finediva

My doctor said it is because people are dehydrated, but that was not the case for me. They went away eventually, but I only took Tylenol because I was told that one was okay. It helped a little but not my Migraine meds. I red that the sleeve can actually reduce Migraines looking forward to that. Just hoping I don't fail miserably on this liquid diet because I am really struggling. I want to change my life, have energy, be a more active more, and not feel like my life revolves around food. I hope God gives me strength through this process.

Don't worry I am struggling too! I had the bad head aches from the shakes the first day. I keep trying not to cheat but lick my fingers after giving my kids food or grabbed one mini-donut when they did! I just suck at this which is why I need to surgery! It's also like the world is trying to sabotage me, my nieces Birthday, then get home and the neighbors bring over cake, then my brother wants to meet for a picnic. Why does this whole world revolve around food? My poor niece is 9 and over weight and my mom have her a box of chocolates for her birthday, seriously! I find that one if my motivators to jump out of bed in the morning was what I was going to have for Breakfast, now I stall because I don't want one of those dumb shakes.

Aww you're too kind, my dear. Don't let the liquids get you down. I know it's hard, but there is most definitely light at the end of the tunnel. Besides, the liquids are great prep for the immediate post op diet.
Although in saying that, the post-op liquid diet nearly drove me to distraction. I'dve eaten broken glass for some texture, had it tasted of anything!
Eyes on the prize, baby-girl, eyes on the prize.
Look forward to hearing all about your many successes in the very near future and thank you again.
All the best

Today I am struggling with the third day of my pre op liquid diet. I feel weak, lethargic, depressed (I am an addicted coffee drinker and having severe withdrawal symptoms), and have had the same monster headache since Friday. I LOVED your post. My mind is playing tricks on me and ever so often I feel I want to go back on my decision. I know it's the lack of food. My doctor has me on three shakes that total 450cals. Reading your post and seeing your beautiful picture inspired me. As emotional and depressed I feel right now, I also feel good about going in the kitchen and making that 150cal shake!!!!! You look GORGEOUS and HAPPY!!! Congrats and thanks for the post

Hello Darlinks.
I've been away for a bit. Did you miss me?! (That's a rhetorical joke, btw!)
Went on holiday. My first proper holiday in the sun since being sliced and diced.
So, what did I learn on my travels to foreign climes?
Water consumption. It is kinda important. Stops one from passing out and prevents your skin looking akin to that of a sun-dried prune. Beer and vodka-sprite. It is not a good substitute for Water. Despite it being entertaining, it gives you a headache and forces you to have to drink far more water to replenish and sustain hydration levels which then compromises food intake. It is also not as nice as Guinness. But then you all knew that. Protein. I was at an 'all inclusive' affair. I realised pesky chef's don't particularly like dolling out the Protein en-masse as it is expensive and they're trying to minimise costs. Consequently, I became that person who swiped 'the best bits', muscled people out of the way to get the extra piece of steak or last omelet being served in the mornings. Without sufficient protein I felt weak. It also compromised my ability to drink beer and vodka-sprite - and who needs that?! Puddings/Deserts. Are absolutely pointless and made me feel sick. The tube that is now my stomach has very much done its job, in that I do not tolerate sugary things well. I also found it dehydrated me, which then compounded the feeling of 'urgh'. Subsequently, if I wanted something sweet, I opted for water melon. Sweet enough, tasty and well, is largely made up of water! Huzzah! Sun tan cream. Before buying this, please have a little think about how much you will actually need. I, with my head up my bottom, bought enough lotion to slather up an entire herd of elephants. Clearly, as with most body-dysmorphics, I had bought what I would have previously consumed pre-sleeve. When my skin was three times the square footage. Consequently, I came home with three untouched bottles.< /li> hair Loss. Yes, weird, but a point I hadn't considered. If, like me, you lost a fair amount of hair; be forewarned. When you go out into the sun where your hair has thinned, you can easily get a burnt scalp- unless you protect it with cream or a hat or something. I got a burnt head and then a few days later had to deal with all the serious flaking going on. Not an attractive look; your partner picking out massive lumps of skin out of your hair like some chimpanzee grooming its partner when you're out for dinner in the local town or in pleasant company. Jewellery. Yes, I have lost weight. Yes, I wore jewellery. Yes, I drank vodka-sprite, went dancing and didn't realise till the next day that my watch, the one I'd been promising to get some links taken out of, had flung off my wrist at some point during the evening and was now lost. A diamond ring also flung off on a separate occasion, but thankfully, I spotted it happening and quickly reclaimed it. Don't put off getting your jewellery re-sized. Or, alternatively, and if you're going dancing - don't wear it. I was very sad I'd lost my watch. Still, gives me an excuse to buy a nice shiny new one.... Razors and shaving. Bit personal but hey, we're all sharers here. What a difference losing 60 odd pounds makes?! I could reach the places other razors couldn't previously reach and in record time, too! No awkward breath-sapping contortions, fuzz or badly-packed packets of rolling tobacco for me, thank you very much! Sweating and heat rash. Practically non-existent in comparison. What a difference. Amazing. Made my holiday. Prepare to be amazed. I was. Feeling attractive. Finally it happened. I realised I was thinner, healthier, happier and that even my hair is getting thicker, my skin is beginning to snap back into shape again - along with my boobs! I was humbled and left with a warm, smiley, fuzzy feeling. My bottom got pinched a lot, too. So I assume that my inner happy was matching my outer happy and that made 'him' want to grope me more If you hadn't already worked it out... I had a lovely time.
Here's hoping you, too, have a very happy, warm, fun-filled summer. Everything we've gone through? It's so worth it.
Revs x

