Schmincke

My hubbie came to seminars ahead of time since he does half the cooking, and then he came to hospital at 6AM and stayed through the operative day until after 10. A lot of the time he just read, letting me doze. He could have stayed overnight but I really did want him to go home so he could sleep. He was back the next day and again stayed until 10. I was glad he was there when I had a bad drug reaction - otherwise I would have been alone and unable to call the nurse. He was a big emotional comfort, and I really feel that even though he's naturally BMI 23, he's my partner in this. I am lucky.

Lost half of my hair in volume, and it grows back. I started losing at 3.5 months post-op and it lasted a solid 3 months. I never took Biotin as I am not one for taking pills, and really it isn't going to slow down the loss. All is does is help with regrowth. I used Folicure extra care Shampoo every other day, and Nexxus dualiste anti-breakage shampoo and conditioner on the other days. I have tons of new growth, and my hair is coming back. I also avoided heat styling, and coloring/highlighting during those shedding months. It's perfectly normal, and just know that your hair will grow back in. Funny thing for my hair, is that pre-op, I had super wavy, almost curly hair, now the new growth is stick straight, and I have to use volumizing products to get my hair to look really great.

I started with the band at 270, the day of my revision I was 263, my initial goal weight was 150lbs, and I hit goal in 6.5 months weighing 148lbs. I continued to lose for another 4 months and my body has settled at around 125lbs. My total loss with the sleeve alone is 138lbs in 10.5 months.

It's not horrible to feel that way. I still felt huge after I had dropped 80lbs, so you aren't alone. Thank you for your kind words, you'll get there, just keep doing what you're doing, and don't give up on yourself.

It does sound defeating. I have lost an average of 10 pounds per month. I don't think that is a big deal compared to others. When I was there I overheard a lady say she lost 40 pounds in ONE MONTH. I have 97 pounds to lose to be at what my chart says I should be which is 115 pounds. I have never been 115 pounds so being 120-130 is GREAT for me. But, it was a little self defeating being told I would on average in a year lose only 65% of the 97 pounds. AND trust me I work for my pounds. I do the elliptical every day for 45 minutes and I watch what I eat. I can eat anything now and more than I used to. But, I average about 700-900 calories a day. So, I pray to GOD that the sleeve can continue to HELP me get to my goal weight and beat those statistics!

Here is some data from Jossart and Cirangle's 5 year data
Breakdown of %EWL by BMI
 35-45 Kg/M2 – 82.2%
 45-55 Kg/M2 – 73.4%
 > 55 Kg/M2 – 52.1%
This shows that the lower your BMI was to begin with, the more likely you were to lose a greater percentage of your excess weight. if you want to see the powerpoint, here is the link:
http://www.ssat.com/video/2008/SSAT%2049th%20Annual%20Meeting(3)-Cirangle.htm

Jhealan- You are very lucky to have your hubby be by your side through out your journey!
Teachamy- Wow a hubby that takes care of all your kiddos and gives you peace now that is a Wonderful Man!!
MissMac- Yes you have found the perfect Gentleman and friend that is a priceless gift to have in a friend.
Magtart- You hubby was with you in spirit and your loving son was, so woot woot!
McButterpants- Life couldnt be better when you have a hubby that walks besides you and listen for you too.
Jess9395- It takes a smart women to know what she wants and wise women who ask for it and then receives the support at
at the perfect time.
Superfatty- Girl you crack me up.. Sister and family love is all good.
Katesuccess- You just know sometimes to love you have and what you can deal with while your healing. I think pain
killers sometimes can lead to saying things ya just shouldnt. So your one smart cookie!!
Carlotta1- Your lucky to have family support.
SweetJam69- I understand your thoughts 2 1/2 hours away it is smart to have peace and love all around you.
RJ- Your hubby is a remarkable Man in every sense of the word!! Lots of love there girlie!!
To everyone who responded Thank you all so much, there is so much love out there for us all to do well and this just proves we are all taking the right steps for our health so we can enjoy every day to laugh and love those around us!!

Not married, but my SO and I have been together for nearly 8 years so basically haha. He'll be there during the surgery and for right after, but even though they said he can spend the night I think I'll be fine by myself. Our dog would miss him more

Brought Mr.Sophiepants. Although I had him in a hotel across the street.(No reason for both of us to not get any sleep) He was there to walk with me and so much more. I was so happy I brought him along.

I had a similar thing with my partner. Before our first seminar he was all kinds of gung ho about bypass. After 2 seminars and discussions together, he realized why I wanted the sleeve and got 110% on board with it. Having that comeplete support is the most helpful thing in this process.This expierence would be completely different without him. He is also going to be there for surgery, I'm not sure If I will make him stay the night, during my gallbladder surgery he was there, but the sleeping situation was HORRIBLE. I don't want to put him through that again unless I get irrationally scared.

