Berry78

4/21/17 270lbs

90% on plan, 10% off. Get a calendar and schedule a couple treats a month. Plan, look forward to, and enjoy! This is training for the rest of your life. Choco tacos happen! Embrace them as the occasional treat.

I think I would go with the gluten intolerant meal. Rice is still gluten free, so it is no guarantee that there will be more protein, but at least you try! Lol. Maybe try to bring some protein snacks with you.

I'd still start with the sleeve. Ask the surgeon if you are approved for a DS whether the surgery could be a two-parter. That way you still have the DS covered, but you could change your mind after the sleeve too.

Well, yeah, but rest assured it's just water weight. You got a bit dehydrated, so when you started eating/drinking, the body latched onto everything. Once you're back to regular consumption, your body will relax and let it go. [Hugs] I promise, it's fine!

What is a telemove program? I gots to get me some of that!

That all sounds fine to me! What once was one meal, is now at least 3. I see no problem at all. For some, a potato is off-plan, but that just depends on what your plan is.

I awoke on the morning of Jan. 20th, 2017, unaware that my life was about to change, dramatically! There was nothing particularly special happening that day, as my life had obtained a comfortable level of routine, broken regularly by assorted family "emergencies". On this most auspicious of dates, I was a 38 year old homemaker. Wife to an Army man, mother to 3 pre/teens. I didn't particularly relish staying at home, but felt the family schedule would strain under my employment. I awoke with a sudden, unbeckoned thought. "Sarah, you need weight loss surgery!" From whence the idea hailed, I have no idea. I didn't know anyone that had undergone the procedure. I had not watched any television programming or movies that featured the surgery. I had not even thought about it for 20 years, a time in which it was extremely dangerous. The idea was so powerful in my mind, that I immediately began researching the options. I came across Bariatric Pal's website and joined. The rest, as they say, is history. I had my VSG in Mexico by Dr. Illan, 2 months to the day when I awoke with that voice in my head. Tomorrow will be my 1 month surgiversary. So far, I have had a very easy recovery with virtually no pain. I didn't even have gas pain! (Touch wood). Starting weight: 305lbs. Surgery weight: 290lbs. Current weight: 270lbs. Insurance: Yes, I have insurance that would cover the surgery, and I would even have gone to Johns Hopkins. But I didn't feel that was my path.

If you don't currently have GERD or ultra-severe food addiction, go with the sleeve. The subset of patients for whom food IS life would do better with the bypass or DS IMHO.

The sleeve was originally used as a first-half surgery for the super morbidly obese. It allowed very heavy people to lose a bunch of weight before completing the intestinal portion of the procedure. It worked so well, that many opted to not go through with the second surgery. The sleeve was born. I'm only a month postop, but started at 305lbs. I'm 270lbs today! (15 on preop liquid diet, 20 after surgery). I may never get to 140lbs, but as long as I see onederland I'lI be happy.

I was thinking about this thread last night. First, remember the BMI charts are made based on a typical person that was never 100+lbs over weight. There are some differences between us and that typical person. 1. Loose skin. Even if it is minimal, it is still there. Add 5lbs to the chart weight. (Or 15 if you have a lot!) 2. Your skeleton is sturdier due to carrying the extra weight. Add 3lbs. 3. You have more muscle mass due to carrying the extra weight. Add 15lbs. That is 23lbs, right there. Maybe I've been generous, but you get the idea. Each of us should probably add 20lbs to what the BMI chart says to find our actual ideal. So, for the OP.. 125+20=145lbs. This is why your doctor said to slow down Now you have a new goal, and you are so close! Congratulations!!

As long as you are up moving every couple hours, it will be fine. Everyone is different in their ability. Day 3, I was walking a mile. But I'm 4 weeks out now, and don't walk much more.

Try an enema. A cup of fluid up in there will loosen things more than a suppository.

Sex...

I think the question really is... who doesn't! Mr. Redmaxx... you are a rare bird I bet...

Wait, we still have pubic hair? I thought once I couldn't see it anymore it didn't exist!

There is no reason that we won't get stomach flus, unfortunately. Just try not to get the stuff until you're healed! And like sherri said.. seek treatment if dehydration is a concern.

Why are you considering plication over the sleeve? I have a sleeve. I like the idea that the body will create scar tissue, healing the stomach. In plication, the stitches are forever required to hold things together.

Straws are one of those surgeon specific things. The idea is you will swallow air while using one... which isn't good for the pouch. Personally I believe there are two ways of using a straw. One just brings the liquid to the mouth, but it sits in the mouth, touches the teeth, and can get rid of the air. The other just sucks it pretty much right down the throat, bypassing the teeth, etc. Ultimately, just like everything else, depends on how you use it!

Spiraling out of control is absolutely not what you want to be doing. Take a moment, and just breathe. It sounds like your doctor wants you to stay around 140-150.... At least for now. Since your weight wants to jump around, just maintaining for a while sounds like a good idea. Remember why you started this journey... For health, right? Your doctor has your health in mind when recommending maintaining for a bit. Let your body catch up to your phenomenal progress! Just because you plateau for now, doesn't mean the journey is over... If anything, a new phase has just begun....

Not eating doesn't really do anything except slow down your metabolism, make you dehydrated, and decrease your lean muscle mass. (IE, nothing good!) Don't worry overly much about the scale right now. You just need to take care of you!

It is important to get that stuff out. Get a fleet enema and maybe some exam type gloves. With the gloves, you can carefully reach in and pull it out without straining. The enema will lubricate things and make you go too. If there is a lot of blood, or the bleeding won't stop, you'll have to be seen. You need to be proactive making sure you have success every couple of days. Miralax, milk if magnesia, smooth move tea, metamucil, other fiber supplements, etc. Good luck!

Find someone to drive you home from the hospital. Do you have help with your kids? Do you have a plan in case of complications? The preop diets vary according to surgeons. No biggie having differences. The post op diet is super-duper important. Life or death stuff. Try various protein powders and shakes, but don't stock up because your tastes might change after surgery.

I was going to post this same question! I had my sleeve on March 20th, and the first day of my period had me completely bloated and was painful high in my abdomen. I rested all day. The second day had horrible cramps (more typical period feeling). What I did was go out for a longish walk that had a long, steep hill. Worked me out good. Cramps went right away! Today (day 3) I feel pretty normal. I hope things won't be so bad going forward!

I did. I thought it might be an allergy to the take home antibiotics. There are other things it could be, but def. allergy to something. I took benadryl, liquid, but talk to your team.