Pkdvm

There seems to be a lot of variation in duration and type of pre op diets, but as I'm on day 2 of mine I can tell you what I'm doing. I have 3-4 shakes a day made with a Protein Powder that has 100-200 calories/serving and 5 grams or less of fat/sugar/carbs and over 15 grams of Protein. I can mix it with water/skim milk/ unsweetened almond milk and am also permitted to add fresh fruit. For dinner I'm supposed to have a meal with 4 oz of lean protein/1/2 c. starch/1 c. cooked veggies(Not peas, corn or lima beans). I am allowed raw veggies to snack on.
I'm not going to lie, today was tough, especially when I had to go grocery shopping. Other folks say it gets easier after the first 4 days and I'm counting on that!
Good luck to you!

If you don't agree with what Susan has posted here, by all means, state your opinion. It's 100% ok to "attack" her message, it's NOT ok to attack her personally.

1. No. I did coordinating for Bariatric Pal's service for one year until I resigned after receiving a promotion at my regular job and no longer was able to do both.
2. None
3. No, but I did refer patients to them.
I work for a national construction research and education company, they have nothing to do with bariatrics. No competition involved. I am 48 years old, engaged, have two children, two dogs, and live in a small house in the woods.
I was sleeved by the doctor the former poster claimed I had no experience with.
I have the permission and blessing of all the woman to speak out on their behalf in the hopes that other woman will be more aware of what may or may not happen to them and hopefully prevent them from becoming victims.
I feel sad that woman are so unwilling to stand up for others, and are so quick to assume that because something did not happen to them and they had a good experience, it must be the same for everyone else.
I personally referred some of these woman to this doctor, and in part, feel responsible for the emotional distress they are now in. Others have sought me out because they know I have connections, and am a well-known voice in the bariatric world.
Anything else you want to know about me?

I love this image. I don't know if you did "natural" childbirth (I mean really...what's more natural than childbirth, no matter how you do it! LOL), but one of the things they teach you about is the stages of labor...and the one right before you push, when you are going from about 7 to 10 cm dilated is called transition. In transition, the pains are coming one on top of another and you don't get a real break. You start to doubt your ability to "do this." Labor, delivery, being a mom, surviving the experience...but you are about to get to the big show and there is no turning back.
And here we are, a month or so away from our "big show" and we are totally in transition. The doctor's appointments are coming fast and furious, we're adjusting bad habits and forming better ones, we're growing mentally. But we also have to face the pain. It's going to be a long time if ever before we can do certain things, and we're not sure yet about the good things at the end. And just like in real transition, the way you get through it is with support. A friend, a partner, prayer...I love that your friend reminded you why you're doing this.
So thank you for that helpful, lovely image.

Here are a few key tips I found helpful after surgery:
1. Walk... walk a lot... walk constantly! LOL
2. Force the protein!
3. Stay hydrated. (This is hard for me. I have to drink from the time I wake up until I go to sleep.)
4. Take your meds./ Vitamins.
5. Be your own advocate. If you have questions, call your surgeon/ nurse/ etc...
6. Lose weight, but learn to love yourself. Be proud of yourself.
I wish you the best of luck throughout this journey!

If you don't want the sleeve, don't get the sleeve. Maybe it isn't the answer for you, or maybe not yet. I'm looking at it as risk vs. benefit- the potential benefit of the surgery(and lifestyle changes) far outweighs the risk of actually having the surgery. I'm already having significant health issues from my weight, have tried everything with varying levels of success and always gained back more than I lost. It's time for me to get healthy and I believe that I've found the way for me to accomplish that. My doctor is skilled, I've been tested 9 ways from Sunday and I'm as ready as I can be. Am I scared? Of course, but I'm more scared that I won't be able to accomplish the psychological changes that need to happen. Either way, whatever you decide, I wish you well.

my surgery was on Monday. I stayed over night in the hospital and got home at about 8 last night. After the surgery and pretty Much all yesterday I was pain free. The nurses said at 24 hours post op is when you feel the most pain and they were definitely right. And as much as you're not going to want to you have to walk walk walk! It's the only thing that has helped me today. Good luck to everyone who is having surgery this month! It's all worth it!!

