teambrown4

I have a multi, calcium, iron, b12,b1, d3... And a layout the dr suggested, multi, calcium(chew) ,& d3(chew) after bfast, then B12(chew),b1(chew) & iron (chew), after lunch, then another multi and calcium after dinner an one more calcium before bed.
Important fact- do not take iron or calcium at same time as they xcl each other out & you will get naseua.
I only have the multi capsule that's not chewable and my first day I was sick to my stomach all day after taking it.
I now take it while actually swallowing food. Best for me is either in my spoon of activia or nf cottage cheese.
The calcium chew is really big and sorta bitter so I try to take small bites of that along with bites of foods too.
No more nausea now!

You really looked good before and now just a smaller good looking u! It does not look like you've lost that much weight.. That's crazy thr pic one was 61+ more than thr last pic! I can't even imagine 61# gone? I'm two weeks out and only -18! You must feel so different in many ways? Looks like u are enjoying the new you. I can't see -26 more as u look so small now but I hope you reach your goal just the same.

I'm completely worried about this too! My dr says expect to lose 3/4 of what I have! YIKES!!!!
My bf had pretty big boobs now.... Well long flat pancakes is hOw she describes them. she's now wearing VS Water bras:(
My dr's office has a plastic surgeon and a visit with him for a breast lift and timmy tuck was part of my consultation.
I can't imagine going through surgery again (even after a years wait) after all the pain I had from this one, but in a years time as my body changes I might change my mind as I know I'll miss my boobs!
I'd love to see the feedback u get from people a year or more out.
Good luck to you.

I felt the same! The emotional roller coaster is very hard! I'm one month and two days out and feel nothing like I did one week out or two weeks out... It jut all gets better in time.
I've actually gained weight, so add that into my regret?!!! But I know in time that will change too!!!!
Talk to people often in the same situation and it will be a huge help!
This too shall pass!

I'm a little over 10 weeks out from surgery... I have to say, I've never done anything so physically, emotionally and mentally engaging as this sleeve journey.... Early out, the physical part of the journey was the most difficult for me.. but, learning to navigate my life and social interactions by listening to Sleevina and the rest of my body, has allowed me to release the anxiety of eating... (still there sometimes, but it was crazy at first!!! OMG!!)...
Lately, the emotional and mental challenges of this journey have weighed me down some.. I guess, I expected to do what I'm supposed to and the weight will fall off and everything will be great!! NOT TRUE!!! Yes, the weight is coming off, but I don't know if my mind and body are in sync...I started not taking my vits and supps on time or at all (changed that yesterday!!).... Many days I only eat once (I know... that's crazy and can be dangerous.. I won't do this EVER again!)... When I look in the mirror, I still see a 382 pound woman.. I haven't gotten rid of all of my "big" clothes... I'm trying to figure out if it's because subconsciously I feel that I will wear them again!! I find myself using the word.. ONLY when talking about my weight loss... sometimes I feel that I haven't done enough... I've lost about 33 pounds since surgery (54 lbs total), but people think I've lost tons more because I'm losing lots of inches!! I am grateful..
I'm grateful because
I can run around w/ my niece and nephew...
I can cross my legs (I haven't done that in 8+ years)...
I can walk around a store or my house for hours w/o sitting down or my back hurting...
I can wear HEELS again!!!... (I'm a shoe freak.. this makes me sooo happy!!)..
I'm comfortable in chairs, desks and my car...
I haven't used my inhaler in over 3/4 weeks...
I don't have to roll around in my chair at work for half of the period.. I can stand and walk around ALL day!!...

So, through it all the crying, complaining, ups, downs, EVERYTHING... I don't regret a thing!!! These are my lessons
I will not compare myself or my journey to anyone else's... Our journies are as different as we as individuals are.. Yes, we have similarities, but no body's exactly the same
I will not beat myself up for making an unwise decision... it happens, take a breath and make a better decision next time..
I will not just focus on weight loss... I am in the midst of a total life make over... It will not happen overnight...
I will not diminish my strength, hard work or successes to appease people... I've lost friends... but I've gained a new lease on life... I think I've come out ahead
I WILL NOT STOP!!! I am determined to live my BEST life, EVERYDAY!!!!

Thanks for the tip!

