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Everything posted by Clementine Sky
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Any good comebacks?
Clementine Sky replied to even11's topic in PRE-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
To be literal about the figurative - if you're in an elevator and someone asks you why you're taking the "easy way out" ask them why they're in the elevator since it's the easy way up. After all, taking the stairs would be the harder option, and it was the original one before the advent of the technology that made taking the elevator available, safe, and logical. Throughout their daily lives they use a myriad of tools / devices / technology for the sake of efficiency. Taking the "easy way out" is more sensible when it's available to you and delivers superior results to the longer, more cumbersome route. Something being harder doesn't mean it's smarter. -
Would you do it again?
Clementine Sky replied to char3672's topic in PRE-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
When I was seeking to learn about people's experiences with WLS before I had the VSG last August I watched many YouTube videos and read a couple of books, and several people said that "buyer's remorse" was common in the first month or two. I'd braced myself to have it as well, but was fortunate to experience minimal problems. There are exceptions I'm sure, but everyone I read about / watched a video of who said they regretted the surgery during their early post-op time later reversed their feelings when the problems abated and they started to feel and look substantially better. My tastebuds took on a whole new personality in the first few weeks out, and a lot of flavors I used to like or at least tolerate were sickening to me. I'd been taking Flintstones Complete during pre-op and actually kind of liked the taste of them, but literally gagged during the first month. I used to love this diet lemonade from a cafe near me, and took one sip of the $4 drink a couple of weeks post-op and threw it away. I was revolted by it. By 10 weeks out, my tastebuds had returned to their usual selves. I also could drink water normally, though I still find that I'm better off if it's been enhanced in some water (lime juice with a tiny bit of raspberry SF Torani syrup splashed in is my favorite). I also became nauseous when I took vitamins during the first couple of months. My doctor told me that it was fine for me to skip taking vitamins for a while until I could tolerate them again, because it was counterproductive for me to take them and then risk vomiting. I did eventually find a vitamin that settled well with me - Vitamin Code by Garden of Life, which I took with a morning smoothie and never on an empty stomach. I switched back to taking Flintstones later on when they tasted fine to me again. My blood work has been excellent, and I saw no negative consequences from the weeks when I wasn't taking a vitamin. I had the VSG in my early 30s with a relatively low BMI. Like @@JamieLogical I viewed it not just as a means for losing weight but for maintaining weight loss. I saw my weight creep up after age 25, and how it became increasingly difficult for me to sustain weight loss. I was a yoyo champion. I also viewed surgery as a preventive measure. My dad developed Type 2 diabetes in his early 60s despite being athletic his whole life (played basketball for a major college team, then coached for decades) and never having a super high BMI (I'm guessing it was probably about 35 at its highest). Just being overweight longterm can be damaging. My endocrinologist is the one who had recommended the surgery to me because I have PCOS and difficulty conceiving. She said that maintaining a healthy weight can significantly help with fertility. Yesterday was my 1 year mark since surgery. I've gone from a size 14 to a size 4. It took time but I cultivated sustainable eating habits for keeping the weight off, without feeling deprived. My PCOS symptoms have been alleviated which gives me at a much better chance of conceiving, my blood pressure is stellar, and I feel happier and healthier. I hope you'll feel the same this time next year. -
Low Bmi (31.7) with no cormobidities. Help
Clementine Sky replied to Gigi11's topic in PRE-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
My BMI was 31 and I consulted with surgeons willing to perform the VSG for me in Southern California, but they were in the $29,000 to $35,000 price range. I have PCOS but that didn't qualify for me any form of insurance coverage. After considerable research and thought I decided to go to Mexico and have the surgery with Dr. Fernando Garcia. I had a fantastic, hassle-free experience and no complications. It was $4200. The endocrinologist who recommended VSG to me to help with PCOS agreed in advance to provide follow-up care for me. I had been hesitant to go to Mexico at first, but ultimately decided that it was the most feasible choice for me. I'm one year out to the day, have met my goal weight, and have no regrets. I would definitely look into going to a reputable surgeon in Mexico if you cannot find one in the US who is willing to perform the VSG at a cost you can afford. -
I think your body frame also makes a difference in how You've lost a 155 pounds and are still going strong? You're phenomenal. I agree with losing as much weight as your body reasonably lets you. My original goal was 150, but it kept notching down. My BMI is currently 21 from a high of 32, and I'm wanting to lose a bit more. I am relatively tall at 5'8, but have a very narrow frame. My wrists are so tiny that I've always had to get watches taken in for them to fit. My mom is 5'5 and about 110 pounds but still looks healthy because her frame is so small. My best friend is probably around 160 pounds at 5'6 (haven't asked, of course) and looks fabulous due to having broader shoulders and hips to carry the weight, and being so muscular. In high school she likely weighed about 10 pounds less, and looked fabulous then too.
