Elizabeth21

@@Gladys62 I am glad that you are going to be working with a different doctor. Remember YOU are the customer and you deserve to be treated like a queen!!
I cannot tell how long ago your surgery was. I too had some crappy complications after surgery. It was about 8 weeks out before I began to feel more myself again, and, really it was about 12 weeks before I felt more normal in terms of energy. So, take heart. Your body is trying to handle a lot. I agree with the recommendations above including not being too hard on yourself. It will get better. As you heal, things will become more normal.
Good luck!!

I also love popcorn and I do eat movie popcorn, but I did not eat it that soon. I waited until my NUT said it was ok to try it. It is the only thing I eat that is really not that good for me. But I don't eat anything else like Pasta, breads, candy, cake, Cookies. Nothing. So if I have a little popcorn at the movies and stay within my calories. I am good. Just be patient your time will come.

Thank you for saying not to stress over counting Protein. I think that DOES make it worse to stress over it!
Hydration is my priority now and by doing that, I am staying hydrated without shakes and dizzy spells!! I'm Proud of meeting this goal for 5 days so far. And using a straw helps tremendously!!!! Thanks guys!!!!!!

So you are having issues with stomach acid/GERD? That's a different story.
Zophran is designed to address the nausea. Are you taking any sort of PPI for the acid?
You will definitely need to follow up with a GI doctor to find the correct dosage and brand of PPI that can help you control/manage that. Sometimes with luck you out grow it. My doctor had me on omeprazole 20 mg from day 1 post-op. By about 2½ - 3 mths post-op I found that wasn't enough. The dosage was increased to 40mgs a day. Thankfully by month 5 I was able to discontinue the medication completely. Unfortunately some people require higher/stronger doses of PPI. have you tried taking a spoonful of maalox before attempting to drink? It might help coat your stomach a little better. Discuss that with the GI doctor and see what they think. You can also purchase omeprazole over the counter. Most drugs stores sell it as well as the name brand prilosec.

If you cannot tolerate the shakes, don't drink them. Find other ways to get in your Protein. I use an unflavored Protein Powder that I mix with pretty much everything. I add it into yogurt (a natural source of protein), I add it into Soups, I add it into coffee & tea, hot or cold. It can also be added to a 50/50 mix of fruit juice/water or stirred into a bit of apple sauce or mashed potatoes. A few brands of unflavored Protein powders are Isopure unflavored, unjury and GENEPRO.
One of the key things I did to get in more water/fluids was to add loads of ice to everything.
Instead of traditional Protein Shakes try protein waters like propel. Again you are getting in protein AND Fluid at the same time.
The shaking may be a symptom of dehydration. Please try to get your fluids in at all cost.
I am sorry that it was not explained to you that a large portion of your stomach is cut away. Hopefully the suggestions in this post will help you make the best of it.

Sorry, sweetie, I am afraid you are stuck with your sleeve. So make friends with it. And this may help. Get some unflavored Protein powder, off the internet if you have to. Have really cold Water, add the appropriate amount of the protein powder, then add some Water Enhancer drops (found at the grocery store) then mix well. It will be cloudy, but it will taste (in my opinion) thousands of times better than the shakes. Also add the drops to plain water to get in your fluids. Take some time for yourself, get a book about the sleeve, thoroughly read about what just happened to you so you can fully understand. It's time to start facing the reality of what you have done, and accepting it on it's terms. If you follow your program, it will work. Period. This site will be very supportive, but you have to do your part, as well. So, have a firm chat with yourself, and maybe say a prayer for healing, as well as thanksgiving, for this MIRACLE surgery that can give you your life back. All the best to you....

So clearly you're miserable. I also hated my doctor if it makes you feel any better...he was a conceited ass who treated me like I was stupid and I never saw him again after the two week follow-up. How much Protein are you going for? I never came close to getting my Protein goals and I have had less than 5 Protein shakes in the entire year and a half since I had the procedure. Have you tried drinking with a straw? That was the only way I could get enough Fluid in and if you use it with Protein Shakes it may help.
Unfortunately, there is no way to reverse a sleeve procedure, however there are a lot of surgeons who specialize in the procedure and you can switch to a new doctor who is more patient-centered. If your surgery was done correctly, a good doctor can help you work through all of the issues you're facing and get you back on the path to recovery.
Good luck!