Well I am glad to say I will be taking my hubby to the pre-surgery meeting with my Dr and then he will be by my side for the few days for my surgery this Friday! He is my rock and brings me this peace that words and the push to get me going when i need it. Funny my surgery is on our 22 yr anniversary of our 1st date.

Today makes two weeks post op for me. I'm down a total of 20 pounds it would have been more but I gained two pounds. The reason I gained is because I am so freaking constipated It should be against the law. I have not had a BM since the day I was released from the hospital which was 01/08/14. I am miserable. I just took a stool softener and about to get me something with Fiber in it to make me go more often.

Today's my day! Waiting for my surgeon in the pre-op bay.

I am less than 24 hours out of surgery. I am honestly walking around, drinking Gatorade, feeling fine. Dr. Ortiz is the best. My P is funny colors,but everything else seems normal. My leak test went fine, and I'm going to the Marriott tomorrow.
I can't believe how easy this actually was.

I'm 4 days post op and I feel better than before. My stomach is healing and does gurgle alot and gets gassy but the gas has no problem coming out .. Burping is kinda hard sometimes .. I'm not constipated either. Sorry if TMI my first check up is tomorrow

Today starts 5 days out! What a difference a few days make! Once the IV was removed the nausea subsided - thank goodness! Been sipping on Water, sugar free juice and coconut water for last couple days. Everything tastes so good. food smells amazing but have no desire to actually eat anything, so strange. Looking forward to these drains coming out tomorrow, they are so cumbersome and uncomfortable.
Good luck to all those pre-op, keep it up to all those post. Most important thing I've learned so far is to stay positive ????

Sorry for late reply. Had surgery 1/13/14 Monday. Was drowsy and Painfree all day. Slept day away.
Yesterday - was horrible. Felt like death. Iv infiltrated. Was dehydrated and became a hard stick. Didn't have iv for hours. No meds! No Pain or nausea meds. Was vomiting bile and mucous continuously. Also hurt abdomen by vomiting. Couldn't keep down ice chips. Finally got 2 ivs by anesthesiologist after several ppl tried - got scopolamine patch and Toradol and zofran etc, felt like 200% better 2 hours later. Had visitors and was even walking by evening. Even could handle ice chips! Totally an isolated incident.
Today cream of wheat and juice. Burping a lot. Probably full after a few spoon Fulls? Have a headache though. Hopefully discharged later. :-)

Highest weight 264.0
Day of surgery 254.1 (01/06/14)
released from hospital 259.4 (01/08/14)
Current weight 240.0 ( as of this morning)
1 week and 2 days post op

Update: 3rd day post op and feeling so much better! Still not keeping everything down but have found if I sip while standing it stays in. Again, since I am breast feeding I am not on l anti nausea meds. I'm very happy with how I feel today. Hope to be released from hospital today, drains out Friday.
Good luck to everyone, stay positive.

Tomorrow's the big day! I think the nerves are starting to get to me a little bit. I just have to keep reminding myself to think of the long-term benefits and not the short-term pain. Glad I have my boyfriend by my side. He is 5 months post-RNY and has already lost over 100lbs. Such an inspiration!

One week post op today down a total of 15 pounds since I was released from the hospital on 01/08/14

Hi and thank you all for your responses.
UK Cathy, I'm traveling alone. Originally my friend wanted to come with me but she couldnt get time off work. I'm sure I will be fine. I'm a little anxious about the travel back but International Surgery Group assured me that I should be perfectly fine once I take everything easy and allow myself extra time. I spoke to Garrett, who is their Director of Surgery, and he told me he had a Gastric Sleeve himself by Dr Dillemans on September 16th and he travelled there and back himself without any problem. He did say to travel light though. He also took th same route (via Dublin Airport) as I will be going. He gave me a good tip to inform the staff at the gate so that they will pre board me onto the aircraft on the way back and unless I travel with Ryanair (which im not) this is always possible. Apparently, airport staff and aircrew are very accommodating.

Glad to see you're feelin better!!!

I dealt with this too. You're not alone and remember...everyone's body is different. Its easy to go through these threads and look at others' stats and make comparisons, but that's just not being fair to yourself. Plus, your surgery was very recent...give yourself some time to heal and follow doctor's instructions to a T. Measure and journal everything you're eating/drinking so if for some reason you don't see results sooner than later you'll have a record to show to your doctor. I struggle with patience myself. I had hoped to lose more on the pre-op liquid diet than I did, but I just didn't. I just had to get to acceptance and move on - no other choice. You'll get there.

Patience ... You have an excellent point and something I need to foster in myself. It has taken me decades to get here.