S@ssen@ch

missmoe, I think I had protein shakes for breakfast for at least a month after surgery. If I didn't do protein shakes, my go to is yogurt. And I don't mean regular yogurt. That's entirely too sweet and runny for my tastes these days. I may have started with greek yogurt, but switched to Skyr (brand name: Siggi's). It has same protein content as greek and less sugar. Even today, I usually start my day with a Siggi's and add some protein powder, granola, and chia seeds.

I estimate it took me at least 2 months to figure out how to eat meat and even today, I don't do well with dry meats. I'm with FluffyChix. It's much easier with some sort of "meat lube" like a gravy or sauce of some kind. I also realized that seafood (aside from canned tuna, which can be dry) seems to go down easiest. Shrimp is now one of my favorite sources of protein. I'd say that I have more trouble with eggs than I do with meat, maybe with the exception of pork chops. My only experience with them thus far didn't end well. They were just too dry. P.S.: a crock pot or insta-pot might become your best friend to get moist, tender meats.

I took an Uber from the hospital to the airport. Bumping around in traffic in the back seat of a stranger's car was a little nerve-wracking. The plane ride was a bit uncomfortable. I felt every bump and I think the change of altitude increased my gas pain. I was pretty miserable when we landed, got our luggage, and waited for the shuttle to the parking lot. I was exhausted and it felt a little like my guts wanted to fall out, but there was no choice about it. My friend, who went with me for the surgery, could not drive for her own medical reasons. I guess the bright side of this adventure was that I got a lot of walking in! 🚶‍♀️ So, I got in the car and drove about 30 minutes from the airport to my home. Once I got in the car, I actually felt better than my time in the airport. I put on my seatbelt, but left it looser than usual and drove as cautiously as traffic would allow. I even made a few calls en-route (blue-tooth of course). I'd say your biggest concerns with driving on Monday after a Friday surgery is whether or not you're on pain meds and the overall driving conditions of where you're going to be driving. Not that you CAN'T drive, it's more of whether you should. If you're on any pain meds that affect your cognition, you really shouldn't be driving. I say road conditions because of safety. If you were involved in any kind of accident, aside from the accident itself, it could put you at greater risk for injury since you're already compromised.

I had no restriction from driving. The doctor didn't really even caution me against driving while taking pain meds. I had surgery on a Tuesday and drove home from the airport on Thursday. *I had surgery in another state. I never filled my script and managed just fine with tylenol, so there was really no risk for driving impaired. After that initial drive home from the airport, I probably didn't drive again for about another week. It's not that I couldn't, I just didn't need to.

I've always been on the cold side, even at my heaviest. My husband jokes that I am a lizard. Ever since surgery, I am always cold. Heck, in my first week I was so cold I had like 3 blankets on me and a hoodie. I'm not that extreme now, but I can relate to the cold hands and feet. Just last week I bought myself a heated mouse cover. Cute little thing, looks like a sleeping bag for my hand and it sure does the trick!

I agree that if you want to convert at the same time, you need to request the conversion as a separate procedure (the surgeon and his team will bill for 2 separate procedures, so you'll want to make sure you have approval for both). However, I do not necessarily agree with the sentiment that the requirements for conversion after the fact are much harder. This would entirely depend upon your insurance policy. I had my lap band removed in 2009. My surgeon offered to convert me at that time, but I didn't know enough about the sleeve at that time and really wasn't ready. Fast forward to 2017. I was right back where I started before my lap band and more than a decade older. The pre-authorization hoops I went through were exactly the same as those I went through for the band. The only additions were a sleep study (for sleep apnea) and a cardiology consult for cardio clearance. Both of which could be explained because I was older and had additional obesity related health issues. At no time did I feel as though the approval was harder, only more thorough.

I'm with @TexasMommy80. I plan to enjoy the food, only in smaller portions. This is the first year I'm not cooking. Most of our family are out of state, so hubby and I just can't see cooking an entire Thanksgiving meal when there's only 2 of us and I eat such small portions. So, for the first time EVER, I am going out for Thanksgiving. We have reservations at a restaurant that serves a traditional meal. I plan to eat what I can and save the rest for later, even pie. I don't traditionally indulge in alcohol, so that won't be an issue. Happy Thanksgiving all!

Eggs are hit or miss for me. Sometimes I can only eat about half of the egg and sometimes they just sit there. Other times, I have no trouble at all. No rhyme or reason to method of cooking. I tried a soft boiled egg a few weeks ago and found they ere VERY tasty and gave me no tummy trouble. What about custard? I haven't tried it yet, but it was one of those things I did when I was first banded (years ago). I used a sweetener like splenda back then, but would probably try something like Truvia now (just personal preference). It has consistency a little thicker than pudding and might go down easier for you. Another option would be a frittata. Choose one with cheese and it would be smoother/softer than your basic quiche.