So much this! I'm in my mid-40s. I see how fast my body started going downhill with obesity-related issues. The risk of surgery was very minimal in my mind compared to staying as big as I was (or getting bigger, because it was getting to the point where I was having trouble walking or cycling for a significant distance. Hell, I was out of breath just doing laundry at home and needed daily naps to get through the day)
Now? I sleep well. I wake alert. I'm active and have enough energy to get through the day...and that's at 8 weeks out. My blood pressure's normal. My sleep apnea's a thing of the past. My hips and knees only protest when I do too many squats or run up and down the stairs too many times (like today, cleaning the attic), but for walking or cycling, they're just fine. My range of motion has increased.
Yes, WLS is a huge step. It is a drastic measure. But when I considered the alternatives, the risk was much lower than staying on the course I was on.

July 28th for me! I'm in South Jersey and having surgery at Kennedy Hospital(Stratford). I'm excited/scared and very hopeful that this will be the tool that finally allows me to get healthy.

I just went to a pre op meeting(scheduled July28) and we were given a kit from Lovenox. We were told that for a week post op we will be injecting ourselves daily with it to prevent clots. I've had these injections before after another surgery and they really aren't bad. My surgeon said that all other complications he can fix, but a clot is what people die from and he does everything he can to prevent that. We have to do our part too, walking and using the medication. Seems a small price to pay for a good outcome.

If you don't want the sleeve, don't get the sleeve. Maybe it isn't the answer for you, or maybe not yet. I'm looking at it as risk vs. benefit- the potential benefit of the surgery(and lifestyle changes) far outweighs the risk of actually having the surgery. I'm already having significant health issues from my weight, have tried everything with varying levels of success and always gained back more than I lost. It's time for me to get healthy and I believe that I've found the way for me to accomplish that. My doctor is skilled, I've been tested 9 ways from Sunday and I'm as ready as I can be. Am I scared? Of course, but I'm more scared that I won't be able to accomplish the psychological changes that need to happen. Either way, whatever you decide, I wish you well.

Kmf- I read the what to bring post and really stripped the list down after going thru it.
I have surgery tomorrow and am brining: ipad & phone with chargers, chapstick, earplugs (in case it's noisy) eye mask (help me sleep) I'm wearimg a big comfortable dress in and out, small pillow and a tiny fan (in case it's hot in the room) toothbrush & paste and slip on sandals
All this will fit in a backpack. No makeup no extra clothes. I'm there to have surgery, drink Water and get the heck out of there.

I'm only POD #5 and I'm feeling great. Walking, starting to get my liquids in easier, much less pain. When I stepped on the scale this morning it was all affirmed that I did the right thing by having the sleeve. I started crying happy tears because maybe I'll finally be able to live the life I want!! So thankful!

The GMO thing always makes me roll my eyes. Do you know how many life saving medications are produced by manipulating the DNA of organisms?! One that may hit "close to home" for a lot of people on here is insulin. To produce it, Insulin producing DNA is injected into the genetic strand of a bacteria. (E. coli is used more often than not) The bacteria then duplicate like crazy and the insulin is extract from the bacteria Soup. Without manipulating genetics, there would be no insulin for millions of diabetics and/or it would be ungodly expensive.
(Sorry for hijacking the thread with my rant)

So yesterday, my family and I went to beach. I put on my swimsuit then a nice sundress cover up. I had no intentions of taking the dress off. However, when I put my swim suit on I glanced in the mirror and thought I saw a reflection that just didn't seem to be me. She was attractive, young, and vibrant. That was an image that I had not seen for a while staring back at me.
Fast forward to the beach. We were taking pictures of the kids as they enjoyed their afternoon. Something came over me. I took off my sundress, jumped up and asked my friend to take a picture of me. I was so nervous as to what I was going to see. You see, often times when I look in the mirror and see one thing, when i see a picture of myself, I see something quite different. But this time, when I saw the pictures. I was amazed. The person I saw staring back at me in the mirror, was the same person in the picture. The young, beautiful, vibrant me. Maybe she is not what society defines as young beautiful and vibrant but screw you society. I love me and that's all that counts.
Here's to 83 pounds in 6 months and 40 more to go!

