Tiffykins

The post-op healing period is the most difficult, but it gets easier. I can honestly tell you from experience that if you don't make the commitment to make better choices now, it'll be more difficult the further out you get. I'm 18 months out, and it's way harder to make the better choice. I'm not physically hungry, but that doesn't mean that cakes, Cookies, chips and pretzels don't taste good. I didn't cheat at all during my losing phase because I wanted to get to goal, and worry about maintenance when I got there. During that time, I really worked on my relationship with food, and with the great restriction I had the first 4-5 months, I was successful. Now, making the best choice is easier because I know that making a not so great choice will not help me long term, but I fall back into some old habits, and the scale reveals it. Stick with your post-op guidelines, really try to think of food as fuel for your body. Find something to occupy your mind when you want to mindlessly eat. Take a brisk walk, crochet, play online games, write in a journal, if you aren't tracking your food, start now so you have to be accountable, and that way you can really see what you're putting in your body. I preferred myfitnesspal.com to track my food. Plus, they have a free app for smartphones. Surgery only helps with portions, we have to do the rest to be successful! ! !

Daisy gets it too with ice cream. She used to get it heavy milk fat, and sugary/fatty stuff, had her GB out, and it seems she doesn't have any ill effects from anything other than ice cream. I know over on OH there are a few other maintainers that have similar experiences. For me, I can tell my body builds up a tolerance for the junk. Like now since I've been "oinking" out on junk and candy since OOOOOOOOOhhhh Halloween LOL, I have more tolerance for the bad stuff. Once I go on a purging episode, and get it out of my system, I'll have to build my tolerance back up for it. I don't know if that makes sense, but essentially, if I go 2-4 weeks without the junk, my body gets pretty pissy if I throw a cupcake in there, and my body rebels. That's the one saving grace I have right now is knowing that if I detox my body, I'll not want the junk. Funyuns are the devil incarnate for me, and I can eat a lot of them. Doritos have lost their luster for me too, but the damn funyuns are still my weakness. I try to eat some beef Jerky before chowing on Funyuns, and that seems to keep me from eating the entire bag of funyuns. Sorry for the ramble.

That hunger hormone is still floating around in your system so it's not uncommon to feel hunger post-op. Not every single sleeve patient loses their hunger completely. Acid can cause false hunger, and your stomach is going to feel weird for a couple of weeks as it heals. I would stick to taking your PPI as directed, and keep fluids going. If you don't get relief with your current PPI, or start having true reflux, discuss it immediately with your surgeon. Some need to double dose the PPI or try a different formulation depending on what you are prescribed.

Hiccups are and always have been my only full signal. Early out, I'd get them if I drank too fast.

About 95% of WLS patients stall between 3-6 weeks out, it's so common that it's expected, and some even see a slight gain. Your body is pissed off, it's just "waking" up from surgery, and trying to figure out what you've done to it. Plus, it's living on 1/3 of what it used to so it's going to hold on to everything you put in it. Stay the course, and you will lose. When you increase exercise, increase fluids, remember you're building muscle as well, and a pound is a pound be it a pound of fat, or a pound of muscle. Take measurements, and remeasure in a month, you'd be amazed by the inches lost even if the scale has dropped drastically. Plus, it's not realistic for us to continue to lose 10-15lbs a week. If it were possible, we'd all be at goal within 2-4 months, and it's just not feasible.

You look fabulous, and I love a man in a peacoat ! ! !

Your cycles will be off during your losing stage. My cycles are just now getting to normal 28 day cycles and I'm 18 months out. I've been charting for the last year, and my cycles were going anywhere from 26-34 days, but the last 2 months, I've had normal 28 day cycles. It was super random during my rapid weight loss. Be careful with Nuvaring. I know 2 sleevesters, and 1 RNY'er that are now expecting within 6 months of their surgery date after going on Nuvaring. I was advised to use back up bc during the rapid weight loss phase if I went on birth control. It's not about absorbing or not absorbing the bc, it's because of the crazy hormone flux we experience during that time.

I don't click with most personal trainers. They seem judgy about weight loss surgery, and don't think I'm serious about working out because you know I took the easy way out to lose weight. At least that's been my experience. You can check out youtube.com for how to use the machines, if it's a good gym, they'll have floor associates that can help you get familiar with the machines, and the weights without charging you extra. Snap Fitness is like that around here.