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Bored with Breakfast! Any dieticians out there?
Clementine Sky replied to AmiLou's topic in General Weight Loss Surgery Discussions
Pinterest has heaps of low carb and VSG-related Breakfast recipes, so you might find some there that interest you. I love the blog site The World According to Eggface, which has a lot of delightful and simple recipes designed for people who've had WLS. On the weekends I'll whip up a batch of her little pancake bites for a treat. My staple breakfast has been a smoothie with a high-protein, low carb plain Greek yogurt like Fage, frozen kale (having it frozen helps with the consistency) and frozen low-GI fruit (that sufficiently mask the taste and color of the kale). As to the question of whether you can eat a protein bar and oatmeal for breakfast, I think only you can answer it. Protein bars and oatmeal vary by quality and nutrients, and the way each person responds to them differs. I've mainly designed my own diet but I did consult with a RD who recommended that I eat a modest amount of healthy carbs like oatmeal, vegetables, and fruit. She said that steel cut oats with healthy toppings rather than loaded down with sugar can be a good breakfast. In my experience, the drawback of it is that it's so filling it's difficult to get much protein in. My husband is a physician and urges everyone to have a quality form of protein within an hour of waking up. It doesn't have to be a huge amount, but it should be a serving. I rarely eat oatmeal, but I keep the Trader Joe's frozen oatmeal on hand for the rare days when it's really cold and I'm craving something warm in the morning. I'll add in some unflavored Protein powder, or some almond butter. The dietitian said everyone should avoid instant and flavored oatmeal because most are packed with sugar. I personally dislike most protein bars because they upset my tummy. Other people adore them. I would be sure to look for a protein bar that is lower in carbs. If you're really feeling deprived, you could simply have a protein bar and oatmeal and see how they impact your progress. If you continue to lose weight, carry on. If you stall out or gain, reevaluate. See whether you can still incorporate them but make other tweaks to your eating and exercising, or have them sparingly rather than daily. I think to have long-term success you need to find a way of creating sustainable habits. One person might be as happy as can be on a low carb diet, and another might find that it makes them obsess about carbs to the point they end up wanting to binge on them. Find your own stride. And best of luck with everything, including dealing with the awful flooding. My gosh, my heart goes out to all impacted there. -
Getting back on track
Clementine Sky replied to d258's topic in POST-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
I actually think your weight loss progress is very impressive, and I personally wouldn't characterize a 5.5 pound loss over a two month time period as a stall. I had a lengthy stall earlier this year during which I lost no weight at all, and even saw it bounce up a couple of pounds at times. The silver lining of it is that it helped to significantly slow down hair loss. You've actually lost at a more rapid pace than I have, and I've never viewed myself as a lost cause. I met my goal, but at the pace of an injured turtle. In my experience, losing weight slowly has lead to me being able to develop more sustainable habits. I also have absolutely no loose skin, which I believe I would have if I'd dropped the weight rapidly. I'm extremely sensitive to Vitamins as well. Many either make me nauseous or cause acne breakouts due to me having PCOS. The ones that have worked the best for me are Vitamin Code by Garden of Life or Flintstones Complete with Iron. I had a problem with the Flintstones the first couple of months when my tastebuds were sensitive, but then started to like the taste of them again. I also tried the Vitamin patch. It caused a skin irritation for me, but I gave the rest of them to my dad and he liked them enough to purchase them for