Tiffykins

Water weight is a total bitch. You are not gaining 2lbs of fat overnight. It's not possible, just like it's not possible to lose 2lbs of fat overnight. You're going to have bounce around, you're going to have stalls, but just continue to follow your post-op guidelines, push fluids, and Protein, and the weight will come off. Check the sodium content of the Soup, or anything you might be adding to your food. I'm not saying cut all sodium because that can cause other issues, but salt can cause water retention. You are not going to fail. Breathe in with the good, out with the bad, and stay positive ! ! !

There is a max stretch even at 4 years out. I can eat 2-3 times as much as I could at 2-3 months out, and I'm at 20 months post-op. BUT, I've been eating the same amounts for a year. My surgeon believes my stomach is at max capacity. I've been stalking a few 3-4 years out vets over on OH, and they report that they can eat the same amounts they did around 1.5 years. Because of how the tissue reacts to injury, the swelling is going to shrink the muscular tissue of the stomach instead of it expanding. There is stretching of the sleeve. How it has been explained to me is similar to a man's trifold leather wallet. Think about when you first purchase that wallet, it's super slender, but over time, many credit cards, receipts, cash, driver license, pictures etc etc stretch that leather wallet out, right???? BUT, there is only so much give. Our sleeves work the same way. Here is an xray of a normal stomach: So, by comparison, the 4 yr old sleeve is still considerably smaller than the normal, pre-op stomach.

I have the video bookmarked on Youtube. The picture of the immediately post-op and 4 years out is at minute mark 8:28.

I think everyone is being supportive. Sharing an unpopular opinion isn't a form of non-support. I personally have endured what happens to stomach tissue after it's sewn over, and with the few complications that I've read out, and the people seeking revisions, I think it's only fair to point out all the good and the bad. I could say that your statement regarding " I don't want my stomach in the trash" could be perceived as very insensitive and condescending, but it's your opinion and you're entitled to it. I'm extremely supportive of everyone regardless of their choice, but if asked, I'm going to be honest, and advise them to do more research. I personally do not think anyone should ever go into WLS thinking it's reversible. This is for life regardless if I chose the band or sleeve. Would I have chosen plication if it was available at the time? No, especially after reading the research stats, and other posts from over a year ago when it first started getting advertised. The sleeve is the 1st step of the DS procedure which has been performed for over 20 years. Gastrectomies have been performed for decades upon decades for cancer and ulcer patients. The research is out there, we just have to be willing to dig deep for it.

Never had restrictions on drinking from a straw, and it does make life easier. I can chug 20oz of water/tea in about 3-4 minutes so this whole sipping, not being able to drink rapidly thing doesn't last forever either. Around7-8 months out, liquids were super easy to drink, and I guess around a year or so, I realized I could take enormous drinks without issue.

For years, I've had an elevated resting heart rate (110-125bpm), and even in July when I had my well woman exam, my resting heart rate was around 98. We (myself and my medical professionals) always attributed it to my obesity, and the fact that I do smoke. I had hoped that with my weight loss my heart rate would level off, but it maintained 110-125 bpm up until July when it registered below 100. I was absolutely thrilled, but my PCM was only willing to wait another 6 months before sending me for a cardio work up. After the orthrostatic hypotension diagnosis in March, it really became apparent that my body was still adjusting. I still have bouts of hypotension, and my bp drops to 80/45 occasionally which is downright scary, but I just increase fluids and sodium again, and then I won't have bouts of almost passing out for a couple of weeks. With all that being said, my resting heart rate is down to 82bpm. Yes, it's still HIGH, but for it to drop from the 100's is amazing. I would like to get it down to 70. I'm sure working out is attributing to this improvement, and I'm hoping when I go back for a follow up with my surgeon on the 20th, he'll be pleased with my heart rate. I know that quitting the smokes will definitely help, but we all know my story with kicking that habit. Just thought I would share because NSVs this far out are few and far between.

Soooooooooooooooooooooooooo awesome ! ! !

