jh5497

So I was sleeved August 9, 2012. 4 weeks ago today. Before I went into surgery I was weighed at 218lbs. Now, 4 weeks post op, I weighed in at 211.8 this morning. 7.2lbs in 4 weeks with an extremely restricted diet.

I'm disappointed in the results and have tried so many things to encourage myself (self talk, seeing slow losers board, reminders that it takes time, that its still a loss etc.), but I just feel like the reality has fallen short of my expectations for the sleeve. I had a stall around week 2 which was expected, but even considering that, I feel like my body isn't doing what it is supposed to.

So here's the details and suggestions are welcomed:

I walk for exercise -- about 20-30 minutes/day, plus chores like mowing grass where I work up a sweat. Sunday is my one month and I plan to start doing more like swimming and beginner work out dvds (biggest loser ones).

What I eat:

Breakfast is a 100cal EAS Carb Control Protein shake (17g Protein),

lunch is usually Soup or left over supper or super steamed veggies from the cafeteria (I work at a hospital)

Supper is chicken mushed with dressing/spices (about 2 oz solid food right now)) or Ground Turkey recipes.

Snacks (2/day usually, sometimes 1 depending on Fluid intake) cheese, greek yogurt, Protein pudding (80 cals, 15g protein).

Fluids: I drink 1 Water bottle while at work (it's just shy of 1L), I have for sure one 500ml glass of herbal caffeine free tea in the evening, usually 2, but sometimes I switch this up with ProtiDiet hot chocolate (80 cals, 15g protein) in 500ml Water instead of more tea ior a chai tea latte (80cal, 4 carbs, 5g protein).

I feel like I'm doing everything right but the results aren't telling me that! Any help would be appreciated!!

I have found great workout ideas on pinterest --- however if you don't know how to do proper exercises I would recommend a DVD-- the biggest loser ones are reasonably prices and I've liked them!

We were sleeved on the same day and I haven't started doing anything other than walking yet. I'm going to start strength training in the next week because I feel great and my outsides are perfectly healed. Take your time and don't rush yourself if you aren't feeling up to it. Listen to your body and your doctor!

I found hot beverages like herbal tea helped my appetite when I wanted to eat!

I took 2 weeks leave and I sit in an office all day. I'm also a tough, refuse to give into pain, recover quick kinda person. I definitely could have gone back earlier because I was bored, however it was nice to get to have naps and focus on sipping my liquids! Taking leave vs. vacation is your personal choice. I have a supportive workplace, and I also figured when I was on a liquid diet they would figure something was up! However, I have now used all my sick leave, so if something happens I have to use my vacation days.

Hello,

I too am in Canada, Windsor Ontario, and am flying out of Detroit. Can you tell me how you felt on your flight home? Were you nauseous at all? I am getting sleeved on sept 10 and wondered how I will feel on the long flight back.

thanks

I felt totally fine the entire way. I left TJ around 8 and didn't get into Regina until 11, so it was a full day of flying and airports. I felt fine from Day 2 post op though, so I might not be the best judge either. The only day I felt poor was the day of surgery. I had some nasuea and was very drowsy. After that first day, I did a lot of walking and felt really good. I also only had 2 incisions which could have played a part too. I flew with Westjet and whenever I needed help with my bag, they were there! I also made sure to get tea and broth and Water and lots of liquids in!

My surgeon sent me home with pills -- pain pills and anti-biotics. I have read on forums that there is a risk of ulcers with certain kinds of pills. If you can wait, call you doctor/hospital and ask, otherwise, I would use the search bar and type in the medication name (aleve, tylenol, midol, etc) you want to take to see if other people have posted a thread about it!

I had surgery with Dr. Garcia and it was a great experience! Everything on the websites I looked at was represented exactly how it was, and all the reviews I read on this site and through google were accurate! If you use the search bar at the top right, you can find a lot of info and reviews of Dr. Garcia. I booked my surgery through alighterme and they were absolutely FANTASTIC! The only complaint I had was that their pre-op diet info wasn't super detailed so I had quite a few questions, but whenever I asked, I always got quick responses!

There's free WiFi at the hotel and hospital with Dr. Garcia. I used Facebook to chat. I used my cell to text my family too, but I haven't got the bill yet! Dr. Garcia called my family when I got out of surgery, otherwise, I didn't actually phone and talk to anyone.