himself. As for the Water, you might want to experiment with various enhancers like Crystal Light to see if there are any you like. My favorite is fresh lime with a tiny drop of sugar free Raspberry Torani syrup. The temperature of the water makes a difference as well. Do you think it's possible you could be experiencing depression? Hormonal changes and lifestyle shifts can cause it, or exacerbate existing issues. I've dealt with depression due to PCOS-related issues, and struggle with apathy. I'll know that I should do something, but can't find the motivation to actually do it. I take a very small dose of Wellbutrin daily, and that seems enough to help. Finding something you enjoy helps so much as well. My main form of exercise is biking to work and as many places as possible instead of driving (part of that is due to the perk of living in LA where the weather is lovely most of the year). I also enjoy Daily Burn because I can pick out the video I want to follow and watch it from home at my own pace. -
Would you do it again?
Clementine Sky replied to char3672's topic in PRE-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
Hi Cape Crooner - great post. One question - when you say drop out of any or all social events - do you mean forever or just in the losing phase? I'm a very social person, especially love hanging out with my girlfriends, so not sure what to think of that advice! As for who to tell - if I can pull it off, only my husband will know I've had WLS. Only my doctors, husband, and my parents who were my support team the week of surgery (he was working then) know that I've had WLS, and I don't have any plans to disclose it to anyone else. It's had no adverse impact on my social life. At most social events people are so focused on socializing they're not as attentive to what you're eating. I like in LA and a lot of people are weight conscious, so it's normal to see light eaters. Even at dinner parties people have rarely commented. Once I was into the solid food phase there wasn't much I couldn't eat, so I just was mindful about what I chose and portion size. I've never felt like I was lying to friends and others who've asked me about how I've lost weight. I tell the truth - I track my calories, I bought a bike that I use as much as possible rather than driving, and I've changed some of the medicine I was taking for my thyroid issues. No one else is entitled to know the full details of my personal medical history. That answer has been totally sufficient for everyone. -
Weight Gained Since Having Gastric Sleeve Surgery
Clementine Sky replied to sleeve 4 me's topic in POST-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
When I was prescribed Spironolactone for PCOS-related acne by a dermatologist when I was 20 he told me that it would likely cause a weight loss, and it did. At first. I was elated with the medicine because I lost about 10 pounds on it, saw my pores shrink and my acne vanish, and it caused my periods to stop for a few months (which at the time was something that I saw as a blessing rather than a worry). The honeymoon period ended but I hadn't realized it because the effects of the medicine were really insidious. Over time it contributed to substantial weight gain, sleep disruptions, fatigue, and a plethora of other problems. I started reading more reviews of the medicine on various boards and discovered that many other women had similar experiences, with positive effects at first followed by gradual negative ones. My endocrinologist had me wean off it last year prior to surgery. She said many women, especially those with endocrine issues, have experienced weight gain, depression, and other problems, and that it shouldn't be taken long-term but frequently is. My blood pressure has actually been much better since going off of it, and my skin actually looks much more youthful and clear without the drying effects of the medicine. I sleep better, am more energetic, and have definitely had an easier time losing weight. I would talk with your doctor about your symptoms and discuss whether it's a medicine you absolutely need to take. -
Would you do it again?
