Tiffykins

I'll throw out my experience just for s&g's. . .
I've been drinking soda for a year, and have zero ill effects from it. I rarely drink diet soda because most are sweetened with aspartame which I hate. I recently found Diet Shasta cream soda which is sweetened with Splenda so this one is doable.
I can say without a doubt that drinking soda has not changed my sleeve capacity in the least. Nor has it effected my weight loss in a negative manner. My restriction is the same as it was a year ago unless I cheat (take longer to eat my meal, sip throughout my meal, drink a glass of wine or other alcoholic beverage before my meal, drink hot fluids like coffee or tea before my meal) to get more in.
I don't even let it go flat before drinking it. Early out, I would get a gas bubble, burp and it was over.
The whole soda leaching Calcium from our bones is obviously a concern, but in my opinion, moderation is key.
There is ZERO scientific evidence that soda drinking causes stretching. Even for RNY patients, there is no proof that soda causes the pouch to stretch. We have a normal stomach with a pyloric valve intact. The fluids, be it soda, Water, crystal light, all go in, hit the pyloric valve and dump into our intestines. It isn't like the soda is sitting in there brewing for hours on end. Plus, there is NOT enough tissue left to stretch out our sleeves if the surgery is performed correctly. There is only so much stretch that can occur. It isn't like the stomach tissue regenerates, or can stretch back to pre-op size. It just is not physically possible.
Not that I'm advocating going against any particular surgeon's recommendation, but this has been my experience and my opinions on soda drinking post-bariatric surgery.

I've been in maintenance for close to a year so NSVs are a little hard to come by ! ! !

But, today I pulled out some springy shirts from last season to rotate back into my wardrobe now that winter is heading out and the weather is gorgeous here in Florida. I was hesitant to put them on because I remember last year, they were a little snug around my waist and belly area.

NOT TODAY, the one I tried on is actually a little big on me around the lower belly/hip area, and is definitely big around the upper arm area ! ! !

I'm so stoked because even though I weigh the same this means only one thing; MORE INCHES ARE GONE, and my skin is rebounding, and tightening up ! ! !

Now that's a victory that I'll Celebrate proudly. I'm almost 21 months out, and honestly NSVs are a rarity in my little world. My husband actually has a "down day", the kiddo is home from school, and we're heading to the zoo for a family day. It's a 50 acre zoo and when I told my husband how big it is, he said "WHAT, 50 acres? ? ?" I replied "damn skippy, and we're walking as much of it as we can get to" (some of it is only accessible by the little train ride) Which will be another victory because the last time I went to the zoo, I had to sit in a seat my myself because I was so huge ! ! !

I really love my sleeve, my life post-op, my life in maintenance ! ! ! Best decision I could have ever made ! ! !

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.

I personally would take something closer to the Adult Gummy and try to find one that does have Iron. B12 is recommended if you are on a PPI/acid reducer. They have sublingual ones that taste like cherry, you stick it under your tongue, it dissolves and your done.

The big issue is that we are losing so fast, things are running through our bodies and liver, and we aren't taking in large amounts of Vitamin rich foods that taking a good quality Vitamin will help keep you from becoming deficient, or your body having to play catch up. There's more than Iron, Vitamin A, D, B and C that we need. Folic acid, copper, selenium, Riboflavin, Niacin, etc etc are all essential for all of us. Plus, throw in there that most sleeve patients take a PPI (Nexium, Prilosec, Etc.) that can inhibit absorption of some very vital minerals and Vitamins.

Not all Vitamins and minerals are fat soluble, and while it may take me months to even a year to become deficient in a particular vitamin/mineral, I don't want to make my body work any harder. Losing fast is great, but don't forget that it can be very tasking on our bodies, livers, hair and skin.

Just my 2cents.

