sleevediva

Congrats on the weight loss. I know exactly what you're going through. I lost 120 pounds when I had the lapband. I regained most of it which is why I converted to the sleeve and now my rings are slipping once again. In the past I checked with my jeweler. I unfortunately don't have unlimited sizing so I went to Claire's boutique and got a free ring guard. They basically will keep your wedding and engagement ring in place if you get the double band ring guard. I didn't want to change my rings simply because I know the cost. I also figured that I'd just wait till I hit my goal weight, or else I'd keep taking the bands in to be resized. Congrats again!

I've had a few follow ups with the doctor and luckily I've been able to stay on track with the stages and did not have any changes in my duration of the meal plan as recommended. It sounds like we might have two different meal phase durations. My surgeon requires the following stages for these durations after surgery: Stage 1: Clear liquids (2 weeks) Stage 2: Full Liquids (2 weeks) Stage 3: Mushy/Pureed Foods (4 weeks) Stage 4: Solids (Week 5 on...) I always find it weird that each doctor has a different duration for the meal durations. I will say though that I started mushy foods yesterday and still prefer the solid liquids. I feel like I'm weird that I'd much rather has liquid over mushies.

I've seen reports that those with the lapband lose 1-2 pounds per week for the first year. tatistically speaking, on average, how much weight does an average patient lose with VSG per week in the first year?

I've experienced no regain in weight but I've been extremely swollen in my port area since surgery. Today i finally am starting to notice that the swelling has faded. Mind you i was in the hospital 5 days before i was released. It's quite possible during that time my weight jumped but i never knew. They told me not weigh myself when i got home and wait a week to get on the scale because it was definitely possible. I didn't listen and checked right away. Iwas happy because i lost 7 pounds while in the hospital.

I start week 4 mushy foods on Thursday but lately I'm noticing I just don't have the urges (head hunger) like I use to for food. I should be elated about this but it kind of concerns me because in general I just don't want food at all. This is a very strange concept for me. I thought I would be super excited about getting to the mushy foods stage of my diet. Lately I've been less inclined to think about food at all. It's kind of become a chore making sure I get all my Protein in too. In fact, I'm getting pretty bad about it. I do mostly whey Protein powder. I've had a few Oh Yeah shakes and muscle milk drinks but I'm bored and find that I end up drinking crystal light mostly. I tend to not do too much Soup, maybe once a day if possible and about 4 ounces. I just realized I'm not really eating anything of substance. I know the consequences are bad so I'm trying my best! Any suggestions? The good news: I'm getting 64 oz. of liquid in a day no problem. I am concerned though about progressing to mushy foods. What if I have mushy food/pureed food and then am not about to get all my liquids in? I feel like I'm already starting to regress by not getting in enough protein.

I'm only almost 4 weeks out from revision surgery but I would say that so far I'm losing weight faster that initially with the band. Total weight loss including pre-op I've lost a little over 30 pounds so far. I hope that the weight keeps coming off. The band was very difficult. So far I don't have the hunger like I did with the band.

Well I'm hoping that the mushy foods stage will allow me to at least eat some Protein instead of drink it. It will be some variety. I've noticed that when I don't plan my meals I end up forgetting to do anything. Currently my meal plans consist of : 1) Breakfast: 8 oz. instant soup, 2) snack - 20 oz whey Protein Drink, 3) lunch - sf pudding, 8 oz. protein drink 4) snack - Jello or crystal light 5) dinner - campbell's soup 6) snack - protein drink (if I'm still awake) I'm making my liquids....I sip on crystal light or Vitamin Water all day, just probably not enough protein. I'm liking the suggestions. These comments are helpful! It's always nice to know others are in the same boat or have suggestions. Keep 'em coming.

I think it varies. During the first two weeks I struggled to get my liquids in. Now I'm entering week 4 and can honestly say I'm just tired of liquid protein and am starting to take less which is horrible. Thank goodness that I start mushy foods in a few days. Hopefully i will be able to start getting my protein that way.

Sleeve Master - I've suffered from the discoloration too. I noticed that when I've dropped significant weight the coloring got better. I unfortunately do not have answers though. I just thought I'd let you know that you are not the only one.

Thanks. Right now I'm at a stall but I'm just happy not be hungry anymore, nor in pain.

No it doesn't matter to me regarding how fast. I just recall reading somewhere that it's about 3-4 pounds a week. As you mentioned, sure it varies based on someone's BMI. I started my journey with the lapband but ended up revising to VSG a couple weeks ago. It's one of the best decisions I've made as far as I can tell.

Sleeved 9/20 = 268.5 Stalled since 10/9 = 254 Down 14.5 pounds since surgery, and down 28 pounds from highest weight. I'm convinced I would have lost more by now but honestly I'm exhausted all the time. Just started back at work on Monday and don't have the energy to walk like I was doing. I really miss going to the gym. When does this exhaustion end!?!?!

Yeah I'm definitely not playing this waiting game again. Thanks!

Thanks. I ended up going to the E.R. because the pain got worse. The bleeding had stopped but the area got more swollen and I got worried. As it turns out I have a seroma, a build up of Fluid. They gave me some stronger pain meds too. I follow up with my surgeon tomorrow. I'm just happy to know what is going on.

Zenoosh - yep its Jem...because I'm truly outrageous!

Thanks for the help guys. I'm gonna wait a few before taking off the dressing again to check it its hot to the touch. I think I might have an infection because it was a little warm earlier today. I'd rather deal with infection than any leak though as weird as that sounds. I just really don't wanna go back to the hospital. I can definitely deal with the pain till tomorrow. Thank goodness for these pain meds.

Correction I meant to say I think the bleeding may have stopped. The incision just hurts off and on though. I don't if this is normal.

No fever, just pain by incision and the very slow bleed if The bleeding isn't much, I think it may have stopped. It just hurts.

Unfortunately they don't have an after hours service. This really sucks having to wait till tomorrow morning. Has this happened to anyone? Is it normal?

I agree with UTgal. I would assume that as long as the surgeon states you have had complications that prevent you from keeping your band at the optimal fill to lose weight your insurance company should accept that. I would suggest asking your surgeon and your PCP to write letters for insurance approval. Make notes of when you had these flares up for the doctors to states in the letters.

I'm in the same boat as you. I had the band and am now getting the sleeve. I worry it won't work but all the positive feedback ont he forum has helped. I'm nervous as all can be for tomorrow but know that this is the right step.