linda1000

I need help. I am 3 years out having had the vertical sleeve surgery February 2013. I went from 220 lbs to 134 at my lowest weight. I felt amazing! I fluctuated from 135 to 140 and that was fine by me but over the past year my weight is now around 154 lbs. I'm hungry and overeat all the time. Don't get me wrong, I'm miserable after I eat that much but I have continued to over eat. If anyone can tell me how to get back on track I would deeply appreciate it. Thank you for any information you can provide. Sincerely, Linda H.

Thank you Babbs, I just ordered the 5 day Pouch Test book! Thank you again

I was sleeved February 25th, 2013 and have lost 56 pounds! Only 6 pounds to goal! However; someone has kidnapped my butt :ph34r: ! I used to have a ba-donk-a-donk but yesterday while trying on clothes at the mall I caught a glimpse in the 3-way mirror and it looks like I'm carrying around a flat tire back there! Are there any toning exercises that can be done to re-inflate that area? Any help would be appreciated.

Give it back!!!!!

Thank you for posting this.

The first month I was really worried too. I used to be very regular and after surgery I was only going maybe once every 3-4 days. My doctor said that was normal. If you're not taking anything in....there is nothing to let out. To make it "easier" to go you HAVE TO drink a lot of water. I made that mistake and you don't want to know what I had to do. If your stools are hard round balls, drink water until you cant drink water anymore.

CONSTIPATION.....not any easy subject to talk about. Let me tell you a little about myself first and how I came to post this. I am 52 years old and was sleeved Feb. 25, 2013, 83 days ago. I am down 42 pounds. I feel better than I have since I was in my 20's. I am off my cholesterol meds, high blood pressure meds and triglyceride meds. I am coming on here to tell you the mistakes I have made in the last 2 1/2 months that have brought me to tell you all this. I avoided some of the advice that we are given after surgery. For instance, no alcohol, I ate foods I probably shouldn't have before it was time to, etcetera. Why was I setting myself up to fail? I don't know why either. But please listen when I say there is a reason why there are rules after this surgery. Take them seriously. Now lets get to the constipation part. Actually my stool was impacted. And if you don't know what that is or how painful it is, count your blessings. I'm sure it all began right after surgery since you can't drink as much water right after surgery that you could before. Then I started drinking alcohol (a diuretic) about 1 month post op. I usually would drink a snifter of Grand Marnier almost every night because for some reason it made me feel like I wasn't giving up everything. Then I started eating soft foods before my doctor said it was ok because I got sick of only having protein shakes and soup broth. I would vomit if I ate too fast or too much so I slowly learned that lesson. But nothing could have prepared me for the constipation I have been experiencing since surgery. WARNING... HERE IS WHERE IT GETS GRAPHIC. Before surgery I was "regular", once or twice a day actually. Since surgery I have a bowel movement maybe every 3-4 days, sometimes longer. When I was able to go it would come out like grape sized rabbit turds. Then they started getting packed together making it a little harder to get out. But I'd sit on the toilet until it came out. Sometimes I would be in there for over 30 minutes, sweating and cramping until it was over. But today was the worse it has ever been. I felt like I had to have a bowel movement so I went upstairs prepared to stay in the bathroom for awhile. 45 minutes later....nothing. I knew I had to go but it felt like I was trying to pass a football and it was NOT going to come out without a fight. I came down and Googled "severe constipation". A lot of suggestions would only help AFTER whatever was in there came out. I was in so much pain I called the hospital and explained what was happening. They told me that it sounded as though I was "impacted" and I had two choices because at this stage the "plug" has got to I wish I wouldn't have taken his direction so lightly.

Thank you, I do feel much better but never want to have to do that again. I will be picking up Benefiber tomorrow. Thank you for the information.

O.M.G. you look amazing!!!!! Thank you for sharing!

I am almost 6 weeks post-op and I too had huge difficulties trying to get in my fluids and protein. I still do. I'm just not thirsty. Water had a metallic taste. So now I've been drinking water with Orange / Tangerine MIO added to it. It's wonderful. AND I found that the more fluids I took in, the thirstier I was during the day so I am drinking more! As for how to get more protein...that's a tough one. I spent a lot of money on different kinds of protein powders and protein drinks until I found one that I could tolerate. Ensure High Protein Shake has 210 calories and 25 grams of protein. I put it in the freezer for about 45 minutes then shake it up really good. Delicious!

Thank you, Thank you, Thank you for posting this topic! I didn't know how I was going to bring this subject up. But it all makes sense now. I can't believe I couldn't figure that one out myself. I'm always saying "I have to drink more fluids"! At least I know it's something that I can take care of easily. Thanks again ladies!

I was just sleeved on February 25th. I found out about my Haital hernia AFTER surgery. It was absolutley nothing to worry about before or after surgery. It seems to be fairly common. Good luck to you.

Had surgery February 25th. Surgery went well. I ended up staying an extra night in the hospital because I was dry heaving. I got home Wednesday morning and slept most of the day. I have been trying to get in as much liquids as possible, but everytime I take a sip I feel nauseated. When does this get better? Any suggestions on how to make it stop?

I think as long as you can get up and walk around you should be ok. Remember, getting up and moving is a part of your recovery. Good Luck.

Don't get discouraged. I felt the same way. I am 4 days away from surgery and the last week has been a struggle. All I can tell you is to try and stay focused. I have had so much help and encouragement from the other sleevers on this forum. I don't think I would have made it the last week and a half without cheating if it weren't for them. Stay strong and it will be SO worth it. You've gotten this far for a reason.

Youre going to do great! Were right here with you. Good luck!

First I would like to say that you should have been a story writer. I didnt know if I should laugh or cry for you! It almost felt as we were right there with you. Thank you for sharing this valuable lesson. I know that the first time I attempt to go out to eat I will be thinking about you.