CarolinaCutie

Congratulations! My numbers are coming down too. I have a the Contour USB monitor that has software to plot all the readings, and my average post-op is in the high 120s. I'm thrilled.
I'm taking Lark60's words to heart, though, as I am still on the pureed foods stage, and I wonder what will happen as a move through the process and incorporate more carbs. My hope is that with increased weight loss, consistent exercise and spot-on nutrition, I will continue on the road to curing the diabetes. My doctor thinks that will be the case at the end of the year. I am not so sure.
One thing I AM sure of however, is that if I hadn't had this surgery, I would be in a lot of trouble.
Again, congratulations to the OP, that's wonderful news, and I wish you continued success. I wish the same for us all.
Be well…

Wow! Your diabetes is gone! Whoohoo!
I am a type 2 diabetic 9 months post op..but I am off two meds--insulin and actos pills---now only on METFORMIN Yay!
Ive been a diabetic since I was 20 years old...
My am #'s are usually in the 110 range
in the afternoon Im usually in the 120 range...
The lowest Ive had it post op was 104...so I feel Im having good progress...
I hope and pray one day...I can be like you TYPE @ long gone!!
My A1C is going down slowly...and iM losing my weight slowly too...I do have hypothyroidsm...
But hey having way less meds is a godsend! I feel soooo much better and just each day is better for me!!
So happy I got sleeved!
I would love to know more about your story!
thanks!
take care!

Hmmmm...my doctor told me I was diabetes free....my doctor specifically said it depends on how many beta cells a person has left....she congratulated me and put it in my chart that I was no longer diabetic. It sounds like your numbers have fluctuated and you are still diabetic. I am not diabetic and I am no longer required to have diabetic check ups or monitor my blood sugar....I'm done with that.
..I don't plan on going back to my old ways but it's true I will be consuming a little more food but not much....I don't want to eat a cup of food at each meal and I control what I choose to eat...I do exercise quite a bit as a lifestyle change and there was no mention of retesting or continuation monitoring.....
The debate of a "cure" for diabetes has been around for a long time....but even the ADA agrees that if you are in a non-diabetic state then the progression of the disease ends for most type 2 patients.
Good feedback, thanks for sharing your experience!
Shel - no more type 2

5.2..........I am so freakin happy....now its all worth it!!!!! I will NEVER go back!
I know its an over-share, but I have been touched by an angel....so happy to be one of the lucky ones to eradicate this horrible disease...got it as gestational diabetes when preggers with my twins....my love of sugar did not help...now its GONE....i will keep it that way.
****Yes Felipe you can stay and unpack your bags now***
Shelby - type 2.... No more...

I tell people I take "phenteremine". They believe it. It's really no one's buisness.

I tell people I take "phenteremine". They believe it. It's really no one's buisness.

I would think they'd be able to find out what's up...but just to be on the safe side maybe continue your shakes..and Vitamins. I slacked on my Multivitamins this last month and noticed lots of hair in my brush e eryday for abt a week now...lol..that scare ne straight into the kitchen for my vitamins! ! Good luck, keep me posted:-)

I've been off the grid here for a couple weeks with work and bad weather and family here from out of town..but...wanted to check in. Today I weighed in @243. I was sleeved on December 20th and my beginning weight was 302. I feel good..normal I dare say. I've hit two stalls so far and its really a mystery to me why having a treat and stopping the hardcore workouts has got me out of both of them. But...59 lbs in 3 mos and went from size 22/2x shirts down to 16/L shirts.I'm happy with that. This Saturday I'm doing the 5k color run...HUGE deal for me as since having this survey is the first time in my life I've ever been able to run a mile..(I got emotional and goosbumps the first time I made it..lol). So..its bedtime...let me know how you guys are doing;-)

