Roo101769

PdxMan...I understand what you are saying, truly. And my post wasn't meant to sound as "comparative" as it did. I was just trying to impress upon how different it was. As I stated at the start I understand each practice / hospital is different. The only place I had any great concerns for my friend was the lack of testing he went through. It didn't seem they were getting a full and accurate picture of his anatomy pre op without the tests. ( such as the scope) But as you said, it is what the surgeon is comfortable doing. I just love my friend and worry a great deal about him. He is a Hodgkins Lymphoma survivor and I worry. He is 401lbs and has sleep apnea, high BP and other issues. I just want him to be healthy and HERE! I look forward to having this friend to help me with my journey, and me with his. Part of his decision making was based on ME deciding to go for it. We have spent years ( and do I mean YEARS) dieting together, going up and down and back up together. Can't tell you how many "before" pictures we have taken together. This is the first time we both have the chance at success. I truly don't mean to compare our journeys other than seeing what works and what does not for each of us. At the same time I have done a LOT of reading and research and spent hours on the boards seeing everyone's stories. (He has not) I guess I just meant my original post as a thought provoker, to encourage discussion. Because I for one am truly amazed at how different it all can be.

Thanks McButterpants.. That weight is my total loss since I began my journey. ( I decided to have the sleeve in July and I started my own diet pre op Aug 1st) Since surgery I have lost 26lbs. ( It will be two months the 21st) I am working at it. Every day is a new day and a new struggle, but I am trying to keep it together and do the best I can!

I am going to precursor this post with the fact that I do understand every surgeon/hospital/ practice has different requirements when it comes to WLS. But I am just stunned at HOW different sometimes!!! One of my very BFFs in the world ( since high school) was sleeved yesterday. His process has been entirely different than mine and it astounds me. He did not have all the extensive pre op testing before approval as I did, but he had to do several classes with NUT. ( I only saw NUT once. She was satisfied with my knowledge and my insurance didn't require anything but NUT approval) My friend didn't even have a scope done to check the esophagus down to stomach, just an upper GI. My upper GI missed a small hernia that was found via the scope. ( but was so small they didn't repair) His pre op diet included food ( two Lean Cuisines or the like a day for 7 days ) while mine was full liquids for ten days. He did not have to do any bowl prep pre op, although he had food up until the evening before surgery. ( I did no bowl prep due to liquid diet for 10 days) He does not have a drain tube and there was no catheter used during surgery. And he just told me he already was given custard this morning to eat!!!!!!!!!! Seriously? I could barely sip a few ounces of apple juice two days post op, let alone eating anything the next day. Now I know my body reacted much differently than his from anesthesia and so on, but wow. ( I had severe nausea and vomiting, he hasn't had any of that) And the other thing...I was in the hospital from 8am on Monday until about 4:30pm Wednesday. He said he is supposed to be released today. His whole process seems so rushed and weird to me. I wouldn't trade the experience I had for the world. I loved the hospital I used and the staff was awesome. I guess I am biased to it. I try hard to keep my opinions to myself because I do not want to "step on his moment" in any way. This is just as big of an event for him as it was for me so I do not want to be a negative Nelly. But I am certainly having opinions about how different things have been for him. I truly just want him to be healthy and happy.

I am going to look into those books as well. The thing is I KNOW the whole "refined carbs are bad for me" thing. I lived the proof by cutting them out and losing the 33lbs pre op. It is just a daily struggle, as any addict will have, to stay away from the drug of choice. I thought I would be able to sail through Christmas time without that addiction working me. I was wrong. The rest of the year I stay away from them. They are there, but I have an easier time turning a blind eye. But this month has been a lot harder than I thought. The extra treats and goodies. My daughter bringing home things. Friends dropping by with goodies "for my daughter". I can easily avoid buying things I like that she can still have as treats. There are plenty of things I really don't care for that she loves! ( She loves gummies but really doesn't care that much for chocolate. Not me!) I just need to muster through the next week or so and then out with the old (again), and in with the new! I can and will do this. I truly appreciate the love and support from you all though. Makes the insecure times a lot easier to go through having people who "get it". Love you all!!!

