dms724

Dr Snyder was my gastric sleeve surgeon in Jan 2015. He and the entire staff there are phenomenal. Highly recommend!

That's me! Had PF and 2 Achilles Tendon surgeries in the year before my sleeve surgery. My foot pain was the #1 reason I decided to have the sleeve. I went from working out 5-6 days a week to barely being able to stand in the shower. Here is what I can say 6 months post-op: it is SO MUCH better! I have lost 53 pounds and it makes the world of difference w/ my foot pain. It isn't gone completely and I continue to work with specialists and therapists to get it back to 100%. But, losing weight has helped a ton! In the meantime, I recommend a night brace to help keep foot stretched and help with early morning pain. Footsmart.com Also, reflexology for PF helped a ton pre-op! Good luck to you!

Yes, but nothing noticeable. Biotin helps it grow back quickly. Started at 3 months, stopped at 5 months.

I've had two very impactful moments this week that I thought I would share! Last weekend, I was carrying a very large and very heavy bag of potting soil from the car when I wondered just how heavy it was. I heaved it on the ground and noticed it was 25 lbs. I am nearly 5 months out and down 48 pounds. Realizing that this bag weighed half of my weight loss, I was compelled to pick it up again and walk a few more feet. Wow, was that a powerful moment! I could not imagine carrying two of these bags around all day, every day! But I did. Amazing. Then, yesterday, I was at the pet store and picked up a 42 lb bag of cat litter. Yet another super powerful moment. No wonder I felt so tired and everything was so hard pre-op. It's a great reminder for me when I feel I should have lost more by now or that 48 lbs isn't enough. Next time I am feeling that way, I will pick up a bag of cat litter or potting soil! ????

The first 5 days were the worst! I faithfully took my pain meds initially. On day 6, I decided to try skipping one to see how I felt and it wasn't too bad. I never took one after that. In the end, it's all worth it and I would do it all again. Having everything set-up at home helps including a comfortable place to sleep (I couldn't lay in bed for a week and the armchair was my best friend). Think ahead about all the 'creature comforts' that will make your life easy those first few days and have them ready and easily accessible. Pre-made Protein drinks, magazines, movies, extra blankets because you'll be freezing post-op! Line up child care and dog walkers too! Stock up on everything your doctor suggests- gauze, Vitamins, SF Jello, GasX strips, etc. It's a time to be all about YOU! It's totally worth it.

Yes! My doctor warned me it would happen around 3 months. Sure enough, it started right on cue! I'm am nearly 5 months out now and it has slowed down drastically. It was never enough to be noticeable, thankfully. Taking Biotin supplements helps to. Good luck!

Have you measured your inches? If you aren't losing on the scale, you will probably see a reduction in your inches. Especially if you are working out so faithfully!

I am 6 weeks out. Two of my favorite things are Trader Joe's chicken patties (26g protein!) and Old Wisconsin turkey jerky sticks which are great for an on-the-go snack.

My doctor recommended 6 weeks. Luckily, my short-term disability was approved for that long. Initially, I didn't think I would take all that time off but I am SO glad I did. It was a gift to myself - time to solidly create new, healthy habits and to really get to know my 'new' self. It made going back to work enjoyable rather than stressful!

It does get better!! I'm 6 weeks out and each week is easier. I found that adding fat free milk to the Premier shakes helped me. Otherwise they are too thick for me to stomach easily. Also, for something different, I would heat a Premier chocolate with Some milk for a "hot chocolate". That is now my morning ritual (instead of coffee). Hang in there ????

My surgeon didn't use one for me. When I asked why, he said as long as I went to bathroom right beforehand then I would be fine since the surgery itself is so short! I didn't feel the need to go for several hours afterwards so it wasn't a problem.

My doctor's recommendation for this phase is a minimum of 40g protein with a goal of 50-75g. He suggests gradually increasing protein each day which is what I've been focusing on doing. It's hard but I'll get there!!

Yes! I have Aetna and had to do a 90 day supervised diet/exercise plan. During that time, I actually gained 5 pounds. Aetna denied me initially. However, my surgeon's office immediately scheduled a "peer to peer" interview with medical director at Aetna to appeal their decision. My surgeon explained that I had a foot injury that kept me from exercising as intensely as originally planned and that I had my period on the day of my last weigh-in. He even had a copy of the weather report from the date of my last weigh in showing it was minus 6 degrees outside to provide evidence that I was wearing layers and heavier clothes! Needless to say, I was approved within a week of the original denial. I had my surgery two months later- on Jan 12th! Fight for it, you must be your own advocate!! Good luck!

Great question ~ I'be been wandering the same thing. I was sleeved on Jan 12th so 16 days post-op. I'm having no issues getting at least 48 oz of water/day and averaging about 50g protein/day. But, my energy level is very low. I'm still off of work and feeling like I can only do one or two "big activities" a day like an errand or a long walk. After that, I am exhausted. I'm sleeping very well - probably about 9 hours on average. My brain is raring to go but my body is saying to rest. So, for once in my life, I am listening to my body!! As long as I am meeting my hydration, Protein and exercise each day then the rest will have to take a backseat. I am curious why the differences and how long this fatigue will last. Seems different for everyone!

Not having to think about "the surgery" anymore! It's been so consuming that I am excited about moving into the next chapter! ????