I saw this online in another site and thought I would share with everyone. It got me to thinking about ways to insure my success:
1. Not taking Vitamins and supplements.
2. Assuming you have been cured of "obesity". We have to live a healthy WLS life-style for the rest of our lives or the weight WILL come back.
3. Drinking with meals. The tool of not drinking with meals is a critical key to long term success.
4. Not eating right. In today's society it is a challenge to eat right. Make it easy on yourself. Don't skip meals, don't keep unhealthy Snacks around, feed yourself at regular intervals so you won't make poor choices about meals. Consider having some personal absolutes such as: avoid all fried foods, avoid all sugary foods, always use low-fat options, or only eat in a restaurant once per week.
5. Not Drinking enough Water. Most WLS patients are at risk for dehydration. Drinking a minimum of 64oz per day will help you to avoid this risk. Drinking Water flushes out your system, helps you lose weight and avoid kidney stones.
6. Grazing. Nibbling small amounts here and there throughout the day can make your weight creep up. Make a plan for what you will do when you crave food so you will do something constructive that will not involve eating.
7. Not exercising regularly. Exercise is one of the best weapons a WLS patient has to fight regain. It boosts your spirits and keeps our metabolism running strong. When you exercise you build muscle. The more muscle you have the more calories you will burn even at rest.
8. Eating the wrong carbs (or too many). Face it, refined carbs are addictive. If you eat them you will only crave more of them. Eat complex carbs.
9. Drinking Sodas. Some people claim that drinking sodas stretched their pouches. What we know for sure is that sodas keep you from getting hydration you need after WLS. Diet soda has been connected to weight gain in the general population. Find other drinks to fall in love with.
10. Drinking Alcohol. If you drank alcohol before WLS you will probably want to drink it post surgery. Most surgeons recommend waiting one year after surgery before drinking. Be very cautious, you may get drunker quicker which can cause health problems and put you in dangerous situations. Alcohol is connected to weight gain because it has 7 calories per gram where Protein and vegetables only have 4 calories per gram. It is noted that some people develop ad addiction to alcohol after WLS so be very cautious. If you notice a problem, contact your doctor.

I guess the big question is are you wanting to lose weight or lose fat?
If you are wanting to lose weight only and do it rapidly, stop working out. You will lose A LOT of muscle mass and your fat will have lots of room to nestle itself.
If you want to lose fat and retain muscle, then work out and do it vigorously.
When you work out and begin toning/building your muscles, you are also allowing them to store glycogen more efficiently. When glycogen is stored in muscles, as opposed to the liver, it is stored with 4:1 ratio with Water. So, if you are able to store and additional pound of glycogen, then you are also storing an additional 4 pounds of Water, so you will have a net of 5 pounds. This is a good thing. This is one of the reasons people who work out feel they have so much more energy and they have such great endurance. Plus, you are helping you muscles instead of losing them to the cannibalistic process of weight loss.
When you lose weight, do you really believe it is all just fat? It is not. Fat and Protein contain the same number of calories, so as the body metabolises itself for energy, it is going to chose from both repositories. Working out will lessen the effects of muscle loss.
So, you choose what you want to lose. Fat or weight. I wanted to lose fat and so I worked out like a mad-man. Got to goal and have been maintaining for over 2 years now.

I'm about 3months post, and I can barely eat 2-3 oz of food before I get full. Sometimes I'm really hungry and I'll eat too fast and throw it right back up. And even if I don't throw up its hard to REALLY enjoy anything when you only eat 2 bites of it.

I started my journey 1/11/13 at my first appointment at 333 and got sleeved 6/11/13. Im still over my goal of 195 but I'm really thinking 217 fits me good.

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I have Medco for my prescription coverage (blue cross for health) and they covered it for me! I got shakes Vitamins and scar cream

Just to let anyone under Tri-Care Prime that Insure Nutrition cover them too.
The lady on the phone told me that it would be for two shakes per day, the scar cream and Multivitamins.
Also, it can signed off by your PCM or your Surgeon.
I just emailed my PCM for the correct fax number for Insure Nutrition to contact them and should be good to go.
Xx

it really does depend on the person I am 2 years out this coming may and I still can't eat 4oz at once!
you will also know when you put too much in because it comes right back out, some times with no warning just blugh and your running with your hand over your mouth lol
the amount of times I have been drinking a cup of tea and projectile vomited over myself has become funny to me now.
don't stress it or go by everyone else we are all different end up with different sleeve sizes in the end that's not because they took more or less away its all to do with how big your stomach is before surgery.
if its bigger you are left with a bigger stomach sleeve if its smaller its smaller mine happened to be smaller and I haven't stretched it out.
I go by my body not stats not others at the same stage as me etc just me myself and I it really is the best way to go.

