Tiffykins

My prilosec are prescription, and they are tiny capsules. I didn't go on them until 4-5 weeks out when I started food. I wasn't able to eat or drink anything for 22 days so I'm not the best person for this question. But, I was able to swallow Tylenol caplets after those days to help with pain. I know my paperwork said any medication that wasn't time released or extended release, and the pill was no bigger than a regular M&M could be swallowed immediately post-op.

Hi, and welcome to the board. Congrats on getting your date, and we'll be here for you. Have you tried doing 1/2 decaf with 1/2 regular to help wean yourself off the caffeine. I'm not sure if you're talking coffee, tea or soda. But, I fell in love with some of the herbal, and especially orange tea post-op. I was a 40oz a day coffee drinker so that was kind of tough to give up, but I was able to start having coffee again after a few weeks when getting in liquids wasn't so trying. Best wishes, and keep us posted on your progress.

I had big time lifting, activity restrictions that were identical to the information you received. The biggest concern is incisional hernias and hematomas post-op, and straining the abdominal muscles. Plus, extra activity, over lifting, and other strenuous activity can cause additional scar tissue. I carried a lot of my weight in my abdomen so I dealt with gravity pain. It was like a tugging/pulling because I was swollen and my abdomen was bloated. Yes, bending for me was an issue. I was even restricted for several weeks after GB surgery last month because apparently my body likes to try to heal itself with making lots of scar tissue and adhesions. I had even more scar tissue and adhesions taken down during the GB surgery from the other 3 lap procedures I have had done in the last 16 months. Due to my revision, I've noticed this area in my abdomen that kind of makes this weird popping feeling around the area where my port was removed. It actually makes a noise sometimes. I called my surgeon a couple weeks ago, and he said it was probably because of all the scar tissue that has developed in that area. It's definitely weird, and while it doesn't hurt exactly, it doesn't feel good.

Many congrats on your progress thus far Gary ! ! ! Keep up the great work. I love reading your updates.

I never weighed my food with a scale. I measured by volume using a children's medication measuring cup that is 1 ounce. **Warning the next paragraph is gross** This is so gross, but one day I was curious, and feeling geeky so I measured out my meal, chewed it up then spit it out and measured it to see how much I was actually swallowing.

Have you tried increasing calories? Your body may need more calories Laura, don't give up, your body isn't done. I can't remember how many calories you are getting in, but can you try increasing by just 50-100 a day for a week, and see how your body reacts? I'm sorry you keep stalling out, but don't give up on yourself.

Very, very well said. I had a friend contact via FB once I came out about my VSG. His comments to me after explaining the dietary guidelines, and life post-op were astonishing. He said, and yes I quote " I seriously can not give up eating an entire chicken fried steak and mashed potatoes just to be skinny." My reply to him was " well in 5-10 years tell me how that chicken fried steak works for your cholesterol, and hypertension." Least to say, we haven't spoken about my surgery since that day. He's a mere 5'10" and pushing 400lbs at the ripe age of 28. He has 4 children that are all under the age of 10. My heart breaks for him because he can't see that the benefits of losing weight and gettingg closer to a normal weight outweigh the loss of strapping a feed bag around our necks.

I'm so sorry that you are going through all of this. I am over 9 months and can only eat 1 half of sandwich with 1 piece of deli meat and cheese on it on extra thin bread. So, my heart definitely breaks for you especially since you are feeling hunger as well. I hope the GI study reveals that your stomach is okay, and that you are not having to face another surgery to fix a problem. If you do have to endure another surgery, hopefully you won't be out any more money. I can imagine your frustration. Feel free to vent here anytime, that's what we're here for.

No, I agree with you 100% that almost isn't good enough. I think my good enough is just my own personal good enough. I'm also trying to conceive so that is a big driving force in trying to maintain because I lost weight with my first pregnancy. Like I dropped 11lbs, the first 8 weeks of pregnancy with Caysen. I know every pregnancy is different, but I'm okay getting pregnant at this weight. Plus, my surgeon and nutritionist said if I didn't find a way to slow down the loss, then I would have to wait even longer. There's a few reasons why we are trying before the 1 year post-op point that I'm not really all that comfortable expressing on the open forum, but it's been discussed with my medical team, and I'm being monitored pretty closely. I wouldn't give up on your sleeve just yet. There's several lightweights that stalled out right about the same time as you have. I wouldn't go DS unless you are really prepared to deal with the vitamins/supplement regimen. I know that I could not commit to it, and I'm a strict and committed person. There is just no way in my mind that I could do it. I know you can do it. I know a couple others on here and OH that increased their calories for just one week, and the scale moved, and that seemed to change the game for them.

