sizemedown

Thank you so much. I needed to hear this. I was so confused.

I drink Bang Keto coffee Cookies and Cream and they are not carbonated. They are delicious. Can someone please tell me why some surgeons say no caffeine? Is it forever or just while healing? I was sleeved Sept 2, 2020. I have been drinking Bang for about a month. Do some surgeons think caffeine effects your weight loss?

I'm doing the same. I literally cry for no reason now and I have never been one to cry. I keep hearing what others have said about hormones. I also know that weight loss has been an enormous gift that I would never trade. And the incredibly positive mental changes I have gone through have been unreal, too. Like, just yesterday I got together with an old friend, but we are on two COMPLETELY different levels now. I had made plans for next weekend, but today I had to cancel. I just feel like I'd be going backwards. I have therapy tomorrow. I also suggest you get a therapist. The changes are a lot to handle. I once heard that stress isn't always when bad things happen. Your body experiences stress even when good things happen. Any change. Hope you get some relief.

Hi all,
I am seriously considering weight loss surgery as I have recently been diagnosed with PCOS and I have been bitterly unhappy with my weight for many years.
I am 34 years old, I have a BMI of 40.8 and am a size 20-22, I am 5ft 6.
I have had a referral to my Dr's from my gynaecologist suggesting some type of bariatric surgery so hopefully my Dr will refer me.
I am unsure the Pros and Cons of the different types from my research I have read the Gastric Sleeve or Bypass are the main two is this correct?
Also can I please have as many replies as possible to what surgery you have had, the pros but mainly the cons.
How long ago you had surgery, which type, how long ago, the healing process, how much weight you have lost ect anything to help I would be really grateful!
I've seen alot about only being able to eat a very small amount after surgery too is this the case with both surgeries?
TIA xx

Hi sweetie! I have PCOS, too. I was diagnosed in 2002 and I only weighed around 220. I later ballooned up and had a BMI of like 60 I think. I tried tons of different things to lose weight for many years. I am not sure how to breakdown the last really hard 18 years. But I'm on oxygen 24/7. I had severe hypoxia and almost died from respiratory failure one day. All of this was a result from not staying on a cpap machine thinking I was cured from sleep apnea. Anyway, I later got diabetes. I was 404 pounds at my highest. So, in May of this year I made an appt. AGAIN to see another gastric surgeon. But this time I was pretty optimistic because I found out since I was on Medicare, they may cover the surgery. So I found a great surgeon online Dr. Chetan Patel here in Florida. He was so kind. Long story short I started working towards getting the surgery by meeting with the Nutritionist and I did everything she said. I started at 377, but I shed 47 pounds from May 22, 2020 to the day of surgery September 2, 2020. So I just had surgery like almost a month ago. I am so happy to say I had ZERO complications. Now....I've only lost 10 pounds since the surgery, BUT ask anyone on here there is a 3 week stall. It scared the crap out of me. But I am telling you all this because my Endocrinologist told me before the surgery that because I have PCOS I may need to go back on a little bit of Metformin. So, the last week I am back on 500 mg in AM and 500 mg in PM. And I have thyroid issues, too. Which in a month we will redo bloodwork to see if that needs to be adjusted. BUT LET ME TELL YOU. THIS IS THE BESTTTTTT decision I have ever made besides turning my life over to God. I feel amazing. I keep thinking. The mental changes just from having hope has changed my life. Girl. Do it. I have so much to say, but I eat like 600-850 calories a day. I get full easily. I do all the Vitamins every day. If I feel hungry pretty soon after eating it reminds me to drink my Water. I use the stopwatch on my phone all day long. You can't drink while eating and you need to 30 minutes between. I thought i would miss that, but my digestion problems totally stopped by doing that. And what a tiny trade off for a brand new life. I started college again 1 week out of surgery! Hello!!! Crazy wonderful life.

Hello everyone I had Gastric Sleeve surgery on September 2nd 2020. My Highest weight was 216lbs my weight day of Surgery was 207lbs. 3 weeks post op and I’m staying consistent at 195lbs which is basically the same weight I was after surgery. It’s hard most days for me to get in all of my Protein and liquids as of now I can drink at least 25oz-30oz of liquids and with my height and weight I’m suppose to be consuming 70 grams Protein 64 oz of Water according to my doctor . She also told me my Protein Shakes would be considered with the liquids. Still I can o my drink 30z most days I can finish only 1 Premier Protein shake .


I’m curious am I not loosing any weight because I’m not consuming enough protein?! Just very worried feel like I’m failing this procedure .