DISCLAIMER: This FAQ is in no way intended to replace or undermine the advice of your physician. Every person is different, every surgeon has different guidelines, and no two situations are identical. Therefore if any of the answers below are unclear or contradict your physicians’ instructions, always follow your physicians’ instructions. The responses given are a compilation from multiple sources and references.
How do I embed the weight loss ticker? Click on the liquid stage? During your clear liquid stage you can have anything that you can sip through a straw that is translucent, meaning see through. For instance: Water, juice, broth, sugar free popsicles, sugar free Jello, Isopure Protein Drinks, Gatorade, Powerade, Decaf tea just to name a few. Once you move on to full liquids you may add liquids that are not translucent. For instance: creamed Soups, soups with the chunks strained out, milk, Protein shakes etc…
When do I start mushies/purees? Every surgeon has different guidelines for the progression of your post-op diet. The majority of post-op diets progress as follows:
Day 1-7 Clear Liquids
Day 8-14 Full liquids
Day 15-21 Purees
Day 22-50 Mushies
What’s the difference between mushies and purees? The major difference is that purees are anything that has been blenderized/pureed to a baby food consistency and has no chunks. These should not be watery, but instead a thicker pudding like consistency. Mushies are soft foods that have not been pureed.< /p>
Should I be counting calories or carbs or both? Both. Again, every surgeon is different, but the majority of sleevers will be on a 600-1000 calorie/day diet with carbs kept at 60-80g or less. The general guideline is this: When eating, protein is always first, veggies are second, and if you have room carbs/starch last. The majority will rarely have room for the carbs.
How much protein should I be getting per day? The recommended protein intake may vary from 55 to 100g per day, depending on your individual needs and the bariatric diet provided by your surgeon or dietitian. The generally accepted minimum protein requirement for women is about 50 to 60g per day and men need at least 60 to 70g of protein per day.
How much liquid do i need for the day? About 60-80oz
When can I eat salad? Once you reach the point where you’re on normal solids you can try salad. Start with a small amount and see how your sleeve tolerates it as it can be difficult to digest.
Best Protein Shakes? This one depends on your particular tastes, however most seem to enjoy powders? utm_source=BariatricPal&utm_medium=Affiliate&utm_campaign=CommentLink" target="_ad" data-id="1" >unjury.

