Helen the Cat

It is SOOOO hard to learn to eat slow!!! FOr 42 years I have eaten as fast as I can! I am a nurse in Labor and Delivery, and if you have a labor patient and you get a lunch break you are lucky!!! You learn to eat fast, cause your patient might get to the point of being ready to delivery, and if you don't eat fast, you might not get to eat at all! So for 42 years (that's how long I have been a L&D nurse) I have eaten fast. And that habit has carried over to my meals at home and when we go out. It is SOOO hard to break! I TRY to remember to count my bites, and count how many times I chew to slow myself down. But I usually forget and when I have shoveled everything in as fast as I can, I think "Oh NO! I did it AGAIN!" So no my hubbie tries to remember to tell me to EAT SLOW! But like I said, HARD HABIT TO BREAK!!!

Oh....E-girl, I am SO sorry that you had that much discomfort when they pulled the drainage tube! It is usually a very minor ouch. It must have adhered to something internally. I am SO sorry. Hopefuly that pain is gone and you won't have anything like that in the future! But at least it is over, and you are home! I have to say, I really never had any horrible pain when I had my procedure. I was sore, and used a pillow up against my tummy when I laid on my side, to support my little incisions (ports actually). Getting in and out of bed was touchy for a day or two, but never had any pain that was as bad as you described! Have to say, you were lucky! A pain pump!?! Wow!!! My doctor didn't even give me any narcotic medication post op. His assistant met with each of us prior to surgery and told us what to expect. One of the things she mentioned was that Dr. Rod didn't use ANY narcotics post operatively, only a powerful anti-inflammatory. Being a nurse, and being a NOSEY nurse ast that, I asked WHAT it was that he used. She told me it was Toredol, which is an injectable anti-inflammatory medication similar to Mortrin (Ibuprofen) but in injectable form. We use it all the time on post-op C-sections, and it does make them more comfortable. She further told me if the pain got "really bad" to ask the nurse, and the nurse would call and get an order for "something extra". So the one time I was pretty uncomfortable, I put my call light on (more about that in a minute) and the nurse called somebody and got an OK to give me my Toredol an hour early. (It is usually given IV push every 6 hours, It had only been five hours since my last dose, but they went ahead and gave it to me an hour early. BIG DEAL!) But again, I have to say, I was never in really excruiating pain. Just thought if I could be more comfortable, why not. About the call light. It is funny, now that I am looking bad on the incident. I was uncomfortable and remembered that the assistant told us to tell the nurse, and she would get us "something extra" for the pain. So since I felt a little more uncomfortable than I had, I put my call light on to ask. My nurse came "stomping" into my room, grabbed the call light out of my hand and put it on the bedside table as far away from me as possible and yelled "WHAT?" at me. She seemed to be REALLY mad at me for putting my call light on. I told her what I wanted and she didn;t say a word, whirled around, stomped out of my room, and I never saw her again that day! (Someone else came and gave me the early dose of Toredol.) My husband who witnessed the whole incident said "If I were you, I don't think I would use the call light again!" and laughed. Looking back it really is funny now. At the time, I was appalled! And I have to say, I KNOW if I treated a patient like that, I should just pack up my stuff and head for the front door immediately, cause my little rear end would be SO fired! Anyway, it is funny now. I said all this to say, I hope you are feeling better today, and to welcome you on the start of your journey in a "new life" after WLS. Hope you are feeling ever so much better, and the pain and discomfort will soon be a distant memory. (And hope you NEVER have a nurse like mine!) Best of luck, AND Welcome to the Loser's Bench! Kathy D (aliad Helen the Cat)

Jewels, Before I made the decision to have my surgery, I did a LOT of research. My first cousin IS a bariatric surgeon. He didn't do my surgery (insurance wouldn't cover my surgery so went to Mexico). He said that he has done Lap Band, Roux N Y s and Vertical Gastric Sleeves. In his experience, he says he has had almost NO complications with his VGS patients. No leaks, almost no problems at all. His recommendation for me was the sleeve. His feeling is that most surgeons have found that the complication rate for sleeves is far below any other type of procedure. He trained at Mayo Clinic and continues to do his continueing education at Mayo in Rochster, MN. which is a center of excellence.

