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Congrats Angie! I am looking forward to normal also!

At the rate you are losing, it won't be long!

I have Snacks once in a while also. I haven't lost much weight recently but went down another size in jeans. Can't really explain that one - but so long as the clothes get smaller, I am happy!

Congrats again!

Congrats! This is an amazing surgery! I could not lose weight on my own - this has definitely been a Godsend!

Hopefully you will be very surprised and happy when you get weighed next at your doctor's office! It is so easy to get addicted to the scale; I can't put mine away! I will be out of town next week for about 5-6 days and won't weigh on any other scales - so will go thru a little withdrawals : )

Hope your recovery goes smoothly!

First, congrats on your surgery!

The first couple of days are the worst. You will feel better every day. Everyone is different, like Christie said, but the sooner you get back to a normal schedule, the better you should feel.

By two weeks, I felt normal and would have to remind myself that I had surgery, especially when I was eating or drinking! : )

Did you travel for surgery or were you able to stay close to home?

For sleeping, I used extra pillows. When I laid on my side, I would put a pillow between my knees as well as along the side of my body to support my stomach. It really made a difference. If I was laying on my back, I put a pillow under my legs from the knees down. Took some pressure off my abdomen.

Good luck! Hope your recovery goes smoothly!

Samantha! That is amazing! Congrats on your success!

How do you feel? Like a totally different person?

I hope you continue to lose and the last 70 pounds goes quickly!

Fab ~ I have not passed you up! LOL You have lost 20 pounds more than me! : )

Hi Maria .... I am glad my experience provided you with some helpful info. I made the decision to have surgery fairly quickly and fortunately, have not had any regrets.

My surgery was $5300 plus travel from Seattle to San Diego and a hotel room in SD the night I arrived. The driver picked me up from the airport the next morning. So about $6000 all together. Definitely money well spent! Dr. A removes about 80% of the stomach. I don't remember specifically what size it is now. I am still limited to about 2-4oz of food at a time, depending on what I am eating. It is frustrating to get full so quickly but I am getting used to it.

I was also leaning towards the lapband and am so grateful I changed my mind! My stomach is doing great, I am exercising regularly and basically eat what I want. My weight loss has been slow and steady; certainly not at the fast pace of those with higher starting BMI's - however I am happy.

TODAY I bought a pair of size 6 Levis!!!! Truly amazing. Started in a size 16; 4 months later I am in a 6. I would like to lose 10-20 more pounds however just firming up the hips, tush and thighs would be great too.

I am still surviving the weight conditioning with the high school team! Barely somedays tho! Slept 10 hours the other night. LOL I may need to increase Protein, calories or something to keep up. In the meantime, it feels really good!

congrats on your surgery Kevin! You will feel better every day! By two weeks, I felt normal - except the food part! : )

val ~ I also had surgery on my birthday! Decided it was a great way to celebrate!

hope you both continue to do well!

Another milestone! 6-26-2010 149.4!!

I did have a little help getting there tho! I have had a flu bug for a couple of days. The nausea has been horrible. Ate very little the last 2 days and dropped a full pound : ) Still struggling to even get down a Protein shake but planning to walk the local farmers market today and run the stairs at the high school stadium this afternoon. Figure I have to do something this weekend or Monday will be rough!

Getting closer to that "normal" BMI. Just under 5 pounds to go!

It will be all very well worth it when it is done!

There are definitely alot of mixed emotions in the final days. I wouldn't change it now tho at all. Very happy I had the surgery!

Hoping your travel, surgery and recovery goes smoothly!

I remember that time very clearly!

I found that popsicles were a life saver. There are healthier lo cal ones too. Being able to hold the ice in my mouth longer than a sip seemed to help.

Eventually, you will be able to take big drinks. I can now and it is wonderful!

Good Luck!

And ITA with Mini! The measurements are very encouraging or pay attention to your clothes. Even tho my weight loss is on a lower level than some, I have been going thru sizes like crazy.

This link will give you calorie counts, etc and some meal plans. Hope it helps!

http://www.cornellweightlosssurgery.org/pdf/dietary_guidelines_sleeve_gastrectomy.pdf

I had to shake things up a bit at times. Either added calories or went back to Protein Shakes only for a few days. Seemed to work.

It does get frustrating but hang in there ~ you can't help but lose with so few calories. The body is just adjusting and storing for winter : )

It is exciting! I would absolutely do it again! I still dislike it that I had to take such drastic measures, but being thin again is wonderful!

