elizabethowen79

Congrats you look great!!! Looks like more than 44 pounds! I am 3 1/2 weeks post-op and am very encouraged by other's progress, thank you for sharing.

3 words: Laser Hair Removal! I got a Groupon deal and it is amazing! It is a long process, one treatment every 6-7 weeks and takes at least 6 treatments usually. But totally worth it! Ask Santa for a gift certificate this year

Remember I am a "new" sleever, there are many people on here that are longer out. Just didn't want to sound like I was a veteran, I'm only a rookie : )

I would like to share my lapband experience. I was banded in 2003, at a weight of 245 lb. I initially lost 75 lb in about the first year, but only after several balancing acts that was adjusting. I was either too tight to eat anything solid OR I had little to no restriction. Fast-forward to now, weight is (was) 220 lbs. Started working with a new doctor. 6 adjustments and 1 EGD later I had enough of the band. I was revised to the sleeve 3 weeks ago (Nov 6). Re: Risks- The sleeve is a more involved and invasive surgery. This naturally makes the risk of complication higher than the band, at least in the short term. Leaks seem to be the worse complication from the sleeve, but it is very rare. I don't have data to support but I'm pretty sure you are only at risk for a leak for a certain time period after surgery. On the other hand, many complications from the lapband can occur at any time post surgery. Scarring, erosion, slipping, and possible autoimmune response can all be pretty serious. Re: Recovery- My recovery was longer after the sleeve than wih the band. Of course I was 9 years younger then. After the band I was fine to go back to work after a few days. This time with the sleeve I had 2 full weeks off and then 1 week part time before returning full-time. I know some people can return to work after a few days with the sleeve, I personally did not feel well enough to. Re: Weight loss not as much?- Thise who are successful with the band can lose down to goal, but is generally slower than with the sleeve. Again looking at the long term, many with the band re-gain, and often end up heavier than when they started. Not sure about statistics with gaining back after the sleeve, but I would guess it is not as much. The band does work for some but unfortunately does fail many times. Do all the research you can, connect with people from both "sides" and see what you feel is the best choice. Good luck on your journey!

Oh also was so excited for egg salad and chicken salad! Made some last night and had to SPIT IT OUT. I guess my tastes for now have changed. Had my mother taste both and she said they were good. Oh well, will try again sometime in the future.

Sleeved on Nov 6, just started soft foods today. I've had some mini quiche things (FF egg product, cheese, ham) baked in mini muffin tins. Refrained beans with a little cheese, guacamole, string cheese, deli sliced turkey, chili, yogurt. I work 12 hour shifts and wanted to bring a variety since I'm not exactly sure what I will feel like eating. Refried beans why does it automatically correct to refrained? Lol Good luck to all!

The vagina is a mucous membrane, just like the digestive system. The medications can be absorbed through the walls of the vagina into the bloodstream, rather than through the digestive system. The vagina is very vascular so it can be an effective way to absorb some medications. That being said, it's not ok to put just any or all meds there! It should only be used as a last resort or for medications specifically made to go there. Please please talk to your pharmacist before doing this, some medications cannot be absorbed that way.

Thank you do much for sharing! You look fabulous! I'm 3 weeks post-op and love the encouragement of seeing others who have been so successful.

Wow you look great!!! I'm 2 1/2 weeks post sleeve, it is very encouraging to see pics of people's loss. Congrats and thanks for sharing.

Same here since surgery! Metamucil helps, I know it seems counter-intuitive but it will "thicken" the stool. I mix with 1/2 light OJ 1/2 water.

Thanks for the replies. I still have some nectar samples and will try those. Perhaps it's the milky type that causes it.

I was sleeved Nov 6 and got strep throat a few days later. I ended up in the ER for a few hours to get hydrated. If you can't get enough fluids then definately talk to your Dr about getting some IV fluids. It made me feel much better and was able to keep hydrated after that. It's a vicious cycle, dehydration makes you feel worse= dont feel like drinking.. Hope you are feeling better soon.

