rosiegirl

hi - how are you? I see you were sleeved in Westchester? Me too! on Sept 24 .. in NWH ... where did you go .. NWH or WH? Who was your doc? Mine was Dr. Roslin. How are you doing? Hang in there .. the first 3 weeks were the hardest for me .. then miraculously, all got so much better! I know you are going to do great! keep the peace ....

Hi - my surgery was Sept. 24th, so 2 days ago it was basically 3 months since ... I'm down 53 lbs ... I think I'm a slower loser than most of you from what I read, but I'm very happy w/my success so far .. I figure, it took me almost 20 years (I'm 53) to get to my heaviest (about 269), so if it takes me 1-2 years to get to my goal, I'm way ahead of the game! I'm in no rush ... just being patient and working at getting healthier day by day. I still cannot eat too much, just tiny little portions, which is fine ... but still not at a good point where I can have "anything" .. basically mushies and soups are the easiest thing for me still, but that's ok .. I know that eventually I will get to where all of you sound like you are at so I'm just taking it slow & enjoying success. cheers to you all! Happy New Year!

wow - all you guys are doing so great! congrats! I guess I'm going at a slower rate, I was sleeved on 9/24 and was 265 prior to surgery, 269 after surfer, and at present, 218. I guess I'm averaging about 2-3 lbs a week .... I'm not working out yet, but keep telling myself I have to start (I hate hate hate exercise). And I sometimes struggle to get more than 50g of protein in a day ... but I'm working at it ... can you guys tell me, is 50-60 g of protein a day sufficient? I just cannot seem to get it above that marker .. I get full so easily, I really am having a hard time getting more than that in on a good day???? let me know your thoughts, thanks.

to all .... I am just under 3 months since my VS surgery, and so far not much hair loss at all (basically a few strands when I wash my hair, but I am attributing that to the weather change) ... I started using Wen shampoo about 2 months prior to my surgery in September, and I don't know if it has helped or not, but so far, so good. Wen is a sulfate free shampoo, and is supposed to help strengthen and make your hair healthy ... so for anyone who might be interested, it seems to have so far worked for me. But then again, I don't know what will happen in the next few weeks/months w/my hair, so I will have to wait & see and keep you all informed if there is any change. Just thought I would share this info about Wen shampoo in case for any reason it helps w/hair loss ... I have thick curly hair, and am so hoping I don't start losing my hair ... I think I will be very upset (but am ready for it, since everyone seems to say it happens). I'm just happy I'm losing weight - down almost 50 lbs since Sept. 24th, so for that, I'm extremely thankful!

re: Jay Robb unflavored protein powder -- YES, it's whey protein! sorry, I neglected to answer that part!

Re: Jay Robb protein powder - I originally bought it at Wholefoods, which is a health food chain store in this area, but am now purchasing it directly online from Jay Robb Enterprises and it comes monthly (on autoship) and is a bit cheaper this way ... it is more expensive that some brands like Walmart sells, but it works for me, and is a whopping 26g protein per scoop, which is the way I make my shake (as I said, w/14 oz of skim milk, which adds approx 12-14 additional g of proteini, a pack of chocolate alba (which adds additional 6g of protein) and a tablespoon+ of peanut butter (which adds additional 3 g of protein) -- all total, my shake is over 46g of protein, which, as I said, I have to split up into two servings (I have 1 serving in about an hour and wait another 2 hours of more to have the second serving) ... then, at that point, I don't have to work so hard throughout the day to get the remainder of my protein in .. so this works for me ... I hope this helps you ... oh - and if you add another 1/2 of banana to your shake in the blender, it's another 1/2g of protein, I believe! :-) (and sometimes I even put some fat-free chocolate syrup in the mix to give it a dash more chocolate flavor). I like the Jay Robb unflavored protein because it really doesn't have any smell, and most of the other protein powders gross me out w/the smell of it all .. I'm a little peculiar that way ... :-) good luck!!!

I am actually so glad to read all your posts .. I was sleeved on 9/24/11 and I still cannot eat much of anything ... I still have most success with pureed Soups (lentil & vegetable) and rely heavily on my Protein shakes (which I wish I didn't have to, but otherwise, and afraid I won't meet my protein requirements). Have recently been able to incorporate a piece or string cheese in here & there, but really not having tremendous success with chicken, turkey or tuna fish ... a few bites and I'm really done ... oh, egg salad works (not too much though), cottage cheese (sometimes) and of course greek yogurt is my savior for protein too ... so I'm so glad to hear I'm not alone re: "foods" or being able to tolerate much of anything just yet .. I'm trying, but it's been difficult for me (I've thrown up a few times and it's totally gross, and then I'm afraid to try stuff again for fear of throwng up again -- I totally hate throwing up). anyway, thanks for everyone sharing so it makes me feel better that I'm not alone ..

my favorite is Jay Robb unflavored protein powder - has no smell, and I mix 14 oz of skim milk, a package of chocolate Alba (which adds another 6 grams of protein), 1/2 banana & a tablespoon of peanut butter .. it comes out thick & tastes like a chocolate peanut butter shake. It's very filling, so I only have 1/2 of the complete shake at a time (put the other 1/2 in the fridge until about 1.5 - 2 hours later) and it's a whopping 46+ grams of protein for the entire thing ... really helps me meet my protein requirements each day ... hope this helps.

