slowkat

Hi, not sure if someone will read my question here so I may post the same question as a separate topic but I see from reading all the replies here that a person w/the sleeve can eat a good variety of foods. My question is, can I eat all the foods together? For example, normally if I eat meat, it's meat, veggies like English peas and/or green Beans or corn and maybe some sweet potato if I have it. I realize the major reduction in the amount of what I can eat w/the sleeve, but have some confusion on that...is it one food item per meal, for instance, do I only get to eat a small piece of meat...nothing else...at, say lunch, then for dinner, small amt of veggies? Or can I eat the meat & veggies together? What about sweet potato for an added measure? I'm trying to avoid white potatoes due to the starch but am learning to like the sweet potato (I actually cannot stand them, lol but I'll eat them b/c they're good for me).

I guess my question is, do I get a 'real' meal or is it one tiny piece of meat and that's it for my meal for a few hours then I can eat a spoonful of veggies for my next meal? Kinda confused on the quantity of the meal. If anyone can give me some insight, it'd be much appreciated. Sorry if my question is confusing.

--Slowkat.

Thanks so much for all the replies. I'm still on the fence about the procedure. Still not 100% on whether it's right for me or the right time. IF I decide that surgery is the right option, it'll be the sleeve no doubt about that, just still trying to decide lol. Not an easy decision to make.

aqua jogging... buy a float belt and you can do it on your own in any pool.. no classes needed like with Water aerobics and the workout is much better (i'm a former lifeguard and water aerobics instructor)... aqua jogging is what most uni & pro athletes do for rehab... i've done it too... it is an amazing workout and there is no impact on your knees and ankle, whereas there is some impact with water aerobics.... ( i did it for 1 year after i tore my right anterior talofibular ligament in my ankle) .... it really helped and let me exercise when i could hardly even walk

Huh, I've never heard of aqua jogging...I should try it! Thanks!!

Do you have access to a treadmill? Hills might not be the best for your injury but walking backwards on a treadmill may help you. It strengthens some different muscles in your quads that in turn help support your knees. I always get a good sweat going when I do this. Also, maybe eliminate hills for a while and just do some interval training such as walking at a moderate pace for a minute and then faster walk/jog for 2min. and keep alternating this. It will get your heart rate up and change what you are currently doing. Push yourself out of your comfort zone without putting yourself at risk for injury.

I did have a treadmill but sold it b/c it was just too hard on my knees. I have a recumbant (sp?) bicycle now that I like & is much easier on the knees as my legs go 'round & 'round rather than a 'jolting' kind of movement w/the treadmill. I do like the elliptical machine though, much easier on me for my particular knee issues...it's more like a bicycle movement as opposed to just 'walking' which seems to be a more 'jolting' type movement for me. Thanks though for the suggestion, I appreciate it!!

Yep, what Eureka-C said! ANYTHING is fair game but try and eat Protein first then the other stuff if you still want something.

I've heard a few genuine sounding precautionary tails about avoiding raw celery stalks and coconut due to the vast amount of fibrous tissue they contain, these "may" ball up in the stomach and since they're pretty indestructible may cause what's called a bezoar - in a cat it's called a hair BALL.

...But I LUV coconut....

Oh yes walking is great especially if you can do hills. With your knee though maybe you should try Water aerobics

Ya know I forgot about Water aerobics! Thanx! I can go up hills fairly okay...it's the coming back DOWN the hills that gives me problems in that case but water aerobics sounds good. I can also swim laps too! Thanks!!

--SK.

After suffering a really BAD knee injury...I'm really limited now on what exercises I can do. I try to walk as much as I can but hafta stop after a while, like 20-30 mins b/c my knee starts hurting so bad. I was just wondering, is walking good enough to help w/my weight loss goals w/the sleeve or do I need to do something 'more' to help w/the weight loss? Thanks, in advance, to anyone who replies.

--Sk.