Mater, You are a couple of days post op now, Am just writing to inquire how you are feeling? Is the soreness getting better? Are you up and around, walking to get rid of all that nasty gas? Three procedures in one surgery, you REALLY got your moneys worth!!! I am sure it is such a relief to be on the other side; I remember how good I felt just knowing that it was over! Take it easy, sip that Water, walk, walk, walk! And keep us posted. We all want to know how you are doing! Kathy D

Bedhead, You had a pain pump? I am SO jealous!!! I didn't have any narcotic type of pain medication at all when I had my sleeve done. The surgeon's assistant spoke with each of us pre-operatively and made it very clear that our surgeon did not believe in giving narcotic medication for laprascopic surgery. He told us we would get a powerful anti-inflammatory (Toradol) every 6 hours IV, which was OK. But the one time I was really hurting, there wasn't much they could do. The Toradol can only be given every 6 hours IV. When I was hurting bad, it was another two and a half hours till I could have some more Toredal. So I got up and walked for the 2 1/2 hours, to try and pass the time and hopefully help me feel better. I am 8 months out now, and of course, have no pain. but thinking back on it, wish I could have had some "real" pain meds! SMH!!! It is really funny how different our experiences are! Am so glad you are home from the hospital and feeling pretty good! You have made a wonderful positive change in your life. And the journey that you are starting to walk will take you to wonderful places. (including Macy's, Bloomie's, Nordstroms, Dillard's and some other wonderful places. I am so happy to leave Lane Bryant, Catherine's, Dress Barn and Fashion Bug behind!)

Kkimm22, I think LindaS has a point. How is your Water intake? I know that for a long time I tried to hold down my Fluid intake, thinking that part of what I was weighing was water weight. But yesterday someone posted a post telling how their surgeon said you can't butn fat without adequate water intake. So I am making a conscious effort to increase my liquid intake to see if that helps. Give it a try! Best of luck. And congratulations on your sleeve. Hope you find it works well for you! I am thrilled with mine. Have lost 100 pounds so far in 8 months.

LindaS, Can you get DVDs of Zumba? Or do you have to go to some facility to do it? I worked with a couple of gals in California who did Zumba ona regular basis, but my problem is getting out and going. I loved going to the work out facility in the next town, but my problem is getting back out after dinner in the evening. On the nights when I don't work, I like to spend the evening with Bill (hubbie). If I have to get myself dressed and drive 6 miles to the next town to work out, well, it just isn't going to happen. Now I could see myself doing a DVD here at home, I think.....

Congratulations! and welcome to The Losers Bench! It is a great feeling. Glad to hear that you aren't having a lot of pain. If the Iso Pure is bothering you, try a diffferent kind. I like Unjury in the chocolate flavor. It tastes just like chocolate milk to me (I mix it with milk!). Take care of yourself. Get lots of rest. And don't be discouraged by the weight gain. The fluid will be gone soon and you will start to notice the weight loss! Again. Congratulations! Kathy D

Alana, I am 8 months post op, and down 100 pounds. Everyday I struggle with the thought that I might gain it back. I am scared to death that I might gain. And somehow, my old friend--- food--- always pops up to comfort me. I struggle not to eat junk food when I am worried about weight gain. Doesn't make sense does it? I am trying so hard to break the habit of turning to food when I am stressed. It is a life long habit, and SO hard to break!!! I was 258 pounds at my highest. I am now 158 or 159 depending on the day. But some days I actually go up to 160 or 161. Those are the days it is hardest to stay away from the foods that have always comforted me. I tell myself over and over that I shouldn't eat ___________ (you fill in the blanks, it might be Twinkies, HO-HOs, mashed potatoes, ice cream, etc. But for sure it is a comfort food.) But somedays I just can't stop myself. It makes me worry about my long term success. Every one says how well I have done, but they don't know I am scared spitless that I might wreck it and eat my way back up to 250+ pounds. The main reason I continue to frequent this forum is that it helps me keep my determination to stay where I am and continue to lose. I am so thankful for the wonderful people here who encourage me to keep on this path I started in June. Best of luck on yur journey!

When I was sleeved, last June, I was living in California, and the pool was 1/2 block from my from door. My room mate and I swam laps for an hour every morning when we got home from work (we worked night shift). Since I moved home (to Iowa) in December, I obviously had to quit swimming. And my exercise regime has suffered since then. I joined the local work out facility, but haven't been faithful about going to exercise on a regular basis. It is to cold now in Iowa to get out and walk. I NEED to start to work out somehow. I am thinking that I need to get on that exercise bike that is sitting unused in my basement. How lazy is that? It is in my own basement, and I haven't availaed myself of it. I too have been stalled for a long time. I lose a pound, then gain it back, lose it again, gain it back, etc. But I am down 100 pounds, so am trying to motivate myself to lose the last 8-18 pounds. I have never heard that decreased Fluid intake cuts down on weight loss. In addition to trying to jump start my exercise regime, I am going to try to up my Water intake and see if that helps. Thanks for the tip!!!

