Tiffykins

Are threads about Dr. Almanza and Dr. Betancourt being deleted on this forum? Truthfully, I've referred countless members here because I believed (note the PAST TENSE) that this forum is a wealth of knowledge and an honest support forum. The credibility of this forum is being compromised because of "back room" politics, and it's a true shame. How can one sleep at night knowing that so many issues have come up yet no one will know because the threads and even the members that started the threads are being deleted and removed from the forum. Obviously, someone doesn't want the entire truth to get out. Why not allow people to post their personal experiences, and allow pre-op patients to base their choice of surgeon on their own observations and research? It's shady, and while I realize forums are businesses, the shadiness, and unethical practices have gone far enough. I'm sure this will be reported, and removed as well, but I'm sad to see this forum become a site that is not open for all to share the good, bad, and ugly of their own personal experiences. Not all of us are sheep willing to follow any shepherd, and it's downright pathetic.

Click on the Months 1 Months* 1 This was shared on OH, and I found it beyond interesting. Especially, for those that chart their loss, or those just beginning their journey. Plug in your numbers, hit "Create Report" and it spells everything out for you. Do to copyright rules, I can't share my stats openly, but least to say, I am stoked by this report. Of course, my goal weight by my age, height, gender says 110lbs. So, it shows that I've only lost 85% of my excess weight. However, I'll take 85% loss. Plus, the average American female's weight in my age, and height bracket, is 137. I don't think I've ever been close to the "average" anything.

Me too Amanda, being in Texas has brought out so many bad habits. Plus, I'm staying with my 2 younger brothers, so it's a lot of eating out. I had 1200 calories consumed in 2 meals yesterday, and almost freaked out on myself. But, I figure it'll be okay. I never realized I'd miss the comforts of Greek yogurt and cheese wedges LOL.

WOohooo many congrats ! ! !

I haven't seen that brand. I'm taking an Omega 3 with DHA and EPA that has a hint of strawberry smell. No fishy burps for me either. I take 2 daily right before bed. They aren't tiny, but they go down easily for me.

I had a band revised to the sleeve in June 2009. I take Prilosec 20mg once daily to prevent any acid issues, and have taken it since about 6 weeks post-op. I have had zero issue with acid reflux. Take some time to research gastrectomies one for stomach cancer, or ulcerative conditions. I did a lot of research before I decided VSG was the way to go because I felt the same way about being fat and happy instead of skinny and miserable. BUT, let me tell ya, I am now skinny and elated. I have zero regrets with my decision. The band and sleeve are like night and day. For me, I wanted something permanent. I wanted the deck to be stacked in my favor. I figured I really didn't need that huge, stretchy part of my stomach that allowed me to eat huge portions of food. I can honestly tell you I don't miss that old habit one bit. My cliff note version of my band to sleeve goes like this kind of: Band in October 2008 Lost 23-25lbs the first couple of months Complications started from the flipped port Couldn't get a fill even under fluoro, Band doctor sucked, left his practice March 2009 Started researching revision options. Chose VSG instead of a port revision VSG revision June 3, 2009 Had a leak found on June 5th (now don't get scared, remember my port was not accessible under fluoro or ultrasound, so I could not have the Fluid (3-4cc in a 10cc band) removed. Plus, the port actually migrated around in my abdomen, and was causing the tubing to tug on my stomach tissue.) Longer recovery Stuck with the dietary guidelines for 4 months 600-800 calories per day some days I barely hit 600 never anymore than 30grams of carbs 60+grams of Protein Dropped 80lbs, surgeon and I discuss that my loss is extremely rapid so we revamp my eating. Increased carbs a little increased a little. Goal of 150lbs reached around 6.5 months post-op. I started at 263 the day of my revision. 270 was my pre-op band weight. I am currently trying to maintain at this point. I've fallen below goal, but I'm only 5'2" and am still in a healthy weight range at 127lbs. I feel fabulous, my energy level is through the roof. My overall mindset has changed drastically. I sometimes forget I had surgery because I literally just enjoy life. I eat whatever I want, just in smaller portions. I don't overindulge often, but I refuse to deprive myself. If you have any specifics questions, or need a shoulder to lean on, please feel free to contact me. I had a hellacious recovery, but like I've said many times, I would do it all again to live the life I am living right now. Stay positive, and have faith in yourself and your surgeon. Keep us updated with your progress. Also, there are other band to sleeve revision patients that you may like to contact. *susan* (she's a moderator here) 3636Millie OregonDaisy Shontel Annak4 There's actually a lot of band to sleeve revision patients here that can share their stories with you. You can find those members profiles and contact information by clicking on the "MEMBERS" tab at the top of the forum, then you can message them. Everyone here is really great, and we'll be your biggest cheerleaders from a distance.