At 7 months, I eat anything that I want. To keep losing weight, I try and choose Protein first, then veggies, and grains last. I drink at least 2 servings of milk a day, and avoid slider foods. That is one reason I chose the sleeve. I believe a balance of food choices in important to good health and I didn't want to be restricted on anything. I have been on and off diets since I was 8 years old. I refuse to be a dieter any more. I find I can easily pass up on rice (no desire), have to be careful and chew sandwich bread and flour tortillas well or they stick going down, and cake/cookies/chocolate are way to easy to eat. It seems like forever when you are healing, but it is only a few months. It also allows you to develop new habits. Use that time to focus on the new habits, and it will be easier when you are allowed to eat whatever you want again. As for the restriction, I still can only eat about 1 to 1 and 1/2 cups food total. I am finally getting used to serving myself appropriate portions, throwing away leftovers, and feeling okay about leaving behind restaurant food. Best of luck to you in your journey.

This is really helpful! Thanx for posting. Reading this makes me feel more confident on getting the sleeve.

--SK.

I haven't had mine done yet, I am going thru the process and Dr. Seger is my surgeon. Did you end up using BMI? Which surgeon did you have and how was it?

Hi! I haven't done mine yet...still debating, lol but please let me know how yours turns out & what your experience was w/this doctor & facility. It'd really help me I think to make a decision on who to use! Good luck on your procedure & again, keep me/us posted!! I'd luv to hear about your experience(s) & progress!!! Thanks!!

--SK.

Just wanted to know if anyone has been sleeved at BMI of Texas in San Antonio, the doctors listed there are Dr. Terive Duperier and Dr. Mickey Seger & what your experience was w/them or perhaps another San Antonio facility?? I was wanting to go to Dr. Alvarez in Mexico but a bit chicken to go to Mexico just yet & was trying to find a facility in Texas since I already live here. Any info would be great, good or bad. Thanks, in advance, to anyone who replies.

If I get WLS, it'll be the sleeve & I don't plan on telling anyone. My blabbermouthed hubby will prob tell everyone even if I ask him not to, but for me, I had been raised in a volatile environment & gained a lot of weight from emotional eating. Once I got out of that situation at age 18, I lost all the weight & kept it off w/no problem for 12.5 yrs. Then I decided to have a child, never lost the baby weight & found out I was now hypothyroid so all my hard work to lose weight & keep it off went out the window. I've been obese for 7 yrs now & after trying for a long time to lose this weight (& keep off what I lost which didn't work, I always gain it back whereas before I had no prob losing/keeping it off) & I'm at a complete loss as to how I can lose this weight on my own now. My health has declined so badly when I used to be so 'cute' & active & happy & healthy & never out of breath when exercising. Now I can't exert myself w/o feeling as though my heart will jump out of my chest or I feel as though I'm going to pass out at any moment. I am also so fatigued that I fall asleep so easily now, I find myself in constant need of a nap. I now hafta make the painful decision & accept the fact that WLS is my only option. So in response as to 'why' I'm not going to tell anyone is b/c I feel so humiliated in that I lost all my weight before & kept it off...on my own & thought I had beaten the so called odds that you always hear about..."you never lose weight on your own w/o gaining it all back plus more..." Because I'd kept it off for so long w/little effort, I thought I'd never gain it back but now I've fallen into that catagory when I thought it'd never happen to me. I don't want people to not believe me when I tell them I've lost weight on my own before, those who still think I'm "skinny". Very few ppl have seen me fat again. I feel that if I tell them I now have had surgery, they won't believe that I did it on my own before so I don't want to listen to the haters & non-believers who call me a liar behind my back. I feel bad enough as it is having become this way again w/o added comments from others. While hypothyroidism is a legit reason for gaining the weight back, I don't want to 'have to' explain all that when I can just say "I maintain my weight loss by following a strict diet".

