Sleeve-A-Licious

Mine is tomorrow, too. All kind of thought running through my head but surprisingly they are all positive. Stay in the zone.

May 22nd!! Can't believe it..waiting seem like forever and I'm freaking out that it's already tomorrow!!
I'm sooo scared,nervous,excited,and hungry..lol!
I pray soooo hard that all will go better than great!! I'm worried about my toddler ..this will be the very first time I'm away from her..this is making me have anxiety more than anything!!
Ahhhhhhhhhhh !!!! It's almost here!!

May 22nd!! Can't believe it..waiting seem like forever and I'm freaking out that it's already tomorrow!!
I'm sooo scared,nervous,excited,and hungry..lol!
I pray soooo hard that all will go better than great!! I'm worried about my toddler ..this will be the very first time I'm away from her..this is making me have anxiety more than anything!!
Ahhhhhhhhhhh !!!! It's almost here!!

The little one will be fine. I had to go through the same thing. First night away from her was the worse on me. She was fine. Just focus on yourself tomorrow. Bring a stuffed animal your little one's and have it ready for you when they bring you back to your room. It helped. Other than that, you will do fine chica. Just breath. You're doing this for the little one

May 22nd!! Can't believe it..waiting seem like forever and I'm freaking out that it's already tomorrow!!
I'm sooo scared,nervous,excited,and hungry..lol!
I pray soooo hard that all will go better than great!! I'm worried about my toddler ..this will be the very first time I'm away from her..this is making me have anxiety more than anything!!
Ahhhhhhhhhhh !!!! It's almost here!!

Wow what an ordeal, praise be to God you are alive, modern day miracle! I am so afraid for those who don't know. I would have to do something, post flyers, boycott phrase his office.....something. He should not be allowed to hurt anyone else........go to the local news, maybe.

I have typed up my meal plans for post surgery...if you would like a copy pm me your email and I will send it to you.
As far a supplements I was instructed a flinstone complete in the morning and evening. Calcium chews (I use Viactive) 3 times a day. You cant eat them within 2 hours of the Vitamins. I take 1 B100comdeplete once a day and 1 B12 sublingual a week.
My basic guidelines are 70 grams of Protein a day
64 ounces of Fluid
30 or less grams of carbs
everyones guidelines are a bit different but this is what got me to goal

Been doing this process for a year now! Out of Massachusetts General Hospital (Boston) Weight Center. Was considering the band,bypass now this. My BMI is only 44.. Im nervous. I have a consultation with a surgeon in July. Any advice been battling weight my whole. I. 26.

DISCLAIMER: This FAQ is in no way intended to replace or undermine the advice of your physician. Every person is different, every surgeon has different guidelines, and no two situations are identical. Therefore if any of the answers below are unclear or contradict your physicians’ instructions, always follow your physicians’ instructions. The responses given are a compilation from multiple sources and references.
How do I embed the weight loss ticker? Click on the liquid stage? During your clear liquid stage you can have anything that you can sip through a straw that is translucent, meaning see through. For instance: Water, juice, broth, sugar free popsicles, sugar free Jello, Isopure Protein Drinks, Gatorade, Powerade, Decaf tea just to name a few. Once you move on to full liquids you may add liquids that are not translucent. For instance: creamed Soups, soups with the chunks strained out, milk, Protein shakes etc…
When do I start mushies/purees? Every surgeon has different guidelines for the progression of your post-op diet. The majority of post-op diets progress as follows:
Day 1-7 Clear Liquids
Day 8-14 Full liquids
Day 15-21 Purees
Day 22-50 Mushies
What’s the difference between mushies and purees? The major difference is that purees are anything that has been blenderized/pureed to a baby food consistency and has no chunks. These should not be watery, but instead a thicker pudding like consistency. Mushies are soft foods that have not been pureed.< /p>
Should I be counting calories or carbs or both? Both. Again, every surgeon is different, but the majority of sleevers will be on a 600-1000 calorie/day diet with carbs kept at 60-80g or less. The general guideline is this: When eating, protein is always first, veggies are second, and if you have room carbs/starch last. The majority will rarely have room for the carbs.
How much protein should I be getting per day? The recommended protein intake may vary from 55 to 100g per day, depending on your individual needs and the bariatric diet provided by your surgeon or dietitian. The generally accepted minimum protein requirement for women is about 50 to 60g per day and men need at least 60 to 70g of protein per day.
How much liquid do i need for the day? About 60-80oz
When can I eat salad? Once you reach the point where you’re on normal solids you can try salad. Start with a small amount and see how your sleeve tolerates it as it can be difficult to digest.
Best Protein Shakes? This one depends on your particular tastes, however most seem to enjoy powders? utm_source=BariatricPal&utm_medium=Affiliate&utm_campaign=CommentLink" target="_ad" data-id="1" >unjury.

