ElaineB

My surgeon/office is a bariatric center of excellence. The only one is Orlando, and he is a very smart guy. I have had GERD and been on prescription meds for 9 years. He had me do manometry before he would agree to the sleeve. If that upper esophageal sphincter is weak, you are going to have problems because the new tummy is tight and you have increased pressure on it. My sphincter was fine, so he agreed to the sleeve. In my case, even in 3 weeks post, I can tell my reflux is better. Bypass should cure your reflux and is always the surgery he does for anyone with problems. He has had to do revisions for this reason and reports excellent outcomes. I know it sucks to have another surgery, but what a relief to be done with this. Reflux is not only painful, but can have some really bad outcomes if you don't get it under control. As a speech pathologist is a nursing home I see these effects first hand. You can develop terrible swallowing problems (dysphagia), you can aspirate the reflux, especially at night, resulting in an infection that will just eat your lungs up, and you can develop esophageal ulcerations, Barret's Esophagus, and ultimately esophageal cancer. It's a terrible way to go. So, as much as you hate this, you absolutely need it, your doctor is giving you correct and clinically sound advice Nd it should completely cute your problems. Once you aren't having the lining of your upper digestive tract burned off, you should have a MUCH easier time getting in your Vitamins, Proteins, and all the good nutrition you need. You are going to be a new woman after this.
Sending prayers and positive thoughts your way.

Had my sleeve done on 6/24. Got back today from a 10 day road trip -can be challenging to eat well when traveling, but since surgery I am now down 54 lbs and 72 since the pre-surgery diet. Still have a ways to go but I see the progress. I have avoided all sweets except for the 50 cal Skinny Cow fudgicle when home, have eaten part of a Bratwurst with a spoonful of macaroni salad and while tailgating the last 2 weeks I had very small bites of my favorite sausage (Bahama Mama from Schmidt's in Columbus Ohio). And this past week, had 2-3 small strips of pizza -not full slices! Normally I would have ate a whole large pie! And would eat 2 of those sausages before each game. So I know many will want to jump on me for some of the food choices.....but I don't care. I did the surgery to help give me a tool to help me with my portion controls. I do not eat a lot of the bad stuff I used to, but on occasion I may indulge in a favorite but now with this great new tool, I enjoy some but eat much much less than I ever did.
With the weight I am down, I can climb the bleachers easier -I sit in Row 37 of Ohio Stadium - as I fly from Texas back to Ohio State for every home game ( missed only 2 home games since 93). And I get in much better workouts at the gym, today on treadmill did 3 1/3 miles in 46 minutes with over 1500 linear feet. So I feel so much stronger and better
I still have work but encouraged with the first 11 weeks!

Thanks Mrs. Anders. I don't know this stuff because I'm old. What's your excuse?

I had a lot of the same thoughts. I even thought, well, I've lost a few on this pre-op thing, why don't I just keep doing this? What if It doesn't go well, what if I die, what if I regret it, what if I can never eat again? You know. I'm only 17 days out. I've lost 15 pounds since surgery. It's already so much easier and I am kicking myself for not doing this sooner. It's my one regret. It has already changed my life in some really positive ways. I feel strong, determined and like I have made some hard, but good decisions for myself for a change. You are worth this and I don't think you will be sorry. Keep me posted. Love and prayers for a safe surgery and quick recovery. It's no picnic, but it sounds like you have a child. If you can birth a human, this is nothin;)

Devotion, you are doing awesome!! I can't wait to be under 200. I was sleeved July 23.
5'4"
Highest wt. 235.5
Surgery wt 223.5
Current wt 206
I'm thrilled so far. So excited for the future!

I say it a lot. I mean it, I do it, and I'm not trying to convert you. That's God's job. It really is said, in my opinion, as a loving, caring statement. And, the great thing is, you don't have to believe for it to make a difference, or for it to work.

