aldfnp

Hi I started out at 238....I am slow loser as well. I had surgery Dec 10' date=' 2012...I'm down to 177 lbs. I went from a size 18 to an amazing size 12. I actually look a little smaller. Just keep working at it dont measure your lost against others and don't stress about it!!![/quote']

Thanks for your response. Glad to hear from someone who started out near my weight and hear I will be successful after all with time. I decided 170 would be my goal. Are you at goal? How long did it take you to reach your current weight? What was your exercise routine?

Yep...41g of sugar...1 carb. I will try to make one at home. Surprisingly the 41g of sugar is the only sugar I have in a day. My doc said just eat less and Protein first....protein protein protein. Are any of you all using myfitnesspal

I'm glad it's working for you. I think if I drank that much sugar at one time I'd have stomach issues if you know what I mean. Keep up the good work!

Can anyone recommend a good gas pill?

Any over the counter gas pill should do. They all have the same active ingredient "simethicone" the main difference is how much. So regular or extra strength. I'd chose x-strength and generic /store brand which will cost less.

I just noticed 41 g of sugar. I still lost 3 pounds in 3 days but I wonder what our docs say about sugar content. I might havr to make my gladiator smoothie at home with raw honey to avoid the sugar. Btw I tried the gladiator with strawberry Protein today... yummy!!!

My Doc would have a fit. If the sugar is high I wonder how many carbs are in it ? Be very careful with sugar and carbs

Hello everyone. Im up this morning trying to wrap my mind around my slow loss. Im 6wks post op (sleeved 9/10)and Ive lost only 15 pounds since preop. My doc told me I have 60 more pounds to go but this is really slow. Since 2011' date=' my grand total for weight loss is 42 pounds. I definitely feel better but I dont know what I am doing wrong. I feel restriction in my tummy and still get constipated a lot. I take MOM, all Vitamins and Fiber supplements, exercise, and eat very little. I havent had juice, sweets,rice,pasta or much of anything. I eat a boiled egg for Breakfast or 5 bites of grits/scrambled eggs. For lunch, a small piece of meat or few shrimp. Snack...boiled egg and dinner some type of meat and maybe a few bites of mashed potatoes. I finish all meals by 7 pm. Im not even eating 700 or 800 calories a day. Im considering going bk to liquids for some meals. I just dont know what to do anymore... [/quote']

Hi, I am a slow loser also. I was sleeved july8th. And have lost 33 lbs so far. Starting wt 240. I get extremely frustrated when I think about how slow this has been even with exercise. My doc told me to expect this since I am a lapband revision. I'm told that the body figures out what you are trying to do and interprets weight loss at this level as starvation. Your body will hold on to weight Water etc. until you increase your Protein and calories to a level where the body feels starvation is not your plan. I'm finally averaging 600-900 calories daily and 60-80 grams of protein. Doc says 90 grams of protein is the target. Then don't forget to add resistive training which increases your metabolism and keeps you from burning your muscle up instead of fat. If you burn muscle instead of fat your metabolism will slow and your weight loss will stop and weight gain becomes easy.

Different doctors different weight. My surgeon' date=' primary, and nutritionist all has me at least 2 - 5 pounds different! Even at home I don't know what to believe. As long as its going down I just pick the one I like the most :-) All the best![/quote']

In the medical realm it is always suggested that you weigh on the same scale with the same type of clothing at the same time of day to get a consistent scale reading. But don't sweat it. I weigh with bra and panties on only at home once per week. Keep in mind if you weigh in the morning you will weigh more in the evening. Water, food, shakes, clothes, exercise can affect your weight as well.

I'll be 3 weeks post op on Tuesday and feel mostly normal. I get occasional dizzy spells' date=' which I'm almost certain is related to hypotension. My BP was 113/58 at my 2 week appointment and way below what I am normally. I'm bouncing between 25-30 pounds lost so far and get to eat soft foods (AND crackers, yay for crunch!) starting on Tuesday. My blood sugars are still stable on insulin shots and my intake is about 15% of what I was getting with my pump - only difference is, my numbers are great! I got cleared to start at the gym and will hopefully meet with a trainer this week. I'm so happy I did this =) Hope everyone else is doing well![/quote']

Hi ShanRN, this is wonderful news. My blood sugars normalized the first day. I did not waste time stopping my metformin. Glad to hear you're doing well.

Hi all!

I am Shelcy a nurse since 1994. A mother since 1995. (Also '98 n '12)!!! Married since 1997.

