Sleeve1stFitNext

It gets better. However, it may take some more time. I have noticed that my sleeve prefers my solid food lukewarm and not hot. Try eating your solid food at a cooler temperature if you have not tried that.

First, congratulations on your weight loss, you should be proud of yourself.
Next, how often are you eating junk food? Are you still hitting the gym and staying active?
I eat junk food but in moderation and by that I eat it only on Wednesdays (This is the day when I reset my carbs but with one snack). As I workout 5 days a week, I will have one high carb snack which is reasonable in calories one day out of the week. This, in turn, helps me stay focus but also feed my craving and carries me over to the next week.
I know I have not reached my goal weight but I do a lot of lifting so, I need the snack a week for the energy boost.
Also, do not have it in your house. When I do not have junk food in the house, I am less likely to eat it.

Loose skin can improve slowly over time (1-2 years). However, it depends on the activities that you are doing.
I choose to start lifting weights at around my 6th-month mark as I noticed that everything on my body started hanging off. I have noticed that the loose skin on my thighs, arms and stomach are tightening up. However, I will still need a Tummy Tuck and my back done.
You will need to gain muscle and tighten the skin. You can choose the amount of muscle you would like to gain. I have gained about 10 - 15 lbs of muscle. However, I had started lifting before I had reached my weight goal. This, in turn, helped me to lose a lot of fat in areas (breast included) but strengthen the muscles.
The best way to see it is in the maintaining stage (lifting), you will see a change your body's composition. The scale at this point will not do you justice. This is when you will focus on inches, progression photos (comparisons), and how your current clothes are fitting.
If the scale is something that you worry about, then lifting will cause you to have a lot of stress in regards to the scale because you will have to gain to look fit and toned. But remember you are gaining muscle and not fat, so you're gaining the good stuff.
I hope this answers your question a little. Also, a picture just in case you are scared to gain too much muscle.

I had support from a lot of people. Mainly my mom and granny. They are my biggest supporters. The best way to help her is:
1) Reassuring her she is making the right decision (Many of us get scared and wonder if we are making a mistake. Do we really want to give up food? Are we really ready to change?)
2) This is an emotional rollercoaster and it is not going to be easy for her at all. (She is going to be moody, depressed, upset, frustrated. In turn, this will get on your nerves but be patient with her, it will get better once her energy is up and she starts seeing the changes)
3) If she lives with you, keep the junk food hidden and stock up on healthy food. If she does not, help her learn how to read the nutritional labels carefully. (Lol I ended up teaching my mom how to do this). Calories, Carbs, Fats, and Proteins per serving size.
4) When she slips up, do not hold it against her, just encourage her that the next day is a new day and to start over. (Remember, someone is being asked to change years of bad habits and like a smoker, it is not easy and we have drawbacks. As long as she dusts herself off and get back to it, she will be fine)
5) Get out there and exercise with her. Walk with her, head to the gym with her. When she sees that her change is helping you change, she will be more inclined to continue as she is as much your anchor as you are hers. (My brother and mother work out with me from time to time. They have slowed down as I am now comfortable to go by myself).
I am sure that I am missing more things but these were the top 5 that my family did for me and it really helped me stick to the program. I am grateful for this surgery and my life changing. The key to success is support, determination, and consistency.
I hope she has a great surgery. I love this tool and I would not change having it for anything.