Just my experience, willpower came pretty easy. I think I was just so hellbent on being successful that I refused to give in or give up on myself. Mentally, there were days I wanted to give in, but then I'd step on the scale and remind myself why I went through all the surgery and recovery. Working out for me took more motivation. I did really great for about 3-4 months, and have been off the working out wagon for a few weeks now. I need to get back on track with exercise and start toning more to reach my own personal "shape" goal. I'm below my weight goal, now I need to shed this tummy fat, and tone up my arms and butt. The sleeve makes choices easier. It was easier for me to make better choices early out than it is right now. I remember thinking "I could have a cookie, or greek yogurt, which one will make me feel good for the longest period of time?" I, ultimately, chose the Greek yogurt. Now, at this point in my journey, I may choose a cookie and 1/2 greek yogurt. You'll do fabulous, just stick with your dietary guidelines, and post-op diet. Once you are out of the rapid WL phase and incorporating other foods, choices will be easier. The sleeve makes life so much easier. There are still some days that I feel like a fat girl trapped in a skinny chick's body, and I have to choose what is the best foods to fill up my sleeve. Some days the fat girl still wins, but with the next meal the skinny chick takes over. Hopefully, that makes sense. Best wishes with getting your date. Keep us posted on your progress.

BUMPING this thread ! ! ! I just wanted to tell everyone how unbelievably stoked I am to meet everyone. I seriously can not wait to see everyone, and put real faces to all of the posts/blogs. See ya Saturday ! ! !

Many congrats on the stall breaking, and reaching Onederland ! ! ! You've dropped 40lbs in 2 months time, and that is a huge accomplishment, you should be very proud of yourself ! ! !

My poor husband can attest to the fact that my sex drive increased exponentially since losing weight. Plus, I'm in my early 30's, and he's in his late 20's, the poor man is just exhausted. I thought marrying a younger guy would kind of balance out the sex thing. But, no such luck. I'm ready to go everyday, he would be happy with 2-3 times a week. Our biggest issue is the hours he puts in on base with his job. So, I understand why his drive is not as high as mine is currently. There is a study out of Europe(I could find it maybe once I get back home, I'm out of state until Sunday), that shows men with low testosterone can work out, strength training mainly, and it helps increase the natural hormone. So, once you start working out post-op, focus on building lean muscle mass, and burning fat, hopefully you'll see some positive results with your levels.

Sadly, I've been averaging 1500 calories a day. Increased my carbs to a solid 80grams, Protein to 80grams, and limited fats because fatty foods are not working for me right now. I lost 5 pounds last week after maintaining for almost a month. I think part of the problem is stress related, and once I am done with this trip to TX, and back home, hopefully things return to normal, and I can gain a few pounds.

My surgeon opts to not remove the gb at the same time. His reasoning is because during the rapid weight loss phase, being in ketosis, taking in extra fat especially from Protein foods the gb actually helps digest these foods completely. Plus, only 1/4 of his patients between VSG, band and RNY need to have their gb removed due to weight changes. I tell you based on my experience. My gb came out 9 months post-op. I've had a hell of a time eating post-op and trying to maintain my weight. food that I ate just 2 months ago no longer work for me. I can eat them, but I'm in the bathroom shortly thereafter. It isn't pleasant, and I since I eat many foods still today that I ate during my losing stage, I would have very limited on what I could have eaten. If I happen to find myself constipated, a nice dollop of Ranch or Thousand Island dressing with about 4 crackers or a small spinach salad lands me in the bathroom for a solid 30 minutes. Constipation cured, butt burn in full effect. Probably TMI, but it's been my experience. There is also a drug called Actigall that some surgeons prescribe. I declined due our livers working overtime during the rapid weight loss phase, I wasn't willing to add another RX to the mix to make my liver work even harder. Plus, there are some liver contraindications with Actigall. For me, the risk of keeping my gb were minimal considering all the factors presented to me.

