LAN2k

Wow that was all I COULD drink for the first 3+ months out of surgery. It was over $3.00 per bottle and if it were not for that drink I don't know what I would have done. Every and any other form of protein drink even Bolthouse drinks nauseated me. They're no where to be found anymore in my neck of the woods so fortunately by that time I was able to incorporate other forms of protein in me through fish etc. I didn't worry about the carbs because there is NO ADDED sugars, nothing artificial either. If you look at the label (or my earliest posts) you see the ingredients are from whole fruits, etc. If it were not for those drinks I would have had been in trouble. That drink provided me with sufficient protein and the nutrients of fresh fruits. It usually took me an entire day of sipping to finish one 20oz. bottle. My weight loss was rapid during those months. I was worried about alot of stuff but not the carbohydrates from my daily Naked Protein Zone drink.

First I want to say I'm sorry that you are having fever, sweats and pain. Surely you will have internal soreness but I agree with you in wanting to know why your body is feverish. I would be persistent in asking your surgeon the same question you have posted here. You will most definitely receive more responses to your post...just try to deep breath and keep hydrated and know that you will be OK. Please feel better and keep us updated.

I'm glad that your growing Jane. It's also a comfort to know that someone else identifies with what I am feeling. Thanks.

Thamks that's good information to know. Your husband must be a riot!

I think I might try the Gaviscon instead of the Pepcid AC, in addition to the PPI Aciphex I take once a day. I was diagnosed with Laryngopharyngeal Reflux (LPR)... Anyone interested in my latest blog entry... http://verticalsleevetalk.com/blogs/lan2k/560-no-improvement-yet-i-am-concerned.html If anyone is or has gone through this sort of reflux and has some info that can help me to resolve the problem please come forth!

LPR affects the larynx, pharynx, bronchi, trachea, and possibly even one's lungs. Sort of like a "Silent reflux" ...lovely... LPR occurs when the upper esophageal sphincter (UES) opens and allows reflux to enter the throat. You can read all about it here: http://ezinearticles.com/?Acid-Reflux-Part-3---Laryngopharyngeal-Reflux-(LPR)&id=157576 The ENT told me that my one a day PPI wasn't enough and to take an additional OTC like pepcid ac in addition. So I have for 3 days now and it has not made a difference. I am still with several of the symptoms as listed in the article. He told me to see him in 6 weeks. I just can't take another 6 weeks of feeling like I have a glob in my throat and all the futile attempts of throat clearing only makes my throat sore. So now what? Do I wait 6 weeks? I've had this going on since before my surgery only then I hadn't focused on it but I did find out I had an hiatal hernia (which was repaired at the time of the sleeve surgery). Is there anyone who knows about this "silent reflux" or LPR? Anyone experiencing this? I can't believe that instead of coming off the PPI medication I'm looking at increasing acid blockers by taking more stuff! Why does this have to happen? I just want to be OK! I'm calling another gastroenterologist (the one who did my upper endoscopy pre surgery). I want to get his opinion and if another upper endo will help to really see what's going on then I want him to do it. I finally got the courage to be scoped by the ENT and now I've a hunch I'm gonna have to have probes attached to my esophagus that will transmit info about pH levels via radio frequency!

Can you tell me about Dr. Bello? Any links? My boobs have lost all elasticity and although not too large they lie flat as pancakes! I also am thinking about my tummy and face. I'm only in the thinking about it stage at this point a good time for information gathering and I would venture out of the country since it is so out of pocket expensive, providing I have reference to a GREAT plastic surgeon with a track record. Thanks.

I agree and as per my surgeon, and the nutritionist I consulted with twice, the rule for the sleeve is "protein first, then vegetables, then fruit or anything else..." Unless your taking in unhealthy refined sugary carbohydrates you should fill up sufficiently by following that protocol and allowing yourself enough healthy carbs (sleeve permitting), to take the edge off.

Welcome to this message board. I only have had the sleeve. Perhaps because you have had the lapband the restriction between the sleeve and band may feel different. Many others here who have had band to sleeve revision surgery can offer you their advise I'm sure. At 11 days out however I would be somewhat cautious of the solid food, if only to ensure that the staple line heals completely. Congrats to you and your surgeon for making a wise decision. After all is said and done I think you will see lasting results and be glad of your revision. Best wishes.

