NotSoTall

Not far out, but not planning to go back to the carbonation. The stretch factor freaks me out too much. And that's saying something considering the diet colas I've darn near lived on in the past
That said it's easy for me to say this early out.

Not far out, but not planning to go back to the carbonation. The stretch factor freaks me out too much. And that's saying something considering the diet colas I've darn near lived on in the past
That said it's easy for me to say this early out.

Today marks 8 weeks out.
The positives:
Down 35 total, 25 post-op.
A third of the way to goal.
Great lab results.
Learning new habits.
The negatives/challenges:
Timing food/liquid/vits at work successfully.
Finding the best approach to prevent Constipation. ouch.
Learning new habits. If I can get them down there wouldn't be these other issues.
It was an interesting 2 month doctor's followup. They were really positive about the weight loss and lab results. And used sparingly, I can again use Excedrin again for headaches. I was beyond excited about that and surprised, but I'm not going to argue. The NUT was strongly suggesting veggies and fruits. Fresh fruits and cooked veggies. Something else I'll have to work on. She didn't push any starchy carb foods so that was nice. I'll have to test the waters with the fruits, just have to pair with and/or eat after Protein (we've heard that somewhere before, right?). Also she addressed foods with liquids, Soups & cereals for instance, and she considers them foods in the context of the eating and drinking rules so apply the rule. Though they still count as liquids in the total liquid per day.
Next followup at 6 months. They'd like to see another 25 pounds lost by then. I think I can do that.

It gets easier or better as you're thinking adjusts to what you should or shouldn't do. At least that's what happened for me. I pulled up blogs of sleevers that have recipes, looked at pinterest vsg stuff, read success stories to keep positive. There are lots of yummy things that I can make a part of my "new" normal. In the meanwhile worked through the stages and before you know it the more restrictive weeks are/were over.

I've enjoyed reading here for a while but put off signing up since I didn't feel this was really going to happen. Went to my first consultation in October, took a bunch of tests and attended the required appointments. Finally was given a pre-op day and surgery day but insurance had not yet given authorization. Surgery was supposed to be on the 18th. I pestered the poor staff about the authorization many times as I didn't want to get family and work all set-up for no reason. Lo and behold after sending yet another inquiry I got a call today that said yes I'm authorized and they'd like to move my surgery to next Tuesday and pre-op tomorrow. OMG. Suddenly it's very real. And maybe they got tired of hearing from me.
So now I need to read everything I can, get materials purchased ASAP, and set sail on this new adventure.
I'm ready to do this and do it right, get off blood pressure meds, lower cholesterol, reverse/prevent diabetes (pre diabetic per docs), and hopefully get some PCOS stuff under control. Not to mention let my arthritic back get some rest from carrying extra lbs.
A little miracle happened today too, I had expected to only get 3 weeks away from work and HR showed me a benefit I had that allowed it to be 6 weeks. So thrilled. Haven't been away from work for that long since maternity leave 16 years ago.
I'm thankful there's a place like this to gather and learn from others' experiences. I'm thankful so many have shared their experiences.
Still shocked.

I've enjoyed reading here for a while but put off signing up since I didn't feel this was really going to happen. Went to my first consultation in October, took a bunch of tests and attended the required appointments. Finally was given a pre-op day and surgery day but insurance had not yet given authorization. Surgery was supposed to be on the 18th. I pestered the poor staff about the authorization many times as I didn't want to get family and work all set-up for no reason. Lo and behold after sending yet another inquiry I got a call today that said yes I'm authorized and they'd like to move my surgery to next Tuesday and pre-op tomorrow. OMG. Suddenly it's very real. And maybe they got tired of hearing from me.
So now I need to read everything I can, get materials purchased ASAP, and set sail on this new adventure.
I'm ready to do this and do it right, get off blood pressure meds, lower cholesterol, reverse/prevent diabetes (pre diabetic per docs), and hopefully get some PCOS stuff under control. Not to mention let my arthritic back get some rest from carrying extra lbs.
A little miracle happened today too, I had expected to only get 3 weeks away from work and HR showed me a benefit I had that allowed it to be 6 weeks. So thrilled. Haven't been away from work for that long since maternity leave 16 years ago.
I'm thankful there's a place like this to gather and learn from others' experiences. I'm thankful so many have shared their experiences.
Still shocked.