I am like you - I only told my husband (not even my kids who are young teens). I also did not know anyone who had wls that is why and how I found this site and would come here almost everyday and soak up everyones advice and experiences. This site is invaluable. I have now lost 90% of my excess weight at just 10 months out. It was easily one of the best decisions I ever made and just wish I had thought of it years and years ago. The years spent living with being obese -just depressing. Believe me it does get easier and you will return to feeling normal or better than before. You will be able to eat just about anything. Just take full advantage of this time to drop the most weight possible. Seeing the pounds disappear are the greatest motivation to keep going. Best of luck to you.

While the old me is still fresh in mind, I thought I'd share a list of all the little things (mostly good, a couple challenging) that make getting sleeved an unbelievable experience.
First the good (really great):
The numbers: I weighed 256 pounds when I decided to get sleeved (all time high was 272). Surgery weight (Nov 25th 2013) was 246. Today, I weighed in at 212. Eating: It's REALLY nice not obsessing about food. I used to wake up every morning praying that I wouldn’t overeat and then go to sleep most nights regretting what I ate. At buffets, I’d worry about how many plates I was consuming. At family style dinners, I’d worry about how big my helpings were and if I’d go for seconds. When I did manage to eat a healthy properly portioned meal, I felt completely unsatisfied. It’s been 9 weeks since surgery and I don’t believe I’ve been hungry once – seriously. Instead of lusting after food, I mostly concern myself with the Protein content and how hard it might be to digest. The food addiction is over and I feel like the monkey that’s been on my back for 39 years is gone. Clothing: My waist size went from 42 to comfortable 36. I went from 2XL to large for shirts. Over the last few months every week, I went through my closet and pulled out the clothes that were too big. I wouldn't have done this on a regular diet fearing that in a subsequent weight gain, I'd need them. I've pretty much exhausted my existing "skinny clothes" and am having to buy transition clothes -- I'm sticking to cheaper stuff for now. Clothes "fit" so much better now. It's not just the waist -- it's the thighs, butt, crotch, etc. I didn't realize how badly clothes fit when you have to start with something that fits a 42 waist. Lastly, at a size 36 I can shop at any store I want, which was not in the cards previously. Travel: I travel a lot for work. Sitting in an airline seat is soooo much easier now. I used to feel like they were oppressively small torture devices. Not saying I want one for my home recliner -- but I no longer dread stuffing myself into one. Sleeping: I used to sleep horribly, frequently waking up with headaches, and was in the process of getting used to a CPAP machine. I sleep great now with no CPAP. No more headaches either. That means I’m not tired all day and don’t have to drink 12 cups of coffee and 6 Advil’s just to function. This is probably the single best benefit so far. Comfort in my skin: Just about every activity -- walking, sitting, crossing my legs, standing, exercising, sex, drying off after a shower, going up stairs, getting dressed – is easier and more comfortable now. I really didn’t realize how taxing some of these things were prior to surgery. Every one of these things is easier (by a lot) now. Now for the challenges:
Eating: It’s taking me a while to learn how to eat slowly. I’ve found that speed of eating has the highest correlation to digestibility and comfort, even more than type of food. Like a lot of obese people, I used to cram food down really quickly. That doesn’t work with the sleeve and is a habit that has to be broken. Social stuff: I haven’t told anyone but my wife a few family members about my surgery. I used to be the guy that everyone wanted to dine out with for food extravaganzas. This change has been manageable but definitely takes effort. I still go out a lot and most people are so busy shoveling food in their mouth, they barely notice what I eat. Other times, I use the “I had a late lunch/dinner” excuse as to why I’m eating like a bird. Since I’ve chosen to keep the surgery to myself, this is just a new reality. As you can tell from the above, I’m really happy with the surgery and only regret not having done it sooner. Would love to hear other peoples revelations good and otherwise, post-surgery.

I am so sorry that you have had such a hard time of it so far. I was sleeved on 7/29/13 I guess I was one of the lucky ones. I came thru surgery and recovery with flying colors, no problems with nausea until I started eating real food again. At 6 mos out I still cannot eat scrambled eggs, high fat ground meat, pork chops. I too had my sleeve for health reason's not because I really wanted it, but my surgeon looked me in the face and told me I would be dead in 7 yrs, if I didn't. Because I had uncontrolled blood sugars, uncontrolled high blood pressure, high cholesterol, liver enzymes over 1000, and climbing. I am only 57 yrs old, I would like to be around to see my grandchildren born and grow up if the Lord blesses me I will. Be able to go and do things with them that I couldn't with my girls. Enough about me, you do not give up are you taking your Vitamins, a multi, B12, b complex, Calcium with d 3, Biotin, if you can't stand the chaky taste you can buy gummies that is what I take. VitaFusion womens complete multi 2x day,VitaFusion Calcium 2x day, VitaFusion B12 2000 mg day, also if you have problems with Constipation I use equate sf Fiber supplement 2x day, also mirlax in hot drink daily. Everyday will be a little better than the last. There is a light at the end of the tunnel, I know you will make it. It's the best thing I have ever done for myself, I wish I had done it 30 yrs ago. If you need to talk we are here dor you.