Same here!! Same date, too. I am told by EVERYONE this is normal. So...thank the good Lord for that news! I have seen so many other changes that I must be doing something right. And I'm sure you see it in other areas, too. Right? And the changes in my moods and energy along with all the changes in my selfies lol have been awesome! How about you? Frankly, I want to throw the scales in the trash compactor.

Thanks for this post. I am day 23!!! and nothing. My sirgeon said this is sooooo normal. He said "Look at your knees, I can see your knee caps now." Lol. This is so true!!! I literally have no idea where the weight goes because the scale isn't showing it. You have received great alive here. I'm especially fond of only weighing at the doctors office since I literally have so many physical changes. Look for those. I just know soon we are going to be wonderful "losers" so I'm so glad we all have eachother to bounce things off of. Hang in there! I'm with ya!

Thanks for this post. I am almost 3 weeks out and I haven't lost either. Saw my surgeon yesterday and he assured me that this happens a lot. But I did lose 47 pounds before the surgery so I was really confused. Anyway, he said that I have already physically changed and I have. It's weird. Anyway. I guess we just need to hang in there

On 9/19/2020 at 6:08 AM, Tricky Dicky said:

Just had mine done on the 14th. 54 year old male that has never been in hospital before and I can tell you that I was dreading it. Nervous was an understatement.

5 days on im wondering why I put myself through so much stress and sleepless nights!

I had excruciating pain the 1st day but by the 3rd day I have the odd twinge but nothing that I wasn't prepared for. I'm now pain free at day 5 and have been walking 3 or 4 miles each day.

My future is looking so optimistic now that I truly feel blessed.

I cannot believe the struggle I've had for the last 35 years is finally over.

I'm looking forward to wearing some of my smaller and now retro clothes lol

Stay positive as its all worth it in the end.

Your post resonates so much with me. First of all, I'm so sorry you had so much pain in the beginning. But now you are walking 3-4 miles a day??? That's incredible. I have so much energy, too now after an extremely successful surgery. I never stop moving. Its kinda weird. I wonder if anyone else felt like this? My ex even said are you ok? Lol, I'm like yes, I've never been happier in my LIFE. I totally 100% spent over 28 years in misery as well. I'm 49. I would never give up two things in my life this experience and coming to believe in God many years ago. Both of them have been incredible. Blessed? Absolutely! Way to go!

On 9/16/2020 at 6:20 PM, MandoGetsSleeved said:

Well...I under estimated my ability to process Protein. I figured if I was off pain meds my system would work just fine. NOPE. After 4 days and nearly passing out I finally got some relief. Now I take my Colace faithfully twice a day. Once I start eating more veggies I hope to eliminate those.

Haha on the begging! I was praying for nausea. I think I walked about 5k steps to just try and get some relief.

Oh man! So glad you figured out something to take. I haven't heard of Colace. I will look that up. I can't ever get to my veggies so I'm going to buy some greens powder with my Water.

30 minutes ago, MandoGetsSleeved said:

OMG! I just did this last night. A SINGLE egg and a turkey sausage (both of which I have eaten for the last week with no issues). I don't think I have ever been so miserable in my life. I think I moaned for about 2 hours before I wasn't miserable. In my case, I think I did two things:

1- Drank Water up until about 10 minutes before I ate.

2 - Ate too fast.

Like you, no complications, no issues (other than constipation the first week), and progressing to foods just fine. I swear you just gave the best advice EVER. Knowing me, I'm sure this will happen again, but I can assure you not anytime in the near future. Hope you're feeling better!

Muah! You are sweet. I'm so sorry you had to experience this, too. It was clearly awful, right? I was begging God like in my drinking days when I was young. It's awful, right? But glad we hopefully learned from this. At this point in my life I thank the Lord for anything that happens because we can always help others. I'll be his guinea 🐖. The Constipation is annoying. How'd you fix that? Glad you are better today.

Congrats on the surgery and your weight loss. Hope you are feeling good. My doctor told me my liver was unusually large as well. I lost weight prior, too...47 pounds. Weird.

Oh my gosh! I'm not kidding. I've read it a 100x the pain you will be in if you eat too fast or too much.

I'm extremely positive and have been so blessed with zero complications. So understand me when I say DO NOT EAT TOO FAST and STOP EATING NO MATTER WHAT if you are full. I

In my case, I'm in Phase 3 which for me is soft foods. I can barely get through my two ounces of Protein. And forget about the 1/4 cup of veggies. I'm thrilled. I'm NOT complaining because this is good and what I want (duh). I'm just warning you if you're even thinking about pushing yourself to eat what you're supposed to eat a certain amount, but can't just STOP. Just keep your logs and tell your doctor or nutritionist if it's too a major pattern.