What else counts as a liquid? Anything that can be sipped through a straw or that will reduce back to a liquid. For example: Jello, sugar free popsicles, frozen yogurt/ice cream (these are generally no no foods)
How long will my surgery last? Typically about 45mins assuming there are no complications or other procedures (ie: hernia repairs) being done at the time of your surgery. Every surgeon is different so for a more accurate answer you should consult your respective surgeon.
Why can't I tolerate plain water, is this normal? It’s called water nausea and it is completely normal. This is very common during the first few weeks following surgery and should eventually subside.
What is sliming/slimes? Sliming or slimes occur when you eat or drink something and then regurgitate a slimy, foamy, saliva like substance, usually when belching.
What is grazing? Grazing is when instead of consuming your standard 3 small meals and 2 small Snacks per day, you simply munch all day grabbing a handful here or a bite there. The rule is that your meals should take you 20-30 minutes to eat and should be about 3 hours apart with only fluids in between.
What do all these acronyms mean?
In no particular order:
WLS – Weight Loss Surgery
NSV – Non scale Victory (ie: smaller clothes, compliments, climbing a flight of stairs etc…)
NUT – Nutritionist
PCP – Primary Care Physician
VSG – Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy
TOM – Time of the Month
SF – Sugar Free
WFL/WFD – What’s for Lunch/Dinner
How much did you lose at 1 month etc.? How much can I expect to lose in what time frame? Everyone’s body is different and so is everyone’s journey. There is no set amount you should expect lose in a set amount of time, and you should never compare your journey or your progress to someone elses. As long as you’re sticking with the program and following your surgeons guidelines, the weight will come off.
What is a stall? How long does it last and how do I break it? A stall is a point at which the scale stops moving for a period of time. The length of the stall varies from a few days to a few weeks and sometimes a few months. Non VSG’ers typically call it a plateau. Stalls are perfectly normal and to be expected. As we lose weight so dramatically, our bodies need time to catch up physically - this typically happens during a stall. While the scale may not be moving, you may notice an increase in compliments. This is because while the number on the scale isn’t getting any smaller, you are physically getting smaller. There are many tips and tricks for breaking a stall (increase your fluids and protein, increase your activity, up your calories…) but the reality is it will break on its own.
When can I have sex? When you’re ready. Keep it simple for the first few weeks post-op and don’t attempt any tricky positions. Be careful until you’ve been cleared by your surgeon for strenuous activity.
When can I start exercising? Typically right away, though the types of exercises you can do will be limited. Most surgeons restrict weight training/resistance training for about 3-4 weeks after surgery, but you should be walking/speed walking at least 30-45min daily starting from the day you get home.
What do I do with flabby skin? What's the best exercise etc.? The severity of the flab will vary based on many different factors. While there’s no way to tell how bad it will be or whether it will even be bad, there are a couple of proactive measures you can take. Make sure you’re using a moisturizing lotion with Vitamin E and Keratin several times daily. The vitamin E will help add elasticity back to your skin and the keratin will add moisture, both of which may help your skin bounce back as the weight falls off. The best exercises to target your problem areas are resistance and strength training in order to tone and build muscle to replace the fat. Lastly, be patient. Just as your weight stalls while your waist catches up to it, your skin will sag until it gets the signal to shrink. While it probably won’t ever be as tight as you’d like, it will shrink.
Will I lose hair? How much? What causes it? When does it return? Do Vitamins help? The truth is, yes, you probably will lose hair. Because of the drastic changes going on that are caused by the extreme reduction in protein and vitamins coming in as well as the hormonal fluctuations caused by the rapid weight loss, it takes our bodies a while to adjust. Don’t worry, as our hormones level out and our bodies get used to the new us, it will come back. There is no set time frame for it to do so however.
I’m constipated - what is it okay to take, especially in the beginning when newly sleeved? Will it get better? Worse? In the beginning a simple stool softener like Colace should do the trick. You don’t want to take a laxative or anything that may irritate your new sleeve. While you’re in the liquid/puree stage, Constipation shouldn’t be an issue, but as you reintroduce solids you may have to go back to your stool softeners. If you do find that stool softners are only offering temporary relief, try increasing your fluids and Fiber and decreasing your cheeses.
I’m having very loose bowel movements, is this normal? Totally. You do need to monitor stools of this consistency to ensure they contain no blood, but very loose stools, even watery stools, are completely normal for a few weeks post-op. When in doubt – ask your surgeon.
Will I feel fatigue? Will fatigue go away? Yes and yes. Your body has just undergone major surgery and it needs to heal. While it’s healing you will feel more fatigued than normal. Subsequent to having such a large portion of your stomach removed is the fact that you can no longer take in as much food (read: fuel) and therefore your body has to adjust and find a new fuel source. Your body will eventually begin to burn fat for fuel and some of the fatigue will subside. Your surgeon should also prescribe a B12 supplement which will also help with energy.
When can I go back to work? How much time should I take off? That will be entirely up to your surgeon. Most return to work within 2-3 weeks.
How many days in the hospital? Your hospital stay will depend on your recovery. When you are able to keep down liquids, are up and about and walking as directed, and your surgeon and nursing staff are confident there are no complications, you’ll be released. Your surgeon should be able to give you an expectation of the length of your stay.
Do the staples dissolve? No. The staples used to close the stomach are titanium and do not dissolve. The stomach tissue will eventually grow over the staple line. Your staples do not make metal detectors go off or make you ineligible for an MRI. They are completely benign.
Why am I always hungry? The most likely culprit is either head hunger or reflux/heartburn. Head hunger is a false sense of hunger triggered by boredom/emotions/the clock or any number of things which make you think you’re hungry when you’re really not. Heartburn is the most common culprit of constant hunger. Even though you may not feel as though you have heartburn, you may find that a simple antacid will eliminate that constant hungry feeling.
What is a stricture? A stricture is what happens when scar tissue builds up in your esophagus (sometimes caused by reflux) that causes your esophagus to narrow and makes swallowing difficult.
What is a leak and what are the symptoms? A leak is an opening along the suture line of your sleeve that allows bile and other digestive fluids to leak into your abdominal cavity. The symptoms of a leak vary but the most common symptoms are pain radiating across the abdomen, fever, rapid heart rate, shortness of breath, dizziness, vomiting, nausea, fatigue, and abdominal cramping. It is important to note that leaks are rare and only occur in about 1 out of every 100 cases.
Can you get a leak any time after surgery? Or is it just immediate? Most leaks happen very soon after surgery, but there is still a risk for about 4-6 weeks after. Again, it is important to note that leaks are rare and only occur in about 1 out of every 100 cases.
Some of my incisions are oozing - is this normal? If they’re oozing a green or yellowish Fluid, absolutely not. Green and yellow are the colors of infection and should be reported to your surgeon immediately. If your incisions are oozing a pinkish or clear watery fluid it’s your body’s way of keeping your incisions clean and isn’t usually a concern. When in doubt, ask your surgeon.