What else counts as a liquid? Anything that can be sipped through a straw or that will reduce back to a liquid. For example: Jello, sugar free popsicles, frozen yogurt/ice cream (these are generally no no foods)
How long will my surgery last? Typically about 45mins assuming there are no complications or other procedures (ie: hernia repairs) being done at the time of your surgery. Every surgeon is different so for a more accurate answer you should consult your respective surgeon.
Why can't I tolerate plain water, is this normal? It’s called water nausea and it is completely normal. This is very common during the first few weeks following surgery and should eventually subside.
What is sliming/slimes? Sliming or slimes occur when you eat or drink something and then regurgitate a slimy, foamy, saliva like substance, usually when belching.
What is grazing? Grazing is when instead of consuming your standard 3 small meals and 2 small Snacks per day, you simply munch all day grabbing a handful here or a bite there. The rule is that your meals should take you 20-30 minutes to eat and should be about 3 hours apart with only fluids in between.
What do all these acronyms mean?
In no particular order:
WLS – Weight Loss Surgery
NSV – Non scale Victory (ie: smaller clothes, compliments, climbing a flight of stairs etc…)
NUT – Nutritionist
PCP – Primary Care Physician
VSG – Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy
TOM – Time of the Month
SF – Sugar Free
WFL/WFD – What’s for Lunch/Dinner
How much did you lose at 1 month etc.? How much can I expect to lose in what time frame? Everyone’s body is different and so is everyone’s journey. There is no set amount you should expect lose in a set amount of time, and you should never compare your journey or your progress to someone elses. As long as you’re sticking with the program and following your surgeons guidelines, the weight will come off.
What is a stall? How long does it last and how do I break it? A stall is a point at which the scale stops moving for a period of time. The length of the stall varies from a few days to a few weeks and sometimes a few months. Non VSG’ers typically call it a plateau. Stalls are perfectly normal and to be expected. As we lose weight so dramatically, our bodies need time to catch up physically - this typically happens during a stall. While the scale may not be moving, you may notice an increase in compliments. This is because while the number on the scale isn’t getting any smaller, you are physically getting smaller. There are many tips and tricks for breaking a stall (increase your fluids and protein, increase your activity, up your calories…) but the reality is it will break on its own.
When can I have sex? When you’re ready. Keep it simple for the first few weeks post-op and don’t attempt any tricky positions. Be careful until you’ve been cleared by your surgeon for strenuous activity.
When can I start exercising? Typically right away, though the types of exercises you can do will be limited. Most surgeons restrict weight training/resistance training for about 3-4 weeks after surgery, but you should be walking/speed walking at least 30-45min daily starting from the day you get home.
What do I do with flabby skin? What's the best exercise etc.? The severity of the flab will vary based on many different factors. While there’s no way to tell how bad it will be or whether it will even be bad, there are a couple of proactive measures you can take. Make sure you’re using a moisturizing lotion with Vitamin E and Keratin several times daily. The vitamin E will help add elasticity back to your skin and the keratin will add moisture, both of which may help your skin bounce back as the weight falls off. The best exercises to target your problem areas are resistance and strength training in order to tone and build muscle to replace the fat. Lastly, be patient. Just as your weight stalls while your waist catches up to it, your skin will sag until it gets the signal to shrink. While it probably won’t ever be as tight as you’d like, it will shrink.
Will I lose hair? How much? What causes it? When does it return? Do Vitamins help? The truth is, yes, you probably will lose hair. Because of the drastic changes going on that are caused by the extreme reduction in protein and vitamins coming in as well as the hormonal fluctuations caused by the rapid weight loss, it takes our bodies a while to adjust. Don’t worry, as our hormones level out and our bodies get used to the new us, it will come back. There is no set time frame for it to do so however.
I’m constipated - what is it okay to take, especially in the beginning when newly sleeved? Will it get better? Worse? In the beginning a simple stool softener like Colace should do the trick. You don’t want to take a laxative or anything that may irritate your new sleeve. While you’re in the liquid/puree stage, Constipation shouldn’t be an issue, but as you reintroduce solids you may have to go back to your stool softeners. If you do find that stool softners are only offering temporary relief, try increasing your fluids and Fiber and decreasing your cheeses.
I’m having very loose bowel movements, is this normal? Totally. You do need to monitor stools of this consistency to ensure they contain no blood, but very loose stools, even watery stools, are completely normal for a few weeks post-op. When in doubt – ask your surgeon.
Will I feel fatigue? Will fatigue go away? Yes and yes. Your body has just undergone major surgery and it needs to heal. While it’s healing you will feel more fatigued than normal. Subsequent to having such a large portion of your stomach removed is the fact that you can no longer take in as much food (read: fuel) and therefore your body has to adjust and find a new fuel source. Your body will eventually begin to burn fat for fuel and some of the fatigue will subside. Your surgeon should also prescribe a B12 supplement which will also help with energy.
When can I go back to work? How much time should I take off? That will be entirely up to your surgeon. Most return to work within 2-3 weeks.
How many days in the hospital? Your hospital stay will depend on your recovery. When you are able to keep down liquids, are up and about and walking as directed, and your surgeon and nursing staff are confident there are no complications, you’ll be released. Your surgeon should be able to give you an expectation of the length of your stay.
Do the staples dissolve? No. The staples used to close the stomach are titanium and do not dissolve. The stomach tissue will eventually grow over the staple line. Your staples do not make metal detectors go off or make you ineligible for an MRI. They are completely benign.
Why am I always hungry? The most likely culprit is either head hunger or reflux/heartburn. Head hunger is a false sense of hunger triggered by boredom/emotions/the clock or any number of things which make you think you’re hungry when you’re really not. Heartburn is the most common culprit of constant hunger. Even though you may not feel as though you have heartburn, you may find that a simple antacid will eliminate that constant hungry feeling.
What is a stricture? A stricture is what happens when scar tissue builds up in your esophagus (sometimes caused by reflux) that causes your esophagus to narrow and makes swallowing difficult.
What is a leak and what are the symptoms? A leak is an opening along the suture line of your sleeve that allows bile and other digestive fluids to leak into your abdominal cavity. The symptoms of a leak vary but the most common symptoms are pain radiating across the abdomen, fever, rapid heart rate, shortness of breath, dizziness, vomiting, nausea, fatigue, and abdominal cramping. It is important to note that leaks are rare and only occur in about 1 out of every 100 cases.
Can you get a leak any time after surgery? Or is it just immediate? Most leaks happen very soon after surgery, but there is still a risk for about 4-6 weeks after. Again, it is important to note that leaks are rare and only occur in about 1 out of every 100 cases.
Some of my incisions are oozing - is this normal? If they’re oozing a green or yellowish Fluid, absolutely not. Green and yellow are the colors of infection and should be reported to your surgeon immediately. If your incisions are oozing a pinkish or clear watery fluid it’s your body’s way of keeping your incisions clean and isn’t usually a concern. When in doubt, ask your surgeon.

