TipTop in TX

Before surgery, I have had an issue with low back pain for several years...no structural problems. I first put it down to my weight, then my poor posture, then my mattress (got a new one). I would get massages and had a few chiro adjustments and they would give a little temporary relief. I tried rolling on that noodle thing and it would help if my back "popped." HERE IS THE WEIRD PART. After I had my gastric sleeve on March 16th and I went home, I had NO back pain. NONE! I was over-the-moon. I could not believe it. I was walking around like I was 25. I felt wonderful. I realized how happy having that pain gone made me. Fast forward two weeks and the back pain has gradually come back. Now it is back where it was. I am trying to figure out if it is the frequent sitting (i'm in school and doing homework most of the day), the type of chair, the low-ish seat height on my sofa or something else (maybe a med)? I am so bummed out about this. I mean I expected that my back pain would improve after I lost weight, but never expected it to be completely gone so soon after surgery. Someone asked if it was mental that my pain was gone after surgery, but I don't think so because that was not something I was expecting, it was just gone. Has this happened to anyone else? Any suggestions, comments, experiences are appreciated.

cat.jackson89, that is my hope too. I have been trying out a different bed in our house for the past 4 nights. Hubbie and I got one of those fancy split frame, memory foam beds where the mattresses bend like a hospital bed. He likes all the fancy gadgets, but I have often wondered if that bed it part of the problem. Since I have been sleeping in the other bed (it also has a new mattress, but not memory foam), my back pain has diminished. It is still achy in the morning, but not painful and I get up with more speed and no stiffness. I think I am going to have to change the mattress on my side of the bed and forego the fancy mechanics on my side. I am also going to get a new office chair because I think that may be aggravating it later in the day.

Just saw a response to the article first mentioned about The Biggest Losers show in this post. I have to say I did not know they worked out so much or ate so little either. That by itself would have let me know that was probably unsustainable. It is a sort of rebuttal and realistic stance by The Washington Post that puts it all into better perspective and is more encouraging. https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/wonk/wp/2016/05/05/why-the-weight-loss-study-everyone-has-been-sharing-is-kind-of-misleading/

