CassieWNY

Ditto times 10. Feel better.... ouch ouch ouch. Not a pleasant experience and not one you want to be caught away from home and have to handle. Fiber is a good solution. I am trying not to use OTCs to help but honestly, I think it is time to reconsider that strategy.

I was in pre-op around 8 am and I think I could have made a call around 2:30 to 3:00 pm. I know each surgery is different and everyone responds differently to being under. Best of luck to both of you.

I love the Dannon Fit & Light GREEK blends. I also suggest the Healthy Choice GREEK Frozen Yogurt - four flavors at Wegmans.

I believe your question might be whether you want to lose weight or not. One of your primary concerns is what impact a weight loss will be on your chest. I would hazard a guess that no matter how you lose the weight, you will end up with the same results to your bust line. Sleeve, Bypass, Lapband, Diet/Exercise.... all end up with you taking weight off your chest. I suspect you will have a much better chance of avoiding plastic surgery the younger you are when you take the weight off. Perhaps speaking to a few plastic surgeons for opinions might be your best route.

I have read your post a few times and I am not sure where to begin. I am the same height as you, 10 years older, 40DD, and started about 30 lbs heavier. My experience is going to be different from others and likely from yours but I thought I would tell you some of my observations. What I have observed from reading publications and postings is that women around my size, height, 30s ad 40s, over a year's time seem to lose about 10 lbs per month on average. Looks like the average first month is about 30 lbs including the liver reduction diet. My example - 53 lbs in 7 weeks. hair loss: Seems to be a crap shoot. If you do not keep your Protein up, it will be very difficult to avoid. It does seem like those with thicker hair do have an advantage if they lose their hair or have breakage. I have seen many posters remark that the hair had issues around months 2 to 3 and filled back around Months 9 and 10. My example - no hair loss...yet. Breast size - At the outset, I lost weight off my top before my bottom. Still the same cup size but hooking the bra at the last hook and its pretty loose. I was always busty. I am not noticing sag. Saying that, I have seen some women who have experienced a great deal of sag. I do work out with a personal trainer and I am hoping that will reduce sag but keeping me tone. Probably works more with my arms than my bust though! A wise, wise friend of mine once said "Worry about no problem before its time". I used that to get me through to where I am. There are so many positives to this surgery especially if you are concerned about your weight and its current or potential effect on your health, lifestyle, etc. At your age, I think that you would have a very good chance of avoiding plastics. I should mention that the weight does not fall off like it was put on. I was expecting where my weight went on most recently would be where it came off first. It does not work that way with me. Everyone is different. While there are certainly no guarantees, and there is a bit of a leap of faith with respect to the possibility of plastic surgery, this surgery has been a complete game changer for me. Best of luck where your journey leads you...

Just looked at your profile - Week 4 and such great results!! I have to say, it does get easier. Week 7 vs. Week 4 - there is a world of difference. Gamergirl is right on point - take it day by day. Your trip to France will be enjoyable and you will have so much more energy then. Best of luck on your trip!

Dr. Brene Brown's books (and videos) are inspiring and I believe these posters bring up some good points. We do not want you to feel shamed or embarrassed to have had this surgery. I draw a distinction between feeling ashamed and sharing private medical information. There are certainly people who decide to keep information private about their surgery and they do not feel ashamed. Others choose the opposite. I agree with working on the shame/embarrassment but I do not believe that the final outcome for everyone is the same. For some, it is a great relief to share this information. for others, it can be counterproductive. I am so pleased to see that so many of us do share and want to share to make it easier for ourselves (and others who are considering the surgery). Saying that, I do not believe that it is an absolute. You can decide to be private and still not be ashamed. Each person needs to decide what is best for them to demonstrate vulnerability. To some, medical information is private and confidential. To others, it is something that can and should be shared for a variety of good and positive reasons. Daring Greatly is a good read.

My surgeon had me use this Liver Reduction diet prior to surgery. I found it very flexible and I was not hungry. http://bariatricfusion.com/weightlossdiet/ Good luck!

