VSG4Mag

17 minutes ago, Aijan said:

Hi everyone. I have lurked around this forum reading everything for a couple of years. I finally took the plunge and am signed up for surgery with Dr. Illian at the end of May. Can I ask who did you tell prior to your surgery? I find myself not wanting to tell anyone other than my husband. Maybe it is because I have struggled with my weight a 100 times. Maybe it is because I am afraid of being judged. Maybe it is because I don't want to hear other's opinons since my mind is made up. I don't know...who did you tell about your surgery and when did you tell them...or did you just keep it to yourself?

Just my husband and my 2 best friends. I didn't tell another best friend bc she has a big mouth.

I made a similar post called "has anyone kept it a secret". I'm new here so I couldn't tell you how to search it but there are a bunch of responses that cover it.

I feel the same as you. Some people think it's being a liar or deceptive, but I just chose to keep it personal. I'm not boasting myself as some weight loss guru.

The sleeve had such a short recovery time that it's easy to keep from people. The first three days were tough, but I was out and about for short periods by day three and back to work by day 7. Day 12 I flew to Disney and I'm totally fine. Nobody suspects anything. (Assuming of course you are doing VSG)

As as far as losing weight fast and people obviously knowing...I'm not concerned. I've done strict diets and lost 45 pounds in 3 months, so it's not my first time around this block.

On 4/4/2017 at 10:34 PM, caddygirl said:

I'm seven weeks out and I can't get but a few spoons of purée meats in and only one spoon of carrots if I'm lucky and I just started drinking a whole premise Protein in one day instead of 3 days! But I am getting all of my Water in a day plus I do Water aerobics everyday and water Zumba on Thursdays!

Wow! That's crazy. How are you surviving??? I'm 2 weeks out and had 4oz fish, 2 Premier Protein shakes, a yogurt and 3 oz of cheese today. And drank like 80 oz of water.

I haven't had that much at home, I'm at Disney this week and have been going for 8 hours a day at the parks in the heat while pushing 75+ pounds in a stroller.

But at home 4-7 oz of fish & 2 shakes is average for me.

I try to get at least 70gm protein.

43 minutes ago, Suaniya said:

Yes, go on the website insurenutrition.com and click apply. It took about 2 weeks, but now I get 4 cases delivered monthly. They have to get approval from your doctor and then insurance has to approve it. My nut told me about it, and i applied back in january, so have been getting deliveries for 3 months. I just got sleeved Friday and have about 10 cases on reserve. My surgeon only required 1 day Clear  liquids so didnt use them too much yet. Its worth a shot, definitely saves a ton of money.

Sent from my SM-N920V using BariatricPal mobile app

Yeah! That's $100 worth per month! Thanks

Ugh! I'm dreading it.

I had my question answered already, looks like between 3-6 months I'll start the shedding.

I think prenatal Vitamins would be too big for the sleeve. Mine were HUGE!

26 minutes ago, OutsideMatchInside said:

Never if you measure your portions and eat dense Protein

I agree. I eat 3-5 times a day. I measure out 2 oz tuna and put them into little containers. So I call it a snack, but it's really a mini meal. I could eat more, but I am satisfied with 2oz and it get my Protein in with real food.

"Snacking" is fine (just my opinion) if you plan them out.

I'm heading to Disney (right now) and I had to plan out my meals/snacks so that I have options. I don't want to feel hungry and only have park food to turn to. My doc has me with NO fruit for the first 3 months, so my choices are very limited. I ordered groceries and packed my little containers and ice packs and shakes to keep me on track.

3 minutes ago, OutsideMatchInside said:

@VSG4Mag

Cod, any white fish turns to mush in your mouth, yeah you can easily eat 4 ounces of it.

That is how I transitioned off shakes to all real food, fish was really easy to eat and process especially if you bake it and it is very moist,

Honestly a lot of people have issues with food and have a lot of restriction because they aren't eating and drinking. You have to use your sleeve for it be usable. If you don't drink all day early on and don't make efforts at eating because you think it hurts, then people just let the swelling get out of control. Then they can't eat.

Even now, if I go a day or 2 without eat, (sick with other issues allergies whatever), My restriction goes tight and I have to work my capacity back up.