Thanks everyone. Today IS a new day and I am going to do everything I can to make the right choices. I really appreciate the support and advice. Being a single mom I really can't go to a support group as I have no one to watch my daughter. So this is my support group! And you all do support. I am going to do what I can to stay motivated. This morning I weighed myself and I am down another pound, so that helped. I am just going to put one foot in front of the other and dig deep. When the carb monkey rears it's ugly head, well it is time to take a walk. I will eat lean protein and fill myself on that. I don't need junk and I am better than that. Thank you all for reminding me!

I have turned to this forum to get this off my chest. I have been struggling and a lot of it is mental, so I thought perhaps writing it down could help somehow. I am not looking for absolution. I just need to figure a way to wrap my head around my problem, deal with it, then figure a way to move forward. I was sleeved almost two months ago. I very recently found out that my new stomach can tolerate slider (junk) food with little to no issue at all. This is very disheartening for me to deal with. I really wished I would have been one who could not stomach sugar or greasey foods post op. But no, the stomach that was always made of iron continues to be, even if much smaller. It all started innocently enough, one bite. That was all it seemed to take. I know I am a carb junkie and have been trying to stay away from them so not to kick my addiction back in. But having so much junk around me, more so now at Christmas time...Needless to say my head hunger has taken over. I have done poorly for about a week now. Pre op I had dieted and lost about 33lbs since August. Even then I was starting to have real problems controling the addiction. I have only lost 25lbs post op. While 25lbs lost is 25 more pounds gone, I am also sort of disappointed my loss hasn't been greater. And before anyone says anything, yes a large part of that is my fault. More the lack of exercise than eating wrong. (Until recently). I really just don't know how I got here. I want to push the reset button and start over. Never try those "forbidden" items to begin with. I know I need to kick my own butt, get back on track. I am really hoping I will soon have a close friend's support to keep me honest. (He was sleeved today) I just need to make it through the holidays ( when extra food just is) and get back on the bandwagon. Anyone who says food (especially carbs) aren't addictive is a fool and doesn't know anything! This addiction is just as hard to fight. I appreciate I can come here to unload and try to make sense of it all. I know everyone here knows this struggle...

Just a little add on. I went for a follow up with my hematologist last week. He said my last genetic test came back negative for clotting disorder. But he did say this...When he first started in the field there were about five or six tests that looked for clotting disorders. Now there are over 20! He believes that sometime in my life a test will be developed that will pinpoint exactly why I have the propensity to clot. But at this time I am considered "of unknown origin" in my clots because all the current tests have been negative. My theory - if it is meant to be it will be. Why worry about what you can't control, just do what you can and ther rest is left up to a higher power!

I think we all encounter someone who says that to us at some point or another. There are those who are genuine and well meaning. They don't see us for our exterior, just love us for who we are on the inside. To them we are already perfect. Then there are those who wish to keep us in whatever position or box they have created for us. If we lose weight we take their power away to keep us in said position. And there are those who are just jealous. They wish they too could lose weight and change their lives, yet fail to get the need to surrender to the truth of their situation. They see our weight loss as a type of threat. They have fragile psyches and feel empowered by telling us we are doing it all wrong. ( although clearly we are not) And then there are just the clueless ones. They have no concept of what WLS really is about. They are not educated on the topic and don't wish to be. The funniest story I have had to date is actually from my hematologist. Yes, a DOCTOR! He asked me what happens when I lose the weight I need / want to. How do I stop myself from losing too much?? My answer... "IDK, I guess I will just eat a donut or something". LOL