I had support from a lot of people. Mainly my mom and granny. They are my biggest supporters. The best way to help her is:
1) Reassuring her she is making the right decision (Many of us get scared and wonder if we are making a mistake. Do we really want to give up food? Are we really ready to change?)
2) This is an emotional rollercoaster and it is not going to be easy for her at all. (She is going to be moody, depressed, upset, frustrated. In turn, this will get on your nerves but be patient with her, it will get better once her energy is up and she starts seeing the changes)
3) If she lives with you, keep the junk food hidden and stock up on healthy food. If she does not, help her learn how to read the nutritional labels carefully. (Lol I ended up teaching my mom how to do this). Calories, Carbs, Fats, and Proteins per serving size.
4) When she slips up, do not hold it against her, just encourage her that the next day is a new day and to start over. (Remember, someone is being asked to change years of bad habits and like a smoker, it is not easy and we have drawbacks. As long as she dusts herself off and get back to it, she will be fine)
5) Get out there and exercise with her. Walk with her, head to the gym with her. When she sees that her change is helping you change, she will be more inclined to continue as she is as much your anchor as you are hers. (My brother and mother work out with me from time to time. They have slowed down as I am now comfortable to go by myself).
I am sure that I am missing more things but these were the top 5 that my family did for me and it really helped me stick to the program. I am grateful for this surgery and my life changing. The key to success is support, determination, and consistency.
I hope she has a great surgery. I love this tool and I would not change having it for anything.

It gets better. However, it may take some more time. I have noticed that my sleeve prefers my solid food lukewarm and not hot. Try eating your solid food at a cooler temperature if you have not tried that.

I had support from a lot of people. Mainly my mom and granny. They are my biggest supporters. The best way to help her is:
1) Reassuring her she is making the right decision (Many of us get scared and wonder if we are making a mistake. Do we really want to give up food? Are we really ready to change?)
2) This is an emotional rollercoaster and it is not going to be easy for her at all. (She is going to be moody, depressed, upset, frustrated. In turn, this will get on your nerves but be patient with her, it will get better once her energy is up and she starts seeing the changes)
3) If she lives with you, keep the junk food hidden and stock up on healthy food. If she does not, help her learn how to read the nutritional labels carefully. (Lol I ended up teaching my mom how to do this). Calories, Carbs, Fats, and Proteins per serving size.
4) When she slips up, do not hold it against her, just encourage her that the next day is a new day and to start over. (Remember, someone is being asked to change years of bad habits and like a smoker, it is not easy and we have drawbacks. As long as she dusts herself off and get back to it, she will be fine)
5) Get out there and exercise with her. Walk with her, head to the gym with her. When she sees that her change is helping you change, she will be more inclined to continue as she is as much your anchor as you are hers. (My brother and mother work out with me from time to time. They have slowed down as I am now comfortable to go by myself).
I am sure that I am missing more things but these were the top 5 that my family did for me and it really helped me stick to the program. I am grateful for this surgery and my life changing. The key to success is support, determination, and consistency.
I hope she has a great surgery. I love this tool and I would not change having it for anything.

I had support from a lot of people. Mainly my mom and granny. They are my biggest supporters. The best way to help her is:
1) Reassuring her she is making the right decision (Many of us get scared and wonder if we are making a mistake. Do we really want to give up food? Are we really ready to change?)
2) This is an emotional rollercoaster and it is not going to be easy for her at all. (She is going to be moody, depressed, upset, frustrated. In turn, this will get on your nerves but be patient with her, it will get better once her energy is up and she starts seeing the changes)
3) If she lives with you, keep the junk food hidden and stock up on healthy food. If she does not, help her learn how to read the nutritional labels carefully. (Lol I ended up teaching my mom how to do this). Calories, Carbs, Fats, and Proteins per serving size.
4) When she slips up, do not hold it against her, just encourage her that the next day is a new day and to start over. (Remember, someone is being asked to change years of bad habits and like a smoker, it is not easy and we have drawbacks. As long as she dusts herself off and get back to it, she will be fine)
5) Get out there and exercise with her. Walk with her, head to the gym with her. When she sees that her change is helping you change, she will be more inclined to continue as she is as much your anchor as you are hers. (My brother and mother work out with me from time to time. They have slowed down as I am now comfortable to go by myself).
I am sure that I am missing more things but these were the top 5 that my family did for me and it really helped me stick to the program. I am grateful for this surgery and my life changing. The key to success is support, determination, and consistency.
I hope she has a great surgery. I love this tool and I would not change having it for anything.