Yep!!!! It was just a nightmare dealing with Cigna! Being approved then not then being told what to do to get approved by them only to have them dent 3 weeks before (again)!
I have many personal reasons for not going to Mexico that I just couldn't see doing but many have had success there.
Care credit is a good loan option the dr office can tell u about.
I ended up paying 20k!!! Yikes... But for the surgeon I wanted and hospital too and 5 years after care it was worth it for my peace of mind for my health.
Now with that said.. Am I glad? Well I'm only 3 weeks out an not losing but I think it'll pay off if I stay patient and disciplined!
Good luck to you!!

My pre-op Questionaire was like this:
Do you use a drain tube?
How many incisions will I have? (what he failed to tell me until I went to the hospital in horrible pain on day four po was he has to cut into a muscle to get to my stomach then stitch it and it'll hurt like hell and affect every movement u make and do not ice it after day one, use heat or it'll spasm (which it did) & feel like an alien popping outta your side)... Yes I wish he prepared me there!
.......(cont).....
Will I see you before surgery?
How long will it take?
How long should it take for me to come out of anesthesia?
How long will I be in recovery before I see my family?
Will u update my family?
Do I have a private room for my family to wait in?
What type of pain should I expect?
What type of pain signals a problem?
Will I be allowed Water or ice after?
What medicine will I be on after?
How long until you do the upper gi for the leak test?
How long will I stay in the hospital?
Are u avail 24hrs by phone?
Ok..... Now here's the things that I wasn't ready for while in hospital....
*Nurses walking me very two hours without fail!
*The shot in the tummy before and after aurgery(I for one say it hurt)
*breathing treatments every 4 hours (even tho I'm not asthmatic and had an oxygen line in my nose try say its standard to clear out the lungs so u don't get phenumonia)
*the alien muscle-lol
*itching at the incision lines
*how horribly bad & painful the burping is trying to get out the gas they inflate U with (walking, sitting up at an incline and having someone rub circles on your back like patting a baby will get that out)
Otherwise I think I was very prepared!!! I had a rough first few days but now I'm two weeks po and started mushy food on day 10 and I think I'm doing pretty well.
I haven't lost anything near what the most people post, I was -8 week one and -11 by this second week but as long as I'm at least two pounds a week my dr says its a success. so I have to have patience!!!
Good luck

My pre-op Questionaire was like this:
Do you use a drain tube?
How many incisions will I have? (what he failed to tell me until I went to the hospital in horrible pain on day four po was he has to cut into a muscle to get to my stomach then stitch it and it'll hurt like hell and affect every movement u make and do not ice it after day one, use heat or it'll spasm (which it did) & feel like an alien popping outta your side)... Yes I wish he prepared me there!
.......(cont).....
Will I see you before surgery?
How long will it take?
How long should it take for me to come out of anesthesia?
How long will I be in recovery before I see my family?
Will u update my family?
Do I have a private room for my family to wait in?
What type of pain should I expect?
What type of pain signals a problem?
Will I be allowed Water or ice after?
What medicine will I be on after?
How long until you do the upper gi for the leak test?
How long will I stay in the hospital?
Are u avail 24hrs by phone?
Ok..... Now here's the things that I wasn't ready for while in hospital....
*Nurses walking me very two hours without fail!
*The shot in the tummy before and after aurgery(I for one say it hurt)
*breathing treatments every 4 hours (even tho I'm not asthmatic and had an oxygen line in my nose try say its standard to clear out the lungs so u don't get phenumonia)
*the alien muscle-lol
*itching at the incision lines
*how horribly bad & painful the burping is trying to get out the gas they inflate U with (walking, sitting up at an incline and having someone rub circles on your back like patting a baby will get that out)
Otherwise I think I was very prepared!!! I had a rough first few days but now I'm two weeks po and started mushy food on day 10 and I think I'm doing pretty well.
I haven't lost anything near what the most people post, I was -8 week one and -11 by this second week but as long as I'm at least two pounds a week my dr says its a success. so I have to have patience!!!
Good luck

Thanks for reading this

Take it easy! you are truly blessed and time will heal all! Keep posting and sharing here as it is a great source of support, knowledge, comfort and also allows u to give back as u have done already!
Be well

I have not been released for bread yet, although I don't really miss it, but docotr appt. this Thursday, so maybe then. But I was craving a tuna melt, so I took 2 WASA crackers, Starkist sandwich ready albacore, and a slice of muenster cheese, and did two crackers and put them in the toaster oven broiler for a minute and VOILA! They were so good. Who needs bread anyway! LOL!

