abetterme4.2

I like the two fingers w/faces now has a face. Lol. Literally took me a couple of days to realize who it was. (I tend to look at the pics before the names)

I had 60 pounds to lose and got the sleeve. Sleeved 1/11/2013 and down 43 lbs in 8 weeks.

Nope...I sounded like a motorboat after eating one of those (pre-op). I'd be afraid to chance it right now.

I didn't have a diarrhea issue. Like another poster stated, it could be the Protein you are using. I have noticed, post-op, my tummy really dislikes vanilla protein. A lot. Word to the wise: don't underestimate a fart at this point. I drink a couple of different flavors and brands and do well. You could try a different brand and see if that changes. The urine smell....just know you MUST get your liquids first, then protein. If your urine is dark, not enough liquid. I can say that when I am getting enough protein, my urine seems thick? Sounds weird, I know. I really have to keep an eye on my Water intake because I don't get thirsty. Even after walking for 2 hours.

Looking great!!

Start with 3 sets of 12-15 reps. Medium weight. Note: you may have to start with 3 lb weights or even a can of Soup. Perfectly normal. Don't forget the inevitable cardio. Just walking alone is sufficient. Moderate pace. After you get these implemented for a couple of weeks, 3 times a week...come back here and post. There's a few more to add to this.

http://www.bodybuilding.com/exercises/detail/view/name/tricep-dumbbell-kickback Video and photos And http://www.bodybuilding.com/exercises/detail/view/name/decline-close-grip-bench-to-skull-crusher I don't have a bench, so I just lie on the floor using weights. Tricep push-ups are great, also. I had to start on my knees because I lacked the strength to lift my heavy butt. Hope this helps.

In the hospital, I threw up this terribly chunky blob. Several hours post op. which hurt on my new sleeve because of the muscle contraction, not for it to come up. It was blood. Big, huge blob of blood from the stomach that had a metallic taste. That's been it for me. Nothing else.

Tricep kickbacks or skullcrushers work great.

Well, I was runner, also. I am 7 1/2 weeks post op. it was my me time and I could spend 2 hours + a day running. Everything my dr told me has been "spot on," to date. I have not deviated from his plan NOT ONE SINGLE TIME. no cheating, no nothing. He said "no running for 6 weeks" and I didn't. I have walked and walked and walked. I am the Forest Gump of walking. Approximately 6-7 miles a day and yes, it takes almost 2 hours. I have also had not one single problem post op. other than immediately after surgery, no throwing up, no nausea, no loose bowels, no constipation, no pain meds since the hospital, etc. (I am NOT saying this to brag or to imply people have problems because of their fault. Problems can happen to any of us) I believe he's the doctor and he knows best. Now, if that were to change, I may reconsider all of the above statements and reserve the right to come back here and retract my comments.

Fucl<ed Is about as close as I can get. How'd you do that? Don't wanna hijack....I can only get in about 1/4 c at 7 1/2 weeks post-op.

Well, hell, that didn't last long.

Girl...NO. I even had my chonies on and was going to play "language barrier" but she wasn't having any of it. (The nurse) in her perfect grammar: "you must take everything off. Even your undergarments." My husband couldn't quit laughing. I literally repeated "everything?" 7 times.

You should run out of here.... .......wait for it......

Wow. Thanks OP for posting your experience but I also feel bad that you felt the need to post under a false name,since you indicated you post here often... fear of backlash? Either way, it is sad because you should be able to tell of your experience, the good, the bad, and the ugly. On that note, I did go to Mexico, and had none of your experience. My surgery started on time (5 mins early, in the OR) I was treated like I was at a spa, did not see not one single persons naked bum (terrified someone would see mine), AND at 7 weeks post op...have not sharted myself not one single time. The nurses and surgeon and OR staff were fabulous. I say all of this to say....everyone's experience is different. I did follow my pre-op diet (including milk of magnesia to clean out my bowels) to the letter, no cheating, nada. Does that mean if someone did not do milk of magnesia that they will shart themselves? No....we're all different. I hope your experience did get better and that you choose to post about your entire experience under your regular-used name, without fear of whatever-may-come. You're allowed, give us good folks a chance. if not, don't worry so much about what others say or think. You'll be glad you did.

Healing nicely! Way to go and best wishes for your continued success.

I lifted, outdoor cycling, running, etc. all prior to my sleeve. My doctor and I both can firmly agree with each other that it definitely helped in my recovery. I took absolutely no pain meds other than the initial dosage at the hospital and then refused the rest while in the hospital and never took any after I got home. Went to the mall and walked around the next day after surgery. My husband had to remind me to take it easy and not over do anything. I am VERY fortunate that my recovery seemed effortless. I am 7 weeks post op today. My drs did indicate NO lifting or hard/heavy cardio (max HR) for 6 weeks and was released to begin moderate HR march 1st. (Today) I've been completely ok with that. I wanted no setbacks. I've done lots of walking and couple of HIIT sessions. Hope this helps.

Ok....to begin with, here's an analogy/experiment for you to think about: On a scale, place an empty glass on it. Look at the weight. Now, fill the entire glass with Water. Did the scale move? Obviously, yes. BUT...water has no calories and we shouldn't gain weight, right? My point is this...don't weigh yourself after eating. You will gain weight. A gallon of water roughly weighs 8.35 pounds (google it) lol. I weigh once a week, in the am directly after urinating. I would be interested in knowing what your daily intake is. Calories, foods, protein/carbs/fat ratio. It really does make a difference. I only say this because last march (2012) weight started creeping on me and no one could figure it out. I had a trainer, nutritionist, 2 endocrinologists, several tests and all other kinds of nonsense. It turned out to be something simple, no medicine needed. (This was preop) You may need to reach out to a specialist, as well. If we had more information, we could possibly point you in the right direction as far as nutrition goes. Do you use my fitness pal and is your food diary open? I'd be willing to look at it.

Thanks for keeping us updated! I am glad to see things are slowly going up for you and there is light at the end of the tunnel. Take all the time you need to get to your goal for yourself. You deserve it and you've been through much.