Thank you for sharing. I had the nausea too and had to spend an extra day in the hospital. Those early days were tough. I sent my family home from the hospital because I too was too tired to hold a conversation. I spent most of Christmas day napping. I have found that the sleeve surgery was completely worth it for me, and I hope you find the same! My energy gets better every day--thank God! I am almost 6 weeks out.
Best,
Amy

Hi! I was sleeve 1/14/14. I am 100lbs over weight but had lost 23lbs by the day of surgery. As of today, I am down 39lbs. The day before surgery, I almost changed my mind and right up until they put me under I was still having serious doubts about what I had decided to do to my body. Let me first say that the liquid diet my doctor put me on for 10 days was nothing compared to the surgery. I thank God that I requested to speak with someone who had also been sleeved and she told me things that the doctor and his staff did not. To begin with, that I would have to get out of bed 2 hours after surgery and drink some awful liquid for x-rays to check for leaks. Don't get me wrong, I am grateful that precautions such as this were taken but it was TOUGH! I have never felt so sick in my life and I have had major surgery before (brain tumor, 3 C-sections, hysterectomy and 2 hernia repair to name a few). Please don't be afraid to ask for something to stop the nausea even if you don't have it. My next complaint was pain control. After leaving the recovery room, it took the nursing staff over an hour to administer ANY PAIN MEDICINE. There was a break down in communication between the recovery room and the surgical floor. I also had an adverse side effect to the anesthesia and it took two days for me to fully come to my senses. In addition to this, I had an adverse side effect to the pain medicine and my heart rate/blood pressure/respirations dropped drastically and I had awful body tremors. Well, I had to stay an extra night and coming home was tough also. I could not get comfortable in any position on the bed so I slept in the recliner (what little I slept). Once home, it was almost impossible for me to sleep. No clue as to why. Another tid bit that someone on here told me, Do NOT trust a fart! Believe me when I say that is so true. Just think that the walk to the restroom is exercise and you will be doing a lot of that. Going to the bathroom!! I have also saw on here that several people state that they don't think they are sleeved. I am SLEEVED! It is hard to eat period. I feel full after three small teaspoons of anything. It is hard to get fluids down also but I am managing about 50 ounces a day. The other thing that I was not aware of is the fact that you will be extremely tired. I have NO energy. NONE. I just want to hang my head and close my eyes. It was bad the first week out from surgery. At that time, I didn't even want to talk. It took too much energy to carry on a conversation. I talk now but very little. Today is my first day back at work and I am now wondering how long I can make it. I have just been here two hours. On top of all this, I have had an allergic reaction to the surgi-strips. My incisions are broke out in a raised, itchy rash that is uncomfortable.
Would I do this again? Too early for me to say. My suggestion for you is to talk, talk, and talk some more to people that have had it done. I did this for health reasons and family history of heart attacks, strokes, and obesity. Don't go into this thinking it is a miracle cure. Don't go into this thinking that the surgery will do all the work for you. Don't go into this expecting it to be easy, complication free, or worry free. Also, don't let my experience scare you. Like anything good, it takes time so I am biding my time until I feel better. Best of luck to all of you!

Thanks for heads-up I went out today and bought a bunch of them, all different flavors.

Just wanted to let my fellow sleevers know that Big Lots now have the Muscle Milk Protein Shakes. A 4-pk for $3.00! They have strawberry, banana cream, chocolate and vanilla cream. If you haven't tried Muscle Milk products, try it now. They usually run $3.97 a piece in Walmart and other places, so this is great deal.

Premier Protein. You can find it in the internet and the web site will tell you where you can find it. 30 grams of Protein, low carb, low sugars and about 160 cal. I am very picky. I hate the Protein Shots and the the stuff they put me on pre op was horrible. The Premier Protein Shakes have been he best, but I've not tried the Muscle Milk.

My fav is the premiere Protein chocolate! Mmmmmmmmgood.