Just now, I didn't even push myself. Out of habit from my previous ways of eating I lost my ever loving mind for 2 seconds and just stuffed in a full bite. Wow! Our brains are so tricky. In recovery, I once heard someone say our brains have good forgetters. Lol. They sure do. In a split second decision you can bring a world of hurt to your life in many ways.

Lots of love you guys!

Thank you soooooo much! Wish I could hug you. I think l'll be one of the slow losers, but like you said, either way I'm still a loser, so yay! Lol!

Well, I am getting worried. Only 8 days out, but lost only like 3 pounds. Wth? Is this normal?

I'm about a month out and my nutritionist said I may be able to move to regular foods! I'm still going to keep up good eating habits but rice is kryptonite haha. Has anyone tried the Right Rice brand? or is a veteran and can deduce if this would be a safe alternative to rice that's okay to eat post-op?

Great. That is going to be so nice.

For me, when I started this whole journey, I met with my nutritionist and I told her for months I had only been eating beans...chili Beans, kidney beans, chickpeas, green beans, brussel sprouts, spinach, salads, fish, plant based Proteins (full of carbs) and I was so strick and couldn't lose a POUND! I was like WTH? NO white breads, ALWAYS WHOLE GRAIN, no rice, no potatoes. Girl, I was so good...or so I thought. She told me that I was getting too many CARBS in the BEANS!!!!. All beans, fruits, veggies, are NOT created equal. I cut everything out, did what she said and lost 47 pounds in like 2.5 months!!!!

I know you were told it's ok and maybe it is for you, just be careful that's all. And enjoy!

Looks so good. Yummy!

2 hours ago, KCAT said:

Askmehow, I get about 800 to 1000 a day if I'm lucky. But I do make sure I get my Protein in, sometimes it's food sometimes it shakes. It has been a conscious decision every day. Some days I feel like eating like a hog and some days I don't like eating at all. I kind of thought my nutritionist would have addressed this issue but she has not. All they care is that I lost the weight and that I keep it off. sigh.

Thanks for telling me some days you are more hungry than others. I'm starting to notice that today, now I'm ok with it since you said that. Well, we have everyone on here, so yay! Boy what a blessing everyone is. Can you imagine how anxious we would be. What a pain for doctors it must have been. Lol

Thanks for posting that because I'm at like 700-850 calories and I was freaking out thinking it was too much. Shoot maybe it is too much because you put that you are doing that at 3 mos post op. Ugh. Well, I will see my doctor soon.

Yay!!!! And you are going to freak out in a few months just how much thst little annoying (at first) machine makes you feel. Incredible. Can't wait to hear.

On 9/6/2020 at 7:27 AM, SMC25428 said:

My headaches have finally gone away. Then I started having pain in my shoulder up to my left ear whenever I took a deep breathe that lasted for about 4 days. Its finally gone now too. My doctor said it was from the anesthesia. The meds they used had to pass out of my body. I was afraid it was a leak or something but now its gone and im good. A couple of my incisions were leaking and that was a pain. It freaked me out at first but they are beginning to dry up and scab over. They look irritated and just out right mad. Doctor said as long as its clear and no funky smell im good to go. Going back to work kinda saved me i was starting to feel a little depressed and regretting having the surgery. But i wake up take meds do my 4oz meal and energy is there and im ready to start my day. Staying in bed and freaking out over every little sound and ache was not beneficial to my mental health in anyway. Everyone is different this just works for me. Hope all is well and good luck on your journey.

Yay!! Great to hear.

https://www.heart.org/en/healthy-living/healthy-eating/eat-smart/sugar/difference-between-sugar-free-and-no-added-sugar

Had surgery on Monday, went back to work yesterday. I've gotten lucky my boss said he hired me for my brains and not braun... however I never really noticed how much walking I do in a day. Definitely, exhausted and went to be around 8 lastnight. I've had my first BM. I know alot of you might feel tmi...but I was so excited I told my sons who were getting ready for work and textes my husband. One incision is still draining but everyone that noticed the wet spot on my shirt were completely understandable and super supportive. I called my doctors office about it. It seems to be alot, but the nurse called me back and said it was normal, some people have the drainage while others don't. As long as it doesn't turn yellow or green or start to smell funny. My headaches are still waking me up. I think im sleeping about 3 hours before it wakes me up. Nothing appears to be working. Is anyone else experiencing severe headaches where its above the left eye towards the center of the head. Any ideas or suggestions...please. They hurt tremendously bad and the 500 tylenol twice every 6 hours doesn't touch them.

