doxieville

Definitely speak up! My surgoen is excited that I am so curious and ask questions. As soon as he saw that I was really into seeing & understanding the leak test, he glowed. He broke it all down in laymans terms so I could understand everything. Do docs & surgeons have a tendancy to become drones & forget we are humans? Absolutely! I think it's up to us to bring them back to the 'real' world & make them talk to us. I've had many docs w all my auto-immune issues, and I've had both knees replaced. I won't tolerate a doctor who acts like he's God. This is my body, and if you are messing with it, you are darn well gonna tell me what you are doing with it! :-).
So yes! Speak up! Ask to see what he's doing & explain it to you.
:-)

Awesome!!! Look at that sexy pose! Work it, girl!
:-)

Rachdreams:
Please remember that all docs are so different. Your doc might do the surgery different than mine. But the way mine explained it to me is that for 3 weeks postop they didn't want my tummy to have to work at digesting anything. They want it at complete rest as much as possible. So something like oatmeal, or pureed rice in Soup, would make your tummy work at digesting because even though its pureed, the disgestive system still recognizes it as a food that needs to be digested, so the tummy goes into it's digestive mode.
I'm sure you're doing fine w your pureed foods. Rememeber, everyone is different!
Good luck!
Judy

PLEASE do not take any offense to this comparison!!
A good way to look at stretching the sleeve is comparing it to the practice of creating holes in ones earlobe. You need to start with a small circle, and then slowly move to a bigger size as the earlobe stretches. If anyone knows the correct terminology and process for this, please let me know. Thanks!
I lived in the Amazon as a child and the Indians native to that area would stretch out their bottom lip. They start with a small one as a child and over time would put in bigger ones until the lip
is fully extended. So, it does take a lot of work to stretch the sleeve. It IS doable, but you'd be pretty darn uncomfortable for a long time! Dr. Duperier said empahatically that he has seen very few people actually stretch it so that the size stops being a tool. When it doesn't work it's always been because of poor diet choices, and snacking continually.
Hope this helps!!

Hi Everyone,
I had my Two week checkup today. It was great! I've lost 12 pounds post-op. It was only 2 pounds of muscle that I lost, the rest was all fat. I love getting weighed at the office because they have a machine that breaks it all down. I've been cleared for exercise, so hopefully next month I won't have lost any muscle.
Dr. duperier, the wonderful doc that he is, spent time with me, as always, to answer some questions:
Stretching Your Sleeve: it is possible to stretch your sleeve, but you have to work hard to do that. One or two meals that are too big won't stretch it out. Constantly overpacking it for months will stretch it.
Gaining Weight or 'Cheating': The Sleeve will fail if you drink sugary liquids. He has seen it happen and it saddens him. That is why counseling is such an important part of this equation.
Losing Weight & low carbs: I thought once I was sleeved that I will always have to eat low carb. Not true. Once I'm at goal weight, I can eat freely, within reason, and Protein always first.
No food For 3 Weeks: The reason is because the stomach needs to heal and not strain itself by processing food. So I was wrong. I thought if any food was pureed, I could eat/drink it. Not so. It has to be full liquids with nothing the stomach sees as 'food.'. So my pureed oatmeal, pureed Soups (other than creamy & broth) are no-no's. There is no such stage as 'pureed stage!'.
It was a very interesting visit. They did my leak test in the office and he spent time letting me drink & watching my sleeve fill up. I even got to see what happens when I overfill my sleeve. I am a renegade! I asked him if I could and he said 'sure.'. It was really cool. No wonder it is uncomfortable.
I hope other August sleevers (and everyone else!) are getting good news from
their docs!
Judy

