LAN2k

In 10 days I'll be 6 months out. I worried too. I worried before but I really worried after my surgery...I worried because I really did it and I now had to face the changes and for me loosing my former relationship with food made me feel like a tortoise without a shell. I made food my comforter and intimate friend and instead of eating to live I lived to eat. I regretted having the surgery and was grief stricken over what I'd done. I am now approx. 70lbs lighter and my family looks at me with such admiration. They tell me how proud they are of me in spite of how scared I was. I insisted month after month that I regretted having the surgery and would rather have myself back, (my fat self). I can see now how I used my fat as a sort of armor to protect me from ...living. Finally I can say that I do not regret having this surgery and it's OK that I am becoming a lean and slim person even if I don't know who I really am or where I fit in. Time will tell. I'll discover myself and rebuild in a new way. The best thing about the sleeve is that like Tiffykins says, eventually you will be able to eat and enjoy food but just enough and that's all. Don't be afraid, just prepare yourself mentally and stay connected here so you can learn from others. It's good.......it's really good.

Hi Jen, welcome and congrats for making the decision to help yourself reach an important goal. Sorry about your husband and that your friends are judging you so critically. My daughter treats me in such a way and it's annoying but she probably means well. Where are you traveling to for your surgery? I have not heard of your doctor before. I live alone, but I had the support of my parents and other family members but I found solutions here for some issues I had to face post surgery. The people in this forum have been instrumental in helping me overcome some of my own personal challenges while recovering from my sleeve surgery. I hope you will check in often, make friends, and benefit as you move through your weight loss journey.

I like your attitude...so positive, that is great...Power to ya! Your on the right track now.:drool5:

I'm glad you feel secure with your coordinator. Are you having your surgery done in Mexico? Do you have anyone at home when your in recovery that will know about your surgery and support you? Please stay connected to this forum which is supportive. Let us know how your doing. I'll pray for a safe uneventful surgery and recovery.

*Just an added note here...I also had a hiatal hernia repair with my sleeve surgery. Possibly this may cause extra sensitivity or spasms.

Welcome and best wishes your way for a smooth and uneventful surgery and recovery.

At 2 months my surgeon did an upper endoscopy to rule out any obstructions since I was having a difficult time getting enough nutrition in. At almost 6 months out if I eat too fast or too much it hurts in the middle of my chest. I am not suggesting that there is anything abnormal but to be cautious, I'd make a conscience effort to eat slowly so your sure that you are eating slowly and if the pain and regurgitating continues I'd contact my surgeon just to have yourself checked out.

I was repulsed by food and it was worrisome. I went on an antidepressant (for depression) and it stimulated my appetite! At first it felt great to be able to actually want to eat. Now I'm a little worried that I may eat too frequently.

Welcome Hugapug. Best wishes and prayers for an uneventful surgery and smooth recovery. Please let us know how you are doing as soon as you are up to it.

The 2 veggies I find go down easily with a cheese and/or meat protein are, baby spinach leaves (steamed or boiled) and broccoli (cooked tender). I have not tried any others yet but I can easily get a decent portion of either with a soft fillet of fish or boiled and seasoned shrimp. I try to eat a serving daily with dinner.

Oh wow how cool is that! She must be really good! My class starts in mid-April. It's through Adult Ed. in my local township's school district. I can't wait to try it. I think I'm going to buy the dvd and get a head start at home.

Thanks I'll give it a try.

Congrats your doing great!

It looks to me like your doing a great job with excersize and caloric/carb/protein/water intake!!! It takes some discipline to keep track daily. .5lbs every other day is great too. Keep up the good work.

Can you post the link for this stuff? Thanks.

Pre surgery I prayed that God would open the door (insurance) for me to make it possible to have this surgery. I prayed that I'd find the right surgeon. I prayed that Jesus, "the great physician" would be present and work through the hands of my surgeon. I am alone so I did not have a husband to consult with, (wish I did). I prayed that my parents, daughter and sister and a close friend would be supportive. Everything fell into place, all pre-op appointments and tests, recommendations from my PCP, Psychologist, Orthopedic doc and the surgeon went out to the insurance co. and within 2 weeks I was approved and the date was set within the month. My surgeon kept me in the hospital for 5 days (excessive bleeding (lovenox) likely the cause). I can tell you it is a serious surgery and your husband should be prepared for some serious adjustments with regard to your relationship with food, for the first few months especially. You will lose some serious weight. Your capacity to consume different foods and beverages increases over time but I don't think ever as pre surgery. I love that you and your husband look to God first and I pray that His will be known to you both.

OH = www.obesityhelp.com Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy Forum (VSG)

Congratulations Shanda you are beautiful.

Thanks for having the courage to post your feelings. I do hope each day gets easier for you. It was a bit of a shock for me on many levels, pain, discomfort, unpleasant sensations...I was scared. I was too scared to even know how I felt I mean once done you can only move forward. With that said, while awake don't forget to breath, take deep breaths, walk as much as you can and sip. It will get easier. Time really does heal us. Keep us posted in any event good or not so good.

Thanks for the update Stacie. In spite of it all you appear to be in good spirits. I commend you for your tenacity and strength and hope and pray you will find good results on Friday. Sorry about your daughter's arm...and hope that from here things take a turn for the better.

Has anybody heard from Stacy since her original post? I tried to PM her and still no reply. It is frustrating because we don't know her current status. I, like those of us who have replied here continue to pray for her. Stacie I wish we could do more to help you. If you need someone here to maybe intervene or advocate for you please let us know...we are all very concerned for you.

Your welcome Tiff-Thanks for being here for us you are very helpful and appreciated.

I recommend you go straight away to Tiffykins and either look up her posts or PM (private message) her. She had the band revised to the sleeve and she is very knowledgeable on both.

Yes! You know since I don't cook for anyone but myself really and since the surgery, my brain has been in a fog when it comes to food preparation. The cookie sheet in broiler second shelf down should do it and I can place the crispy pepperoni on paper towels to absorb the grease before adding the sauce and cheese...bingo! Thank you.

:thumbup1: Tracy that pepperoni pizza just made my mouth water! Do you think it's possible to make the same without using a microwave?