Clementine Sky replied to char3672's topic in PRE-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
Yes, without hesitation. I had a very positive experience with the surgery and recovery process, with minimal pain and discomfort. I never actually threw up during it. The only time that I ever did due to the sleeve was when I thoughtlessly guzzled Water after eating something spicier than I expected just a couple of months out. I got a stomach bug in December, but recovered more quickly than my husband who is the epitome of health and has never had WLS. I also teach and had the surgery in the summer to have more time for recovery. I had the VSG on 8/18/15 and was teaching a full load plus advising a month later (I'm a professor). None of the fears I had prior to surgery actually happened to me during the past year. No complications, no loose skin, no major hair loss, no feelings of deprivation with food. My blood pressure had been on the high end of normal last year while on a medication for PCOS that lowers your bp, and is on the low end of normal and I haven't taken that medicine in 8 months. I reached my goal weight and feel fabulous. This will hopefully be something that will change your life for the better as well. Go for it! I hope this isn't too personal of a question, but I was wondering how much you have lost. I need to lose at least 130lbs, and I am concerned about extra skin. Sent from my SM-G930T using the BariatricPal App I've lost 82 pounds at a relatively slow pace over the course of the past year. My starting BMI was low for having the VSG. From what I've read here some people who've lost over 100 pounds have experienced minimal loose skin. I think there are various factors involved, from how rapidly you lose the weight, how long you'd been at the highest weight, and your age. -
Would you do it again?
Clementine Sky replied to char3672's topic in PRE-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
Yes, without hesitation. I had a very positive experience with the surgery and recovery process, with minimal pain and discomfort. I never actually threw up during it. The only time that I ever did due to the sleeve was when I thoughtlessly guzzled Water after eating something spicier than I expected just a couple of months out. I got a stomach bug in December, but recovered more quickly than my husband who is the epitome of health and has never had WLS. I also teach and had the surgery in the summer to have more time for recovery. I had the VSG on 8/18/15 and was teaching a full load plus advising a month later (I'm a professor). None of the fears I had prior to surgery actually happened to me during the past year. No complications, no loose skin, no major hair loss, no feelings of deprivation with food. My blood pressure had been on the high end of normal last year while on a medication for PCOS that lowers your bp, and is on the low end of normal and I haven't taken that medicine in 8 months. I reached my goal weight and feel fabulous. This will hopefully be something that will change your life for the better as well. Go for it! -
Did anyone NOT have a miserable recovery?
Clementine Sky replied to ella37's topic in Gastric Sleeve Surgery Forums
The only misery I experienced was immediately following surgery when I had severe cramps due to my period starting that day, and was also dry heaving. That persisted for a few hours, and then the medication alleviated most of it. By that evening I was able to move so comfortably I was told that I was walking too fast while doing my laps through the hallway. When I wasn't doing my laps, I was snoozing contentedly. By the time I checked out of the hospital and was no longer on the full throttle pain meds, I was only moderately tired. I had surgery in Mexico because my BMI was too low for my insurance to cover it and the costs in LA were astronomical, and drove down there with my family (about two hours). I felt well enough to go shopping at the outlet mall right over the border, and to make several sightseeing stops on the way back home. As a precaution I didn't drive the first couple of weeks post-surgery, but that was mainly because my husband and parents were worried. I felt capable. I'm a professor and had the surgery in August when we were still out of the summer, so I had the luxury of being able to take it easy for the first two weeks. I honestly enjoyed the time and felt like it was a good excuse to laze around, read, and binge watch TV shows and movies. I really could have been more active if needed, though. By September when the fall quarter began I was fully recovered and not only able to handle standing up for a substantial part of the day teaching, but riding my bike to campus instead of driving. I never had any serious pain or discomfort beyond those first few hours. I was aggravated by itchiness and tiny welts caused by the tape over the wounds, but it wasn't agonizing by any means. When I started eating solid foods my stomach was a bit upset, but only temporarily. I learned to be careful to not gulp Water. I took a PPI for the six weeks, and then didn't need it anymore. I haven't had any other negative experiences, either. I've lost weight slowly and stalled out quite a bit, but still reached my goal. I haven't been miserable with eating, either. I've been able to eat in a sensible way so that I'm being nourished and am satisfied without feeling deprived. In the year since having the VSG I've gone from a BMI in the low 30s to one in the low 20s, and am wearing a size small / 6. My blood work is excellent, and some of my problems due to PCOS have improved. I'd been on a medication for PCOS that also lowers your blood pressure since I was 21 (nearly a decade), but actually have a better BP now than when I was on it. It's consistently excellent. I have no loose skin. I lost a small amount of hair, but it wasn't enough for anyone else to notice. None of the things that I feared would happen pre-surgery have happened to me. I'm so grateful. -
Did i really need the surgery?