Zumba will kick your hiney. It's fast paced, high impact movement with lots of moving. It's great cardio. I did love it, but hated the instructor. Zumba will help with endurance and stamina as well. Don't try to kick ass and take names at first, ease into so you do not hurt yourself or burn yourself out. Do you have a local YMCA? Usually they will do an assessment with you, take measurements, and then teach you to use the machines and weights. That's what I did when I joined the Y, and it rocked. They set me up on a weight lifting program that isolated certain areas of the body on different days. Cardio is great for weight loss, and building muscle mass really helps keep you tone, and losing inches. Remember a pound is a pound so when you start working out do not freak out over the numbers on the scale. Take your measurements at your calf, upper thigh, waist, hips, bust, neck, bicep. When the scale doesn't move, remeasure because fat is lumpy, bumpy takes up lots of space in our body, while muscle is lean, and takes up less space, so you'll be gaining muscle mass, but losing the bulky fat.

Every single one of their bras fit differently. I just went and got measured, and tried on 18, YES 18 different bras there and not a single one fit properly. They are also extremely expensive, and you might lose without being able to wear them for too long. I waited until I knew I wasn't going to lose anymore breast tissue. Literally 25lbs ago, I was still a solid 36 big C cup, today, Yeah, I'm a measily 32 tiny B, and I mean tiny. The only reason I'm a B cup is because of the excess skin, and it's not pretty. None of VS bras fit right, the side of their bras are extremely thin so if you have fat or skin, you're going to get the rollover, and it's uncomfortable. I found one that "fit" decently, but made the girls look horrendous. So, that really didn't do me any favors. The one bra my friend swears by from VS is the miraculous bra. I felt like my boob skin was sitting on a shelf in those bras, but they may work for you. I tried on various sizings in all their bras as well to see if we could find a happy medium. No such luck. If you shop online, make sure you keep the receipt, and leave the tag on until you know for sure it fits properly in the event you need to return it. Bend over, twist, move around in it before you decide to keep it. It might feel "right" for the first 5 minutes, but think all day wear, and movement. That's the one thing I did in the dressing room. I moved around, lifted my arms, stretched out bent over, and realized that not a single one of them would work long term. Wacoal bras are supposed to be the best out there, and I have a friend that swears by them so I'm trying to find somewhere local that carries them in my size.

I just use regular lotion. Well, it's typically whatever my husband buys me from Bath and Bodyworks. I exfoliate once a week with a homemade sugar or salt scrub. I slather lotion and massage it in until it's absorbed and then put more on top. When I was actively losing, I would take a thick body butter, slather it on my skin on my upper thighs, butt, and abdomen and wrap plastic wrap around those areas, not too tight, then I would do housework naked while no one was home. Do I think it helped? I don't really know, but my skin felt amazing LOL. Time is the best thing for skin. Genetics and ethnicity play a huge role in how our skin looks post weight loss. I know my skin is rebounding every month, and I still moisturize religiously. I have wrinkly skin, but it's getting better. Filling out the extra skin with muscle mass is the best option. I need to do some heavy butt and thigh workouts to fill out the extra flabby skin. For my face, and neck, I use Garnier ultra lift gravity defying moisturizer every morning and every night. I have wrinkles (crows feet and laugh lines) that are extremely apparent when I smile that were not there when I was fat. Nothing is going to fix it, but I do not have a turkey neck. I can tell a difference in how my skin looks if I skip the Garnier. My neck doesn't look as smooth.

My last 10 years of dieting and exercise, portion control, countless hours at Weight Watcher meetings tell me, and prove the answer is NO. I added up the weight I had lost and gained over back over the last 10 years, and it was well over the same 400lbs. I'd lose 40, gain 50, lose 60, gain 70,lose 20 gain 10, back and forth, up and down, it was a never ending cycle. I had zero issue losing weight. Maintenance, and keeping it off was my issue. With the sleeve, I now know it's possible to keep my weight off. I did all the lifestyle changes pre-op, did behavioral modifications, and to no avail, I'd gain the weight back.

If you're a few weeks out, the concern for a leak is minimal, but it would be the radiology fees that would be expensive for a leak test considering most are performed with a CT scan or fluoroscopy shot with contrast Fluid. Labs should be pulled at least every year,(I had mine pulled 3,6,9,12, and just recently 18 months out) and should include all your chemistry (typically a chem 20), CBB with diff, T4 TSH and parathyroid, Vit B, B12, E, D, D3, and folic acid. Copper, zinc and selenium are also recommended, but most regular PCP/Ms don't pull those unless we ask them to do so. Vitamin deficiencies can occur with VSG so to have levels checked periodically is highly recommended. We're especially prone to Iron and b12 deficiencies.