Here is one surgeon's recommendations. Check with your surgeon/nutritionist to make sure this will fit into the program. I followed this with a few additions of my own, and I found that it's a good starting point. Day 1 thru 5 ( clear liquids Only ) fruit juice ( apple, grape, cranberry ) Propel broth Jello-O Water Tea Protein Water by Kellogg’s Water popsicles Clear Protein drinks only ( example Isopure, unjury ) Day 6-10 ( thin liquids ) All of the above and: Natural Vegetable Juices ( example Carrot, V-8 juice ) Protein drinks mixed with water ( example Matrix ) whey nectar Protein Mix Day 11 thru 20 ( full liquids ) Cream Soups Yogurt Jello-O Boiled pureed fruit ( example apple, pear) applesauce Watermelon, papaya or melon in small pieces Low fat milk 1 or 2% Water, Propel, tea Soy beverages Sugar free pudding Protein shakes and protein powders mixed with milk Day 21 thru 30 ( soft food ) Soft food should be the consistency of a thick liquid ( no chunks or solid material ) and it should be chewed very well before swallowing until it is a liquid consistency ) Tofu Low fat cottage cheese Cereal oatmeal Precooked pureed rice Low fat Yogurt Yogurt mixed with fruit very well blended Cream soups eggs Boiled pureed fruit ( example pear, apple ) Watermelon, papaya or melon in small pieces Boiled pureed vegetables Beans Day 31st and beyond ( solid food ) Fish, Chiken meat Turkey Vegetables Fruit A diet consisting of 800 calories and 70 grams of protein should be your goal. There is a book called " Weight loss Surgery for Dummies" Authors: Kurian, Thompson and Davidson You might find it helpful. I contains several recipes and ideas on what to eat after surgery Grilled Marinated Tuna with Lime Herbed Beef Patties Turkey Meatballs Seafood salad chicken Salad

I use a couple of different brands. Of course, I have a super thick body cream by Bath and Bodyworks. But, I also use this stuff It's uber thick, and creamy. I use it on my abdomen, arms, boobs, chest and neck. For my neck, I use Loreal Revitalift advanced wrinkle concentrate: I also use Olay regenerist micro-sculpting cream on my neck and face. I have a little bit of a turkey going on, and those last 2 seem to help. I use both of morning and night. The Loreal product really seems to tighten my neck and jaw line. Botox is definitely in my future.

Stacie, seriously I couldn't be more happy for you to have this behind you. I know what it is like to not want to eat, but it does get better. Things tasted so "off" for so long for me that I thought I was doomed to food not ever tasting good again. It was short lived, and things are so much better now. Slow and easy, and you'll do great. Take care of yourself, and please keep us posted. I'm so elated that the leak has healed, and you are fully on your way to great post-op life.

I agree with this theory, and my surgeon kind of touched on this very topic. I had a mini-stall right before goal, and didn't lose anything for 10 days. I upped my calories by 100 calories a day to around 900-950, and bam I lost it. I think sometimes people just have to shake things up in order to get the scale moving again. I think my body would be happy at 115lbs if I allowed it get that low. But, I wouldn't feel comfortable in my own skin. I know some heavyweights that their body just stopped losing and I think in those situations, it's about just how much work the sleeve can do for them. YKWIM? I know you can shed those last 25lbs, it'll just be up to your body when it's ready to start losing again. I'm at the very top of a normal BMI, but I'm content where I'm at. I wouldn't mind losing the extra fat on my stomach, and tone some more which will shrink the sizes some more, but I'm hoping to maintain right around this same weight. I always thought I could deal with maintenance issues better, but it's really mentally draining.

I think Mac and Wasa and there's a couple others on OH that had or are currently struggling with the same issues of maintenance. It's weird, that's for sure.

I agree that it works for some people. I happen to one of the few that attending these type of meetings only upset me more than help. I seriously loathed WW meetings, and I attend alanon meetings when I was younger due to my father's alcoholism. I am not sure if I can pinpoint why this type of setting doesn't work for me, but I've been hesitant to even attend our monthly support group because of my past experience. I promise I wasn't trying to say that it doesn't work for some, but for me and my personal demons, I have to work on them through different venues.

