KatFight

Hi. What an achievement 90 lbs.! Great job. I can't speak as someone with long-term experience as my sleeve surgery was 12/28/17; however, I do have sugar cravings at times.

I notice the cravings tend to strike when I haven't eaten yet (when I should have already eaten) and when I'm not getting my Protein in bc I'm not eating on a regular basis. So focusing on reaching 80-90 grams of protein daily may help you if you are not already doing that and eating meals every 3-4 hours. I also find if I busy my mind with an activity like a jigsaw puzzle, my cravings subside. Brushing my teeth after meals and following that an hour later with drinking Water helps me too.

About exercise being a challenge bc of pain and fatigue issues: I really relate to that. I often think I'd be losing significantly more if I didn't have these "issues." It's tough too bc these are invisible disabilities and are often misunderstood. The pain and fatigue issues I have existed before I was overweight and I'm sure the excess weight hasn't helped. If you'd ever like to message about it, I'm here.

You know what you need to do. You've got this! [emoji259]

Just wanted to share an update. Today makes 14 weeks since my procedure at John Hopkins and I'm down 45 pounds. I'm eating 2 - 3 small meals a day and exercising 3-4 times a week. I'm 35 pounds away from goal.

So I have severe sleep apnea (one that will likely be life long as it’s cause by how small my airway is as opposed to weight). It was bad enough that my insurance actually paid for a BiPap instead of the cpap for me. But anywho, for the past 2 or so weeks, sleep has been terrible. I’ve been exhausted and run down. My husband started to complain that not only am I roaming nightly but there is this whistle he keeps hearing and it gets louder as the night goes on.
Well, I realized, the whistle was a leak from my mask. Usually adjusting and tightening fixed it, but a few days ago I realized I had my mask as tight as it would go. I wore a medium amara. Ordered a small to see if that would fix it. And it did! I slept so hard last night and it was amazing and there was no whistle.
So kinda weird but after all this weight loss, my mask sizes have changed. I’ll chalk it up as an NSV.

Some surgeons forbid the use of straws ever again. I hear it's about gas some say makes you drink too quickly
But for me It's the only I'm going to get cold fluids in.
So far no negative effects for me but I would never advocate for people to disregard their doctors orders so I added that disclaimer

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Love this!! Same thing keeps happening to me. My sister keeps giving me clothes she's bought that are too small or too big for anyone in her house. Which isn't hard cause I'm currently a S/M and a size 6-8 (depending on cut). But the smallest person in her house is my 12 year old niece lol. So when she gives me something that looks tiny I'm just like yeah right. And i humor myself and try it on and it fits. Such a mind f*ck i swear lol.

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I'm not thin yet, but the improvement has inspired different reactions. Getting more smiles from men my age, more casual conversation, more attention.
On the one hand.....it's awfully nice to not be invisible anymore.
On the other hand.....it's kinda hard to take. Part of me is really irritated these same guys wouldn't have even made eye contact 60 pounds ago.
And of course...no one suspects a fat middle aged women. We could commit the perfect crimes because no one notices us or sees us. A part of me is sad to give up being able to commit the perfect crime:)

I am right there with you. Had the sleeve 1/17. I lost about 15 lbs the first week. Haven’t lost an ounce since. Very frustrating however I have heard many people say the exact same thing happened to them. Our body is adjusting to the new normal and eventually it will catch up. At least I’m hoping it will because I did not do all of this to only lose 15 lbs and I’m sure you feel the same way!

Hi. What an achievement 90 lbs.! Great job. I can't speak as someone with long-term experience as my sleeve surgery was 12/28/17; however, I do have sugar cravings at times.

I notice the cravings tend to strike when I haven't eaten yet (when I should have already eaten) and when I'm not getting my Protein in bc I'm not eating on a regular basis. So focusing on reaching 80-90 grams of protein daily may help you if you are not already doing that and eating meals every 3-4 hours. I also find if I busy my mind with an activity like a jigsaw puzzle, my cravings subside. Brushing my teeth after meals and following that an hour later with drinking Water helps me too.

About exercise being a challenge bc of pain and fatigue issues: I really relate to that. I often think I'd be losing significantly more if I didn't have these "issues." It's tough too bc these are invisible disabilities and are often misunderstood. The pain and fatigue issues I have existed before I was overweight and I'm sure the excess weight hasn't helped. If you'd ever like to message about it, I'm here.

You know what you need to do. You've got this! [emoji259]

1. Yes. Omeprazole was actually prescribed to me for 4 months after surgery to help protect my new sleeve. At first you just open the capsules and swallow the contents....later you can swallow the whole capsule.
2. Sleeve is associated with higher instances of GERD.
3. Carbonated beverages are generally frowned upon for life.
4. Alcohol is discouraged before 6 months post op and is generally cautioned against.....because it has empty calories, because it is metabolized differently after surgery, and because there is a risk of cross over addiction with WLS.

The nose is a common site for edema. If you're in better shape, and eating healthier, it will be less likely to be puffy. (even if it wasn't that perceptibly puffy in the past)

In my mind it's natural to have questions, some of which may involve things down the road. All because things you ask about may be down the road doesn't mean you're rushing ahead. You're just curious. Seems that some people think they are so experienced that they can stop others from asking questions by saying "slow down" or "don't panic" or "pump the brakes" as if those asking questions are jumping ahead rather than living in the bariatric moment. We can live in the bariatric moment and still have random questions.

Felt discouraged? I'm sorry to hear that. At least you learned who you may not want as a bariatric friend. Obviously, you wouldn't treat someone like that (nor would I).

