Becca

I think a lot of people become lactose intollerant after the surgery. I haven't had any issues and I use it in my protein shakes, etc. I just see it as a form of protein.

I get an entire cup of milk and heat it up. I add a little bit of de-caf and splenda. That way, I get Protein from the milk. I am allowed coffee, just only de-caf. I just keep it in one of the coffee mugs that keeps it hot and it does take quite awhile for me to finish it.

How sweet! Congrats!

Welcome! I was sleeved just two days before you so we will be on this journey together. I am so excited about what 2011 will bring for us!

Just hang it there. It really does get better each day! I am 12 days post-op. If you can have soups, one thing I did today was I bought the reduced fat alfredo sauce in a jar and I heated that up like a soup. It is low in carbs and gave me something different to eat. It was so good. The diet really is the hard part! I hope you feel better and can sleep soon! Hugs.

That is so awesome!!!!

My doctor told me to sip as much was comfortable. Just no gulps. I don't believe you really "feel" the restriction until you start on foods. Liquid just goes straight through.

Ask your doctor if he will go ahead and prescribe your pain killer so you can have it ready when you get home. You will probably need it the first few days. I also used my heating pad. The hospital bed killed my back so I used it for that! Be careful about buying too much of the liquid foods. I bought lots of Jello and broth. Then after only getting that at the hospital for two days, I can stand either. I would just buy a little of each and I was able to go to the store day four post-op to buy the rest of what I needed. It was good for walking. Good luck and congrats on your big day being so close!

I totally understand. I am a teacher, too. Luckily I was sleeved over the holiday so I used that time for much of my recovery. I think your letter looks good. I have already been questioned by many of my co-workers. They don't really understand the surgery, much less a revision I went through from the lapband. I think it is a good way to explain the situation without having to repeat yourself over and over again like me.

We wish you the best! Still stop by and let us know how you are doing!

I had the band and had about every complication there is. If you are about to lose your insurance DO NOT GET THE BAND! I was a self pay for my band (insurance exclusion) and you will have to pay for all of your fills and any complications. It can really add up to thousands of dollars. Thankfully when my band fell apart in my body, I no longer had an exclusion and I got my sleeve! I love the sleeve so far. I have been a little tired, but I plan to go back to work Monday after a two week recovery. The pain has been tolerable this week. Not so much the first week. I am a teacher, so if I feel too exhausted I can take some more time off. Good luck with whatever you decide!

I am the same way. All of this week, I have drank a Protein shake, which would take me all morning, and then I don't even think about food until dinner. Today I got to start mushies and so I ate some mashed potatoes. The first couple of bites were good, but then I was through. It is so strange to be disinterested in food, but I guess that is what I signed up for!

I am very new to the sleeve so it is unfair to say right now. I don't regret anything so far, though. I feel amazing (except for a little soreness from the surgery which is normal a week out). I am not obsessing over food anymore, which is so nice. I will say that I do LOVe the sleeve over the lapband!

Happy New Year to you!!!!

I forgot to take my PPI on Monday and I had an acid attack. It felt like burning in my chest. I hope that is the cause. I am so sorry you are going through this. Let us know what the doctor says. Sending healing wishes your way!

Great, great, great decision! You will love the sleeve. I am so happy after having my revision!

Way to go!!!!

Also, make sure you are taking a PPI for the acid. I forgot to take mine this morning and I felt sick to my stomach!

Hello, I have noticed that I do have major soreness where my port used to be. How long did it take your pain to go away if you had any at the port site? Just wondered how long it would last. Thanks!!!

Welcome! You will find that this forum is so supportive. I am glad you are considering the sleeve. I just had a revision from the lapband and the sleeve is amazing! I feel so great. My family was NOT all supportive of the sleeve at first. You just need to do your research so when they question you, you have all the answers. Congratulations on making the choice to improve your life. It has already made a big difference with my entire family. We are all eating healthier and my girls are wanting to walk on the treadmill! We plan on taking some of the family workout classes at the YMCA as soon as the doctor says I can go. I really am so happy I made the decision to have the sleeve. Feel free to ask me any questions.

I am very early out, but I can say that there is already a huge difference in how I feel. I don't feel controlled by food anymore. I always felt sluggish and lazy before and now I have engery. Of course, right after surgery there is pain and you get sick of the liquid only diet, but that is temporary. I will say that I am 100% happy I did it. I weighed 244 at my pre-op appointment ( before I started the liquid diet) on December 23 and I am already down 10 pounds. I love my sleeve!

Can anyone from Houston go to the support group or do they have to be one of your patients?

You will do great! I will be thinking of you. Hot tea made me feel so much better last week, so ask if they will give you some and bring chapstick. I am so happy for you.

Keep calling them! I had an insurance mix up that delayed my surgery. My insurance denied at the last minute (come to find out it was because the wrong hospital was submitted which was out of my network). I called everyday, sometimes twice a day. We finally figured it out and all was good. I hate that you are having to go through all of that, but the sleeve is soooo worth it!

Lucky!!!! and congrats! : )