thesuse2000

RJ posted this past week about a leak over a year out. It was caused by an ulcer, but overall a sleeve complication. Rare, but it is one of the various complications that can indeed happen. Everyone needs to go into this fully informed and prepared for the risks as well as the benefits.

I'm in too - thanks! Current weight: 233 Goal weight: 211

Hi all, I really want to succeed with this sleeve (I know - we all do!) and I don't feel totally clear about how many calories I should be eating. I see a lot of posts where people say something along the lines of "I can barely get in 500 calories a day". I have no problem at all eating 800+ calories a day. I haven't eaten more than 900, but I know that I easily could. Not sure if that's because I'm band-to-sleeve and my pouch is a little bigger (my surgeon told me she would use a slightly larger bougie to account for scar tissue from the band) or because I'm still on mushies and these are slider foods, but it is what it is. My Nut has given me protein goals (60-80) but refuses to give me calorie goals. She says if I eat high protein and meet those goals I should be good. But I really would like some parameters for calories... I don't want to eat too little and send my body into starvation mode and screw with my metabolism, but I don't want to eat too much and fail to make the most of the honeymoon phase. I'd love to hear what works for others - especially from veterans - what you did in your first year that led to your longterm success. From what I've found online I've come up with 800-900 as a good goal range, but wondering if it would hurt if I ate a little more when I'm hungrier and/or if I should really try for less... thanks!

Thanks all! I do track on MFP. Since I posted this I'm thinking that some of my meals may not be high enough protein, causing me to feel hungry sooner perhaps. I will try cutting back a bit and see how that goes - I think that will be much easier when I'm on solids... Great to see a couple of you mention 800 cals! I've just needed to know that I'm in the right neighborhood!

I'm almost three weeks out and my weight loss has been very inconsistent. Didn't lose the first week, then lost a bunch the 2nd week and now barely anything in the third week. Down 10 total since surgery now. I've seen so many posts like this, so I'm trying not to freak out, but it is hard! I'm eating about 800 calories too. You will get there! Hang tight and it will happen.

fruit and veggies wouldn't give you anywhere the protein you need though - I'm pretty sure the protein shake thing will be a better experience for you.

Ha - good for you! Totally normal to need a little help to get there.

First few days are the worst, but after about day 4 you should feel much better. I felt better by day 3.

I was terrified before my surgery, but moved forward knowing that the risk/benefit profile for the sleeve was still overwhelmingly positive. I'm a band to sleeve revision and I wish I had just done the sleeve the first time. The band did not work for me - while there are more serious complications/risks with the sleeve - there is a hugely high risk (as high as 50%) of less serious complications with the band and just lack of success. That said - you need to make the decision that you're most comfortable with based on all the available data. Wishing you the best.

I was worried about working during the pre-op diet - for me, I was more worried about mental sharpness, but also physical stamina. In those two weeks I had a coupe important client meetings, including co-facilitating an all-day workshop. My surgery was on a Monday, so my diet was supposed to start the Monday two weeks prior, but what I did was start it the Friday before the Monday I was supposed to start, so that the worst of it would hit me over the weekend. People's experiences are different, but I'd seen a lot of people say that the first 4 days are the hardest. For me day 2 was the worst - I felt super low energy and had a headache all day, but after that I actually felt pretty normal. As long as you're doing shakes that are low carb your blood sugar should stabilize within a few days and you should feel okay. I would just make sure that your surgeon understands the physical demands of your job, in case it warrants any difference in your pre-op diet. One disclaimer - I ate real food instead of shakes, but kept to 1000 calories, super low carb/high Protein. Good luck! And stay as cool and hydrated as you can!

Thanks all - this thread has been very helpful to me too! I've emailed my nutritionist about my issues with protein shakes in the morning. I didn't think it was dumping because my shakes are not high at all in sugar or fat, and the descriptions I've seen of dumping sounded much more dramatic than what I was experiencing (I very often see people say that they feel like they're dying). I appreciate the info and education!

Interesting - the symptoms you're describing is what I was experiencing in the morning after my Protein shake breakfast during my first two weeks. It was so unpleasant that I just started skipping breakfast. If I had a Protein Shake in the evening (to catch up on my protein needs) I wouldn't have the issue - only in the morning. Still a mystery to me, but now that I'm on mushies I have an egg for breakfast and it's fine. Anyway - I guess just experiment and try to avoid the things that trigger it.