Gamergirl - First off, what a great thread. I think this is one of the most supportive threads I have ever run through. Thanks for starting it. I see so many commonalities between myself and most of the people posting here. For me - admitting to WLS meant admitting to having a weight problem. Simple right? Except I buy into all the bs that I am a failure because I was not able to "get this under control", that I had "let myself go". Being a significant critic of myself held me back and I got to the point where I was avoiding mirrors and sizing up everyone in the room...but it was becoming clear that I was just going to keep getting bigger/unhealthy if I didn't do something. I believe I am a very authentic person. Not completely transparent but I try to be as authentic as I can. Saying that, this procedure is a medical one. People need to respect other people's decisions to keep medical information private. There are privacy protections in place for that very reason. I told some of my family and some of my friends. 90 percent of the reactions were positive. Of course, I still think about the 10 percent and their comments. (Have to stop doing that to myself). One of these people did reveal my confidence, it was devastating - the breaking of the confidence combined with the gossiping. I was so very very sad. I want to not care about these people that are gossiping but... it is just an emotional process for me. This medical journey is something that is personal to you. Your privacy should be respected. You are not a liar or lacking authenticity if you decide to keep medical information to yourself. People who are badgering you for private information should be ashamed. It is none of their business. I will never forget the headline when Chris Christie got his lapband: "Chris Christie Reveals Secret Lap Band Surgery". The TV announcer was almost outraged that Chris decided to keep this information private. They kept saying how he "secretly" went to have surgery one weekend and "failed" to reveal it. Medical information is private. It should only be revealed with consent. You know your life the best and you get to choose how to tell people on your terms. And if you choose not to tell people, that is your right and privilege. If they push you into a position where you do not have an answer to a question, they are the rude one. You are not required to answer impolite questions. I respect your decision. You do what is best for you. There is nothing wrong or improper for choosing not to tell people. Same goes for telling people. It is your choice. Best of luck to you in your journey!

I agree with slimagain. I know of people losing 40 in the first month and your story is not uncommon. Just keep following your physician's instructions and reporting back to him/her about your progress. Best of luck with your sleeve.

Sleeved June 27th by Dr. Pham - Southtowns girl - 50++ lbs down!! I would add that I find Dr. Pham to be a very intelligent surgeon. Perhaps one of the most compassionate people in the medical field that I have come across. Nice to hear that others have had positive experiences with their surgeons. Fantastic to find a group of WNYers here. Not surprising that the group is energetic and willing to help out others. Feel free to email/PM me if you have questions. I am not as good at responding to the forums/boards. Wishing everyone the best on their journey!

My surgeon recommends no caffeine post-surgery. Saying that, I do know several sleeved people who do continue to have caffeinated coffee. I suggest trying Clik Coffee....it has Protein and there is a decaf. One of my sleeve buddies adds a mocha protein to her decaf Clik every morning and froths it up. She says it is scrumptious. I just have the vanilla Latte one....there is some caffeine and I have about 4 oz. Best of luck on your journey!

Agree with the above. Had the same advice from my surgeon. You will have lots of liquids only time after the surgery.....

Agree with the other posters - weight training/resistance training will aid you in your loss and toning those muscles that just do not get direct attention in cardio. I choose to work out with a personal trainer. I spent two orientation sessions with my current trainer to see what his programs were like and to see if he was a good fit for my personality. I want someone who is going to encourage me but does not humiliate me or call me out in front of others. I asked him to tell me what he recommended for my workouts and how many times per week. I was comfortable with his answer of two times per week. My gut instinct is that he enjoys personal training and helping me. I do not believe it would be a good fit for me to work out with someone who is merely profit motivated. Communication is important to me and I appreciate that I have his number if I have a question. In addition, I enjoy that he focuses on doing the training the right way. He explains every exercise in detail, every movement in detail, and then demonstrates it. He coaches me to use weights, cycle, row, etc., in a way that will maximize my results and decrease the likelihood of injury. Four sessions and we have never done the same exercises. At some point we will repeat but it is clear he is not using a canned set of exercises distributed to every trainer at the gym. The cost varies. Typically if you use one from your gym, like the Y, it will be somewhat cheaper than having someone come to your home or going to a smaller, private gym. Some people find it much more beneficial to be there with a friend. It can certainly be more supportive and, sometimes, even cheaper. Cost for me (I do pay monthly for the gym) is $250 for 8 sessions. I think location also has an impact on the pricing (like most things). Like lislegirlee, I plan to eventually do this on my own. During these first few months though, I will pay for that individual attention until I have a better understanding of what my body needs. At some point, I will move into once per week and then likely once per month or something like that just to stay updated. I belong to a more traditional gym (Local chain with 4 locations) - adults, some seniors, only a few kids - less of a family experience. Admittedly, this can be somewhat intimidating for me. I was very active into my 20s. Now, at this weight, I find it difficult to be there. I do my best to overcome negative feelings and focus on my goals - weight loss, better health, better shape, reducing flab, etc. Having the trainer does make me feel a bit better that there is someone there in my corner. He also makes jokes about some of the blockheads - so humor is a good thing in a trainer. Hope this helps. I wish you the best in your continued journey.

I have a flight on the 28th and I will be 8 weeks out at that point. My mentor from support group said she flew for 3 hours to Florida when she was 3 weeks out and felt fine. I will seek comfort in not having to sweat out getting the belt on so I dont have to use the "extra" belt. Travel safely and feel good.

I found that the first month was the toughest to "let go" of the food. Then, for some reason, my focus changed in week 6. I hope that this happens for you as well. This can be a stressful process. Your decision to share this will help others here. I hope the sharing was therapeutic for you.

I have to agree with CherylDiane. He loves YOU... and it will be the same when you are smaller.