I agree with bzbutterfly79.. we come here to not be judged but somehow through peoples posts we are.. all the poster wanted was your expierence not what u think about what other people chose to do and how you feel about it.. its everyone's own decision to handle things the way they do. As for me I only told my husband and good friend I don't believe everyone needs to know my business. And it certainly wasn't a shame thing. It's a mind your won business thing.. so the next time you want to sit here and judge people on why they choose not to tell. Take your own advice and skip over the topic

I don't plan on telling anyone. From about the 6th grade to the 10th grade I was fat but then I decided to change & by 12th grade I lost 30lbs, went to college & by the end of the first semester, I lost the remaining 35lbs & KEPT IT OFF for 12 1/2 yrs! Til I had a child & developed hypothyroidism & gained 85 lbs!...totally not expected & totally NOT kewl w/me! While I expected 'baby weight', I expected to lose it too. I could not believe all that hard work I did to lose that 65 lbs & maintain my weightloss just went down the toilet & nothing I could do about it. That was 7 yrs ago & after YEARS of constant struggle to lose just to gain it back, I've just broke down & accepted the fact I need help now. I don't want to tell anyone if I get VSG b/c I first of all don't think it's anyone's business but most importantly, I don't want anyone to think I got surgery in the first place to have lost all the original weight back in high school/college. I don't want to have to explain, 'No, I did that all myself but then got thyroid issues then gained it all back plus 20 more so I had to get surgery'. Knowing the people in my home town (and my relatives), they won't believe me & I'm sure the truth will come out if I happen to go out w/someone & can't eat a 'normal amount'. While, true, it shouldn't matter, I feel like a complete failure & it wasn't my fault. My husband will know b/c it can't be avoided. I hope he keeps my request not to tell other people even though I'm sure he'll tell everyone as soon he finds out. He just doesn't think anything is sacred or secret between husband & wife, which is a shame.

So I guess in telling you all this, do what makes YOU feel good, do what feels right to you. If you feel liberated & not 'ashamed' as I will go for it, if not, keep it to yourself. It's your choice & no one should force info out of you just b/c they're being nosy. Good luck!!!

This started out as just a reply to someone who repied to another post I made on another topic but thought I'd ask those here...I'm leaning more towards the sleeve everyday but still have trouble making decisions. I know in the long run it's best but I'm just having anxious feelings on what to say to those close to me (like co-workers or close friends) who ask if I've had surgical weight loss. My first reaction would be that it's none of their business. But knowing my relatives who might find out, they never can keep a secret (sad to say, one of them is my hubby, lol) so if & when the word gets out, what do I say to those who ask? I REALLY REALLY wanna keep my private matters private but those who are close to me will know something went on. Another issue I have with making a final decision on the sleeve is 'what' I can eat. I'm just so afraid that I'll end up at someone's home for dinner or get invited to stay for dinner & not be able to eat what they provide or end up having to stop somewhere to eat on a roadtrip & wonder what I'll get to eat. I think eating out won't be a problem b/c most places have things to choose from but sometimes I'll go to a friends house to visit & they always have me stay for dinner. I feel terrible at having to say "I'm sorry, I can't eat that" b/c I want to keep the surgery to myself, what do I say to them? These are people that actually fill my plate before they give it to me even saying "that's plenty thanks" they just keep putting more on there then I feel wasteful if I can't eat it all. I don't want to appear to just be 'picking' at my food. That's my actual problem on deciding, does anyone here have any advice?? Should I just say I'm just cutting back on what I eat? Funny I know asking strangers but I think this is a great support group, everyone here seems so supportive & helpful!! Thanks, in advance, for any replies!!

--SK.

Hi Slowkat,

I promised updates on my VSG 1/06/2011 (2 weeks out today) surgery with Dr Aceves in Mexicali Mexico. I lost 13 lbs pre op from around Thanksgiving till surgery day. Since surgery, I have lost another 9 lbs for a total of 22 lbs. Note I'm only 4'10" and started out at 174 less 22 lbs = 152 lbs. I have another 42 lbs to get to goal so the sleeve is working for me.

I had a bougie of 36 which got oversewn to a 32 and is the standard size my surgeon uses. Another woman who had surgery the same day as I did requested a bougie of 40 which got oversewn to a 36 so I know my surgeon accomodates his patients after discussing what difference the size would make for them.