I miss seeing ya around here, but so happy that you are doing so wonderfully ! ! ! Many congrats on your success. . .

There are a bunch of different factors for weight goals. My goal was set high because of my frame size (medium large to large framed), the fact I was a revision, and stats show the revision patients sometimes do not lose as well as virgin sleeve patients, also my surgeon and I thought 150 was attainable. He doesn't believe that the BMI is the end all be all to determine overall healthy weight. As he explained it, being obese for many years, our bones grow more dense to support all of our extra weight thus weighing more than a naturally thin person. I am weighing in today at 127, and trying to maintain. I am in a normal weight range for my height, and have a normal BMI, but my my body fat percentage I am still overweight. I really need to tone more muscle mass to burn some fat and get my fat % down. I'm still a work in progress. I'm only 5'2" and was perfectly happy at 150. Now, I guess you could say that I'm actually trying to gain a few pounds because I really do not like being below 130lbs. Talk to your surgeon and have him/her really analyze what would be a good weight for your height, frame size, and personal goals. Some people choose to set mini-goals such as 40 pounds in 3 months, and then see where your body ends up. I never imagined getting to less than 140, but it happened.

I'll be leaving tomorrow for Texas. So, I may not be around as much as I'll be with friends and family. The Skin on my IPhone sucks for forums, and I hate trying to navigate the site via my phone. I'll check in here and there. And, will be keeping everyone in my thoughts ! ! ! Take care everyone, and I'll update when I return next Sunday. I'll be posting updates on Facebook as well. Pray for us or keep us in your thoughts for a safe trip, and that I don't throat punch my mother while there.

OHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH MY GOSH, you look my best friend Meghan. . . I have it saved in my book marks, and you know I'll be stalking you now ha ha ha.

I thought I would chat a bit tonight before I head to bed. . .

I had to go through a psych eval for my band, and my revision surgeon required me to have another one before he would schedule my revision. The additional counseling will help. I didn't have any major head hunger, or really any issues in letting any of the old habits go early on. I was too focused on my recovery, and losing weight. Best wishes for with the orientation, and just be positive. The counseling sessions will help you find new coping skills to deal with the emotional ties we have with food. Keep us posted on your progress.

I drink right up until my first bite, and then I wait a minimum of 30 minutes after eating to take another drink 98% of the time. The food needs to be digested. It needs to sit in the stomach, and yes, drinking while eating will change the consistency of the food, and it will flush through the pyloric valve more quickly. Drinking while eating can leave you hungry, or less satisfied, it can also allow you to eat more food per meal. Drinking while eating early out can fill up your sleeve, but now I can drink a few sips during my meal, and have noticed I can eat a couple of extra bites especially if it's softer meats. It's not difficult to wait 30 minutes after eating to drink anything then just resume your normal drinking regimen.

We'll be here for you. My mom told my decision to revise to VSG instead of getting another band was "reckless". So, I know how you feel. You just lean on us, and we'll be your cheerleaders from afar. Don't let anyone get ya down. I'd say show them some of the before and after pics, but they probably wouldn't believe we are the same people.

I totally got a mental picture ! ! ! Hope you had on undies. . . I remember one time I was home alone walking around the house, and had a pants on the ground episode. I go commando often, and least to say, I was grateful I was glad I was home alone.

I never used Protein supplements/drinks. I am not saying this is the way to do it, but I really didn't have any other choice. I tried over 20 different brands and flavors, and they either tasted horrific or they made me vomit. So, I got all my protein from food sources once I hit the mushy/soft solid stage. I eat a completely normal diet and have for months. There is absolutely nothing in my plan that is bariatric substitutes. I do choose to use some ingredients in my recipes to increase protein count, cut carbs, and fat when I can. I'm cooking for not only myself, but my family as well. So, it has to be conducive to all our liking.