Erica_B

6 minutes ago, GreenTealael said:

❤CONGRATULATIONS❤

Thank you shero!

So happy to be alive and on the road to being well and fit.

Happy anniversary to all my fellow March 2019 sleevers!

To everyone else! Let's keep it moving!!!

On 2/22/2020 at 8:07 PM, WinterFish said:

I’ll try and keep this as brief as possible. Sorry if I rant on and on.

As I went from 240 lbs to 390 lbs between 2009-2019 I slowly hid myself away from friends and family. The truth is I was in denial about how bad things were getting and I was embarrassed. I was ashamed of how I couldn’t keep up with my friends just walking around the city or fitting into booths at restaurants for family milestones. I was out of breath walking into work from the parking lot. I felt like if I could avoid these things in front of other people, if other people couldn’t confirm how limited I had become, it somehow made it less true.

I have missed SO many adventures and huge important events in my loved ones lives simply because I was physically unable. This hurts my heart.

In 2018 I ditched a good friend’s bachelorette weekend out of town because I was so anxious about how I wouldn’t be able to keep up with everyone. Like literally I could not walk around and I felt ridiculous going to clubs with girls wearing their best outfits and me in an oversized T-shirt. By that point I couldn’t stand for 5 mins without my lower back screaming. Our friendship has not been the same since. I have always thought that was the turning point in our friendship.

Now fast forward to late 2019. I happened to be invited to another good friend’s bachelorette weekend. This is a friend I met in college and we were so close we lived together for a couple of years. This is also when my depression/weight gain really got bad. I did my best to hide it, but I’m sure it was obvious. Over the last 7 years I have make excuses to avoid meeting up with her because she is so active. I even prayed she wouldn’t ask me to be a bridesmaid. How sad is that? I really didn’t think I could make it through the dress shopping bit. Pre-surgery I was 390 lbs and a size 26. This friend has run the NYC marathon and I was at least 220 lbs heavier than any other girl in her friend circle. When I was invited on the bachelorette weekend I immediately thought of ways to get out of it. I told one of the maids of honor that I didn’t think it would be a good idea since it was still early after surgery and I wasn’t sure how I’d feel. Well it’s been almost 5 months and I’ve been so lucky to have zero complications. My mobility is much better too. I am also sober by choice. I was never a big drinker anyways. I partied pretty hard as a teen so by the time I got to college I was somewhat past that phase. It doesn’t make me feel good and now with a sleeve I feel like alcohol serves me no purpose.

Anyways what I am looking for is real honest advice. I feel immense guilt over declining this invite. I have thought about how I would feel if I was my friend. I could see how she would be upset or disappointed. Am I wrong to not go? I don’t drink and I’m trying so hard to stick to my diet. I know if I really wanted to I could make it work.

I don’t want people to tell me what I want to hear. I guess I just want someone to say they understand what I’m saying and feeling. I don’t have anyone in my family or friends that are even overweight. I feel like no one can relate. Has anyone else been through this? Did things get better as you lost weight?

This might seem a bit simplistic, but believe me it is thoughtful...

Those of us who are and/or have been morbidly obese suffer from a chronic disease. Our quality of life, including communing with friends and family can be greatly affected b/c of our disease.

My advice? Have a heart to heart talk with her and explain that you were unable to support her both emotionally and physically b/c you were dealing with the potentially deadly side effects of your disease. You are currently being treated for said disease and regardless of what others may think, this is YOUR journey, and you have to do what is best for you physically and mentally. IMHO a true friend will understand this.

I waited for about three months, and then I didn't do coffee, I did crystal light energy (very low caffeine).

It's a nice boost and you get your Water intake to boot...win win! 😁

My surgery was March 27th of 2019 and though I don't post in forums often, I have kept up with logging my weight info.

I wanted to drop by to see how my fellow March 2019 sleevers are doing.

Hands down a great decision for my health, physically and mentally. I feel great and I hope you all do as well.

2 hours ago, Shyree Wimberly said:

Am I over reacting the last two days have been so stressful yesterday my surgeon ordered 16 labs for me I got stuck multiple times. Today I tried to set up my psych. Evaluation appointment they wouldn't let me I was told they don't take my insurance. So I called my surgeon told her what happened they say that wasn't true so now I'm waiting on them to fix the issue.