Talk to your doctor. Not sure if you're talking about constipation pain or something else. Better to be safe!

Check out this thread: http://www.bariatricpal.com/topic/181994-the-official-what-you-will-need-for-your-gastric-sleeve-surgery-thread/ Stuff I had: Protein shakes/powders, various other liquids per your doctor's post-op diet - I had V8, chicken broth, pureed Soups, crystal light. books or other things to keep you entertained. Chewable Vitamins. Wishing you the best with your surgery!

You're both super cute! Congrats on your success and positive attitude through all the rough patches!

I have no personal story to share, but I've fantasized about becoming a wedding cake baker/decorator! I hope that you're able to continue doing it without it negatively impacting your success with the sleeve. My hunch is that you'll be able to make it work, with just minimal tasting for flavor.

Hi - I haven't participated in one of these yet, but excited to join in! I'll look out for the tips and such. I'm not sure how to play...

HW - 264 SW - 243 (lost about 15 on pre-op diet) CW - 235 Sleeved on 6/16 Happy!! Go back to work tomorrow, but will work remotely at first. Start mushies tomorrow, so want to be home for that, so I can take my time and see how I react to foods. Overall I've had a great recovery and I'm so glad I did this (and that the worst is behind me now). Feeling excited and hopeful about my future - less worried about sickness/early death - looking forward to being more active, social, fashionable and more. Yay us!

See what you can do to add in a few more calories. If you're feeling healthy (as mentioned) I wouldn't drive yourself too crazy with it. I imagine that in time your weight will stabilize in the right place.

I was very similar to you. Down 3 the first week. I was down 5 the 2nd week though. Everyone is different, but we will get there! I don't feel worried about it - I'm down about 23 pounds this month with pre-op diet, so that's more than I've ever lost in a month. And I fit in my smaller jeans now (ones I was wearing are too baggy now). All good!

Hi there - I looked at your profile and you're 5' 2", so at 99-100 you're actually just barely underweight. The bottom of the normal BMI is 18.5. According to this calculator, you just need to go up to 101 to get to an 18.5 (normal) BMI: http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/guidelines/obesity/BMI/bmicalc.htm I am very much not in your shoes, but I can empathize with the fear of regain. Perhaps you can increase your calories just a smidge, by 50 calories or so and that will help put you into a healthier weight category without you having to change the routine that you're comfortable with. Wishing you well in achieving/continuing your new healthy life!

Wow - you look great! Thanks for sharing!

I'm planning to buy myself some beautiful jewelry along the way - one nice piece when I hit the halfway mark and a really nice one when I hit goal. Whatever works to incentivize you sounds great to me!

what were the previous weeks like? Perhaps you had a big loss and then things stabilized a bit... or if the losses have been very low for a bit, perhaps you do need to consider lowering your calories just a little. But I'm guessing it's just a little water retention or something and next week will show a loss again. Hang in!

I start purees Monday too. Pasting below some of the ideas from my surgeon's office. This in addition to well mashed tuna or egg salad, pureed chicken with mashed potatoes - anything the consistency of applesauce. 2, 3 and 4 look pretty good to me! 1. Sweet Ricotta Cheese: Part Skim Ricotta cheese, Splenda, Cinnamon and Choice of flavored extract like vanilla or Almond. 2. Noodle-less Lasagna: Part Skim Ricotta Cheese, Ragu, Low fat Mozzarella and Parmesan Cheese. Microwave one minute. 3. Burrito-less Burrito: Refried Beans, Taco Sauce or Smooth Salsa, Low Fat Cheddar Cheese. Microwave 1 minute. Top with tablespoon of Low Fat Sour Cream. 4. Deviled Egg Salad: 1-2 Hard Boiled eggs, Low Fat Mayonnaise, Low Fat Vegetable Cream Cheese. Mush well with Fork. Must be moist! 5. Protein Shake: Scoop of Protein powder (i.e. Body Fortress Premium whey Protein Powder, 8 Ounces Skim or 1% Milk. shake or Blend with ice. 6. Protein Pudding: In a blender put 2 1/4 cups of Skim or 1% milk, 1 package of Sugar Free/Fat Free Instant pudding and 3 scoops of protein powder. Divide into 3 servings and enjoy as a meal.