i1Linda

36 I think. No, doesn't seem too big. At 5 months post op I can eat 2 ounces of dense protein at a meal with a few bites of sides. I rarely need protein shakes anymore, I can get my protein in with real food. Sometimes I wish it were bigger so I can eat more of something that taste really good. And....Sometimes I wish it were smaller so I won't eat more of something that taste really good. I get in about 800 calories a day.

Thanks for the update Barbara. We were wondering about you. Sorry to hear you had a rough night. I promise it gets better. Take care. P.S. For awhile I could easily beat both my boys and my husband in a burp off. Not really something I was wanting the championship title for, but oh well.

Hi Shannon! Congratulations and welcome to VST! 30lb in 2.5 weeks is wonderful. Keep us posted on journey. There are wonderfully supportive people on this forum and we are all in this together. Tiffiny said it best...."it only gets better".

Has anyone heard from these two recently? I know their surgeries were Tuesday.

Cajun is right. I went to work the following week, don't have a lot of lifting but do have some walking. I was fine to work, but got tired easily. I cut out a little early on a few days. Seems like the two week mark is when I got my energy back - like someone flipping a light switch.

Norma - All I can say is pain sucks! It really does. BUT, for you it is a means to an end. Take what you can to control it, if it isn't working, let you doctor know, there is always something else. I was visiting with a lady yesterday at PT that also had a TK but was much further along than you. She said the pain was horrible initially but now the pain has subsided and she has "new knees". She can do things she couldn't do before and without pain. So there really is a "light at the end of your tunnel". Keep working hard in PT and you will reach that light, with new knees and a skinnier you. Imagine the possibilities.

Yay Cajun! I remember that feeling. Here's to a wonderful 2010 and your new skinny self. Keep up the good work!

I asked Dr. Nick this very question. He told me that there has been some concern that the leak test post-op may contribute to a leak by stressing the staple line. However, he is quick to order one if you become symptomatic (I had a leak test at 14 days post-op due to horrible back pain - it wasn't a leak). So basically, I called them with EVERY symptom I had that was concerning. I think every surgeon has their own thoughts and resulting procedures for limiting their complication rates and best taking care of their patients.

Jessica, One of my most precious and memorable NSVs was having my 8 year old son give me a hug and say "wow Mom, I can wrap my arms all the way around now and touch my hands together". You just don't always realize how your being overweight affects them too. At first I thought I was being a bit selfish for spending the money to do have this surgery (not so much I considered not doing it) But now, I see what a benefit my weight loss has been to my entire family. Happier, healthier mommy = happier, healthier family.

LOL :001_smile: Let me edit my post.

Josephine, That is AWESOME. Keep it up!:001_smile:

I lived on chicken broth, crystal light, and SF popsicles.

Sorry girl - didn't want others to have to shell out the $$$, but it really makes a huge difference for me since my bra size is all messed up right now. However, why I was shelling out unreasonable amounts of money today on another new bra, I got a really cute top to wear out tomorrow night, on sale ($15). So I got a top and a bra for barely less than $100. At least the deal on the top made me feel better.:001_smile:

Welcome Jessica! We all understand how difficult and scary it is to make the decision to have WLS. I can honestly say, it was the best thing I have ever done for myself and my family. I'm not yet to goal but I feel so much better, and have much more energy for my two boys (and my husband:blush:). This board is a lifeline for so many of us both pre-op and post-op, so ask away.

Congratulations on your success so far, Judy. You will make Onederland in no time. :001_smile: I agree, the sleeve is "the bomb".

Hi Samie! I don't have any words of wisdom on a revision. I am a sleevester from the start. But I love my sleeve and love my quality of life with it. When I first started researching WLS - LapBand specifically, I was amazed at all the "do's and don'ts" of LapBand. What I have today with the sleeve is exactly what I was interested in having before I had even heard of VSG - I love that I have no real restrictions on food but just can't eat much of it at any one time and I rarely feel hungry. I have always known what to do to lose weight, it was the doing it that I found difficult - I just got hungry and needed a lot of food to feel full. VSG was perfect. Good luck and welcome to VST.

Congratulations! Welcome Sleeve Sister :001_smile:

Norma, Glad to hear you are home and recovering. I hear you on the PT. I had knee surgery on the 16th and am doing it daily. It stinks. Fortunately for me, my surgery was not nearly as invasive as yours so I totally feel for you. Good luck and keep us posted.

I unfortunately have been going to Nordstrom. They are WONDERFUL. I hate paying top dollar but WOW what a difference in my posture, the way clothes hang, the way my back feels. My band size has gone down WAY faster then my cup size and I find myself in a precarious position with my cup size going up TWO sizes. I started this journey at a 44DD. Now, a 34G - remember cup size is proportional to band size - 34G is same cup as 38DD or 40D, just smaller band). I have been going in about every 6 weeks to be refitted. I actually went in today and was measured to nearly be in a 32 (tiny band, large cup - those bras are HARD to find). I don't think I have EVER been a 34 band, yet a 32? what?? - someone posted something about weight being dispersed differently now than when you were 18 even though you might be at the same weight - yeah, I get that. Wish I could be more help, I am waiting to lose more in the bust so I can buy a 34C-D at normal stores.

Alex has posted a Ticker Tutorial to help you with this. Search "Ticker Tutorial" and it will come up.

I bought it online - Vitamin Shoppe may carry it. They carry a lot of the Nectar products.

Woo Hoo!!! Great start Kermit. Keep up the good work.

I like the Nectar Protein products. You can call them or email them and get a sample pack of alot of their flavors. Their is a thread with different websites/phone numbers to order samples from different companies. You might want to search for it. Let me know if you can't it.

Shontel, I'm glad you a feeling better, I was concerned for you. Sounds like a scary experience. I hope you heal quickly and can get back on your WL journey. Take care.

Yes - from the anesthesia. Should get better as drugs wear off. If not, let the dr. know.