other Vitamin I've taken. I take the vitamins first thing in the morning. If I take them in the evening, I have so much energy I have a hard time sleeping. During the day, I usually eat about 2 cups of shredded pork loin and 2 Snacks - Raisin Bran (dry - I eat it straight up like trail mix in a cup - I have a 12oz cup and fill it halfway). And 2 cups of shredded pork loin in the evening after work. (Although I did have some spaghetti I was rationing out over the week - I'd have 1 cup of pork loin and 2 cups of spaghetti). It's Saturday, the cheat meal day. Let's see if I gain weight overnight from eating pizza. Well, this post is getting too long, so I continue the updates in a blog post - here: http://www.bariatricpal.com/blog/9018/entry-33645-dealing-with-setbacks-or-climb-down-off-the-cross-build-a-bridge-with-the-wood-and-get-over-it/

In the beginning, I could tell when I was full when I felt bubbles moving around the food in my new sleeve. During those first days post-op, it would be painful when I took just one bite too much, now it's just uncomfortable. I was eating less than 1/2 cup per meal for months and I had to retrain myself to not let my eyes overload my stomach. The old feeling of fullness has never returned. So take your time and eat slowly.

I was only allowed clear broth for that 1st week post-op and was allowed thicker things like Protein shakes on the 2nd week. But Frankensleeve was having none of it. I couldn't tolerate more than a bite or 2 of Popsicle for 10 days and then I moved onto cream of mushroom soup for weeks afterward. It was months of trying a bite of this and a bite of that to determine what Frankensleeve would let me eat. For weeks and weeks I ate pureed turkey hamburger, refried Beans and salsa. At about 6 months I got to a turning point where most "good for you" foods went down easily. But it was a year before I could tolerate apples, grapes, pineapple and any fibrous vegetables like squash. I always found it ironic that after surgery, the good foods were the hardest to eat, while the processed stuff like Peanut Butter slid down with ease.

I didn't eat any for at least 6 months, only because I was sticking to an 800 calorie diet and didn't want to eat any empty calories. I think I was allowed popcorn after 30 days, my biggest concern was the hard slivers getting stuck in my staple line.

I was reviewing some video surveillance footage at work and happened to see myself. Until then, I only knew what I looked like from my mirrors at home. Holy Sh*t! I look so normal, I could have been mistaken for pretty much any other employee. It feels good to NOT be the guy who sticks out at work - for being the fattest guy in the entire office.

How hard is it to stretch my sleeve? This question comes up a lot on the WLS board, so I wanted to share my experience - looking back after 2 years post-surgery. I was worried about stretching my sleeve pre-surgery. I didn't want to go through all of this and then have the possiblity of gaining all the weight back. From everything I've read, the stretchy part of the stomach (unlike the RNY pouch) is almost completely removed and only the tough non-stretchy part remains. How Easy Is It To Stretch Your Sleeve I can tell you from 2 years of experience, you will know when you're beginning to stretch your sleeve - you will not like the feeling and avoid doing it in the future!! During the 1st few months, when I would get close to stretching my sleeve, it would hurt like Hell! On the occassion that I do begin to stretch it now, it is merely really uncomfortable. How to Much Can You Safetly Eat I learned real quick how much I could eat in one meal. I started using a small plastic bowl for every meal. I'd fill it up and know that's how much I could saftely eat. I started with a 1/2 cup bowl for about the 1st 9 months. At 1 year, I moved to a 1 cup bowl, and I've been at 1 to 1 1/2 cups per meal for the last year. Signs You're Getting Full I am aware of the signs that I'm getting full - feeling bubbles moving around the food in my sleeve or feeling a poking sensation in my chest where the sleeve and throat meet. The days of that good old, "Ohhhh, I'm sooooo full" stretched stomach feeling are gone for good. And I dont miss it one bit!!!!!!!! I'm sure if someone really worked at it, they could stretch their sleeve. After all, it is tissue, tendons and ligaments can be stretched and lengthened over time. But they would not be enjoying the sleeve stretching process at all.

I was worried about stretching my sleeve too, pre-surgery. I didn't want to go through all of this and then have the possiblity of gaining all the weight back. From everything I've read, the stretchy part of the stomach (unlike the RNY pouch) is almost completely removed and only the tough non-stretchy part remains. How Easy Is It To Stretch Your Sleeve I can tell you from 2 years of experience, you will know when you're beginning to stretch your sleeve - you will not like the feeling and avoid doing it in the future!! During the 1st few months, when I would get close to stretching my sleeve, it would hurt like Hell! On the occassion that I do begin to stretch it now, it is merely really uncomfortable. How to Much Can You Safetly Eat I learned real quick how much I could eat in one meal. I started using a small plastic bowl for every meal. I'd fill it up and know that's how much I could saftely eat. I started with a 1/2 cup bowl for about the 1st 9 months. At 1 year, I moved to a 1 cup bowl, and I've been at 1 to 1 1/2 cups per meal for the last year. Signs You're Getting Full I am aware of the signs that I'm getting full - feeling bubbles moving around the food in my sleeve or feeling a poking sensation in my chest where the sleeve and throat meet. The days of that good old, "Ohhhh, I'm sooooo full" stretched stomach feeling are gone for good. And I dont miss it one bit!!!!!!!! I'm sure if someone really worked at it, they could stretch their sleeve. After all, it is tissue, tendons and ligaments can be stretched and lengthened over time. But they would not be enjoying the sleeve stretching process at all.