Not too far into the new day, but already my energy is leaps and bounds more than it was yesterday. Yes it is quite a roller coaster ride. Woke up earlier than I have this whole last week and couldn't get back to sleep, and I LOVE sleep. LOL
I'm happy that tonight will be my last Lovenox injection. The shots don't bother me, but it's nice to get one more thing past me.
One more pound down. Still have a BMI over 40, but not for long.
Starting to sort through clothing. It's amazing how much wardrobe there is when there are sizes from junior/misses all the way through women's. The stuff that really gets me are those items with tags on them. They fit when I bought them and before I could wear them out I outgrew them. Such was the curse of eating the wrong things and PCOS. So easy to gain, so slow to lose. This time I'll be pitching (donating) everything that becomes more than one size larger. No longer planning for that rainy (fat) day.
Wishing comfort, energy and health to all

Hi Izzy
It's great you're feeling better each day and your sugars are fine now. Sounds like you're doing the right stuff. Good job on the walk. I haven't gone out today yet, but yesterday did a couple blocks and then walked a bit during a shopping trip. Asked hubby to park at the end of a row to force my hand even more, then up and down many aisles.
Do any of you find you almost feel like an adrenalin rush (mini) after the walk as if your body is saying 'thanks, that felt good'. I had that yesterday and hope it happens again today.
I'm still curious to see if I feel any changes to the PCOS symptoms over time. The hair loss is a little unnerving since I already have it from the PCOS so to magnify it with weight loss could lead to a really interesting look. LOL
Today is 5 days post op and my energy feels pretty good. Just loaded the dishwasher while paying attention not to twist or turn awkwardly. My lunch was blended/thinned pea Soup. Tasted good. Waited 30 minutes and now sipping Water. Also organized my meds into the little weekly pillboxes, one for a.m. one for p.m. Suddenly they didn't looks so overwhelming.
I noticed one incision has some gaps going on, but nothing leaking and no unusual pain or fever so I'll just keep an eye on it. The drain site weeped a tiny bit yesterday after the gauze was off, but that was it.
We purchased some sf puddings and light sf yogurts since those can be included in the liquids stage, just not sure how to thin them. Maybe a little milk? Water just sounds wrong. LOL
Time to go take a shower and keep those sites clean.
Happy sipping!

Time to continue my journey. I'm home now, actually got home last night. Surgery went just fine. I do have some discomfort, primarily the incision site that they put the camera through. And it feels like I did lots of sit ups.
The experience in the hospital was fine. That staff were all very friendly and helpful. The only weird thing for me, but apparently not surprising, was high blood sugars. One reading over 200. For 3 out of 4 readings they shot me up with insulin. Before release BS was 118.
I was very motivated to come home as I couldn't get good rest there. They were taking vitals constantly (good thing I know) but didn't help sleep which was maybe a half hour at a time. Walked the first day and night and several times on day two, multiple laps. They took the cath out the morning of the second day and the drain right before I came home (didn't hurt but felt very strange).
They warned that if a fever of over 101.5 to call them. I had a fever of 100.2 when I got home (none at hospital), took the pain med and went to sleep. It was 99.9 this morning and took the med again. Now 7 hours later no fever.
Last night slept in my own bed with a long pillow on my side, actually was able to sleep on my side and feel pretty good this morning. It was so nice not to juggle the IV and drain. Also glad to be home as my cycle started today (sorry if tmi), so better here than there in my opinion.
Have lots of post op meds. Have the anti-clotting injections, had two in the hospital and will begin self injection this afternoon. They also prescribed Actigall to prevent gallstones, and protonix. If needed I also have pain meds and anti-nausea meds. And for the meds I was taking previously they prescribed 15 days worth to be crushed and then I can resume the extended release if/or until no longer needed (blood pressure, effexor). The only other thing to take is my Vitamins. I chose Flintstones. LOL
Have been enjoying an EAS shake this thus far and am up to 16g Protein and 10.5oz Fluid so have to work on that a bunch more, but didn't get out of bed until late so got a late start. Did keep a Water bottle next to bed for sips through the night.
I guess that's enough of a novel for now.
Off to read some more about everyone's experiences.