I love nursing. I am cardiac cath lab pacu nurse since 2005. I have done LTC' date=' psych, med surg, and cardiac.

I am pre surgery. Not sure what I want. My doc says sleeve will give me a good lost but rny is better due to my BMI of 55%. So next office visit is final decision day. Plus my insurance has a 6 month supervise diet.

I love the forums! It helps take the edge and worries down. The success motivates me.

Great to see so menu nurse love their careers![/quote']

Hi Shelcy, welcome. Sounds like you have time to make up your mind on which surgery to have. Take your time do the necessary research needed to make an informed decision. I like my sleeve,I'm just saying.

Dr rx'd the ibuprofen' date=' seems to work and my little tummy seems to do better with it, than without? I am a little worried as it seems I can do 3-4 oz without any problem. In fact I am so hungry 2 hours after eating,my stomach is growling and I have hunger pains.No nausea today, no zofran at all. My concern is I need to eat every 2 hours and it is not head hunger but stomach pangs of hunger. If I keep my stomach full I do not get nauseated or gassy. Seems wierd, but I am keeping my calories under 600/day, with 68 gms Protein per day. You are doing really well looks like you have lost lots of weight. how often do you need to eat?[/quote']

Compared to newbie WLS pt's that would be a no on lots of weight lost. But I'm doing ok for a revision WLS. I had a band before the VSG. We lose slower than first timers. Anyway so far 25 lbs starting weight 240 cw 215. Early on I didn't eat much at all I barely made 300-400 calories a day. When I thought I was hungry I made sure I drank Water first and

made sure i'd taken my PPI every am. There's no doubt you're still making gastric acid. I was told the acid will make you think you are hungry so you want

to keep that at bay. To tell the truth my hunger is controlled just like they said it would be. I try to stick to this schedule Breakfast , lunch, dinner and 2 Snacks that include protein. Try to keep it simple and drink water Before each meal don't drink right after. Hang on in there!

Hi I am Barb RN for 37 years now working Hospice. Sleeved on 8-21-13. Hard time yesterday but I was not taking anything for pain or nausea' date=' you know us nurses we want to be in control of things like" I don't have pain". Was constipated but Mirlax took care of that. Today I made myself eat every two hours as I was having +10 pain which I identified as empty stomach /gas/spasm.Also put myself back on Ibuprofen,tylenol,and zofran. Spasms are now much improved. I try to get 3 0z of greek yogurt, with Protein powder in every 6 hours, with plain greek yogurt 3 oz every two hours. I am also catnapping most of the day and night. My calories are under 700 a day. I am more hopefull today. I too had a lap assist vag hyst and that recovery was way easier than my sleeve. By day 5 post op I was out and about , but this sleeve surgery is really kicking my rear. Much more involved recovery. What's a stomach as compaired to a uterus I thought? Well, I must be honest, this is way more intensive, trying to figure out what is causing the discomfort, managing Constipation, gas, trying to get the right amount of protein and low calories. Fatigue, and nausea is a real factor in recovery which the hyst did not present. Also your sense of smell is hightened, and things do not taste quiet right initially. This is my experience and everyone will be different. Am I happy I had the sleeve?, much more today than yesterday, as I was really sick. I am hoping I can go back to work in 2 weeks, but I am not going to push myself, I learned a long time ago I come first before the job. [/quote']

Hi Barb, hang in there. You'll start to feel better each day post op. However, I would not take that ibuprofen so early in recovery too much for your little banana to handle I think at this stage. Sometimes being nauseated can be a sign of being full. Are u measuring your food. I had surgery on 7/8/13 I'm just getting where I can eat more than 2 oz and there are days when I still can't get that much in at a sitting. But it will get better!

I am a December RN graduate and I am being sleeved August 27th.

Welcome

I am a December RN graduate and working in an orthopedic clinic. I was a CNA for 22 years before. I am having surgery on August 22' date=' I am so excited. Would love to be part of the group to share my progress.[/quote']

Welcome you are part of the group!

I know this is a crappy issue but anyone having dark stool? I had my first bm since the surgery and it seemed soft but fine but today (day3) I had another bm that was dark in color. Any help or knowledge is appreciated. I should also note I started an Iron supplement today.

Not 2 worry iron can cause Constipation and dark to black stools

I had my surgery on April 9th and I'm so happy with the results. I'm down 45 lbs and I feel great!

