Tiffykins

I agree with Jane 100%. pumpkin, I'm over a year out, and all my Vitamin counts are perfect, and guess what I'm not exactly perfect with my multi. I mean I rarely miss, but when I do it might be 2-3 days in a row. I can eat such a varied diet now that honestly, I don't see how I could get deficient in anything. Also, the only one I've seen sleeve patients report getting low on is Vit D, D3, and Iron. Some of those patients had deficiencies before surgery, or other medical issues that can contribute to deficiencies. I'm not trying to bash your doctor, but maybe he should read up on the stats of the band, and see just how horrible the complications can be. The sheer fact that 1 out of 4 patients he refers to the band will need another (if not multiple) surgeries to either replace, remove, revise, reposition the band should make him reconsider his pro-band opinion. Those stats are from the band manufacturer, it's not like people are out there making this stuff up. By the way, it's my understanding that 90-95% of our vitamin absorption occurs in the intestines, not the stomach. So, I'm not really sure what missing 80%+ of our stomach has to do with vitamin absorption. Could it happen, yes, but the fact is most sleeve and band patients do not experience vitamin or nutrient issues because there is zero malabsorption.

Hi Sunshine, and welcome. We're glad to have you with us. Your story and mine sound familiar. I was a single mom for many years as well, and everything was about my son and his well-being (as it should be). But, there was a part of me that realized that I was not giving 100% to him because my obesity held me back in many ways that other parents didn't understand. I was exhausted all the time. After school activities were limited because if I wasn't working to provide for us, doing housework, focusing on homework with him, etc etc, I was sleeping or eating. I did diet and work out over that decade, but I never could keep it off. I actually added up one day through all my journals that I had lost and gained the same 400+ pounds in 10 years. I'm so glad I was able to lose weight, and have a fighting chance to keep it off for the first time in my life. Your daughter will reap many benefits from your weight loss as well. The sleeve is fabulous, and you'll feel fabulous once the weight starts coming off. That's not to say that there won't be rough days, or struggles, but believe me, the victories outweigh the struggles any day of the week. Keep us posted on your progress, and keep reading, learning as much as you can. If you have questions, let us know, we're here for you ! ! ! Congrats on getting your date ! ! !

No raw veggies/fruits for 3 months for that exact reason. Not to mention the extremely high sugar content that will spike blood sugar, and can actually cause cravings. Focus on Protein, not filler foods. At least during this stage of the game, and this isn't to "call you out", but if you're eating marshmallows already, you definitely don't need to add sugars, carbs to your diet. It will only make those bad habits of reaching for easy foods harder to break.

Titanium staples and other surgical implants are the most common and most tolerated world wide. The stomach tissue heals completely around the staples and they are not visible. I've flown, and been scanned with military grade metal detectors several times without every setting any of them off. I also have 2 titanium large screws in my left knee that have been in there for the last 17 years without issue. Suturing tissue can not give the same closure, and seamless healing process that stapling gives. Plus, there are usually three tiny rows of staples in the stapler that are shot simultaneously into the tissue. My dad has had knee surgeries, pins, and other titanium implants for decades upon decades without issue. I actually post pictures of the inside of my sleeve. If you aren't squeamish, check out youtube.com for the actual surgery videos. If you'd like I can share my pictures with you so you can see what a sleeve looks like at 8 months out. I had my gallbladder removed at 8 months post-op, and my surgeon decided to scope me at the same time.

You've been sick, and on antibiotics. Your body is storing everything it can so it can recover. I also recommend the same thing to people that experience a stall. Up your Water, and calories. Even if it's just 50-100 calories per day with a string cheese or more greek yogurt, something to shake things up. If you're active, then you very well may not be getting enough calories. I hate the word "lightweight" just as much as I hate the word "heavyweight", but your starting BMI was a full 13 points lower than mine, and it's true, statistically, I will lose faster than you. It sucks, but it's what seems to the be the trend. Can you have sugar free puddings, what about thinned out cream of wheat with an egg white tossed in for extra Protein (it sounds gross, but it doesn't change the taste or the texture)? Hang in there, the scale will move. Shake things up, and as difficult as it seems, stress actually causes the body to produce more cortisol which in turns causes no loss. It's the "fight or flight" thing.

I was cleared for caffeine as soon as I was able to get in all my clear fluids. Just to let you know, I now drink a minimum of 12-20oz of coffee per day, and I'm still never hungry:thumbup: I've been drinking caffeine for months on end, and have never had any direct correlation to hunger with caffeine. It is a stimulant, but the only thing it stimulates is my bowels. TMI, I know, but it keeps me regular.

