Estrellita

I'll be praying for you too. Please keep us posted.

This will go away! I suffered from awful constipation until six weeks out, when I went on regular foods. I haven't had a single episode of constipation since. I didn't have much gas, but my friend who also underwent surgery did. Her gas discomfort lasted also up to six weeks. What did both of us wonders was papaya, blueberries, and prunes for constipation (this was and still is part of my daily diet) and walking for the gas. Good luck and God bless you.

Hi Quuengamez, I completed Options at the Sunset facility and we were allowed to bring guests. One lady brought her husband to every single class, others brought daughters, sisters, and friends. Check with your faciliator or coordinator. The classes were an hour and a half, and my track was 20 weeks. There was no way for us to speed up and complete the course. If we missed a class, we had to make it up at other locations or with another track (like a cohort). Good luck on your journey!

Thank you for bringing me back to basics feedyoureye. I've already started doing some of these, but others-like tracking calories- I havent returned to. Thank you for your encouraging words and God bless you!

Hi thinoneday, My co-pay for surgery was only $100. Thanks for your words of encouragement. I don't feel sad about my experience, I'm sorry if I sounded so last night when I posted. There is a higher purpose to my surgery, and there's nothing sad about that. I'm taking this opportunity to grow and work on myself. This surgery and my experience post will not be in vain- I know it won't. I just want future sleevers to understand (maybe they do it was just me that didn't believe it) that surgery isn't a quick fix or the miracle cure for weight loss. Everyday we are still faced with the same decisions and emotions over food. That's my experience, and I embrace it and am growing stronger from it. God bless you!

I'm so sorry to hear your experience. Recently I came across a website for people who've had bariatric surgeries: Weight Loss Surgeries Federation of America. If you enter their site you'll see that they offer grants for surgeries. I have no clue what the qualifications are, or anything that has to do with the process. I came across it post surgery and have explored other forums on the site, but have never clicked on the grants link. Look into it and don't lose hope. God bless you!

I think this thread goes on this forum, not wher I posted before... Hi all! Tomorrow marks my fourth month post surgery. What has this journey been like? Well... 1. No leakage or any other serious complication- thank God! 2. I never expected the post surgery experience I had. Anxiety and depression, like I've never witnessed in myself or anyone else. kicked in about two weeks post. Uncontrollable, snowballing, unexplainable, irrational fear, sadness, and regret. I went on tranquilizers, developed a mild dependecy on the benzo, had to follow a tapering process, but all ended well. This experience is unforgettable to me and my family! Everyone entering this surgery process should be aware that this is a possible reaction to surgery. I'm not sure if only to this type of surgery, or all. The more the time passes, the more I see posts that relate to my experience. So far I've contacted six people with less, exact, or worse anxiety and depression after the sleeve. Be aware of this possibility. Know that it can debiliate you, thus you need a safety net. However, also be aware that it passes. Thank God, all that is in the past. But the experience I don't think I will ever forget. 3. Because of #2, an improved appreciation for God, life and for all my loved ones. 4. Weight loss: forty pounds down- yay! 5. Besides #2, the most impacting part of this experience is accepting the fact that the surgery did not rid my addiction to food, nor my unhealthy eating habits. I completed a mandated five month program before surgery. The instructor endlessly stressed to start working on our eating patterns and habits before surgery, to ease the transition and have more success with the procedure. As much as this was emphasized, I didn't do it. It was also emphasized that the surgery didn't cure our addiction and relationships to food, this too I ignored. To me, surgery would cure my addiction to food, would for ever change my eating patterns, and never again would I experience the vicious cycle of binging, guilt, shame, weight gain, etc. etc. etc. In my mind I figured I'd be forced to change because my body wouldn't tolerate overeating. I ached for a change, and surgery would force the change on me....problem solved! I awaited surgery with glee and faith. Well, the story goes otherwise. I have changed some of my eating patterns and you will find plenty healthy veggies and fruits, plus lean meats in my fridge. I joined the gym for the first time in my life, and through therapy am trying to sort out my relationship with food. However, surgery hasn't forced a change on me. You know those stories of having to induce vomit (or it naturally occuring) due to overeating? NEVER happens to me, NEVER! I cannot eat as much as before, but defenitley more than I expected. I can eat a full cup of spaghetti with cheese and sour cream in one sitting. I'll finish it, feel full, and stop eating. But thirty minutes later my pouch has made room, and I can take some more in. This especially happens when I eat out and we usually sit around chatting for a while. Time passes and I'll start nibling at my food again. I can eat about half a cup more--without being hungry. Why do I do it? I'm working on understanding it. Those stories of no longer tolerating fatty, sugary, lactose, or other foods- not I. I can eat EVERYTHING AND ANYTHING. Dumping syndrome? I don't even know what that is. Having to chew food to mushy consistency- not I. I chew, but never to the consistency I thought I'd have to. Taste buds change post surgery- not mine. Not one of the billions of taste buds have changed- at all! Bottom line, this surgery didn't force any change on me. I have gone up and down in weight, and can't seem to break the 40 pounds mark. It's been this way for the past five weeks. I still experience the disappointment in myself over food choices and behavior. The shame and guilt sneak up, and soon I'm angry and feel defeated. All the emotions, habits, and challenges I faced with food and weight pre surgery I face now too. I thought I'd be facing these issues two years after surgery when my pouch has relaxed and expanded a bit, and many regain the weight. I thought that by that time my life would be extraordinarily wonderful- that I'd never regain the weight and give up my success and joy. Well, it's only been four months and I'm facing reality already. Everyone considering surgery needs to know this. I think those who've had success with the sleeve have had it because they've made changes that have yielded the success. The sleeve itself will not yield it. Maybe everyone already knows this, but I have been known to be a late bloomer. Do I regret having had surgery? Honestly, there is nothing to regret. I had (and pray that it continues) zero complications, I still enjoy food, have a very active social life, have gone down a size in clothes, and experience no pain, vomit, nausea, or anything of the sort. I feel blessed that my surgery has gone so smooth, pain free, and complication free. I pray that it continues to do so. I prefer to deal with my current issues, than any physical complication. There really is nothing to regret. On the contrary, I believe this surgery has a higher purpose in my life. It isn't yielding the weight success I imagined, but it is forcing me to look deep into myself and work with what is out of balance. I can't run away from it anymore. I refuse to have gone through this experience and continue on the road of addiction, caught in that endless dark cycle. This is the change my sleeve had brought to my life. My progress comes in baby steps, but I'll get there. God bless you all!

