Sherri297

Hi Kathy, You may want to do some research on a genetic disorder called hemochromatosis. There are several blood tests used to diagnose it, also a DNA test. I have it and so does most of my fathers family, our bodies accumulate excess Iron and don't release it as one would normally do. If not treated it causes a multitude of diseases such as liver cirrhosis, joint pain, heat disease and the list goes on. The good news is that it's very treatable, mainly by phlebotomy (blood donation).

Wise choice. Before surgery I loved protein shakes made in the blender with ice. Post surgery it is just to frothy and foamy to swallow it feels like a big air bubble that's stuck half way down. Even now almost two years out I eat my protein powder mixed into my low carb yogurt.

There is a company called "Unjury" on the internet. They have unflavored protein. They also have a sample pack you can order that has individual servings. Great for taking to work. Also have chicken flavored protein broth that is wonderful.

Hi there, Dr. Lopez and his wife Dr. Osuna did my surgery in Tijuana 20 months ago (Oct, 2012). At that time he was booking through "A Lighter Me". I was very happy with my care. The reason that I went with him in particular was that he supposedly specialized in higher BMI and at risk patients. (Previous heart attack/diabetes). However Candy Pants had some great questions on her list that I wish I had asked. "Like how many surgeries per day". At that time Dr. Lopez was traveling to 3 cities a month, and in my opinion A Lighter Me severely overbooked him. I was scheduled to have Surgery on a Monday, he had 5 surgeries that day. The Dr. decides after conferring with patients what order he will do the surgeries in. The first 3 surgeries were long with other procedures added as well. 2 - were bypasses with abdominal hernias, all that being said I finally got into surgery at 2AM on Tuesday. Out of recovery at 5:30AM, then at 8 the nurses were insisting that I get into the shower. My recovery went very well with no complications. I've done well with my weight loss, not where I want to be yet, but I have faith that I will get there.

Make sure your not getting dehydrated, lots and lots of water. If your Drs plan allows.... protein. GNC has a clear protein drink (called Isopure I think), water it down or it will taste terrible. Also vitamins if Dr allows, they make liquid. It will help a ton. Beyond that patience, rest, and walk. You've just had major surgery and you will be tired and weak. By next week you'll be feeling much better.

In my opinion Dr.'s and their staff, still have somewhat of "The god complex". They like educated patients but only on what that specific practice deems is their protocol. Pre-op and post-op instructions vary greatly. I'm a middle of the road person myself, and believe in reading everything I can get my hands on. Sorry your Dr.'s office is un supportive.

That's what I do too. 1-2 pieces, but only the toppings - NO CRUST.

I also had a 3 day clear liquid diet before my Mexico surgery. At this point the goal is to clean out the whole digestive tract, not concentrating on calories. Water, water, water, broth, jello, crystal light water flavoring, teas, its not really fun, but you'll do just fine.. Good luck.

I agree with Ms.AntiBand, I also colored mine every 6 weeks. I took biotine, not sure if it helped at all cause yes I did lose a lot of hair, but I think it would have happened regardless of coloring. It wasn't breaking but coming out by the roots.

I was sleeved 1 year ago today, and yes I have found it much harder to lose after the 6 month mark.....just my experience. My first 60 lbs basically fell off, but to be truthful I haven't been giving it my all, it's time to get with it and lose those last 30-40 lbs.

Cowgirl, I wish you a speedy recovery with your plastic surgery and congratulations on reaching and maintaining your goal. I'd also just like to share with you that I really enjoy reading your posts. You always put such thought into every single post, and pose questions/thoughts that get me thinking...sometime from a different perspective. So, Thank You.

Agree with the above post, and an extension cord to plug all your goodies into, also a heating pad really helped me with the gas pains, Lose pajama pants (with a pocket if your Dr.uses a drain) to walk the hospital halls in. Extra panties & laundry soap for life's unexpected accidents. :wub:

I haven't had any of the conditions you've spoken about but I do remember my diaphragm was not happy and it hurt like hell to take a deep breath. It did start getting better about day 5 or 6, Right now you need to concentrate on #1 getting you liquids down, #2 Walk for at least 5 minutes every couple of hours. (This helps with the gas pains) use a heating pad a little for your tummy and alot for your back. Try to relax, you've just had major surgery you need time to heal. This is not an easy path, but for most of us the few days of pain are way worth it in the long run.

Personally I don't really track grams of fat, I just make sure that the fats I do have are healthy fats. But I do restrict sugar and carbs...... don't mean to rain on your parade, but since you didn't you don't know haw many sugars your yogurt has I'll bet its a boat load. I love 2 kinds of greek yogurt (ZOI and Flage), use a few frozen berries and sweeten with Stevia. Yum .

Yes very normal. At 11 mos I tend to use the burping as a tool to tell me stop eating now because one more bite may send me to the rest room to throw up. The really growing decreases with time, but yes it's really loud right after surgery. Feed it some water.

Stomlin, thank you so much for having the courage to bare your soul. I am in the same boat as you, rapidly coming up on a year and disgusted with myself because I'm still 25-30 lbs. from goal and have found myself eating sliders, and stress eating. I've gained 3 pounds in the last month...luckily its not more. I think staying dedicated to exercising has kept the weight down. I'll be joining those of you who are eating clean today. And thank you to all the wonderful supporting vets for your replies. I don't often post, but I lurk, read, and learn from all of you.

I took 2 weeks off, and should have taken 3 weeks. I was still tired and sore at 2 weeks.

I'm 51 years old, had a heart attack at age 46 - at that time I weighed 213. Quit smoking and gained another 50 pounds. Found my self with uncontrolled type 2 diabetes and didn't think would live to see 60. Now post surgery, I'm off all diabetic meds, no more high blood pressure, was able to reduce the amounts of acid reflux med and cholesterol meds. I'm so much healthier, and feel so much better. I can even run for short spurts . Was the best decision for me, I know it has increased my quality of life and most likely longevity. Best wishes.

A heating pad saved me from gas pain. I highly recommend one.

Love this!!!! (My husband did also). Thanks for starting my day off with a laugh.

Your a strikingly beautiful woman, big or small. But I bet you feel hell of alot better small. WAY TO GO!!!

I saved a pair of levis and a T shirt. It's worth the space in your closet. Whenever you have downer day - just pull those out and put them on = instant attitude adjustment.

Welcome Gabriela, You will love Vertical Sleeve Talk. Most members here are super supportive. This is also a great place to learn (also from past threads). I'm 11 mos. out, had my surgery last Oct. at Mi Doctors Hospital with Dr. Lopez, for exactly the same health reasons you listed. I'm not at goal yet, but happy to report that I'm no longer on any diabetic meds and have been able to cut my statin drug to half of previous strength. I feel 15 years younger. You won't regret your decision. Good luck.

Welcome, Finehomes. As others have suggested, read posts here. You'll get broad picture of what to expect. Then with all the new found knowledge you won't be as nervous. You can spend the time getting the stuff you'll need for after surgery. For me this was a terrific decision, I'm 52 now.....a year ago my chances of making it to 60 were not so good. Oh buy the way I'm from Idaho. No surgeon in this area even does the GSV, most general practitioners here have not even heard of the surgery. lol. Best of luck.

I'll have to try that technique next time. Glade it worked for you and that your feeling better.