Clementine Sky replied to jaysmm's topic in POST-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
I wouldn't categorize having surgery at a lower BMI and a young age as a "need", but I do see the benefit in it. I also had a lower BMI, but chose to have the VSG not just to help me reach a healthier weight now, but as a preventative measure so that I never become morbidly obese or develop other substantial health problems. My dad developed Type 2 Diabetes even though he was an athlete for decades and has never had a BMI over 35. My weight yoyo'd for years; I always able to lose weight, but always gained it right back. Being heavier corroded a lot of my self-confidence and prevented me from racing out and seizing all that life has to offer. Having the VSG in your early 20s will hopefully lead to getting more out of your youth. I would have been elated with a 5.5 pound weight loss in a week. That's never happened for me. I encourage the OP to focus more on sustainability of weight loss. I completely understand wanting to lose weight rapidly, but the main goal should be to develop healthier lifestyle habits so that the weight loss can be maintained. -
Just threw up my multivitamin
Clementine Sky replied to gettingsleeved1's topic in POST-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
I'm sorry the Vitamins made you throw up. I also have to be very careful about which Multivitamins I take because many will make me sick, or cause an acne breakout. The Vitamin I've repurchased the most since having the VSG is the Flintstones Complete with Iron. In the immediate weeks following surgery I couldn't stand the taste, and switched to Vitamin Code for Women by Garden of Life. It never caused me to throw up, but would make me a tad bit nauseous if I didn't have it with food. I found that taking it with a smoothie worked best. I then tried the Vitamin patch, but it caused a skin irritation. At around the three month mark I decided to try Flintstones again since I still had it in my pantry and had run out of the other vitamins. By that point my tastebuds had settled down, so it was perfectly fine. I've mainly stuck with it ever since because it's readily available, can be taken with or without food and Water, has never caused any negative side effects, and has gotten the job done. My lab results have been excellent. I also take Vitamin D3 and Peppermint Oil capsules (for PCOS). -
I'm sorry those you confided in about your surgery aren't supporting your decision. There's risks involved in every surgery and virtually every medication. What's important is measuring the risk. The VSG is a low-risk surgery, and few people experience long-term complications. For most, it significantly improves their health. You can find medical research about the safety and the effectiveness of WLS. I don't know if that would convince your mother that it's actually a very smart decision that you're making, that will improve your health rather than harm it. There's also risks in not pursuing medical intervention. Obesity significantly contributes to so many health conditions that can shorten or even claim your life. It also just robs you of so much joy. The other poster is completely right that only a small percentage of obese people lose weight and maintain that weight loss on their own. The VSG isn't a diet fad or a quick fix. I had the VSG in August of last year. My mom initially thought that the surgery "wasn't for me" because my BMI was low for it, but I explained that my endocrinologist had recommended it to me because other patients my size and age had benefitted from it. I have PCOS and showed her research about how the VSG has substantially helped to improve the health of women who have it. She got on board. My dad developed type 2 diabetes even though his highest BMI was just in the low 30s. This helps to reduce my risk of having it in the future. I've lost a little over 70 pounds, putting my BMI in the low 20s vs the low 30s. I've gone from a size 14 to a 4-6. I was on a series of medications for PCOS that I've gradually been able to taper off of because the weight loss has helped to improve problems. I've had zero complications. Even on the day of surgery the most pain I experienced was from my period