I hope I can help you feel a little more at ease. I am the survivor of not one, but two pulmonary embolism. The first occurred in April of 2011 and the last this past May. Yet I still went ahead with the sleeve surgery on 10/21. We took every precaution; Lovenox injections, and IVC filter, full pulmonary work up and having to get medical clearance from my hematologist and vascular doctors. I knew I was still taking a chance. But being obese is chance enough of developing clots that lead to PE, so it was worth it. I am very happy to say I had absolutely no complications from the surgery, aside from maybe a little extra bleeding due to blood thinners. Since you are traveling to Mexico it is important that you do what you can to prevent clots. If you aren't on anticoagulants then taking an adult aspirin will help. During the flight be sure to get up and walk when you can, or at the very least flex your ankles up and down in your seat. ( this helps the blood to circulate better in the seated position) It is now standard care to be given Lovenox while in the hospital, so ask the medical staff there about it. And as soon as you can after surgery get up and walk. Not only will this help to prevent clots, it will also help a great deal with the gas from surgery. Good luck. Trust me, it is very worth the risk for the rewards!!!

I am around 7 weeks myself. I am no where near you, but I am happy. I started at a much higher BMI and all told I have lost close to 60 lbs now. I have lost a bit slower post op for whatever reason. ( I believe at least due in part to losing around 33lbs pre op from August - October) But all is good. I am happy to be making progress and will continue to take one day at a time! Congrats and you look fabulous!!!

I too threw up all kinds of blood post op. They said not to worry, it is left over from the surgery. I had a bit of problem with anesthesia and pain killers. ( could not wake up and very nauseas) Both passed. I pray you don't have a leak and that you recover quickly. Chin up!

Not as of yet. I am not down near goal yet either. ( I have lost over 50lbs) I do not believe it is all weight related though. Attitude is a very large part of the equation. You absolutely have to put yourself out there and basically have a "devil may care" attitude. Worrying about it makes you seem desperate. Living life and enjoying what may come will make you happier, which in turn will make you more appealing. But as someone who is still on my weight loss journey I do understand that may be easier said than done. While I have lost more weight than my preschooler, I am still obese. Those who just meet me see it, they don't see how far I have come already. I have insecurities that make it hard to be as carefree as I would like. But let me tell you, I do not plan to crawl in a hole and give up. Eventually I will find the person meant for me, or die trying!!! ( at a VERY old age!)

Yes, do keep an eye on it. At the same time try not to worry. I consistently run a bit above normal. ( 99 is my norm) I am never sick or have infections, just the temp my body usually reads. Even now that I am suffering the "deep freeze" associated with weight loss I still read 99. Just take it easy and heal well!

For once in my life this is one female issue I DON'T have! I too have PCOS. In fact, when I was diagnosed it was pretty early on in PCOS research and my doctor actually suggested me for case study. ( I didn't end up doing it though) I am sort of text book with my symptoms. Anyway, after I was blessed to get pregnant and have my daughter ( first and only pregnancy at age 39) I had a D & C, thermal ablation and permanent birth control placement. I do still have my cycle, but it is drastically lighter than years past. Since surgery I haven't really seen any change either, which is fine by me. I wish you ladies luck who are still facing the red tide!!!

I wore mine the first three days all the time. Then around the fourth day I stopped wearing it in the daytime, but still to sleep in. I felt it "held" me better as I would roll in my sleep. I wore it about a week and a half that way. Definitely something you want to use..

I think the fact we had bariatric surgery is part of why people talk. Let's be honest here, it is still considered a "dirty little secret" by many. It isn't right or fair, but it is. People judge and condemn a person for being obese, wondering how on earth we let ourselves get in such condition. There is little empathy or compassion from non obese people for those who have simply lost control. ( for whatever reason) Yet when we choose to finally take back that control, do something real and meaningful to get our health and lives back, tongues start wagging. I think there is a whole host of reasons why. Everything from believing we are lazy and taking "the easy way out" to jealousy and envy. But you know what? We are probably some of the strongest people in the world. We aren't weak for having doubts or fears, we are warriors for caring enough about ourselves to get up and DO something! This is far from a simple, easy road to take. It is a mountain to climb each and every day. But we are on the mountain, so why not enjoy the view? Yes, they notice. Yes, they talk. Because in their small world you are the biggest "new" thing to discuss. I just encourage all to hold your heads high and be proud you are you. Our lives have all been turned upside down and inside out from all the change we are experiencing, but continue to have strength in knowing you are worth caring about yourself. The rest of the world be damned!!!