Hi Everyone,
I had my Two week checkup today. It was great! I've lost 12 pounds post-op. It was only 2 pounds of muscle that I lost, the rest was all fat. I love getting weighed at the office because they have a machine that breaks it all down. I've been cleared for exercise, so hopefully next month I won't have lost any muscle.
Dr. duperier, the wonderful doc that he is, spent time with me, as always, to answer some questions:
Stretching Your Sleeve: it is possible to stretch your sleeve, but you have to work hard to do that. One or two meals that are too big won't stretch it out. Constantly overpacking it for months will stretch it.
Gaining Weight or 'Cheating': The Sleeve will fail if you drink sugary liquids. He has seen it happen and it saddens him. That is why counseling is such an important part of this equation.
Losing Weight & low carbs: I thought once I was sleeved that I will always have to eat low carb. Not true. Once I'm at goal weight, I can eat freely, within reason, and Protein always first.
No food For 3 Weeks: The reason is because the stomach needs to heal and not strain itself by processing food. So I was wrong. I thought if any food was pureed, I could eat/drink it. Not so. It has to be full liquids with nothing the stomach sees as 'food.'. So my pureed oatmeal, pureed Soups (other than creamy & broth) are no-no's. There is no such stage as 'pureed stage!'.
It was a very interesting visit. They did my leak test in the office and he spent time letting me drink & watching my sleeve fill up. I even got to see what happens when I overfill my sleeve. I am a renegade! I asked him if I could and he said 'sure.'. It was really cool. No wonder it is uncomfortable.
I hope other August sleevers (and everyone else!) are getting good news from
their docs!
Judy

So I tried some ice cream from McDonalds. Definitely soft food. Result? I am not constipated anymore LOL.

Hi Everyone,
I had my Two week checkup today. It was great! I've lost 12 pounds post-op. It was only 2 pounds of muscle that I lost, the rest was all fat. I love getting weighed at the office because they have a machine that breaks it all down. I've been cleared for exercise, so hopefully next month I won't have lost any muscle.
Dr. duperier, the wonderful doc that he is, spent time with me, as always, to answer some questions:
Stretching Your Sleeve: it is possible to stretch your sleeve, but you have to work hard to do that. One or two meals that are too big won't stretch it out. Constantly overpacking it for months will stretch it.
Gaining Weight or 'Cheating': The Sleeve will fail if you drink sugary liquids. He has seen it happen and it saddens him. That is why counseling is such an important part of this equation.
Losing Weight & low carbs: I thought once I was sleeved that I will always have to eat low carb. Not true. Once I'm at goal weight, I can eat freely, within reason, and Protein always first.
No food For 3 Weeks: The reason is because the stomach needs to heal and not strain itself by processing food. So I was wrong. I thought if any food was pureed, I could eat/drink it. Not so. It has to be full liquids with nothing the stomach sees as 'food.'. So my pureed oatmeal, pureed Soups (other than creamy & broth) are no-no's. There is no such stage as 'pureed stage!'.
It was a very interesting visit. They did my leak test in the office and he spent time letting me drink & watching my sleeve fill up. I even got to see what happens when I overfill my sleeve. I am a renegade! I asked him if I could and he said 'sure.'. It was really cool. No wonder it is uncomfortable.
I hope other August sleevers (and everyone else!) are getting good news from
their docs!
Judy

It was so cool! I drank the barium while the camera thingy was on. It's a big apparatus that is like an xray machine. They had a big TV screen centered so the patient can watch too. I could see the liquid go down and into my tiny belly. It took about 4 oz, 3 sips, to fill it. On my fourth sip it backtracked back up to the bottom of my esphogus and I could feel that pressure. As soon as the liquid went out the bottom of my sleeve, the esphogus emptied into my stomach. It really helps me now that I have a real visual of what's going on.