Your thighs no longer rub together when you walk!

:PWhen you only have ONE chin!!

I agree! I ordered 4 of their sample packets: Birthday Cake (blech!), strawberry (good), vanilla (okay) and banana (really tasty). The best part was that the balance of Stevia was perfect and I didn't need to add anything else. I buy mine off of Amazon because it's much less than buying directly from SDC.

You decided to have this surgery for a reason, think back and remember why you wanted and had this surgery. You will be healthier and happier, just give it some time. Eat and drink what you should so you won't be so weak. You know there are things you can't eat, and you knew that before surgery. Embrace your new self and enjoy losing weight, I think it will get better for you, God Bless!!!

I would like to suggest counseling and support from a good nutritionalist. I have been very successful with the sleeve....lost over 160 and been maintaining. I gotta tell you...not sure how I would have done at 20. The emotional part of this is as hard or harder than the physical. Many people have regret at your stage, mourning the loss of food. You mention not knowing how this is going to impact your social life. If you hang out with people big into eating and drinking (college!) This could really be a challenge so getting advice and counseling might make a huge difference.
I am more than twice your age, very self confident and I am so OVER food as a. "Friend" and it can still be hard. I have a new friend who is so food orientated and combined with my big eating son home from college....it is exhausting even for me at 2.5 years post op to keep the carbs etc at bay but it is so worth it (size 4 butt instead of 28W).