I've always been a Vitamin taker. After surgery, my thought process didn't change, but I went a couple of months without taking Calcium because I just was living life, going, going and going, and hated being tied down by taking 6 fricken pills a day on top of my 2 multis.
I had a long "come to Jesus" talk with myself.
1) I put my body through hell with surgery and major weight loss to gain health, right? Why in the hell am I half-assing taking my Vitamins? ? ?
2) Did I really want to end up with deficiencies that take months to get back up to normal levels after working my ass to get healthy? ? ?
3) Is it really fair to my body to make it suffer long-term out of pure laziness, and lack of consistency with my calcium?
Those the top three questions I asked myself, and then I really got serious about my Vitamin regimen.
I only take 4 chewables each day. 2 multis and 2 calcium citrate, both from Celebrate Vitamins. I pop a sublingual B12 about 3-4 days per week because my last levels were double the high normal range so I was able to cut back on that one.
I'm an extremely logical person. For me, and me alone, I could not find a good enough reason to let the vitamins go if I had gone through surgery to attain better health. There are tons of published studies out showing that even a "normal" person's body can not get enough of the macro and micro nutrients from food. So, I figured if I'm barely getting in 1500-1800 calories a day, and the majority of my calories come from meat and dairy, how in the hell is my body truly getting enough of everything it needs? ? ?
Taking vitamins for me is just as important as brushing my teeth, or bathing every day. It's a habit, and while I don't personally like carrying spare vitamins with me every day of my life, I do it because I know in the long run, it's going to have more a of payoff.

Here is a presentation from 2008 from Dr. Cirangle with some 5 year stats:
2008 Cirangle Presentation
If the link doesn't work, let me know. You have to run the link in Internet Explorer. It will not work with Firefox.

Here is a presentation from 2008 from Dr. Cirangle with some 5 year stats:
2008 Cirangle Presentation
If the link doesn't work, let me know. You have to run the link in Internet Explorer. It will not work with Firefox.

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.

Outrageous Warm chicken Nacho Dip - All recipes
I use the Velveeta 2% version to cut down on fat by half. I also omit the taco seasoning because of the sodium count. Of course, nonfat, plain Greek yogurt for the sour cream, and that cuts down on the fat content as well. I have never had to add the milk to thin it out. I prefer it thick like an enchilada filling.

My homemade taco seasoning:
2tsp of chili powder,
2 tsp of cumin (cut it down to 1tsp if you are not into cumin, we love it so I use more than usual)
1/2 tsp of cayenne pepper,
1tsp white pepper,
1Tbsp of dry chopped onion,
2tsp of Garlic powder,
1tsp of Onion powder,
2tsp of Paprika.

Once I have boiled and shred the chicken breast, I toss them in a pan with 1Tbsp of olive oil and just heat it through with all the above spices. I also boil my own black Beans instead of canned. They just taste better in my opinion.

I have made this in the crock pot and on the stove top. We eat this as a main meal usually. The kiddo and husband roll up the mixture into flour tortillas, and I typically eat it by itself or with a few tortilla chips. John likes it with corn tossed in the mix as well.

Ingredients



1 (14 ounce) can diced tomatoes with green chile peppers (such as RO*TEL?), drained
1 (1 pound) loaf processed cheese food (such as Velveeta?), cubed
2 large cooked skinless, boneless chicken breast halves, shredded
1/3 cup sour cream
1/4 cup diced green onion
1 1/2 tablespoons taco seasoning mix
2 tablespoons minced jalapeno pepper, or to taste (optional)
1 cup black Beans, rinsed and drained



Directions



Place the diced tomatoes, processed cheese, chicken meat, sour cream, green onion, taco seasoning, and jalapeno pepper into a slow cooker. Cook on High, stirring occasionally until the cheese has melted and the dip is hot, 1 to 2 hours. Stir in the black beans, and cook 15 more minutes to reheat.



Footnotes







Cook's Note
If the dip gets too thick, thin with small amounts of milk.



Nutritional Information

Amount Per Serving Calories: 232 | Total Fat: 13.6g | Cholesterol: 60mg
Nutritional Information
Outrageous Warm Chicken Nacho Dip
Servings Per Recipe: 12
Amount Per Serving
Calories: 232


Total Fat: 13.6g
Cholesterol: 60mg
Sodium: 790mg
Total Carbs: 8.7g
Dietary Fiber: 1.8g
Protein: 18.6g

VIEW DETAILED NUTRITION
About: Nutrition Info
Powered by: ESHA Nutrient Database


Served again with my homemade mexican rice.

