cindi gant

Everyone's journey is different. If you are concerned you have not lost enough. If you are a year out, your doctor should have u scheduled for your 1 year follow up.

I was sleeved 23 months ago. My weight occasionally fluctuates 2-3 pounds. 15 years ago I had WLS called gastroplasty and lost about 120 pounds. I eventually regained all and then some. It is possible to eat around any WLS and regain the weight. I know people that have regained all or maybe 30 - 50 pounds of their weight with the band, rny and sleeve. That is why we are told surgery is just a tool.

I returned to work after 2 weeks. I needed 3 weeks but did not have a choice. By about week 6 I could feel my energy returning. Hang in there, it will get better. Follow the rules. Eat and drink and walk like you are supposed to.

My doctor said to take eithet Miralax or Milk of Magnesia. I take either one 4 times a week. I was sleeved 22 months ago. Do not take laxatives as they can cause permanent damage after long term use.

Dallas, I know it has been a while since your original post. I hope you are doing better by now. I hope you have seen your surgeon for resolution.3 Lean Cuisines is not healthy for anyone that has had WLS. It is a lot of food and the sodium is very high.

During months 3 - 6 after my sleeve I constantly felt off balance. Like I was going to fall over. I did not see my doctor during this time but I should have. I was not being consistent with the vitamins because I could not find one I liked. I kept looking and finally found one. Once I got on track with the vitamins my balance got back to normal. I did not feel my legs were weak so this may not be rhe same thing.

Beware of slider foods. Popcorn, chips, pretzels, mashed potatoes etc... These are foods you are physically able to eat a scary amount of. Control the food. Don't let it control you.

PB is ok once you are on solids. I don't know when you had surgery. The health food stores sell PB2. I have not tried it but I have heard it tastes very good

Being scared is normal. See if your doctor offers support groups in yout area. Most hospitals do. Gi listen to what others say. Yes, the horror stories are out there but the mortality rate is usually less than 1%. I weighed 350 pounds 22 months ago. Today I weigh 206. I decided I would rather die trying than die getting fatter. Today I am very active. I exercise 4 or 5 days a week. I no longer wear size 4X and the steering wheel no longer touches my stomach. I can comfortably fit in a movie theater seat. I am off all 3 diabetes meds and both BP meds. Life is great! Do your research and be as informed as possible.

I had the sleeve on Dec 16, 2013. On Christmas day I had broth soup and 2 tbsp of cranberry sauce. The smooth kind from a can. I figured it was similar to jello. I did not feel deprived or sad that day. I knew I was doing the right thing for me. I had other days where I was grieving the loss of food, but not that day. I went to a dinner party and took my own soup. That was hard but I survived. You can do this. It is so worth it.

I am also a food addict. I see a psychologist who specializes in treating addictions. I am 22 months post sleeve and I still struggle. Every meal is a chance to start over. When I first gave up fast food I started slowly. Like, I had not had fast food in 3 days. So then I tried to make it 7 days. Then 10, 14, 21 days and so on. Before I knew it I had not had ff in 64 days. So start slow. Once you have surgery you will not have a choice. You won't want it. You really won"t want that greasy feeling in your throat. Today I can eat a few fries but not many. I eat a burger occasionally but it's different. I only eat about 3 or 4 bites with the bun. Then I take off the bun and eat a few more bites minus the bun. I grieved over the food for a couple of months after WLS. Today life is 1000% better than it was. You will get thru this. Attend support groups in your area. You are not alone.

I am not crazy about Muscle Milk, it's ok. Be sure whatever protein drink you get is high protein and is on your doctors list. There are a lot of protein drinks that are for building muscle and gaining weight. GNC and the Vitamin Shoppe have refrigerators and sell single serve drinks so you can try different brands and flavors before buying cases.

My fave protein drink is Pure Protein. It is pre-made in a can. Has 35g protein and all the flavors are good but my fave is Cookies and Cream. The Vitamin Shoppe and GNC sell it. You can get it online and I think Sam's has it. After surgery the protein drinks are a must. It is the only way to get your protein in the beginning. Also load up on Sugar Free Popsicles. Walmart sells them. Enjoy the journey. It will change your life! If you can attend support groups before surgery, do so! You will learn some great tips and get local support from people that are ahead if you on this journey.

Your pre-op appt is just to go over what happens the day of surgery and discuss your test results. Take a list of questions. Be sure you understand everything about your procedure. If you are having the sleeve, do you know you will no longer be able to take ibuprofin or aspirin? Have they told you about chewing your food 30 times and not drinking with your meal? These are little things but very important. If you are not having the sleeve there are different rules. Be sure you understand them. Also attend in person support groups after surgery. Go before surgery too if you can. You will learn so much from others. This will change your life. I wish you well.

If you have serious comorbidity or other health issues you should do it asap. I don't know what your situation is or how much weight you need or want to lose. I started out at 350 and in 6 months I lost 100 pounds. By then I was off of all BP meds and 1 diabetes med. My health has coninued to improve. I am now 22 months out from being sleeved and I am off the final 2 diabetes meds. I have lost 143 pounds and I am working on the final 40. Life is great. You have to do what is best for you. If surgery wipes out your bank account and physically you can afford to wait, then maybe rhat makes more sense. I am currently unemployed and my bank account is nowhere near what it should be. So write down the pros and cons of the options. If you can really afford it... GO FOR IT. Either way, surgery will change your life. I wish you well.

Do what you are comfortable with. I was sleeved 22 months ago and this was a revision. I have told everyone and I discuss it on FB. I need lots of support so I get it everywhere. I know people that only told their spouse and that's it. I personally do not know anyone that has successfully walked this road alone. There is no rule on how many people you need to tell. Be sure to attend support groups in person. You will learn so much and you will meet others that share your experiences. The support from our loved ones is needed but unless they have walked in our shoes, they will never truly understand the challenges and frustrations. It is totally worth it though.

For me the biggest adjustments were 1. Not drinking 30 minutes before and after eating 2.cutting my food to the size of an aspirin 3. Chewing each bite 30 times 4. Eating slow. I try to put down my fork thoroughly chew 30 times then swallow before picking up my fork.

I love this article about Yvonne. I live in Dallas and I am looking for a way to give back to other WLS patients. I am passionate about supporting others on this journey. I am determined to find a way to make this happen.

Everyone is different, so don't compare yourself to others too much. First of all, it depends on how much you lost before surgery and what your starting weight was. Someone who is heavier will probably lose more initially than someone who weighs less. Also, you may be retaining Fluid due to the IV's. I know people that lost a lot the first week (mostly Water weight) and I know others that did not lose anything until 2 or 3 weeks later. Hang in there. It will get better. If you don't start losing in another day or two do not hesitate to call your doctor. His nurses and staff are trained to assist with post surgery matters. I am 22 months post sleeve and I have lost 142 pounds. This takes time. Trust the process. ** Walmart sells Popsicle brand of sugar free Popsicles, tropical flavors. They are yummy!

I had the sleeve 22 months ago. I attend support groups at least once a month, plus I see a psychologist, exercise and I have a large support system. I hope you can attend support groups. For me the support is key. I know I could not do this alone. I hope your husband will realize you will be healthier and probably happier. What is he afraid of? This is life changing. I can do things I could not do before. I wish you all the best.