I use the app called "my fitness pal"! I love it! It calculates things so easily! Set your setting to the calories u want daily and it'll help u keep track of them while listing the individual intakes on the "daily" tab. Such a great tool!

I didn't have a drain so I can't sympathize with anyone there. Sorry. I'm sure that's a lot to deal with.
I'm getting better slowly..... Very slowly! The first two days I wa in tears of a sea of pain! But daily I see imporvemmt.
I've found a few things that help ease my pain...
The "pop rocks" bubbles in my throat get soothed by using baby colic drops, gripe Water as some call it but look in the pharmacy section where baby colic drops are. Any are good!
My throats sore from the tube and everything going down hurts,, so I melt a cough drop in warm water and drink that often. Been wonderful!
Having my husband rubbing my back in circles helps me burp... A LOT:) he will even walk with me and do it and it's so relieving.
I had amazing pain under my larger right side incision and was icing it and finally went back to the dr on day 4 cause I was in tears as every time I coughed or sneezed it pulled that muscle up and felt like an alien baby was popping outta me. Low and behold I'm told that incision held a larger instrument and cut into my muscle hich has stiches and the Ice was spasming the muscle, so I bought icy hot heat strips and also am using my hearing pad for overall stomach and that's stopped that horrible pain.
I use my breathing apparatus every hour and cough as much as possible after, while holding a pillow or something against my tummy and that's helpful to breath better and get the particles from the gas outta my lungs.
I wear my compression hose socks they gave me every night to avoid blood clots but also walk a lot when I'm awake.
Walk walk walk... Oh I pace all I can stand! and burp my little heart out. Never felt so in lady like ever! My teen boys and husband LOVE IT!
My sips are still maybe a teaspoon at most at a time. It hurt like hell going down and once it hit my tummy the first 3 days, now not so much going down but yea still bad when it hits my tummy. So I sip sip and walk and burp then repeat.
Warm liquids are my best friend! I strained chicken and rice Soup and added a bottle of water and that's two different "meals", and I strained lentil soup a d added water as well, a little more water tho.
Warm Peppermint tea with a melted cough drop is how I get most of my water as it soothes my throat which is sore from the tube and it doesn't kill going down.
It took me all 4 of my days to get through one Isopure liquid drink. I don't mind the taste, it just really hurts when it hits the tummy. I can tell that's getting better tho.
I chew a few tums before I drink anything and I'm not going near any milk based drinks yet.
Today I had a scoop of vanilla whey Protein with a bottle of water and 5 strawberries! Oh it was heaven.
I'm not near my daily 64oz of fluids yet cause of the pain I'm in, but I'm getting closer everyday and working harder to burp between sips and not lay down too soon after liquids.
I still take my pain meds every 4-6 hours and it looks like I'll be out by tomorrow so I'll switch to liquid Tylenol if need be, as the torn muscle is the worst.
The pains in my gut feel like contractions. Coming on even when I'm not drinking. So I remember my Lamaze breathing from childbirth and make myself walk and burp when they hit me.
Everyone is diff and I applaud those who aren't in too much pain, I hear there is a lot of you and I'm envious and happy for you too tho. For me it's been very hard and painful but I'm doing my best.
My stomach is still bloated beyond anything. I couldn't even fit into my "period pants" on day four when I went back to the dr, so that's depressing but dr said I was one of the few that don't tolerate anesthesia well and it'll just take longer to disaapte out of me.
I have been putting scar cream my dr gave me
On my "raccoon wounds" twice a day and other than the bad bruising around each wound they look pretty good.
It's such a rough road but I'm so confident it's all worth it!
Good luck and do share!!!