Of course you can still be funny. I've seen comedians, including Ralphie May and Lisa Lamponelli, incorporate their weight loss surgery adventures into their routines. How about normal sized comedians - Amy Schumer, Chelsea Peretti, Maria Bamford and Margaret Cho. Can you tell I'm a female comedian fanboy??? As far as food goes, I can eat anything I want, just less of it. After the 9 month post-op mark, I was back to eating anything I wanted - except Taco Bell taco sauce (for some reason it still makes Frankensleeve unhappy!) And you can still go out with friends to eat. I started going out again at around 6 weeks. I already knew that I wouldn't be eating as much as them, but I was going out for the company, not the food. So now I make fun of how much they are eating while I eat like a bird. The rest? Yes it is major surgery, so I won't B.S. you about the risk, no matter how slight. But I only wish I had had the nerve to go through with WLS when I was in my 20's instead of 46. It's a whole new life.

Thanks for sharing your story. I have gone through some of those same worries about how I was going to deal with being "not fat".

I don't remember how long it was before I transitioned to milk and cheese. I could have had them on week 3, but I went through my first month eating cream of mushroom Soup for the majority of my meals. My new sleeve didn't like anything. Be careful when you start trying milk and cheese. Frankensleeve didn't care for them at first. Milk was one of the hardest things to readjust to after surgery - eggs and chicken breast were hard too. When I was still adjusting to regular foods post-op, I'd always take a test bite (about 1/2 teaspoon) and wait 5 minutes. If Frankensleeve didn't have a bad reaction, I'd slowly eat a little more.

This is a favorite of mine from my low-carbing days - years ago. I still enjoy it. 4oz. Cream cheese or Low Fat Cream Cheese (whatever you like) 4 small boxes or 2 large boxes of sugar free Jell-O (you want enough to make 8 cups of Jell-O) My favorites are Cherry and strawberry. Put 4 cups of hot Water in a bowl big enough to hold at least 8 cups (plus room to stir) Add the cream cheese and mix till well blended. Sometimes I have to put it in the microwave for a few seconds to keep the temp up. Be sure to blend it thoroughly as any cream cheese pieces will want to float to the top of the Jell-O and separate. Add the Jell-O to the hot water and blend or whisk thoroughly. Try not to make too many bubbles on top... I don't like bubbles on top of mine. Add 4 cups of cold water. To speed the setting-up, I add ice cubes to the water (and subtract a little water to make up for the ice). Keep stirring till the ice cubes melt. Set in fridge till firm. If you've blended the cream cheese and Jell-O well, you should have a firm creamy jiggly dessert. If you have an experience like mine, you get a layer of Jell-O with a layer of cream cheese on top (I wasn't very thorough in my whisking) Calories: 1 cup ~ 50 calories of fat from the cream cheese.

I pretty much keep to myself, so I don't volunteer the info or suggest WLS to anyone, unless they specifically ask me if I've had WLS surgery and have questions. My 1st year post-op, I wouldn't have felt comfortable talking about it, but now, it's no big deal.

My surgeon normally has a 2 week pre-op diet, but I wanted to be fast-tracked - sorta like the pit crew operates on a race car. Jack me up change the tires, sleeve the stomach, and I'm back on the road. So I was approved and scheduled for surgery within 30 days. Being so short on time only allowed enough time for a 1 week pre-op diet. Good thing too, I don't know if I could have lasted for 2 weeks, seriously. The pre-op diet, for me, was so much harder than any pain or adventures I had post-op. I think it was so hard because I've chased one dream or another about becoming a normal sized person (and failed) for so long that I couldn't seriously believe that WLS was going to work for me. But it was so worth it!!!

Hey guys, I was searching for a replacement for my favorite Kraft BBQ sauce (since it has sugar in it ) and I ran across this one. It had rave reviews and it tastes pretty good. I'll need to tweak it a few times to get that sweet/tangy flavor I like so much, but for a good low-carb BBQ sauce, this one works well. The best part was, I already had most of the ingredients on hand (you probably do too). 2 Tablespoons is 12 calories vs. 60 calories for the equivalent Kraft BBQ sauce. Indispensable Almost No Carb Barbecue Sauce This isn't a substitute for the "real thing," it's an improvement. It's so good the rest of the family gobbles it up and I have to keep making more. 3/8 cup vinegar 1 1/2 cup tomato sauce. (1 15 oz can) Don't buy a tomato sauce that has spices or flavorings in it! 3 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce 1 1/2 tablespoon yellow hot dog mustard 3/4 tablespoon Franks Hot Sauce (the chicken wing sauce) 3/4 tablespoon salt (optional) 1 dash cayenne pepper. Go easy!!!! 3 teaspoons lemon juice 1 1/2 teaspoon liquid smoke flavoring 6 teaspoons Splenda or 18 drops of Liquid Splenda Add vinegar and all other ingredients except mustard to a sauce pan and slowly heat. Put mustard in a cup and slowly stir in a couple tablespoons of sauce until well blended. Then add mustard mixture back to sauce in pan. Bring to a boil, and lower heat. Let simmer for a few minutes. Let cool, then refrigerate. Note: this sauce will taste a bit peculiar if you taste it when it is still hot. Don't worry! Something magical happens when it sits in the fridge. Carbohydrates per Serving (1 tablespoon): Less than 1 gram. Half an ounce is 1 gm carbs, 6 calories. Source: http://www.phlaunt.com/lowcarb/19060001.php