Tiffykins

I'm so extremely happy to hear this news. I know you were concerned, and now everything is falling into place ! ! !

I agree. I went through extensive allergy testing as a child in the early, early 80's. You know where they inject different stuff just under the skin on the back of patients. Yeah, that was not pleasant. I went through some shots, but I couldn't handle it. I swore that I was never going to endure that again. My allergies usually are not troublesome. This year is just worse than the last 5 years. I'm feeling better since I've been taking my Zyrtec around 6:30 a.m. and not going outside for at least an hour. I have been so very busy the last couple of days that I haven't called my PCP. I'll call 'em tomorrow, and check on getting in to see him for Flonase. Thanks for all of y'alls help! ! !

I still never get true hunger. I realize I need to eat something because it's been a few hours since I consumed anything solid. I'm in a different stage than most though so my experience is a little different. Now that I'm trying to maintain, I actually eat more often, but that is only because I am doing my very best to maintain my current weight +/- 5lbs. Also, activity levels of different patients can contribute to hunger levels. For example, I lead a very light active life, I haven't been working out, therefore I'm not burning a lot of my calories. For someone that works, on their feet, walking, lifting, plus working out, they are going to get hungry more often as they are burning more calories than I am sitting at home folding laundry, or doing light housework. When I was working out, I could feel that my body needed fuel. I learned to truly listen to my body, and I fed it appropriately. I dealt with head hunger with the band so that hasn't been much of a battle for me with the sleeve. Also, I've read more times than not, that patients that are not prescribed a PPI/acid reducer, they comment on hunger. I had this situation happen post-op and immediately asked veterans what was going on. It was false hunger caused by acid overproduction in my sleeve. I would eat and within an hour, I had this weird twinge, funny feeling in my stomach. My surgeon prescribed Prilosec 20mg once daily, taken 1 hour before eating anything. I have not had any issues since being prescribed the PPI.

Congrats Greg on your amazing results thus far. For me, my loss was pretty rapid, and it slowed some as I started adding more carbs and calories plus working out. I never had a true stall (not losing weight for a minimum of 14 days), so I lost something every week. Some weeks it was one pound, then the next week, I'd drop 5-7lbs. It really varied for me and still does as I'm bouncing around with the same 2-3lbs from week to week. As for Peanut Butter, I've been cleared for PB since full liquids. It's a staple in my diet, and it's a great source of healthy fat along. My nut suggests peanut butter and cheese for Snacks if we must snack. Let us know what your nut says about why PB is a no go.

Donna, I commend you on being brave enough to share Linda's story. I, too, have known of this situation with your sister for months, and never mentioned anything to anyone because it was not my place. But, the one thing I can say is that I will never feel bad for stating my opinion about this facility regardless if I have ever been there or not. It sickens me that your family has had to endure this all in the sake of "making a buck". I have kept y'all in my thoughts and prayers since I found out about this tragedy. I can only pray that this post is not deleted from the board. Thank you again for sharing Linda's story with us.

Thanks everyone for the suggestions. I tried a netti pot, and damn near drown myself. It was not pretty, I am not coordinated enough to do all that to myself. I'm not exaggerating, I had people walk me through the process, I watched a "how to" video, seriously, I can not do the netti pot thing. It's far too dangerous for me to even attempt again.

WOOHOOO I'm so ecstatic for you, and there are many more victories in the near future ! ! ! Cheers to you and your success.

I tried over 20 different brand, flavors, and types (whey, soy) either I could not tolerate the texture or they made me throw up. So, I never used them because it was causing me more trouble than benefit.

Anytime, Rose. I, too had a revision from the band to VSG. Best decision EVER.

It's very possible. When our bodies go into ketosis (high protein/low carb), buring fat, our breath turns sour or metallic like tasting. Food kind of loses it's appeal because honestly it just doesn't taste good. Some patients even experience a different body odor so don't be alarmed if this happens as well in the upcoming weeks. It goes away, I promise.

Orthostatic hypotension. Remember, I had the same exact thing. Increasing my fluids, sodium, and activity level have helped tremendously. I only had one episode this entire week.