Hi Angie, Just keep sipping to keep yourself hydrated...then when settled you can integrate the protein into your diet.

Hi Jane, I really like Solgar products. Can you tell me what the size of the Calcium citrate w/D pill is? I sort of gag on the really large ones. Thanks.

Great news! I am very happy that your surgery went well and the surgical team was really supportive. Best wishes throughout your recovery.

Wow that is what I call dedication. I must say that it comforts me to know that your after-care is reliable. Thank you so much for passing on the instructions you received from Dr.Aceves. Please let us know if you take the Gaviscon how it works for you. Thanks.

The element of God within 12 step programs is referring to spiritual health and faith in God or a Higher Power. There are no references to any particular religion. or religious belief. God is referred to by many as their "higher power" implying an intelligent life force that embraces the totality of being. Most refer to "God" as their "higher power" some refer to God or their higher power as a "She". Here are excerpts quoted from the AA/Alcoholics Anonymous, Big Book which is the origin of all 12 step recovery programs: Pg.47 WE AGNOSTICS "When, therefore, we speak to you of God, we mean your own conception of God. This applies, too, to other spiritual expressions...Do not let any prejudice you may have against spiritual terms deter you from honestly asking yourself what they mean to you. At the start, this was all we needed to commence spiritual growth, to effect our first conscious relation with God as we understood Him. ...We needed to ask ourselves but one short question. 'Do I now believe, or am I even willing to believe, that there is a Power greater than myself?'...upon this simple cornerstone a wonderfully effective spiritual structure can be built." Pg. 68 HOW IT WORKS "...We trust an infinite God rather than our finite selves...We never apologize to anyone for depending upon our Creator. We can laugh at those who think spirituality the way of weakness. Paradoxically it is the way of strength. The verdict of the ages is that faith means courage...All men of faith have courage. They trust their God. We never apologize for God. Instead we let Him demonstrate, through us, what He can do. We ask Him to remove our fear and direct our attention to what He would have us be. At once, we commence to outgrow fear."

Yup regrets or not, after having this surgery we can only move forward and adapt in the best way we can. This is one of the reasons I stay connected to this message board. I need to know that their are others out there who may be experiencing similar issues and/or have information that I need. Another thing that has emerged in me since the surgery is this odd fear of the elements!! I feel so vulnerable to what substances I eat, drink and breath. As if I am now so much more fragile. While a heavy weight I went out into the LI Sound and swam with the fish nearly every day with little to no fear or reservation. Now I am wondering if I will have the courage since I now worry about pollutants and bacteria in the water!! I used to ride my bicycle for miles on skinny roads with lots of traffic...(not too bright but no helmet). Now I look for roads with bicycle paths and sidewalks scared s**t that I might get hit!! I mean I keep asking myself WHAT HAPPENED? WHY AM I NOW SO FEARFUL? But like I said already, I'm working on these issues now that I can no longer bury my emotions with food. With regard to eating with the sleeve, I too have noticed that refined carbs go down easier. For me dense meats including cold cuts and tuna are more difficult and I can eat about 4oz sometimes 6 but then I'm uncomfortably full and need to unsnap my bra, and walk about to help ease that discomfort. Thanks so much for the vote of confidence Carolyn. You are very self aware and I think you are going to do very well in reaching and maintaining your WL and fitness goals. I'm really glad your here.

Since you are seeing your surgeon tomorrow please try not to obsess and make yourself fearful. Maybe an ice pack or some moist heat might help. I would definitely write down everything you feel so you won't forget when you see your doctor tomorrow and perhaps insist on having a ct scan or some other test to determine the source of the pain. Please let us know how your appointment goes. I hope this passes and your feeling better soon. I'll pray for you and believe you will be fine.

