ProfessorSlim

5 minutes ago, raising3monkeys said:

ProfessorSlim brings up a great point - you don't have to be decided on WL surgery (and especially not which kind) in order to start researching, and to start the process of jumping through the required hurdles to get the surgery. That's what I did; I wasn't sure about the surgery, but I figured if I busied myself with getting through all the requirements, I could always quit or decide I didn't want the surgery. I'm in an ***, so there were PLENTY of requirements. I'm still not sure which ones were my insurance's requirements vs. my surgeon's, but in the end, it didn't matter - I just kept going to appointments. Below is an example of what I had to satisfy in order to qualify:

1. Initial visit with my primary care surgeon
2. Initial visit with bariatric surgeon
3. Six months of hospital nutritionist visits (once per month)
4. Pulmonary clearance (which consisted of an initial visit with a pulmonologist, and a visit just to test my lung capacity). I had a recent sleep study since I was already on a CPAP machine. Otherwise I'd likely have had to have a sleep study done, too.
5. Cardiac clearance - visit with cardiologist and an in-office EKG. All in one visit
6. Blood tests
7. Another visit with the bariactric surgeon - to discuss which procedure to choose, talk over any questions, etc.
8. Psychiatrist clearance
9. Surgical clearance from my primary care physician
10. Upper GI - this was done in the hospital's radiology (X-ray) department

I swear I'm missing a few things - because the grand total came out to about 20 separate appointments/visits. By the time I was nearing the end of all of the visits, I'd learned that I was in great health overall, AND that YES, I DID want the WL surgery. I'm not sure exactly when I made up mind, but it happened. And by the time I was at my last appointment, my surgeon had already submitted all the information to my insurance, and they cleared me within days. I scheduled my surgery for 10 days later. It took SO long in the beginning, and then it was a whirlwind in the end.

I forgot about the EGD, the visit to the pulmonologist, the labs, and for me--repeat labs due to some funky allergy thing...

I knew I wanted this from the first visit, so all of the pre-op felt like it was taking forrrevvverr. But then, ~BAM~ surgery, home, some recovery, back to life as usual and dropping weight like a champ!

Great job...time for new scrubs!!

My advice...start the process. We needed to go to 3 Nutrition classes, had to be a month apart, and the last one included and exercise physiologist. Also, we had to attend 3 support groups. Also, we had to have a psychological eval prior to surgery approval. Also, a couple of visits at the surgeon's office, and I needed a Physical at my primary as well.

So, lots of appointments take lots of time. You can be learning online, in groups like this, I also love Dr. Matthew Wiener's videos on YouTube. Educate yourself, explore all the info, and then if you feel like you want this, you will know you did the homework beforehand to make an informed choice.

I am soooooo happy I did this, I wish I did it sooner. I have gained and lost 35--45--50 lbs over the last several years. I tried WW, High Protein, No carb, Diet coach, Nutrisystem. I would always lose....then eventually regain. I am a big believer in the fact that some people have higher gherlin which makes them hungrier. With the sleeve, the fundus (where the gherlin originates) is removed.And, of course, the physical capacity is reduced. But to me, losing that hunger drive is huge.

I have lost my desire to over eat, my desire to stop at a store to grab a snack and diet coke, my desire to always be on the hunt for a snack of some sort. I am living my life without food as my primary waking thought throughout my days.

I am 5'9"...I was 273....I was sleeved on 10/26...now, on 12/1..... I am at 224 and a half pounds, That is a 48 lb loss (10 of that was lost in the pre-op diet phase)

My knees do not hurt anymore. I can fit into most of my old clothes, my face looks thinner, I have more energy and I am just so much happier. I did not "body-hate" my fatter body, but I sure do love this version better.

That is my 2 cents worth!

I have lost a bit more than a mid-sized microwave, I am almost at a human leg.

When I hit my goal, I'll have lost a newborn calf. I just love this chart..lol

On 11/28/2017 at 4:20 PM, FluffyChix said:

Since Mr. F. is not a beany kinda fella, I no longer cook them for myself. For now, I can have a spoon or two at a time, but any more than that and my blood sugar spikes. So I'm waiting for surgery so I can enjoy them again.

Here's my favorite black bean recipe!

1. Buy a can of black beans--any brand without added sugar.

2. Open can.

3. Pour contents into small saucepan.

4. Add 1 bayleaf, granulated garlic, dehydrated onion, cumin, ground coriander (optional), black pepper, Kosher salt to taste.