Sent from my SM-N950U using BariatricPal mobile app

Nah, not overreacting. The process can be arduous, but worth it in my opinion.

My psych (woman was a complete loon by the by, who insisted I take notes of her brilliance and promoted her book and therapy sessions during my one and only session.), did not accept insurance, so I had to pay out of pocket.

Be sure to talk to your doctor about stress and concerns, that's part of what they are there for.

Hang in there, everything will be just fine.

5 hours ago, Shyree Wimberly said:

It went great. I really like my surgeon he was very down to earth very helpful professional and he answered all of my questions he made sure the surgery I chose will be the right one for me. But other than that I don't have much to do for insurance just blood work EKG ,psych eval.,two nutrition classes and get copies of my cpap records.

Sent from my SM-N950U using BariatricPal mobile app

Congrats! Glad it went well.

Stay the course!

There is a misconception that having weight loss surgery is somehow the 'easy' way out. I call BS!

My husband initially was not supportive when I broached the topic years ago, but after learning more about the process and the health benefits, he was on board, not because the thought of surgery didn't still trouble him, but because he wanted me to be healthy, and happy.

I was diagnosed in 2017 with Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma and have been in remission for over two years now. Though my oncologist could not tell me exactly how I came to have Lymphoma, there were many possible causal factors, one of which? You guessed it, obesity. I knew I needed to act, and after all we'd been through my hubby was all in to make sure my remission continued.

I can only speak for myself when I say that the sleeve surgery was one of the best decisions I have ever made for me, physically and emotionally.

I have never been happier. Do whatever it takes to get YOU to healthy and happy.

I haven't had coffee yet, but I have had Crystal Light energy with caffeine. Tastes great and gives you a nice boost.

Only my husband and I know. It's our journey.

12 hours ago, DuchessDeviance said:

I’m 7 weeks and I can usually get down 1 egg and a few soft vegetables for Breakfast, and 2 ounces of meat for lunch and dinner. I have veggies then too but i’ve reconciled myself to the fact that those two ounces of vegetables are going to take me an hour to eat. And I’m determined to eat them because I need the Fiber 😅. In between meals I drink the BariWise hot chocolate or Cappuccino and the Bariatric Choice drink concentrates, which i’ll happily evangelize about if you’re interested.

Try unsweetened applesauce for your Fiber intake - I know everyone is different, but I find it digests well and I don't get that icky full feeling. I mix it with baby food sometimes along with Protein Powder, applesauce has been my godsend.

Veteran Sleevers (anyone doing this more than one month )

Please I am in desperate need of suggestions for Protein that is not super sweet and contains milk.

I can't take much more - I feel awful after drinking Protein Shakes - I have endured them b/c of the high protein yield, but no mas!

My only solace has been the Unjury chicken Soup, but there has to be something else I can try.

I received a sample from my RD of Premier Protein Clear (don't recall which flavor - perhaps Tropical Punch) that tasted disgusting - maybe I just got the wrong flavor.

Any and ALL suggestions are welcome.

Thank you all in advance for your help.

EB

4 hours ago, Alwzla8 said:

With the compression belt helping were you sent home with an On_V pump?

I don't know that that is (On_Vpump) so I did not.

I ordered the compression wrap from Amazon before my surgery and took it with me to the hospital for when I was released.

8 hours ago, Lamaena said:

I'm glad I'm not the only one. I has surgery 4/8 and can identify. I'm happy to read it gets better.

Sent from my SM-N960U using BariatricPal mobile app

You most certainly are not! my pain was horrific - but wearing a compression belt really did help - especially with the pulling feeling I got going up and down stairs.

Just remember to take VERY small sips of Water as well as taking your pain meds - it helps quite a bit.

Congrats on your surgery and journey!

Congratulations! Welcome to the club, please keep us posted. ☺💚

I was sleeved 3.27.19 -

I also had a Hiatal hernia repaired. This was the source of an enormous amount of pain.

I had very little in the way of pain both internally and incision site otherwise.

I found that using a compression band was very helpful in terms of my mobility. I also wore compression socks at night along with the band.

Today I continue week two of my full liquids phase - and it suuuuuuuucks.

I AM HUNGRY. I am also disappointed b/c I looked forward to the whole hormonal absence no appetite thingie. That is not the case for me.

I follow very strictly the diet/timeline provided me by my doctor and I don't find it fulfilling or satisfying for that matter. In addition I thought I would be down another ten pounds by now, but I understand there are slow losers and my time will come.