Felt some kind of way? Yeah, I can definitely understand why. You reached out to a new friend and were shut down when you asked a question following the friend inviting you to message with any questions. It's a mind****.

There are some nice people on here. I hope you'll stay despite the cold reception.

Hi Luella and Lyds. Welcome. It's nice to hear from new members and hear how their Bariatric adventures are going. (I know Bariatric does not need to be capitalized but my keyboard insists. lol) I had gastric sleeve on 12/28/17 and everything went great. I'm here if you need support. [emoji250]
@kakatlady612 is an amazing person, very caring and funny.

@Apple203 You are doing amazing on your machine. That's great. Tornado sound - perfect way to describe it. [emoji946] I'm glad you're feeling more rested too. I am set up to use ramp tonight. The employee at American Home was very nice, thorough, and seemed to have heard similar comments from other patients. Thanks again for bringing up the idea of checking for ramp. It just may be what I need.

Luella Jean, welcome and thrilled to me you. A few nibby questions: have you decided on a procedure? I would guess you might be from the South, double barreled names are more common there. Of course I'm in Ohio and family members still call me mine. If you are from south of the Mason-Dixon line that makes you a GRIT, girl raised. In the South, a cool thing to be. My late father called me by my intials but then some people called him by his. I was an only child, I am 5ft8in, 323 down from a high of 355, strawberry blonde hair, hazel eyes and 72 years old. That kinda makes me the grandma of Bariatric Pal. I will have a RnY early-mid March myself at Mount Carmel in Columbus. I'm in it to win it like everybody else. Ask me if you have any questions, although I'm not a veteran yet I do know quite a bit about a lot of things. And at Bariatric Pal you're among friends that will help in any way we can. So just ask okay?

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I got feedback today, too -- use auto-adjust for the humidity setting instead of a fixed rate -- no more condensation in the tubes. Just thought I'd share this tip if other new users are having this problem. I've made it 7+ hours for 4 days now.

,Oh, congratulations

Leo, if there is one thing i wish i had known before surgery it would be how hard the mental game was going to get.
the long term (3-10 years) success of your GS is all about the new habits and the mental strength you develop during the first year. food goes from being a major part of your life to being almost an afterthought.
You will find yourself with idle hands and that is never good. Plan for these times and find a way to use this extra time for your benefit.
You are seeing the difficulties of the mental aspect of this surgery now and how you work thru it will be the difference in how successful the surgery is for you.
Good luck and hang in there.

I find that focusing on my Water, 10K steps per day and Protein goals helps me refocus. Water and Protein help the body fight off hunger. Hitting the 64oz of water minimum and trying to get 90 g protein keep me from being hungry. Getting out and walking 3 times a day to hit my 10K steps keeps my mind focused and my body busy. I put on energetic music and get out there! The sun, fresh air and activity boost my serotonin which helps with my attitude which helps me be happy about my goals.

Additionally, Peanut Butter. lol! It's my happy place. When I feel a little snacky I scoop a tablespoon of peanut butter & nibble away slowly, filled with Proteins and fats and not much carbs.

my advice is to CALM DOWM.
you didn’t stretch anything. nothing is wrong. just keep moving forward. this is a marathon, not a sprint. mistakes (not that this is even one) happen and will continue to happen. learn, forgive, and move on.

Likely not stretched out. I also had surgery in November and as of recently I can eat more. Just how it works sometimes. If you're really worried ask your surgeon to check
Here's a few things to consider :
How big was the portion ?
How long did it take you to eat it?
Why were you unable to notice you ate the whole thing ?
Did you ever continue eating past your full sensation?
Are these types of foods allowed on your nutrition plan?
Keep track of these things when you eat and it will be less likely that you'll make the same mistakes
And if you are still worried ask your surgeon for help

I just found out that I have sleep apnea ( yay for another comorbitity) but boooo for not being able to sleep. I keep snatching mine off and I don’t know if I’m really getting my 4hrs in!!! I know I have to try harder but it so frustrating. Maybe I need the full face mask. Right now I have the nasal pillows....ugh

Congratulations! That's so exciting. [emoji258]

Maybe I'm not understanding fully. If your official first visit was 12/19/18 then you need 90 (3 months) consecutive days. The days will not add up to 90 by 2/12/18 unfortunately. Even if you had 3 visits one in Dec, Jan, Feb, you do not have 90 days yet so that's an easy explanation as to why insurance cannot approve your surgery at this time. And that really stinks.

It's understandable that your deeply disappointed bc they gave you date of 2/12 and now you hear otherwise. I have BC/BS and had 3 months visits as well. Because of a problem with one of the doctors' offices, my 3 months turned to 4. Then I was approved and had a date by the 5th month. I think it's probably rare that a surgery is done to the day of the 3-month mark bc you have to have 90 days first and all clearances then paperwork is submitted and there's a wait for approval.

Hang in there. You'll get through this.

My question is how you settled on the sleeve as the best option for you. Have you consulted any doctors for their advice on how you can reach your goals other than sleeve surgery? There are many reasons it's normally only approved for people with a much higher BMI. It certainly doesn't sound like your health is in danger so I really get the idea that the sleeve is not for you and that you should be exploring other avenues with a professional.

In some people that are very muscular BMI is not the best indicator of a healthy body weight.
You may have to really shop around to look for a surgeon willing to operate because if something were to happen to you, would he or she perhaps be scrutinized as to why they were performing a bariatric procedure on a non bariatric patient? Is it ethically frowned upon by other surgeons to do this? I do not know the answer to this.
I hope you find the solution you are looking for and let us know. We all know how frustrating it is to battle our weight.