Tiffykins

Eating junk food, sucking down milkshakes, and not changing your lifestyle, eating habits. No surgery is fail proof. It's just a tool, and we, as patients, have to make a complete lifestyle change to be successful longterm. The sleeve just gives the extra help we didn't have before. I went on vacation for 6 days. I ate everything and literally anything. I went back home to Texas, and here in Florida we don't have half the choices that I had in Texas. Well, let me just say, I ate all my favorites and then some. I also drank A LOT one night out with friend. Guess what?, I gained 5 solid pounds. I got home on Monday, and I had lost that 5lbs by Sunday morning. I was still consuming 1200-1400 calories, but the food choices I made the week I got home made all the difference in the world. It's much better to eat a 140 calorie greek yogurt than it is a 140 calorie chicken tender drenched in honey and gravy.

Skull crushers are great for triceps. How to Do the Skullcrusher Triceps Extension - The Skullcrusher Weight Training Exercise for Triceps I do the above for triceps. I use a 8lb dumbbell. I lay on the weight bench, and lift the dumbbell 20 reps, 3 times with a 1 minute rest in between reps. Stand up crunch: Squat up against a wall with your legs spread a little wider than shoulder width apart. With your lower back staying flat to the wall, curl your shoulders over while lifting your pelvis up. It's kind of a crunch but your lower back is being supported, and your lower ab muscles are doing more of the work. This has given me the most "lift" of my lower belly fat. For Biceps, I use 5 or 8lb dumbbells. In a standing position, I hold the dumbbell with the top of hand facing out front then I curl the dumbbell up to my shoulder. Arm Curl - How to Do the Arm Curl - Dumbbell Arm Curl - Barbell Arm Curl I do leg lifts with a 8lb weighted ball in between the arches of my feet. I lie on my back, and then lift my legs straight up to a 90 degree angle, and lower them within 6inches from the ground, and hold that position for 10 seconds then Repeat about 30-40 times. This one takes time to build up. Start without a weighted ball, and do them, you'll feel your hamstrings, quads and butt muscles on this one. I also do leg lifts laying on my side. I lay with my legs together, lift my leg as high as I can, flex/tighten my thigh muscles, hold for 15 seconds, and then lower my leg. I repeat this at least 25 times, and then switch sides. For calves, I have a 2x4 piece of wood. I put the ball of my feet on it, allowing my heels to hang off the end. Then I tippy-toe, and hold for 10-15 seconds. I do this until I can't handle the burn anymore. This is great for the butt as well. I hate lunges because they hurt my knees. If you curl or flat Iron your hair, get into the habit of rolling up on your tippy toes and holding it until you move to the next section of your hair, or while your blow drying your hair. I do this all the time, and it really helps define your calf muscles. I started with 3 reps of 12 on all my stuff with a 2 minute break in between reps. But, as my stamina built, I was able to do them quicker, and it felt really great. Since I've been off the wagon for so long, I'll probably have to start all over.

I am so glad to hear you had a great experience, and that you home and recovering. Keep us posted on how you are doing.

Congrats on getting approval, and good luck with your consult. My son is 11yrs old, 10 when I had the band placed, and turned 11 during my recovery with my VSG. With the band, my mother had hers placed in November 2007 so he was kind of familiar with the procedure. He knew my struggles with the band, and he's kind of gross little boy that likes the scientific, gory stuff of surgery and the like. So, when I started researching VSG he was right by my side. He watched youtube videos of the procedure. I showed him diagrams of what my stomach would look like post-op. I showed him people's before and after pictures that had the procedure. He knew I was in pain every day with my band. Luckily, my son and I have an amazing bond, and communicate very openly. Most choose to keep it simple, and age appropriate. Some just tell their children that they are having stomach surgery, and they will be tired for a few days. I just happen to be (probably for some) extremely open with my child. Keep us posted on your progress.

Hi there and welcome. From someone that has experienced both the band and the sleeve, I can honestly tell you the sleeve is so much better. Best wishes on your consult, and keep us posted on your progress. I had my band and VSG revision here in Florida.

