cloud9

Wow congratulations on everyone's progress!

I am down 96 lbs since survery on August 27, 2013. Best decision I ever made and wish I had done it sooner!

At 1 year post op:

I have completely changed my relationship with food and understand now why I ate my way to obesity..... emotional eater, eating because bored, portion sizes, and just eating plain ol' junk. My life if very different now - I make healthy choices and follow the plan. It is WORK and requires my complete focus to not backslide into old behaviors. Still do not experience hunger and frequently need to remind myself to eat. I never want to be obese again - so much to live for! There have been times where I made bad choices, ate the wrong things and I got on a roll a couple of times with backsliding. For example I can eat Cereal with milk like no one's business - eat WAY TOO MUCH Cereal because it is a slider for me. So now I avoid cereal like the plague. And some othe foods. I keep remembering something I saw on this board last year, "nothing tastes better than skinny". I keep that in mind and also remember why I made this life change....to live longer and be healthy.

Get in my Protein first (60g), then veggies and fruits. Water, Water, water exercise.

Blessings to all of you! Keep on keeping-on.

Congratulations Booklover on your surgery!! First - LinsafromFlorida is right-on! Her posts are always good content!

If after researching the great information herein this website for help combating nausea .........You might want ask your Dr about a different anti-nausea med (I did that because mine was not working for me, and he switched mine to something that worked better for me).

Best to you!!

Well, I'm almost 7 months out and have something similar going on. It started maybe 3 weeks ago with incredible pain that ran from my stomach through to my back. Went to the ER, they did a CT scan, which showed stomach inflammation. Talked to my bariatric doctor's office about it and they recommended liquid diet for a few days. The ER doc gave me a prescription for Zofran, which helped a lot. I don't have a gallbladder, so we know that isn't it.

After that I went back on PPI's for acid for 2 weeks and it was fine. Last week it hit me again, and then again yesterday. I am pretty sure it is an ulcer, although I don't know why it didn't show up on the CT scan. I probably should do a scope. For the moment I am self treating with a longer term on Prilosec (8 weeks instead of 2), and using Ranitidine and Mylanta in the short term untilthe Prilosec kicks in. I've also altered my diet to avoid acid and high fat foods until I'm better.

I did not have the black stools or bloody vomit, though.

I am sending good thoughts your way. Let us know what happens.

I am so very sorry MNJG that you are going through that. My heart goes out to you. Sounds awful. I ended up changing doctors and that made all the difference for me. The new drug the doc put me on is Carafate (kindle also references that same drug "sucralfate" in her reply). Sucralfate on top of the double dose of prilosec is amazing. I learned a powerful lesson in that my original doctor was playing down what could have escelated to a dangerous situation for me (perforation). I hope you pursue further evaluation - even though that CT did not show ulcer that does not mean you don't have one. Thank you for sending me good thoughts I am sending them right back to you. Keep us posted please.

Get better soon :-(

Thanks millergirl

If he thinks it's an ulcer, why isn't he prescribing something like sucralfate to help it heal? I agree with the other posters that you should consult with someone else ASAP. Even if it is "just" an ulcer, it can perforate and then you are in real trouble.

Thank you so much Kindle. Wow you nailed it on the RX..... my NEW doctor did prescribe sucralfate (Carafate). It is making a huge difference for me - I can get down fluids. Long week but feeling better - it is an ulcer and not perforated. got fully checked out and rehydrated to boot. Thank you again.

I have no personal experience to offer, but you do he my empathy and concern. I will be sending tons of good juju your way.

Thanks for sending the juju my way Sassy Pants1!!!

This sounds awful and scary for you. It is my understanding that fresh blood will be bright red; older blood, likely to be seen in stool will be black and tarry -like. Do you have a home blood pressure machine? If not, see if someone can get one for you. They are around $30. Take your BP lying down write it down; sit up - wait 2 minutes and take it again; stand for 2 minutes and take it for the last time. If there are significant changes with you BP and heart rate- maybe contact an advice nurse or your doctor's office. I highly doubt that increasing anything that reduces acid will make an impact on your symptoms. Blood in vomit or in a BM - unless you have a hard stool or hemmroids, is not ok! Please follow up -go with your instinct and head to to the ER - if it happens one more time. in the meantime, get up slowly and sit a bit before getting out of bed. NO falling!!

Hang in there...you are the one that knows what is normal for your own body.