starting and having severe cramps. I'm a professor and was back at work on my feet for most of the day within a few weeks. By 5 weeks post-op I felt well enough to bike to and from work every day instead of driving. I've lost little hair. I have absolutely no loose skin. Every fear I had pre-surgery turned out to not be valid for me. I'm in my early 30s and getting carded again. My blood test results have been excellent. Physically and mentally I feel so much better. I feel like I'm in control of my life, and it isn't being ruled by the scale or what I eat. I don't obsess about food. I don't feel deprived. In the past I'd lose 20 pounds then gain back 30. Besides the typical 2-4 pound fluctuation, I haven't had any weight gain. I've found that a lower-carb (not strict low carb) eating plan works best for my weight loss, and is surprisingly painless for me to follow. I've gone on vacation a few times where I just eat what I wish, within reason, and still have not had weight gain. I'm not daydreaming about danishes, or planning out the indulgences I'll pig out on once I've lost x amount of weight. I can actually eat Pasta, Desserts and treats without seeing a massive weight gain. The difference is that I'm satisfied with a much smaller quantity than before. This surgery is a tremendous gift to my life. I think it will help your life, too. If your loved ones continue to be unsupportive before surgery, just use that as even more of a reason to be successful. This time next year you'll likely have lost a lot of weight and will be feeling fantastic. That will give them (and you) peace of mind. You're being proactive and taking care of yourself.
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What I've found to be ideal for me is to have lower carb meals and Snacks rather than a strict low-carb diet. I tend to log in anywhere from 50 to 90 grams of carbs a day, with most of it coming from fruit I put in high-Protein yogurt smoothies and vegetables. I've always lost weight on the strict low-carb diets, but always gained it right back. For me a lower carb diet has been more sustainable. One of my favorite summer lunches has been to make an open-face sandwich using crispbread as the base rather than bread. Trader Joe's recently started carrying one that I think is terrific. http://www.traderjoes.com/digin/post/whole-grain-crispbread It only has 7 grams of carbs, and a very satisfying crunch. My mother-in-law is Swedish and introduced me to crispbread sandwiches years ago, because it has long been a staple food for them, but until recently I didn't find as many brands that I liked as much in the US. If a Trader Joe's isn't near you, the Wasa brand is readily available in most grocery stores. IKEA also carries crispbread. I don't think they're as good as Trader Joe's, but I was content with them for a long time. I'll also have the crispbread as a snack, topping it with goat cheese and cucumbers, peanut / almond butter, or just having it with a little Kerry Gold butter. In the morning I'll sometimes top it with scrambled eggs. Atkins has a diet plan called Atkins 40 where you are to eat 40 net carbs per day, and one of my colleagues had success with it.
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Movie theater snack
Clementine Sky replied to charley27's topic in POST-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
Many of the theaters here (Los Angeles) serve coffee, so I'll often get an iced latte to sip on. Occasionally I'll bring a pack of dark chocolate almonds. You can find them in single-sized servings at Whole Foods, Trader Joe's, and Target. They have a satisfying crunch and sweetness, but are relatively low in carbs and sugar. You know how much you're consuming since it's in a pack. -
I second the recommendations for Crystal Light and Syntrax nectar. I also enjoyed Unjury's chocolate Protein powder. Torani has sugar free syrups in a variety of flavors that you can use to add some sweetness to shakes. I buy mine at Bed, Bath, and Beyond, but you can also find them at World Market and on Amazon. My favorite flavors are English Toffee and Smores. The World According to Eggface has a lot of creative recipes for Protein Shakes. Just Google her blog name and you'll find them.