I've enjoyed reading here for a while but put off signing up since I didn't feel this was really going to happen. Went to my first consultation in October, took a bunch of tests and attended the required appointments. Finally was given a pre-op day and surgery day but insurance had not yet given authorization. Surgery was supposed to be on the 18th. I pestered the poor staff about the authorization many times as I didn't want to get family and work all set-up for no reason. Lo and behold after sending yet another inquiry I got a call today that said yes I'm authorized and they'd like to move my surgery to next Tuesday and pre-op tomorrow. OMG. Suddenly it's very real. And maybe they got tired of hearing from me.
So now I need to read everything I can, get materials purchased ASAP, and set sail on this new adventure.
I'm ready to do this and do it right, get off blood pressure meds, lower cholesterol, reverse/prevent diabetes (pre diabetic per docs), and hopefully get some PCOS stuff under control. Not to mention let my arthritic back get some rest from carrying extra lbs.
A little miracle happened today too, I had expected to only get 3 weeks away from work and HR showed me a benefit I had that allowed it to be 6 weeks. So thrilled. Haven't been away from work for that long since maternity leave 16 years ago.
I'm thankful there's a place like this to gather and learn from others' experiences. I'm thankful so many have shared their experiences.
Still shocked.

Being home must feel great after everything you went through. Well done doing the hard work to get yourself ready for home.
Definitely not the easy way out.
Take care of yourself and enjoy being on the other side.

Congrats!! Must feel great!
I'm rounding the curve to get there too. Hope to join you there before long.

Well done hitting your Protein goal!!

I understand acid to be a very common issue which is why my doc prescribed 6 months worth of Protonix post-op. And I took Prevacid pre-op and will likely transition back after 6 months. I haven't had the pain you mention so maybe the med is countering the acid related pain.
I've read of folks who never had acid issues having them after the sleeve surgery, but often for the short term. Probably a matter of the new-sized tummy adjusting its chemistry.
You may want to ask your doc about a PPI antacid.

I've enjoyed reading here for a while but put off signing up since I didn't feel this was really going to happen. Went to my first consultation in October, took a bunch of tests and attended the required appointments. Finally was given a pre-op day and surgery day but insurance had not yet given authorization. Surgery was supposed to be on the 18th. I pestered the poor staff about the authorization many times as I didn't want to get family and work all set-up for no reason. Lo and behold after sending yet another inquiry I got a call today that said yes I'm authorized and they'd like to move my surgery to next Tuesday and pre-op tomorrow. OMG. Suddenly it's very real. And maybe they got tired of hearing from me.
So now I need to read everything I can, get materials purchased ASAP, and set sail on this new adventure.
I'm ready to do this and do it right, get off blood pressure meds, lower cholesterol, reverse/prevent diabetes (pre diabetic per docs), and hopefully get some PCOS stuff under control. Not to mention let my arthritic back get some rest from carrying extra lbs.
A little miracle happened today too, I had expected to only get 3 weeks away from work and HR showed me a benefit I had that allowed it to be 6 weeks. So thrilled. Haven't been away from work for that long since maternity leave 16 years ago.
I'm thankful there's a place like this to gather and learn from others' experiences. I'm thankful so many have shared their experiences.
Still shocked.