Pic 1: 2 weeks after surgery

Pic 2: last Sunday

You look stunning! Keep up the good work

I'm glad this thread is still going I finally have a surgery date - Aug 13th! I hated the 6 month diet at first but really.....it was great. I quit caffeine' date=' carbonation, high fat food, and discovered I really like running. Granted I can't run much or fast because it's too hard on my knees, but at least I'm doing something!

I had my preop appt yesterday and I got my insurance approval letter over the weekend. I also added another week to my leave from work. My liver reduction diet is going to be a shock to my system. It's so low carb my endocrinologist and I weren't too confident I could work my busy 12 hour shifts without passing out lol I knew there was a reason I saved up so much PTO.[/quote']

Congratulations now the count down begins

Hi all I have another question for all my post-ops. I would like to know how has the surgery improve you blood pressure and or diabetes. Are you still taking meds? Have your meds been reduced please explain thank you!

I was taking metformin twice a day. I was sleeved on the 8th and took my last pill on the 7th. My fasting BS is now 80-88 routinely. Got 2 love that sleeve!

Syntrax Nectars - I enjoy them and despite the fact that they use artificial sweetener (except the naturals) they don't give me any side effects. Other powers cause bloating or gas or they taste off to me.

~Cheri

Cheri, you've got this down to a science. I need to do the same.

Hi all!

Today marks 3 weeks since my band removal and conversion from banded plication to sleeve. I am still working on getting all of my Protein in. Luckily' date=' I purchased a lot of sample packs of Protein drinks before surgery so I haven't gotten bored with any particular brand or flavor. I also bought several different brands so that's helped me too. Since this is my 3rd WLS, I felt I was prepared for what life would be like immediately post-op and it was pretty much what I expected.

I'm still sore from where the band and stomach were removed. I also had a large hernia repair in the same area, so my left side is still tender. My incisions look great and I'm almost completely healed externally. I try to not lift heavy items but still tote groceries and laundry baskets full of clothes around! I'm off from work for another 6 weeks due to summer break (I'm a teacher) so hopefully, I'll have my eating and drinking patterns established by then.

What I've learned so far to help me:

1. Drink 4-8 ounces of Water upon waking (I learned this from VSGTanya on Youtube)

2. Drink a protein shake soon after waking (Right now I'm only drinking about 4-5 ounces)

3. Eat protein every 2-3 hours

4. Try to get some form of exercise or activity everyday (I use exercise t.v. and videos at night)

I also look for opportunities to exercise. For example, I took my kiddos to the park and I walked around the playground while they played.

5. Use MFP or another food tracking method for accountability

6. Go to therapy (This has been helpful to me and it's something I never did while banded)

7. If you can, find a support group that you like and go!

8. Enlist help from family and friends (Only my DH and 1 good friend know I had the sleeve. A few friends know I had my band removed. This has been a bit difficult for me but I feel that's the best decision for me, right now)

9. Measure food, especially in the beginning. I don't have a food scale yet but I put everything in cups or dishes that have measurements on them.

10. So far, I seem to lose better with a bit higher calories (around 500-600), a bit higher carbs (around 40-50) and more exercise. When I was "eating" lower calories (around 300-400) I would plateau, even if I exercised. This, so far, seems to be what my body likes - that may change later.

11. Recovery was easier than I thought but the mental part is WAY more difficult!!

12. Enjoy the journey.

This is my journey and while I think it's important to learn from others and listen to my doctors, I don't intend to follow someone else's idea of what my journey should be. This is probably the first time in my life that I've felt like that!!

Although I've only been sleeved for 3 weeks, I've had WLS for 12 years so hopefully, some of those years weren't all wasted and I learned from them! Thanks for reading. Sorry for rambling![/quote']

Keep up the good work...how much weight have you lost so far?

I have not had proper in take of Protein and I hardly eat anything!

Hi, today is day #8 for me. I feel ya. Keep trying to get your protein and Water in. If you're drinking soon after drinking your protein don't do it. Just reminding you

Hang in there. It gets better, but you have to also commit to staying on your Liquid Protein. Find one you like add a little fruit make a smoothie. Not sweet enough add a packet of truvia or honey It's the only way I've been able to deal with it as well. We have to work harder, are you with me?

Just wondering how long it took to get in the required fluids? I'm so nervous now and thinking about backing out the surgery. How is something like this good for weight loss' date=' if one xan barely get in fluids just to come down on the weight can't this causes health problems too? I'm new please help me understand.[/quote']

Hi,

My surgeon made sure I understood that staying hydrated is number 1. Everyone is different but you can get the fluids in and each day post op gets better. Keep in mind your liquids from the Protein also count in the final total. Good luck to you. You will do just fine.