In my experience, the "hunger" we're talking about isn't "constant, gnawing" by any means. While I do get a bit of "head hunger" where I want to eat but I don't really NEED to eat, it's very manageable and it seems directly related to whether or not I've gotten a little carried away with carbs/sugar. I also get what I would consider normal hunger. I eat. I feel satisfied. After a few hours, I'm hungry again because I haven't eaten. And the cycle starts again. I have no constant hunger that I cannot satisfy. Heck, I eat with my family and when I'm full, I'm full. I'm not sitting there suffering because I can't eat the food in front of me. I have no desire to eat it. #1-I know that if I do, I will not feel well for long after that bite passed my lips and #2-I'm full, satisfied, and no longer hungry. I do not graze all day. I eat breakfast around 7 or 8. I have a protein-based snack around 10 or 1030. I eat lunch around 1. I eat dinner around 6. If I really feel hungry between lunch and dinner, I might have a little snack like nuts or fruit, but not always. And I try to never eat after 7. I'm not quite sure where you're going with the "if your body insists it needs 2000+ calories" comment. Our bodies get used to a certain caloric intake and when you change that, the body reacts. But, I don't think it has much to do with true hunger, maybe head hunger. Maybe you envision it feeling like you're starving? I can honestly say that I have never had that "starving" feeling since being sleeved (even when I've gone hours and hours, having forgotten to eat). And yes, you CAN be satisfied on a small meal. Early on, your meals probably are about 5 bites, but those 5 bites filled me up. I eat more than 5 bites now. I'm up to about a 3/4 of a cup and I'm absolutely satisfied with that and not just for 15 minutes. I feel full for at least an hour on that 3/4 cup and satisfied for hours, satisfied meaning that I'm not hungry and I'm not obsessing on my next meal/finding snacks/etc. I think that the implication that you will not be hungry after this surgery is an exaggeration and is highly individual. I can honestly say that I had no hunger for the first 3 months. During this healing time, I ate because I knew I had to introduce nutrition and/or hydration into my body. Then, I noticed that I was starting to get hungry late afternoon, hours after lunch, but before my dinner. But let me repeat, it is NOT the same hunger that I had prior to surgery where it was very easy to go on a binge and get out of control.

As lapbandster mentioned above, I would recommend fighting this one. I can't think of any insurance that would deny removal of an implanted device for which you are having complications. If the GI doctor is recommending removal, I recommend consulting with a bariatric surgeon. Bariatric offices have staff that specialize in this, so they'd know how to show "medical necessity" of the procedure.

I agree with those recommending getting an evaluation at a "good foot" or running store. I wish I had. It probably would have saved me a lot of money and suffering. I suffered with plantar fasciitis for at least 3 years and spent $100s on trying to find shoes that would ease my pain. I even saw a podiatrist who ordered orthotics, which only made me more uncomfortable. Of the things I tried, here are the things I can remember: Nike, New Balance, Orthaheel, Birkenstocks, online "plantar fasciitis" adjustable inserts, foot rollers, something called "Voodoo bands", kinesio tape, special toe alignment socks, massaging my feet with aspercreme and arnica gels. What worked for me (aside from losing weight): Merrill MOAB hiking shoes. They're very stable shoes with excellent support. They're not the most fashionable or attractive, but they're functional and I can walk in them forever. Aside from the toe alignment socks, I never tried any special socks and those socks were to be worn in the evening or at night. For socks, I'd say any good cotton sock that offers support would be good.

I had an at home sleep apnea test. A tech comes to your house and puts all the wires and monitors on you. I didn't have any insurance issues and they made it sound like I had a choice about whether I'd like to have it done at their clinic or at home.

Congrats on your LB removal! I know when I had mine removed, I felt much better physically. I chose not to get revision right away and did pretty well for about 5 years. Then life threw me some curve balls and I gained my weight back. I spent 2 years trying to do it on my own before I realized that I needed help. I got revision to sleeve on 4/10 and am very happy with my decision.

I wasn't aware of the ScarAway product. Looks like it's very effective. I started using Bio Oil as soon as my incisions were healed enough for me to feel safe in applying. Maybe after 2 weeks? I use it after every shower and because it's made my skin so soft and supple, I use it everywhere. At 7 months out, my scars are so faded that I have to look for them. Bio Oil even helped with my stretch marks.

Thank you, Everyone! I felt like some sort of medical anomaly. My new word: SNATIATION

I'm about 7 months out from sleeve surgery and I noticed that sometimes after I eat, I have to sneeze. I don't mean 1 "achoo". I mean repeatedly sneezing, like 10 or 12 times, over and over. When I get this, I'm full, but I wouldn't say I've overeaten. Only oddity is this sneezing business. I mean, I KNOW when I've overeaten. There's no mistaking it. I am uncomfortable, almost in pain. I feel like I need to burp, but can't. Sometimes thick saliva/slime comes up or turns to foam. (sorry for the graphics) Sneezing seems a peculiar reaction to eating and is quite annoying, especially if I'm working in an office environment where people make comments about my jackhammer sneezing or avoid me thinking I'm Typhoid Mary. Besides, my bladder isn't especially fond of repeated sneezing and I cannot trust it. It revolts. I know a runny nose can be a sign that your full, but to go beyond runny nose to this crazy, repeated sneezing? It just seems weird and really, I could do without it. Anybody else have this?

