Sai

Generally speaking (since everybody is different I put the disclaimer in there lol): For lower BMI expect 1-3 lbs a week weight loss. You'll be eating usually 600-800 calories + exercise so although it won't be 20 lbs/wk hehe, it'll be healthy and rewarding.

Oops forgot to answer the rest of your questions . No complications, after the 3rd day I felt great other than typical body soreness from incisions... etc. I have no regrets, and I've lost weight 29 lbs so far so I have no complaints. I had a relatively successful band (lost 129 lbs but gained some back each time I had to unfill for a few months to let my band rest), and I'm hoping I'll continue to be successful with the sleeve.

I paid cash for my lapband many many years ago, and I only had to take a blood test. I just had the sleeve revision 6 wks ago, and had insurance but I'm going to guess that they would require much more than blood tests since it's a major surgery. Maybe you can call and ask different bariatric centers to get a better answer.

I'd wait and talk to your doctor. Salicyclic acid (aka aspirin) isn't recommended for Sleevers unless specifically directed. It's because it's very harsh on the tummy.

First 10 days my weight stayed the same. Although I knew I was losing weight, it was just water retention (from the IV and water consumption) and my body adjusting... Etc.

I don't sneeze but one of the ways I know I'm approaching fullness is I get a running nose.

Sometimes That's a good thing. Sent from my LGLS992 using the BariatricPal App Agreed.I'm usually just a drama voyeur . I'm not witty enough to be anything else hehe. Sent from my SM-N910V using the BariatricPal App This place has been better than an Alexis/Krystle Dynasty cat fight the past week or so! :-) Bah I missed that too

Sometimes That's a good thing. Sent from my LGLS992 using the BariatricPal App Agreed.I'm usually just a drama voyeur . I'm not witty enough to be anything else hehe. Sent from my SM-N910V using the BariatricPal App

The healing hunger is due to a swollen stomach (more applicable to sleevers though) and excess acid due to changes in the stomach. I knew with my band, I had a lot if acid, and that mimicked hunger sometimes. I sure wish I was taking a ppi back then. I didn't learn about it till I got the revision. There is a good video about swelling stomach and hunger sensations on YouTube made by Dr. Alvarez. Sent from my SM-N910V using the BariatricPal App

Mine always did, but it always took a few months with no liquid in it. I believe most of the time, your body will normalize. Sent from my SM-N910V using the BariatricPal App

I had quite a few food funerals between my lap band unfill and my pre-op for revision. With my lap band, I lived on sashimi (which is still my favorite food) but eating steak was pretty much impossible for me so I went to Fuddruckers and ate a rib-eye steak sandwich with fried dill pickles.

Hmm, good question. I had a revision to the sleeve because my surgeon suggested it. First, I want to say that I loved my band. I had it for 7 years. It helped me lose 129 lbs. and maintenance was relatively easy. The weight loss was steady. No hair loss, nothing drastic. For me, the band problem was never severe (no erosion, no slipped band) but it was time and money consuming because my band tended to be fickle. The band can be a successful tool if you're dedicated to it, as with all tools. I think the most important part of it though... Is having a good surgeon. My first surgeon knew exactly how to fill it but then I moved, and as your body changes, sometimes the Fluid need changes. It was hard for me to find another surgeon who did the fills correctly. I was either too lose or too tight, and if you get too tight, you get a pouch dilation, and when you have a pouch dilation, they remove all your fluid for months, wait for your stomach & esophagus to normalize, and then you go back through the phase of finding your sweet spot again. During those months with no restriction, you gain back some weight, and it's harder to take it off again. I went through that cycle twice which is why my new surgeon suggested the revision since Yo-yo dieting is one of the most unhealthiest things to do to our bodies.

I missed a few of these types of threads today. I am always a dollar short, a day late. lol

hehe I was just going to ask the opposite. Is she naturally skinny? Only reason I was going to ask is all the naturally skinny people I know eat everything and anything, just in moderation. My sister in law is super thin, and she lives on candy (literally). I don't think I've ever seen her eat anything that doesn't have sugar in it. Sugar high all the time lol. So if she is, perhaps, she is truly clueless.

My regular add-ins (depending upon my mood) are the following: unsweetened dark cocoa (or cacao powder if I have it), PB2 (but not if your allergic to peanuts, obviously hehe), flaxseed or chia seeds for Fiber, 1/2 small frozen banana, 1/2c frozen blueberries, instant coffee. During my liquid phase, I did add a few drops of Frontier Banana flavoring instead of a real banana (For the low carbers out there, this is the most awesome banana flavor, by the way).

I second the cocoa powder and stevia. I always put a tablespoon of unsweetened special dark cocoa powder in my shakes . It's so high in antioxidants and so good for us.

@@migalo Two awesome days for me were the days I was allowed pureed (freedom!!) and the day I was cleared for any type of food with no restrictions (Day 39 for me). Congratz!!

I didn't have an abnormal EKG, in fact I passed my bicycle stress test... etc. and they STILL asked me to see a cardiologist. I had to retake a stress test but it had to be a nuclear stress test with images. I think it's common, and you should be fine. It's better to find out if you have any heart problems before surgery anyway so you can be sure to make it through surgery and enjoy a wonderful life afterwards.

My avoid list consists of chips, cake, cookies, soda pop, fried foods... Etc. Dried fruits aren't bad per se, but maybe go to Trader Joes or a health food store to find some that do not have any preservatives nor sugar added. Fruits have important nutrients that aren't listed in the "common" vitamins/minerals list that are vital for health and maintenance such as antioxidants... Etc. It's better to eat fresh fruit vs dried, but I'm sure you already know that.

My surgeon wanted me to take the bandages off after day 2 or 3 to let it air out. I also applied Neosporin ointment (they now have an anti-itch, anti-scar ointment.

I do. The most I can do is make sure I take my PPI twice a day, and drink lots of water to keep satisfied. Once and awhile, I'll take an otc chewable antacid during those times, and I find that helps.

Absolutely. I used it for both my lapband surgery and revision surgery. It's was a lifesaver for me.

I did. I loved the Beachnut - Just guava, pear & strawberry. lol

I'd call first thing in the morning too. If by chance you get other symptoms of internal bleeding like severe abdominal pain, numbness or pain in your leg(s), dizziness, bruising all over, then please please go to the ER and do not wait.

I average 850 cal/day. I try to hit above 800 because I'm trying to avoid gallstones (~23% are at risk of gallstones after WLS surgery). I hope you can get a hold of your NUT since we all have different programs. One thing that is across the board is our main focus is on protein & water intake especially in the earlier weeks.