Biggest surprise was how well the phased diet plans worked for both weight loss and a safe surgery recovery. The different stages really eased me back into solid foods. My second biggest surprise is that I'm completely satisfied with 4-4.5 oz of food at a time.
No regrets, except that this wasn't available 20 years ago.

Overall quality of life. I am almost 4 months out. My biggest surprise is how quickly I reached my "minimum goals" for my overall quality of life. Even though I am only about halfway to the ultimate weight loss "goal," I am already so much more comfortable in my own skin. I now look "average" not huge and I can fit in chairs and bathrooms and look decent in clothes. My BP is better and I do not hurt like used to. Although I'd like to lose more, if I didn't, I would still be okay because I can move okay and function normally in the world again. For me, it is important to acknowledge how far I've come already so I do not get caught up in what could be an elusive goal of a number on a scale. The only "symptom" I did not expect was how dry my facial skin would get, but, that's just a matter of updating my moisturizer. But being able to feel pretty again -- and feel good again -- and just "fitting in" again: priceless.
Good luck!

Overall quality of life. I am almost 4 months out. My biggest surprise is how quickly I reached my "minimum goals" for my overall quality of life. Even though I am only about halfway to the ultimate weight loss "goal," I am already so much more comfortable in my own skin. I now look "average" not huge and I can fit in chairs and bathrooms and look decent in clothes. My BP is better and I do not hurt like used to. Although I'd like to lose more, if I didn't, I would still be okay because I can move okay and function normally in the world again. For me, it is important to acknowledge how far I've come already so I do not get caught up in what could be an elusive goal of a number on a scale. The only "symptom" I did not expect was how dry my facial skin would get, but, that's just a matter of updating my moisturizer. But being able to feel pretty again -- and feel good again -- and just "fitting in" again: priceless.
Good luck!

Overall quality of life. I am almost 4 months out. My biggest surprise is how quickly I reached my "minimum goals" for my overall quality of life. Even though I am only about halfway to the ultimate weight loss "goal," I am already so much more comfortable in my own skin. I now look "average" not huge and I can fit in chairs and bathrooms and look decent in clothes. My BP is better and I do not hurt like used to. Although I'd like to lose more, if I didn't, I would still be okay because I can move okay and function normally in the world again. For me, it is important to acknowledge how far I've come already so I do not get caught up in what could be an elusive goal of a number on a scale. The only "symptom" I did not expect was how dry my facial skin would get, but, that's just a matter of updating my moisturizer. But being able to feel pretty again -- and feel good again -- and just "fitting in" again: priceless.
Good luck!

Overall quality of life. I am almost 4 months out. My biggest surprise is how quickly I reached my "minimum goals" for my overall quality of life. Even though I am only about halfway to the ultimate weight loss "goal," I am already so much more comfortable in my own skin. I now look "average" not huge and I can fit in chairs and bathrooms and look decent in clothes. My BP is better and I do not hurt like used to. Although I'd like to lose more, if I didn't, I would still be okay because I can move okay and function normally in the world again. For me, it is important to acknowledge how far I've come already so I do not get caught up in what could be an elusive goal of a number on a scale. The only "symptom" I did not expect was how dry my facial skin would get, but, that's just a matter of updating my moisturizer. But being able to feel pretty again -- and feel good again -- and just "fitting in" again: priceless.
Good luck!

Overall quality of life. I am almost 4 months out. My biggest surprise is how quickly I reached my "minimum goals" for my overall quality of life. Even though I am only about halfway to the ultimate weight loss "goal," I am already so much more comfortable in my own skin. I now look "average" not huge and I can fit in chairs and bathrooms and look decent in clothes. My BP is better and I do not hurt like used to. Although I'd like to lose more, if I didn't, I would still be okay because I can move okay and function normally in the world again. For me, it is important to acknowledge how far I've come already so I do not get caught up in what could be an elusive goal of a number on a scale. The only "symptom" I did not expect was how dry my facial skin would get, but, that's just a matter of updating my moisturizer. But being able to feel pretty again -- and feel good again -- and just "fitting in" again: priceless.
Good luck!