Hello All, I have found this site very beneficial and I wanted to give back. Until I found this site, I had a hard time finding info from people in their 50’s. One thing I've noticed in the postings is that nobody puts their bougie size, which can be very important regarding complications or symptoms you have. MY BACKGROUND: 55 and have been overweight starting in my late 20's after divorce. It was harder to get the weight off after my hysterectomy in my 40's. Best wt. loss was with WW of 45 pounds, but so discouraging when you work hard week-after-week and they'd say "Congratulations! You've lost 0.2 lbs." My BMI was 39 before approval. My highest weight was 222 lbs and my goal weight is 145 lbs. I had been thinking about the sleeve for a while, even though I saw a lot of people fail with it, but others were successful. I had great insurance and it covered 35 to 40 BMI with comorbidities and no required nutrition counseling. From my approval to my surgery date was about 45 days. I had high blood pressure, high cholesterol and sleep apnea. Even though there was no required nutrition counseling, I felt it was important so I did do 2 sessions. Psych Eval was no stress and I learned about a program they have that is 12 weeks and helps you with making the transition emotionally, nutritionally and with tools to help with the changes the surgery brings to your life. THE INITIAL PLAN: Surgery on Wednesday with a 36 bougie and I would have an ON-Q pain relief system. I would be home on Thursday. The 36 bougie is just what I wanted. I did not want to lose weight too fast and I felt it would put me more at risk for some of the side effects that happen after really quick weight loss, i.e. hair loss, sagging skin, nausea/vomiting, swallowing pain, etc. Bougie size range for a sleeve procedure is generally 30 to 42, but can go up to 50 and helps the surgeon get the staple line correct for the size of the pouch selected during surgery. It is a tube that is removed after the pouch is stapled. WHAT ACTUALLY HAPPENED: When I woke up in my hospital room, I had a JP drain! WTH? I wasn't supposed to have a drain, I specifically asked prior to surgery. I had my IV's, my incisions and my ON-Q pain med delivery bulb. I also had a Dilaudid PCA IV pump. I felt pretty good but I had a dry mouth. Be sure to ask for mouth swabs, they help. An hour later, up to use the bathroom and a couple of hours after that, I was walking in the hallway. Pain was not bad, but had moderate gas aches in abdomen and chest area. It was all manageable with my PCA pump. I would not be doing my leak test until the next day. For some reason, they brought me ice chips. I didn't know if they should have, but I didn't complain! LOL Anyway, I would take only a teaspoon about every 1.5 -2 hours. I would let it melt in my mouth and swish it around before swallowing. I did not want any problems with my pouch, but I WAS thirsty. The Physician's Assistant came in and I asked about the drain. She really didn't know why, but said it would come out before I went home. I had my leak test the next day and everything was okay. I was started on a clear liquid diet. I was so excited I ordered chicken broth and TWO popsicles. OMG! I WISH I HAD KNOWN! This is the part I did not expect. Whenever I swallowed any liquid, I had pain. It was awful! I felt this SEVERE burning, acid reflux, heartburn type pain. It was so bad, I did not want to swallow. I was wondering what the heck I had done to myself. I told myself I wasn’t even THAT big yet, maybe I should have tried harder before doing this surgery. My thought was if I had known I would have this kind of pain anytime I drank, I would not have done it. I was in agony. We tried simethicone (Gas-X), very little help. We tried simethicone with Zofran (nausea) that helped a little more. I realized that for me, warm fluids worked better than cold. I still was not getting much in. By this time the surgeon had come in and I asked her about the drain. What I learned is that there had been a misfire with the staple gun that caused a tear that had to be hand sutured. This narrowed the space and size of the bougie. I now had a 32 Bougie. What can I say, “STUFF HAPPENS.” But now I knew what had happened and I feel like that is why I was having so many unexpected problems with swallowing. That might not be totally true, but that was my mindset going in. I have to say I was pretty bummed out. I could not believe I had a 32 bougie and all these symptoms and pain. I wanted to cry. All I could think was that I had messed myself up by having the surgery. I was so down. My poor husband knew I wasn’t okay, but what could he say? My sisters were feeling bad for me. After feeling sorry for myself for about an hour I figured I just had to do what I needed to and take the lumps I’d brought on myself. Because I still wasn’t drinking much and my blood pressure was high, I decided to stay another day. I felt they needed to get my blood pressure under control and get me drinking better or I would go home, become dehydrated and have to come right back. I AM SO GLAD I STAYED!!! The evening nurse decided to try a combo of simethicone, Zofran and HyCet (pain med). I had stopped using the PCA pump because it really didn’t help. That combo cocktail saved me. From that point on I could swallow without pain. I did a lot of soft burping, but no pain when swallowing. Warm fluids were still better than cold ones, but I could drink slowly. I did well during the night and went home on Friday. I knew I could keep up with the liquids enough to not be readmitted. HOME NOW: When I got home I overdid it a bit. I shouldn’t have been bending down or trying to straighten up or wash clothes or.... After a couple of hours, I took a nap. I woke up, took my cocktail med mixture and felt fine in about 20 minutes. Drinking is fine, but I have to remember to take small swallows. I guess I don’t know what a sip is…LOL. I just put a swallow of liquid in my mouth and then, actually swallow the liquids in 3 swallows. I know it’s weird, but that is what works for me. Friday I went to bed about 10 pm. and took my cocktail before. I slept until 4 am, used the bathroom, walked around which helped to loosen me up some. I decided not to take any meds and see what the morning was like. I slept okay. I was in a little pain when I got up, but moved around, did incentive spirometry breathing and coughing techniques. Trying to organize how I was going to take the meds, the Protein drinks, the Water is crazy. I thought I had it down before I went to the hospital, but the hospital gave me information after the surgery, more info from the doctor’s office, more discharge instructions and additional info from the nutritionist. It’ll probably take me a couple of days to figure it out. Right now I had on the computer. I have to remind myself to get up and walk around every two hours. My dog wants to play, but I know she’ll get too active for me, so I just look at her and briefly pet her so as not to encourage her too much. I am off to take start my regimen of meds and fluids. I hope I have been helpful. Thank you all so much for what you have contributed to me.