I didn't have a drain so I can't sympathize with anyone there. Sorry. I'm sure that's a lot to deal with.
I'm getting better slowly..... Very slowly! The first two days I wa in tears of a sea of pain! But daily I see imporvemmt.
I've found a few things that help ease my pain...
The "pop rocks" bubbles in my throat get soothed by using baby colic drops, gripe Water as some call it but look in the pharmacy section where baby colic drops are. Any are good!
My throats sore from the tube and everything going down hurts,, so I melt a cough drop in warm water and drink that often. Been wonderful!
Having my husband rubbing my back in circles helps me burp... A LOT:) he will even walk with me and do it and it's so relieving.
I had amazing pain under my larger right side incision and was icing it and finally went back to the dr on day 4 cause I was in tears as every time I coughed or sneezed it pulled that muscle up and felt like an alien baby was popping outta me. Low and behold I'm told that incision held a larger instrument and cut into my muscle hich has stiches and the Ice was spasming the muscle, so I bought icy hot heat strips and also am using my hearing pad for overall stomach and that's stopped that horrible pain.
I use my breathing apparatus every hour and cough as much as possible after, while holding a pillow or something against my tummy and that's helpful to breath better and get the particles from the gas outta my lungs.
I wear my compression hose socks they gave me every night to avoid blood clots but also walk a lot when I'm awake.
Walk walk walk... Oh I pace all I can stand! and burp my little heart out. Never felt so in lady like ever! My teen boys and husband LOVE IT!
My sips are still maybe a teaspoon at most at a time. It hurt like hell going down and once it hit my tummy the first 3 days, now not so much going down but yea still bad when it hits my tummy. So I sip sip and walk and burp then repeat.
Warm liquids are my best friend! I strained chicken and rice Soup and added a bottle of water and that's two different "meals", and I strained lentil soup a d added water as well, a little more water tho.
Warm Peppermint tea with a melted cough drop is how I get most of my water as it soothes my throat which is sore from the tube and it doesn't kill going down.
It took me all 4 of my days to get through one Isopure liquid drink. I don't mind the taste, it just really hurts when it hits the tummy. I can tell that's getting better tho.
I chew a few tums before I drink anything and I'm not going near any milk based drinks yet.
Today I had a scoop of vanilla whey Protein with a bottle of water and 5 strawberries! Oh it was heaven.
I'm not near my daily 64oz of fluids yet cause of the pain I'm in, but I'm getting closer everyday and working harder to burp between sips and not lay down too soon after liquids.
I still take my pain meds every 4-6 hours and it looks like I'll be out by tomorrow so I'll switch to liquid Tylenol if need be, as the torn muscle is the worst.
The pains in my gut feel like contractions. Coming on even when I'm not drinking. So I remember my Lamaze breathing from childbirth and make myself walk and burp when they hit me.
Everyone is diff and I applaud those who aren't in too much pain, I hear there is a lot of you and I'm envious and happy for you too tho. For me it's been very hard and painful but I'm doing my best.
My stomach is still bloated beyond anything. I couldn't even fit into my "period pants" on day four when I went back to the dr, so that's depressing but dr said I was one of the few that don't tolerate anesthesia well and it'll just take longer to disaapte out of me.
I have been putting scar cream my dr gave me
On my "raccoon wounds" twice a day and other than the bad bruising around each wound they look pretty good.
It's such a rough road but I'm so confident it's all worth it!
Good luck and do share!!!

I was sleeved on 2/13/12 and I need some inspration - I am really sore nausated and just really not feeling too good - does this get better? Please send me a Facebook friend request at DawnaBailey I wold love to chat with anyone who is having success

I hope someone gives u advice cause I start my preop diet next week and that's a real concern of mine too!!! Oh my pore k-cups will waste away:(

Had mine yesterday! I'm told it went well but I'm in a ton of pain an tying hard to tell myself it was worth it and this too shall pass! Good luck for you and keep in touch.

Me too!!! Tomorrow @10!!! Let's all celebrate the choice we made for our health an our future!!! Good luck!!!

Good luck to you! My surgery is the same day as yours! I too was pushed up from march to feb 13th. Got a two week prep so felt so rushed, but I'm very ready! Good luck again and please share and keep in touch.

There were lots of reasons for me, but before I list them I would highly suggest looking at the section titled "complications" on BOTH this site and the sister site "lapbandtalk.com". It gave me a VERY realistic view of what I could be up against. I will say, since I have the sleeve, that I felt that the band had a lot more hidden complications then the sleeve. Most surgeons are very upfront about the risks, which were mainly leaks or strictures. The band being a manufactured object could malfunction. It can cause strictures and can erode into the stomach.
The band does NOT leave the stomach in the same condition. They say it is removable, but it leaves damage to the stomach. It at the very least forms scar tissues. But in my mind I could just imagine the damage that the friction between the stomach and the band, over a long period of time, could cause.
Now, instead of bashing the band anymore, let me tell you why I chose the sleeve.
-it may be permanent and "new", but after looking up stats/statistics of people who have undergone gastrectomy's for other reasons (ex. stomach cancer, ulcers, etc) and seeing their long-term success helped ease my mind about any long-term nutritional problems. Also, the sleeve is only new when being used by itself. The procedure itself has been done for years and years as the first part of the "duodenal switch" surgery (most surgeons won't even talk about this one anymore because it is so dangerous).
- unlike the bypass both of my "in" and "out" valves were left intact, which means very, very, very low chance of any gastro-issues (like dumping in by-pass patients)
-it won't prevent me from having a healthy pregnancy in the future
-no constant appointments to have a band filled/unfilled
-the weight loss success stats at the one year mark, when compared with the bypass were almost identical
I am now 4 months out and I love my sleeve. I can eat a variety of food, though I chose to eat mainly low-carb because I know my body loses best with that diet and it makes it easier to get my Protein in when its not competing for space with carbs.
Either way I wish you luck and congratulations on starting your journey! If you have any specific questions feel free to send me a pm and I'll get back to you as soon as I can