I was sleeved on Nov 6. Prior to surgery I tasted probably 20+ whey powders and RTD, and did fine with my 2 weeks of shakes for pre-op diet. Now as soon as I drink one I get extremely nauseated (don't vomit but I NEVER vomit). It hits after a few sips and lasts about an hour. I have no other symptoms (gas, cramps, pain etc). I use milk, almond milk, or coconut milk and it makes no difference. I can drink plain milk without nausea so it has to be the whey. Has anyone else had this happen? I'm on puréed foods now and still need shakes to get all my protein in. I'm hoping that this will get better as I heal, I planned on still using shakes to supplement my protein in the future.

I had my band to sleeve revision on Nov 6. I was never able to get the adjustment right, had lost some weight in the beginning with the band but gained it all back. My doctor explained that the "full" feeling was going to be very different with the sleeve, and that some who had a band previously had a difficult time since its not a restrictive full like with the band. I just started puréed yesterday, brought my bullet blender to my sister's house for dinner with my family. I had puréed ham (don't like turkey), brussel sprouts, and a very little bit of dressing and sweet potatoes. I ate with a baby spoon. During dinner we all chatted and caught up, and I scared myself because I wasn't really paying attention to how much or how fast I was eating. Luckily I did not over do it, set my spoon down between bites and chewed each bite well. I did not get a "full" feeling but was not hungry either. Ate some leftovers last night, probably less than 1/4 cup total, again did not feel full nor hungry. Today for lunch had some more leftovers, added some puréed broccoli casserole. After 6 or 7 baby spoon bites I got a new feeling, middle of my chest, not a pain exactly. I do believe this is my full feeling! My advice is to take it slow, and listen to your body. I knew that I would not be able to lose weight and keep it off without doing this, and am looking forward to a lighter future. Best of luck to you!

Not sure yet but stuffing is one of my favorites. I don't care for turkey (at least I used to not). Going to see what might be good puréed, but is only my 2nd day of purées so going to take it easy!

I am thankful for everyone that participates on this site! I have learned so much and wish the best to all my fellow sleevers!

The digestive system starts in the mouth, with mastication (chewing food) and enzymes in saliva that begin breaking down the food. While it is true that the small and large intestine are not modified with the sleeve, the food will be exposed to less acid in our smaller stomach, and will usually empty into the small intestine quicker than it would with a normal stomach. That being said, everybody is different. The type and amount of food we can eat varies, as does episodes of acid reflux, nausea, diarrhea and/or constipation. Sorry for the novel I am bored

The way I read that was that she was 9 weeks in to a pregnancy not 2 weeks like she thought. Anyways what's done is done. She asked for support and advice and has gotten that from many different viewpoints. Instead of attacking the OP or other's actions and ideas, let's use our time to be thankful for what we have.

OP: keep your head up. This is your journey and no one else's. Of course there are going to be very strong opinions regarding the choice to terminate a pregnancy (not sure that was even what you were referring to). I'm sorry that you are going through this and wish you the best.

Had my revision lapband to sleeve 2 days ago, and just been discharged from the hospital. I would like to say a HUGE THANK YOU to everyone here. I may not have done it otherwise. I feel like I have read about anything that could happen, and even some things I didn't even think about! Your posts have taken away the fear of the unknown and have inspired me more than you will ever know.

My surgery was this morning and I could not find the GasX strips anywhere! Is this something most people need only right after surgery or long term? Wondering if I should buy some online.

I just had my revision this morning. My story with the band is similar to yours. The doctor warned me that I won't have that constrictive feelin from the band so I need to pay extra attention to feelin when my pouch is full. There is also data that says revisions don't lose as fast as new sleevers, but I sure as heck am not going to Lose any if I don't do something !!!

Coconut milk, it is higher in fat so I mix it with skim or almond milk. I did see a combo of coconut and almond milks in the same container.

As anyone taken lecithin supplements after surgery? I have done some research and it may help with hair loss. I am pre-op still and wondering if anyone has tried it. My doc says biotin is ok and I will ask him about the lecithin.