I will try the seat adjustment, christinamo7. It's probably a multitude of things that are contributing. It's an interesting thought about the steroid shot during surgery, I'll have to ask my surgeon because if so, I want another one of those! Lol

I am finally past the pureed stage and am looking at the Bariactric Pal store. I know Quest gets great nods, but what are you favorite items from there? I am not interested in the soups and drinks, mainly snacks. I like trying new items. In my previous life I loved Lays and Ruffles potato chips, so I guess that makes me a "salty, crunchy" girl, but I liked chocolate too. Thanks.

Loved the idea of the crustless quiche, especially the ability to freeze. I used to make a Breakfast casserole before sleeve. I am going to try that today. Thanks for the tips.

I just finished that phase. Thank goodness! LOL. I am not an expert, but here is what I ate. I mainly had Protein shakes because I could not get in all my protein with adding the pureed food. I just could not eat enough at a time. I did add unflavored Protein powder to tomato basil Soup or hummus. When hubbie and I went out to eat, I would get soup or a soft fish and mush it up. I ate so little of it though. I had a wonderful crab bisque at a restaurant twice during this period. My go to was Shelly's Ricotta Bake. The link is to a woman who has LOTS of recipes during various phases. She has many I plan on trying, especially her ice cream. I pureed chicken salad and chicken (easier to puree when they are cold), but could only eat about an ounce at a time. I am on regular food now and I can still only eat about 2 oz of chicken. I didn't have a lot of time, but my stick blender and my Magic Bullet did a great in pureeing food. I did puree some Beans, but I don't like refried beans. Mostly I drank liquid consistency foods and pureed as a side.

I ate this for several days during my puree phase. It is a nice recipe, especially if you are wanting something with an Italian food slant. I pretended I was eating lasagna. Really liked it and make it again. I ate it without actually pureeing it.

Found this information about dental problems. Seems to be more of an issue with bypass & RnY http://www.dimensionsofdentalhygiene.com/2013/01_January/Features/Treating_Patients_After_Weight_Loss_Surgery.aspx This one is from 2009 and may be the basis for the first article. http://www.scielo.br/scielo.php?script=sci_arttext&pid=S1678-77572009000700002

I am 4 weeks post gastric sleeve. Prior to surgery I have been using a CPAP with mask covering nose for 4 years. I had moderate sleep apnea. I have done great on my CPAP without any problems until about a week after my surgery. About 3 times per week (2-3 times per night), I have awakened with my mouth extremely dry. My teeth, throat, tongue...everything is super parched. I sit up and drink some Water and go back to sleep. I never had this problem before surgery and was never a mouth breather. Anybody have this problem and/or have any ideas why this would happen only after surgery? I have my follow-up appointment with my surgeon next week and I will definitely ask about it, but wondered if anybody had a similar experience. Thanks.

When I went for my sleeve on 3-16-16, the anesthesiologist talked to me about my CPAP. I told him I had been using it for about 3-4 years. He took a look at my throat and said, when you lose your weight, you'll be able to come off of it. I guess it was my mouth anatomy he was checking out. That was really encouraging, so I will keep my fingers crossed he could tell that with just a look in my mouth.