That is quite a bit more food than I can eat even at 20 months out unless I eat for over an hour then I can fit about that much in, and I would have to sip my drink in between with a few breaks in there. The 5 day pouch test is only going to rid your system of carbs. There is no way to shrink your stomach. The hiatal hernia repair will not effect the final size of your sleeve. Surgical technique and your own anatomy play a huge role in how much you can eat(length of stomach specifically). At 2 months out, I was lucky if I could get in 2-3oz of mushy meats, or about 6oz of yogurt (separately). There's a few things you can do. 1) Do not stretch your meal out over more than 20 minutes 2) Eat Protein first, and do not eat more just because you can 3) If you are experiencing hunger, try filling your sleeve with protein dense foods. 4) Log your food, and make sure you are staying within your calorie/carb/protein guidelines, if you are going over, or are under, reevaluate your food choices and make the necessary changes. You've done really great with your weight loss so Celebrate that success. I kind of live by the mantra of "Just because I can, doesn't mean I should." I can eat a lot of junk food, but I have to make the "best" choice.

The band is notorious for causing reflux, as is the sleeve, BUT the big catch with the sleeve is that it can be resolved, and many patients 1-3 years out report being able to wean off their PPI without the every day reflux episodes. A lot of the time obese people have hiatal hernias, and having that repaired can help ease reflux. I know way more band patients that suffer with horrible reflux, and chronic esophagus issues due to the band.

The only time I ever threw up was after taking "that one last bite" before I figured out my full signal, and when I was eyeballing portions. I never experienced full on vomiting either. It was more like that "one last bite" came back up and that was it. No sliming, no foam, just that creeper bite sneaking back up.

I've perused it a little, and sadly I've witnessed some of it firsthand with friend that had RNY. There is always going to be "doom and gloom" stories out there.

My tastes changed big time post-op. Anything sweetened with aspartame was horrific and over sweet. Foods were bland, and eating was a chore. I attribute that to the complete loss of hunger, and that my tastes had changed. This lasted about 3 months. I learned to overseason food, spices/seasonings were pretty much doubled for everything. I added lots of creole seasoning to things, and lemon-pepper was used in most of my chicken meals. My love for food has returned. Food tastes fabulous, and I enjoy eating again. I noticed food tasting good around 4-5 months out, and now at 20 months out, food is definitely a pleasant experience again. I feel fabulous in general. I eat normal amounts of food, and by normal, I mean in comparison to my naturally thin, active girlfriends. I eat smaller portions than my 12 year old son, but he's a bottomless pit of a child with the metabolism of a gnat. I don't really "love" food like I did before surgery, but I don't dread eating anymore. Things taste great, I enjoy my small portions and do not feel deprived.

I tried my first spin class after losing 80lbs, and least to say, my girly bits were severely pissed at me. I didn't let the mister touch me for an entire week, and wearing panties was pure torture. I'm not a fan of spin class. I know they are fabulous, and wonderful, but honestly, it just wasn't worth it. I didn't have the leg strength to hold my weight and I was 190ish pounds back then. Plus, the intimidation factor was high for me back then. Every single other class member was a size 2 and built like a brick shithouse. I wanted to like it, I wanted to feel amazing, but it was torture on me physically and mentally. I had to quit about 3/4 of the way through the class, and felt the looks of "shame on the fatty" as I practically fell off the bike. I could probably tolerate it better now, and I know they make padded pants for spin class that helps protect the important parts. I'm sure you are in much better physical shape than I ever was/will be so it might be easier for you.

Absolutely fabulous post, and tons of information. Thank you for sharing.

Stress definitely effects my weight, and fat deposits. Everyone knows we've been trying to conceive. As much as I say I'm not stressing about it, how can I not be stressing, right? Anyways, one thing I have noticed is that my fat has been returning to my stomach area. I have a muffin top in a size 2? ?? How can that be, right? Plus, my husband's job is changing and very demanding which in turn puts more stress on the baby-making, I'm just a hot mess. I am a firm believer in the cortisol causing belly fat, and weight gain or stalls. It's a hormone and throw that in with all the other hormone stuff going on, it's the perfect storm. Find a massage school, and go rubbed down once a week ! ! !