Howdy folks. I've noticed a lot of newbies coming onboard recently (welcome!) and some misinformation getting posted. As I learned a lot from vets who posted wise words when I was pre-surgery and early in my journey, I wanted to share the knowledge and dispel some of the inaccurate info I'm seeing posted. Please feel free to add your own info, and as always, there will be exceptions to the info below - there always are! I'm sure I will be flamed by someone who eats McDonalds and pizza day in and day out, never gets their Protein in and drinks vente vanilla lattes every morning and still loses 4 lbs. a week. For the rest of us, this is written to help folks set appropriate expectations about their sleeve. Good luck to all of us on this amazing journey.
Myth #1: The sleeve will do it for you and you have to work at making it fail.
Nope, not true. Even though you will have restriction, you still have to deal with some increase in sleeve capacity that happens over time and the effect of sliders (foods that reduce in your stomach and don't fill you up, like popcorn and chips....) and the calories in liquids (ah Brownie Frappucinos...). So, while the sleeve is an amazing tool and the restriction will help you sooo much, you still have to follow basic rules of sleeve eating in order to have continued success in the long run. The stats for VSG are around 60% excess weight loss. Think of that as an average of some people losing 100% of excess weight, some losing little or none, some only losing half before they stop, and some losing great and then gaining it back.
Myth #2: When you have the sleeve you can eat "whatever you want" or "like a normal person," (whatever that is).
Nope. Unless "whatever you want" includes lots of protein and vegetables and other healthy foods, it's unlikely you will be able to eat whatever you want with no limitations and have the sleeve do it all for you. While we all have exceptional days here and there where we don't eat what's best for us, overall you will be following protein first, vegs second, and carbs third forever. Are there exceptions to this rule? Sure, there are some people who are exceptions and go back to eating fast food, junk food, and sodas every day and keep the weight off, but not many and they certainly are not the majority on this board, at least. Why set yourself up for failure? Learn good habits early on.
Myth #3: Everyone must follow 1200 calories a day (or whatever amount) or they will go into "starvation" mode.
You are not on a regular diet. You are on a medically supervised plan that works in conjunction with major surgery, and most plans utilze VLC (very low calorie) eating plans. I see people here think they can't do on 500 calories a day and use "starvation mode" as an excuse to eat more, then before you know it they are writing in asking for help because they haven't lost in 5 months. Does "starvation mode" exist? I don't know, and some people do drop weight after adding an extra 100 calories a day, but don't go hogwild with the concept of starvation mode. Trust in your nutritionist or find a nutritionist that you can trust. And remember that many people (especially older, postmenapausal or sedentary people) can only maintain on 1200 or 1000 calories a day and will stop losing if they take this advice to eat more. On the other hand, if you are 22 years old and very active, you will probably do just fine with a higher calorie count, but again, everyone is different.
Myth #4: You have to eat X amount of protein, carbs, fats, etc.
Nope. The nutritional guidelines vary from doctor to doctor. Everyone wishes they were the same and it would sure make it easier, but doctors and nutritionists differ. Those in Centers of Excellence have a long track record that they base their recommendations on, and others use published research. Sometimes it seems like our nuts just pull stuff out of the air. Some doctors are very strict and others give vague guidelines with few or no limitations. What to do? If you trust your doctor and nutritionist, then stick with their plan. If you are getting results, stick with your plan. You hired them for their expertise, so trust what they say. If you don't trust your doctor/nut, then move to a different practice if you can and find someone you can trust. Almost everyone agrees that protein is very important for sleeve patients (one thing to agree on!) but what that magic number is ...open to debate. You will see everything from 60 grams of protein a day to 100 or more. And you will see people who can't get it all in and get by on 40 grams a day with no problems. That's why it is important to stick to the plan you trust and works for you. Many people here vary on how many grams of protein, fat, carbs, Fiber, 5:2, Atkins, yadayadayada. What is right for you may not be right for someone else.
Myth #5: You can stop your hair from falling out with Vitamins, protein, etc.
Not really. You can probably help it with vitamins and Biotin and making sure you get in all your protein, but many people do all this and still lose hair. It is the body's natural response to the extreme stress you have put it in with surgery and severely limited calories. A few people don't lose their hair, others lose anywhere from a little to a lot and some resort to wigs. Eventually it grows back, but even that timetable varies from person to person.
Myth #6: Once the honeymoon (6 months) is over you will stop losing.
Not really. As vets can attest to, your first 6 months are your best window of opportunity and your doctor will expect you to lose a significant portion of weight in that time. However, if you stick with (or return to) your basic plan of firm protein first, vegs second, carbs third and lots of Water, you can get back to losing (and it's still easier than if you did not have the sleeve). You may not lose like you did in Month Two, but you will still lose. Some doctors say your window of opportunity is 18 months out from surgery. They vary on this, too.
Myth #7: You have to exercise.
Not really. Lots of people don't and still lose. However, exercise will give you much better results and most importantly, you will be much healthier. Also, if you start building good exercise habits now it will make keeping the weight off much easier in the long run. So, even if it's just a walk around the block, start moving your body around.
Myth #8: You will need plastic surgery when it's over.
Maybe, maybe not. Depends on your age (a lot), how much you had to lose, where you carry your weight, how much you exercise and type of exercise, genetics, if you've born children, etc. A lot of people do need plastic surgery, but a surprising number don't.
Myth #9: If you eat "bad" food it will make you sick.
Nope. While there are some folks who have very delicate tummies (and in the early months there are lots of delicate tummies), in the long run most people can get pretty much anything down.
Myth #10: Sleevers don't dump.
Nope. Sleevers can dump, it just isn't nearly as common as RnY folks. Dumping (aka Gastric Emptying) is just food hitting your intestines too quickly, causing really yucky stomach discomfort, weakness, lightheadedness, flushing, cramps, nausea, explosive diarrhea, and other fun symptoms. It can hit immediately or several hours after eating. Most sleevers never get it, but some do. You'll know it if you do.