I hear all of you... but truth is he knows his situation quite clearly. I opened the door and he closed it... so enuf said.
This is the only time I have talked to someone about my weight loss in that kind of context and I am not likely to do it again. It is intrusive.
If someone asks me (that has happened a few times) and really wants to know, that is a different story.

Overall quality of life. I am almost 4 months out. My biggest surprise is how quickly I reached my "minimum goals" for my overall quality of life. Even though I am only about halfway to the ultimate weight loss "goal," I am already so much more comfortable in my own skin. I now look "average" not huge and I can fit in chairs and bathrooms and look decent in clothes. My BP is better and I do not hurt like used to. Although I'd like to lose more, if I didn't, I would still be okay because I can move okay and function normally in the world again. For me, it is important to acknowledge how far I've come already so I do not get caught up in what could be an elusive goal of a number on a scale. The only "symptom" I did not expect was how dry my facial skin would get, but, that's just a matter of updating my moisturizer. But being able to feel pretty again -- and feel good again -- and just "fitting in" again: priceless.
Good luck!

Yes, it is easier to read a post with good grammar. However some people have not had the opportunity to learn good grammar. They should feel comfortable here anyway. This isn't Harvard Law Review.
Perhaps you could consider blocking posts from members whose grammar continually offends you.
I think most folks here have already experienced enough criticism and are here looking for a safe place to become more informed.

I guess I am one of those who doesn't mind answering questions, because I was there once, as well. So it takes up a bit of time. I've been sick this past month, so what else do I have to do? If I can help someone, I will. My problem. If I can't take the time to help, what does that make me? When I first started on this site, I didn't know about the search option, so I didn't use it. I admit I am pretty naïve about computer crap. And I don't wish to get too educated on it, either! I also try and answer those questions, if I can, that no one else seems to reply to, and that is because I don't want anyone to feel abandoned. This surgery stuff is very scary, even for us who have been operated on dozens of times. It's a scary thing to go it alone. Stupid to do it? Patient enough to care? Wasting my time? Mine to waste, mine to care, NEVER alone...

The University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (UPMC) Bariatric Center of Excellence launched an online resource for recovering weight loss patients. The tool features clinically approved recipes and useful guidelines and tips. It's mobile-friendly and interactive, allowing users to check off grocery items as they shop.
View the resource here: bariatricdiet.upmc.com

I had never even heard of VSG surgery until, after calling the local bariatric center of excellence to ask about lapband surgery, it was explained to me. A month later I attended the intro lecture given by the surgeon and realized THIS was something that made sense to me.
I didn't know anyone who'd had VSG surgery. And now that I think about it, I don't personally know of anyone who's had lapband or gastric bypass surgery either. (Or if I do, they're on the down low about it.)
Anyway, it just all made great sense to me: The restriction, the ghrelin, the year or two to learn and practice brand new ways of eating, etc.
So far, my sleeve loves me, and I love it. Apparently, I had a great surgeon. I've never thrown up even once post-op. I'm 4 pounds from goal (and only 7-1/2 months post-op). I haven't had any real stalls. I feel great. At this point I'm eating 1,200 calories/day (and nearly 100 grams of Protein daily) and still losing weight, albeit slowly.
I saw my NUT and exercise consultant yesterday. They both think I can eat 1600 - 1700 calories a day to maintain my weight after I reach goal. Hey! I can live with that!
Honest to God ... VSG surgery was the smartest, luckiest, most rewarding thing I've done in my whole life to reach a healthy weight. And it has the greatest odds of anything else I've ever done to maintain my weight.
I'm looking forward so much to the rest of my life. Heck, I'm looking forward to dinner tonight!
And best news of all ... hubby finished his chemo treatment today. And he is currently cancer-free.
Life offers no guarantees. But you makes your choices and you takes your chances. And tonight, in this house, life is wonderful.
To quote Auntie Mame: Life is a banquet, and most poor suckers are starving to death!