I have to be able to "eat" and drink before I could leave the hospital, so in less than 24 hours post op, I had a 4 ounce Protein shake, some Jello, tea, and a few spoonfuls of broth. My program will NOT send you home if you cannot keep food down. They will not send you home to starve and dehydrate like some of these programs. Eating in the hospital with the support of the staff took a lot of the fear away about eating. Knowing that I could eat that soon post op and it was not only okay but encouraged helped a lot.

Yes. My program required that too. First I had an hour to drink 8 oz. then an hour to drink 16 oz. then an hour to drink some Protein Shake and Jello, but they didn't need me to finish it, just tolerate it.

I definilty like my shakes and that I can get 30 oz of Protein to start my day. I either go for 8oz Water, then 30-40 min later I drink my shake or I reverse it but wait an hour before I start my water. But I don't want to rely on shakes for my nutrition, that's why (although i was reluctant) I started fish within a few days post surgery. I want to eat as clean as possible and while the shakes are great, they are full of stuff/sweeteners that I'd like to avoid.

I also promised myself that I would stick to the rules and I make it my job to keep hydrated and get my protein first. I just figured I'd. Have more of a problem doing it. It was really hard that first few days, but yesterday I actually had 100 gems of protein. I thought that was a little much, but it was a long day and there were so many temptations that I avoided, so I had a second shake to keep me in line

You get the Premier Protein through insurance?

I had heard about it but wasn't sure.

Following

If I'm being honest here, I'm almost 2 weeks out and have NO problem eating 4 oz of cod (allowed by my team) and I just had hummus (also allowed) and had almost 1/2 cup with no pain, no over fullness or ill affects. I just stopped eating it bc I got nervous and don't want to push it. I definilty feel full and don't want any more food, but I pretty much decided to stop eating just out of my personal judgement.

Granted, I eat VERY slow. Like over 20-30 min period. And chew A LOT. But I definilty don't feel the restriction that others do...even others who are far out.

I wonder why? I know that everyone is different, but would it vary from person to person?

I am losing weight, 8 pounds in 12 days (14 if you count the 6pounds I put on during the hospital stay - sooo puffy with the fluids) and I do keep my carbs super low. But I just wonder why I don't feel so constricted like others.

7 hours ago, Suaniya said:

Premier Protein

Sent from my SM-N920V using BariatricPal mobile app

I second this!

Premier Protein has 30 grams of Protein per shake, with only 160 calories in 11 oz and 1 carb and 1 fat. Plus full of Vitamins.

They are pretty tasty and very smooth.

I get them at costco - vanilla, chocolate and banana cream. I also ordered them off COSTCO to get the caramel and strawberries and cream flavor and they are good. I usually Hate banana flavored things and even that one is good.

I hear you can get a 4 pack at Walmart but I haven't looked for it there. I get 18 in a case for about $25 which I think is a good price per shake.

9 hours ago, sherri scheffler said:

I just found out that since my bypass in 2013 I'm unable to absorb Vitamin D anymore now I must get Prolia shots @ $1,500 per shot twice a year this stinks.

If you can't absorb it through your bypass, would the transdermal Patches work?

I got them mainly bc I have a tough time tolerating Vitamins (pre-surgery) and I figured it would be tough getting them in with enough liquid post op.

I also read that your gut (surgery or no surgery)can destroy many vitamins before they have a chance to be absorbed into our bodies.

I cant tell you if my levels are good bc I haven't been teased yet, but the PA at my office said patients with them have no deficiencies.

Springauto promo code gave me 40% off on patchmd.com

this is the first time I can get my husband to take vitamins too- I just slap one or two on him -lol

cod had 25 grams of Protein for a 4oz piece. I never ate cod before this and it's a nice white flakey fish with a mild taste. My doctor has it on the soft and mushy food stage, but it's obviously fine for any post liquid stage

I call my local fish market and they'll cook me a 4 oz piece for lunch or dinner while I'm working and use seasonings only and bake or steam it. I have had them pre-cut pieces for me too for home that I'll season up and then freeze in foil so I can put them right into the oven.

Wow!! Great progress. You can see such a difference. I hope that's the same for me. 🤗

Keep up the good work. I'm 1 1/2 weeks out and hopeful!

So happy for you!

My kids are a huge motivator for me. Not only do I want to be here, but I want to set a good example and be active in their lives as they grow.

Also, good for you quitting smoking. You probably added years to your life with that big decision.

