OwlMom

I have hypothyroidism and was sleeved on 8/31. No real problems, other than having to crush my thyroid pill. I was concerned about getting the full dose. Doctor said that I could swallow pill whole after two weeks. Much better! I have lost weight just fine. I lost 7 pounds on 2 week pre-op diet and another 18 since surgery so far. Good luck!

Advice: Learn to rely on the help of others. I'm a very independent person, but I can't imagine going through this without the support of my husband, son and many friends. I just keep telling myself how good I feel when I'm on the giving end. Also, take things slow. It gets better, but it's tough at first trying to get enough Protein and fluids in. I'm almost 3 weeks post-op and I'm seeing progress.
Encouragement: Youve made a great decision for a healthy future. There are a lot of great people on this website to keep you informed and motivated. Good luck! You'll be in my prayers.

Well, I didn't say much the first time, so I'll say a little more now. I'm newly 50, live in Arlington with my husband and teenage son. I'm a stay at home mom, which has made this sleeve process easier.
I was sleeved on Aug. 31 by Dr. Clayton Frenzel at Forest Park Medical Center. After severe nausea the first couple of days, I seemed to be doing better every day. On Wednesday (Day 6), I went to the ER at Arlington Memorial with a blood clot in my arm. Turned out not to be dangerous, just very painful and scary. I had some sort of panic attack that evening with lots of shaking, sweating and general "crazy person" behavior. Lots of prayer. Took a cool shower carefully, some calming aromatherapy, and lots of TLC from my guys. It helped, along with going back on pain meds for my arm.
Back on the mend until Sunday. I went to the big Walmart with my pedometer and walked every aisle whether I was interested or not. Only made it through half the store, mainly due to my son's boredom. Logged over 3000 steps while there.
Sunday, I overdid it, although on paper you wouldn't think so. Went to church! I think it was just too much emotionally and physically. Everyone asking how I was, glad to see me, etc. Only made it through 20 minutes and I had to retreat to the restroom. I had terrible pain in my low back (right side), I was sweating and dry heaving. By the time we got home, I was in the worst pain of my life (including major car accident and giving birth by C-section). Doubled up on pain pills, cried for mercy, prayed that I might pass out.
Finally, pain pills kicked in and I fell asleep. By 6:00, I was feeling much better and craving watermelon. Found a way to chew on it, swallow the juice and spit out the pulp. It tasted soooo good!
Day 12 now. Feeling better and walking more. Mine is not the best story, nor the worst. Just mine.
I said that I would say a little more and I wrote a book! Sorry, just got on a roll!
I'm hoping to connect with some other Arlington area sleevers during the next few weeks and months. Maybe a mini support group, walking buddies or something. I'll be in touch!

ANY JULY 2012 SLEEVERS?