Did you make any decsions yet?

Priscilla

Hey! Thanks for the update, I appreciate it! I'm leaning more towards the sleeve everyday but still have trouble making decisions, lol. I know in the long run it's best but I'm just having anxious feelings on 'what' I can eat. I'm just so afraid that I'll end up at someone's home for dinner or get invited to stay for dinner & not be able to eat what they provide or end up having to stop somewhere to eat on a roadtrip & wonder what I'll get to eat. I think eating out won't be a problem b/c most places have things to choose from but sometimes I'll go to a friends house to visit & they always have me stay for dinner. I feel terrible at having to say "I'm sorry, I can't eat that" b/c I want to keep the surgery to myself, what do I say to them? That's my actual problem on deciding, do you have any advice?? Funny I know asking a stranger but I think this is a great support group, everyone here seems so supportive & helpful!! Thanks for the update & keep it coming!!

--SK.

Thanks to all who reply...keep them coming. I appreciate each of your replies. It really does help & I'm leaning more toward the sleeve everyday...I just have trouble making decisions b/c I wanna make sure that I choose right for myself. Thanks again! Y'all have been great!

I need to get my thyroid checked. I know my mom was on meds for it.

About the belly size, Lets say you go with the RNY or the Lap Band your new pouch is only going to be the size of an egg. Different doctors use different bougie sizes, so you can ask your surgeon what size is used. My opinion is that they remove that amount for a reason, you want that Gherlin--sp? removed to reduce hunger pains, they are also removing the "stretchy" part of the stomach--so if its done too wide it would be like you never had the surgery.

Yeah I understand abt that, I'm just worried abt malnutrition. I haven't eaten a whole lot for a long time so eating 'less' won't probably be that much of a change for me in that respect, I'm just afraid I won't get the right amt of food. For instance, a good meal for me wud be: a chicken leg/thigh either baked, broiled or boiled; a green salad w/broccoli, green peppers, cucumbers, carrots, etc; a serving spoon size amt of fresh fruit & maybe a veggie like corn, peas, Beans, etc. Sometimes I'd include a small amt of rice but not always as it fills me up too quick & I had been eating my salad last so by the time I ate my fruit, chicken & veggie, I'm getting pretty full. That to me is a well balanced meal, a little bit of everything. Once I have the sleeve, I won't be able to get all of what I think is a balanced meal. Any thoughts?? Thanks!

I can eat 4 to 6 ounces of Protein foods like Chili w/beans, fish, chicken salad, etc. I can eat much more in slider foods like cheese it's, cheeto's etc. because they are made of nothing...and end up like mush in your tiny stomach. That is why I can eat more of those, but I've totally stopped that completely because I was going in a bad direction...old habits creaping up on me. I could eat a Jr. Hamburger from Sonic for 1.00. But that would be my entire meal for lunch. I've had to stop that too, because of the carbs. in the bread. I don't feel my stomach has stretched...it's just the foods you choose. chips, crackers, chocolate, etc..go down easy, and you can eat more of them. Solid Protein foods fill you up and keep you full much much longer. My Dr. explained to me that the part of the stomach the the sleeve is made of, is the toughest part of the stomach. It has the most muscle, to it dosen't stretch like the lower part of the stomach. I believe that....Just make the best choices you can....eat smart....don't eat junk. I WAS eating junk for a while and I gained 5 lbs...in 2 weeks...that just devestated me...and I'm back on track now....And I'm staying on it.

Hi, I just wanted to ask...I haven't decided on the sleeve yet but reading your post makes me feel better abt it in the fear of being malnourished...may I ask you who your dr was, where you got yours done & also, from what I read, I already eat enough to be satisified like "jr hamburger from Sonic" or McDonalds, etc as my whole meal so it looks to me that the amt I eat already really doesn't seem to be any less than what it'll be after the sleeve. Were you able to drink anything w/your burger (burger is just an example), I'm really weaning myself off of junk but sometimes that's all there is so in the event I HAVE to eat something like that, just wanted to know what your experience has been. I normally prefer the grilled chicken over a burger any day so would I need to just get a plain one & dump the bun?? Thanks!!!