Grace, I'm so proud of you. There's many reasons, but the biggest one is that you Celebrate each victory with gratitude and knowing that for every ounce of blood, sweat and tear, it was all worth. Many could learn from diligence, heart/soul, and downright grit in achieving what many said was not possible. Keep rockin' on, and know that I'm standing up, cheering you on the entire way ! ! !

Congrats Randa ! ! ! You'll love the sleeve, and keep us posted on your progress.

I didn't get a full signal for months on end and that is why I was adamant about measuring my portions. I don't get hiccups that last more than a couple of minutes, and I do not "feel" stuffed, or overly full. I feel satisfied, and still comfortable. I rarely allow myself to feel "full or even nearly full". It's not a feeling that I find comforting anymore. That feeling used to be something I loved to get, but now, not so much. If I get too full, which it does happen on occasion, then I'm pretty miserable and find myself walking around, and drinking more fluids to get things moving. For me, I'll be eating my portions, and then all of a sudden get a hiccup. NO warning, no sensation of being full or stuffed. I did learn that if I tried to take a couple more bites in between hiccups, it'd lead to that "one last bite" too many and then I'm uncomfortable. I hope that makes sense.

Fluids, rest, stop every hour to let her walk around the vehicle to prevent blood clots. Have her stretched her legs, and twist her ankles around while in the vehicle. See if the hospital will allow her to take her compression stockings home with her to wear on the car ride, and when she sleeps. It helps tremendously. Tell her that I'm glad she is doing well, and we've all scooted over for her on the loser's bench. Do: Make sure she drinks. Make sure she walks, make sure she is urinating, make sure she sticks to the post-op diet, make sure you don't become the food/water police but be stern. If she says something is wrong, believe her. I took my temp every few hours just to make sure all was well. Don't: think anything is trivial, if it's something enough for her to be concerned or something doesn't sound "right' call the surgeon, do not hesitate. sleep when she sleeps, help her up and down out of bed, internal incisional pain is the most discomfort I experienced when trying to get out of bed. Cheers to Globetrotter, and best wishes for a speedy recovery.

Can you have pureed meats? If so, chicken, egg, tuna salad are all good option. Greek yogurt, sf pudding, you can buy 2% milk chunks by Cracker Barrel that are sharp cheddar. They are individually wrapped, and the perfect size. Refried Beans, pureed chili, and other foods that can be blended. Creamy Soups that are strained of chunks.

Could you be exact where you see incorrect information? I'm only questioning this because I'm the only one that replied with any specific information about the 2 procedures mentioned. I provided links for all of the information in question, and if you have other cited resources please share so everyone can be educated. My comments about ghrelin are directly related to the stomach tissue particularly the fundus remaining, and not about the restriction changing with the TGVP. Ghrelin also causes more than just "cravings". It causes actual hunger pangs, anxiety, and a whole slew of other issues that are not always resolved with the fundus removal (which I included in my reply as well). Just one of the many out there. ScienceDirect - Biochemical and Biophysical Research Communications : Ghrelin increases anxiety-like behavior and memory retention in rats I'm not being snarky, or trying to instigate any type of hostility, but I want to make sure that the information I do offer is not only correct, but that it is understood, when I write "my opinion, I imagine, my thoughts." That is exactly what it is, nothing more, nothing less, and if there are conflicting opinions that's one thing, but I do not believe I've given any incorrect advice based on the research that is available on this procedure and my personal experience with 2 WLS procedures.

It did for me too ;( Dr. M told me it's because there for those 2-3 months, I had to cut most fat out of my diet because it made me sick. It's not as bad as it was with VSG, but I'm shedding more than I normally do this time of year.

I used them, and so do a lot of other people. Drink lots of Water to counteract the sodium count. I'm not sure if you've seen those little cubes that you can dilute in warm water. They make a reduced sodium one that is veggie flavor. It's nummy yummy.

At 13 months out, hiccups are still the only true "full" signal I get. They are more easily contained at this point, but they haven't gone away yet.

I'm probably one of the most vain people you will encounter. Seriously, I am supposed to wear glasses, and can't do contacts. I'm so vain that I'd rather be blind than wear glasses that I "feel" make me look old. Even as a fat chick, I was vain. I loved, loved, my hair, and when I started losing it, I was umm pissed to say the least. I had 2 knee surgeries, a c-section, and lapband and never lost an extra strand. I had gorgeous hair pre-op. But, I will say the first time you slide on a tiny size of true skinny jeans, and your a$$ looks awesome in them, the hair loss thing is a distant memory :confused1:

Oh no I meant that your therapist and nutritionist can work together. Target your trigger foods, weed out the stuff that may cause overeating not only in quantity, but quality. It's a learning experience. Ya know, we all have bad habits, and issues, it takes time, and you'll get there.