Congrats! That's a good one. I still feel like an awkward pretzel working on my toes, so that must feel great.

Well done, Congrats!!
Looks like you got younger as well as thinner.

My doc's biggest concern with caffeine is the added risk of dehydration, particularly if you have troubles getting all your liquids in. He'd prefer we never use it again. Once upon a time I recall hearing somewhere that for every caffeinated beverage you need a non-caffeine one to counter the Fluid loss the caffeine can cause. It's probably not that cut and dry, but I'll stay away for now since it's not calling me. I have had Decaf coffee a couple times. Satisfied that warm mug of something to sip feeling.
It's probably not that big a deal if you get plenty of other fluids and are tuned in to signs of dehydration just in case. Just my opinion and we know what opinions are like.
Wouldn't hurt to get your doc's/nut's blessing. (yes, I'm a worry wart newbie)

You have a great attitude! Your system will be primed and ready for a smooth procedure and your new life. Very exciting!

Thank you all for the feedback. Sounds like there are some common issues. My ugly one is above my belly button and a couple inches to the right. There is one closer to the bb that's doing fine.
I'm hoping after they take the staples out that I can start putting something on them.
Gotta love how many have the one that's fighting us. LOL

Is there a contract that locks you in to purchasing from them? My bariatric group is through a university medical center and they just gave us suggestions on what's acceptable. Heck, I'm using Flintstones chewables at present, though they did show us some bariatric specific items too. They left it up to the patients what would work best for each individual.
They should be more concerned about your healthful outcome versus an ongoing income stream.

I look forward to following your journey.
Reflux is horrid so it's great you're getting the opportunity to resolve that.
Best Wishes!

Hi Michelle. Thanks for sharing your story and please continue to keep us along for the ride.
You've done a great job!

Time to continue my journey. I'm home now, actually got home last night. Surgery went just fine. I do have some discomfort, primarily the incision site that they put the camera through. And it feels like I did lots of sit ups.
The experience in the hospital was fine. That staff were all very friendly and helpful. The only weird thing for me, but apparently not surprising, was high blood sugars. One reading over 200. For 3 out of 4 readings they shot me up with insulin. Before release BS was 118.
I was very motivated to come home as I couldn't get good rest there. They were taking vitals constantly (good thing I know) but didn't help sleep which was maybe a half hour at a time. Walked the first day and night and several times on day two, multiple laps. They took the cath out the morning of the second day and the drain right before I came home (didn't hurt but felt very strange).
They warned that if a fever of over 101.5 to call them. I had a fever of 100.2 when I got home (none at hospital), took the pain med and went to sleep. It was 99.9 this morning and took the med again. Now 7 hours later no fever.
Last night slept in my own bed with a long pillow on my side, actually was able to sleep on my side and feel pretty good this morning. It was so nice not to juggle the IV and drain. Also glad to be home as my cycle started today (sorry if tmi), so better here than there in my opinion.
Have lots of post op meds. Have the anti-clotting injections, had two in the hospital and will begin self injection this afternoon. They also prescribed Actigall to prevent gallstones, and protonix. If needed I also have pain meds and anti-nausea meds. And for the meds I was taking previously they prescribed 15 days worth to be crushed and then I can resume the extended release if/or until no longer needed (blood pressure, effexor). The only other thing to take is my Vitamins. I chose Flintstones. LOL
Have been enjoying an EAS shake this thus far and am up to 16g Protein and 10.5oz Fluid so have to work on that a bunch more, but didn't get out of bed until late so got a late start. Did keep a Water bottle next to bed for sips through the night.
I guess that's enough of a novel for now.
Off to read some more about everyone's experiences.