NJMOMof2

I was told the body can't process more than 30g of protein and that it doesn't store it like it does carbs and fat. The body will just digest it.

I bounced back very quickly from the band. The sleeve was a different story. I was back to work within a week with the band. The sleeve recovery is much more involved. I took 4 weeks off and honestly could have gone back after 3 weeks but I didn't . I have read people only taking a few days or a week off and I think they are super human... (seriously I am not a wimp) LOL There is a lot more 'relearning" and plus yout stomach was dissected and now is a different size. BUT---in the long term...there is no fills, no guesswork, no food stuck feeling....WAY WAY WAY (times 1,000) better than the band. Would go throught it all in a second. got to goal in 8 months and have been maintaining 2-3 pounds under goal since. Good Luck

Wow...leaks rarely happen after the first 2 weeks..you almost made it Hope you are feeling better soon and this is all behind you. Good Luck and God Bless

On January 2, 2011...I had my sleeve. What an amazing year this has been. My weight loss has far exceeded my expectations. I was 245 post op and today weigh 148. I work out with a trainer, spin, and go to the gym. My blood work came back perfect and I don't have heel spurs any more. I can't stop buying clothes and literally cried when I put a pair of size 4 jeans on the other day at Macy's Anyone reading this who is unsure...get the sleeve and begin to really LIVE for the first time

You felt weak because you felt deprived. When I order my family pizza, I order a personal pizza made on a wheat wrap. The pizza place near my house make it especially for me. Its excellent. See if you can find a place near you that will do that. I eat 1/2 of it.

I had the band and it was a disaster!! I threw up, the food got stuck and finally had emergency surgery to remove it after a full slip. The sleeve was everything the band was supposed to be. I eat, am in control, and have thrown up ONCE in the past year (my fault). I LOVE LOVIE LOVE my sleeve. The best decision I have ever made. Yes, it's permanent but it SHOULD be. My weight had to come off and I want to keep it off. Unfortunately, I had to have 3 separate surgeries (band in/out/sleeve). In my decision, the band should be taken off the market.

Congratulations! What an accomplishment! So happy for you!!!! You were handsome before surgery....so now you are a healthier version of handsome!

I have been at goal and fluctuate 1-2 pounds. I find the sleeve give me good restriction and I know my limits. I follow the rules of protein first and try to avoid sweets. I eat no bread or pasta.

I found a personal trainer who runs her training out of her house. It's wayyy cheaper. I split a 45 minute session with my friend and it's only $20 a session. She knows I had surgery but doesn't specialize in bariatrics. I'm her only client who had surgery. It beneficial because you have an appoinment, have to keep it and can't slack off. I have been going every week since even before surgery and I still have a new sore muscle every time!!

It's great to be enthusiastic about the band, if it's working for you. That piece of junk was in me for only 3 months before I had a slip. It was HORRIBLE!!!!

I had my first beer 7 months out and it was amazing!!! LOL I sip it slowly and get Miller Genuine Draft 64. It's the only occasional carbonation I have. Don't drink soda, don't miss it!

If you can take the time.....do it! I took 4 weeks off (I'm a teacher) and I could have gone back after 3 weeks (felt 80% better), but I went back after 4 and felt perfect. To me, it wasn't about physicall feeling better...the new eating process consumes a lot of your thoughts and I couldn't focus on that and work at the same time.

My doctor said this surgery was like hitting the "control, alt, delete" button on your body. When I read posts that people went back to work after a week, I can't believe it. There is NO WAY I could have done that. I took 4 weeks off. I could have gone back after 3 but I had the time taken off already. Take the time if you can and let your body heal and get used to your new, small stomach. Be sure to get your liquids and Protein in. Finally, congrats on the start of your journey.

My doc uses a 40 and I have zero relux. My doc says anything smaller does put you at risk for complications but that doesn't mean you will get them. I can eat about 3/4 cup of food.

DO YOUR HOMEWORK!!! You have a 99% chance of complications and over a 35% chance the band will have to be removed within 5 years. (source, ABC news) I had the band, followed the diet to the "T" and had a full slip, was in the hospital for 3 days in screaming pain. With the band, food could get "stuck" and I can't even describe the awful feeling!!! Read the band to sleeve revision and you will see the horror stories. Yes there are people who have had no problems but you are asking and I want you to hear about what happened to me. With the sleeve, you live a normal life and eat normally, just much less. My only regret is not having the sleeve in the first place. I had 3 surgery's and all those scars now. Good Luck Nina

You should consider taking a PPI if you are not doing so now. Your stomach is not used to being the size it is and is still making the same amount of acid. That really helps with the hunger pangs which can be confused with acid. Good Luck.

You did it the right way too! Regardles of surgery, you still have to diet and exercise. shake it off and enjoy your class :D :D

From Tiffykins suggestion a while back, I drink right up to when I am about to eat, and I find that it's easier. Then I pop a piece of gum right after eating to help with the dryness and digestion. BTW--I ate and drank once to see what it was like and I vomited. LOL Learned that lesson quick. Good Luck and Congrats

Congrats! You look beautiful (as usual)!

I was given the green light for coffee 3 week post op but decaf until 4 weeks. I never went back to caffeine, since I had detox'ed from it. I did drink wine after about 4 months and an occasional beer about 7 months post op. I drink NO soda or any other carbonated beverage other than the beer.

I bought a few pair of used jeans from Ebay. I also bought some staples from Target. All summer I would sun dresses. You can pick up those long cotton skirts. They work well too. I went hog wild when I was 3 pounds from goal and bought $1200 worth of clothes. I had NONE, not one long sleeve shirt or any coat.

(((HUGS))))) I just read your post to my husband who said, "you said the exact same thing!" Here is what you need to know: 1. All the pain, discomfort, and bloating passes 2. You will soon adjust to your new way of eating 3. Every day you will feel better and better!

My doctor told me the exact same thing and I did great in surgery. Be happy you don't have to be on liquids with a 'normal' sized stomach! You would be sooo hungry! Good Luck and all the discomfort is SO WORTH IT! BTW...I started out with a BMI of 40 and in 8 months I am at goal! My BMI is now 25!!! Life is GREAT!!!!! You have a lot to look forward to!

I waited 7 months post op to enjoy a nice cold beer. I bought Miller Genuine Draft 64 and sipped it slowly. It was so worth the wait. I had no problems. I like having an occasional beer but not more than 1. Doctor said it was okay. I still don't (and won't) drink soda. Not worth it to me.

I have a Weight Watchers digital scale that I bought at WalMart. It's dead on with my doctors.