Call me crazy, but I don't even want to be on a really high Protein diet for life. I want to lose weight and be healthy. I don't want to be thin and on dialysis for kidney failure. I plan to get adequate protein, but also eat lots of fresh vegetables, fruits and healthy whole grains. The food pyramid hasn't changed and healthy eating isn't what got me here. I'm off the crap carbs, candy, Cookies, Doritos (love, love). I still plan to get back to salads, Beans, hummus, flax, wheat germ, whole wheat yumminess. I did this first and foremost for health. As a side note, I do hope to be thin for once in my adult life. I think I can have both.

I just have to "weigh" in. This is based on no real
knowledge, training or education. (That's my legal disclaimer:)). What I have a problem with is people complaining about "only" losing X amount of weight. We had WLS, not quadruple limb amputations, or a magical procedure. While 100 pounds in 4 months would be awesome, and I have read of a few who have done it, I just don't think it's realistic for most people. If we could just pour off the weight at lightning speed, none of us would be here. Our species would be extinct. A few bad winters in the past and our ancestors would have all promptly starved to death. Our bodies are amazingly and awesomely designed to keep us alive, through feast and famine. For most of us, this is the first famine we are experiencing and our bodies are responding beautifully, and as designed. Some people lose weight at a steady rate. Some drop a good amount rapidly, then "plateau", like stairs. Neither is better or worse. I think everyone needs to take a deep breath and GIVE YOUR SELF A BREAK! Our poor bodies have been through a major trauma, but they are still showing up for us, doing their job, day in and day out. Not to mention, we have abused them and treated them like crap for years to get here. They aren't complaining about any of it, or the fact that we cut out a perfectly healthy and non offending organ, while leaving the guilty party intact (nobody wants a lobotomy, I guess). If you lose "only" 15 pounds a month on average, that will still be 180 in a year. We are all successes. Use reason when the scale shows a weight gain. Even if all 7 or 8 hundred calories came from pop rocks and cotton candy, you could not possibly gain 5 pounds of fat. Its not possible. That gain is simply Water retention or your crazy ass digital scale. We get this hyper focus on the scale. Don't do it. It diminishes what you have accomplished. We have all suffered so much being overweight and being judged. Don't do this to yourself when you are finally, finally doing awesome. Use your head and self talk to build yourself up, not to introduce fear of failure and recrimination. Even the "slow losers" seem to be about 30 pounds down by now. We've got this! We didn't gain 100 pounds in 4 months (I don't think), and we aren't going to lose it that quick either (I'm more certain). But, If we keep focused, keep making mostly good choices, and keep moving, we ALL, have to lose weight and have success. Figure out your average weight loss, think about the last time you lost that much in that amount of time, pat yourself on the back and repeat, "I am strong, tough and have taken back control of my life. I will do this, I AM doing this, I will succeed and I will not berate myself or waste precious time with negative self talk!"
And all God's people said, "Amen!"
Sorry so long. This is a Rah! Rah! Post. It's not intended to rant:)
Elaine

I just found out something today! I've been frustrated with this "stall" and called the doctors office. While my mom said, since seeing pics of me today, that I look like I'm turning into a different version of me, and to relax it will all catch up. to which I replied...RELAX...ME!!!! HA!!! Well, the nutritionist said I am not eating enough calories! HMMMM, no one has EVER told me I'm NOT eating ENOUGH!!! I backed up, sat down and said, you have the list in front of you of what I am trying to eat and I can never eat the whole portion...she stated I needed some good calories, like a spoon of nut butter, or banana in my protein...and up the calories a bit to boost the metabolism. Who knew that I would NOT be eating enough!!! I'm just stunned! My mom said she can see that I am losing inches, and the RELAX comment is really sticking in my head! Plus the nutritionist said ONLY weigh myself ONCE a WEEK, NOT every day or it will consume your mind! I said too late for that piece of genious!!! Too late lady!!! lol...well I feel better now! Have a blessed night!