There are medical studies about GERD and VSG, but the most recent that I'm aware of showed no correlation or limited correlation. That being said, from experience there are quite a few people on forums like this that complain of GERD after VSG. But it seems to be hit or miss and just because you had or did not have GERD before VSG does not predict whether or not you'll have it. I seem to be constantly battling it. It's not so severe that I'd do anything drastic about it, I just wish I could get off the PPI's (Nexium) because I don't want to be on them for life. I do see quite a few revisions on here from VSG to RNY because of severe GERD. If you have to have a revision, I would say that you will have to go through most of the usual pre and post-op challenges you did with the sleeve and yes, that might include hair loss. Tellogen effluvium is not specific to type of surgery, but more because of the shock to your system. ANY surgery could cause it, even non-bariatric surgery because anesthesia and the healing process disrupts the growth cycle of your hair. Good luck!

I would say that most of the time I vary between feeling full and feeling satisfied. Full being right after I've eaten and it stays that way for about 30 min to an hour. After that, I feel rather satisfied. This hunger is a really different hunger. The best I can describe it is "empty". It's not painful and it's not annoying, just empty. When I get there, I find myself searching for food or planning for food. If I let it go too long, it gets REALLY easy to make very bad choices because it can switch over to that crazy hungry where I need to eat NOW. My stomach doesn't really growl to alert me, so these subtle signs are the only real signs. This whole experience has forced me to become more alert to my body's needs. It's language is much more subtle than we expect it to be. It's also forced me to be prepared. I plan most of my meals and I carry "safe" items with me and/or keep items in my desk so that I never really get to that out of control hunger that I was used to before the sleeve.

I second that! I had no hunger for the first few weeks, but it eventually came back. Not that voracious, tummy grumbling feeling but more of a nagging emptiness.

My "go to" breakfast is Skyr (like greek yogurt, only less sugar) with a little granola and chia seeds. On weekends, I'll change it up and have oatmeal or shredded wheat for breakfast. Fresh fruits or veggies every day help to get in fiber, but I still can't eat a lot of them. 1 apple is more than enough for an entire meal and I sometimes have to split it into 2 meals/snacks. I eat beans or lentils whenever the opportunity arises. If I need a snack, I usually have a few nuts. That being said, I still feel like I'm a little deficient sometimes. I tried psyllium husk addition to smoothies or yogurt but because I eat so slow, it turns into a thick goo that I'm not terribly exited about eating. So, I found SF fiber gummies, which I usually take once a day. They're only 5% of daily fiber needs, but they make me feel like I'm at least making an effort. Plus, they feel like an after dinner treat. Been fortunate, I haven't really had issues with constipation. So, I guess I must be doing something right.

This is statement, at least for me, has been the major issue. I have to change my relationship with food and not rely on food to comfort me when I'm stressed, sad, mad, etc. It's a process that I work at every day. @pdamociOn the bright side, all the tales of "your tastes will change after surgery" seem to be very true and it's not always related to the fact that you've cut out sugar or fat or carbs. I have never been a regular fish or seafood eater. It's not because I didn't like it, I just liked other things better. Ever since I was sleeved I seem to crave seafood. Shrimp has become my favorite protein and I willingly choose fish at restaurants when I would have previously ordered beef because that's what I honestly want, not because I think I should.

Not sure I can answer the question about why there is so much cheese out there. Personally, I love it and it is a staple in my diet. I always have sticks of cheese in my refrigerator and if I get tired of yogurt for breakfast will switch it up and have cottage cheese. Never had an issue with constipation. If you're looking for soft food, non-cheese, substitutes that carry a healthy punch of protein, my go-to is hummus. There are lots of variations that you can find in stores, but I like it best when it's simple and homemade. Another option is refried beans. They can be a little bland, so I spice them up with chili powder and a little sour cream.

I recommend you contact your surgeon first thing in the morning.

@Spellbound, I take Vitafusion brand. I started with one (can't remember the formulation), but am currently taking the Women's formula for energy, metabolism and bone support. You can get them just about anywhere. I think I got these at Walmart. If it wasn't Walmart, it was probably Costco.

In my early weeks, say maybe first 6 weeks, I changed vitamins countless times. I started with the patches, but became sensitive to the adhesive. I tried the chalky chewables, the starburst-like chews, under at least 3 or 4 different brands. I tried them with calcium, without calcium, with iron, without iron. I varied the time of day and considered with food vs without food or what other vitamins to combine them with. They all made me nauseated and a couple even made me dizzy. I finally settled on gummies. They're not 100% sugar free, but they're only 15 calories, so I decided that the risk of eating sugar vs not getting my vitamins/minerals was something I was willing to take. I've been taking them regularly ever since. No problems. Plus, it kind of feels like a treat. I don't plan to take them forever. Now that I'm nearly 7 months out from surgery, I think I'll try to go back to the regular One-a Day pills once my gummy stores run out. I've had no trouble with capsules that size, so hopefully it won't be an issue. I say this so that you know, we all have things we tolerate better than others. And we all have that vitamin that works for us, but not for others. Experiment. Be patient. It will take some trial and error to find what's best for you.