Hi Everyone,
I had my Two week checkup today. It was great! I've lost 12 pounds post-op. It was only 2 pounds of muscle that I lost, the rest was all fat. I love getting weighed at the office because they have a machine that breaks it all down. I've been cleared for exercise, so hopefully next month I won't have lost any muscle.
Dr. duperier, the wonderful doc that he is, spent time with me, as always, to answer some questions:
Stretching Your Sleeve: it is possible to stretch your sleeve, but you have to work hard to do that. One or two meals that are too big won't stretch it out. Constantly overpacking it for months will stretch it.
Gaining Weight or 'Cheating': The Sleeve will fail if you drink sugary liquids. He has seen it happen and it saddens him. That is why counseling is such an important part of this equation.
Losing Weight & low carbs: I thought once I was sleeved that I will always have to eat low carb. Not true. Once I'm at goal weight, I can eat freely, within reason, and Protein always first.
No food For 3 Weeks: The reason is because the stomach needs to heal and not strain itself by processing food. So I was wrong. I thought if any food was pureed, I could eat/drink it. Not so. It has to be full liquids with nothing the stomach sees as 'food.'. So my pureed oatmeal, pureed Soups (other than creamy & broth) are no-no's. There is no such stage as 'pureed stage!'.
It was a very interesting visit. They did my leak test in the office and he spent time letting me drink & watching my sleeve fill up. I even got to see what happens when I overfill my sleeve. I am a renegade! I asked him if I could and he said 'sure.'. It was really cool. No wonder it is uncomfortable.
I hope other August sleevers (and everyone else!) are getting good news from
their docs!
Judy

My surgeon asked me how I was feeling about the surgery in my Pre-op exam a week before my surgery. I said 'anxious, nervous. And a bit scared.'. He said that was good. It's the cocky people who have no fears that he gets concerned about. And as a side note he said that those people are the ones who usually have the bumpier ride bcs they aren't prepared.
So, embrace your fears! They will help guide & educate you towards a wonderful, healthier you!
:-)

Hi Everyone,
I had my Two week checkup today. It was great! I've lost 12 pounds post-op. It was only 2 pounds of muscle that I lost, the rest was all fat. I love getting weighed at the office because they have a machine that breaks it all down. I've been cleared for exercise, so hopefully next month I won't have lost any muscle.
Dr. duperier, the wonderful doc that he is, spent time with me, as always, to answer some questions:
Stretching Your Sleeve: it is possible to stretch your sleeve, but you have to work hard to do that. One or two meals that are too big won't stretch it out. Constantly overpacking it for months will stretch it.
Gaining Weight or 'Cheating': The Sleeve will fail if you drink sugary liquids. He has seen it happen and it saddens him. That is why counseling is such an important part of this equation.
Losing Weight & low carbs: I thought once I was sleeved that I will always have to eat low carb. Not true. Once I'm at goal weight, I can eat freely, within reason, and Protein always first.
No food For 3 Weeks: The reason is because the stomach needs to heal and not strain itself by processing food. So I was wrong. I thought if any food was pureed, I could eat/drink it. Not so. It has to be full liquids with nothing the stomach sees as 'food.'. So my pureed oatmeal, pureed Soups (other than creamy & broth) are no-no's. There is no such stage as 'pureed stage!'.
It was a very interesting visit. They did my leak test in the office and he spent time letting me drink & watching my sleeve fill up. I even got to see what happens when I overfill my sleeve. I am a renegade! I asked him if I could and he said 'sure.'. It was really cool. No wonder it is uncomfortable.
I hope other August sleevers (and everyone else!) are getting good news from
their docs!
Judy

BTW, I bought a submersible blender yesterday at costco for $28. Best purchase ever!!! I blended cream of brocolli Soup into a total liquid in a minute, no chunks. And it tasted exactly the same. Today I'm going to the store and buying different chunky Soups and gonna blend my way thru this phase. :-)
Waterlogged in Texas!
:-)

You aren't required to have someone there, but it's nice. Can he just come see you after you get to your room? That way the kids are only left with someone for a short time? In most hospitals, he won't be able to see you until you go to your room. And no, you aren't being selfish, this is YOUR day.

Where is your pain? You can lightly massage around your incisions and use a heating pad on your tummy to relax the muscles. At 3 days out you SHOULD have pain meds & anti-nausea pills. Please take them. Now is not the time to be a hero and suffer discomfort. Call your doc if you don't have any meds.
Day 3 was my WORST day. I was so uncomfortable & miserable. I got through the first week by sleeping, sipping and reading this forum. I gained a LOT of strength from all these wonderful people on this board.
Hug yourself!! You'll be better soon.