If you haven't seen this, I found this on OH, and think it'll give you an idea of honestly how minimal difference in a 32 and 40 really is. Just a visual to offer more pictures of how minimal the difference is between the sizes your concerned about. Here is a fabulous link for bougies. It physically lists every size of bougies, with the millimeter measurements. Scroll to pages 3 and 5 to see the table of reference for bougie sizes. http://www.medovations.com/pdf/Esoph...Dilatation.pdf

A bougie is a measuring tool that is slid down your esophagus and strictly used as a guide for the surgeon to dissect the stretchy part of the stomach away from the sleeved portion that is left. Here is a comparison chart that can give you a visual. Your stomach will NOT be the size of a sharpie marker in diameter. This is a comparison of what the sizes of the measuring tool, not what your stomach will end up being after recovery. Just a visual to offer more pictures of how minimal the difference is between the sizes your concerned about. Here is a fabulous link for bougies. It physically lists every size of bougies, with the millimeter measurements. Scroll to pages 3 and 5 to see the table of reference for bougie sizes. http://www.medovations.com/pdf/Esoph...Dilatation.pdf The difference in a 32fr and 40fr is a mere 2.3cm in diameter. Most sleeved stomach post-op can hold no more than 8-10ounces of mushy food, and rarely more than 4-8 ounces of dense Protein from what I have read on people that are further out. From the endoscopy pics that I have of my sleeve at 9 months post-op, my stomach looks to maybe a bit bigger in diameter than a quarter, but smaller than a half-dollar coin.

I use 3,5 and 10lb dumb bells. If craigslist.com is popular in your area, check out the sporting section for people getting rid of weights. We scored over $1000.00 worth of weight for a mere $200.00. I also swear by Hip Hop Abs, and used it for years. It's cardio, no getting on the ground for crunches, and it really helps tone the core. There is a "modified" girl that goes at a different pace, and I followed her when I was seriously out of shape. I have not been working out. I keep making excuses. I seriously need to tone up. I'm willing to be a buddy/accountability partner. The only problem may be our time zone difference. But, we can text or Facebook each other workout cheers. Something to get us both off the couch. I need to focus on my arms, butt, thighs, and stomach. I'm not doing cardio, but I needing some serious toning. Let me know if you wanna work something out. I'm going to shoot for 4 days a week, 30-45 minutes a day. Also, I'm going to start doing my stand up crunches again. I will have to start all over at 30 then add 5-10 per day until I'm back up to 150.

This is my issue as well. I have quit smoking twice since surgery, and unfortunately, I have picked it back up again. I'm currently taking Wellbutrin to help with the withdrawals and irritability that comes with quitting. My quit date is May 1st. I'm hoping that I can quit this time for good. My biggest issue is more mental than physical. I can deal with the headaches, and shakes. The problem I have is finding myself in the fridge. I didn't work my a$$ off to lose 140+pounds to gain it back by grazing because I've given up smoking. I know the sleeve won't let me overeat, but I can eat a lot of junk food. And, that honestly scares me.

My husband is from WV, down near Charleston, Logan County. We live in Florida at this time because he's in the Air Force. I've done some research for one of his relatives that wanted to consider the sleeve. We ended up having her research surgeons out of Cincinnati, OH and a couple of surgeons in Pennsylvania. I think Martinsburg is in the northern part of the state. You may have to drive a bit for an experienced surgeon, but it will be worth it. The aftercare with the sleeve is really minimal, and your lab work can be pulled by your family doctor, and then sent to your surgeon so you shouldn't have to travel a lot for aftercare. If you need anything, feel free to contact me.

My hormones are a little out of whack lately. Would you like me to throat punch them for you? Seriously, that is ridiculous.

As you should do what feels right for you, and your specific needs/wants. I personally refused to commit to one man for many years. My mother called me a perpetual dater. I dated more than 2 men at any given time. I had a "full dance card" so to speak, and while many wanted a commitment it wasn't something I wanted at that time in my life. I've told you that I would go out with a bunch of different guys, and enjoy living. I never wanted to be exclusive and a relationship was the furthest thing from my mind at that point in my life. You'll know what to do when the time comes, and just sit back and enjoy yourself. In no way are you stringing anyone a long. These are adult men that are can ask where they stand in your life. If they don't have the balls to man up, and ask for exclusiveness, then it's not stringing them along. It's called dating. Nothing more, nothing less.

The first couple of weeks are definitely the most difficult. My surgeon didn't even have me focus on Protein the first 2 weeks. His main concern is hydration. Try something different in your tummy, SF popsicles were a lifesaver, and those Fruit bars made with Splenda by Edy's are super yummy. chicken broth, Vitamin or sobe life Water are good options too. If you have to, get some Gatorade, and try all different temperatures on your Fluid. Room temperature still works best for me on most days. I still use warm fluids to relax my stomach. Hang in there, it does get better I promise. Also, your hormones are gonna go kind of wackadoo, and you'll feel a lot of different emotions. We're here for you, lean on us, and stay strong.