First and foremost... HUGS. It's going to be OK.
Second.... I totally feel you. I never considered myself a WLS candidate because I had NO health issues, I was always great at losing weight, I was happy, I'm successful, my husband was happy with me, I could do almost anything I wanted to do and I didn't feel THAT fat. (5'3" 264#s) I could have written your story word for word.
I never wanted to admit defeat, I was always positive that the next time I did WWs or Atkins or whatever would be the **MAGIC** time -- the time I would finally lose my weight and keep it off. WRONG.
About 4 years ago, a best friend had VSG. I followed her journey very closely. I vacationed with her, I stayed at her house for a week, she stayed at mine for the same. I watched what she ate, what she couldn't, how fast she lost, what her skin looked like after. I then waited another year to see how well she would keep it off. Then I had mine.
I've never been happier. Best decision ever. I lost the weight before I could develop diabetes, before my back started hurting, before I needed knee surgery. I wish I would have done it 15 years ago. Vanity or not, it fixed a lot of issues I was developing Healthwise and I am thrilled I finally made the plunge.

@@ilikecake2much
Oh no, you are NEVER alone! As for your family, they have a couple of choices to make: To support you, or not. Maybe, just maybe what you're doing frightens them (I mean, they will now have to confront what THEY are, whether it is obese, mean, judgemental, obese and not doing anything about it, mean and knowing it, mean and NOT knowing it, judgemental and scared because it makes them face what they are/are not - it's easier to blame someone else for their failures - obese and scared to do anything about it....the list goes on). So plod along, my dear, head upright, heart upright in the knowledge that YOU care for you, and that is what counts. They can come along for the journey of a lifetime, or not, the choice (and the loss) is theirs. BUT...YOU ARE NOT ALONE!!!! We are here! Write when you want to, need to, or have to...we ARE here!

*HUG*
I was so conflicted and scared when I first began to research the sleeve that I was physically ill for the first several days. It had always been something I thought I would never do because of the all the risks and life changes with bypass. But the sleeve was different and as I learned more and realized that I was seriously considering it I really was nervous.
Honestly, it was my research on this site that convinced me to do it. I am three and a half months out now and I am very glad I did it. But, I think mindset is the most important thing. So, I think you are doing the right thing by doing research and asking questions. You do not have to rush into this. If you do decide you want to do it, you may have to educate the people around you. On the other hand, you do not have to tell everybody either. Many of us have chosen to not to share with too many because we did not want to deal with their negativity or justify ourselves.
Good luck!

*HUG*
I was so conflicted and scared when I first began to research the sleeve that I was physically ill for the first several days. It had always been something I thought I would never do because of the all the risks and life changes with bypass. But the sleeve was different and as I learned more and realized that I was seriously considering it I really was nervous.
Honestly, it was my research on this site that convinced me to do it. I am three and a half months out now and I am very glad I did it. But, I think mindset is the most important thing. So, I think you are doing the right thing by doing research and asking questions. You do not have to rush into this. If you do decide you want to do it, you may have to educate the people around you. On the other hand, you do not have to tell everybody either. Many of us have chosen to not to share with too many because we did not want to deal with their negativity or justify ourselves.
Good luck!

*HUG*
I was so conflicted and scared when I first began to research the sleeve that I was physically ill for the first several days. It had always been something I thought I would never do because of the all the risks and life changes with bypass. But the sleeve was different and as I learned more and realized that I was seriously considering it I really was nervous.
Honestly, it was my research on this site that convinced me to do it. I am three and a half months out now and I am very glad I did it. But, I think mindset is the most important thing. So, I think you are doing the right thing by doing research and asking questions. You do not have to rush into this. If you do decide you want to do it, you may have to educate the people around you. On the other hand, you do not have to tell everybody either. Many of us have chosen to not to share with too many because we did not want to deal with their negativity or justify ourselves.
Good luck!

*HUG*
I was so conflicted and scared when I first began to research the sleeve that I was physically ill for the first several days. It had always been something I thought I would never do because of the all the risks and life changes with bypass. But the sleeve was different and as I learned more and realized that I was seriously considering it I really was nervous.
Honestly, it was my research on this site that convinced me to do it. I am three and a half months out now and I am very glad I did it. But, I think mindset is the most important thing. So, I think you are doing the right thing by doing research and asking questions. You do not have to rush into this. If you do decide you want to do it, you may have to educate the people around you. On the other hand, you do not have to tell everybody either. Many of us have chosen to not to share with too many because we did not want to deal with their negativity or justify ourselves.
Good luck!