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I'm almost 8 months post op now, and you would think that I would have this Head Hunger thing under control by now! But it seems that I still am controlled by the Head Hunger, and not the other way around. I have been dreaming all day of Brown Sugar Cookies. So I finally made a batch. Then felt guilty, so I bagged them up and took them down the street to my neighbor who is getting over a total knee replacement surgery. He said he didn't need them either, but I told him better him than me! I do OK when I have to work. I work night shift, and sleep days, and don't really have time to overeat when I am working. But this week, I have four days off in a row. And I spend my days, all day long, thinking "what can I eat?", "how soon is it time to eat?". It is driving me crazy. I have lost 100 pounds, and am so proud of my weight loss, but I am scared to Death that I will stretch out my pouch and re-gain the weight I have lost. What will I do for clothes then? I have given away all my fat clothes. And I'm not a pretty sight naked! I am trying to eat reasonably. I am trying to eat in a Healthful manner. But this craving for stuff I don't need/shouldn't eat is driving me crazy, today especially. I keep thinking about Twinkies, Ding Dongs, Cheetos, Ice Cream, etc. It is going to drive me NUTS!

ReeseMae, Let me offer my congratulations also on making such a positive choice to change your life style and get healthier. I too comtemplated WLS for several years, and just couldn't seem to "get off the dime" and move forward with it. I finally got up my nerve and things seemed to go so smoothly after that. I prayed about the surgery for a long time, seeking the Lord's will for my life. I am convinced that He would not have us continue to live an unhealthy life style if it is within our power to become healthier! My surgery date was June 18 of last year, so I am about 8 months post op now. I am so thrilled with my results. My cholesterol is now normal, my blood pressure is normal, my blood sugar is normal, and (big surprise!) my allergies have improved! I have been able to go off all the medications I needed for the above mentioned conditions, plus have quit taking my anti-inflammatory medication, as my joints no longer hurt/ache. What a blessing! I am now down about 100 pounds. (Some days it is 98, some days it is 101 pounds. Depends on how hydrated I am, whether I have been really active the day before, etc.) But average, am down 100 pounds. I have gone from wearing a size 26/28 top to a 12/14. My pant size has gone from 22/24 to a size 8. (I love to say that so much, I'm going to say it again, I wear a size 8 jeans!) But looking better is just the (tasty) frosting on the cake! I love the fact that I am now healthier than I have been in years! I know that I will live longer as a result. Some days I get frustrated, as I love to cook and bake. And I know that I can't eat much (if any) of the things I bake. I love to make Cookies, cakes, pies, breads, etc. Also love to try new recipes, love to entertain and WOW my friends with a gourmet meal. And some times I sort of lament that I can't enjoy unlimited quantities of what I make. But I know that is the trade off for improving my health and looking better! And when I am honest with myself, it is a minimal trade off to feel so much better. One other thing I have to say, you have THE MOST BEAUTIFUL eyes! Your picture just glows! And your eyes are So attractive. Congratulations on making a decision to make the rest of you as beautiful as your eyes! Can't wait to welcome you to The Loser's Bench!