Hello All' date='

First let me say, Nice to see this post. I am African American, and its nice to know that i will be going through this Journey with follow brothers and sisters. . I had a question, My surgeon had me do a test for H. Pilory and the test came back positive. The Nurse says that it is common for African Americans to hold this type of bacteria, and that it will be healed with a oral medicine take over two weeks. Has anyone else had this test done and it come back positive? If so have you had success riding yourself of the bacteria using the medicine? I'm a little concerned with the bacteria because they said it can promote stomach alcers, so its important to be rid of it before surgery.

Any one out there going thru this?

Thanks[/quote']

Hi SigmaChefSpe,

H. Pylori is very common in a lot of folks and not just us...stop worrying, take the medication as ordered and it'll be past tense. There is enough to worry about here like what new outfit I'm going to buy when I get this wait off, or I'm going to look better and healthier after I begin my journey. How about I'm sick of this liquid diet but I shall prevail and do what I got to do!

Cottage cheese or flavored Greek yogurt (I love Chobani and Liberte brands).

Eggface's bites (crustless quiches) which are easy to grab and go.

Protein crepes - I make a bunch in advance' date=' fill with almond butter, banana and cinnamon or thin slices of lunchmeat and some cheese, roll them up and wrap them individually in plastic wrap, then put them in a baggie in the freezer. I grab one out in the morning, nuke it for a few seconds and I've got a yummy Protein boost Breakfast.

Protein muffins or Cookies, depending on how far out you are. I make a granola type cookie that's chewy and full of whole grains, dried fruit, nuts and some Protein powder. Same goes for muffins - a great way to get in some Fiber and being homemade they have better ingredients and that protein boost that you won't find in a commercial product. I make several dozen at once and freeze individually the same way I do the crepes.

I keep a dozen hard boiled eggs in the fridge at all times. One of those and a cheese stick is an easy way to get 150 calories and 12 grams of protein.

And I know you said no shakes but I have one "real" coffee each morning followed by a protein coffee - a scoop or two of my protein powder shaken up with 8 ounces of coffee. I drink it hot or iced, depending on my mood. I'm going to drink the coffee, anyway, so this makes it into breakfast on days I don't feel like eating. Most days I do this, unless I have errands to run and know I'll be busy and need something more substantial. I can also mix with tea and make a chai latte out of it with my some spices and vanilla protein powder.

~Cheri[/quote']

What kind of protein do you use?

Aldfnp' date=' Thank you for asking how I'm doing!

The surgery itself, really kicked my butt! I had both the lapband removal and the Sleeve during the same surgery. I slept the first three days after I got home. I got up long enough to drink Protein Water walk around a bit and use the bathroom. I developed a large hematoma where they removed the lapband port. My incision opened last Friday and has been draining ever since. I have an appointment with my surgeon to have the remainder of the hematoma drained and packed.

Besides my wound healing slowly, I am feeling much better and losing weight. Another pound and a half till I reach Onderland! I haven't been there in over 10 years! I am still on full liquids, looking forward to stage 3, pureed next week. My appetite has been suppressed, which has been wonderful!

I hope you are doing well![/quote']

This is good news, it's day 3 and all is much better. i had hunger pains yesterday but I had not eaten or drank anything since7/07/13 Fluids are important so I'm working on them keep in touch

Congratulations on your surgery. I had my lapband revision to Sleeve on June 26th. Each day I feel stronger. Good luck with your journey to a healthy life!

Same to you...how are you doing?

Well fellow sleevers I did it! Sleeved on the 8th. Observed til the 9th and discharged home on the which was a cautionary measure. Dr Clark is awesome. I left preop about 9:30 am and awakened in recovery 11am. Received dilaudid in recovery Of course I had gas pain,but no where near when I had the band put in. I hadn't been n my room 30 minutes before radiology took me down for barium swallow. Results were good. Back to the room where I began the dry heaves and up chucking gas bubbles. I had terrible nausea even though I was given Zofran, Pepcid and nystatin preop. Needless to say until he nausea wore off , it was difficult. I continued to take iv pepcid and zofran post op. I was discharged the next morning still nauseated but home. I slept a lot on the 9th to allow my body to heal. Today I finally felt I could drink Water and I have had almost two cups so far today. Oh yeah and passing gas thru the other end, which is good thing. I'm on my way now, looking forward to a healthier me.