Hi all! Tomorrow marks my fourth month post surgery. What has this journey been like? Well... 1. No leakage or any other serious complication- thank God! 2. I never expected the post surgery experience I had. Anxiety and depression, like I've never witnessed in myself or anyone else. kicked in about two weeks post. Uncontrollable, snowballing, unexplainable, irrational fear, sadness, and regret. I went on tranquilizers, developed a mild dependecy on the benzo, had to follow a tapering process, but all ended well. This experience is unforgettable to me and my family! Everyone entering this surgery process should be aware that this is a possible reaction to surgery. I'm not sure if only to this type of surgery, or all. The more the time passes, the more I see posts that relate to my experience. So far I've contacted six people with less, exact, or worse anxiety and depression after the sleeve. Be aware of this possibility. Know that it can debiliate you, thus you need a safety net. However, also be aware that it passes. Thank God, all that is in the past. But the experience I don't think I will ever forget. 3. Because of #2, an improved appreciation for God, life and for all my loved ones. 4. Weight loss: forty pounds down- yay! 5. Besides #2, the most impacting part of this experience is accepting the fact that the surgery did not rid my addiction to food, nor my unhealthy eating habits. I completed a mandated five month program before surgery. The instructor endlessly stressed to start working on our eating patterns and habits before surgery, to ease the transition and have more success with the procedure. As much as this was emphasized, I didn't do it. It was also emphasized that the surgery didn't cure our addiction and relationships to food, this too I ignored. To me, surgery would cure my addiction to food, would for ever change my eating patterns, and never again would I experience the vicious cycle of binging, guilt, shame, weight gain, etc. etc. etc. In my mind I figured I'd be forced to change because my body wouldn't tolerate overeating. I ached for a change, and surgery would force the change on me....problem solved! I awaited surgery with glee and faith. Well, the story goes otherwise. I have changed some of my eating patterns and you will find plenty healthy veggies and fruits, plus lean meats in my fridge. I joined the gym for the first time in my life, and through therapy am trying to sort out my relationship with food. However, surgery hasn't forced a change on me. You know those stories of having to induce vomit (or it naturally occuring) due to overeating? NEVER happens to me, NEVER! I cannot eat as much as before, but defenitley more than I expected. I can eat a full cup of spaghetti with cheese and sour cream in one sitting. I'll finish it, feel full, and stop eating. But thirty minutes later my pouch has made room, and I can take some more in. This especially happens when I eat out and we usually sit around chatting for a while. Time passes and I'll start nibling at my food again. I can eat about half a cup more--without being hungry. Why do I do it? I'm working on understanding it. Those stories of no longer tolerating fatty, sugary, lactose, or other foods- not I. I can eat EVERYTHING AND ANYTHING. Dumping syndrome? I don't even know what that is. Having to chew food to mushy consistency- not I. I chew, but never to the consistency I thought I'd have to. Taste buds change post surgery- not mine. Not one of the billions of taste buds have changed- at all! Bottom line, this surgery didn't force any change on me. I have gone up and down in weight, and can't seem to break the 40 pounds mark. It's been this way for the past five weeks. I still experience the disappointment in myself over food choices and behavior. The shame and guilt sneak up, and soon I'm angry and feel defeated. All the emotions, habits, and challenges I faced with food and weight pre surgery I face now too. I thought I'd be facing these issues two years after surgery when my pouch has relaxed and expanded a bit, and many regain the weight. I thought that by that time my life would be extraordinarily wonderful- that I'd never regain the weight and give up my success and joy. Well, it's only been four months and I'm facing reality already. Everyone considering surgery needs to know this. I think those who've had success with the sleeve have had it because they've made changes that have yielded the success. The sleeve itself will not yield it. Maybe everyone already knows this, but I have been known to be a late bloomer. Do I regret having had surgery? Honestly, there is nothing to regret. I had (and pray that it continues) zero complications, I still enjoy food, have a very active social life, have gone down a size in clothes, and experience no pain, vomit, nausea, or anything of the sort. I feel blessed that my surgery has gone so smooth, pain free, and complication free. I pray that it continues to do so. I prefer to deal with my current issues, than any physical complication. There really is nothing to regret. On the contrary, I believe this surgery has a higher purpose in my life. It isn't yielding the weight success I imagined, but it is forcing me to look deep into myself and work with what is out of balance. I can't run away from it anymore. I refuse to have gone through this experience and continue on the road of addiction, caught in that endless dark cycle. This is the change my sleeve had brought to my life. My progress comes in baby steps, but I'll get there. God bless you all!