I honestly think I'm the oddball sleeve patient. Because I'm having to snack, and eat more carbs to maintain my current weight. If I were to go back to VSG dietary guidelines for losing, I could easily drop another 10-15lbs pretty easily. I promise I'm not trying to brag, but it's just how my body is working right now. If I don't eat 1200-1300 calories with 60-80gr of carbs, and 70+ Protein a day, I lose weight. I've also had to add in more veggies/fruits, and even fruit juice. Regular Gatorade instead of the low cal stuff, and the like. This is to help combat the loss of good fats, and higher complex carbs that are now difficult for me to digest due to the gallbladder removal. I really hate not being able to eat avocados, nuts, and other "healthier/good" choices, but I kept losing, and was having major diarrhea that was compromising my hydration. It's been a weird balance for me. If I do anything other than toning and weight training, I lose. So, I've had to cut cardio out completely. I just don't think I'm normal. I've only lost about 25lbs from late December to late February. But, it's dropped in large increments, like 5-7lbs in a week, then I'd hang onto that weight for a couple of weeks, and wake up and have dropped another 5-7lbs. Maintaining is definitely more difficult than losing for me. I've struggled more with maintaining, and trying to make the best choice since deciding that I am happy at 130lbs. My surgeon is in agreement that I'm at a good weight. He said if I lost a few more pounds, not to fret, but I toyed with 129 for a week or so, and I just felt uncomfortable because I really didn't see my loss stopping.

We order the Protein we use from Bodybuilding.com - The Future Of Bodybuilding! Huge Bodybuilding Site. because they have low shipping through FedEx for $5.99 I just plugged in some nectar samples (10 count) at $1.99 each, and the FedEx option for shipping is just $5.99 Here's the "fake" shopping cart I set up. Bodybuilding.com :: Your Shopping Cart Here's the link for Nectar Samples on this specific site: Bodybuilding.com - Syntrax Nectar - Best Tasting Protein! On sale now! The samples are about halfway down the page across from the nutrition facts. Vitalady.com is another resource for samples, but her minimum shipping and handling is $7.95. Even for the 16 variety flavor sample pack of the Protein we (well the husband uses it now, I don't use it anymore) use (Optimum Whey) the shipping is only $5.99 Bodybuilding.com :: Your Shopping Cart Hope that helps some. If you find a flavor you like, Buy Discount Vitamins, supplements, Low Carb and More at www.Vitacost.com carries Synthrax and the Optimum whey at great rates with $4.99 flat rate shipping regardless of weight/size of package. Synthrax - vitacost

You're probably already in recovery at this point, but I want to wish you the best in your recovery, and keep us posted on your progress.

Hi there, and welcome. Immediately post-op, I was groggy. I felt the gas pain from the CO2 gas, but minimal discomfort from the actual surgery. I had the most discomfort/pain from the port incision from my band surgery. My abdomen was full of scar tissue and adhesions the surgeons had to take down all of it to remove my port. I was given IV pain drugs of morphine. It managed the pain well, but walking, moving, and stretching helped with the gas pain more than the drugs. I slept a lot the first night, but walked when I could. Day 2 post-op, I developed a leak, and a second surgery was needed to repair it. My recovery, and complications were not typical. Therefore, it's really difficult to compare my experience to other patients. I was in the hospital for 10 days. Then sent home with a TPN bag, and pic line for nutrient/calories. I had a home healthcare nurse come in every other day to change dressing, check vitals, and ensure I was recovering. I had nothing to eat or drink for 22 days. Literally, nothing crossed my lips for those days. Once I was off TPN, I started on Clear liquids for 17 days, then onto full liquids for a week, then mushies/soft solids as tolerated. It took me over 6 weeks to get to regular food and even then I relied on soft solids for most of my meals. I was hospitalized mid-July for a week due to abscesses in my abdominal and pelvic cavity. During that time, I was on heavy antibiotics, and pain meds. I was able to eat, and the nausea was kept at bay with IV drugs. I had quite a bit of nausea as well during this time after coming home probably from the heavy antibiotic regimen I was on. Phenegran, and Reglan helped, but fatigued me severely. My surgeon switched my nausea meds to Zofran, and it was a lifesaver during that time. I was finally fully released for full activity, and regular diet around 3 months post-op. My activity was very limited initially because of the pic line/TPN bag that I had to lug around plus the 2 drains that I had in my abdomen for those weeks really kept me sedentary. I didn't do more than walking for 3.5 months. I also had drains placed during the July hospitalization. Those were extremely painful. One of the abscesses was very low in pelvic cavity, and could not be accessed even with an interventionalist radiologist placing the drains. Luckily, it resolved with the antibiotic therapy. But, the pain from the abscesses was far worse than the surgery. As you can see, my experience is not typical. But, it's what I went through and just to give you an idea of what I consider to be worse case scenario. I know several of the members here will share their experience, and you'll get a wide range of experiences. Best wishes on your surgery. Even with all of my complications, and struggles, I would do it all over again. Life with the sleeve is truly fabulous, and I have zero regrets. Keep us posted on your progress ! ! !