I had a full panel of blood work, eKg, chest xray, and some other diagnostics performed directly related to my clotting disorder, and other medical history. Some require an EGD, sleep study, stress test, etc etc based on each patient's own medical history, and ailments. I'm not sure about the lasix issue.

I'm sorry to hear that your surgeon would not help you. I know many people that end up with RNY because they do not or can not fight for the sleeve. Best wishes with your RNY, and during your surgery and recovery. I'm sure you are disappointed. Like I said, you could always strap some weights on your ankles, and other stuff to tip the scale in your favor. Sorry, I know it's not "right" or the moral thing to do, but I can 100% tell you that if VSG would have not been an option, I would of had my band removed, and stayed fat. The long term complications with RNY are just not worth it. I'm not trying to scare you, but if you haven't, check out the revision forum on obesityhelp.com and see just how many people are revising from RNY to either ERNY or DS. I know you need permanent, I know you need surgery. I understand all of that, but why not possibly find another surgeon that will work with you, and why is he trying to force RNY on you? Does he not sleeves? Does not have many sleeves under his belt? I mean, RNY is a more expensive surgery by several, several thousand so that is a big reason why some surgeons push it instead of the sleeve. I'm not saying that's the case for your surgeon, but it's happened, and I know people that have been in that position.

Bougie is simply a measuring tool used by most surgeons as a guide when they staple off your stomach. It is NOT the end result size of your stomach once the swelling subsides. It is inserted down your esophagus, and removed before you are in recovery. Here is a chart of bougie sizes, the most common are 32-40french. If you zoom in on this page, you can see the difference between a 32 and 40 is a mere 2.3mm. Not much difference at all. Surgical technique, each patient's own anatomy, and surgeon experience will ultimately determine the end result of the sleeve capacity. http://www.medovations.com/pdf/Esophageal_Dilatation.pdf I have a 32fr. My surgeon uses the same size on all patients unless there is a pre-existing condition to warrant any larger. Nothing smaller than a 32 is used by our program. It's all about that particular surgeon's experience with his patients, and success/fail stories. I personally would not allow anything larger than a 40fr. If my surgeon wanted to use larger, or refused to budge, he would not be my surgeon for long. The larger bougie sizes that were used in the past have shown a higher incidence of weight regain at 2-5 years out.

You can find them on the internet. Just google "bariatric restaurant card" and you'll find several. This is just my opinion, and it sounds harsh, I realize it, but honestly, for me it's the truth. I do not use it. I wouldn't use it. They didn't charge me 3 times the amount when I ate enough for 3 people. I shouldn't expect them to charge me less because I chose to have surgery. Plus, the kid meal options typically suck nutrition-wise. I order what I want (typically an appetizer, or soup/salad combo, or 2 veggies al a carte), get a to-go box if I order an entree with sides, and take it home for a couple of extra meals. We (my husband, or my son) share a meal to cut down on the leftovers in the fridge. It's just embarrassing to flash a card to a perfect stranger that pretty much says "hey, I had my stomach removed so I couldn't eat so much, please let me order off the kiddie menu." I'm not one for sharing my personal, medical history with a server/waitress.

Any nutritionist along with your therapist should be able to get you on a meal plan. You've stated you are in therapy for your compulsive eating, and with that assistance, and guidance, plus the guidance of a nutritionist or dietician, you should be able to get this figured out. Just tell them you've had a gastrectomy. You do not have to tell them or go into grave detail that you had a vertical sleeve gastrectomy for WLS. Gastrectomies are a well-known, heavily practiced procedure, and any decent nutritionist/dietician will have experience getting you on a meal plan that will help you.

I've heard the women's nioxin shampoos do nothing but dry out the hair. I did use a shampoo called Folicure that you can find at beauty supply stores, or online at amazon.com I only used it every other day, and on the other day, I used Nexxus Dualiste anti-breakage shampoo/conditioner. You can also take Biotin, or any other hair/nail/skin supplement. Pre-natals always made me sick before so I didn't want to take them just for the hair benefit. I stuck with my normal multi, which had a small amount of biotin in it already, and just used the shampoo stuff.