NewChiGirl

May’17 sleever here, UIC Dr. Hassan Band to Vsg revision: 5/23/17 HW: 315+ Starting weight: 294 Surgery Day: 281 Current: 219 Goal 170

I’m about 7 months out and should probably know the answer to this question...BUT can you stretch your sleeve with liquids or chugging water? Sometimes I feel uncomfortable after a couple of gulps and then get worried... Thanks!!! Band to Vsg revision: 5/23/17 HW: 315+ Starting weight: 294 Surgery Day: 281 Current: 219 Goal 170

I had surgery at UIC with Dr. Hassan in May 2017. Great experience all around, if you show them you’re committed and serious about taking this step then it will be smooth sailing. Everyone works together as a team. DM if you have any further questions! Best of luck. Band to Vsg revision: 5/23/17 HW: 315+ Starting weight: 294 Surgery Day: 281 Current: 219 Goal 170

Look for other bodily cues as well. My nose starts to run when I'm done. It's so weird but a good signal. Band to Vsg revision: 5/23/17 HW: 315+ Starting weight: 294 Surgery Day: 281 Current: 221 Goal 170

Really depends on what's going on inside. I had it done in one procedure and had a TON of scar tissue and it took him like 4.5 hours. Most of it was removing the adhesions. I had my band in for 9.5 years. Good luck! Band to Vsg revision: 5/23/17 HW: 315+ Starting weight: 294 Surgery Day: 281 Current: 226 Goal 170

Go slow! I hit it hard and wound up with blisters galore and super exhausted. 20 minutes of varied cardio and a bit of weights is a good start. Good luck!! Band to Vsg revision: 5/23/17 HW: 315+ Starting weight: 294 Surgery Day: 281 Current: 226 Goal 170

My last test showed my iron was 20 the scales indicates that 35 is the low end...no call yet from my NUT. Band to Vsg revision: 5/23/17 HW: 315+ Starting weight: 294 Surgery Day: 281 Current: 226 Goal 170

Hi, I'm curious what your iron level was? I've always been iron deficient but not too bad. Just had my Levels checked and my iron is super low. At what point is infusion an option? Band to Vsg revision: 5/23/17 HW: 315+ Starting weight: 294 Surgery Day: 281 Current: 226 Goal 170

I brought: Chapstick Deodorant (didn't use) Phone charger + extension cord Magazines (didn't even take them out) Non-slip flip flops Extra clothes (didn't use, went home in what I came in) Hair ties Band to Vsg revision: 5/23/17 HW: 315+ Starting weight: 294 Surgery Day: 281 Current: 235 Goal 170

Right?! I thought that was odd!! Their practice really goes by statistics and average excess weight loss per month to calculate this but I think it is really unrealistic for a second timer especially. When I mentioned that I was stalled he said it was too early for a stall. He's a great doctor and I really trust him but I think he may not have real life data about what goes on post-op. Thanks! My brain still can't see the loss even though everyone else does. Band to Vsg revision: 5/23/17 HW: 315+ Starting weight: 294 Surgery Day: 281 Current: 235 Goal 170

Right?! I thought that was odd!! Their practice really goes by statistics and average excess weight loss per month to calculate this but I think it is really unrealistic for a second timer especially. When I mentioned that I was stalled he said it was too early for a stall. He's a great doctor and I really trust him but I think he may not have real life data about what goes on post-op. Thanks! My brain still can't see the loss even though everyone else does. Band to Vsg revision: 5/23/17 HW: 315+ Starting weight: 294 Surgery Day: 281 Current: 235 Goal 170

Hi all! First I love my tool and I know I wouldn't have been as successful as I have been without it. Saying that I'm frustrated with a stall and bouncing between the same 3/4 lbs. How the heck can I gain 2-3 lbs in an hour!!! [emoji15][emoji30] I know I shouldn't weigh as often as I do and that that is part of my misery. What can I say I'm addicted!!! On 9/1 I had my 3 month follow up and my doctor said he wanted me at goal (170) by 6 months (12/1). That's another 60 or so pounds and about 20lbs/month. I don't see how that's possible unless I go on a 3 month liquid diet. And with this stall my mind cannot see the finish line. I workout everyday burn around 250-300 calories per workout, keep my carbs low, average about 1000 calories/day, between 80-100 grams of protein, I honestly stink at water and that could be better. I'm strictly sticking to my plan. The NUT wants me to come in, I don't exactly know why, where can I tighten up except my water? I always had it in my mind that I would lose slower because this is my second procedure and was ok with that but now I'm worrying that I'm messing this up. It's like they've never heard that revision patients might lose at a slower pace. Any and all advice/critiques are welcome. Band to Vsg revision: 5/23/17 HW: 315+ Starting weight: 294 Surgery Day: 281 Current: 235 Goal 170

