CJFW

I am five years our and was told to never ever USE a straw or drink any carbonated items.. I did try using a straw about 6 months out and had no ill effects. SO I personally use it. It helps me to drink while IM out on the road and while I am at my desk or in classes.. I have not had anything carbonated and here is why.. I did actually accidentally take a sip of my sons soda. We were out to dinner and the server mixed up my unsweetened tea with his soda. WHAT a ISSUE I had.. I was in pain for hours... SO from that point on. NO carbonation, no caffeinated tea and I stick to FruitT 2 O Water because it is orange and helps me get my daily allotment.

After 5 years and 35 lbs regain I went back to the beginning. I have been on liquids for 3 days now. I just look at it as a way of life. I have to choose my foods carefully and if I don't start back at square 1 I run risk of gaining more. So I know it's hard to drink and drink and drink some more. But if you chew gum and do sugar free fudge pops and other things from the approved liquids list. (Each docs list varies use your approved one). It gets easier. The need for the liquids is to heal the stomach and provide the needed Protein and nutrition. That is difficult when your an emotional eater, foodie or just love carbs. My down fall is Peanut Butter anything. Tells you how I gained back some weight. So I'm there with you. Drinking and enjoying the thought of wearing a bikini again on my next cruise.

Sleeved 10/28/10 Hi all it stops eventually. Some will re gain lost hair some wont (I don't get the massive pony tail back) but most came back. I started loosing by the handfull and brush full by 3 months. My doctor had no reason why. (I was his 1st ever vs). He has done other types bands and R N Y. But he said never seen it before. Vits is a must. Try Biotin and All B Vits they help build the hair and nails Increase your Protein if you can. Remember it will pass its a natural part if the process. I have been told its from a shift in nutrients and side effect of surgery. The latter I tend to agree with more. I have had 2 previous surgeries and both times I experienced hair loss. Be well be strong. This to will pass.

Hello fellow sleever's I am 5 years out. I feel compelled to speak openly to you all. I'm typing on a phone so excuse typos. 1. This is a life changing event. 2 the day will come when you can eat other stuff in moderation. However you will need to be focused and stay on the diet 3. Protein. Protein. Protein. So how do you get it all in???? It's hard I know do your shakes. If your tired of them. Change it up.

I was sleeved 10/28/2010. I was the first vbs in local hospital. All the reps and drs were watching. Talk about performance anxiety. Lol. First day I was under heavy sedation. Since I was a guinie pig I a 3 day stay. Watched constantly. Liquid was crap but I felt with it. I figured it was better the. The weight. Pain was doable. About 2 weeks out I was tired of liquids. I tried everything. I even did Jello and puddings. On my diet. But I craved. Real food. I found out that was because my BRAIN needed it not my body. So I kept on the liquid and semi solids. When I finally hit stage 2 scrambled eggs is what I wanted. Yup I ate them. All 1 bite. Then immediately fell to the floor crying in pain. It hurt. But I could suck grape tomatoes (skinned and seeded them. And chewed lettuce. Which was a no no. But it helped. 5 years out I long for that liquid diet. So I re started my journey. Be strong. It will get better. It's worth all the pain and the world does open up for you. Be patient and follow all rules and stay in a support group. Get plenty of Water and Protein. Plus Fiber and Vits. They help. As for the chewing. I froze yes froze some protein jello or pudding with plastic spoons in the 2 to 4 oz dixi cups. Makes a great snack and helps with the chewing issue. Just be gentle with the pace you eat them.

You will be fine. Relax and think of someplace you will travel to wearing a new outfit.

Thanks for all the support. I had a good day with Protein intake. I had 2 servings of shakes and a small chicken & chees casadilla with my son. I also drank 4 12 oz bottles of Water. When I felt a craving I chewed a piece of sugar free gum. It is gonna be a hard restart. But I am just trying to stay positive. Had a side effect today which I expected migrane from carb reduction. But a small amount of the tortilla that the casadilla was made from seems to help. I also received in 1 container of syntha 6 protein as well as

Hi I am a recent returner to the site. Thanks for the encouragement. I won't repost my details. You can see them in my recent new post. 5 years out needing help to get back on track. Keep the faith and sip slowly.

Hi I had my VS oct 2010. Yep. I loved it. Still do. Problem is I lost me way. I feel trapped in a forest of unhealthy foods. I can eat anything in small portions. I know my sleeve is stretched. Last dr visit he x rayed it said some expansion. That was 3 yrs ago. So now I feel like it would be Mount Everest. I started back on protein today. Has some water and my Vits. Started feeling hungry so I ate a small amount and stopped when full. Hoping I can recover over next few days and start the weight loss again. Sad to say when I started this process I was 257. Surgery day I was 247 with hypertension and boarder line type 2. Today I feel sluggish and fat all over again. I just want to hide. I do not feel happy, sexy or worthy. Especially once I stepped on scale. The last time I was on one I was at 139 at 1 yr out. Today it said 180. That's a 41lb increase since I year. I am about to start the 5 day pouch reset. Hoping it helps. Kick start my diet again. Thanks to all of you. I don't post often but I visit site from time to time to check in.

HI all, Im new to this forum, and new to the sleeve, I had my surgery on Oct 29,th. and have had the growling issue,. its ok when i dont eat but all kane is raised when I eat food. So i take and antacid and it seems to calm down. I also have to remind myself to eat.