Hello. I completed the Options program last March and had surgery in July. I completed Options at Sunset Kaiser, but had surgery done at South Bay. We were given the option of chosing the hospital for our surgery, since Sunset doesn't do bariatric surgery. I had to complete labs three times through out the process. Once during the course of Options, once after, and the last time a week before surgery. I don't understand why, but all Kaiser facilities are different. My best friend and I did Options together, but at different locations, and our material, process, and options for surgery were different. I ended liking her program best, and switched to her location- South Bay. Good luck, God bless you!

Thank you for updating us KBB. Feeling hungry is definitley a positive sign. My mom has dealt with many medical complications in the past and hunger is something her dr always monitored. He claims being hungry is an indication of progress and healing. We will continue praying for you. Keep up the good spirit.

I'm sorry you're experiencing this. But you must know you will get better. Don't entertain thoughts of despair. I know it's tough when you're weak and in pain, but don't believe all your fears. I second the thought on iron. If you were on iron before surgery, you should probably be on iron now. That was an issue for me pre surgery, and post the lightheadedness and dizzyness magnified. I returned to iron supplements, eventhough I was struggling with constipation, because many times I felt close to fainting. It's worse when your menstruating; we lose iron. Continue calling your dr. But know that you will be ok. Believe it. God bless you.

Congratulatios on your progress and optimism. I too had an accelerated heart 1-3 weeks post op, and also around eating time. When I mentioned it to my dr he said not to worry, that it was normal. I can't fully remember his explanation for it, but it was something that had to do with metabolism, digestion, and body temperature during and after eating. Some reaction/interaction of all these. Sorry I don't fully remember. I didn't worry much because it eventually went away, and it was never too accelerated to frighten much. I too had dizziness and lightheadedness for a while, maybe up to 5 weeks. I was vigilant of protein, water, vitamins, but I was still dizzy. This too went away around 6 weeks. Six weeks marked a turning point for me. That's when I gained energy and was pain free. I didn't return to work till two months after surgery, and I'm glad I was able to do that because based on some post surgery stories here, I struggled a bit more recovering than others. Be patient, but very careful with yourself. God bless you!