About 95 pounds gone! Started at 280 now down to 185! Looking to lose about 20-25 more. Fourth of July last year to this year!

I went to my initial consultation in May. But my dad had a heart attack, and when they were putting in the stents, found out he had pulmonary fibrosis. He was in the hospital for a week and missed my daughter's high school graduation. He did come home and was at home for 5 days, before the ambulance had to be called to take him back to the hospital. That was on June 11. He was in the hospital for 10 days, and we all missed my niece's wedding. He passed away on June 20, surrounded by his wife of 52 years, both of his children, daughter-in-law, two of his grandchildren, and several other family members.
I had decided when he first got sick to put the surgery off, then I found out when my insurance changes September 1 that the new company will not cover the surgery. I was going to go ahead and try to move forward with the appointments and helping care for my dad. Once he passed I just couldn't think about it for a few days. But with the encouragement of my mother and immediate family members, I am now moving forward.
I have 2 of my 3 classes scheduled next week, as well as an appointment with a physician to get a letter of recommendation. The following Thursday I have my physch eval scheduled, and my third class the following week. I'm waiting patiently to hear from the NUT to schedule that. Getting everything done ASAP as I'm hoping I can get surgery scheduled before I have to go back to work mid-August. I really don't want to have to take any time off work.
I've thought about having this surgery off and on for years, but honestly the remarks from people I would talk to about it, turned me away from it. I had finally decided I wanted to have it done, and the fact that my dad was supportive of my decision, helped me so much. So, not only am I having the surgery for me, and now having heart issues on both sides of my family...but I'm also having it in remembrance of my amazing father.
This post is not to get words of sympathy...it is to tell my recent story. And for me to look back on and encourage me in the future.

@@finallyfree101 thanks for asking I came home yesterday, I had to stay an extra day cause I was nauseous and my stomach felt like i had a stomach virus, but the nurses and doctors worked hard to find me a medication that would take that feeling away and now I feel much better. I still feel a little queasy at times but they sent me home with the med so I'm ok with that. The pain is so minimum I only take the pain meds sometimes, I'm getting my fluids in with no problem and what's funny @@finallyfree101 I was still hungry after I been drinking so I was asking a friend what to do she told me get some crackers and I did but I got so scared to death to eat them I put them up and told myself I will wait. I'm glad I did listening to the yogurt confession...lol. I walked yesterday not bad at all and then I danced alil to today I plan on going food shopping so I'll be walking around today also. Well ladies that's my journey so far I have not got on a scale since I left the hospital. My plan us to wait for my first follow up appointment to weigh in hope I lost 20 to 30 pounds by then my appointment is 7/16 so I'm going to walk my buttons off till then.

Hi CandyPants81. Basically just the shakes. My surgeon said I should munch on celery and carrots if I get hungry. Really.???! I am cranky and have a massive headache...I gave up coffee so it must be the withdrawal from it. So, I will confess I ate two boiled eggs. I will get back on track for day three. How are you doing?

Congrats on the surgery. Hope you continue to do great. Do you know why you were not required to do a pre op liquid Protein diet?