I'm so sorry that ppl in your life can't respect you or your privacy...how dare they be so nosey as to "HAVE to just KNOW what you're up to." This is my fear also that ppl will judge me in that I had "gained all the weight bk that I had lost yrs ago" & "couldn't keep it off" but mine is due to post-partum hypothyroidism. Had it not been for this, I would still be healthy & happy. I am still on the fence w/trying to decide what to do for fear of that being judged that I couldn't do it on my own so I commend you for taking that step & wish you support & best wishes for your weight loss!!! Just remember, it's no one's business what you do, where you go or why you're there. If you don't want someone to know, just simply don't tell them. When approached w/the same type of questions, I just say politely "It's not something I prefer to discuss w/co-workers, my husband & I are really private people & while I appreciate your enthusiasm, I choose not to discuss my private life outside the home." Sometimes I get an attitude from the person so I might say "well I'm sorry that I disappointed you in not telling you my private goings on but that's just the way we are..." ...maybe that will help you. You prob just were excited abt the procedure & the anticipation of the eventual weight loss as to why you told your friend but trust that she will keep that to herself & if anyone asks abt it then you can chose what to do from that point. Hope this bit of support helps! I'm still undecided! Good luck!!!

I have hypothyroidism and have met goal. The one thing we have learned is that I need less of my thyroid medicine - I am assuming because my body is smaller??? Make sure your doctor keeps a close check on your thyroid during weightloss. My medicine has been adjusted 3 times since surgery.

Good luck!

Thanks for replying! I'm supposed to weigh abt 137-140 technically. My goal is at least 155 so it's great to see someone who lost abt the same amt as I'm supposed to lose. Thanks for your info & support, I didn't think of having to make sure my dr keeps a close monitoring, I'll definitly make sure!! I appreciate it!

--SK.

Thank you all who replied, it does help knowing I'm not alone in this! Pumpkin...I agree w/you in that it does seem to be a bit overkill in the amt of stomach that's removed. I wonder if I ask the dr to leave just a bit more in if he'd do it??? Hmmmm....

--SK.

I have hypothroidism (Hashimoto's) and am scheduled to have the Sleeve surgery on Jan 6th with Dr Aceves. He and Dr Campos have both reviewed my medical history because I have other co-morbidities but neither of them ever mentioned that it would be a problem. I can let you know how the weight loss goes for me after I have it done, if you like.

Priscilla

Yes definitly let me know how it goes for you. I'd love a step by step as you progress how it goes. I'm really on the fence, still not deciding as I agree w/one of the other posters that it seems to be a bit 'overkill' on the amt of stomach that's removed. I think that I'd like a bit more left like they used to do (from what I read). But thank you for replying & yes, plz let me know how it goes! Thanks!!!

--SK.

I developed hypothyroidism 7 yrs ago & it's been really a let down...I've tried & tried & tried to lose weight & keep it off which usually didn't have a problem w/my weight loosing & keeping it off but now...it's nearly impossible. I'm considering the sleeve but dunno if it will work for me as I've received mixed info from 3 different doctors, 2 saying the same thing that yes I probably will lose abt 70% of the weight but will plateau & might lose the rest but not likely due to the hypothyroidism which I realize ANY weight loss is a great thing & I'd be only abt 15 lbs over my correct weight. The third doctor's staff say that they've performed this procedure on hypothyroid patients & those individuals have had no problems w/losing all their weight so I'm at a loss as to what I should do...I would really appreciate anyone who has hypothyroidism who've had the sleeve & what your long term results have been & if you've had any different (thyroid related) reactions like losing the weight a lot more slowly than expected or having not lost any weight at all or not as much as you'd have hoped or have lost almost all then plateaued or outcomes on anything different than any known non-thyroid patients. I don't want to get the procedure then get disappointed. Thanks!!!

I hope I can use a straw afterwards...I'm sort of a germaphobe & always use a straw when eating out.