JMO. People are going to find out and, these days, anyone that loses a lot of weight will probably be subjected to rumors of WLS no matter what. I just decided to tell most people and let them deal with it.

My Dr didn't require a pre-op diet either. I was on Clear Liquids for the day b4 only. I'm 4 weeks post op and everything went fine.

I have only told a couple of people as we were talking about different measures to lose weight and she and I have the same insurance so I figured why not let her know it is covered! Someone provided me with this info so I felt it wasn't right not to share. Now as far as anyone else it is strictly a need to know bases. My mother-in-law was the one who came to my house to help my husband with the kids while I was in the hospital and she still didn't know, about four days post op when she was dropping my son off at home she asked so what did you have to have done my response to everyone that asks about surgery who I don't want to tell I had WLS.....I just tell them I had been having stomach and digestive issues and so I had the procedure done that they do when you have really bad ulcers. Look she is a registered nurse and was like oh ok so you had ulcers and I politely said no and now I never will. All the information is true, I have just decided that since I don't want anyone's opinion I won't give them the opportunity to give it. I give them enough info to where they leave me alone about it. My mom is in Afghanistan so I understand not wanting your mom to worry. I didn't tell my mom until a week post op as we talk regularly and she was a little worried after we didn't talk for a week. Just proceed with caution most won't understand and telling ppl you have drastically cut back on what you eat is truthful and since we have to exercise once you incorporate that you are doing what every other gym head is doing and what we should have been doing for years. Good luck and you know you have hundreds of ppl in your corner our own little supportive family!

HEAR HEAR !!!!!! Nodding my head in agreement

I'm in the very early stages of the process. I have decided to only tell my husband. I have lost & gained weight so many times over the years that I'm now embarrassed that I have to take such drastic measures. The way I see it, it's nobody's business but mine. I'm finally something for ME.