I agree that women of all sizes can be seduced so the threat is always there. In addition, Women of all sizes can make poor choices for spouses. When it comes to marriage and any stressor, including one with dramatic change, the best approach is an open one. Getting ahead of the issues and communicating is a good approach. However, saying that, it can be tough to talk about your weight....after long struggles to lose the weight and not succeeding, especially when that person is someone that you have such a close bond with....... I just want others to know that these conversations are not easy but I believe they pay off. If there is someone supportive that can help you have them, like a pastor or confidant, then I encourage you to seek their counsel.

I think I was two weeks post op and started on puréed which included sugar free pudding, FF Cool Whip, and yogurt.

Gia - Just an idea... Perhaps you should commit your thoughts to writing. An old fashioned love letter where you commit your ideas and give them to him in a card. When you are going through the surgical process and beyond, it will be something that he can look to. Women are the caretakers of the world and we rarely ask for help because we are so busy giving it. You might want to ask him directly for help through this process. The physical healing is a much smaller process than the emotional process. Ask him directly for his commitment to love and support you through what can sometimes be an intense time emotionally. When you ask him for his help, and support, and commitment to you, his focus will likely turn from your commitment and more to his. This time period is really about him being there for you. Just show him the way. Sounds like you have a very strong marriage. Just some thoughts. I wish you the best on your journey.

Tawny - June 27th I was sleeved. Post op I was very similar to you in that I could get liquid down pretty easy. I kept my soup to about 2 to 4 oz per serving. We need to keep an eye on those calories. I am not sure why but I found the soup to be comforting. Since I was only having liquids (pretty much) at that stage, I was not as concerned about what soup I did have as long as it was a bisque/cream and I kept my portions limited. I did lose 46 in six weeks but that could be the result of my height/weight when I started. For the blended soft foods, I really took my time. Started with yogurt in week 3 and then moved to a few others weeks 4 and 5. Like you, I was concerned about stretching, injuring the liquid staples, etc. This is my new stomach for life so I wanted to treat it well - very well. Variation in diet seems to be a struggle for some. I just varied my soups, added some powdered Peanut Butter to my shakes, drank Isopure Ready to drink for Protein, and held tight to my slow progress on introducing new things. Fat Free Cool Whip on Jello or pudding was like a banana split for me. Best of luck to you on your journey.

I am almost a month out and have been in line with instructions. I have to confess though, the smell of popcorn is driving me insane ..... it triggers hunger - phantom or otherwise. I do like the FF Cool Whip or Reddi Whip but try to keep that usage down. I think I am tiring of the sweet and now really missing the carbs and butter...... and yes, pizza... loved it. New life, new tummy .....I made this commitment and I am going to do it! You will too. Tell your husband to take those chips to work. Getting tempting foods out of the house does help.

I agree with the water retention. Was also told that it takes 6 to 8 weeks for everything to drain from your body from the surgery - gas/IV fluids etc. I am trying to just follow the post-surgical instructions very closely and weigh myself at the Doctor's office when I go. For me, the daily weighing in would be a struggle. I weigh in on Wednesday. Best of luck through your journey.

jacee - I sooooo agree with everyone else. Just forgive yourself and move on. Old habits are hard to break. If you don't like the therapy idea, consider meditation or going back to support groups or getting a mentor. A positive attitude is also a defining moment in these situations. You can do this...look how far you came. (Just be there for me when I am on the onederland fence!) tc CassieWNY

I feel your pain. Here some ideas. For what they are worth. Aside from what everyone else has added, I drink Click Protein coffee. They have decaf. If you want some flavor, they have a vanilla Latte. My mentor mixes in flavored vanilla Protein powder into hers to make a Cappuccino. I am a coffee lover and I like these. I was surprised. When trying to just get the protein in, I use the Isopure Ready To Drink. I worry less about taste and more about losing my hair. But I realize some things you just cannot tolerate so you have to keep trying different things. Some people do not like these, say they taste grainy. I think its whatever flavor you like. I find the Arctic and the Grape Frost on ice to be the best. I use the Bariatric fusion brand of shakes and to date (thankfully) I am not sick of them. Not sure if these are mostly in NY because I do not see many people using them. Been using the PB2 powedered Peanut Butter, diet Swiss Miss Hot chocolate (25 calories) and the Torani SF syrups to mix it up a bit in my shakes. Also, for 20g of protein, I have the smaller shakes from Slim Fast that are HIGH PROTEIN. Make no mistake, these are not regular slim fast. These help me when I go to work. They look like a regular Slim Fast but they are not. Easy to tote around. My job is really not one where you can just stop and make a shake or carry a cooler around. Greek Yogurt - Dannon Light and Fit GREEK Blends if you want to mix it up from FAGE etc. Going to try that blueberry and Splenda mix in the FAGE. I have little chicken of the sea packs and individual hummus packs for lunch too. Shopping anywhere and everywhere to see what I can find that works. Just trying to get an entire mix of things so that I am not sick of one thing. It is not easy at all but I am seeing results so that keeps me motivated. I wish you all the best and thanks for starting this thread so we can all share. tc