5. Add a couple of spoons of salsa. I like the HEB Hatch Salsa-Hot (red or green)

6. Simmer for 10-15 minutes.

7. Add 1tbsp butter and let it melt. (It reduces the amount of "canned" taste.)

8. (Optional: Eat vegetarian or add 2oz of any kind of leftover meat. Pork of any kind, including sausage crumbles, rocks. Bacon--the bomb.)

9. Stir. Serve.

It's a lot of steps. And I realize it sounds complicated, but you should totally give it a try!

This sounds good and pretty easy...I am going to try this!

Thanks for all the answers! I'll get something without rice if/when we go

I have a good friend, and we try to get together once every month or 2 for sushi. I like the California roll, and a few others. I am 3 & 1/2 weeks post op, so i know this is not happening any time soon. But, has anyone here tolerated/enjoyed sushi a couple months post op? Is rice ok for the sleeve ? (just rarely, not often)

My paperwork said Dial Soap as the shower soap to use pre-op, before going to the hospital. When I mentioned it to my surgeon, he said really any soap is fine, they just include that "take a shower using dial soap on body, especially belly and trunk" because some people do not take a good shower at all!

Also, in the pre-op-unit, they gave me Hibiclens large body wipes and said to wipe abdomen, arms and legs, sides and back.

if you commit to follow the rules, the process of the sleeve will help. I am 3 weeks out, and could not overeat if i wanted to. A few bites of soft foods and I am full. I am no longer "chained" to food, no longer always wanting to stop and grab a diet coke and a snack, or something from a vending machine, or taking a large portion of food.

I really love the freedom from food that I feel. Starting at my 1-week-pre-op weight, I am now down 28 lbs (at 3 weeks post op)

Was 263, now 235.

Good Luck, I hope you are happy and confident as you move forward. Having this place to check in with is great for support and questions.

My doc gave me the green light to work out at 2 weeks, but said to build up slowly, and "core work is going to hurt" but won't damage anything.

I really want to start, but with work and kids and house etc, I am still pretty tired with life in general. I will be 3-weeks-post-op tomorrow.

Updating on my foods: Tomorrow will be 3 weeks post op. Things I tolerate well are~~soft-boiled egg w/little butter, cream of wheat, refried Beans (just a few tablespoons of these things, and eaten very slooowly) Tonight, I had a triangle of soft swiss cheese, with 4 small pretzel sticks (chewed very thoroughly). Also, cup-of-soup, chicken noodle. and sugar free choc pudding.

Still doing a chocolate Protein Shake, morning and evening. I have an insulated thermos-type cup, so I can sip it all morning, then another in the evening, too. For some reason, Jello and applesauce go down HARD, not trying them again for a while.

Since 1 week pre-op, I am down 28 lbs (so that's in 4 weeks)

So, for today it was:

~~protein shake----7am-11am drinking slowly

~~cup-of-soup--noon

~~3 large-ish teaspoons of refried beans---around 5pm

~~half of a Protein shake----around 6pm-7pm

~~small triangle (about 1 oz) of soft swiss cheese with 4 small thin pretzel sticks--around 8pm

Is this typical for other 3-week-post-op people?

I am thinking of trying a small bit of tilapia tomorrow, very mashed up with a fork...and sloooowly.

Thanks Sosewsue, I wish I did not hate all types of yogurt, but I do. I think I will stick with Protein Shakes, soft boiled eggs, cream or wheat (I might sprinkle some unflavored Protein Powder in it) and Soup for now. No need to rush things and feel gross. Thanks for your response!!

Hi everyone. I had my surgery on 10/26. I am doing well, but tired at times. A lot. I am back to work ( teach FT at a college and work a few days a month as a nurse) I am 2 weeks and 4 days post op. This Thursday 11/16 will be 3 weeks post-op.

Eating almost anything gives me heartburn. applesauce and Jello are like rocks in my new stomach. banana went down tough, mashed potatoes hit me hard. I can do small amount of cream of wheat, I do well with my choc Protein Shakes, I do well with cup-of-soup (has some soft noodles in it)

I am not "hungry", but I feel like my body needs more Protein, or calories, or both. I just get tired and cannot do a lot like I want to (cleaning, organizing, laundry, etc) Is this pretty normal, as far as where all of you are ? I guess working and being a Mom of 3 teens is a lot, but I just need to get past this phase.

It feels like a "negative feedback" to eat.....I just feel like sticking to protein shakes and Soup. Nothing else feels good. But then I feel like I need the protein. Actually, I did a bit of refried Beans, they were kind of ok, and a soft boiled egg...ate them super slow. (not on the same day)

What foods did you have at 2 1/2 weeks post op? My surg said anything I can mash up with a fork,

On the bright side, I am down 27 lbs from my weight at 1 week pre-op. So this is good!!