Omg!!! We are sleeve sisters..I'm getting sleeved on may 22nd..I am freaking out. I'm nervous,anxious,excited,scared !!! So much going through my head..my story is different I struggled with my weight just about my entire life..I'm diabetic as well and progressively getting worst..but I pray to God that all works out!!

I ended up telling everyone, simply for the fact that my wife told her mother. By telling her mother, she gossips and tells everyone's business, including the part of the family I don't care for very much. So I figured if those people knew than everyone I cared about should know. So I posted it on Facebook. When I lost weight before, people thought I had the surgery. So what does it matter.
Also, people who shared that they had the surgery helped me with this decision. Honestly, you can't really fool anybody that you lost weight on your own. Everyone knows Star Jones and Al Rocker had the surgery. Should it be embarrassing that you are trying to help yourself?

I do not plan on telling a whole lot of people about this surgery, as I have read from some of you and I also have a friend that has received negative feedback from friends and family. That being said, I see my step-mom every week...for choir practice and at church. But she worries about so much, I am afraid to tell her. However, I know that she will end up knowing afterwards and then be mad I didn't tell her to begin with. How would some of you approach this? Also, my mother lives in Tennessee, I am in South Carolina. I would hate to give her something to worry over unnecessarily, but already feel guilty for not telling...lol. What do you think?

I am new here. I have been approved for the sleeve surgery and will be having it done pretty quick. My original surgery date was July 3rd at the hospital. The called last Friday with a cancellation and the surgery date has been moved up to May 22nd !! I am both excited and scared at the same time! My employer is quite okay with the change and my coworkers are quite supportive.
Here is brief history about me. I have only been heavy since I was 25/26. I have a history of brittle asthma. I was exposed to field burning smoke after harvest while at school. I was constantly on prednisone and gained a lot of weight. as a result. I came home from school and lost a little weight.
However, I was living in an apartment while sustained a crack in the ceiling and subsequent Water leak (winter 2003). I started having increased asthma trouble shortly afterwards. I suspected trouble with the apartment and a pulse oximeter confirmed them. January 2003 - A lab tested and confirmed that I was being exposed to toxic mold (Stachybotris chartrum). The improperly repaired apartment after major Water damage (which I found out after I moved out – March 2005). I have gained over 100 pounds with the prednisone weight gain. Has anyone else experienced this?
Anyways, my efforts to lose weight have been futile. I would lose the weight just to gain it all back and more. I tried diets, mild exercise, Portion Control, diabetes diets, Byetta. None of them had any long lasting positive results. I decided I have had enough dealing with the weight and pursue weight loss surgery Dec 2011. I originally pursued getting the lapband. However after further consultations and research I decided to go with the sleeve.
I am doing okay right now despite the pain and the asthma has stabilized. I still have to be on prednisone bursts sometimes but have been off of them for several months. I am looking forward to changing my life for the better. I deal with diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, sleep apnea, chronic back/neck/shoulder pain(car accidents), hip pain, foot pain, bad knee, and asthma. I have hope that this will improve the weight loss. I have lost a little weight already from the pre-op diet. 3 out of my 4 meals are Protein shakes and I have one sensible meal a day the dr was okay with this). I work different hours (3am-11am) hence I need the 4th meal. I am quite used to the shift. I work as a telecomm tech that has the responsibility fixing and maintaining 3 room-sized dial tone computers so I have to work these hours. They are quite demanding but I do love my job.
Sorry about the long introduction. I just wanted you to know where I was coming from and tell you my unique story. I am looking forward to taking my life back from morbid obesity and the adverse effects. I hope that everyone is doing well. Have a nice day.

beautifulnewme2012...it's the best..it's going to be a rollercoaster...me not eating...OY...Im scared for anyone around me...he has his ear muffs ready..hahahahaha!!!

I am starting my pre op tomorrow. Until just a few minutes ago, I though I only had to do 7 days, just found out I had to do 14 days so no time to do the last meal bit. I am being done on the 23rd with Dr. Kelly. I think in this post alone that their are 3 of us being done within a day of each other. We need to work through this pre-op together however that needs to happen. We can do this!

Hi Trueme,
I noticed that your in Boston (i am in Waltham) and i was curious where you are going for your sleeve? I am having mine done most likely in August at Lahey in Burlington. Good luck with your liquid diet and look forward to reading your progress.

I hear a lot of the sleeve veteran's say not to look at foods as you'll never eat them again. It'll just be awhile and in much smaller portions. Good luck on your liquid diet, your in the home stretch now!

You've got this! Best of luck to you!!