Visit with my primary care doctor and upper GI study this a.m.! My stomach is emptying too fast causing symptoms similar to dumping syndrome. I have also gone from being an insulin dependent diabetic prior to surgery to being hypoglycemic after, so blood glucose is staying very low and ANY food intake is causing a sudden and rapid increase in glucose levels.
My surgeon had me eating 3 meals a day with 3oz Protein, 3 tbsp starch, and 3 tbsp veggies which was tough to get down. I have been instructed to have 6 mini meals a day with 2 oz Protein, 2 tbsp starch, and 2 tbsp veggies. I started this at lunch today and already feel a little better. Nausea has subsided for now........hoping this does the trick!

I keep trying to remember who said it but can't. You may want to start a new thread with" nausea related to anemia" or something as a title.

Call me crazy, but I don't even want to be on a really high Protein diet for life. I want to lose weight and be healthy. I don't want to be thin and on dialysis for kidney failure. I plan to get adequate protein, but also eat lots of fresh vegetables, fruits and healthy whole grains. The food pyramid hasn't changed and healthy eating isn't what got me here. I'm off the crap carbs, candy, Cookies, Doritos (love, love). I still plan to get back to salads, Beans, hummus, flax, wheat germ, whole wheat yumminess. I did this first and foremost for health. As a side note, I do hope to be thin for once in my adult life. I think I can have both.

Call me crazy, but I don't even want to be on a really high Protein diet for life. I want to lose weight and be healthy. I don't want to be thin and on dialysis for kidney failure. I plan to get adequate protein, but also eat lots of fresh vegetables, fruits and healthy whole grains. The food pyramid hasn't changed and healthy eating isn't what got me here. I'm off the crap carbs, candy, Cookies, Doritos (love, love). I still plan to get back to salads, Beans, hummus, flax, wheat germ, whole wheat yumminess. I did this first and foremost for health. As a side note, I do hope to be thin for once in my adult life. I think I can have both.

I do need to try the lactaid pills. That's a good idea. I have soy Protein and it was not awful. I'm thrilled with the weight loss, so don't get me wrong, I'm just worn out with the eating. I have no regrets and it probably needs to be this hard to forces to do a real break up with food. Between meals when I feel good, I still sometimes think about having a huge, fried meal! Just have to keep moving forward. Love this site and love you guys. I have gotten more help, support and information here than all other sources combined.

Call me crazy, but I don't even want to be on a really high Protein diet for life. I want to lose weight and be healthy. I don't want to be thin and on dialysis for kidney failure. I plan to get adequate protein, but also eat lots of fresh vegetables, fruits and healthy whole grains. The food pyramid hasn't changed and healthy eating isn't what got me here. I'm off the crap carbs, candy, Cookies, Doritos (love, love). I still plan to get back to salads, Beans, hummus, flax, wheat germ, whole wheat yumminess. I did this first and foremost for health. As a side note, I do hope to be thin for once in my adult life. I think I can have both.

