Brightfuture058

For me the not drinking while eating was difficult at the beginning. I've always drank during meals, but as time went by it got easier for me. Now it really don't bother me not to drink during or after meals. I have to remind myself to drink something to make sure and get my fluids in.

My husband saw the pain I was in from my hips and knees, so he has supported me through this entire process. But he was really worried about me. This is not just a physically challenging process but a mental challenge as well. So he really worried about me. But its been almost 6 months now and my husband can see the difference in me, No More Pain. Its amazing. Good luck with your decision.

I initial planed on only having my husband and parents know about it. (my parents would have killed me if I had surgery and didn't tell them, lol) But I guess my dad forgot I didn't want anyone to know and told one of my aunts. The next think I know I go on Facebook and see a post that I'm tagged in asking if anyone heard how my surgery went. Needless to say I was mortified. But I told my husband now I don't have to hide anything and its easier I assume then trying to keep it a secret. I guess my aunt ripped the band-aide off for me LOL. I was mad then but now it don't bother me. I thought I would bother me if I could see people judging me for my decision but its really the opposite. I've had lots of support, those that give the the judgmental looks I stay away from. Stay positive, it will help with this whole process, trust me. Its your decision and if it was up to me I probably would have tried to keep it to myself if I could.

I was put on Lovenox inj for 2 wks after my hip replacement, but not for this surgery. I would assume they would prescribe this for people at higher risk for clotting. I know some hospitals have a protocol and use with most surgeries. So it may just depend on the hospital/MD also.

Take Biotin, I've heard it helps. I've only been taking it for about 2 wks, so it will be a while before I notice a difference. I'm 5 months out and losing A LOT of hair, I try not to wash it often and brush it as little as possible. No chemicals either

Hey everyone, I had a question that I hope some of you can help me with. I didn't lose to much hair in the beginning, but 4 months out it started getting bad. I increased my Protein and even started taking Biotin. I had thick hair to start off with and its not that noticeable yet, but I'm really starting to freak out. Everyday it's a lot that I lose. When did your Hair loss decrease/stop? I'm just looking for a lite at the end of this tunnel.

No chance of pregnancy. ..I do feel a little better today. I was able to drink and keep down a full Protein Shake with no stomach issues. I'm wondering if your gall bladder can act up without it being an actual attack

I've heard with gallbladder attacks there is a lot of pain involved, but not to sure though. Hope you feel better and this passes quick.

Hi fellow Feburary sleevers! I have two questions for you guys. I was sleeved a little over 4 months ago. This past week I've been experiencing some really weird symptoms. My appetite has dropped to almost nothing and I've lost about 9 pounds in just a weeks time. I feel like after everything I eat I'm experiencing dumping syndrome, which I know is a lot less common in VSG. The best way to describe it is- my stomach gets a very mild cramp and I feel like I'm going to vomit. I have thrown up several times this week and yesterday I threw up what I believe to be bile. I feel awful after everything I eat or drink. I get really flush and hot and feel like I just need to lay down immediately. I hear a lot about gallbladder "attacks" but I don't seem to be having the sharp pain that is typically associated with those. I plan to give my doctor a call tomorrow I just wanted to know if anyone was going through anything similar?

Also I've been a little hard on myself lately as far as my weight loss is going. I'd like to know if 76 pounds lost in 19 weeks is average and if I'm on trend. Don't get me wrong losing is losing and I feel AWESOME! I just want to make sure I stay on track.

Any change you could be pregnant?

Here is my before and 5 mo out photo

SW 248

CW 189

Surgery date: Feb 3, 2014

It could be an allergy to anything from a medication to a new soap, detergent, Shampoo, body spray, etc. Try to think of something you started using around the time it started. Any other symptoms besides the rash?

My MD also said it may only last a couple of weeks or it may last up to 2 months. Everyone is different, and your body is still trying to adjust. It is totally normal and it will pass. Mine lasted about 2 wks, and the therapist they sent me to for my pre-surgery psych eval also had this surgery said hers lasted 2 months. Of course everyone is different.

Here is a website that will help with knowing how much sugar is in certain fruits, It may be to much sugar for your stomach this soon. Everyone is different though.

http://www.sugarstacks.com/fruits.htm

I have PCOS and sometimes when I look at everyones weight loss I feel behind. I had my surgery Feb 3,2014. When I look at how much I've lost I feel like I've lost plenty and I'm still losing.

