Zane's Mom

Please be careful about your medications. While my psychiatrist was all for my sleeve, she was adamant that I maintain my dosages without fail.

She said that there is so much change going on that not taking my medications could cause a huge issue. She sees me every three months and monitors my bloodwork closely.

I've worked with her for three years after the murder on my son, and I may have to see her for the rest of my life. I've accepted that and I am very proactive for my mental well being.

If you do start experiencing swings, please seek help sooner than later.

@@JerseyJules

You beat me to it. I was going to recommend you speak to your doctor because a lot of people are making decisions based on either fears or what is less invasive but a doctor will be honest and tell you which surgery you really need for your level of obesity. I've seen some unfortunate cases where some extremely obese people got the band or sleeve based on their fears and not a doctor's recommendation and were ultimately not pleased with the results. For the extremely morbidly obese they really need gastric bypass. Those who are less than or a little over a hundred pounds overweight should really be looking at the band. Those in between the two would be better off with gastric sleeve.

I don't agree with you there. I think each person should make informed and educated decisions based on their unique situation. Just to throw everyone on one category is not right.

I considered the band but in my situation, I take medications every day, 5 rather large pills. I consulted all of my doctors (4) of them and I decided on sleeve because it did not change the actual size of the opening to the stomach so that I don't have to worry about the tiny opening that a filled band leaves.

Yes there were other factors but I was very comfortable with my decision no matter how many pounds I have to lose.

JerseyJules you seem to have weighed your options (take the pun or not) and made a great decision about a tool you will have for life. You will live, learn, and love your decision.

I agree with the above posters. Chapstick.

Also I was so thankful to have my tennis shoes with me. As I was walking around the halls, I was taking the iv stand with me and kept kicking it. Hurt my toes. So I put on my shoes and problem solved.

Or just have someone with you to keep the iv stand out of your way. Haha.

Are you eating 3 kids meals now at 8 weeks? And is that in one sitting.

I just know that restriction really kicked in with solid food and it had to be introduced so slowly.

I'm baffled by you. I'm glad your here and posting again. I have just never heard of anyone gaining weight in 8 weeks. Wow.

Are you sure you were sleeved???

Superslim

I am super confused. Have you gained 22 pounds since the revision? Or did you gain 22 pounds during the slipped period.

And if you are hungry and still on fluids then it will get better when you start a normal diet.

I'm 5 & 1/2 months and I can really get hungry. Starving like the old me, but a few bites later full like the new me.

You really are going to have to cut out the bad habits. I don't go to any fast food any longer. I can stop and get a shake at a convenience store or a P3 lunchable at a grocery or many other things.

I try to have stuff with me or make sure I'm home during meal times.

I hope the sleeve will give you the permanent tool to get back to your goal and maintain !!!!

No real pain or nausea at all

I have had several surgeries and did not wake up with pain from those either.

It sounds like your body does ok with anesthesia and pain tolerance.

I think you should be able to assume this one will be similar.

.

I've only had one "snarky" post about my choice on this forum. And I responded and many others jumped on board to support my decision no matter what my starting point.

Since at the end of it all, we all want healthy.

I feel you though. I have not posted or been reserved because of my stats. I love the low BMI threads. And you said it right on... If I had waited any longer all I would do is pack on more weight and worsening issues to have a higher starting point. Really.

We are just getting it under control now.

Like I've told many others, I'm 5 & 1/2 months out and if you want to talk further, message me.

May 15 met with surgeon, June 17 surgery. I had an EDG too on June 9 to diagnose the hernia and then started pre-op liquid diet on 10th. I just had to pay in full before surgery would be scheduled.

I did do a psych exam and met with the nutritionist

Easy as can be. It was great to see on the diagnosis sheet it said "morbidly obese". I just chuckled and went on.

I went in Tuesday and our Wednesday and back to work Monday. No complications.

I was a self pay but my insurance is recent from affordable care act and the policy does not cover the procedure for anyone.

I did have a hernia repair, so my total out of pocket was $8200

The best thing about the self pay is that I got to schedule my surgery perfectly with my schedule. I did everything how I wanted to.

As for my doctor I think he would have done any of the procedures. I went in thinking I wanted the band, but after doing so much more research and seeing so many revisions from band, I chose sleeve and my doctor had no issue either way.

My doctor has his patients drink an ounce every 15 minutes the next morning after surgery (no liquids the day of at all).

They brought the little plastic medicine cup to pour the Water in and drink.

I never had a problem with drinking. Fortunately I was one of those that could take a normal drink immediately.

So they should start you out at the hospital in tiny amounts and you can increase as tolerated.

I was just like finediva.

I told my husband to leave after I came out of surgery and he picked me up the next day to take me home.

He was back at work immediately and I had 4 kids at home. 15, 6, 6 and 5.

Oldest watched the younger and I was fine on my own.

I also did not have complications. My gas pains were not bad at all and I was able to drink normally from my first allowed sip the day after surgery.

Same on meds. I used them in the hospital and a few days when I was home and that's it.

I've had other surgeries in the past without complications so I wasn't concerned about this one.

So ... I would say do you have any idea how your body might react to the surgery and how confident are you in your tolerance for pain and discomfort.

I think the kids will be a great help. You won't need much. Clear liquids for several days.

Best to you on this journey.

How are the other low BMI sleevers doing on your loss.

I am at a total of 44 pounds with the past two months being minimal loss.

Not worried though. Just need to step up the exercise.

Others please check in ...

