FlawedMan

These first two months FLEW by. I have lost 47lbs post surgery 78lbs including pre-op diet. Weight loss has come in fits and starts. Nothing for a couple days, then a pound or two per day for a few days. Then back to nada. Only side effect I have encountered is a complete intolerance for artificial sweeteners (no problem before surgery). This is only a big deal in that it has taken protien powders off the menu, making getting in all my protien a challenge. Now eating any food I want. No prob getting in 60-80 oz Water 4oz wet food at one time (chili, tuna salad, cottage cheese) 2-3oz dry food (turkey, chicken, cheese) Average intake over the last 2wks: 427 calories 14g Fat 32g Carbs 43g Protien Favorite food: Chili (have 1/2c almost every day) I don't feel any smaller, but clothes are sloppy loose and the tape measure shows -6" from chest and -5" from waist. Energy is on the comeback however stamina is still not there. Light exercise: Walk 1 mile 3-4 times a week, weights (light) twice a week. Regarding the comment (many of you have heard similar) "if you can lose 30lbs before surgey why couldn't you lose it all naturally?" My reply "Can you hold your breath for 30 seconds? Why can't you hold it for an hour?" FM

I can only speak for my experience, but I've had no gas or acid reflux problems. I make my chili meat heavy. 1/2c has 101 calories 1g fat 11g carb 12g Protein. If anything, the Beans help keep the trains running on time When I eat or drink anything with sucralose my stomach knots up, I vomit, and feel queasy for hours. Not pleasant Soon2BMiniMommy, you are giving me too much credit. It is almost 50lbs in TWO months. (I am still happy) Good to hear the reply is liked, please feel free to adapt it as your own if the opportunity should present itself. FM

32F asked and answered directly from Dr Almanza. The Bougie is only the diameter of your sleeve. The length of your sleeve will vary due to your personal anatomy. I was happy with my experience with Dr Almanza. A few htches, but nothing that would keep me from going back. FM

Since surgery, the artifical sweeteners (hence the protien drinks)) have been a no go. I get a lot of my protien from 1% milk mixed w/ powdered milk. I add 1/3c powdered milk to 2 cups 1% milk. 8oz of this = 2.5F 18C 12P. A little high on the carbs, but liquids and protiens are MUCH more important early on. Instead of the laughing cow I like the Frigo cheese Heads reduced fat/light cheese sticks. Cheaper and more protien. 3-5F 0C 8P per 1oz. (3or5 depending on flavor). Now that I am a month out I have added Turkey Jerky for Snacks. I chew it for a long time (like meat flavored gum) 0.5F 3C 15P per ounce. FM

Thanks! That is EXACTLY what I was hoping to hear. FM

Well this was an unexpected disappointment. I climbed on the scales 4 days after surgery and I am UP 5 LBS! I assume this is a temporary thing, but I don't like it FM

That has to be one of the all time greatest Drs office visits!!! FM

Doggy was fine. She immediately wanted to jump on me though I posted the long version of my experience in the Mexico section: http://www.verticalsleevetalk.com/topic/19693-hospital-jerusalem-and-dr-almanza/ FM

After this semi-tortuous 4 week pre-op diet, the last 2 of which was liquid...I feel like the dog in this video: I actually leave tonight about midnight to be in San Diego in time to catch the shuttle into TJ. (not looking forward to the drive back home after.) I must confess, I have though about cowarding out... oh... I don't know ... maybe 2, 3 ... or 106 times. But then what? No better option than to go through with it. Two things are still weighing on my mind: 1. I feel like a jerk leaving my dog home alone. Plenty of food and Water, but no one to look in on her. 2. How am I going to keep track of my bag during testing and surgery? (silly but I can't stop obsessing about it) FM PS do they make maple bacon flavored Protein drinks?

Surgery went well. They let me go home a day early. I'll post a more complete report on my experience soon. Glad I was able to keep the urge to chicken out at bay : ) Thanks again for all the well wishes. They were felt and much appreciated! FM

She has indoor outdoor access via doggy door. She has a kiddie pool full of Water and an ice chest full of kibble. She should be fine as long as I return on schedule. Good to know about the bag. FM

Phoebe Mortensen was my coordinator, but she has been MIA often and Bianca Estioko has done most of the work. I don't really like the coordinator system, but I guess they have their reasons for doing business that way. FM

What a great line! I am sooo gonna steal it. Congrats on your success! FM

kemo46 very happy to hear everything went so well for you. I'll be following in your footsteps with Dr. Almanza on 6-14-2011. I've found your blog and the photos very informative! FM

The reading I have done seems to indicate that 25-30g is the limit us mere mortals can make use of at one time. Bodybuilders and other high use types can make use of more. FM

I'm in the club, June 14 here. Does anybody have a decibel meter I can borrow? I gotta be setting some kind of record with this growling stomach. FM

As sleeve 4 me said, it will vary from person to person. It also depends what kind of work you do. Assuming no serious complications. (fingers crossed for ya) If you have a low physical demand job where you can easily take a break if you are not feeling well and you can keep a supply of Water handy for sipping, you can return fairly soon. A more strenuous job that you can't keep water handy or take a quick break as needed, may require more time off. My only advice is, take one more day than you think you "need". FM

Got the surgery date: 6/14/11. Pretty dawg gone excited. Too soon to start packing? Nahh. I'll change what is in the bag at least a dozen times. FM

To the tune of - "The Ballad of Jed Clampett" Come and listen to a story about a man named Ted A poor dieter, really kept himself fed, Then one day he was scarfin’ down some food, And around came a gal sayin’ something rude. Fat he is, big-ol’, chubby. Well next thing ya know Ted’s in smaller underwear, Kinfolk said "Ted there is less of you there" Said "How did you do it, can you tell me?" So he smiled real wide and said VSG surgery. Thin, he is. Lookin’ cool, tiny scars. Hello all. I have already taken much support and encouragement from reading this forum (thank you). I am 43yrs 6'0" 448lbs. Currently day 8 of 29 day pre-op diet. (10 day 30-40g carb, 5 day 1 meal still low carb and 2 Protein drinks, 14 day full liquid) I don't have a surgery date yet, waiting on passport. So... that pre-op diet could be extended. Got the date 6/14/11 Dr. Mario Almanza - Jerusalem Hospital - TJ Mexico I picked my goal weight of 224 fairly arbitrarialy. The formula "HALF" worked for my divorce, so why not here? Hardest part so far... throwing away (donating unopend) all the food that is no longer on my menu. First surprise... my chubby dog is losing weight too. No more Cookies, crackers, chips for her to mooch. Sorry girl. Looking forward to sharing in your struggels and victories, and having some of my own. Ted

Wow. 25lbs and camping the first month. You are tearing it up! FM

Hi i i Chuck. Congrats on the sleeve! I am a casual Collective Soul fan, but must admit I had to track down you song "Better Now". Very appropriate! Ted

meggiep, thank you for sharing that info with us. I had no idea artificial sweetener was bad for pets. Ted

Thanks all for the warm reception. Glad the tune was good for a few smiles. Cheech (the doggie) hasn't gotten desperate enough for the Protein shakes yet, but she has displayed a fondness for the LF cottage cheese That Passport can't get here soon enough. I think having an actual set date will relieve one layer of stress. Ted

Fly, you are my hero! Awsome job. FM