Remember, each sleeve is different and a different size. Some can take Water better than others. There are Sleevers whom can drink endlessly without any issues but feel the fullness when eating solid foods.

@ladyj70
you/me should never "settle" on anything. you came to the wise conclusion
that the sleeve is a good WLS solution for you. (NOT saying LB is bad, just
saying IMO the sleeve is grrrreat)
call the clinic back - they might be able to tell you how long it will take for
approval. hopefully it won't take too long for the approval.
"God Grant Me Patience, Just Hurry Up About It"!! LOL
good luck
kathy

You would need to contact your surgical team immediately. The reason is, they would need to resubmit your information with a request for the sleeve. This will extend your wait time. Once they approve it, there is not a way to change it without having it withdrawn and new paperwork submitted. You are better off, having them resubmit for a new approval.

I use the commercials as a time to eat/chew my food. While the show is on, I do not eat. This actually worked in my favor as I am a fast eater and even with a timer, I would be done eating before 30 minutes.
Unless it is Game of Thrones and then I am not eating while watching because I will not pay attention. I will sit there and stuff my face and before you know it, have the foamy feeling and pressure in my chest.

Congratulations!!! Welcome to the losers bench.

The liquid diet is one of the hardest parts. You feel tired and worn down the first 3 days. After that, your body will adapt to the new diet and you will start to slowly feel better. I was allowed to have non-starchy vegetables and I was eating cucumbers, spinach, and pickles.
It will get easier after you get over the first 3-days.

I barely drink out of straw after my experience once. I have endless amounts of bubbles and pressure in my sleeve. It was like having a burp that you cannot get up. If I drink from a straw, I hold the air and breath it out through my nose and then swallow.

I barely drink out of straw after my experience once. I have endless amounts of bubbles and pressure in my sleeve. It was like having a burp that you cannot get up. If I drink from a straw, I hold the air and breath it out through my nose and then swallow.

Hi All,
As I come upon my 1-year post-op, I am filled with an immense amount of joy and excitement. This year has been a rollercoaster ride that has broken me down and rebuilt me at the same time. Like a Pheonix, I rose from the ashes of the despair and discouragement that came with having to create and learn a new way of living. I did not understand just how deeply rooted my emotions were in eating and how junk food had made me feel alive when I felt like I was dying and eating my life away. I have met most goals but have not met all. I have had to change goals or adapt to new situations with my body.
Goals I Didn't Meet:
1) I did not reach my initial goal weight of 160lbs
That is it!!! That is the only goal I did not meet!!
Goals I Did Meet:
1) Lost over 50lbs
2) Gained Confidence
3) Kept giving the Gym my all (4 - 5 days a week)
4) Got under 200lbs
5) Got down to a size 12 (This size is actually getting to be too big now. Soon I will be a 10)
6) Stepping out of my comfort zone and trying new things without fear
7) Changed my body's composition and stamina.
NEW Goals:
1) Reach 180lbs
2) Reduce the amount of fat in my stomach
3) Run a 5K
4) Keep this lifestyle that I have worked soo hard for
5) NEVER GIVE UP and STAY PATIENT
I hope to have another amazing year of changes, challenges and reaching new heights.
I really appreciate this group and it has been amazing to be apart of a community soo diverse in its personalities and struggles.
Just remember, it takes Time and Patience. We will not reach every goal in 1-year but what we do achieve will allow us more years to enjoy life.