I am also having headaches. I can't believe you are back to work!!!!! Wow! I had surgery on the 2nd. I got home yesterday. I had to go to ICU then a regular room. But every time I take medication (crushed it) I pass out and I was having headaches starting in the back of my head around neck. Then the pain was so bad it effected my temples. So I just sent an email to see if I have to take some of these meds and asked what could be the headache problem. I'll let you know what my doctors say, but you are having different ones I think. I hope you feel better.

Lunch/left-overs from dinner last night. My take on Philly cheesesteak stuffed peppers using Hatch green chili’s, stuffed with sautéed thin sliced beef, mushrooms, and onions, topped with a bit of reduced fat Mexican cheese blend. Left-overs from dinner last night. Very tasty Ate all of it. About 200 kcals and 19 G Protein.< br>

YUM! Sounds amazing! Gonna try.

On 8/30/2020 at 7:38 AM, AmyVanRose said:

You will be fine! I’m not trying to worry you because with Covid everyone is backed up. But there is huge difference so thought I’d share my experience. I know how you are feeling! I cancelled Surgery in Nov after doing 2 week fluids bc of blogs with horrific complications scared me to death. plus I never heard of loose skin that bad like the extreme ones on U-tube. Also petrified of Anesthesia bc bad issue before.
Cancelled surgery in Jan because Dad died. I have met with my surgeon 4 times and he is the nicest caring surgeon. He doesn’t rush me & answers questions truthfully. He also does reflux surgery & has Vitamins on Amazon plus U-tube videos. He has plastic surgeon he works with & went over info to help insurance cover skin removal as it’s unhygienic & rashes hurt. But said exercise helps so much. His Nurse is awesome and when I call her for questions, she never tries to hurry me. The hospital pre op & Covid test ran smooth. It only took a month to be okayed so I pay nothing. The office is efficient. Surgery is Sep 8th. Three times a charm, I wish I had done it in November. I did the liquid diet twice now & gained it back. If you have a bad feeling make sure surgeon is a registered Bariatric Surgeon. Our health & lives are at risk. I have 4 bad issues will go away. So please think about that if you get scared at the last minute. We can all do this. Like you, I am pretty much alone except my husband. I’m really thankful for everyone here. If anyone is in the Houston/The Woodlands area, He has a 5 star rating several places so I’ll share info. Prayers for everyone having soon & recovering!

Girl!!! You are next to all my family. I'm from Texas. My sister is in College Station I think. I have been back in a long time. All my other family is all over Houston and Lake Charles, etc. I have so many friends there, too. Hope your surgery goes better this time. I appreciate you sharing your fears. I love this place. I thank God for you all. I feel better about my surgery. My surgeon is amazing. He has been wonderful. Yes, he is Board Certified. He has great ratings that match up completely with my experience with him. I was just scared about the hospital. That has hopefully been addressed. I spoke to a very pleasant girl today and she assured me that I'm in good hands. And I really feel that way now. And I brought my concerns up to the doctor. It will all be fine. I loathe complaining. You always feel like they will stick you extra hard with the needles or give you a Clorox IV Bahaa. Good luck with your surgery!!

None of the hospitals in my area have great reviews. I work in healthcare though, so I know sometimes things go great, so great review, and sometimes things just go wrong and bad review results. I know that I have bent over backwards for some people to make them happy and they are still not satisfied. They are going to leave a bad review because someone in admitting was short with them, and I can’t fix that. Healthcare is tough. People are scared, uncomfortable, and want to be everyone’s top priority, but sometimes someone is sicker and just needs more help, so they get it. In the operating room you will be everyone’s priority, so if you trust your surgeon, you are good to go.

I have lost weight on my own many times with diet and exercise, only to gain it back with a little extra to show for it. This is my forever chance to get the weight off and keep it off.

Sending best wishes for you to reach a decision you are comfortable with!

Thank you. So true. So true. I feel so much better hearing everything that y'all had to say. I try to catch myself nowadays when I start to over analyze everything. You are so right when you said that people like to put negative stuff. I never understood that? Anyway, I feel better now. Thank you.

I hope I'm responding the correct way on here because I just started this a week ago. Let me know someone if I am doing this right to press "quote" before every reply?




HW: 404 lbs.
5/22/20 preop: 377 lbs.
8/29/20 CW: 328.4
9/2/20 Surgery Date