I was sleeved 2014, never met my goal weight and gained over half my weight back [emoji17]. Being revised to rny on 11/8 due to horrible GERD! My surgeon stated the revision will correct my GERD and well as jump start my weightloss. Would love to hear some revision stories.
Hey all! Wanted to share some progress pics and stats to encourage anyone out there, I know it helped me when I was first looking into surgery.
I've felt great my whole recovery... It's been an adjustment but a great one.
4 months post op today!
Since surgery: -54lb loss
Overall total: -88lb loss
Top pics: 2 months prior to surgery
Bottom pic: 4 months post op
Hello sleevers i wanted yall to kno im doing great i kno some of u where following my journey i started at 299 im now 162 been as low as 160 im still maintaining and on a new journey of persuing plastics ..here some recent pics
Sorry for the crosspost in the success stories board also, but I wanted to post this here to encourage anyone just starting this journey. It's totally do-able, and if I can do it, believe me when I say, anyone can do it!!!
So yesterday I reached my goal weight, losing 134 pounds in 10.5 months. I made a flipogram with all of my monthly progress pics to illustrate my journey to this point. It was pretty awesome to see and actually made both my husband and myself cry. It's been a LOT of work and I've grown tremendously in strength both inside and out on this journey.
Ok, so I can't figure out how to embed it, so here is the link to the flipogram!
So, I got the most hated comment (for me anyway) the other day:
Someone congratulated me on my weight loss & asked how I did it. I'm always very open and honest about my surgery, so I told her I had the sleeve....
Her reply: "oh, I thought you did it yourself."
My head said "b*tch!" But my mouth said, "well it was a lot of hard work." -- I didn't look, but I could feel her rolling her eyes, but I beat her with the flames coming out my ears.
People have no clue.
I WORK at this-- the results speak for themselves. I don't have to explain myself to anyone.
We work hard. Pat yourself on the back! This life isn't easy-- it's high maintenance. Not everyone can do what we do. Don't let anyone's opinions bring you down.... Cheers to us!
Wow....what journey. I had my surgery November 25, 2013 and I am now 14 lbs away from my goal. I hit 169 this morning, I can't even remember the last time my scale was here. Words can not even describe how relieved I am to be so close to my goal of 155. When I set my goal at 155 it was to be "healthy" it was the heaviest weight I could be for a "healthy" BMI for me. My life has changed so much from then.....I have confidence...I like to go shopping....I DANCE....seriously I now like to go out with the girls and dance. Best decision I have ever made for myself. Loving my new life!
Hello Everyone,
Just an update, I'm doing well (surgery 7/11/14). No complications so far. My eating habits have changed drastically. Going out to eat has been fairly easy, my partner enjoys the smaller eating tabs. Eating smaller portions makes it light on his pocket (lol). I walk at least 30 min a day and have added some Hip-Hop Abs to my exercise routine but taking it slow. I am not very concerned at this point with the pounds I've lost because the difference in showing in my clothes. I have been able to wear some pants that I could not wear in April and that's a plus. I have purchased some skirts that I can take up but I refuse to buy any clothes until I have reached my 90 day make.
Wishing all much success.
Feeling like I turned a corner today. I was sleeved on the 14th and I finally felt like putting on makeup and walking around the dollar store today. Hoping to go to work on Monday.
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.
Hi Ladies,
Surgery was a success (7/11/14) in Memphis, TN by Dr. Wegner (cutie pie) at St. Francis Hospital. Had a little nausea the first couple of days but that has subsided. I was released from the hospital 7/13/14, one day after my 48th Birthday and I am continuing with the liquid diet as prescribed and trying to count the Protein. I'm sure with time It will get better. I lost 7lbs during the liver shrink diet but I was able to put on a pair a pants that I had bought a year ago. So, that was a milestone for me. Up moving around this morning and feeling really good about being on the losing side.
I'm kinda nervous but no turning back now, I'm here at the hotel in the hospital and in less than seven hours I will began the journey to the rest of my life!!!! See you soon sleevers
I'm kinda nervous but no turning back now, I'm here at the hotel in the hospital and in less than seven hours I will began the journey to the rest of my life!!!! See you soon sleevers
I drank shakes for 2 weeks. I found Isopure is not too sweet and has no carbs. I was sleeved yesterday and was very nervous I must admit there were a few tears. I am so glad I did it and honestly the pain is not too bad. I had great doctors and a wonderful hospital in marina del rey. I am very fortunate to have great insurance so it only cost me about $500 out of pocket for the stay in the hospital hotel after care. The majority of the pain is gas pain. If you walk around a lot after it works itself out mostly from burping. I have never had any surgery before and I am amazed at the level of pain. The most it has been is about 4 or 5.
I'm kinda nervous but no turning back now, I'm here at the hotel in the hospital and in less than seven hours I will began the journey to the rest of my life!!!! See you soon sleevers
Surgery date is set for July 11..... I only have to do a seven day diet of NO carbs and NO sugar for five days and the last two liquids only! The nerves are really setting in now!
Today is the day leaving for the hospital around 8:30 I could walk to the hospital but I'll let my mom and sister take me.I feel good about this my husband prayed with me before he left for work. Ill post afterwards.
Hi ladies,my surgery has been scheduled for July 11th, one day before my 48th birthday. I start my two week liver shrink diet next week. I plan to stay focused and lose some weight to get me that much closer to becoming a loser in the best way. I will keep you posted.
Well here i am again my last update was at 6 months and i can't believe i am 2 weeks shy of being 9 months post-op. What can i say i feel AWESOME i finally reached "my goal" a few weeks ago and will post my stats and pics at the end of this post. I hope everyone is doing good Congrats to all the new "loosers" and those soon to be, and i just want to say it has been by far one of the BEST desicions EVER for me i feel like a completely NEW person i have had my ups and downs through this journey but it has all been sooooo worth it i've had Amazing support from my husband and kids, i've cried i've laughed and i just wouldn't change it for the world, New Life, New Opportunity, and Loving it
HW 250 SW 237 CW 135
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