Tiffykins

This is my exact experience. People didn't notice at first, I think it was about 60lbs before people really noticed something major because I had a lot to lose. . . After you lose more, people will notice, and they'll tell you stop "getting skinny". I started hearing that at 80lbs loss, and here I am with an additional 68lbs gone. Imagine their surprise today. And, now, to this very day, all I want to talk about is anything but surgery, my daily calorie intake, and "how I lost half of myself and then some" as people say. It'll come to you, chin up. You've done amazingly well and you'll hear wonderful cheers for you soon.

The carbs get a lot of people because of that spike in glycogen. Try the 5 day pouch test before increasing your PPI. Surgical Weight Loss 5 Day Pouch Test I know it says pouch, and we have a stomach, but several VSG'ers have found success with detoxing the carb monster using this method. You may just need to do the day 3-5 part of the plan for a week or so. Cravings suck. Believe me, I have them, but I also think naturally skinny b*tches have cravings too. The difference between them and us, is they can eat 1 cookie and we like to eat 10. The sleeve really keeps me in check, but I've been eating a bunch of junk lately. Once you get about 6-8 months out, you'll notice you can eat more. I'm eating the same amounts that I was at that time, but I can eat a lot more junk foods than I had any desire to during my losing phase. I've pushed it a couple of times just to make sure my capacity is the same. You know I hate Protein drinks. Try a poached egg with some cheese, or other protein rich food for Breakfast. I know my surgeon isn't a god or anything, but he truly thinks that 25grs protein from food sources will hold you longer than 40grams of protein from a shake. If you are buying your Prevacid OTC, I have a $4 off coupon, and it expires next month. If you want it, I'll mail it to you. Prilosec is a lot less expensive OTC, and I only have to take it once daily, 1 hour before I eat anything. I pop my pill with water or some juice, sip on my coffee for an hour, and start eating an hour later. I get my Prilosec RX because it's through the base. I'm having issues with wanting sliders. You aren't alone, and even though I'm not hungry, that doesn't make those cheesy poofs taste bad or any less wonderful LOL. I've had to actually quit buying them. I just finished off my tropical Starbursts and Snicker miniatures. I just find myself mindlessly picking up 3-4 Starbursts here and there instead of the 2-3oz of beef Jerky I used to eat. I'm not gaining, YET, but I know I can't keep up these behaviors. It'll end up biting me in the butt, literally. Hang in there.

Go back to whatever food stage you should be on, and stick with it. I know it sucks, but you'll get to eat your favorites in a couple of weeks. Others cheat, most aren't willing to admit it. Some have zero problems, we're not trying to scare or scold you. It's just out of concern.

Are you still on a PPI? Have you added more carbs recently? Some have reported getting actual hunger pangs when they consume more carbs? Just tossing ideas out there. . . I'm sorry you're experiencing this, and I can only imagine how scary and frustrating it could be. I still don't get hungry, and pray it doesn't change. It's a big reason why I'm staying on my Prilosec.

Everyone's body is so different. I personally didn't eat fruit just because of the sugar/carb counts. I know they are "healthy" carbs, but for me, a carb is a carb is a carb. I was a carb counter, and I've always said that's why I never experienced a stall, nor did I have issues with eating them. I didn't introduce them in large quantities until I was well past goal. I still don't huge amounts of white carbs, but I do eat them now. A few people have asked me, and I tell them the same things, 1) shake things up with your calories add 50-100 calories for a few days then go back to your normal routine 2) increase Fluid intake, clear, calorie free fluids 3) take measurements, if you're working out, you are building muscle, toning, and losing the bulky fat which will show a decrease in sizes, 4) cut carbs to no more than 30gr per day if you want more carbs, do 40-50 if you're taking 80+grams per day. Just cut some of the sugar your body is processing, regardless of it's "healthy" factor. Anything that registered medium to high on the glycemic index, I avoided like the plague during my losing phase. The scale will move. Stay the course, and don't give up.

I just kept my carbs low, and protein high. My calories came from protein, and I didn't have room for carbs, or a taste for much food at all. Plus, I did the 4 meals per day, no snacks, no calorie drinks. It's what worked for me. If I did snack, it was strictly protein. No exception. It didn't happen often, maybe 3-4 times over 6 months.

I just sent Alex (the owner of this site and lapbandtalk.com) a private message asking him to set up a sub-forum for TGVP members. That way, all the information can be in one place. We had something similar on lapbandtalk.com before verticalsleevetalk.com was created last year. I thought it might help keep all the information together, and ensure that TGVP is highlighted as the plication procedure, and the super sleeve is identified as an entirely separate procedure per the research information from different cited sources. Maybe this would help avoid any confusion between the 2 procedures especially since their is at least one US surgeon performing TGVP in addition to Dr. Rodriguez in Mexico. All the threads, and research stuff can be in one specific place for new members researching information, and for members that are pre/post op to share experiences so we can all learn from those that choose the plication.