I am almost 7 wks post op. I was VERY tired for about the first three to four weeks, then gradually got better. In fact, my first few days back to work almost got the better of me. ( I was 9 days post op when I returned) Now I feel I am mostly back to my old normal. Do I have days I am more tired? Yep. But overall I am doing much better and have more than enough energy to get through it all. I hope you find a way to get yourself back to a comfortable, energetic place!

I have PCOS. I used to have pretty severe symptoms. ( period issues, fertility issues, hair loss along with excess body hair etc) I was sleeved 10/21. I can tell you I have lost "slower" than some, but by no means abnormal. ( weight loss since surgery is 25lbs- I lost 33lbs before surgery) I admit I have not done any real exercise so that could be part of the reason I haven't lost as much. My hair is bad, but several thing contribute to that factor. I am not sure where you are starting or how far you have to go, but I can tell you I am happy with the sleeve. I did not want the bypass and this surgery seems tailor made for my needs and desires. Hope you get a lot of feedback to help you make your decision! Good luck!!!

I have to be honest here, because you all know I am honest. I have NOT been closely monitoring myself as I should. I don't measure or weigh. I haven't been counting Protein grams or liquid intake. I have been living. And yes, it is probably not the best way to proceed. But I am just the person I am, no more or less. When I learned to drive I was so focused on the lines on the road and lining everything up just right that I damn near wrecked several times. I get anal about things. But when the day came I thought " I am just going to point myself down the road and go, and try to stay in my lane" I got it. I have never had a ticket and the only wreck I have been in was caused by another. That is sort of how I am living with my sleeve. I am just pointing myself down the road and trying to stay in my lane. I pick healthy 98% of the time. ( And I won't lie to say I NEVER eat something I should not, because I have) I eat protein first, and in many cases it is all I have. I still cannot consume a "meal", just an entrée. At times my mind gets carried away and I think I am eating like a horse. Then I stop and really ponder what has gone in my mouth and realize it is really, really not as bad as I was giving it credit. I drink when I can, period. I tend to drink more week days sitting at my desk because it is routine. On the weekends I don't do quite as well. But I can tell from my own body signals when I need more and when I am hitting the mark. And I have been very strongly working on getting ALL my Vitamins in daily. Again, easier on week days than week ends. Could I be doing better? Sure. I will be the first to admit I have not followed the rules of the sleeve down to the last letter. But have I been trying hard? Yes. Will I continue? Yes! Am I human? YES!!!! We all are. And to thine own self be true. No one is accountable for anything but me. I live with the body, I live with the consequences. I know I have to fight this fight, and I am. I completely understand the overwhelming feelings being a food addict brings with. I will face them the rest of my life, as I have to this point. The thing is now I feel I can do this, I can win. And if there was any way I could give strength to anyone out there who needed it, I would in a heartbeat.