I hope your appointment goes well and that you are in the path to a healthy weight real soon

Also, aside from getting hungry faster (which I have heard too) it pushes the food out and doesn't give your stomach enough time to absorb the nutrients.

Since we take in such little amounts, we need to get the most nutrition from what we consume.

On 3/4/2017 at 5:20 PM, Jobey said:

I can't believe it's been almost 9 months since this life changing event for me! It wasn't until I put these photos beside each other that I realised just how do different I look.

HW - 140kg or 310lbs

SW - 132.5kg or 291lbs

CW - 84kg or 185lbs

Surgery Date - 7 June 2016

I've dropped 10 dress sizes and lost 54kg or 120lbs and am now wearing and Australian size 12 top and bottom. I've never been a size 12 in my entire adult life

After having a pretty **** year last year, I'm so glad I did this

I can pretty much eat anything now, just obviously in much smaller quantities.

Jobey- you look great! Very inspirational, thanks for the post. Seeing people who have been through this and come out doing so well is uplifting. I'm just over a week out and I can't wait to be where you are

On 3/5/2017 at 8:12 PM, Walter.Sobchak said:

You look awesome.
Those pictures are incredible.
My wife and I are in the process of getting gastric sleeve.
I keep going back and forth on whether or not I will get it.
My wife is full steam ahead and on pace for surgery in April.
Mine won't be until August.

I felt the same way leading up to my surgery. I don't regret it and am praying that I can be focused and strict so I get to goal fast. Then I'd like to maintain for a year with exercise before considering plastics.

My recovery was good. I felt like crap the day of surgery and it just slowly got better hour by hour.

I was back to work for a few hours 3 days post op. Then back full time 1 week post op. No problems. I just finished up my work week and was a little tired today, but I took and nap and I'm all good.

The sacrifices are worth the long term health and lifestyle gains

I just read this thread and want to say that you ladies look great! Good for you. 👍🏻👍🏻

Thanks everyone!

Any advice?

My incisions are new (9 days post op) but if there is something I can do to reduce the appearance now and going forward? I'd appreciate the tips and tricks.

The glue is still on 3 of the 5. The ones I see are very small, and I'd like to keep it that way

I was surprised at how hard it was to get in my Protein and fluids those first few days.

I am doing fine now 9 days out.

I start my day with Premier Protein which has 30gms of protein so it's like I'm almost half way there after that. It was taking me over an hour to get one shake in, now I'm done in about 35 minutes. So it will get easier when the swelling goes down.

If you are concerned about blood clots (like I was) then walk walk walk!! I used my elliptical every few hours for 5-15 minutes at a time. Also rotate your ankles in all directions and do the alphabet with your feet.

Good luck!

I tried sf pudding yesterdayand threw it out after the 3rd bite! For whatever reason it grossed me out and I just knew that I couldn't have another bite.

1 hour ago, SleevyNicks said:

I had VSG four days ago and so far I haven't left the "buyer's remorse" phase I read so much about before my surgery. The pain has been absolutely unbearable. I'm pretty sure it's all gas pain. I can't pass gas nor can I poop, so all I do is cry, drink Protein shakes, and try to sleep. I've called my surgeon -- he says walk and drink Water. So I walk and drink Water. Still, this pain is the most intense I've ever felt in my life. How long do I have to live with this?

Ugh! That's terrible. I was so concerned about blood clots that I walked every couple of hours on my elliptical. 5-15 minutes. Each day it subsided and I felt better, but I was never as bad as you.

I do take benefiber every day it mixes clear and doesn't taste like anything. Also, I didn't take the narcotics much- a few times the first day home and before bed on day 2 and 3 post-op.

I take 3 servings if I can and for the first few days I took Miralax.

Im definitely not normal in the BM department, but I think the fiver helps since I barely get any in my food.

Wow! Nice work. You look great

On 3/31/2017 at 7:47 AM, New Me 31317 said:

I am 3 weeks post-op...when can I have coffee?

I was addicted to Starbucks prior to surgery (done last week). I gave it up 2 weeks prior so I wouldn't be suffering with the withdrawals as I was healing.

I use the Patch MD vitamin patches and saw that B12 was supposed to boost energy.

I'm happy (and surprised) to say that I haven't had a coffee in more then 3 weeks and I feel good. It's probably the lack of carbs keeping my blood sugar more stable...I've never had diabetes, but I saw my energy plummet after carbs & sugar. But I'm thinking the Vitamins help too.