I will post a link to my entire experience at the end. Feel free to private message any other questions you might want to ask : )

1. Who was your surgeon .... see below. I had a great experience. I also went down with another gal two months later for her surgery. Nothing to complain about.

2. How do I get the ball rolling- how do I approach my doctor, what do I need to ask for? If you have insurance, check that first. See if you have coverage. If not, then decide if you will do it locally or in Mexico. In my area, it is about $25k cash. I spent $6k counting airfare, hotels, etc. My insurance would not cover because my BMI was 33, not 35 - even tho I had back issues and sleep apnea. I needed to gain 40 pounds (LOL) and do a one year dr supervised diet/exercise program. I was too old for that! : )

3. I have never had "major" surgery before- like I've been put under for a leep-cone procedure before, and I've done natural child birth, but what do I expect physically? How bad does it hurt after and for how long? This was my 9th surgery. The first day or two was lousy (nausea, pain from being intubated). Pretty typical. By late the 2nd day I was much better. On day 3, I flew home. Walked thru the airport, no problem. Went grocery shopping when I got home. Never took another pain med. I have a high pain tolerance apparently; delivered three 9lb babies without meds. Stay positive, get up, move around.

4. I've read that recovery is quite exhausting, and that it's hard to cope with so few calories (energy wise). I'm already tired all the time- When does the energy come back? I moved to mushies and full liguids early - in the first week. Wasn't so much hunger as weak. Once I started eating, I was good. Went back to work on day 4. I was back to a regular schedule and feeling great within the first two weeks.

5. What about all the EXTRA SKIN? Is there a way to help that without more surgery later? You can certainly have cosmetic surgery when you are done losing weight for most parts of your body. I think the upper arms is the most difficult surgery wise. There is a gal here tho that just posted her photos and her arms look great!! Someone will remember her name; I will try to find it too.

6. What about hair LOSS!? I like to pretend I'm not vain, but that might be a bit hard to take, how do I cope with the inevitable Hair loss? Yep. It happened at 3.5 months. Fortunately, I started with very thick hair so will probably survive. It is annoying tho. If your hair starts out thinner, I can see it being very frustrating. Supposedly it will grow back. I even took prenatals thinking that would give me lots of extra vitamins! LOL Kinda embarrassing to be in the store buying prenatals at 49 tho .....

7. Beer? Can I have beer? It's my FAVORITE summertime treat, but it's fizzy and I haven't been able to find much on alcohol consumption... This is certainly not a "deal breaker", but I'm curious :scared0: Yes!! It will take a little while but I was having sips and small drinks around a month or so.

8. I've seen several posts and responses about how to cope with eating out and in public, does it ever "feel" normal again? I mean, will it stop feeling strange that I can barely eat half a slice of pizza? (that's assuming I can tolerate the cheese and the pepperoni and the sauce...) Eating out stinks. Well, for me at this point it still does. Depends on what I am eating but I am still very limited quantity wise. I get full but still want more. It is getting easier tho and just means I get 3 or 4 meals out of each dining out plate. I can eat pretty much anything I want tho.

9. The puking and dehydration.... Um, does EVERYBODY struggle with that? Is it FOREVER? Haven't had either issue at all. I had a difficult time getting in the fluids in the beginning - trying to schedule between meals. Not on a strict schedule now just back to "normal". Just had labs checked with primary dr and all was good except Vit D. Of course, I live in the PNW and the sun hasn't been out forever!! haha!

10. Finally, is there anything else I should know? Do your research. Make your own decision. Don't tell too many family and friends. You will get tired of explaining yourself. I told 3 people before surgery. And many totally don't get it. So many people only know about the bypass and the bad stuff.

It is an amazing tool! Good Luck!

Here is my experience link: http://verticalsleevetalk.com/tell-your-story/3651-mexico-bust.html

I was not so hungry post op but weak. I only lasted a few days on clears - and actually, only 2 days cause the first two days after surgery I had zero by mouth, until the yucky purple stuff for the leak test. LOL

I had mostly clears on day three, by days 4 and 5 - I was moving into full liquids, later that week it was mashed potatoes, yogurt, cottage cheese, etc.

I had to have more substance to feel better. Everything settled just fine - so long as I didn't eat too much or too fast. I had talked to a nurse who also had surgery at the same time as I did. The drs she worked with said that she was fine to move on to mushies so long as it was tolerated.