This is all so very true, food is in our face daily, I found it very hard not to crave the "easy to get" fast food. But in time it go easier. I now find myself grossing out with the smell of grease and fast food. Which I feel is a plus.... No Temptation )

Just give your body time, eventually it will pass. I know it sucks so bad but hang in there. What helped me get over it faster was walking. The more you walk and drink Water the better you will feel.

It will pass, I dealt with that for about 3 wks....Hated every minute of it. But eventually it passes, I can eat without any problems. )

I've read some post where the doctors say no and some say it's ok. I think the main concern besides swallowing it, is the gas. When chewig gum we tend to swallow more (with air) which may cause you gas problems. I chew gum and I'm 4 months out and I dont have any problems. Unfortunately I am not one of the lucky ones to lose the hunger feeling after surgery but I use gum and increase my Water to trick my stomach that it is full. LOL I dont want to start snacking because I know it will lead to bad habits. )

My Nut told us that when you are full your body try's to tell you your full in different ways, including sneezing. You may be full and you just don't know it. )

Do you also get nauseated when you smell and see the foods as well?

Your life will change but it is a great change. You will start looking at food differently. Once you start losing the weight you will want to continue to keep going. You will start enjoy clothes shopping and start doing things you would never done before. For me I never thought I would run a 5K and I ran my first one in April. Your surroundings will change you will find out who is with you and who is against you. This will be a good change for you!

This is so true... You find out right away who your true friends are. I had people in my life that I considered best friends who no longer are close with me anymore. I also have people in my life that have supported and encouraged me this whole journey. Its sad but it really made me wonder.

I just bought mine yesterday, anxiously waiting for mine )

You got a lot of great advise from people so far. Yes the pre/post op diets suck.....there is no easy way to soften that. During that time you cant really eat out with friends/family. But eventually you will be able to start eating reg foods. (Of course the foods allowed) When you go to a restaurant look for the healthy food choices. Yes you will need to eat healthier, but that is part of the work. Doesn't mean you cant eat at all just better. Your life will change but only for the better!!!!!!

I totally understand your frustration, I know I had some low moments too when I had the constant nausea for 3 wks straight, unable to eat anything really. I questioned all the time why I had this done. But in time it gets better and I am so glad I had this done. I feel like a new person ) Just give it time and you will see your taste buds may change too. I don't have the same taste towards food that I did before. You might end up having a liking to a different type of food. I love this site because its a place we can ask questions and support each other. You can get through this!!! )

@@Brightfuture058

So, food actually doesn't stay in the stomach as long as it did before WLS?

@@Jersrose43

And no, I received zero counseling before the surgery. I had an appointment with the surgeon because I had a hiatal hernia that was causing acid reflux. He brought up the idea of the imbrication for weight loss, confirmed the hernia with some testing, and then we scheduled the surgery for three weeks later. There was very minimal discussion of the WLS. I asked for side effects and downsides, and he said I would have to eat smaller, more frequent meals. That's it. He actually specifically told me that it was relatively new and that I wouldn't find much online. The only other question I asked was if it would have any affect on future fertility, and he said that, if anything, it would make a pregnancy easier due to weight loss. He assured me that I shouldn't have any other concerns.

So for all the people fussing at me for not doing my research...sorry that I trusted my doctor? I honestly didn't know any better. Most of you probably had months to consider. I had a few weeks. You had counseling-likely nutritional and psychological. I had neither and did not know those were normally required. I went in to put in end to years of acid reflux (which, by the way, wasn't even caused by the weight-it started years ago when I was quite thin, so the WLS was unrelated). I guess I'm in shock with the lifestyle changes, and I think that's fair.

My Nut said it doesn't stay as long as it use to and there is less stomach to absorb all the nutrients it needs to absorb. So if you drink while you eat it will take up your food space. Well thats how she described it to me when I questioned the Water while eating.

I was told not to drink 30 min before, after or during because the Water takes up the space in ur stomach that the Protein should fill. If you drink during your meals you won't be able to get all the nutrients in that you need. Remember your stomach doesn't hold the food as long as it use to to absorb all the Vitamins it should. So you eat with your stomach completely empty, fill it up and let your stomach do what its suppose to before you flush it out. I could never eat before without drinking something. It gets easier, now I'm not even craving a drink while eating and somehow i just know its been over 30 min to start drinking again. I was told if you absolutely felt the need to drink something a sip is ok.