Hi All,
As I come upon my 1-year post-op, I am filled with an immense amount of joy and excitement. This year has been a rollercoaster ride that has broken me down and rebuilt me at the same time. Like a Pheonix, I rose from the ashes of the despair and discouragement that came with having to create and learn a new way of living. I did not understand just how deeply rooted my emotions were in eating and how junk food had made me feel alive when I felt like I was dying and eating my life away. I have met most goals but have not met all. I have had to change goals or adapt to new situations with my body.
Goals I Didn't Meet:
1) I did not reach my initial goal weight of 160lbs
That is it!!! That is the only goal I did not meet!!
Goals I Did Meet:
1) Lost over 50lbs
2) Gained Confidence
3) Kept giving the Gym my all (4 - 5 days a week)
4) Got under 200lbs
5) Got down to a size 12 (This size is actually getting to be too big now. Soon I will be a 10)
6) Stepping out of my comfort zone and trying new things without fear
7) Changed my body's composition and stamina.
NEW Goals:
1) Reach 180lbs
2) Reduce the amount of fat in my stomach
3) Run a 5K
4) Keep this lifestyle that I have worked soo hard for
5) NEVER GIVE UP and STAY PATIENT
I hope to have another amazing year of changes, challenges and reaching new heights.
I really appreciate this group and it has been amazing to be apart of a community soo diverse in its personalities and struggles.
Just remember, it takes Time and Patience. We will not reach every goal in 1-year but what we do achieve will allow us more years to enjoy life.

It is possible to stretch your sleeve, but that is usually once it has healed and about years out. However, some people are able to drink or eat more than others due to the size of their sleeve. Not everyone's sleeve is the same size.
One week out, I could only drink Water at 2oz a time. However, now I can drink about 6oz a time without a problem. However, food is different.
I would suggest following your nurse's orders as you are still fresh out of surgery. Do not push yourself because the worst thing that can happen is damage to your staple line.

It is possible to stretch your sleeve, but that is usually once it has healed and about years out. However, some people are able to drink or eat more than others due to the size of their sleeve. Not everyone's sleeve is the same size.
One week out, I could only drink Water at 2oz a time. However, now I can drink about 6oz a time without a problem. However, food is different.
I would suggest following your nurse's orders as you are still fresh out of surgery. Do not push yourself because the worst thing that can happen is damage to your staple line.

Oh well damn. That just hurt my feelings.
Honestly, I think he may be dealing with some issues regarding your smaller frame. He isn’t used to you being smaller so he is acting out in either jealous, insecurity or both. I am sorry you have to hear that but if losing the weight makes you happy, that’s all the matter.
Sometimes we have to cut the dead root to really blossom.

You would have to do light lifting. Heavy lifting you can start about 3 months out. You would need to start with conditioning and gradually increase your weights over time.

Love this video the title is deceptive.
Sleeve stretching is rare. Some revisions have been done. I feel for anyone who has had any type of complication.
The term "stretched sleeve" misused by many patients to describe the normal volume progression. Your first months healing from surgery your restriction is tight. Further out from surgery you can hold more volume. (volume will be different for each patient)
one month 3 bites six months 3 to 4 oz Year 1/2 a plate 5 to 10 years full plate of food.

Post by @sharonintx https://www.bariatricpal.com/topic/411809-i-do-not-understand-no-restriction-left/?tab=comments#comment-4606368
Another post by @Creekimp13
https://www.bariatricpal.com/topic/411815-photo-of-stretched-sleeve/

UHC typically takes 1 - 2 weeks for approval from submission. I believed that I waited 1 week for an approval. However, I knew I was approved before my surgeon because I called to confirm that my paperwork was submitted.

It is called buyers remorse. You do not have the same relationship with food as you did prior to the surgery. Right now, food is not your comfort. Therefore you are feeling down.
Have you ever heard the saying, "The body can achieve, what the mind conceives"? I ask because it seems that your anxiety with food now is affecting you physically.
My first few months out. I would be soo scared to eat anything that I would make myself sick when I ate (subconsciously). I would eat three bites and because of fear of overeating, I convinced myself that I was full. I went from having one unhealthy relationship with food (loving it) to another (hating it). I gave up one eating disorder for another. I had to change my relationship with food.
These first months will test you emotionally, physically and spiritually. They can either destroy you or make you stronger. Use this time to make a plan for yourself (goals that do not pertain to the scale).
I hope this helps. Trust in due time it will get better.