Everything traveled super slow for me too early out. But, it did improve. It should resolve as soon as the bowels fully wake up, and the scar tissue around your stomach isn't there yet so I'm not sure what your surgeon is talking about there unless you had previous stomach surgery. I would think checking your stomach with gastrographin might be a better option since barium is so thick. It sounds like you have a lot of swelling and irritation which the barium could be contributing to that irritation issue. Most surgeons do not use barium because it's so dense and not Water soluble compared to the gastrographin liquid. I'm sorry you are experiencing this, but hang in there, and keep us posted on your progress.

I maintained my weight. I've been hovering closer to 127-129 for the last couple of months, and it's all related to what and how I'm eating and drinking. Parties have been happening since the week before Halloween. I've been partying more, and been more social these last couple of months, so I know why I'm not down to 123 anymore. I'm okay with all of this mentally. It's the physical changes that my body still make that have me irked. I hate carrying what fat I have left in my stomach. Knowing what the problem is, and taking the appropriate action to make changes are 2 different things. I know what works, it's unassing the recliner, and sitting the rum/cokes or wine glasses down that is the culprit. Since Halloween, my social drinking has been amped up, and it's okay. I know that it's not helping me lose, but I'm not gaining so I'm cool with it. I'm still in a size 2, my fat has redistributed right back to my lower torso, and I now have a walking/running partner, and we're starting on Monday morning. It's just 2 days a week, but I'll be riding a bike 1/2 mile to and from the track, and then we'll power walk. I'm digging out my ankle weights, and going to get back into a routine. I know I've said this over and over for the last couple of months, but have slacked off AGAIN. So, now that I'm hellbent on getting plastics, I think I need to get my body prepared and lose as much fat as possible. My brazil butt dvds should be here soon, and I can do those on off days.

It gets better. But, I have something similar happen when I eat buttercream frosting like on cupcakes. I can eat half of a cupcake with frosting, and if I eat the other half, I get gas. For the white carbs such as potatoes or Pasta, I get gas too, and it's not dainty little toots. It's rattle the window gas ha ha ha. Sorry for the overshare, but it's true. And, it only happens if I eat a lot of these foods. Which is rare, but sometimes I splurge. Potato soup did the same exact thing to me during my full liquid stage, and today if I eat a bunch of fatty food like heavy hollandaise sauces, or rich lobster sauce, KATY BAR THE DOORS because this tiny hiney is making it's presence known. For me, it's the high fat content, and I did not have these issues when I had my gallbladder. Since having it out, I get carby gas, I get sleepy after carbs, I get icky feeling with high milk fat, buttery foods like mac-n-cheese, or cheesy casseroles or enchiladas. I'm not a fruit eater other than melons, and strawberries occasionally, and haven't had any issues with fruits. Corn doesn't bother me, nor does cornbread. Breads don't bother me either, but I don't eat a lot of "white" breads. At home, if I have a grilled cheese, it's on wheat. chips like funyuns, or those kettle cooked jalapeno chips (my 2 favorites) do not have any negative effects on me. I'm not sure if it's the sugar content, or the high fat since, the only time it really happens is when it's high fat typically milk fat, like icing/frosting, or cheese.

YAY YAY so glad to hear surgery went well. I'm sorry you had all that pain, and hope it gets better as the days progress. Keep us posted on your progress, sip, walk, rest and repeat ! ! !

Look at your shrinking self ! ! ! Many congrats, keep rockin' your sleeve chickee ! ! !

Hi and welcome to the forum ! ! ! You'll love the sleeve, and honestly, I feel more normal today than ever. It's the best thing I ever did for myself. I no longer want to eat huge meals, and by definition, I was a major volume eater and have lost all desire to consume huge portions. It's kind of a mind twist at first, but once you get a plan down, and stick to it, life becomes much easier. Best wishes on your journey, and if you need anything let us know ! ! ! We're here for you as well.

I agree with this one spot-on ! ! ! The skin is going to do what it will. At 18 months out, my skin improves every month, and I keep moisturizing like crazy. I could easily work out more and see even more improvement in my skin, but I've slacked off. I really need to get back to working out because I know I could tone up even more. My arm skin has shrunk dramatically in the last 6 months. I've built some muscle, but I have tiny batwings, and people always comment on "how lucky" I am. I have noticed that my fat has redistributed back to my lower torso. I really need get back into the gym, and back with my workout mojo. I know what works, but I have zero motivation. I'll get there, and get back in the swing of things. The skin reabsorbs over time. I have friends that are 4-7 years out from RNY, and they lost the same amount of weight. They have zero bat wings, or even wrinkly, tale tell skin on their arms.