I WANT sooooooooo badly to shake off every trace of depression and anxiety! In fact pre surgery I felt certain that I was psychologically able to handle a major change in my anatomy and my capacity to eat...so sure I would be like so many others who have had the sleeve and felt almost immediate gratification and freedom from past food cravings and eating behaviors. I am working on the spiritual and emotional parts of my life that apparently need healing. I think it's great that you are not encumbered by depression. Who would have thought that I would become depressed while being released from all of that poundage! I am quite better now but still not where I want to be emotionally/spiritually. I went from a size 22 to a size 10 and it's a good thing I saved some of my yesteryear size 9-10 clothing because I've zero motivation to buy anything new and that's a good indication of where my spirit is at this time. :001_unsure:

Thanks for responding.

Welcome Lori. Congratulations on your decision. You are fortunate to have made this decision while still in your 20's. By what you have stated I believe that you will succeed in your WL goals and personal desires.

Does anyone know if having breast enhancement/implants lift, etc. increases the risk of breast cancer?

I am very close with my mother and both she and I have always been fast eaters. My mom always kept a fabulous figure however (now 82 she's overweight 5'2" 152lbs) but for the better part of her life she was in great physical shape. I on the other hand became obese. My mom always nagged me to lose weight and so when I told her about the surgery, brought her with me to consults and shared info over the internet she was supportive yet had some reservation and would have preferred I just stuck to a strict diet rather than surgery. Now that I have lost a significant and noticable amount of weight, she compliments me often and then says things like "I hope your not going to lose anymore..." When we sit down to eat and she sees how little I am able to eat I see her fear and it is genuine. Her eyes open wide and she says " I hate what that doctor did to you!" or " Is this how you will eat for the rest of your life?" I know she is just worried and it's out of love. Sometimes I agree with her and I really do! I say " I can't stand that I can only eat so little ma...I wish I didn't have this surgery and would have been able to loose the weight through my own self will" Then I reassure us both and tell her that eventually I will stabalize and be able to comfortably eat a bit more. I also remind her of the shape I was in while obese and she quickly realizes how my health was at serious risk. Fatherjonz I love what you had to say and will keep that in mind when eating with others.

Hey gals and guys I just thought to report what the ENT said during my appointment with him yesterday-(I finally broke down and got scoped)! It's called LPR or Laryngopharyngeal Reflux: "This occurs when reflux material extends above the upper sphincter into the throat. The structures and tissues of the larynx, (voice box), throat, trachea, bronchi, and lungs are more sensitive to stomach acid and digestive enzymes than the esophagus. Most patients with LPR never experience any chest pain or other typical heartburn symptoms." Any or several of the following may be seen: Thickening of the posterior commissure, (back part of the larynx). sometimes called "pachydermia" or "cobble-stoning", Redness of the arytenoids (cartilages that move the vocal cords), Edema (swelling) of the vocal cords, Small ulcers in the posterior part of the larynx, Granulomas, (scar tissue) of the posterior part of the larynx.. Any of those symptoms indicate acid reflux and can manifest itself through an over production of mucus which collects in a part of the throat up through the esophagus...exactly as I have described. There are other tests that may be requested such as Barium espphagram, or an x-ray taken while swallowing barium, 24-hour pH monitoring w/placement of pH sensitive probes. For now he told me that I must stay on the PPI and that Aciphex is an excellent drug BUT it only lasts 17 hours and so I can take an OTC Prilosec, or any other OTC, like Pepcid ac before bed. I do also have some other stuff going on like typical seasonal allergies and probably my cat's dander doesn't help but I intuitively felt that since my surgery this non-stop mucus thing in my throat just like a lump or glob was related to my stomach...and it apparently was/is! A form of acid reflux called Laryngopharyngeal Reflux! He wants to see me again in 6 weeks...Yay Well at least I know now what's going on.

Wow am I glad I came upon this thread. I so identify with everything expressed here. The masking of my feelings and years of using food to quiet my yearnings...having this surgery I've been unmasked and now must face myself and the issues sort of head on. I think I'll check out that book too.

Hi Norma, I'm glad you were able to respond and I'm amazed at how much weight you have lost already! So sorry you have had some bumps in the road but your experiences and advice I find to be helpful. I wish you good health and much happiness. Lis