You wrote everything I wanted to say, but were much more eloquent. I know that I had/have food issues, but my little nip/tuck took care of it for the most part. I've dealt with addiction for most of my adult life. Be it, men, booze, dope, or food, but I haven't had to walk around with a sign that says " Hi, I'm an addict." I deal with my demons in ways that work for me. I haven't ever sought professional help for my demons. Would it have helped? Possibly, but I have survived, and continue to thrive without counseling or therapy. Not that I would never seek counseling if I felt it necessary, but sometimes people are capable of finding renewed faith, and success without labeling themselves for the entire world to see and judge.

Best wishes on getting approval, and hope all goes well ! ! ! Keep us posted on your progress.

Wooohooo, how fabulous ! ! ! Many congrats Sury.

For me, and my experience, honestly the sleeve made making better choices easier. Cravings still happen because they operate on our stomachs, not our brains. The greatest aspect of the sleeve is that if I do have a craving, I can eat a small amount, and truly be satisfied. Perfect example: For the last week, I've had a craving for sushi or veggie rolls. I've avoided it because honestly they are not the "best" choice to fill up my sleeve. Well, yesterday, I caved and had my veggie rolls. You know how many I had, 2, that's right just 2 little avocado, cucumber with a little sliver of cream cheese with some soy sauce. Before, I would have eaten all 6-8 little servings, but 2 and I was done. The kiddo ate one, and the rest are in the fridge that I can eat later today. When did we ever leave sushi for leftovers? For me, NEVER. I always ate it all and then would get more LOL. As for things tasting good and wanting one more bite, it happens. I've found that if I eat super slow, I can fit more in. If I take a break, and just socialize with my family or friends during dinner, I can wait 10 minutes and have another bite or two. I figure that is better than eating from the food trough that I ate from before. I haven't overeaten to the point of having pain or vomiting in months. There's a learning curve, and I had it kind of beat because I had the band first. But, the sleeve really won't allow you to overeat. Also, vomiting with the sleeve is different than vomiting pre-op. If you happen to take one too many bites, or eat too fast (especially early out), that last bite will typically come up. It's not the wretching, gagging, pukey feeling you get when you have a stomach bug, or a hangover vomiting episode. It's like this creeper feeling up your esophagus. My mouth fills up with saliva right before this happens, and I once that last bite comes up, it's instant relief. Even though I am in the maintenance stage, I still have to make good choices. I have found that crackers, Pasta, rice, potatoes, chips, essentially simple carbs, have become slider foods. That means I can eat a lot more of them than I could before. If I choose to eat them, I don't have any room for Protein which is not the best choice. Are there days when I eat 1 slice of deli meat with some cheese and chips/dip, yeppers. I really should have had 2-3 slices of deli meat, and no chips, but I also know how I feel when I'm deprived. I'll binge and eat an entire bag of cheesy poofs. So, it's all about finding a balance. The sleeve definitely helps your willpower. If you can change your mindset to protein first, veggies 2nd, and then if you have room, carbs, you'll be able to change those years of habits. I was a huge volume eater pre-op. Literally, I could pack away an entire large Papa John's barbque chicken pizza by myself, and 1/2 of a 2 liter of Dr. Pepper in one setting. Now, I can barely eat an entire piece of pizza if it's on regular crust. But, that little piece of pizza is so satisfying, and I'm done. I honestly just don't want food like I did anymore. If I overeat on carbs, I am immediately exhausted. It's like a carb induced coma, and I feel pretty fatigued. So, there are definitely consequences to making not so great choices. You taking the pro-active steps of getting into a support group will serve you well during your journey. But, also remember everyone's experience is different. It's the same way here on this forum. There are different opinions and experiences with each different member, and you'll have to find your own path. The best thing about here, and a support group is that you'll have someone to turn to that can truly be your cheerleader. There will be struggles, and hurdles, but the victories, and wow moments will outweigh those ten fold.

In 6 months, you'll have rocked the sleeve, and no only be one sexy b*tch, you'll feel amazing ! ! ! Tell your friend and dad many thanks for their service from one military family to another. I'm holding my breath that John can avoid a deployment this year. I'm okay with him going if he has to go, but if we can avoid it this year, I'll be ecstatic.