I had my surgery here in Florida as my insurance covered my procedures.

Rice is harder to digest than other starches. At least that is the explanation I was given. I don't think I tried rice until I was around 2.5-3 months out and it hurt like crazy. The same thing happened with Pasta and bread type foods. Stovetop stuffing almost sent me into tears crying because my stomach didn't tolerate it at all, and that was around 3-4 months post op. Now, that I am further out, pasta, rice, breads, potatoes, are all slider foods. I can eat larger quantities of those foods than I can dense Proteins. Brown rice is still no go for me, but sushi white rice works fabulous and I enjoy sushi a couple times a week. Rice does seem to take up more room than say pasta (angel hair spaghetti noodles, or Thai type noodles like Pad Thai), but I'm not sure why. Although, I can eat more of these types of foods, they also leave the sleeve faster. I still don't get hungry, but I'm very aware of when my sleeve is empty.

It's going to be okay. Ghrelin is not magically gone for all patients post-op. It's stored in our bodies, also it's produced in our pancreas, so it doesn't necessarily go away forever. It'll take some time for your body to adjust. Are you on a PPI like Nexium, Prilosec, Protonix? If not, you may want to talk to your surgeon. Some people experience false hunger because our stomachs are overproducing acid for the new tiny tummy. The drinking while eating early out will definitely flush mushies/purees through faster so you may not have much satiety with your meals. I used a couple of different guidelines post-op during my losing stage. I stuck with no more than 30grams of carbs, 60+Protein and 600-800 calories per day. I did not use shakes/protein drinks so I struggled with protein intake until I got to puree/mushy stage. Here's one guideline from Cornell University: www.cornellweightlosssurgery.org/pdf/dietary_guidelines_sleeve_gastrectomy.pdf Here is another guideline: http://www.iabsobesitysurgery.com/Media/Forms/SleeveDietGuide.pdf Try some greek yogurt, refried Beans with a little cheese, and soft cheeses that may stay with your longer. I know the drinking while eating is tough to break. I had to do it with the band so it hasn't been an issue with me for the sleeve. Hang in there, it does get better.

Here's a lot of information that you can sift through if you'd like. There are patient testimonials, and research articles and links available within this information. It's a lot, but it will help you decide which surgery is right for you, and your lifestyle. I can tell you why I chose VSG over RNY for my revision from the band. 1) No blind stomach left that can't be easily scoped, but can still get cancer and ulcers. 2) The stats on regain with the RNY honestly scared me. 3) Malabsorption of calories/fat only lasts about 2 years, but the malabsorption of Vitamins and micro-nutrients last a lifetime. 4) No medication restrictions with VSG. RNY can not take NSAIDS due to ulcer risks. No food restrictions with VSG. Only 30% of RNY patients dump on sugar and carbs. I didn't want to essentially deprive myself of something occasionally, and suffer consequences. I did that for years dieting, all it did was cause me to binge. 5) Rerouting my intestines really was not an option. 6) I was a volume eater, not a grazer, not a sweet craver, and I simply need portion control and to remove my ravenous hunger. The sleeve gave me both. 7)Pouches and stomas stretch. Our sleeved stomach tissue has minimal stretching capability. Here's those links for research purposes. Diligence-is-always-required Stalls-Happen Update-from-a-2-Year-Post-Op-VSGer 2-year-surgiversary-and-feeling Two-and-one-half-years-post-op TWO-YEARS-YALL Just-Passed-My-2-Year-Surgiversary questions-for-post-ops-2-years-out-or-more 2-years-out-food-amount-info anyone-2-years-out Happy-2-year-anniversary-to-me 2-years-post-op-TODAY 2-5-Years-After-a-VSG Everday-life-at-2-5-years-out 2-1-2-year-update Has-it-really-been-2-years 2-1-2-year-update Two-Year-Surgiversary 2-year-update-portrait-of-a-heavyweight-a-bit-late Two-year-surgiversary 2-and-1-2-years-later 2-years-since-my-surgery-any-advice-on-face-lift 2-year-post-op-pics Two-Years-Before-amp-After-Pic 2-year-update-portrait-of-a-heavyweight-a-bit-late Thought-you-might-enjoy-an-update-with-a-few-pics Busybusymom-is-back-2-years-post-op TWO-YEARS-BABY Any-old-timers-still-lurking-the-boards Long-term Sleeve Experiences - 3 Years on June 8, 2009 10:43 pm Three years out Three and a half years after Vertical Gastrectomy My Story A quick 2 year and 3 year VSG update Third Year Surgiversay Not always easy but always worth it Very Discouraged 3 years out Links for researching the VSG on March 15, 2009 11:18 pm Here are some links I've collected when I was researching the sleeve. ASMBS position paper on sleeve - includes reports of early studies LapSF Educational presentation to FACS - includes some 2 year results LapSF Two Year Study LapSF Five Year Study - abstract only LapSF Five Year Study - presentation (requires Windows to play) Literature review on the sleeve - requires $$ to get the full text unfortunately Sleeve best for over 50 crowd Video of a sleeve with lots of education discussion Video of a sleeve that is more about the operation Ghrelin levels after RnY and sleeve Ghrelin levels after band and sleeve Diabetes resolution in RnY vs. Sleeve Comparison of band to sleeve - literature review