Nope it's not the same.
VSG is NOT a covered procedure with Tricare Prime or Standard. You can however have it performed and covered 100% with a military treatment facility.
That probably doesn't make sense, but essentially it's covered if the MTF performs sleeves. If they don't you can not have it done with a civilian, even on a referral.
It is not covered, and won't be any time soon. I've fought Tricare for over 2 years now. Between myself, my 4 friends in every region of Tricare, it's not covered by civilians so you have to go to a MTF that performs and offers sleeves.
Tricare will not cover it until Medicare fully picks it up. Remember, Tricare is a government ran H M O type insurance.
I have had friends file appeals, even one took it all the way to the Congressional complaint level, got denied even at that level.
I'm an active duty Air Force wife. And, literally spent the last year and half, writing letters, emails, making phone calls for myself and friends trying to get definitive answers. I've called every region, every possible patient advocacy, etc etc.
It's not covered outside MTFs. If your MTF performs it, follow their program and have it there. If you see a civilian PCM, you will not be approved for VSG. I even had one friend in Virginia, jump through every insurance and surgeon requirement hoop, had a pre-cert letter and everything from Tricare. Final paperwork submitted, and DENIED.
If you see a civilian PCM, you'll need to get a specific referral to the MTF bariatric program. If you typically get kicked out to civilians, you are looking at RNY(bypass) or banding. That's the only 2 options with civilian surgeons.

Ohhhhh huney, I didn't even venture to the DS board after they attacked me on the revision forum back when I was having issues with my band.
Now, when they come trolling in over on OH at the VSG forum, I tell them that I'll take my half-ass sleeve with my amazing 138lbs weight loss, and easily maintaining without any nutrient/vitamin deficiencies, and NOT having to take 30 Vitamins a day just so my body functions properly. I know there are a couple of DS'ers that never made goal, and some that have regained because white carbs are WLS proof, and they sneak up on the best of people. Those few people that struggle with DS are banished from posting and instead of getting support they get bashed, and beaten by their own kind.
When they do the DS, I'm convinced they switch something else too. It's like a mental switch of superiority, and that they are all invincible and shit. Well, believe me, I'm going to be that bitch in about 3 years that goes back and posts, "HEY what's up biznatches, here I am still skinny, and still healthy, so stick in your oily buttholes ! ! !"

Sounds like you need another team of medical professionals. I'm sorry you are struggling. If you'd like my help, feel free to contact me. If you need to vent, cry, scream, I'll listen and try to help the best I can.
I agree that sometimes the guidelines are just that "guidelines", and we have to find what works for each of us, individually.
I'll keep you in my thoughts, and let me know if I can be of any assistance.

Don't give up on yourself! ! ! When in the past have you ever lost this much weight, and had a fighting chance at keeping it?
Cut carbs for a few days to get rid of the carb monster, and focus on Protein especially if you're going to start working out. Push fluids and you'll see the scale move again ! ! ! Remember we didn't get fat overnight, we won't get skinny overnight! ! !
You can do it ! ! !

There's a lot of articles out there on the BMR and starvation mode myth. I've read both that it's true and false.
During my losing stage, I rarely got in over 800 calories, but for maintenance, I need that amount of calories or I lose weight again and I'm comfy with my 5-7lb bounce around that I seem to be going through for the last few months.
Here's an article I found that has some other studies involved that explains starvation mode, BMR and why obese people on calorie restriction burn fat instead of lean muscle mass.
http://caloriecount.about.com/truth-starvation-mode-ft28742

No catheter for me either. I had to urinate right before they wheeled me back. I was also having my period during surgery. They slapped an industrial sized maxi pad between my legs, and when I woke up, I had on these lovely little net panties holding a different industrial sized maxi pad in place.
I was bringing sexy back that day LOL ! ! !

Ohhhhh huney, I didn't even venture to the DS board after they attacked me on the revision forum back when I was having issues with my band.
Now, when they come trolling in over on OH at the VSG forum, I tell them that I'll take my half-ass sleeve with my amazing 138lbs weight loss, and easily maintaining without any nutrient/vitamin deficiencies, and NOT having to take 30 Vitamins a day just so my body functions properly. I know there are a couple of DS'ers that never made goal, and some that have regained because white carbs are WLS proof, and they sneak up on the best of people. Those few people that struggle with DS are banished from posting and instead of getting support they get bashed, and beaten by their own kind.
When they do the DS, I'm convinced they switch something else too. It's like a mental switch of superiority, and that they are all invincible and shit. Well, believe me, I'm going to be that bitch in about 3 years that goes back and posts, "HEY what's up biznatches, here I am still skinny, and still healthy, so stick in your oily buttholes ! ! !"

