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.

I am happy for you. I'm just really curious if your psychiatrist gave permission for you to quit your mood stabilizing and antidepressant medication. It may be just a little different for you. I have to disagree about food consumption causing or correlating with bipolar illness. It has more to do with a dysfunction in brain chemistry and is best managed with therapy and medication. I've witnessed people with bipolar and schizophrenia quit their medicine because they felt like they were on top of the world after finding a new partner or losing a lot of weight. It was only a matter of time before they became delusional or manically depressed. I wish the best for you.

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.

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.

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.

Only my daughter and husband know. It's my business. The reason my surgeon went ahead was ( I paid for one) but also 7 weeks ago I just underwent my 2nd knee arthroscopy which has made me very sedentary also I have fibromyalgia and my brother and sister are morbidly obese with diabetes. What with my yo yo dieting that seemed to be my destiny!
Not any more I've taken control back.
Good luck everyone.

There is an app for slow eating.
I tried pre op and I wasn't really successful.
I still eat faster than I should. And yes the discomfort is always there.
I would encourage anyone pre op to work on it.

This thread is exactly what I needed! My BMI is 34 and I will be self pay. I am in the early stages of this and currently do not yet have a surgery date. Because of my lower BMI, I initially felt some guilt for even considering wls. I'm so glad to hear there are others that share my story. Thank you!

Hi I'm 4 days post and similar to you in as much as my BMI was 32 and I also self paid as I spent 40 years yo yo dieting. Drinking too much alcohol and generally over indulging.i am 61 and could no longer bare to see my 13 stone reflection so decided to use the sleeve to gain control of my body and mind.i am feeling surprisingly well for 4 days post and find the easiest way to get fluids down is with warm drinks ie broth. I'm thinking if all continues to improve at this rate I've done the right thing for me. I really hope every one is feeling good, well and better about themselves
Oh yes I will not weigh myself until my post op appointment with my lovely surgeon Mr Hamouda from Tunbridge Wells who uses a 34fr Bougie as standard. ????

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.

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.

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 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.

Last year at this time I was about 2 weeks post-op. Some of my family didn't know I had weight loss surgery, so I pretended to be sick and stayed at home. I was cleared for a tiny bit of mashed potato and a little (well chewed) turkey. I remember thinking "What did I do to myself?" I felt sorry for myself.
The following 12 months was a whirlwind of emotion, hard work, giggles, tears, frustration, etc. If there was an emotion, I felt it.
Today, I ran a 5K to support our local food bank. A year ago, I would have never imagined I would run a 5K - OK, full disclosure, I ran and walked. A year ago I would have never imagined I would be addicted to hot yoga and I love to hike. I love being active.
So, for all you guys that are newly post-op or soon to be post-op - there is light at the end of the tunnel. You're going to struggle, you're going to feel high highs and low lows. But you will get thru this and you'll find out you're so much stronger than you thought you were. I finally realized I am so much more than a number on the scale.< /p>
Today I am thankful for this forum - it has helped me greatly over the past 15 months. I am thankful for the surgery that saved my life. I am thankful for my body that didn't give in even though I've abused it for decades.
Have a Happy Thanksgiving, you guys! Take good care of yourselves.

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.

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?

Hello all. I was sleeved 6/17 and my pre op and highest weight was 190 and today I am 154.
I too was a self pay $8200. The insurance did not cover the procedure, but did the hernia repair.
I looked back into my diet journals past and realized I was always trying to lose weight and I was always miserable.
My blood work was horrid and my doctor said I had to do something. My first appointment was in May and I was sleeved a month later.
It's the best thing I have done. I lost my son in 2011 and my life has spiraled down for several years. In 2014 it seems a fog has lifted and I need to try to find life again. For myself and for my family.
I'm no veteran, but I can tell you that I have a great attitude towards this and I can be a pick me up for anyone wanting a friend.
I have 10 children total, and married for 16 years. His mine ours and the ones we've adopted. They go from 38 down to 5 years.
I am self employed and a dog lover.
I'm realistic about this journey and have taken it all in stride.
I do have a counselor and psychiatrist as well as OB and family doctor which I consulted with all of then before I scheduled the surgery.
I still take my meds for the depression, and go to my bereaved parents support group.
That's me. I'm amy if anyone wants to chat.

I sent you a message. Thought maybe we could chat more about this crazy journey.

Hello all. I was sleeved 6/17 and my pre op and highest weight was 190 and today I am 154.
I too was a self pay $8200. The insurance did not cover the procedure, but did the hernia repair.
I looked back into my diet journals past and realized I was always trying to lose weight and I was always miserable.
My blood work was horrid and my doctor said I had to do something. My first appointment was in May and I was sleeved a month later.
It's the best thing I have done. I lost my son in 2011 and my life has spiraled down for several years. In 2014 it seems a fog has lifted and I need to try to find life again. For myself and for my family.
I'm no veteran, but I can tell you that I have a great attitude towards this and I can be a pick me up for anyone wanting a friend.
I have 10 children total, and married for 16 years. His mine ours and the ones we've adopted. They go from 38 down to 5 years.
I am self employed and a dog lover.
I'm realistic about this journey and have taken it all in stride.
I do have a counselor and psychiatrist as well as OB and family doctor which I consulted with all of then before I scheduled the surgery.
I still take my meds for the depression, and go to my bereaved parents support group.
That's me. I'm amy if anyone wants to chat.

There is an app for slow eating.
I tried pre op and I wasn't really successful.
I still eat faster than I should. And yes the discomfort is always there.
I would encourage anyone pre op to work on it.

There is an app for slow eating.
I tried pre op and I wasn't really successful.
I still eat faster than I should. And yes the discomfort is always there.
I would encourage anyone pre op to work on it.

I took my am dose the morning of surgery and skipped my two night time meds and they brought me my morning dose the next day. I went home and resumed all meds swallowing whole with no issue.
I take Effexor am and seroquel and remeron pm.
I have not needed any adjustments. My psychiatrist is pleased with my decision and the progress I have made.

I'm 5 months out and I'll say I contemplated the lap band and had it scheduled and switched to sleeve after talking it over with my OB, pcp, and psychiatrist.
I'm so glad I did and no regrets. I didn't look at bypass and I have a lower BMI so I think it was the best choice for me.

I'm 4 & 1/2 months out and stalled for three weeks. I stopped my Protein bars and started yoga. I've dropped 3 pounds in the past 7 days.
I just hated the stall and I posted about it here and finally came through it. Hang in there.

I'm just going to put it out there. I was just like you. I started Protein bars early out. I never had a problem with them. Never. I just stopped them last week at 4 & 1/2 months.
I did nibble on many things and still do. I've tried everything (no alcohol -I don't drink).
But sometimes I've been so frustrated feeling so blah I just want to feel comfortable. I haven't denied myself anything I do want.
I've had popcorn at the movies, Halloween candy, rice Pasta, breads, casseroles and I've been ok. Not every meal and of course in small amounts.
I don't feel like a failure, and I know others out there will respond shocked. If you want to talk more message me.