I'm cleared for NSAIDS as well, and was advised that a medic alert bracelet is not necessary. I do have it written on a piece of paper in my wallet, and on the back of my insurance card/registration that sits in my visor. In an accident, they grab those 2 things first for identification and emergency contact information. I also have a clotting disorder, and have it written out as well. You can also call your DVM and have a medic alert put on your DL. I'm supposed to do it because of the clotting disorder, but I've never followed through on it. There is zero medication restrictions with VSG. It's published all over the research articles, but some surgeons "err on the side of caution" and restrict their patients. I've been taking NSAIDs for a year, and have zero issues. I always take them with something on my stomach just like I did pre-op. It's recommended, and since my stomach is the exact same as it was before just smaller, I'm taking NSAIDS over Tylenol any day of the week.

DeeDee, I think my heart just broke for you. You and I both share the same desire to conceive, and deliver a healthy baby. I will continue to pray for you, and while it may not be a lot, know that you are not alone in your grief right now. I can only hope that the tests give you good news, and that there is some light at the end of the tunnel. Please keep me posted. You have my email if you need to chat. I'm always here for you. ALWAYS.

I was about the same chickee. It was more like 3-4oz of mushy stuff, and 2-2.5oz of dense protein for the first 2-3 months. I was able to bump up to 3oz of dense protein on some foods especially if I added gravy, or some type of condiment.

I do believe that God puts people in our paths. But, I think sometimes when people, particularly men, are put in our paths, we see it as we are supposed to "save them" or "guide them" to God. Witnessing is one thing, putting yourself in the line of fire of temptation, and environments that are not conducive to your spiritual beliefs is not only dangerous, but spiritually unhealthy.

I used Folicure extra care shampoo that can be found at beauty supply stores or online. The nioxin and folicure shampoos will strip your hair of all oils, and can dry your scalp, so make sure you use a great, high quality conditioner/moisturizer if you choose this option. I only used the Folicure every other day, and an anti-breakage shampoo in between. No blow drying, no flat iron, no coloring or processing was recommended by my doctor and stylist. Massaging the scalp is supposed to help with regrowth as well. I was advised to not take any additional zinc, selenium or copper because you do not want an overabundance of these minerals in your system. Also, some multi vitamins include these in their formulas.

HI there, and welcome. Best wishes on the plication, and I hear Dr. Rod is fabulous. I wonder why belite and Dr. Rod market the TGVP as a super sleeve, when there is zero gastrectomy involved in the procedure? Not trying to be "mean or snarky", I just find it very misleading especially with the attached information that was sent to you. This portion specifically says gastrectomy which means "removal", yet the TGVP does not remove any portion of the stomach. This is truly confusing, especially for people researching this procedure, and the TGVP. The published data and research articles/studies state specific differences between the 2 procedures.

Most pre-packaged solid foods, meats, cheeses, are all measured by weight. I actually did something really disgusting to make sure I was eating correct amounts by volume. I measured the food, chewed it up and remeasured. Gross I know, but it completely made sense to me. Plus, I wanted to make sure I wasn't insane with my measurements.

Yes, 4oz is 1/2 cup. 8ounces is 1 cup. Don't feel stupid. 1 ounce = 30mls so when people say they have a 80-120ml stomach, that means about 2.5-4 ounces of food can fit in their sleeve. I used those little kid medicine dispensing cups that come with OTC children's tylenol to measure my food. Once I got up to 3-4oz of mushy stuff, I started using regular measuring cups.

I have horrible knees. Osteoarthritis, and meniscus removed, ACL replaced and repaired twice. I use the hip hop abs, and I just got the "flirty girl fitness" DVDs. They both offer modified instructors that you can follow. The Hip hop abs is a lot of core and ab training with cardio tossed in. If you don't like pop music, then you turn down the volume and use your own music. I used hip hop abs at 270lbs, and dropped 40-50lbs with that and dietary changes. The flirty girl fitness dvds are a little "stripperesque", but I'm pretty sure I'll enjoy the dancing, and toning. Just my 2cents, the walking dvds never hold my attention, and the become dust collectors. I tried to like them, but they just aren't for my personality type.

I was given not only food lists, but suggested daily menus to start off. Our program is extremely structured, and strict. Hopefully, you'll get more information, and specific instructions with your new surgeon. Best wishes with your revision, I love my sleeve, and getting rid of the band was the best thing I ever did.

Best wishes Joy. Sadly, complications can happen with any surgery. The risks of complications from other surgical related issues is actually higher than the 1% risk for leaks if you have an experienced, and trusted surgeon. My complications were directly related to my band destroying my stomach tissue, and as a revision, my risks quadrupled. The main complications were related to anesthesia complications, and had nothing to do with the sleeve. I knew it going in. I have a 12 yr old son, and a husband, but I don't think I put myself before them by choosing to revise. I understand your concerns, and I know you will be successful. The current stats for the plication are promising, and hopefully we won't see revisions in the future. Best wishes, and know that you have do what is best for you and your family. I did, and have zero regrets. I won't deny it was stressful, and exhausting, but I don't regret my decision, and do not feel "guilty" for proceeding with my revision.