I'm so excited!!! I start my liquid diet & go in for my pre-op visit tomorrow!
Being self pay this process went super fast as i had my consultation 1/18 and my surgery is 2/13! Saw the nutritionist, pysch dr., physical therapist, had a physical, endoscopy & all related blood tests and so on,all in two weeks!!! (I'm super motivated)!
Been debating wls for years but unt I found the SLEEVE I wasn't comfortable with my options!
This is the not scared I've been but most excited too in a long time.
My kids and husband and friends are very supportive, even though most don't agree or feel I need this, they still support me and that's very important!
Only a serious side i do understand surgery is still risky... So I've printed all my medical Wishes, advanced directives, living will, letters to my husband, kids and a few friends. (not to be open unless tragedy hits me, then husband will give out).
I added all my kids on my bank accts as beneficiaries and made sure to write down all accounts and passwords for anything I can think of for my husband. But after doing all that, which was emotional in itself, I was able to feel ready!
I love my
Surgeon and his staff and the fact that he has every doctor I need to see on staff and he's located in the medical bldg upstairs to the hospital I'll go too. He even has a plastic surgeon on staff for after if I need (and oh I will) to remove skin and lift my breasts.
I finally see a light at the end of a long dark tunnel! I'm always the happy one and people were saying how Surprised they were to hear I would do something so "drastic" and I'm always thinking "look at me I'm 100 pounds over weight", yeah I'm happy cause I have a good life but I'm not healthy and that makes me Unhappy inside!
Now I'll finally feel how I look and look how I feel!
So nervous yet so excited!

I'm so excited!!! I start my liquid diet & go in for my pre-op visit tomorrow!
Being self pay this process went super fast as i had my consultation 1/18 and my surgery is 2/13! Saw the nutritionist, pysch dr., physical therapist, had a physical, endoscopy & all related blood tests and so on,all in two weeks!!! (I'm super motivated)!
Been debating wls for years but unt I found the SLEEVE I wasn't comfortable with my options!
This is the not scared I've been but most excited too in a long time.
My kids and husband and friends are very supportive, even though most don't agree or feel I need this, they still support me and that's very important!
Only a serious side i do understand surgery is still risky... So I've printed all my medical Wishes, advanced directives, living will, letters to my husband, kids and a few friends. (not to be open unless tragedy hits me, then husband will give out).
I added all my kids on my bank accts as beneficiaries and made sure to write down all accounts and passwords for anything I can think of for my husband. But after doing all that, which was emotional in itself, I was able to feel ready!
I love my
Surgeon and his staff and the fact that he has every doctor I need to see on staff and he's located in the medical bldg upstairs to the hospital I'll go too. He even has a plastic surgeon on staff for after if I need (and oh I will) to remove skin and lift my breasts.
I finally see a light at the end of a long dark tunnel! I'm always the happy one and people were saying how Surprised they were to hear I would do something so "drastic" and I'm always thinking "look at me I'm 100 pounds over weight", yeah I'm happy cause I have a good life but I'm not healthy and that makes me Unhappy inside!
Now I'll finally feel how I look and look how I feel!
So nervous yet so excited!

I am interested in VSG in the US. Does anyone know a good US surgeon with a low self pay price? Any help would be appreciated.Thanks!

Today is day 8 post op. I have done very well & can tolerate my isopure & water very easy. But now I can move forward to cream soups, pudding & full protein shakes. - problem is, because my sleeve is so new- I dont know what a "full" feeling is. Im afraid of vomiting or over filling my new sleeve. I know to go slow - anyone have any suggestions ?