Everyone is different. I certainly don't advocate eating something that is going to damage your stomach (crunchy, seeds, etc) however there are also doctors and plans that allow for a larger variety of foods. I have read posts here from patients who had less strict guidelines.

This is one link:

http://www.cornellweightlosssurgery.org/pdf/dietary_guidelines_sleeve_gastrectomy.pdf

She wants to repeat the sleep apnea test to review the settings for my cpap machine. Asked if I was where I wanted to be ... I said about 20 more. She said no, that was too much. I said - ok, how about 10 and we revisit the issue?? : ) I definitely want to get into a normal BMI range ....

I think if I am able to work out with the high school volleyball team all summer with weights and conditioning, my areas of concern (yep, mostly butt, hips and thighs) should be firmed up well.

I'm not going to push the weight loss right now; just focus on exercise. I am so sore today that I can hardly walk! LOL Same with the other mom who is joining the school program. However, except for 2 passes across the gym, I did keep up with the teens! And I went to curves today. Took it easy but it felt good to stretch and use the muscles that are currently in shock! : )

Are we meeting up tomorrow??

4 month dr visit today! I had blood drawn last week. Here are the results and the (target).

Cholesterol: 196 (120-200) Triglycerides: 80 (10-150) HDL: 53 (40-59) LDL: 127 (90-130)

Total Calcium: 9.2 (8.5-10.5)

Vitamin D25: 25 (30-100) **will be taking Vit D Ergocalciferol, 50000 unit caps, 1 cap 1x week for 12 weeks; then retest

Vitamin B12: 442 (200-900)

Magnesium: 2.1 (1.5-2.6)

Phosphate: 2.6 (2.5-4.5)

Also had an OCBC with Differential (complete blood count). All values were within the normal range.

I have been taking:

Potassium 99mg 1x daily

Super B-Complex 1x daily

Prenatal Multi Vitamin, Multi Mineral 1x daily

Aspirin 81mg 1x daily

For Sleep: Melatonin Plus 3mg Melatonin with 25mg Theanine 1x daily

Typical Day:

Item........................................................Calories.....Protein....Carbs.....Fat

Breakfast:

Premier Protein chocolate shake 11oz..........160..........30..........5..........3

Snack fruit cup................................................50............0........13..........0

Lunch: green salad........................................100............0..........5..........0

chicken.........................................................120..........24..........0........11

Snack: Nabisco 100 calorie snack pack..........100.............1.......18..........3

Dinner: fish...................................................100...........17.........1..........3

green salad (or green veggie)........................100.............0..........5.........0

Snack: glass of milk 1/2 cup 1%.......................55.............4..........6.........1

Total.............................................................785..........76..........3........21

Overall I am doing well - however the doctor doesn't want me to lose much more.

And - yep! the hair is shedding! Thank goodness I started with extra!

I wasn't able to! I truly was at the 2oz limit for a long time. Even now, depending on what I am eating, it is somewhere between 2-4 oz. I can get down an 11oz Protein Drink in less than an hour tho! yahoo! : )

You really won't want to eat more than that - or you will likely be uncomfortable. If I took 2 oz, I expected to finish it. There were times that the last 2 bites put me over the limit. It is definitely a learning challenge figuring out how much is too much. I have never vomited but have felt like I wanted to!

Most partially finished yogurts, etc went bad before I ever finished them.

Congrats tho! Sounds like you are off to a great start!

My suggestion: put your family on a "root hog or die" meal plan for a while : )

google it: Davy Crockett used the phrase and Western frontiersmen were often in dire economic straits and had to root around for whatever they needed to survive.

Ok, maybe a bit drastic but you get the point : ) It won't kill them to eat pb & j for a couple of weeks, dine on frozen dinners (there is a great variety out there) or eat pizza. Maybe they can eat what mom eats and take up healthier habits also?? When my older two kids were little and I was a single mom, I made their plates with a variety of sandwich type makings, fruit, etc - and then let them decide how to eat it. Item by item or as a sandwich. They thought it was fun.

I will admit that I have only cooked a couple of times in the past four months, and most every time has been for a party we were having at home. My husband is an excellent cook and my 15 year old daughter knows the above saying well. She knows the basics about cooking and eats alot of bagel sandwiches and salads.

Good Luck! Enjoy your mushies!

I cried saying goodbye (or see ya later) to my favorite foods the week before surgery. At the same time, I was so very excited to be thin and healthy again.