Hi KKB, It's been a few days since your posting. I hope you reached out to Tiff, and are now feeling better physically and in spirit. I had my own challenges post surgery, not a leak but complications that debiliated me enough to scare the lights out of me and regre surgery. I feared never recuperating and never feeling strong and able. I share your fear KKB. I'm grateful to say life is wonderful now. All has passed, and I am now enjoying my sleeve and all the inner growth that came from my condition. The same will happen to you. You're in my prayers.

Welcome to my life post surgery Mr. Hopeful!! I was sleeved July 8, and could have never imagined the emotional state that awaited me. I was fine for the first two weeks, but depression, anxiety, and uncontrollable emotional roller coasters kicked in after that. I lived in a state of fear, agony and despair. I regreted my surgery 100% blaming it for my emotional hell. I couldn't sleep, eat, nor enjoy quaility time with the family. I healed well from surgery- NO LEAKAGE- but somehow everything in my body seemed wrong. I had the nausea, the weird sensations in my esophogus, stomach and chest, lightheadedness, fatigue. I was vigilant with Protein, Water, and Vitamins, but nothing seemed to wipe my sadness or weird feelings away. I was losing weight all long, but didn't care. I actually didn't want to lose weight. I begged God this all be a dream and to return me to my pre-op condition, even if I never lost the weight. I cared nothing about being thin, I just wanted to feel normal and safe. I reached a state of debilitation three weeks post op. My sister drove me to the psychiatric clinic on July 30 where I was diagnosed with "adjustment disorder with anxious moods," and I was put on tranquilizers- Ativan! All this was new to me. I had my issues before surgery, but never had experienced anxiety and depression this way- NEVER! I was sure I had messed up my nervous system and brain chemistry by altering my body and drastically lowering my caloric intake. I wasn't sure what the root of my condition was, but I blamed it all on the sleeve and diet changes. My mental and emotional states were such that I was sure I'd end up dead or in the nut house, LITERALLY. I wrote goodbye letters to all my loved ones, moved back in to my mom's, updated my life insurance documents, and filled out a medical "what ever you call it document" that stipulates your wishes once you can't make decisions on your own anymore. I'm not kidding, I was in terrible condidtion. I don't know exactly what caused my condition: hormonal changes, low caloric intake, normal post surgery physical reactions, letting go of food, pre-surgery unresolved emotional issues, etc. I don't know. My therapists nor psychiatrists were able to pin point it either. Maybe it's a combination of all factors. I don't know. BUT, what I do know is the following: 1. IT WILL PASS!!! I am three months post surgery and loving life! I'm loving every day, feeling joyful and grateful. My body has adjusted well to the sleeve and I no longer have nausea, lightheadedness nor fatigue. I am in control of my mind and emotions. I have a wonderful, improved familial life, plus social one. I feel 100% normal, healthy and safe. I've been this way for about a month now. Continue being hopeful, it will pass. 2. If possible, DO NOT GO ON TRANQUILIZERS. Being on Ativan, while it did help with sleeping and anxiety, created additional challenges. This type of medication messes with your central nervous system, and that's not good. It helped with anxiety, but at the same time I felt out of it all the time. I felt drunk, out of sync with the world, and nervous. I still didn't feel normal. Someone on this site warned me against it and actually recommended alternatives. I brought the ideas to my psychiatrists, but she kept me on Ativan. I developled a dependency on it and tapering off of it created another new challenge. Thank God, I've been off Ativan for a month now, and I'm feeling great! If possible, don't do benzodiazepines. If you must go on medication, consider something else, but please not benzos. Do research first too. 3. You MUST find ways to relax. I know we're all busy, but you need relaxation methods to calm your body, mind, and emotions. Some that helped me were breathing exercises, walking, journaling, praying, spiritual fellowships, talking, reaching out, self help CDs, and books. These got me through the roughest Patches and are now part of my daily life. Try something similar, or what ever works for you. 4. REACH OUT to people, positive people. This site is a great resource. People just let you vent, without judgment. Everyone is so supportive and optimistic. I reached out to a few seniors here and these graciously and generously listened, referred me to people who had similar experiences, and offered words of encouragement. Knowing that I was not alone in this made a world of a difference. I'm one that prefers to shut up and suck it up because I don't like to burden people or be needy. Well, that's all gone. We need to advocate for ourselves and this is one way of doing it. I also recommend support groups and therapy. Reach out MrHopeful. I'm here and so is everyone else who's had a taste of the ups and downs of obesity, surgery, and life after. I'm proud of you for posting this thread. You are not alone. Keep up the hopefulness, and believe me: YOU WILL BE OK. God bless you! Maria