I just have to "weigh" in. This is based on no real
knowledge, training or education. (That's my legal disclaimer:)). What I have a problem with is people complaining about "only" losing X amount of weight. We had WLS, not quadruple limb amputations, or a magical procedure. While 100 pounds in 4 months would be awesome, and I have read of a few who have done it, I just don't think it's realistic for most people. If we could just pour off the weight at lightning speed, none of us would be here. Our species would be extinct. A few bad winters in the past and our ancestors would have all promptly starved to death. Our bodies are amazingly and awesomely designed to keep us alive, through feast and famine. For most of us, this is the first famine we are experiencing and our bodies are responding beautifully, and as designed. Some people lose weight at a steady rate. Some drop a good amount rapidly, then "plateau", like stairs. Neither is better or worse. I think everyone needs to take a deep breath and GIVE YOUR SELF A BREAK! Our poor bodies have been through a major trauma, but they are still showing up for us, doing their job, day in and day out. Not to mention, we have abused them and treated them like crap for years to get here. They aren't complaining about any of it, or the fact that we cut out a perfectly healthy and non offending organ, while leaving the guilty party intact (nobody wants a lobotomy, I guess). If you lose "only" 15 pounds a month on average, that will still be 180 in a year. We are all successes. Use reason when the scale shows a weight gain. Even if all 7 or 8 hundred calories came from pop rocks and cotton candy, you could not possibly gain 5 pounds of fat. Its not possible. That gain is simply Water retention or your crazy ass digital scale. We get this hyper focus on the scale. Don't do it. It diminishes what you have accomplished. We have all suffered so much being overweight and being judged. Don't do this to yourself when you are finally, finally doing awesome. Use your head and self talk to build yourself up, not to introduce fear of failure and recrimination. Even the "slow losers" seem to be about 30 pounds down by now. We've got this! We didn't gain 100 pounds in 4 months (I don't think), and we aren't going to lose it that quick either (I'm more certain). But, If we keep focused, keep making mostly good choices, and keep moving, we ALL, have to lose weight and have success. Figure out your average weight loss, think about the last time you lost that much in that amount of time, pat yourself on the back and repeat, "I am strong, tough and have taken back control of my life. I will do this, I AM doing this, I will succeed and I will not berate myself or waste precious time with negative self talk!"
And all God's people said, "Amen!"
Sorry so long. This is a Rah! Rah! Post. It's not intended to rant:)
Elaine

I think that was supposed to be a good thing

Your Dr should not be putting such ideas into your head. This is not an exact science. Everyone loses differently.

I also saw a post the other day with someone who said she had these issues due to her anemia. As soon as that got treated, the nausea went away. Maybe feosol will help?

I just have to "weigh" in. This is based on no real
knowledge, training or education. (That's my legal disclaimer:)). What I have a problem with is people complaining about "only" losing X amount of weight. We had WLS, not quadruple limb amputations, or a magical procedure. While 100 pounds in 4 months would be awesome, and I have read of a few who have done it, I just don't think it's realistic for most people. If we could just pour off the weight at lightning speed, none of us would be here. Our species would be extinct. A few bad winters in the past and our ancestors would have all promptly starved to death. Our bodies are amazingly and awesomely designed to keep us alive, through feast and famine. For most of us, this is the first famine we are experiencing and our bodies are responding beautifully, and as designed. Some people lose weight at a steady rate. Some drop a good amount rapidly, then "plateau", like stairs. Neither is better or worse. I think everyone needs to take a deep breath and GIVE YOUR SELF A BREAK! Our poor bodies have been through a major trauma, but they are still showing up for us, doing their job, day in and day out. Not to mention, we have abused them and treated them like crap for years to get here. They aren't complaining about any of it, or the fact that we cut out a perfectly healthy and non offending organ, while leaving the guilty party intact (nobody wants a lobotomy, I guess). If you lose "only" 15 pounds a month on average, that will still be 180 in a year. We are all successes. Use reason when the scale shows a weight gain. Even if all 7 or 8 hundred calories came from pop rocks and cotton candy, you could not possibly gain 5 pounds of fat. Its not possible. That gain is simply Water retention or your crazy ass digital scale. We get this hyper focus on the scale. Don't do it. It diminishes what you have accomplished. We have all suffered so much being overweight and being judged. Don't do this to yourself when you are finally, finally doing awesome. Use your head and self talk to build yourself up, not to introduce fear of failure and recrimination. Even the "slow losers" seem to be about 30 pounds down by now. We've got this! We didn't gain 100 pounds in 4 months (I don't think), and we aren't going to lose it that quick either (I'm more certain). But, If we keep focused, keep making mostly good choices, and keep moving, we ALL, have to lose weight and have success. Figure out your average weight loss, think about the last time you lost that much in that amount of time, pat yourself on the back and repeat, "I am strong, tough and have taken back control of my life. I will do this, I AM doing this, I will succeed and I will not berate myself or waste precious time with negative self talk!"
And all God's people said, "Amen!"
Sorry so long. This is a Rah! Rah! Post. It's not intended to rant:)
Elaine