I have read on here time and again about how different surgeons and different practices all do things...well....differently. It has always had me amazed, and I am now even more so by my "besties" current experiences. I was sleeved on 10/21 and he is being sleeved 12/17. He is going through the other major hospital in our area. ( There are two major outfits, one comprised of four hospitals and one stand alone. There are also a couple other stand alone hospitals that are smaller or have lessor reputations.) He is going to be sleeved through the big name stand alone hospital while I went through the other network of four. I had to have every test imaginable it seemed pre op. I had an upper GI, blood gas, EKG, the scope and a full breathing workup. He had the upper GI and blood work, and nothing else. He has been told he will only be in the hospital overnight. ( I was in from Monday 8am until around 5pm Wednesday) He has been told there will be no catheter or drain tube. They have already prescribed his post op pain meds and told him nothing about the pain meds he will receive in the hospital. Additionally he has been told he will not have another upper GI test. Now, this is how they checked for leaks so I am not sure their procedure. The difference in care is sort of startling to me honestly. I felt I was totally taken care of. They took every precaution to ensure I would have the very best outcome. I didn't feel "like a number" and was made to feel I was important while I was in the hospital. I don't want to knock what they are doing for my friend, but it seems to me they are not being as thorough and it is more assembly line. He is an old and dear friend and has had a lot of health issues over the years. ( some weight related, some not) I think there should be a lot more done to ensure he is prepared as possible before the surgery. But that is my two cents. another thing I have noticed is his lack of knowledge about Protein and eating post op. ( Not even starting on the difference in pre op diets!) I went to the nutritionist ONCE, and she believed I was knowledgeable enough to be successful and did not require any further pre op visits. He had been required (by insurance) to have 6 visits with a nutritionist pre op. Yet he has no clue what to buy for Protein shakes. His pick had high sugar and the protein was about 23g. I steered him to what I have bought, which has lower sugar AND higher protein. (plus cost less) I am more than happy to guide him along from my experience, that is what friends are for. It just amazes me how much difference there is in the two programs. I want him to be as successful as he can be. I just hope I am being too critical of his program and it is as good as mine!

I too have received a few...uh....comments. Of course it has been very recently because I totally overhauled my look. ( see my post about "What's that on your head") Changing my hair, doing my makeup and wearing clothes that are a bit smaller suddenly has everyone taking notice. Actually one (married) coworker has made a few comments that have been a bit uncomfortable. I just blow him off and do not take it seriously, but it will probably get worse as time goes on. Just a part of the experience.. When I lost about 36lbs years ago (2007 I lost 36lbs, but was still heavier than I am now) I got a lot of attention. It was odd because I still weighed 276lbs ( and was morbidly obese) yet folks treated me like I was some super skinny, sexy model or something. ( Not everyone, and not all the time) Now I weigh 262lbs but I still wear a lot of my old clothes. They are baggy and do hide my weight loss. ( 54lbs) But on days I wear things a bit smaller then suddenly the comments start coming. I just figure when my ego needs a boost I will dress accordingly...LOL

I thank you all for the support, honestly. I am starting to adjust and feel more comfortable in this. I have found a couple benefits..1) I stay warmer. Just like wearing a hat, the wig tends to hold heat in a bit. Which is a great thing with the temps dropping and the constant cold feeling post op. And 2) my head stays dry in the rain!!! LOL Ok, may not be what you all were thinking but it is something. I try to be the glass half full type... Anyway, I hope my story helps anyone out there who may be struggling as I was with hair loss. There ARE options, just have to accept it for what it is. I found a LOT of websites that sell wigs. ( who knew?) I purchased through Paula Young. They were fast shipping / delivery and the prices were economical. Some of their looks are a little dated, but they do have a lot to choose from. And as you can see, they look pretty good. The care is super simple and makes getting ready a snap! Gives me much more time to do my makeup well ( which makes me look a LOT better) and not be late for work..So win / win. LOL Seriously, I do appreciate everyone who took time to give me support here. Makes a rough adjustment that much easier!!!

The wigs I bought were through Paula Young! LOL

Thank you laura-ven. I know I am my own worst critic. The hair thing is an area I am very particular in. ( As I mentioned before it is ironic. I allowed myself to balloon up in weight, but I am vain about my hair!) Today was slightly better with the wig than yesterday. It will get easier over time, I am sure. I do value and appreciate the support I get here which is why I have been very open about everything, including this. I figure it is a topic we all deal with so why not share my experience? Maybe someone else who is struggling with it will not feel so alone if they read all the posts. But it is also very reassuring to know I have made a good choice in this wig. The other one I bought is slightly shorter and does give that "slightly off" look, especially in the back. ( to me it SCREAMS wig) This one was my second choice and I am pretty glad now I found it.

I guess I can look at it this way...I was fat and going bald, so being thin with no hair is still an improvement! LOL