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My BMI was in the low 30s at the time of surgery, and is now in the low 20s. I haven't experienced any skin issues. I'd be delighted to wear a bikini, but I'm a bit self conscious about my scars. I wish I had gotten the single incision operation, but that's Water under the bridge. I've lost a little over 70 pounds in the past 11 months, so it's been at a relatively slow pace. The only flabbiness I have is on my upper arms, but that's due to not working them out as much as I should. My main form of exercise has been biking to and from work and whenever it's a feasible form of transportation over the car. I've been thinking about taking up swimming. I did lose some hair at the four month mark, but it fortunately was only noticeable to me and to my husband (because of the hair in the shower drain). I never took Biotin or other Vitamins targeted for the hair because of concerns that they could cause a breakout. What worked best for me was to simply stop washing and blow drying my hair every day. In the winter I'd extend it to every three days, and use a dry shampoo by Lush in between washes. In the summer I've been washing it every other day. I also got some Protein masks from Sally's, and use one once a week.
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Vsg at cer hospital in tijuana or mi doctor? Please help!
Clementine Sky replied to Dteux.vsg's topic in Mexico & Self-Pay Weight Loss Surgery
I have the VSG last August at CER with Dr. Garcia, and my experience was very positive. He and his staff were kind, attentive, and efficient. I experienced minimal pain and discomfort, and felt that I was take care off throughout the duration of my stay. My room was spacious, completely private, and had everything I needed. I brought a HDMI cable to hook my laptop up to the TV so my parents and I could watch movies while I was recovering. My parents were my support team, and they stayed at the Marriott and had a free shuttle back and forth to CER every day. They enjoyed their stay. Other supporters stayed in the room with the patient, but didn't get much rest with the nurses coming in throughout the night (to be expected) and the chaise lounge not being very comfortable. The only negative for CER was that it was extremely noisy when I was there. It's new, and they're still working on construction on some of the floors. There's also construction just outside the hospital. Babies with cleft palates were being treated on the same floor, so naturally they were crying at night. If you're a light sleeper or are prone to headaches from noise, I'd consider bringing some earplugs and comfortable headphones. I also have this tiny portable white noise machine that I take with me to help drown out noise when I'm traveling (I've stayed in a lot of hotels next to airports). I did not receive much follow-up care through Dr. Garcia, but I also didn't seek it out. I could have emailed them with any questions. I was given a folder with nutritional guidelines, and a package with pain medication, bandages and such for the incisions. For me, this was sufficient because I consulted with a local Registered Dietician who has worked with bariatric patients, and my endocrinologist had agreed in advance to provide follow-up care. I'm extremely happy with my decision. I have lost 70 pounds in the past 11 months, have had no complications, have perfect lab results, and have no skin issues, and little hair loss. I've gone from a BMI in the low 30s to a BMI in the low 20s. -
Very low carb diet can cause ketosis? WebMD
Clementine Sky replied to WLSResources/ClothingExch's topic in General Weight Loss Surgery Discussions
I also yo-yoed on ketosis-inducing diets. I was always delighted by how rapidly I'd lose weight, and then crushed at how much more I'd eventually gain back. During the diet my mind would frequently orbit around thoughts about food, and I'd crave carbs constantly. If you're wanting to lose weight quickly before a surgery or for a major event it might be beneficial, but long-term it isn't for most. The Registered Dietitian I consulted with said it's not sustainable for the majority of people. I also had unpleasant breath during ketosis. Worse than that was the impact it had on my mood and the way it dulled me mentally. That being said, I follow someone on Instagram who says she feels amazing, with more clarity and energy, while on ketosis, so she obviously reacts to it much differently than I did. I now eat a relatively low carb diet but not so low that I'm in ketosis. My weight has been coming off slowly, but beyond the typical 1-3 pound fluctuation I haven't gained any. I find that having healthy carbs in my diet makes me crave the unhealthy ones much less. -
When will I stop regretting this surgery?