From what I've been reading it appears that a couple of the surgeons are recommending the sleeve over plication for higher BMI patients. I had the band, and it sucks royally. You can search my blog, and previous posts where I've shared my story. Plus, my blog has actual statistical, scientific information. There's a few plication patients on obesityhelp.com already looking at revisions because they're not losing weight, and have had complications. They appear to be 5-6 months out, and are losing extremely slowly, and can eat way more than I can with a sleeve stomach. One particular poster stated she gets hungry, true physical hunger about 1-2 hours post-op, it seems the food passes through, and once again she's hungry. Essentially, they feel like they're having to hardcore diet to lose weight, and the pounds aren't budging. I've read one complication story here (Zanthia's post of unexpected complications after her plication), and a couple of others on OH that were months ago and those patients are no longer posting nor responding to my attempts to contact them so they can update us on how they are doing, and what course of action they took after their complications. It is a personal decision, and no one can decide for you. I always recommend to do your own independent research, read as much as possible. I have tons of links in my blog on here that may help you. If you have specific questions about the sleeve, ask us. If you have concerns, share them and let us help you. I personally had zero issue losing the majority of my stomach because I had done tons of research on gastrectomies for stomach ulcer and cancer patients. This whole pleating the stomach scares me way more only because I know firsthand the damage that can be done just from the band (they stitch stomach tissue over the band to help hold it in place). Keep reading, really decide what is best for you, your lifestyle, your wants/needs 5-10 years from now. Think twice, CUT ONCE. I learned the hard way, had the band first because the sleeve was not an option, it was RNY or the band. I chose the lesser of 2 evils in my mind, and it cost me additional stomach tissue, a whole slew of complications including a leak 2 days post-op after my revision, and tons of scar tissue and adhesions. I do not for one minute regret my band. It taught me a lot about myself, my food choices, but it caused me daily pain, puking, sliming and pure misery in 8 short months. I do love the sleeve, the effortless eating, the fact that I can eat like a normal, naturally thin girl, and still enjoy all foods. Best wishes in your research ! ! !

Obviously, the first ones are pre-op, but I had had my band placed for almost 2 months when these were done so this isn't even technically at my heaviest. I think I was around 250-255lbs in these. The second set were taken today ! ! ! Here's proof the sleeve works. No matter where you are in the process, DO NOT GIVE UP. . . This is the best thing in the entire world. Take care of yourself, your body, your mind, and your spirit ! ! !

I have my photo album and blog disabled for public viewing. If you're on my friend's list, then you can access my photos. I hate the new layout for the gallery because I've even had people on my friend's list have difficulty pulling up my photos.

6-8 weeks out I was released for all meds even the time-released meds. . . In addition to talking with your surgeon, I always suggest talking to your pharmacist.

I would not miss this moment. These foods shouldn't be forbidden in my mind. If this situation would have presented itself to me during the same time frame, I would go, enjoy the moment with family, and cherish the memories.

When we build muscle mass, muscles tear, and need Water to repair and rebuild. It's water weight, you'll start losing inches so take measurements if you haven't already. Measure: Neck Chest Waist Upper Arm Hips Upper thigh Calf If you insist on weighing (I was a scale whore so no judgment from me at all), take measurements every couple of weeks as well. A pound of fat weighs the same as a pound of muscle. The big difference is volume. Fat is bumpy, lumpy and takes up a lot of space, muscle is lean, thin, and isn't bumpy therefore taking up less space in the body and you'll lose inches sometimes, but you won't actual pounds. It is NOT physically possible to put on 2lbs of fat in 3 days. . . No way, no how especially during the losing, low calorie, high Protein phase. It's just not going to happen.

3oz of chicken is 21 gr of Protein, tuna, eggs, cheese etc are all protein packed foods. If you're logging your food/drink intake, it should tell you exactly how much you are getting in. If you're falling short, then picking up some protein dense foods can help without having to use shakes. Protein will NOT save your hair. It will help with regrowth, but if you're going to lose hair, you'll lose it. There is no stopping it. Sorry to be the bearer of bad news, but there are plenty of people on here that got in 60+gr of protein immediately following surgery, and they lost more hair and for longer time period than I did and didn't ever use protein drinks, and didn't get protein in until I was nearly 2 months out via food.

Steak is by far my favorite meat, and it actually works better than any other dense protein. Glad you enjoyed your steak, and it makes it even better that you enjoyed it ! ! !

You could always have the band removed, and then the sleeve in a second procedure which might be safer considering you're concerned about erosion. Don't give up. It's an awful fight with Tricare and trying to get stuff taken care of, but it's totally worth it.