Awww thank you! [emoji5] Your doctor is right if you want it and work for it you'll see results. It is day and night from the band. People talk about band restriction, what?!? I was only ever stuck, sick or hungry for 9,5 years. This is a whole new ball game. I had a TON of scar tissue, it was all over my spleen and liver and everywhere else inside. It took the doctor forever to operate, my husband thought something terrible had happened. You'll see the difference is incredible. I'm not very familiar with Hashimoto's, just try to research as much as you can about your condition and VSG. Even though we had that band mindset and should know how to eat post-op for me it was a learning experience and still is. A few bites of a protein and I'm done. The band was never like that for me. Any questions feel free to PM me. Band to VSG revision:5/23/17 HW: 315 Pre-op: 294 SW: 283 CW: 249 GW: 175

I've heard that also they came to that conclusion that we lose slower because our metabolism has already taken a hit and is a bit shot. Personally, I didn't loose much with the band, maybe 20 lbs., I was nowhere near goal. I immediately has issues with it post op. That being said my new surgeon who did my revision doesn't feel like it should be an issue getting to 170 and even 160 which is about a 120-130 loss. It may take longer but I didn't gain all this weight overnight either. I will admit stalls are frustrating as hell, there is no consistency in losing. Time of the month bloat and water retention is evil and messes with your head. I began to workout 6 days a week at 4 weeks post-op, cardio and strength. I always eat my protein first and if it's not a day where I can meet my protein requirements Premier is there aS a pinch hitter for me. Like the others I log all food that I put in my mouth, even the occasional bad stuff. Just take it one day at a time. Best of luck!! Band to VSG revision:5/23/17 HW: 315 Pre-op: 294 SW: 283 CW: 246 GW: 175

Glad to hear you are better! My surgeon also said I had scar tissue on my liver & spleen from the band and it took him forever to get it out. Thank God that trash is out of us now!! Best of luck! Band to VSG revision:5/23/17 HW: 315 Pre-op: 294 SW: 283 CW: 246 GW: 175

Congratulations!! Band to VSG revision:5/23/17 HW: 315 Pre-op: 294 SW: 283 CW: 264.6 GW: 175

Chapstick, extension cord for cell phone charger, get prescriptions filled before you leave. I brought so much stuff and didn't use anything except the chapstick and charger. Band to VSG revision:5/23/17 HW: 315 Pre-op: 294 SW: 283 CW: 264.6 GW: 175

I'm post-op but my best piece of advice is to keep busy. Idle mind and hands seek snacks. Best of luck!! Band to VSG revision:5/23/17 HW: 315 Pre-op: 294 SW: 283 CW: 254 GW: 175

Hi ladies, I was sleeved 3 weeks ago. 1st period on the horizon. Since we cannot take NSAIDS for a while what are you using instead for those days that cramps are just unbearable? I was taking prescription strength Ibuprofen for the first 2-3 days along with non-traditional remedies. Tylenol just doesn't cut it for me. Tramadol makes me sick. What has been your experience? Thanks!! Band to VSG revision:5/23/17 HW: 315 Pre-op: 294 SW: 283 CW:268.7 GW: 175

Working hard!! Thanks and God bless! Band to VSG revision:5/23/17 HW: 315 Pre-op: 294 SW: 283 CW:268.7 GW: 175

Great job!!! You're an inspiration! Band to VSG revision:5/23/17 HW: 315 Pre-op: 294 SW: 283 CW:268.7 GW: 175

Maybe that is what your left quadrant pain is. I'm only 2 weeks out but occasionally it hurts. Maybe it's a build up of scar tissue? Band to VSG revision:5/23/17 HW: 315 Pre-op: 294 SW: 283 CW:268.7 GW: 175

What side was your port on? Mine was the left. Band to VSG revision:5/23/17 HW: 315 Pre-op: 294 SW: 283 CW:268.7 GW: 175

Definitely call your team's dietician and see their recommendations. My practice wants 60-80 grams of protein, as low carb as possible. 800-1000 calories. I'm only 2 weeks out and they said to continue supplementing with shakes to get to the required protein. I'm on the pureed stage and after a few bites I'm done. So thankful my band was removed! Best of luck!!! Band to VSG revision:5/23/17 HW: 315 Pre-op: 294 SW: 283 CW:268.7 GW: 175

I met with my surgeon today. He is very satisfied with the results. I did not meet with the dietician today, (have an appt on 6/20) but his post-op nurse recommended purees like cottage cheese, eggs, chicken blended up with some low fat mayo or mustard to make it easier to go down. Since I won't be able to get in all the protein from food yet they recommended staying on protein shakes in between meals. They said to exercise as much as I can tolerate. Surgeon did recommend not to force food, if I am having a hard time with a specific food he said to pull back and go to full liquids. He doesn't think forcing food and being in pain is worth it. Sometimes we just need more time to progress to the next stage. Hope that helps!! VSG:5/23/17 HW: 315 Pre-op: 294 SW: 283 CW:268.7 GW: 175