AussieLady

Nicolanz, I think telling the truth about our own experience is important and helpful. But relaying "I heard, I read" horror stories helps no-one. I am like you, my experience was excellent and also I realize that I am lucky that this surgery is quite affordable in Australia. I could meet and choose my surgeon and his follow up care is great. I just wish everyone would stick to telling their own story.

I heard that a lot of protein powders are very fattening. Do you know if this is true?

I am really glad I didn't find this site until after I had my surgery. This reminds me of when you are pregnant there are always people who tell you horror stories and it is usually those who have not had a baby. My surgeon told me all the things that can go wrong during and after this surgery, infection, leaks, death but I trusted him enough to go ahead. Are these stories justification for not going ahead with the surgery or are you trying to talk yourselves out of it Forget the horror tales and find a surgeon you trust, but be prepared because even the best surgeons have patients who experience complications and sometimes even die. You don't get a guarantee with surgery.

It seems that some doctors have a lot of rules. Mine is at the other extreme. I have avoided sodas but I note that there are people on this site who tolerate them quite well. I agree that there's always someone who will negate the rules and at times it can become quite confusing.

My surgeon told me that 7 weeks is the point where you can be sure you won't get a leak though the majority happen in the first few days.

I had some parties to go to soon after I got my sleeve and I felt more comfortable, and I think others did too if I did this:- if it's a standing party I would put water in a wine glass and just sip from this all evening. As long as you have something in your hand people don't seem to worry about you not eating. If it's a sit down meal, still have the wine glas and water, put a little bit if food on your plate and push it round a little. It's weird but it seemed to work.

That's great news! And I hope you were ok afterwards too.

That's the first time I have heard that. It didn't cause me an problems.

I have tried everything but finally found the miracle cure. After 10 days I took chia seeds and they worked within 24 hours. Very good for you and full of protein. They are easy to add to foods or if you soak them they turn to a jelly and you can add them to shakes etc. Highly recommended.

That hasn't happened to me but my best advice would be to get some rest. Try not to think about the worst, just take it as it comes. Good luck. Would love to know how you go.

Usually you are asleep for this procedure, so it's not scary at all. It ably takes a short time so they use a fairly mild anesthetic. You'll be fine, don't worry.

Try broths or strained soups. I was also allowed protein shakes, milk, diet cordials, drinking yoghurt. Anything liquid. Experiment, but get a straw and take small sips.

Thank you so much Butterthebean for the information about chia seeds. After 10 days of trying absolutely everything I rushed out yesterday and bought chia seeds when I read your posting about them. Success in just 24 hours. I feel like I have found a miracle food. They will definitely be in my diet every day now.

I am in my 6th week and I am still careful to chew really well and only swallow small amounts at a time. At 3 weeks I was mainly eating soup and yoghurt Nand used a teaspoon with about 1 min between each mouthful. It is getting easier but I still have trouble with acid at times.

I've also noticed that seats are getting harder these days!

I'm with you Iggychic. Sometimes I would be happy to have the empty calories of a glass of wine. As long as I count them into my daily quota, what's the problem?

I had a BMI of 35, which is obese, and I didn't see it as low. After 6 weeks I have lost 15kgs (33 pounds) and my BMI is down to 29 (overweight). I had very bad knee pain and was looking at 2 knee replacements. Now, my pain has gone and I comfortably walk 4 miles a day. It was worth it and I would do it again. Good luck with your surgery.

My NUT and my surgeon both said that in time I will be able to enjoy a glass of wine, just not a bottle!

One evening when I was about a week post- op my partner opened a bottle of wine and after a taste told me how good it was. Without thinking I took a sip and it was seriously painful. From my experience we could argue the right and wrong forever, but one sip will give you your answer.

I had the same problem after surgery. My doctor gave me Nexium for a couple of weeks and that settled it down. I am now 5 weeks post-op and don't experience this problem anymore.

Fat photos. And always of me eating!

Lots and lots and lots of water.

I'd love to watch your video but can't get into it on my I-pad either. What title would I type into YouTube to find it?

I really hope that it all works out for you. This surgery should be supplemented by all governments. It not only saves lives but decreases the number of people who eventually take up hospital beds due to numerous ailments caused by their weight. It was recently recognized as the most beneficial surgery developed in the last 10 years. It just seems so wrong that when so many people need this surgery that it is so hard for most of those in need of it to have. For me, it has definitely been a lifesaver in many ways.

Hi Misti, I have a lot of trouble with my knees which was due to my weight. I found walking very difficult but the more weight I lose the better they are. I had to go on a pre-op diet for 2 weeks which was 3 Protein drinks a day and 1cup of vegetables in the evening. In the 2 weeks I lost 12 pounds and could already feel the pain and pressure on my knees getting better. Why not use the time you have whilst organizing your finance to go on a Protein Drink diet and get your body prepared for surgery and hopefully lose some weight in the meantime and take some pressure off your spine. I know how tough dieting is but so is having surgery and recovering. Every pound you lose now is one less you need to lose after surgery. Good luck.