I agree with the other posters.

This tool will help you so much.

I never imagined I could eat 1000 calories a day and feel full and satisfied.

With me I was constantly dieting up and down and up and down. Nothing was dramatic in loss and the pounds kept getting higher on the ups.

But. It is a total change to everything you've known. You can have total disgust for seeing others overeating a meal you not only love but you yourself would have had seconds.

You know going anywhere that you are limited and eating is different because your sleeve has a mind of its own.

Is it doable. Absolutely. And when you are playing with the kids in the park, or just walking up the stairs and not getting winded, you'll think why didn't I do this sooner.

I think your body will find a good weight maintenance. You seem to have a muscular build already. So if you maintain your workouts and keep to the dietary requirements I think you will keep a build you are happy with.

Best to you for a great choice and clear thinking. It's work but it's worth it.

I wasn't addicted. Diet coke and one to two a day. Gave it up at the pre op one week diet.

I had to try it after one week out. The fizz was so powerful and the taste was not anything I found appealing. And YES your tastes change after surgery.

At 5 months I have tried a sip or two of a flat diet coke but even that's not good. I don't seek it out because it's a waste of money and there's nothing in it that's good for me

I keep my 20 oz tumbler with me with nugget ice and flavored Water.

I think you'll give it up just because it won't be the same!!! Which is a good thing.

I tell my guests that I grazed all morning making most of the dishes and I don't want to overdue it.

I also really put meat and greens on my plate and said I'm really trying to do low carb and stick to it. So with will power, no desert.

I actually did a thanksgiving on strict Atkins years before and I didn't cheat. Same deal.

I know your dinner may be over, but Christmas is coming too.

I only told my work that my bloodwork had been off for a while and I was having a hernia repaired.

I told them I was under a strict dietary plan because of my lab work etc.

They have noticed and mention the loss but I always talk about the nutrition first. They all know it's about the Protein. They know I wear my fit bit and always have a 20oz tumbler of Water everywhere I go.

What's crazy is I just blurted out today to my pharmacy about my surgery. My family knows and friends.

Kind of odd how I tell some and exclude others.

Jill

Your first post sounds like your struggling with slider or comfort food and your second is a menu where most would say you are right on track.

So ... I'm confused.

Having said that here's my take on it.

If I eat my Protein first, then I get full very fast and I can only do a few bites. If I eat anything else first I can consume much more and sometimes I don't feel the restriction as much.

So I try really hard to make those first bites Protein. Do I do that all the time? No.

I make choices that are not necessarily in the perfect plan, but I record it, eat it and move on. Recording it before you take the first bite makes you accountable to yourself to acknowledge what you are doing and making it part of your "record" of this journey.

Sometimes that changes your mind and you just grab something else that's better.

Best of luck to you.

Alexa can you message me.

I haven't lost anything since November 4th. I've been hovering within a pound and a half.

Again unless I step up and exercise then it's all me just being lazy.

I want to do better but I'm just so busy with work and kids and tired.

Ugh. Anyway tomorrow is going to be fun with small bites throughout the day of anything I like. Hopefully my sleeve will agree with my choices.

Then I'll exercise Friday !! We will see.

I hope everyone out there with the lower BMI is doing well. If you have anything to share about progress or the holidays please post.

I have my six month checkup in December. So I'll report on progress bloodwork etc once I go.

My hair is still shedding pretty bad. Oh well.

Wishing everyone a happy holiday.

Alexa. How are you you. Did you go back to work. I'm hoping you are healing and feeling ok.

You don't have to have a certain bmi if you are a self pay.

You just have to have a surgeon who will do the surgery for all the right reasons.

In Dallas it's weird but the radio ads for WLS say if you are 50 pounds overweight then surgery might be for you.

I was self pay with a low BMI and trying to get my weight issues under control once and for all. My labs were a mess and I had a hernia and ulcers on my stomach.

I made an informed choice after consulting with ALL of my doctors and doing a lot of research.

Unfortunately coffee does not taste the same for me and it makes my sleeve comfortable.

So the two of those together and I have given it up. I love the aroma and wish I could enjoy a cup.

Alexa

I sent you a message. It is in the menu and it says messages. I hope you get it.

How is it going today??

Alexa

My recovery was pretty easy. I went home that next day. I was racing laps in the hospital around the floor.

My hardest was the first night home and having to get myself out of bed because I laid all the way down.

I did take the pain meds the first few days. Rather be comfortable than a martyr.

I had surgery on Tuesday and was back to work Monday. No real issues at all. I just took it easy.

My issue was that I could not even look at much less drink the Protein shakes I had lived on one week prior to surgery. I had to change to other brands and broth.

My incisions healed fine with no pain or irritation. I was walking on my treadmill 10 min then up to 30 minutes within the first week (I am so not used to working out - still ugh.)

I wasn't hungry at all those first weeks. I probably did try everything a little early but nothing extreme And nothing that hurt me. I listened to my sleeve and it talked to me.

Message me if you want we can text if you like or even Skype.

Do you have support at home? Did you tell others?

Alexa

You could be my twin. Don't doubt what you and your body can do together.

I started at 190 one week before surgery and now 5 months out I am 146. 8 pounds until goal.

The past two months have been slow but I was told and knew it would be.

If you want to chat or ask something message me. I've never once regretted my decision but I've had days where I don't think I could handle whatever it is that's the issue.

But here I am, hanging in there and loving it.

All the best to you. It sounds like you are off to a great start.