Gundy

Very successful surgery. Normal BMI and had settled in at 151 and normal BMI. This lasted many months until I got careless and started grazing and adding sweets. My weight increased 4 pounds in a short amount of time. I’m getting back into my plan, 3 high protein meals per day and two healthy snacks, not drinking with meals, and at least 60 ounces of protein and fluids per day. I refuse to allow myself to negate all my hard work.

I’m assuming your iron levels are extremely low and you’re anemic which would make your skin ashen and terrible looking. Start the Multivitamin patches immediately if you can’t get to your doctor. Also, add the iron patches.

Dear Lorena, The reason you feel awful is the lack of vitamins. This is also caused no your hair loss. If you can’t keep down the Multivitamin, just use the patches. They are extremely effective...I have the lab work to prove it. It is hard for me to understand how you’ve been to appointments, and they haven’t checked your levels. Seems like malpractice to me.

Low carb, more protein.

Hello! This post isn’t about me, but a dear friend who had bypass 11 days ago. She hasn’t lost a single pound yet and she is getting discouraged. She didn’t have any weight loss prior to her surgery since her BMI was just over 35. She has many pre-existing issues such as diabetes, fatty liver disease, heart issues, etc. She seems to be getting her protein and is following her post op diet. She is also drinking over 80 ounces of water per day. Any ideas??? Is this normal?

May 2, 2018 Sleever. Feeling great. Down to 159 lbs this morning from a high of 225. Not certain how much weight I still want to lose since I am very curvy and still have DDD breasts which add a great deal of weight. Just 2-3 lbs until my BMI is in the normal range. The rules I follow daily remain the same: at least 60 grams of protein, 30-30 rule on avoiding liquids before and after meals, wall at least 10,000 steps every day (I did this prior to surgery, too), and 64 ounces of fluids per day. I also TRY to limit carbs such as bread, pasta and sweets, and if I need a sweet treat, I have a small dish of Breyer’s Carb Smart Ice Cream or a Russell Stover Sugar Free Pecan Cluster or half a protein bar. If I am short on protein for the day, my snack will be the Quest Nacho Cheese protein chips...personal favorite! I’m 59 years old and never felt better! I also gotten so many compliments and am told I look like I’m in my early forties. This was such a wonderful life changing decision.

Hello! I’m a sleeve patient and have had a wonderful experience. Current weight is 163. This post isn’t about me, but a dear friend who had bypass 12 days ago. She hasn’t lost a single pound yet and she is getting discouraged. She didn’t have any weight loss prior to her surgery since her BMI was just over 35. She has many pre-existing issues such as diabetes, fatty liver disease, heart issues, etc. She seems to be getting her Protein and is following her post op diet. She is also drinking over 80 ounces of Water per day. Any ideas??? Is this normal?

Hi Mikeyy! Thanks for the reply. She isn’t very active, but she is following her diet to a T.

Love, love my sleeve! I look and feel great. My only regret is not doing it sooner. Everyone I know that had the band regrets it. I didn’t think they were still being done.

I take PatchMD Multivitamin. During my six month follow-up, all my labs were great so they work like a charm!

Hi Hopeful! I, too, had my surgery in May. My high weight was 225 and surgery weight was 215. I currently weigh 161. My progress has been slow, but sure. My nutritionist told me not to concern myself with calorie intake, but getting my 60 grams of protein and limit my carbs. If I have sweet cravings, I stay with sugar free or low carb treats. I also walk 10,000 to 15,000 steps every day. I’m 59 and 5’6.5.

Hi! Just curious how long it takes after surgery before you can safely travel internationally for a short trip? I’m having the sleeve surgery May 14 and wondering if I could travel to Spain for 5 days for a conference starting June 1. Thanks!

Great article. So many of us can relate! https://highline.huffingtonpost.com/articles/en/everything-you-know-about-obesity-is-wrong/

Hi Susunorm! This was the same way I felt at two weeks. I just reread the texts I sent to close friends, and I said I was struggling with buyer’s remorse and wish I’d never done it. What a difference a few months make! I am 59 years old and feel like I’m in my twenties. I just entered the 170s and am so proud. Please don’t allow the first weeks or month to overwhelm you. Just follow the plan and the weight will come off. Trust this tortoise...slow and steady wins this race!

Hey ChicTrying. Don’t despair. The best advice I can give is start with 3 simple rules. 64 ounces of calorie free liquids per day, 60 grams of protein and following the 30/30 rule. Practice them for 30 days until they become a habit. It sounds like grazing is an issue for you. Having three meals and 2-3 healthy snacks a day may reverse the grazing trend. Best wishes, and so glad you are seeking psychological help!

Honestly, it wasn’t that bad. I only needed pain meds for the first few days. After that, Tylenol did the trick. I looked at it this way. My back, my knees, and the grooves in my shoulders hurt every day before surgery. They don’t cause me pain any longer. Every day long-term pain vs acute pain for a day or two. It’s a choice.

Nope! My fitness pal does a great job tracking everything and is completely free.

You’re singing my song! I adore sweets, but realize I could eat them 24/7. I’m making every attempt to curb my sweet tooth. I bought a large bag of mini tootsie roll pops to satisfy the savage sugar craving. I can have one at 20 calories and beat way the sugar craving. Sugar free pudding with a bit of sugar free Cool Whip helps. Sugar free hot cocoa helps. Finally, I make a cup of tea with almond milk added and a bit of sugar free caramel syrup.

Please look at the following chart prior to getting discouraged. It really helped me gain perspective. https://s.bariatricpal.com/uploads/monthly_04_2016/post-290199-14616366840086.jpg

Been there, done that! The first month is tough and can be discouraging. Give it some time. Your body has been put through the wringer and needs time. You’ve also lost a lb a day! Holy moly!

Besides shedding, my hair texture is more dry and brittle. It dawned on me today that I stopped taking my daily fish oil after surgery. That definitely feels like the culprit regarding the dry texture!

Had sleeve surgery on May 2, 2018. The first weeks were a bit rough tummy wise, but no pain and resumed walking 10,000 steps a day in a few weeks. Best decision I’ve ever made. My current weight is 183, and I feel better than I’ve felt in years.

1. Most doctors don’t even offer the lapband any longer due to all the problems. All the people who I know who had lapbands either had revisions or are waiting for revisions. 2. No hair loss yet at 3.5 months post op. 3. Too much rich sweets or dessert. A small piece is fine. 4. After the first week. 5. MyFitnessPal

Hi Kristy. I had a hard time with the protein shakes, too, so I added protein powder to broths.

The RN at my Bariatric Center stated that many times people seek revision after the sleeve due to GERD. This isn’t an issue for me.