I couldn't agree more. I know it's boring, and tedious. It's not only the immediate "problems" with advancing a diet early that you have to worry about. You can induce vomiting which can weaken and stress your staple line. You can have food get stuck in your staple line causing infection thus compromising your staple line. You trusted your surgeon to go in, staple off, and remove 85% of your stomach, trust them with the post-op diet they've prescribed.

I measured everything by volume with a measuring cup. Our stomachs hold food by volume, not by weight. I never have understood why people use the scales. Only because, I can eat 3-5oz of dense protein by volume, but it doesn't measure close to the same amounts by weight.

I wasn't allowed any uncooked, raw veggies/fruits for 3 months. Anything cooked was fine. Applesauce, boiled fruits, and cooked veggies were all okay on the full liquid and mush stage. I also avoided fruits due to the high carb/sugar counts. Plus, raw veggies and some fruits are considered high cellulose which are more difficult to digest, and can "hang out" in the stomach longer. Coconut was off my list as well as celery, oranges, limes, lemons due to the stringy texture of those fruits.

Just my personal opinion, this "super sleeve" talk is just a marketing ploy. Sorry, but surgeons have been using 32fr to 40fr for over 5 years at this point. There's nothing super about it. It's the standard, and what has been used for stand alone VSG patients. When they were using 50fr+ for stand alone VSG it is in preparation for 2nd DS procedure to be done later, and then the results were great with the VSG alone. This is when surgeons started honing technique, documenting results, and weight regain. They saw higher % of weight regain with sleeves over 40fr, and more complications with anything smaller than 32fr. To me, all this "super sleeve" talk is nothing more or different than the marketing crap that is spewed about the "new realize or lapbands" that are supposed to be better than the ones they were putting in people 3-10 years ago.

Tell her "Why don't you call Dr. Phil?" People don't like change, they don't like the unknown. I have lost friends, I've quit talking to some family members about my weight loss. Go into surgery confident that with or without their support you will do fabulous, and do not allow anyone to bring you down.

I'm 13 months out from my revision. I'll answer these questions/concerns with my experience only. 1. 500 calorie a day diet...how and why? That is really low. 600-800 calories per day was my guideline. It's optimal for weight loss in the beginning, and you can increase those calories as needed when you incorporate exercise and more activity. 2. Still can't drink Water with meals. It's really not that big of a deal. It pushes the food through, and you won't have satiety. It's the same when you have a regular stomach. If you drink with your meals, you'll not stay full. It's part of the reason we can fit more food in. I currently can sip with my meals. But, I broke the habit of drinking with my meals when I had the band. I don't miss drinking with my meals. 3. New small stomach can stretch like the band pouch. It does not stretch. The swelling from surgery does relax, and your stomach becomes acclimated to accepting food again. At 13 months out, I can eat the same amount that I could eat at 6-7 months out. My surgeon believes that my stomach is at maximum capacity. There is minimal stretching unlike the band or RNY pouch. The portion of the stomach that remains is mainly muscle. 4. Can still have same reactions as band...gagging, fullness but still hungry. If you eat too fast, or eat too much, yes you can still get the gagging, foaming, sliming. This is where you have to replace bad habits with good habits. Nothing is going to fix this when we alter our anatomy be it with a band or removing 80%+ stomach tissue. 5. Isn't the lack of Ghrelin supposed to curb appetite? Yes, it removes, or substantially decreases the physical hunger. That doesn't mean it cures head hunger, or keep you out of the fridge if you want to eat something. Again, it's more about changing bad habits. The sleeve can only do so much. But, if you want to suck down a 3000 calorie milkshake, the sleeve won't stop you. 6. Here's a new one...just read some people have this problem...hair loss. It happens to a lot of patients that have any type of surgery. It's just not the sleeve. Band patients lose hair as well. RNY patients lose hair. I started shedding again after my gallbladder surgery this last February. Here's an article that explains it scientifically. There is nothing you can do to stop, but you can help the regrowth by taking hair/nail/skin supplement such as Biotin. I chose to use Folicure extra care shampoo that I picked up from Sally's beauty supply, it's also available on the internet. It's a small side effect that is totally worth it. I lost half my hair, but it's growing back in nicely, and I'd do it all again to be wearing my size 4 jeans. A little hairloss is totally worth the results I've had. Telogen Effluvium Hair Loss I've had amazing results with the sleeve, and lead a very normal, fully functioning social life. I drink, eat out, party, enjoy a healthy/balanced diet, and do not obsess over food. I do not experience physical hunger at all, and am maintaining for over 2 months now with a total loss of 141lbs with the VSG alone. Best wishes in your research.