Today is four months for me. I would not go back and change it. I do still wish I could have lost weight on my own, but it wasn't going to happen.

I feel great. Size 8 pants are loose; I started in 16's. Size small and medium shirts fit perfectly; I started in XL's. I am eating pretty much what I want on a daily basis within the guidelines, as a whole. However, when I want a snack or treat, I have it.

My loss is slow and steady, and I am totally good with it. I am getting over the mental issues - being frustrated over how little I can eat, how long it takes. Even have a drink once or twice a week.

My biggest meltdown was at the clinic, after I was prep'd for surgery. Fortunately, the dr was kind enough to add a little valium to my iv, and all was good : )

You will definitely have ups and downs, physically and mentally, before and after surgery. All normal.

The old saying is true tho ~ nothing tastes as good as thin feels : )

have you been with the same bank for a long period of time? any local credit unions you can join? maybe put up something as collateral? a vehicle or ??

Getting someone to cosign could also be a possibility, altho be very careful with that option. If you default, your cosigner defaults as well. Won't make them very happy.

Have anything you can sell? Any type of side work you can do from home? Maybe watch someone's child while you are at home with your's?

Maybe someone can loan you the money? Sign a promissory note with terms to protect yourself and the person who lends the money.

Have you tried applying for any loans? All they can say is no : ) The interest rate might be lousy but if you can pay just a little extra every month, the interest will be lower in the long run.

Good Luck! It is an amazing surgery ~ I hope you find a way!

hmmm - you are leaving the hot side and coming to the cool side! : )

Will be curious to hear how you like St. Francis. I don't think I have talked to anyone who has had surgery there. Are you traveling alone? How long will you stay in the hospital?

Good thoughts for a fast recovery - both the sinus infection and surgery!

LOL Such a terrible issue to have, huh?? : )

I was hoping that I would lose a little there to stay in proportion with the rest of the body as it shrinks. Only recently have I begun to notice any change beyond less back fat. I had a lift in 2007, so they are fairly solid, not like they were post baby. lol

I will see what happens but am hoping to avoid another surgery. Not so concerned about a smaller size, just don't want saggy : )

4 month update! 152.0! A loss of 41 since surgery, 47 since last summer. My BMI is just about 6 pounds away from overweight to normal!! My back is doing decent; feeling better after 3 months on the cpap machine.

Has it really been four months?? And at the same time, I feel as if I never had surgery. I still have to remind myself at times to drink slower, take smaller bites.

According to Cornell, I can now add crunchy vegies! Yea! That has been the last thing I have been missing as an afternoon snack!

Overall, I feel very good; the mental is even getting easier. It doesn't bother me as much to shrug off the food as it was in the beginning. I fixed brunch for a dozen family and friends on Sunday - and didn't feel short changed.

I continue to lose about a pound a week. Have little if any saggy skin. Tummy looks great. It feels good to exercise and I will be attempting to keep up with the high school teens in their summer weight conditioning program, 4 days per week. I will either be in great shape by the end of summer or 6 foot under. lol

One of best things lately? Getting my picture taken and not hating it!! :001_cool: It was very depressing last fall when my granddaughter was born. I greatly disliked any photos of myself yet wanted the memories.

OH! And people are finally noticing! It is awesome to hear - really helps to make it all worth while.

The size 8 pants I bought a week or two ago are already a little loose. *bummer* :wink1:

Five weeks until we cruise ... will wait until just before we go to buy a few new things.

The family is loving it - they now think it is their duty and privilege to have bites of my meals!! So much for leftovers!

Thanks girls!

And Sam ... you will be carrying a to go box soon! LOL And I did go back to the hotel room and eat one hoho!

Felt fortunate to get home and on the scale this am and was down! Usually I gain when I travel! : )

Excited to hear from you next week after surgery!

Fab ~ we should schedule lunch sometime in the next week or two?? School is about out and my assistant can work extra days since she won't be subbing.

Have to say that 6 hours in the Montgomery Airport is about 5 hours too long! After several delays, flight changes and an airport change, I finally made it home at 1am. Then slept until 130pm! Glad we had closed the office today and I didn't have to go in : )

Any one had experience with Dr, verboonen in Cancun?

you will probably find some info if you search his name in the above box or start a new thread : )

I don't know anything about that dr. sorry!

will be interesting to hear your results!!

I am at the 3.5 month mark and haven't been losing any more than normal. Hoping that continues!

good luck with your experiment!