karendonica

The hardest part for me was the first month. The vomiting and nausea from the anesthesia and I had spasms that were awful. I hated drinking because it felt like my tummy was attacking it. I also couldn't tolerate my Protein Shakes until month two, something about the milk. Would I do it again? Hell yeah I'm out of the 200's and haven't felt this good in years!

The hardest parts for me was that first week post op. I had so much swelling ( I'm assuming from the additional surgery of the hiatal hernia) that it was hard to consume anything, so I was extremely weak. I could only really get down the sugar free Popsicles, and they saved me from being hospitalized for dehydration. The gas pain was the second pain in my rear. The air seemed to move from my left side to my back, then to my left shoulder. But heating pads really aided in that discomfort.
But, if I had to do this all over again, I would! I love my sleeve, I love my transformation, I love that I'm healthy, I love that I can wear almost anything I want, I love that I'm not embarrassed of myself and that I'm confidant. The benefits and outcomes so outweigh any bumps in the road that you may experience initially with the sleeve. Good luck to you and your own personal journey.

I have to focus more to stay hydrated. It's super easy to forget to eat AND drink and I've had a couple instances this summer where I know I've been dehydrated. Plus a weird one for me since I ride a motorcycle... my balance is not what it used to be. It's a big touring bike and the only way to manage it in parking lost is to use your weight to counterbalance. I've been clumsy and dropped it twice this season! Guess I need to go back to riding school! All in all, the sleeve has been the BEST gift I've ever given myself!

The thing that's been hardest for me is not drinking with meals. It's not awful, and I don't agonize over it - it's just that it was difficult to get used to. Even now, at 8 mos post op, I still automatically reach for a beverage once in a while during a meal. Because of that I leave my beverage in another room while I eat, so I won't mindlessly take a drink.
Best wishes!

Hmmm definitely mourning gorging myself - although that's what got me in this mess in the first place and is quickly overcome when you can get onto normal food. Be careful not to graze though. It's easy to graze on things you like. It takes a helluvalot of willpower not to.
Acid reflux. It sucks monkeys balls.
bread -I am still an addict. Couldn't give a rats about pasta/rice/potatoes. Bread? I still adore it and can sadly still eat it.
Alcohol. I can still drink a pint of carbonated cider or Guinness. I drink too many of them. If I didn't, I might be a bit lighter than I am now.
Other than that.. My butt is considerably smaller. I can run. I wear smaller clothes. I have PCOS of which the symptoms have eased. I'm not half as sick as I was before the surgery.
There are some hard bits.. It does take willpower. The honeymoon period doesn't last forever...
But.. it is all sooooooooooooooo worth it.

Had my surgery on july 8, 2014.
I was a lapband to sleeve revise. (No issues with the band....simply tired of the inconsistencies)
Highest weight before band: 334
Lowest weight with band: 243
Sleeve surgery day: 230
Not trying to focus on all negatives here because i am only 8 days out. Just providing insight to those pre-sleeved and looking to find similar stories like mine so far.
--Ask for pain and nausea meds per IV PRIOR to waking up from surgery. I had a horrible experience because they failed to do this.
--Take liquid meds if possible. Crushing pills are not tasteful in the least no matter what u mix them in. Don't learn the hard way and get a pill lodged the same day you come home and have to return to the ER!!!!!! Very painful and unpleasant.
--Gas pains are real. Be prepared. I am 8 days out and still feel the aftermath of those bastards.
--Don't get so discouraged if you feel hunger after surgery. I am one of the ones who doesn't feel hunger at all and i am having a horrible time getting in any amount of nutrition. In turn, i have absolutely NO ENERGY. And constantly out of breath. (keep in mind i am usually fairly active and can keep up with most anyone) this is very emotionally and physically draining. I don't want food and if i think i do...i am a half a bite in and i hate it and waste EVERYTHING put in front of me!!!!!!
--Unless you have a desk job.... Take the time needed off of work. There is no way possible i would be able to return to work 8 days out. My job is fairly active and labor driven. I wouldn't make it an hour at this point. I would recommend 2-3 weeks minimal to those who are on their feet and moving a lot.
--Have plenty of pillows for comfort. They are your friend.
--Do not overload yourself with Protein powders before hand. I cant even stand the smell of Protein much less the taste at this point. Buy it as needed and variety is key.
--keep faith despite every hardship. Its a journey...... U can cry if you want to. Nothing worth having is ever easy. Good luck to all sleevers and revises!!!!!!!!

I just bought this book 3 days ago and I'm loving it .... it DOES explain A LOT!!!! It's truly a must read...I've even suggested to my counselor to pass on to other people who are having the sleeve done or even someone who is just considering the process...Thanks for the Book...It's just what I've been looking for

Not one single moment. I just got tired of being tired. Tired of not having the energy to play with my neices and nephews. Tired of being in pain at the end of the day and when I woke the next morning. Tired of making excuses why I didn't join in some activities. Tired of always thinking ahead, concerned how my size was going to effect what I was doing. Would i fit comfortably in the seat, would the seatbelt fit... just everything.
Single best decision I have ever made. Yes, it was scary, but no scarier than wondering what phyical weight-related ailment was waiting for me around the corner.

What was my moment? Life... Everyday life....

I was 432. Had surgery on January 30th. Down 100 lbs

I weighed 385 on my surgery day. I don't know what the future holds but I have lost 52 lbs since surgery. Look in the 200+ pounders forum for more inspiration.

332 here and down 53 lbs!