Clementine Sky replied to LadyJustice007's topic in POST-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
Everyone's experience is unique. I had anticipated being in significant pain immediately following the VSG and for a few weeks afterwards, and was surprised that it was relatively minor. I started my period during the surgery, and it was like the cramps were amplified tenfold that first day. The staff was excellent and gave me ample pain medications that dulled the discomfort. I'd also brought a heating pad with me, and it helped. I was up and walking relatively quickly, and was even told I needed to slow my pace. After being released from the hospital I felt well enough to go shopping. I had the surgery in Tijuana due to insurance not being willing to cover any of the expenses (my BMI was under 35), and live in Los Angeles a couple of hours away. We went sightseeing in San Diego and shopped at an outlet mall on the way back. The first couple of weeks I was more tired than normal, but I had very little pain. I did have some stomach issues at the one month mark when I slowly began eating solid foods again. I had to revert to liquids for a while. I did worry about dehydration. My doctor actually told me to have Gatorade since it had calories I needed and my stomach tolerated it well. It's not something to have as part of your everyday consumption, but while sick it helped me. I do think it's helpful to equip yourself with the knowledge that it is normal to have regrets post surgery I watched many YouTube videos by people who had the VSG and their experiences, read a book about the "sleeved life", and read through this forum and others. Repeatedly people said they had "buyer's remorse" in their first month. Over time as they healed and adapted the regrets faded and they were grateful for their decision. I've actually never had any regrets about having the VSG, but I think knowing that if I did I could persevere through them helped me. How did you find a doctor to see you if you had your surgery in Mexico? I'm going to be doing the surgery in Mexico on 8/5 and I still don't have a doctor to see in Florida when I get back. I'm getting scared Sent from my Nexus 6 using the BariatricPal App My endocrinologist recommended the VSG to me because other patients with PCOS have benefitted from it, and has given me follow-up care. I really haven't required much beyond blood tests, which I'd need anyway for my other conditions. My surgeon gave me a list of what I should get checked, and I just gave that to my doctor. If you don't have a primary care physician or another local doctor, you could make an appointment with one before the surgery for an annual or a wellness check, and then ask about having blood work in six months through that office. I've actually had success finding doctors through Yelp and other online reviews. I read through the reviews, and then check on my insurance's site to make sure the ones with solid reputations are in my network, then call and make the appointment. Best wishes to you! -
I take two Flintstones Complete with Iron, 2 1000 IU of Vitamin D, and Peppermint Oil capsules (for PCOS) daily. My lab work has been excellent. I've tried several other brands of Multivitamins, but unfortunately most either made me feel nauseous (even when taken with food) or caused acne breakouts. I did have a positive experience with Vitamin Code for Women by Garden of Life, but simply reverted to Flintstones for the simplicity of being able to buy them at virtually any store. I also love being able to take them without food or Water. I don't take calcium because I consume a sufficient amount of it in my diet.
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Happy Birthday to Me!
Clementine Sky replied to O2BSkinny's topic in Tell Your Weight Loss Surgery Story
What a fantastic birthday gift to be able to look in the mirror and be happy with the person you see. You look terrific, and I bet you feel even better. Happy birthday! -
Are sleeved folks able to eat popcorn at any point?
Clementine Sky replied to kadie777's topic in POST-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
I had popcorn for the first time about three months out when I was at the movies. Besides one bag of mango coconut popcorn my husband couldn't resist buying at Trader Joe's, and I couldn't resist having a handful of, I've only had popcorn at movies, so it's a fairly rare snack. I've never experienced any problems with it, but try to avoid having it on a regular basis. -
How many incisions did you end up with?
Clementine Sky replied to pewpewpewpew's topic in POST-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
I have three scars from the incisions, one which is the about the size of a finger nail, the other the size of two, and the third is about half an inch, and then a drain scar. That's the one that is almost invisible now. I had surgery in August of 2015, and they've all faded considerably. Still, if I could do it over again I probably would have gotten the single incision since it was only $1000 more through my surgeon.