Hi Everyone,
I had my Two week checkup today. It was great! I've lost 12 pounds post-op. It was only 2 pounds of muscle that I lost, the rest was all fat. I love getting weighed at the office because they have a machine that breaks it all down. I've been cleared for exercise, so hopefully next month I won't have lost any muscle.
Dr. duperier, the wonderful doc that he is, spent time with me, as always, to answer some questions:
Stretching Your Sleeve: it is possible to stretch your sleeve, but you have to work hard to do that. One or two meals that are too big won't stretch it out. Constantly overpacking it for months will stretch it.
Gaining Weight or 'Cheating': The Sleeve will fail if you drink sugary liquids. He has seen it happen and it saddens him. That is why counseling is such an important part of this equation.
Losing Weight & low carbs: I thought once I was sleeved that I will always have to eat low carb. Not true. Once I'm at goal weight, I can eat freely, within reason, and Protein always first.
No food For 3 Weeks: The reason is because the stomach needs to heal and not strain itself by processing food. So I was wrong. I thought if any food was pureed, I could eat/drink it. Not so. It has to be full liquids with nothing the stomach sees as 'food.'. So my pureed oatmeal, pureed Soups (other than creamy & broth) are no-no's. There is no such stage as 'pureed stage!'.
It was a very interesting visit. They did my leak test in the office and he spent time letting me drink & watching my sleeve fill up. I even got to see what happens when I overfill my sleeve. I am a renegade! I asked him if I could and he said 'sure.'. It was really cool. No wonder it is uncomfortable.
I hope other August sleevers (and everyone else!) are getting good news from
their docs!
Judy

Hi Everyone,
I had my Two week checkup today. It was great! I've lost 12 pounds post-op. It was only 2 pounds of muscle that I lost, the rest was all fat. I love getting weighed at the office because they have a machine that breaks it all down. I've been cleared for exercise, so hopefully next month I won't have lost any muscle.
Dr. duperier, the wonderful doc that he is, spent time with me, as always, to answer some questions:
Stretching Your Sleeve: it is possible to stretch your sleeve, but you have to work hard to do that. One or two meals that are too big won't stretch it out. Constantly overpacking it for months will stretch it.
Gaining Weight or 'Cheating': The Sleeve will fail if you drink sugary liquids. He has seen it happen and it saddens him. That is why counseling is such an important part of this equation.
Losing Weight & low carbs: I thought once I was sleeved that I will always have to eat low carb. Not true. Once I'm at goal weight, I can eat freely, within reason, and Protein always first.
No food For 3 Weeks: The reason is because the stomach needs to heal and not strain itself by processing food. So I was wrong. I thought if any food was pureed, I could eat/drink it. Not so. It has to be full liquids with nothing the stomach sees as 'food.'. So my pureed oatmeal, pureed Soups (other than creamy & broth) are no-no's. There is no such stage as 'pureed stage!'.
It was a very interesting visit. They did my leak test in the office and he spent time letting me drink & watching my sleeve fill up. I even got to see what happens when I overfill my sleeve. I am a renegade! I asked him if I could and he said 'sure.'. It was really cool. No wonder it is uncomfortable.
I hope other August sleevers (and everyone else!) are getting good news from
their docs!
Judy

Hi Everyone,
I had my Two week checkup today. It was great! I've lost 12 pounds post-op. It was only 2 pounds of muscle that I lost, the rest was all fat. I love getting weighed at the office because they have a machine that breaks it all down. I've been cleared for exercise, so hopefully next month I won't have lost any muscle.
Dr. duperier, the wonderful doc that he is, spent time with me, as always, to answer some questions:
Stretching Your Sleeve: it is possible to stretch your sleeve, but you have to work hard to do that. One or two meals that are too big won't stretch it out. Constantly overpacking it for months will stretch it.
Gaining Weight or 'Cheating': The Sleeve will fail if you drink sugary liquids. He has seen it happen and it saddens him. That is why counseling is such an important part of this equation.
Losing Weight & low carbs: I thought once I was sleeved that I will always have to eat low carb. Not true. Once I'm at goal weight, I can eat freely, within reason, and Protein always first.
No food For 3 Weeks: The reason is because the stomach needs to heal and not strain itself by processing food. So I was wrong. I thought if any food was pureed, I could eat/drink it. Not so. It has to be full liquids with nothing the stomach sees as 'food.'. So my pureed oatmeal, pureed Soups (other than creamy & broth) are no-no's. There is no such stage as 'pureed stage!'.
It was a very interesting visit. They did my leak test in the office and he spent time letting me drink & watching my sleeve fill up. I even got to see what happens when I overfill my sleeve. I am a renegade! I asked him if I could and he said 'sure.'. It was really cool. No wonder it is uncomfortable.
I hope other August sleevers (and everyone else!) are getting good news from
their docs!
Judy