Hi, I'm also having my gastric sleeve on July 18th. I'm on the second day of the two week liquid diet and I have to admit I am struggling. My shakes only add up to 450 calories with 81/g Protein total. I just had to boiled eggs. I hope to get back on track tomorrow. 450 calories. That is crazy. I can barely muster up the energy or desire to do anything. But hang in there.

I'm SLEEVED!!!
Day 1 post op is going GREAT. I'm in very little pain, a lot of belching and first sip of Water was heaven.

What's up Fam? I'm just finding you guys tonight and glad I did. My VSG is less than 8 hrs and I can't sleep. Excited but extremely nervous.
I wasn't required to do a 7 day pre op but I did away. All the food funerals cause me to gain a few...several pounds.
For the who are willing say a little prayer for me. Thank you and see you on the lighter side.

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.

Thanks to everyone who's posted here. I really do appreciate it. I definitely don't think that I'm "too old" for VSG at all. After all, 68 is the new 48. Right?
In any event, with luck there's a lot more life to be lived -- places to go, people to meet, loving to be loved, and adventures to be had.
It's just very hard trying to do it while dragging my 240 pound a** behind me.
I'm sure that the night before surgery I may be freaking out. But I'm going on record here right now and saying that I think that my undergoing a VSG will be one of the smartest, bravest, most sensible things I've done in a long time.

I was sleeved July 1, 2013 by Doctor Rayford Kruger at Tobey Hospital in Massachusetts. Here's my official before/after pic, with my stats for both the day of my surgery, and my one year surgiversary. It's mindblowing to me that not only am I NEVER again going to shop in the Plus Size section of any store, but I will willingly step in front of a camera, while wearing a bathing suit. Who is this person?!
I have absolutely NO regrets and consider this surgery to have been a total success. For the first time in decades, I'm proud of the way I look and how hard I fought to achieve it, with my sleeve's help. Happy Independence Day, indeed!!

I am 5'3" and weight 151 pounds. I am extremely fortunate to be very well proportioned. Big ass, big boobs, skinny waist. My build is on the stocky muscular side, I've never been willowy, even when I was a size 0 cheerleader, so....
Most 8s are too big, my 6s are getting loose and 4s turn me an odd shade of blue.

I was a size 20 at 268 pounds, a size 16 at 200 pounds, a size 12 at 185, and a size 10 at 165 pounds. Every store is different, though, that's just an average.

I clicked on the article and started reading, "A witch doctor was arrested and booked..." Got my attention until I realized it said Wichita!

OMG! This is wild! And I can imagine it adding to the pre-op jitters which we all experience. I don't know whether this helps or not, but I had never been an overnight patient in a hospital before and I'm 52. It was all so much better than I thought it would be. You will be taken care of by professionals and it's all over so quickly anyway and then you're recovering from laparoscopic surgery which is pretty great compared to other kinds if surgery. I detest going to the dentist and I compared it to that -- and I've only had one root canal. Eeek. I think I'd rather get another band!

Absolutely, we are all human and make mistakes. This mistake just happens to be a deal breaker for me.
This is an issue of trust and I no longer trust this man with my body and my life.

Hi everyone, JULY 7...
I am so excited to find this support group.. I am selfpay..
I have also decided not to share this with friends or family.. My daughter and one good friend are the only people that know... I'm even considering telling those who will know something is going on that I'm having gallbladder surgery. Lol.. I just don't want to share with anyone yet..
Meet with my Dr. this Thursday , June 19... Will get my protien drink options.. He does 2 weeks protien drinks.. Start liquid diet June 23. I meet with nutritionalist June 27..
This has been a fast journey and I am excited, scared, but most of all can't wait for my new healthy life..
My first meeting with my surgeon he sat down and really talked to me for a long time, We were talking about the diet and he said, I want you to know this 2 week protien is doable.. I decided that I needed to know if I was asking to much of my patients, so I did it myself ... He is a young slim man.. That just really made me have so much faith that he is a caring DR. Health is his main focus...
Feel like this forum has taught me so much.. Love hearing all of your stories...

My first week is between 1100-1300 calories. My last week is 900-1000 calories. Then day before surgery is clear liquids only. Like This Thanks. I called my surgeon yesterday and left a message for her to call me. Hopefully when she does return the call I will post what she said. She wants me to lose 10% of my body weight, which is 23 pounds. I'm nervous about doing the shakes and losing the amount of weight she wants me to lose. I'm an addicted coffee drinker and still have not given up coffee. Help!!!