Hi Everyone, @@kmorri - I have not been getting my fluids in since surgery, but I get in the Protein. Just yesterday I was able to actually swallow Water, not just sip it. That will make ALL the difference in getting my water in. @@KristenLe - Yes, my CPAP has humidifcation, but I did have to tighten my mask a few nights ago. @@kcsprong - Well, I have lost 10% of my weight, so I will have to check that out. @@Inner Surfer Girl - It has been a month for me. I think I will make an appointment with my CPAP provider and see if they can get me in this week. @@Bobbis - I think you might be right! I woke up last night and I notice air coming out of my mouth. I bet the pressure is too high. I really didn't think I would be making a change in my CPAP this early. @@maxcimax - I am hoping for the same thing! I hate traveling with my CPAP. Just one of the health problems I hoped to address with my weight loss. Great suggestions everyone. I'll get on them now.

I figure you will get more than an "Ata girl." Your weight loss is amazing and an inspiration to others. You were one of the first people to responded to some of my questions. Your helpfulness and encouragement is so welcome in these days of cynicism and negativity. Congratulations for making it through the year and making the rest of us look like slackers! LOL Just kidding! YOU ROCK - - - Inner Surfer Girl!!!!!!

I also had a problem preop of eating too fast. The tips from VSGAnn2014 and Pink Ninja will be very helpful. I'll get that barista app. I have also noticed (I'm 4 weeks post op VSG), that I was having a hard time with the "feeling full" cue. I felt blah yesterday and realized I am overeaten. I think if I remember to slow down, I WOULD feel the cue sooner. This is something I am working on and hope to get better at because I do want to maintain my weight once I get to goal. I've noticed if I stop when I am about halfway done and wait for about 10 minutes, I get that full feeling. P.S. I Still am not getting in my 64 ounces in, more like 40 even with the Protein shakes.

Amazing thread! Every one of you men look fantastic AND younger. Great job and I have to say an inspiration.

I had surgery on a Wednesday and was back in class on Monday. I felt fine and did not have any problems. I made sure I carried my rolling bags for books. I also sit down a lot while in classes. I was not in pain, except for slight soreness from trying to pick up and wash laundry. I am 4 weeks post op and have only noticed a little tiredness in the past week, but I have been up late working on major projects and deliverables. Each person is different, but I knew from my past surgical history, I would be okay.

I'm 4 weeks post op and had a lower BMI (39). I did not need help after my surgery, but my husband did drive me around for the first two or three days. The problem that I had was forgetting I just had surgery and trying to do regular housework like washing clothes. Me bending over suddenly after surgery to pick up thing was the only thing that hurt for a few days.

Well said siddarhi! I got exactly where you were coming from. People like that need to go to dating apps, not troll on Facebook looking for targets. Glad you blocked him. People don't seem to want to accept a NO! Unfortunately, in our current social media climate there'll probably be five more that try to fill that gap. :-(

I was similar to @bayougirlmrsc. Back in the day when I was dating I was super cautious. I would not only tell friends the login for the handle of the person that I was going out with, I would leave a message on my own voicemail at home with all their information. I would tell my sister when I met them, where they allegedly worked, what kind of car they drove, anything like that, just in case. I Never let anybody know where I lived and I would block my number when I called them on the phone. we would meet in public places for several dates. Sometimes people disregard their intuition, because he seems like it's such a nice guy or he is so cute. I usually go on up to three dates To decide to continue or not. One of the creepiest persons I Ever met was not online, but it was someone I met at a dance club. He was funny and a great dancer. When we met for a first date it was fun but he said something minor that rang an slight alarm bell. We talked on the phone for a week or two after that. The second time we met he was disappointed that I didn't let him pick me up. I told him I hope he understood me being cautious and being a single lady. Phone for another week or so. During those calls though there were some contradictions and some possible red flags. The Third date I walked in and he said something like, was I surprised he wasn't wearing a ski mask. I told him we we weren't on the same wavelength and I got up and left. I got several hangup calls for about two or three weeks after that and all I could think of was thank God she did not know where I lived or anything about me really. This was probably 14 years ago and to think of the complexity of social media and online dating and how people can make up anything other than their "real" selves, it's kind of scary. Glad I've been married for the last 13 years and don't have to think about that now. The tragedy of the story is her children that are left behind and who will have to deal with the horrific story of how she died for the rest of their lives. Thank goodness their father is in their lives.