No, a low BMI doesn't mean you shouldn't do this. I went in have a BMI on the lower end of the spectrum after losing 50lbs on my own and when it came time to: do my post op diet, fly to Mexico, get in and out of the hospital bed, shower with a drain in, walk the gas off and recover, I was THRILLED to be a lower BMI. I think for me, my recovery was easier because I was smaller. If you want this -- do it!

Between my ribs, my collar bone and my pelvis -- I'm starting feel like a skeleton! Haha! It is AWESOME!!!!

Feeling full for me feels the same as feeling full before surgery. When I have one bite too many it's super painful (but I'm a pain wuss).

I've been using tea tree oil on mine since I stopped putting polysporin and bandages on them and haven't had any itching. Remember though, itching means healing!

I'm super emotional too. I think it's normal. I cried the other day because when my sister got married 12 years ago, I was too young to get into the bar and attend her bachelorette party. I have been embracing my emotions as they come for the most part.

As far as your in-laws go, just shrug it off. You did your part and informed them of your lifestyle change. You made them lunch when your husband could have taken on the responsibility of entertaining guests. Your in laws are stuck with you regardless of their opinion -- You married their son, he loves you and their opinion is their own issue -- don't take it on and make it yours to stress about. Ask yourself if this will matter in 6 months? I sure hope it doesn't!!

I used Dr Garcia at Mi hospital through "alighterme" and had a great experience. If you search Dr Garcia in the search bar, you will find a ton of fantastic reviews about him from real people!

I bought a fantastic sports bra from Scheels in North Dakota (brand has worn off), it's like a double bra with regular type bra inside and a sports bra on the outside. It's great!!

I went to TJ alone and was fine!! I didn't have problems with my sleeve or recovery though. I found for the most I was bored being alone. I found another patient going at the same time so I did spend time with her and her husband which helped too.

I have been flavouring with sauces -- pureed chicken with: honey garlic sauce, greek dressing, buffalo ranch. Just watch the nutrition info and portions you use!

I went alone. Other than the boredom, I really had no problems being by myself. I met another sleever on these boards and usually had my meals at the hotel with her and her husband. I think if I would have had complications or more pain or wasn't as healthy and as mobile as I was, it would have been harder. I used alighterme and the coordinator I had on site was terrific and the Marriott hotel that they use knows exactly how to help out their bariatric patients!

I don't get hungry and generally have no appetite, so I eat Breakfast first thing when I wake up, snack around 10, lunch at noon, snack at 3, supper at 6, and snack at 9 -- BUT I just finished my liquids phase, so depending on how solid foods go I might cut out my morning snack, but I very much eat on a schedule!

When I was 19, I had stats similiar to yours and I wish I would have done. I went to Mexico alone and had surgery. I didn't tell my mom, who still doesn't know, but the rest of my family knew and were supportive. If this is what you want -- DO IT! This is your body, your choice! Neither of your parents have had your journey, walked in your shoes or dealt with your thoughts about your body image. I hope that when you are healthier and happier, they come around, but absolutely do NOT live your life to make someone else happy!

I wrote about my experience with Dr. Garcia a few weeks ago, and it was absolutely terrific! He was able to do my surgery with only 2 incisions. My coordinators were terrific (alighterme) and Samuel the driver, picked me up right away from the airport! Everything ran smoothly, they took great care of me and everything I needed! I should also mention, that I went from Canada to TJ alone, and I felt totally safe and comfortable!!

I used Premier Protein from costco which have 30g Protein in one shake and EAS Carb Controlin vanilla and strawberry from Target/WalMart.

Thank you for reading and replying. How was your experience with Dr. Garcia? Any issues, complications, ect? I am very interested in people's progress after they had the sleeve.

I used Dr. Garcia and had a great experience with him. When I was asking him about how they take care of complications he said he hadn't has a leak in 3 years. I'm not even 2 weeks out yet, but I'm doing well with my sleeve, no pain since day 3 and my incisions look great.

Dr Garcia used a 32 French on me. I have no idea how he decided. I have no physical hunger at all. None. If I feel a hunger like sensation, I take an antacid and it's gone within minutes.