I just have to "weigh" in. This is based on no real
knowledge, training or education. (That's my legal disclaimer:)). What I have a problem with is people complaining about "only" losing X amount of weight. We had WLS, not quadruple limb amputations, or a magical procedure. While 100 pounds in 4 months would be awesome, and I have read of a few who have done it, I just don't think it's realistic for most people. If we could just pour off the weight at lightning speed, none of us would be here. Our species would be extinct. A few bad winters in the past and our ancestors would have all promptly starved to death. Our bodies are amazingly and awesomely designed to keep us alive, through feast and famine. For most of us, this is the first famine we are experiencing and our bodies are responding beautifully, and as designed. Some people lose weight at a steady rate. Some drop a good amount rapidly, then "plateau", like stairs. Neither is better or worse. I think everyone needs to take a deep breath and GIVE YOUR SELF A BREAK! Our poor bodies have been through a major trauma, but they are still showing up for us, doing their job, day in and day out. Not to mention, we have abused them and treated them like crap for years to get here. They aren't complaining about any of it, or the fact that we cut out a perfectly healthy and non offending organ, while leaving the guilty party intact (nobody wants a lobotomy, I guess). If you lose "only" 15 pounds a month on average, that will still be 180 in a year. We are all successes. Use reason when the scale shows a weight gain. Even if all 7 or 8 hundred calories came from pop rocks and cotton candy, you could not possibly gain 5 pounds of fat. Its not possible. That gain is simply Water retention or your crazy ass digital scale. We get this hyper focus on the scale. Don't do it. It diminishes what you have accomplished. We have all suffered so much being overweight and being judged. Don't do this to yourself when you are finally, finally doing awesome. Use your head and self talk to build yourself up, not to introduce fear of failure and recrimination. Even the "slow losers" seem to be about 30 pounds down by now. We've got this! We didn't gain 100 pounds in 4 months (I don't think), and we aren't going to lose it that quick either (I'm more certain). But, If we keep focused, keep making mostly good choices, and keep moving, we ALL, have to lose weight and have success. Figure out your average weight loss, think about the last time you lost that much in that amount of time, pat yourself on the back and repeat, "I am strong, tough and have taken back control of my life. I will do this, I AM doing this, I will succeed and I will not berate myself or waste precious time with negative self talk!"
And all God's people said, "Amen!"
Sorry so long. This is a Rah! Rah! Post. It's not intended to rant:)
Elaine

Actually feeling a lot better and even lost 1 lb! I guess the stall is over for now! Back to the gym and I am also finding that now that I am back to work I eat slower and more mindfully and I am able to eat more of a variety of things without feeling ill. Still can't drink Water, but Gatorade is my new best friend!
I hope all of you that were having problems are feeling better! I am so glad I found this forum because I really can't talk to anyone at work or friends because they have no idea what we go through! My daughter had the surgery April 23, 2013 but she is 25 yo and recovered almost like nothing happened! She has lost 60 lbs so far and looks fabulous. I am using her as my goal for my 4 month mark. I know people say "you should go at your own pace and not go by how other people do or look", but it helps me stay on track. No way am I going to let her beat me!

Finally broke my stall!!! I'm so excited! 2 more lbs... Gone. On another good note, this weekend I went shopping with my husband and discovered I can now wear a size large top! It's so weird because at my heaviest I was a 2xl. I've always thought those who could wear size large were normal sized women. It's hard to think of myself that way... I'm still amazed that I can even fit into a size large! The best is yet to come

Hey now... don't think all Florida guys are that way! Some of us are tall and like tall women