Hello, I am a new sleever also, March 16th. My biggest problem will probably be bread and Pasta. My solution is to not even try it. I am going to my first WLS support group this evening and am excited about that. I hope to meet people that are positive and supportive. I don't know anybody personally who has had a sleeve where I live. The forums are a life-saver. Well, I've got to run. Meeting is in 45 minutes. I live in Texas and it takes forever to get anywhere. Congrats!

It's tough with text. It's hard to know the intent. Hey shortstuff4ever78, I didn't think JamieLogical was trying to knock you down. I think they may have been trying to put it in perspective. When you posted the counts, the first thing that ran through my head was, "Are those numbers good?" I am newly sleeved too - March 16th and I do think what to eat has been a challenge. Your points about ice cream's fat and sugar was helpful and points out it's not all about certain numbers, but looking at the whole. I get helpful information from almost every post and got some from both you and JamieLogical. Thanks.

Red goddess, I am doing really well. In fact i feel so good that I had forgotten that I had surgery. I bent over to pick up something yesterday and OUCH did that hurt. It feels like I pulled something, but besides that I'm doing fine. I am getting all my Protein now but I am not getting in my 64+ ounces of Fluid yet. My doctor is aware and she said generally at two week mark probably will not get in all the fluids. She said that about 40 ounces is about what most people are getting in at this point and that it will get better every week. I am on the purée foods now which in general I think it's pretty gross. I figured that I might just do liquids and Soups but I broke down on Sunday and decided to puree some chicken salad. I added some Chicken broth to it and it tasted pretty good. it didn't have as much protein as I want so I bought some unflavored Protein powder to add to things like that. Will have to see if it affects the taste at all. Thank you Robin 7142 for the sippy cup tip. That's a really good idea because I swear I don't think I know how to sip. LOL I'm going to my first weight-loss surgery support group meeting tomorrow evening so I'm excited about that. I'm hoping to pick up some tips and learn about other people's journey. Actually I'm going to three different ones to see which one I like over the next couple of weeks. When I did weight watchers always found attending the meetings helped me the most. Someone else suggested the toddlers silverware set and that really helped a lot. I'm also trying to chew my food 30 times. It made me realize that I normally eat fairly fast so slowing down is going to be my thing to work on. Luckily my sleeve Won't let me eat or swallow too fast. If I do, I get A lot of growling and constant "internal" belchy feeling.

I saw my surgeon today for my 2-weeks post op visit and I asked about physical activity limits. She said, light walking on treadmill or elliptical - but no intense or extreme workout. She also said I could ride my bike, again nothing intensive. She said nothing else until after my 6-week checkup.

My husband was not on board witih me having the surgery either. We have both gained weight over the 12 years of our marriage, so he is overweight too. His biggest concern was possiblity of death or complications because he thought of this as an "elective surgery." My BMI was 39 and he felt we could "work on it." I told him we had been working on it for 9 years without appreciable results. We had A LOT of talks about it and he was not budging. I finally told him point blank how unhappy I was with my weight, my health, my joint and back aches. I could not climb the stairs in my house without feeling winded. My body felt older than my insides. I told him this was something I needed to do for me and I hoped he would be supportive. Honestly, I think in his head he was also remembering Kanye West's mother dying after her plastic surgery. I told him that she had contraindications and did not stay in the hospital to be monitored and this was a different situation. After months of talking, I told him I was going to have it done. He has been the supportive, loving husband he always been since that time. I am 2 weeks post op and he has been so sweet. I think if you already have a loving husbands/spouse/partner, they will rise to the occassion and support you.