I walk a bit every day, and I am waiting for my office visit on 4/19 to discuss stepping up the exercise, hopefully that will help. By then I will be able to have eggs for Breakfast and applesauce!

I have perused the menus for future reference and they leave me hopeful for future culinary satisfaction.

Please share your experiences with me. How did you cope with this phase (those who experience hunger)?

What were some of your coping mechanisms?

So far so good - but still hungry.

I did find Bigelow Honey Ginger Tea is a fantastic probiotic!

I was sleeved 3.27.19 -

I also had a Hiatal hernia repaired. This was the source of an enormous amount of pain.

I had very little in the way of pain both internally and incision site otherwise.

I found that using a compression band was very helpful in terms of my mobility.

Today I continue week two of my full liquids phase - and it sucks.

I'm hungry, and must admit disappointed b/c I looked forward to the whole hormonal absence no appetite thingie. That is not the case for me.

I follow very strictly the diet/timeline provided me by my doctor and I don't find it fulfilling or satisfying for that matter. In addition I thought I would be down another ten pounds by now, but I understand there are slow losers and my time will come.

I weigh once per week on Saturdays.

For me daily weighing would be a source of stress. I try to burn off that stress with my daily walk.

I had surgery two days after you. Hope you're doing well!

On 4/1/2019 at 8:10 AM, Avery's Mom said:

hmmm I never thought about any of the pain I had being related to the hernia repair. I just chalked all that pain up to the gas but it did last about 10 days for me.

For me b/c of the location of the pain I knew it was the hernia and wondered if it could have waited.

5 hours ago, gabybab said:

I'm 5 weeks post-op and had a hiatal hernia repair. I had the same pain. Incan now drink normally and can even chug a bit. No more pain!

I wanna be you when I grow up - or at least in four more weeks. Today is so much better than last week.

On 3/31/2019 at 7:14 PM, teemags48 said:

My surgery was 8/1/2018 I also he'd a hernia repair and every time I drank Water the pain went across my chest at the level of my ribs.I was only able to take sips every 5 mins. It lasted about 6-8 weeks but each week the pain was less. I still get a pain if I drink to soon after eating, they said to wait a half hour after eating to drink anything, I find 45 mins to be better.

I had to learn the hard way - I had all kinds of "what to expects" as it related to the GS but nothing about the hernia.

thanks for responding.

On 4/1/2019 at 11:24 AM, WLH said:

Yes! Take smaller sips. I mean ridiculously small sips, and swallow slowly. I'm fine if I do this, and if I forget myself my stomach lets me know! I think as time goes by and the swelling goes down, it will get better, but I've learned that I will never be taking swallows of anything again.

Oh, I had my surgery the day before you.

Hi and congrats!

I hope you're feeling as well as I am post-op.

I had to learn the hard way to sip verrrrrrry slowly. I was just so thirsty and eager to drink after a full day NPO that I thought something must be wrong. Well there was, I was impatient.

Thanks for responding!

17 hours ago, featherbird007 said:

I had my sleeve surgery on the same day as you AND they fixed a hiatal hernia. I can swallow liquids but have to watch the frequency and amount I'm swallowing. My tummy will let me know by giving a feeling of "a burp that doesn't come out" kind of pain that lasts a few seconds in the chest area.

We are still very inflamed. I see that I'm able to swallow more than I did the first few days. Swallow less... it'll get better.

Hi Surgery Twin!!!

One week later and I feel much better, I'm just taking it easy - takes some getting used to for sure.

Congrats on your journey! Thanks for responding.

5 hours ago, gabybab said:

I'm 5 weeks post-op and had a hiatal hernia repair. I had the same pain. Incan now drink normally and can even chug a bit. No more pain!

This is so good to know! I was beginning to feel like I'd made a mistake. I am exactly one week post-op today and it's a lot better. Thanks for responding!

I had my sleeve surgery on 3/27/19 and my doctor also corrected a hernia.

I have pain when I drink Water, I have been followed the post-op diet/timeline to a T and still I get this pain as the Fluid reaches the opening of my stomach, my questions are:

1) has anyone else experienced this?

2) how long does it last?

In terms of the sleeve surgery, other than being a little sore near one of the incisions I have no issues.

Thanks in advance for your response and the sharing of your experience.

Warm regards.

~E.