omg - i am so sorry you've been through such a rough time ... honest, I thought I had it rough in the hospital (the other people who had surgery the same day as me seemed to have had an easier time recovering than me) but it sounds like you really had a rough time .. I'm so sorry! Did your sister have any complications after her surgery? I really am hoping you are feeling better every day ... I will say a prayer for you & keep you in my thoughts. keep me posted.

oh - btw, i believe the support groups meet at 5:30 pm every 1st Thursday eve of each month at the hospital .. (mtgs. from 5:30 - 6:30 pm) ... hope to see you there.

well, if you want to see a different cardiologist & maybe sooner, give Dr Richard Kaye a call .. again, at Westchester Medical Ctr (or affiliated with) ... what insurance do you have? Not sure about hematologists, but maybe Roslin's office can help you find one .. ??? So, did you have a heart attack recently? Is that why you have to see a cardiologist? Didn't you have to see one prior to the surgery for a stress test? I thoughtI had to have a stress test prior to surgery ... but in any event, I had one 6 months prior to surgery anyway .... I used a good thoracic surgeon recently, Dr. Cathcart, and I have a good lung doctor, Dr. Molinari .. both were located in Mt. Kisco area. I really hope you continue to improve every day ... and yes, I think the next support group is Dec.1st, but will let you know if I hear otherwise ... keep up the good work and keep the faith! Let me know how things go ...

I'm sorry - I didn't realize you had a heart attack? who is your cardiologist? My husband has a fabulous cardiologist in Westchester Hospital - Dr. Richard Kaye. I also am sorry about your spleen ... did your sister have complications after her surgery? Let me know if you plan on going to a support group in NW ... I've been going every month when they have them (usually first Thursday of each month). I really do hope you feel better soon .. hang in there ... I have no doubt you will start to feel better!!!! I was like you, though, the first 3 weeks I felt so miserable I kept telling myself I made the biggest mistake in my life. Now, though, I am feeling so much better and realize it was the best decision in my life in that it will help me live a longer & healthier life in the long run .. I feel confident the same will be true for you ..hang in there ... I'm sure it will get better! Keep me posted.

to my ossining friend, I am sorry you had complications ... but I totally understand ... I was a little "sick" when I was in the hospital (had a bout of pneumonia) but actually checked myself out before they wanted me to leave because I felt I would do better at home ... and I think I've had a more difficult time recuperating than some other people .. I guess everyone heals a little differently! I do hope you are doing better every day -- be patient -- it took me 3 weeks at a minimum before I started to feel better ... I had my surgery on Sept 24th, and I still cannot eat much of anything but liquids and mushies .. I'm just not ready yet for real "solids" .. but I know my body will tell me when I am ready ... hang in there - I'm sure you will do great! Do you or your sister go to the support groups at the hospital in NW?

My saving grace has been pureed Lentil Vegetable Soup (Amy's Organic); I puree in a baby bullet I purchased and heat up .. .it tastes good and it's got 8 grams of Protein per serving .. if you like lentils, you'll like this ... or if you like an other Beans (black beans), maybe try a can of black bean vegetable soup & puree .. that too has protein in it re: beans (I'm not a black bean person but I do love lentils). Was sleeve on 9/24, so still eating mushies, although today was able to keep down a few slices of turkey .. but my tummy really likes pureed foods much better at this point ... so I'm doing what's best for my tummy right now (I tried mushy tunafish, but that didn't work for me just yet). Also, applesauce (although it doesn't have protein in it), and cottage cheese (which does has protein) works for me. I also pureed some cream spinach and that worked well for me too, although drinking pureed green stuff is kind of gross when I actually looked what I was having (reminded me of those nutty people who juice spinach! ha!) Keep up the good work! RG

I am in Westchester (NY) and had my VSG with Dr. Roslin - Northern Westchester Hospital. Perhaps you want to give their office a call and see if they can assist? I was very very happy with my surgery and w/Dr. Roslin (had VSG on 9/24). regards, RG