Trish

Thank you Trish I went in to be seen. I feel stupid having not done that immediately. At any rate...it is ulcer (I got checked out for perforation). got a new doctor, new meds, lots of IV fluids and man do I feel better. less pain, fluids, fluids. BP was in the basement by time I got to hospital. Thank you for the great advise on blood pressure machine - I did purchase one. Appreciate your sharing and kind words.

Oh my goodness! This sounds horrible! I would not wait! I would go to the ER and have them do the scope. I think it is CRAZY that your doctor has this wait and see attitude with this pain you're in, the blood, etc. Please go and please keep is posted!!

Thank you Wags. I ended up not waiting. I went in. Long week. Got a new doctor, new meds (huge improvement), lots of IV fluids, taking it easy on stomach so ulcer can heal. ruled out perforation. Feeling much better now. Thank you again for your kind words.

Received overwhelming, horrible, horrible bad news 4 days ago. Very stressed, not sleeping well, and MAJOR trouble with upset stomach, vomiting and nor for past couple of days I have black stools. Today there was bright red blood in my vomit (8 oz Water and last retch brought up about 2 or 3 oz of blood). Have been really on just Isopure, soft foods, lots of fluids since stomach upset/vomiting started. I don't smoke, drink or take ibuprofen or tylenol.

Called surgeon today...... he upped my dosage of RX prilosec from 20MG twice daily to 40MG twice daily......and said to stay on soft foods, drink plenty of fluids for a few days. He said the black stools are from bleeding in my stomach. He said, "no need to get excited about it and not going to scope me"..... told me to go to ER if I continue to vomit blood and they can get a blood count. He said it sounds like an ulcer on my suture line due to the emotional stress. he said will just have to watch it.

I am in pain too...my stomach hurts - sharp jabbing pain since today's vomit containing the blood.

Anyone else run into this? Thoughts? Please share.

I am so sorry you are having this. Does not sound fun. I hear in your writing you maybe having thoughts of doubt. I hope someone can chime in that may have had this before. I know we are all different but if it was me I would also call my primary doc. I would think they could give you something to help the pain. Keep us posted and hope it goes away soon.

Thank you awold0 Doing better now after getting new doctor, checked out, some much needed fluids, new meds, etc... taking it easy on tummy and will get this ulcer healed up. Thank you for your kind words.

Just checking in with you Cloud9--you ok?

I went in to get checked out. rough week. 2 days of IV fluids (and something called "banana bags" fluids infused with Vitamins, etc..) My BP was bottoming out by time got to hospital. I just could not take in/hold fluids. It is an ulcer but no perforation. CBC results did not point to a whole lot of bleeding going on. Low on sodium and potassium and some other things that got me in hosp for fluids.

** I HAVE A NEW DOCTOR ** I am home now. New doctor added carafate which makes all the difference in the world for me - and am on liquids/gatorade mostly. Going very easy on the stomach for a while. liquids/soft foods. FU with Doc next week. No vomiting since Sunday, no black stools either. If I vomit blood again or get extreme pain I will definitely not come on message board...I will go to ER instead (duh).

I have had a couple of rough experiences with my new stomach in 6 months since surgery ......but would have this surgery again - no regrets whatsoever.

Thank you to everyone for the support.

Received overwhelming, horrible, horrible bad news 4 days ago. Very stressed, not sleeping well, and MAJOR trouble with upset stomach, vomiting and nor for past couple of days I have black stools. Today there was bright red blood in my vomit (8 oz Water and last retch brought up about 2 or 3 oz of blood). Have been really on just Isopure, soft foods, lots of fluids since stomach upset/vomiting started. I don't smoke, drink or take ibuprofen or tylenol.

Called surgeon today...... he upped my dosage of RX prilosec from 20MG twice daily to 40MG twice daily......and said to stay on soft foods, drink plenty of fluids for a few days. He said the black stools are from bleeding in my stomach. He said, "no need to get excited about it and not going to scope me"..... told me to go to ER if I continue to vomit blood and they can get a blood count. He said it sounds like an ulcer on my suture line due to the emotional stress. he said will just have to watch it.

I am in pain too...my stomach hurts - sharp jabbing pain since today's vomit containing the blood.

Anyone else run into this? Thoughts? Please share.

Hope this picture shows up. Sleeved on 8/19 and down 31 since surgery (42 since preop). It seems like I've lost nearly all my weight in my waist and upper body. Began intensive lower body strength training to firm and "encourage" some loss there! Glad to see everyone doing well!