It really is great, and feeling the effects of less gherlin...I am not hungry, I am not always thinking about food, or grabbing a snack when I drive somewhere, or what snack I can get in the evenings.

I am just not interested in food, just a bit here and there, but a little bit of Soup or cream of wheat, or sipping a Protein shake...and bam, not hungry, not thinking about eating.

Wish I did this ages ago!!

I've lost an automobile tire....I only have an elephant penis to go!

(are we sure this chart is accurate.... .....lol)

Isn't it amazing? I am 19 lbs down, I am almost 2 weeks post op (was done 10/26) I am trying to prepare myself for the slow down of the loss rate. But for now, enjoying seeing those numbers drop.

Congrats!!!

Please find a counselor, I have been there with depression, I totally get it. I do think in time, as you get fitter, you will be glad you did this. You have just changed your future in such a positive way....be proud of yourself! I am not trying to minimize your feelings, I was feeling very down a couple of days ago, today I feel great. I get it, with the depression and the ups n downs. Find someone to talk to and sort out these feelings. I think in time you will be feeling glad you made such a brave and positive change!

Thank you so much!! Getting fluids and a few more calories in seemed to help a lot...thanks again for the support!

I am 8 days post sleeve. I have lost 21 lbs including my pre-op loss. From 263 down to 242. I am thrilled. However, I am tired at times, and I am getting some short crying jags, emotional at times (like when you see a sappy commercial, and get teary) I am finding my self evaluating my friendships, like I should have more, or more contact more frequently, those "I am not good enough" feelings. I do take Wellbutrin for mild depression...and I will admit that since my surgery my twice a day dosing has been sketchy. I did not bring or take while in hosp, am back on it but I have forgotten to take a few evening doses over the last week, due to managing fluids, etc.

I have a job interview today and I need to get my head in the game! I am back to work, but less hours and some is work from home. I want to workout, but obviously cannot yet. My first post op appointment is in 3 days. I want to get into organizing my clothing, my messy office, etc....but I cannot bend well or lift a lot. So, the things I usually do when I feel down-ish (Like clean, organize, shop, workout, etc) I cannot do, due to tiredness or pain at the one site, etc. I know I need to chill, I am only 8 days out.

I guess I am mainly hoping to hear this is normal and will pass. Or any tips how to get out of this mental schlump.

It is not all day everday...it is just little bouts of it here and there. Thanks for any advice.

42 minutes ago, ShelbyMoore said:

My surgery was 8 days ago. I still have bruising on all my incision sites and at the 2 heparin injection sights. The bruising around my belly button is the worse. So your bruising is normal. Your gf is so lucky to not have bruising!

Good to know! My belly button is the worst bruising too. Thx!

On 10/29/2017 at 0:50 AM, citizenlizzie said:

You know what I might say to these commenters who think they're being nice by being interested but it's getting overwhelming? With a smile on your face and almost a quiet whisper, I'd lean in or step forward a little bit and say, "I'm sure you mean well, but let me ask, would you ask someone with a disease like cancer about their chemo treatments? Would you ask someone who lost a limb how hard it must be?"

One of the stigmas about obesity is that everyone tends to treat others like you were personality flawed before the weight came off, when clearly, you had a health problem (mental, emotional, physical, all of it, hey, I'm right there with you). Simultaneously they are morbidly (no pun intended) curious, but they are also using you as a mirror to their own insecurities. Unless one of these people clearly has a weight problem too, and you feel ready to say, "I'd be happy to give you some referrals if you want to go to an informational meeting but I don't feel like talking about myself anymore", I really don't think you need to tolerate this anymore.

You/we were ignored before the weight came off, we're not there for their entertainment now.

I knew a girl who was well over 400, she lost 250 lbs and then met a guy in my husband's band and they slept together and really fell hard for her. Then one day, months later, when he saw an old picture of her, with all this investment in her emotionally, even then he still dumped her. People are SO LAME when it comes to people and obesity. I am a pretty easy going person in life, but I'd kybosh this s*** at work, pronto. It's not healthy, and you're not that person anymore. You get to turn the page - so can they.

Hugs from a empathetic reader.

Very well Said!!

On 5/14/2016 at 7:00 AM, di0607 said:

I'm in Bucks county. Hoping for a late June/early July date.

Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

I am also in Bucks County....I was sleeved on 10/26, you ?

My gf had her sleeve done 1 week before mine. I am now 5 days post op. I have bruising at 3 of my sites, she has none....just curious if anyone else did...I am sure it is just a normal variant...

I had this too....used hydrocortisone and it went away