Hi - good luck w/your surgery - I'm sure you will do great. I was sleeved on Sept 24, and to be honest, the first 1 1/2 was much harder for me than I had anticipated. I was in more pain/discomfort than anyone had forewarned me about, but that's just me. Sounds like a lot of people have it easier than I did, but just don't be scared or discouraged if you're in pain for a good week to 2 weeks. Then, magically, it all starts to get better .. i'm feeling soooo much better now and it's only been just shy of 5 weeks, so that just give you a glimpse of what it feels like through a newbies eyes who did have some uncomfortable days. I have lost almost 30 lbs now, and I'm really happy. I have about 100 more to go, but I am patient and realize it took me like 15 years to get to this point so if it takes me 1-2 years to take it off, I will be way ahead of the game. I'm still on mushies, but did manage to have some sliced turkey breast today (very thinly sliced .. about 3 pieces) and managed to keep it down. i tried mushy tuna fish a few days ago, but that didn't stay down .. so i waited till today to try something more "solid" .. one of the best mushies I have had was a can of lentil Soup (which I totally love lentil vegetable soup) and pureed it in a baby bullet and heated up ... it has been my savior these past few weeks on mushy stage ... you might find comfort in more warmer mushies/liquids than cold after the surgery, so keep that in mind. Decaffinated flavored tea (hot) was also very very soothing to me after the surgery my first two weeks. I use Jay Rob unflavored Protein powder and mix it in (a huge scoop) with 20 oz of flavored (cappuccino) soy milk (it's very low fat) .. I buy the soy milk in the grocery store in the healthy food isle -- it comes in a box and is not in the refrigerated isle but rather, is boxed like some boxed juices or tomato sauce might be (like Palme - sp?) ... but once you get home you can put in the refrigerator and then it will be cold when you make your Protein shake and it really tastes quite good - almost like a milkshake (this has been the only way I can get my Liquid Protein in w/protein powder since I am not a fan of Protein Powder and this has no smell (the unflavored Jay Robb) and the Cappuccino soy milk makes it taste like a milkshake). Anyway, I hope this is helpful. Oh - you can buy Jay Robb's unflavored protein powder directly online via Jay Robb's website -- it's not the cheapest thing around, but it's good and has been a saving grace for me and worth every penny. I know have it on autoship so I am sure to have every month when I need ... Good luck and hang tight -- I'm sure you will do great! (if I could, then anyone can!) RG

I had my VSG on Sept 24 ... I started using a sulfate free shampoo prior to then, and am wondering if anyone is using a sulfate free shampoo and if that helped w/the hair loss ... I'm really hoping I don't have major hair loss, but am prepared to go through what everyone else is saying happens ... ughhh ... pls. advise. thanks! RG

Hi - I was sleeved on Sept 24, so probably right around where you are too ... I'm on mushies now too -- cottage cheese works well for me, so does pureed lentil Soup (which is good Protein, and I love lentils) ... tried tuna w/mayo today, but that didn't work for me ... but will try again in a few days. My nutrioinist also said maybe some chicken, pureed with some broth, a a dab of apple sauce on top .. so I'm anxious to try that, but not ready to do it just yet. Also scrambled eggs ... though I haven't tried them yet either. I purchased a baby bullet and it works fabulously for pureeing stuff .. got it in Target ... If you like lentils, try pureeing some of the different type of lentil Soups Amy's makes -- they are good source or protein and are quite tasty. Keep up the good work! RG

You can also ask your dr for a script for a dissolvable antacid -- that's what I did -- it's one that you have to put on your tounge and it dissolves, tastes okay -- not exactly as good a dessert (lol) but better than worrying about taking capsules ... my doctor doesn't want us to take any capsules for 8 weeks. BTW, I'm 3 weeks out and also, hungry every 2 hours or so ... I'm just starting my "mushy" stage, and cottage cheese seems to satisfy my hunger more than mushy lentil Soup (which I've been having and enjoying, I love lentils, and good source of protein), but greek yogurt, cottage cheese and apple sauce (which unfortunately is not high in Protein though) all seem to go down nicely & satisfy me for at least 2 - 2.5 hours ... I'm glad I'm not the only one who feels hungry -- from what I've been reading on the posts lots of people who are newbies are hungry too -- and my nutritionist said that's a good sign - in that I'm healing nicely and that I probably did not have a lot of swelling after the surgery (although my tummy was so black & blue!) ... keep up the good work ... RG

You were sleeved in Westchester? Me too -- but by Dr. Roslin -- just barley three weeks ago. Can I ask, what support group do you go to? Am looking for additional support groups in Westchester area? pls advise .. many thanks ... RG

did you have your surgery in NJ by any chance? I didn't have a drain, but I know someone who did & had their surgery in NJ ... I think every doctor must do things his/her own way ... good luck to you ... I hope you are feeling better all the time! RG

thanks for the well wishes -- today is 9 days out ... and I'm feeling much much better every day now .... I started taking the prilosec and that really helped w/the hunger pain -- I think maybe it was acid pains ... but anyway, thank you so very much for all your words of wisdom! I go back to the doctor this week on Thursday, so we'll see how he say's I'm doing ... then next week, can start mushies! Yeah - can't wait to have some cream of wheat!!! :-) thanks & keep feeling good! RG

I am exactly 7 days out (vsg on sat the 24th) ... recuperation for me is rough ... I cannot wait to be off liquids and have some mushies ... one more week, I think. I, too, feel hungry all day! It's so weird!!! I didn't expect to feel this way - hungry? Is cream of spinach a good choice for mushies stage or is that too advanced? I don't know why, but I'm dreaming cream of spinach? anyone know?

Gee wiz - you're lucky! Me, I keep getting what feels like "hungry" ... all day! It's quite a bummer! today was a tad better than yesterday ... so am hoping every day it gets easier, which I'm feeling it should after reading everyone's posts in the rooms. thanks! Good luck to you - RG

thank you - I appreciate the advice. Today was a little easier than yesterday .. I'm just assuming every day it will be the same (a little easier)