I am a girl that 19 months later I am still having complications due to my decision to have WLS. Do I regret it...NO!!!!!!!!!!
I am at goal and living large. So I can't eat that much or binge eat anymore. To me that is a plus. I have learned to control my eating and I am so happy I have my sleeve to be there for me when my favorite foods are dangled in front of me..
When I was young I lost all my weight and then gained it back and set into motion a life style of gaining and losing until I ballooned at 381. Oh no it has not been easy and it never will.
But you decided to catch it young and not suffer what a lot of us have suffered at the hands of other people and our own failing health.
So you can't binge any more. I think you need to really adjust that brain of yours and realize that partying that way is not normal...It is abnormal. food and alcohol are your untrustworthy lovers. They will hurt you and leave you feeling worse then when you indulged..
Everyone gets buyers remorse...Common. Work past that and get it together. You can't fail. It is not an option now... Do it..Retain your brain and go forward. Live a long and healthy life from here on through. I wish I could have had this option as young as you. But hind sight is 20/20.
Just keep swimming. You will only fail if you allow yourself to fail...okay!

My sad devestaion with Weight! Many happy moment that I can recall surrounded my weight; such as meeting the love of my life that makes me happy and many other solid blissful memories. The saddest moment were that I couldn't enjoy the simple things in life due to weight restrictions. People avoided my line at grocery stores because they couldn't manuevere around me.
I got a lot of stares and nasty comments through the years! As I hardened myself to the negativity I put up a barricade. I figured I could brush off the remarks on my size and stay comfortable where I am at. Then it dawned on me, I have stomach pain that presses on internal organs and bladder. My knees are not as strong and I can't wear rings because my fingers are so puffed up!
I then realized how it was taking a toll on my family, how sad my family was for me. I would raid the refrigerator at night and touch food that was being saved for a different meal. I was hiding food in my drawers and storing it like a rat with cheese. I wasn't helping anybody and most important myself.
I had to let the walls come crumbling down and expose the vulnerability that I can't hide the truth from the mirror or the clothing that fits snug. We can lie to ourseleves until we are downright blue in the face about why we don't need to make a needed change, when in reality the more harm those lies bring the further we get from achieving true success and goals we made to attain!
I was once a Thin child to a thin young woman, I wasn't truly happy. I relayed the information in my brain that when I was thin I had low self-esteem so what is great about being thin anyway? All I have known is the fat has brought me much needed happiness and more of an appreciation and understanding of others called empathy!
The last remark I recieved was yesterday at the mall while I was waiting for Lee to drive from the parking lot to pick me up since it was 111 degrees outside and I couldn't walk all the way down in sandals. This younger man and his son whom looked about six years of age took one glance at me. Then came the dreadful words the man uttered. "Hey Son look at the size of that girl's behind." I snapped and told him off realzing I did what he wanted he got a reaction out of me. So he laughed and walked inside. I then started to cry in Lee's car and in between sobs Lee consoled me.
The strong interior for such comments had deteriorated and I felt so human for weeping like a child being cradled in Lee's arms.
So many times I had my hands on a plate of glass window looking in from the outside, to the beach bikini bodies and athletic toned stomachs. Even regular sized clothing and the sales-clerks telling me I didn't belong in that section.
I felt like a deformed outkast in society.
Sometimes I wanted to fade, other times I wanted to die. Just simply die! I wouldn't hurt myself I just wanted God to take me, so I wouldn't have to live another day in this jail cell of a body!
As I picked up the pieces of the scattered jigsaw puzzle I began to unravel clues and hints that nothing brings happiness to you, you bring it to yourself.
Happy comes in all shapes and sizes and all kinds of faces. If I wanted a better qaulity of life I would need to make a drastic change. This didn't come out of the blue I have had a decade of trying every diet. I have had some doctors tell me nobody would do Bariatric Surgery on me because of my mental illness. The same went for Hysterectomy but I came out fine after that, in fact the Hysterectomy improved my moods.
My parents who never supported or entertained the idea of Bariatric Surgery were now pleading with me if I wanted to save my life, I needed it to be done.
They were right...so now my story is a work in progress. More to come and more hope always!

That probably sounded terrible . I should add that I'm 5'1" and my grown sons are built like fullbacks, but I've weighed more than them for years.

Good luck to all of you having surgery tomorrow! Here's hoping for smooth sailing on your way to a healthy new you. Planning on joining you on the losers bench next month.