You look fabulous! Wow!!! Beautiful picture....love that dress!

Down 66 lbs

Most importantly my health is dramatically improved. No more apnea (trashed the CPAP!!) Blood sugar levels are perfecto!!!

My skin is CLEAR for first time in years.

Starting to work out more and making exercise a part of my life - getting prepared for my first 5K ever in June (slow but steady working up to this goal)

You all are doing so well - congratulations! Reading about your successes is a TRUE INSPIRATION for me. Thank you all for sharing. Once I can figure our how to post pictures on this new computer I will do so. changed over to MAC and iPhone at the same time UGH!! and still learning the technology

-49.1 lbs!!!

Woop woop! You look amazing Jenschob!!! Wow - keep up the great work. You are rock'in those boots!!!!!

GM August sleevers. I was sleeved on August 19,2013. Currently I am down 90 lbs. my goal was to get between 160-170. I only have 4 pounds to go before I hit 170. It has been a long road of adjustments and life changes. This was the best choice that I have made in a long time. My health is more important to me that what people are saying to me. Every morning I wake up I am blessed. This road was different than when I had the Lapband done. What a waste that surgery was.

:

Day of surgery. Best day ever

:

Weight at heaviest 265

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Weight now 173

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After surgery and before hair started falling out

:

hair after I cut it off, due to Hair loss

Wow congratulations! You look the picture of health your skin is simply glowing! What a feeling it must be after the long road of changes you mentioned. YOU did this - congratulations on nearing your goal and for getting healthy, and God Bless!! PS - you look beautiful!

Cloud9:

Yay! Someone else who is just like me , we started around the same weight , currently same weight and our goals are the same ! Super excited your doing well:) I just started swimming to switch up my workouts but def feeling great . Same about 800 calories a day - and still doing all my Vitamins . Keep up the great job!

Wooo hoooo Go Lissette! Would you mind sharing with me about your workouts? What are you doing and how do you feel when doing them? Im walking (on treadmill due to frigid weather) and some yoga but not real aggressive workout. Makes me lightheaded still even though I take in a lot of Water and eat the right things. Congratulations on your success!!!!!

I started at 315 and now weigh 268. Most of it was lost in the first 8 weeks. I've only lost 3 pounds since Nov. I'm feeling very discouraged.

Wow Hannah that is 47 pounds gone! Congratulations!

Butterthebean has a link in his auto signature to an excellent article about stalls:

http://www.dsfacts.c...ml#.Ut1GtBYQFdg

Hope your stall releases you soon Hannah. You can do it.... stay focused and on track with eating right ~ the weight will come off

Taking too large of bites. I gotta learn how to nibble.

Wow you look amazing!!! Wow!!!!

Thanks, cloud! You sound like you're doing pretty darn well yourself! I almost picked up the Jay Robb Protein yesterday but got cold feet haha. How is the taste compared to whey?

It tastes really good (to me). I got the vanilla flavor.

Less froth as compared to the whey isolate powder. I can finally drink shakes again thanks to that stuff!

Jay Robb has a 100% money back guarantee. So if you don't like it they will take it back. If you try it let me know what you think!

Happy Sleevuary!

Hey August fam!

I'm officially 5 months post-op today. Feeling great and loving life. Can't believe were already this far out! I have 35 more pounds to go!

How is everyone else doing? Back on track after the yummy holiday season?

SW 289

CW 200.7

GW 165

Wow you look amazing!!! Wow!!!!

Today is 5 month anniversary. Feeling HEALTHY. Keeping calories to around 800 per day, Protein around 60 - 70g, Water 60 ozs. I don't eat junk!! My lactose intolerance is more pronounced now but that is easy to overcome; I simply switched my shake from whey isolate powder to egg whites powder (Jay Robb brand).

Love my sleeve!!

Congratulations to all!

Woot Woot Woot!!!! Way to go ~ congratulations! You are such an inspiration!

Wonderful! Wishing you and your husband the very best as you start your journey ~what a way to bring in the new year! Keep us posted.

You are rock'n that skirt Li Gemini! Really look great!

Congratulations everyone! I appreciate reading about your successes (rooting you on virtually!) and your challenges; which help me get through my own challenges! Thank you all for sharing.

Happy New Year one and all!

SW 230

CW 178