Hi Everyone,
I had my Two week checkup today. It was great! I've lost 12 pounds post-op. It was only 2 pounds of muscle that I lost, the rest was all fat. I love getting weighed at the office because they have a machine that breaks it all down. I've been cleared for exercise, so hopefully next month I won't have lost any muscle.
Dr. duperier, the wonderful doc that he is, spent time with me, as always, to answer some questions:
Stretching Your Sleeve: it is possible to stretch your sleeve, but you have to work hard to do that. One or two meals that are too big won't stretch it out. Constantly overpacking it for months will stretch it.
Gaining Weight or 'Cheating': The Sleeve will fail if you drink sugary liquids. He has seen it happen and it saddens him. That is why counseling is such an important part of this equation.
Losing Weight & low carbs: I thought once I was sleeved that I will always have to eat low carb. Not true. Once I'm at goal weight, I can eat freely, within reason, and Protein always first.
No food For 3 Weeks: The reason is because the stomach needs to heal and not strain itself by processing food. So I was wrong. I thought if any food was pureed, I could eat/drink it. Not so. It has to be full liquids with nothing the stomach sees as 'food.'. So my pureed oatmeal, pureed Soups (other than creamy & broth) are no-no's. There is no such stage as 'pureed stage!'.
It was a very interesting visit. They did my leak test in the office and he spent time letting me drink & watching my sleeve fill up. I even got to see what happens when I overfill my sleeve. I am a renegade! I asked him if I could and he said 'sure.'. It was really cool. No wonder it is uncomfortable.
I hope other August sleevers (and everyone else!) are getting good news from
their docs!
Judy

Haven't from eating. Did from drinking too much too fast. Barfed on the dog. Felt really bad about it. Sorry Millie!

Have the ultrasound. That will give you a baseline on what condition your gallbladder is. The doc may just decide to put you on medication. The last thing you want is a gallbladder attack and need to go to the ER.

3 weeks post op and you can eat like that? Wow! I'm still on full liquids. (surgery 8/21). Next Tuesday I start puree foods for 2 weeks then soft food for 2 weeks, THEN I can eat 'normally.' My surgeon is pretty strict and doesn't mess around. He says leaks are pretty darn awful and he'll err on the side of caution rather than risk leaks.
Are you getting enough Protein in? From what I've learned, getting your Protein in is the key to continued weight loss.

I'm about 3 weeks post op and I've lost close to 50 pounds but I have noticed the past several days I've gone up several pounds. I was 405 at my highest pre-op and I did hit 358 I weighed my self this morning and I'm at 364. Is that cause of the change from liquids to solid foods? I have great tolerance for all foods. i'm still eating soft foods like oatmeal and eggs but for dinner I have eaten grilled chicken and some seafoods like salmon and crab meat. I still have my Protein Drink 2-3 times a day. The worst thing I think I have eaten wa 2 slices of whole grain toast with PB and J. I'd also like to noted today was my first day back at the gym . In any case just curious if that is norman.

put your fork, spoon down between bites. Make sure you have alot of time to eat. Do not be rushed to go and do something else. I normally work on my computer while I eat so that I have lots of time between bites.

Sarahmoni- i'm glad I asked this question too! It's going so smoothly for me that I was starting to wonder if something was wrong! So i just need to slow down my intake and i'll be fine! :-)
I do feel really bad for people who are having a hard time. My thoughts are with all of you.