I'll keep you in my thoughts for approval. Keep us posted with what is going on.

I am so very sorry that you are having to endure all of this. You are in my thoughts during this time, and please keep us updated. We care, and want to support you through all of this heartbreaking situation. Please do not hesitate to post, and let us know if we can do anything for you.

Leaks, stricture, dehydration, stomach spasms, food intolerances, lactose intolerances, dry heaving, nausea, can all be complications with the sleeve. Some patients never experience any of these, some patients experience several of them at different stages post-op. Leak tests are typically performed once in the OR, the day after surgery, and then one before discharge. That's how it worked for me. Some surgeons don't even perform more than the one leak test in the OR. So, it truly depends on your surgeon's preference. The risk for leaks is apparently highest within the first 6 weeks, but especially during the first 2 weeks post-op as the staple line is healing. I had to swallow gastrographin (sp check on that one), and have a CT scan for the 2 post-op.

Thank you all so very much. I don't know what I'd do without y'all, and all of your continued support and encouragement. I sincerely appreciate all the sweet compliments, and I'm grateful to have y'all in my life.

I think of you every time I drive by the fresh catch market that is literally 1/2 mile from my house. We live 800 feet off the Gulf, and it's seafood heaven here. People come from all over the place to eat here because it's a quiet little place that doesn't get a lot of touristy traffic that is found in Miami/Orlando/Keys area. I have had a few things here, I just need to get more adventurous. I can say that I am not a fan of salmon without a lot of teriyaki dipping sauce. But, Mahi Mahi work well for me. Shrimp for me is all about the texture. So, I'm trying to embrace the seafood haven I reside in currently, but my red meat and potatoes brain and love for Mexican food makes it very difficult.

Maintenance is a pain in the butt. Losing was much more enjoyable/easier for me. I have my yearly appointment coming up next month (it's a month early, but my surgeon is back from deployment YAY YAY) and I want to see him ASAP. So, I'll ask him his opinion on the calorie for a calorie thing. The nutritionist has once again changed on base since my last contact with them post gall bladder surgery so I'll try to swing by the new nuts office and see what this one has to say on the subject. That's the only bad thing about military facilities, it's a lot of different staff rotating in and out.

Thank you so much. I've used both pre-op, but was holding out on getting a new RX. I'm so glad to hear you haven't had any issue with using it post-op.

Seriously, I miss the state for many reasons, but here the food choices are very limited with the exception of fresh seafood. But, I know you'd be in heaven here with all the local fresh catch markets we have. I really need to acquire a taste for more seafood stuff. I miss Taco Bueno so much, well and Panda Express, and Jack in the Box. LOL

How many carbs/sugar are in a non-fat greek yogurt vs. a deep fried chicken tender covered in honey? It's how our body metabolizes the calories, carbs and sugar. At least that is how my nutritionist explained it to me. All I know is that I was still consuming about 1500 calories a day of fast food, and eating out with my family and friends for those 5 solid days in Texas, and then I came home, went back to my eating plan and normal sleeve regimen, and I lost the weight. Plus, I was running around with family and friends all week between the 4 mile walk at the zoo one day, one day fishing walking around a lake, one day out on my mom's 25 acres wandering around with the kiddo for lord only knows how long, and last week, I came home sat on my butt with the exception of a few errands and one day of bowling. So, all I can say is that food choices definitely contribute to my weight gain and loss. If I consume 400 calories of dense Protein, wouldn't that be better than 400 calories of mashed potatoes and gravy, as it is metabolized differently by our bodies?

I've read a few articles that suggest it could be an Iron deficiency, but it usually takes months for it to cause problems with the nails. Other symptoms are usually obvious before brittle nails. Are you swimming or exposing your hands more to Water? I know when I hand wash my dishes instead of using my dishwasher my nails suffer. My mom swears when her thyroid went crazy, her nails changed, once she was on meds, they improved. Did you have any issues pre-op with any deficiencies?

Many well wishes for an uneventful surgery, and smooth recovery. We're all scooting over for on the loser's bench. I'll keep you in my thoughts.