Gettingmylifeback11/2012

Sleeved on Election Day (Nov. 6th). 322 before per-op diet, 313 on day of surgery, and 258 as of yesterday. 64 lbs total and damn proud! This is the best I've felt in many, many years. Granted, it's been a tough journey. I describe the experience to my friends one sentence; The most strict diet I've ever been on combined with a major surgery that kicked my a**! But as most would agree, I'd do it all in a minute. Things I can do now that I couldn't a couple months ago:
Fit in a seat on an air plane without having to use a seat belt extension.
Fit in a booth at a restaurant.
Sex....ohhhhh boy. I'll save it for the man room.
Sit up from a laying position without looking like a turtle on its shell.
Tie my shoes while they're still on my feet.
Look at myself in the mirror (still not all that pretty to look at, but getting better!)
Pass a Wendy's without ordering 2 spicy chicken combos.
Find clothes that fit me at places like Kohles and Target.
Walk for quite a distance without getting those sores on my inner thighs (they're gone completely!).
sleep without my C-pap machine.
Give someone a good hug.
Smile when I think of my future!
Life is good!

Don't get discouraged we are
All nervous and have doubts. Everyone has plateaus.... my friend lost 65 pounds in 6 months after her sleeve... But she had moments of plateaus. .. you will do great..
I Am six days post op and down 8 pounds... hope to keep this up! I knw it will slow down a lot but I will take all the pounds I can!!

I also had surgery 11/28 and I've only lost 10 lbs so I think your doing great!

GIGi3 I was cracking up on your we fatties line....I too miss my glass of wine every now and then. I am only 2 weeks out, my surgeon allows 1 glass every so often. I would advise you double check with your surgeon. I wouldn't abuse the every so often, don't forget the stomach lining is not as thick as before. Also if your still taking the antacids be careful!!

Why would you want to? Why begin the sabotage?
Before my surgery I was a two glass of wine every night person. Do I want to sabotage, or do I want to be of normal weight?
I will go without the wine.
Getting to a normal size really is pretty simple. Portion Control, exercise, and eat healthy. We fatties are the ones that make it complicated.

You can have low fat custard or nas angel delight perhaps. Muller rice, I enjoy a bedtime cup of Horlcks or ovaltine. Soft cheese such as light laughing cow cheese, pâté.
The puréed stage is when things start to feel a bit more normal and you get the full feeling. Keep your chin up and you will be there in no time. Xxx

ouch butterthebean. A little harsh, eh?
I am 17 days out. Today I was drinking Water so much better. I feel good about that. I was nervous that last week that I was going to get dehydrated. I am finding the first couple of weeks many changes are going on.

People, come back from the ledge. Do not freak out. First of all, size of your sleeve does not matter. You are the one who has to control what you eat from here on out. The sleeve will be like a helping hand, but not a crutch. Do not depend on it to do all the work by letting your feelings of fullness tell you when to stop eating or drinking. Your capacity will increase, and it will keep increasing for a while. One day a few months down the line you will wake up and be able to eat double what you could at 2 months out. That does not mean you should eat double. Measure your portions and learn to eat that and then stop eating. The idea is to eat till you're no longer hungry, not full. If you're like me, and you're not terribly good at recognizing that point then measure you're food and you can't go wrong.
If you're still on liquids then work to get in your Water but do not bloat yourself.

I was told ten pounds for six weeks, then had a second surgery to repair a leak at five weeks and had to start the six weeks all over again. I'm shocked a doctor would have no lifting restrictions. Frankly that's putting a patient at risk. It's very easy to lift too much and get a leak early out.

Everyone's going to be told something different. My surgeon told me that my body is so used to picking her up that there was no restriction with her. She's was 12 months and 22 lbs, I still took it easy and didn't just hold her all the time. I would pick her up when she wanted a hug and kiss and put her back down. She really didn't understand obviously. I'd do what you feel comfortable with, if you trust ur surgeon listen to him, if you're dying to just hug your baby, take it slow and listen to your bodys cues. Good luck! Xx
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Sarah,
I was told no lifting more than 5lbs for 6wks because the stomach can split open.

I had my sleeve on Nov.27th and was told that I have no lifting restrictions, just to do (lifting) what feels comfortable. I have a 1, 2, and 4 year old that all wanted to squeeze me and jump on me, but I showed them my "owies" and have had no problems. I cuddle with them while sitting or laying in bed, and it seems to satisfy them. I lift the two little ones on the changing table for diaper changes, and load them into their carseats with no more discomfort than prior to having my surgery. I'm also adding extra "just because" kisses and praise. I feel your pain:)

When I was sleeved my youngest daughter was 14 months and I asked my surgeon specifically about picking her up. She said it was ok as long as I had her come up to me and held her tight against myself as if she was part if my body, but not to bend and pick her up. I tried not to pick her up as much as possible but when I needed to this worked well. My incisions healed well. You may want to ask you surgeon about this ...?

My twins were 14 months when I was sleeved and I have a 3yro it was tough..I sat on the couch and let the cuddle with me ..way better then popping sutures or hernia

I feel your pain! My daughter was 18mthswhen I got my band and then had to have neck surgery a month later and was in a collar for 8 weeks. I basically just had to have her climb up on the couch and give me loves. It's so hard. Just remember its harder on you then her. When I was sleeved my now 4 yr old daughter keep asking if my stitches were still in my belly and she told EVERYONE that I had stitches in my belly. Even strangers and people I didn't tell. from the mouths of babes. Get better, it will all be worth it when you can actively play with your little one!

My Dr. doesnt allow this as there is too much sodium in it. Chk the labels.