You're only 3 weeks out, and doing fabulous. Your body is still recovering from a major surgery, and stall at 3 weeks happens to about 90-95% of WLS patients. It's even normal to see a bit of a gain because the body is holding on to everything you put in it.
This is a lifelong change, and remember we didn't get fat overnight, we can't expect to get skinny overnight. Setting outrageous expectations, and trying to gauge your success on the first 3 weeks is going to do nothing positive for you. Continue to focus on Protein, and fluids. Make sure you are getting enough calories to compensate for working out.

I was cleared for wine consumption at 3.5 months out. My surgeon warned me to steer clear of red wines. I didn't drink until I was at goal, I was pretty carb/calorie conscious and didn't want to waste my calories on alcohol.
The first time I drank a glass of Riesling, it hit me hard and fast then I sobered up pretty quickly. I am that "party girl", and have been socially drinking for the last ummmm few months. I tie one on monthly with mixed drinks and shots, and my tolerance is the same as it was pre-op now. In my little social circle of military wives, I'm know as the "afternoon cocktail" girl, and have been known to drink a strawberry mojito, have a glass of wine, or even a rum/coke at lunch. I don't drink at home, and I typically keep my drinking to a 4-6 times a month kind of thing, and it's typically just one drink unless it's my monthly "girls night out".
I'm below goal, and the only thing I do notice is that I retain Water like the hoover dam after a big night out. Other than that, I have zero ill effects from drinking with my sleeve. I refuse to give up anything forever that includes any type of food or beverage. I had surgery to be as close to normal as possible, and being a social drinker is part of my "normal".

Hi Becca,
I have an entire Adoption Program where I assume the care and liability for the adoptees. Included in the small fee is a consult with me, a visit with my dietitian, and a review of their insurance coverage by our insurance specialist. Of course also included, is unlimited access to my support groups, which are led by me and held 3 times/week and even on saturdays.
If you or someone you know is interested in the program, then they can learn more on my website http://www.thehealthpark.com/adoptionprogram.htm
Best regards,
Dr. V

I'm not a fan of most nutritionists. Sorry, but I'm just not. I've had my fair share of fun little classes with them, and they seem to contradict everything the surgeon says, and I typically confront them on it.
I think the avoiding starches/carbs is a great approach. Healthy carbs from fruits, veggies etc not so bad, but to talk about eating bread, that's the biggest no no that's pretty much across the board for all WLS types, not just the sleeve. It takes up valuable space that could be filled with nutrient dense, and Protein dense foods.
I haven't been to see the nut in over a year now because it was just a conflict every time. I like guidelines, I really do. But, I also believe that guidelines are kind of a "one size fit MOST" not a "one size fit all" type thing. What worked for me very well might not work for the next 10 people, but it worked and continues to work for me.

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.

These posts do no good without pictures ha ha ha Just kidding, I know it's not appropriate, but thought it would get a good laugh ! ! !

I saved an old pair of my fat slacks because I wanted to have this picture for the sake of being able to say I could this:

Yep, that's me standing in one pant leg of my old pants ! ! ! I've since donated all my old clothes to the woman's shelter and Goodwill.

I agree 100% with that doctor. I used to be a full-bodied, dry red wine girl all the way, and thought white wine drinkers were wimpy girls. I still can't bring myself to drink white zin LOL, but I tank the hell up on Rieslings and Moscatos. I have lost my taste for all red wines with the exception of red sangria. Now, that's a drink LOL.

We can NOT stretch our stomachs back out to the original size only because there is NOT enough tissue left behind if the surgery is performed properly. Now, if a surgeon leaves some of the fundus (or makes BIG sleeves), then there can be a difference in capacity. Plus, our own anatomy plays a role in how much each individual stomach can hold. Taller men seems to be able to eat more than I can even though our surgeons used the same bougie.
I can definitely eat more than 6oz of food at 18 months and so can most others that are 12 months out and more. I can not eat more than 6oz of food in the prescribed 20-30 minute time frame. But, there are several ways to cheat the sleeve. Mushy foods go down super easy, but I still can not consume an entire chicken breast. I can eat 1 drumstick, and 1/2 of a chicken thigh, but that's about it for meat. So, there is minimal sleeve stretching if the surgery is performed correctly, and your surgeon uses the standard 32-40fr bougie size to guide him for making sleeves.
To get back to basics, eat Protein first, don't drink with your meals, and start tracking your calories, carbs and Protein. I restricted carbs heavily during my losing phase, and it's what worked for me.