I would have to say that the first month is most tiring, and mentally draining. Those shots made me hurl with the sleeve too, but I used them with the band. I agree with Mini, stick with what you know works, don't give up on yourself or the sleeve. It does get better, and your energy level will increase. Remember, your body has been through a pretty traumatic event regardless of what some people may say, and their own experience post-op, some of us struggle more. It's what makes our journey unique. The sleeve is a fabulous choice. I promise the victories will start outweighing the struggles. Hang in there.

Well, everyone knows that I'm pretty pastey white. So, with spring here, and summer fast approaching I decided to try the spray tan thing. I like the results on my legs, arms, neck and face, but for the inner thighs, boobs, belly, spray tanning left a lot to be desired. I can't be in the sun, or tanning beds due to a melanoma risk, and I'm going through a series of dermatology appts for mole removal. Guess what, excess skin does not look any better tan than it does pastey white. I kind of resembled an 80 yr old Oompa Loompa. My boobs look like they've been tie-dyed, and my stretch marks are now glowing white. John found it quite comical. It's worn off to some extent, but I still have funky coloring around my ankles and heels. I guess when I was rubbing it in, I didn't think about it rubbing off on my feet. As long as I wear regular shoes, I look okay, but until the stuff on my feet fades, it's no flip flops or open shoes. I did this because of the couple of spring dresses and several pairs shorts/crop pants that I recently purchased, and I really want to wear them.

To find a doctor, start with your insurance company to find out which surgeons perform the sleeve, and if they accept your insurance, and do a google search of doctors in your area that perform the sleeve. Then do independent research on that surgeon, and contact their office for information on their seminar, office procedures, consultation and so forth. Once you get some details on specific surgeons then start asking for some people's personal experience with that particular surgeon. Of course, you'll get a wide range of opinions and experiences so you'll have to sift through the information at your own discretion. I know the rollercoaster of weight loss and gain, and the sleeve has given me the control I need to keep a healthy weight. Best wishes in your research.

Totally meant to cause laughter. Believe me, the next day after the color fully developed, my husband and I had a good chuckle with me standing stark naked in front of the bathroom mirror. He was singing the Oompa Loompa song, and asking why he couldn't find the Golden Egg. It was quite comical. Thankfully, it's toned down considerably, and I don't look orange anymore. I think I applied too much. I like the bronze look, and will probably do it again just not as heavy.

Many congrats on your success thus far, and yes, I experienced the same thing around 6-7 months post-op. I realized I could eat more than I could at 3 months post-op, but still have really great restriction. I'm still not ever hungry, but I do realize when I need to eat. I can only eat 3-5oz of dense Protein and few bites of veggies. Certain foods that I couldn't eat before are now slider foods, and I can consume a lot more of those. But, the sleeve has kept me in check on my portions. I'm only 10 months out, and I'm struggling to maintain. I've increased all my calories, carbs and protein and cut cardio completely. It's all about finding a balance, but I'm getting there. I've found that I could easily fall back into bad habits, and just eat junk food all day, but my body definitely tells me that I've made the wrong choice. I feel better when I eat "right", my skin, and hair seem to look better when I eat "right". So, I still have to make the best choice on what I put in my mouth. While on vacation a couple of weeks ago, I gained 5lbs in about 5 days eating out, fried foods, carbs, and yummy goodness all over the place. I dropped those 5 pounds within 7 days by planning my meals, and sticking with my 1200-1400 calories, 60-80grams of protein and 60-70 grams of carbs. For me, I find great comfort in knowing that I can get right back on program with the sleeve, and maintain.