I tend to agree with the therapy option. You might be surprised at how helpful these sessions would be for you. If you've read the forums, you know a lot of people go through the "what the hell have I done to myself", major buyer's remorse because they can't use food as a crutch anymore, etc etc. So, it might serve you well to go through the therapy, learn some new coping mechanisms, and beat some of the food demons now instead of hoping the sleeve will fix everything. I would think that the sessions would give you an upper hand on being successful long term.

I'm 18 months out, and I still get shooting gas pains if I eat a big meal, or a heavy fat meal. So, gas can happen anytime, and if it passed as gas then I wouldn't see the concern. I ate duck a la orange on my birthday, and "KATY BAR THE DOOR" for about an hour after I ate. I was able to walk it off before we got to the bar, and was fine for the remainder of the night. Did you try some new foods, or eat something you haven't had in awhile? ? ?

This is my take on the card, and it's not directed at anyone in particular, BUT think of this way: The kid's meals are full of fried, fat loaded junk food with a toy, right? Not on plan. Not the best choices, and typically just not the best option for you. appetizers are smaller portion, typically a bit healthier, and cheaper than an entree. Better option Share your meal with a spouse, child, or box it up and bring it home. Best option I can not fathom waving a little card to complete stranger pretty much announcing to the universe, "Hey I'm a fatty, had 85% of my stomach removed so I can't eat huge portions, now give me a discount". For me, it's just ridiculous. Buffets are "All You Can Eat". All I can eat is about a cup of food, so I'll pay my $7.99 for my cup of food and enjoy the time with friends and family. They didn't charge me three times the buffet price when I could eat enough for 3 people. I always figured if I needed to really save 2 stinking dollars, I should just stay home and cook for myself. Businesses are there to make money, and I'm not going to try to score a discount because of my choice to have surgery.

You're going to have to feed your body. At this point, your body is eating your muscle mass, and it is dangerous. My surgeon had the same concerns, but I was eating, and he threatened to put in a feeding tube if I didn't amp up my calories. Your mind is not going to catch up for several months so you are going to have to take the medical advice and start eating and drinking more. There are soy Proteins that you can mix with almond, soy milk, or Water. I personally could not tolerate those either. BUT, you need to start drinking your fluids. You're body is going to shut down, and you don't want to be hospitalized again, do you? Get some regular gatorade, your heart needs fluids along with electrolytes, the potassium will help with your leg cramps, get some yogurt in if you can, you are going to have to listen to your medical team, and if you aren't willing to listen to them, you need to seek counseling. Just because your mind is lagging behind on what you see in the mirror, doesn't mean you need to let your body suffer in the process. If you are Vitamin and Protein deficient, you need to start feeding your body. Something will work for you, and you have to be willing to stop worrying about a gain, if your body shuts down. Losing weight is fabulous, but you really have gone from one extreme to the next which is not uncommon. I was scared to gain too, but you know I never had a stall. I lost steadily every week, some weeks it was only a pound or 2, but I lost weight. Please take care of yourself. You've gone through so much to get healthy, stop starving your body.

I had new growth coming in before my shedding stopped. I started losing a noticeable amount of hair at 3.5 month post-op, and it lasted a solid 3 months. I used Folicure extra care shampoo every other day. On the opposite days, I used Nexxus Dualiste Anti-Breakge shampoo and conditioner. I did not color, process, highlight my hair during the losing stage. Plus, I let my hair air dry almost every day. I never really "did" my hair unless I was going somewhere. Never pulled it tight, wore a loose ball cap when I didn't want to show off my hair. I am still getting new growth especially around the hair line, temples, around the nape of my neck. My husband finally noticed the other day that my volume is returning. It's still lacking, but it's been a year since the shedding stopped, and new growth started coming in. So, it does come back, but it's a slow process. I never got in my Protein until I was on mushies, and that was over 6 weeks out. I was religious about my Vitamins, but never took Biotin on a regular basis. I would estimate that I took maybe 5-8 biotin pills before I said "screw it". My hair is also returning to it's pre-op texture. Pre-op I had super wavy, almost curly hair when it was wet. The new growth started coming in stick straight, and it took tons of product for me to get any "bounce" or volume. I'm from Texas and love big hair, it's just what I like, I like a little "umph" if that makes sense. Anyways, my hair is starting to get bouncy again, it's shiny too. So there is hope ladies ! ! !