Dear NAK77BRR, First of all, let me offer you my sympathies on your Mom passing away. My Mom is also one of my best friends. She is 90 now, and although still healthy and in her own home, I know she won't be around forever. I dread the day she is no longer there for me! Secondly, Congratulations on making a life changing choice! Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy is truly a Life Changer! I was overweight ALL my life! I have been to every weight loss group, taken part in every new program, tried EVERY diet ever published in the Women's magazines. In short, I have DONE IT ALL (several times!), and NEVER with any lasting success! I joined (and when I got bored, quit) Weight Watchers 17 times! Every single time I lost at least 40-60 pounds. But every time when I quit, I gained it all back, plus a couple more pounds. It was so frustrating. I went from being mildly overweight (5'7" and 175 lbs) to being morbidly obese (258 lbs) after about 35 years of weight loss efforts. I thought about getting skinny 24/7. It consumed me, but I was always paralyzed with inaction. I could never really take a step towards doing something permanent. Finally I needed surgery for a hernia, and went to my 1st cousin, who is a general surgeon, but has had bariatric surgery himself. He is now specializing in bariatric surgery, specifically Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomies. When he was getting ready to do my hernia repair I asked him how hard it would be to slip a Lap Band in while he was repairing the hernia. He told me he didn't do Lap Bands anymore. He gave me all the stats about how they didn't have a very good success rate long term. He told me about VSG and highly suggested it. Unfortunately, my insurance wouldn't pay $0.01 towards bariatric surgery. So even though Steve (my cousin) offered to do my surgery free of charge, I chose to go to Mexico to have it done. (I would still have had to pay for hospital and anesthesia charges myself, which he estimated would be $15-20,000!) So off to Mexico I went last summer (June 18th) where I underwent a Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy. Although my hospital experience was not perfect, I have had fantastic results (and no complications)! Just last week (or maybe it was the week before) I hit the 100 pounds lost mark. I have another 8-18 pounds to loose to reach my goal. Originally I wanted to weigh around 150, now I am thinking of adjusting my goal downwards to 140. (Currently weigh 158 lbs) I too was a boarderline diabetic. I had high cholesterol, high blood pressure, was on anti-inflammatories for my joint aches and pains, bad environmental allergies, horrible fatigue, my life just sucked! When I was 47 I had to have a total hip replacement because I had worn out my right hip socket. My surgeon said if was largly due to being overweight my entire life. (Thankfully my left hip is healthy!) My knees were getting bad, and I was afraid that bilateral knee replacement was in my near future! Since the surgery and my weight loss, I am off my cholesterol meds, I am no longer boarderline diabetic (off that medication), my blood pressure is normal (off that medication), my joints don't ache all the time, (off the anti-inflammatory medication). And for some strange reason, my allergies are SO much improved. I quit taking my sinus meds and using the nasal spray that I used for the environmental allergies. I feel so much better, Have tons of energy, and can't tell you how much my life has improved. When I was discussing with my husband why I wanted to proceed with the surgery, I told him I wanted to be healthier, to live longer. (He was AGAINST the surgery 100%!) I told him looking better was just "frosting on the cake". (His argument against the surgery is that he loved me no matter how I looker.) But I have to say, it is Tasty Frosting!!! I LOVE being able to shop in any department store for clothes. I love clothes and I love dressing nice and looking good! I also love that I no longer am limited to shopping in Lane Bryant, Catherine's, Fashion Bug and Dress Barn. I go to all the trendy stores and love it that I can fit into a regular size! Never in my life have I been able to do that before! It is SUCH a HIGH!!! I can't stop looking in the mirror, and it never ceases to thrill me how I look now! I have to admit, there are down sides to being a smaller size. I gave away most of the clothes that were to big for me. I am now at a point where I am going to have to give my clothes to Goodwill, or find smaller friends, as I am smaller than all my friends, and have no one left to give my clothes to as I continue to lose! Also, I am a cheap date. We used to go to Sam's Club or costco on Saturday mornings for our groceries and then out to lunch. Now when Bill and I go shopping at Sam's or Costco, I only need six to eight bites of the samples they are giving away, and I am full. So when he wants to impress me, Bill takes me to Sam's on Saturday morning and feeds me their sample bites. After that I am to full to go out for lunch! Have also found out that I can't drink as much alcohol as I could pre op. I have to limit myself to one glass of wine or one mixed drink. So am REALLY a cheap date! Seriously, I think you are making a wonderful choice for a healthier life style. Best of luck to you. Please continue to frequent this web site and post how you are doing. Everybody here is great at cheering you on, offering encouragement and advice when you need it. Looking forward to Welcoming you to The Loser's Bench! (Sorry this turned into such a long epistle!) Again, welcome and Congratulations! Kathy D (alias Helen the Cat)

Elracimo3, Am so sorry to hear about your rough journey with the whole diverticulitis issue. You are young to have had so many problems with dicerticulitis and the fibromyalgia! Diverticulitis is usually a disease of us old people! Hope you are doing better now. I wish I had some advise for you on how to speed up your surgery. It is often a slow process that you have to navigate to get to the reward (the surgery)! As Dorrie suggested, I would speak with your surgeon and tell him how anxious you are to get your life back on track and improve your health, and that you see the surgery as a major tool to that end. Don't know if it will do any good, but worth a try! In the mean time, keep posting. The bunch that frequents this web site are great to encourage people. Best of luck! Kathy D (Alias Helen the Cat)

Someone asked when I had my surgery. It was done June 18, 2011. So I am just short of 8 months post op.

Ruth, Welcome to the BEST site on the web for Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomies! You will find a wealth of experience and advise here. Everybody is friendly and really knowledgable about the VSG, both pre and post op. Whenever I have had a question, needed to vent, or just wanted to talk, I have always been able to find someone here who could help. It is a fantastic site! We hope you will be a frequent poster! We are so happy you chose to join us! And a BIG CONGRATULATIONS on your weight loss. You are doing awesome, fantastic, fabulous! I am 8 months post op, and it has taken me that long to lose 100 pounds. You have done it in just three months. You Rock girl! Please be sure and come back tomorrow after your doctor's appointment and let us know how it went. We are all interested. Keep up the Fantastic work! rock that sleeve!

Jewels, I think what the others above have posted addresses your issue well. I personally have been sleeved for 8 months. There is nothing that I CAN'T eat. BUT there is lots that I CHOOSE not to eat. I don't routinely eat lettuce salads anymore, because my capacity is so limited, I need to eat my Protein first. If I have room after I eat my protein, then I eat my veggies (with the exception of potatoes, I don't usually eat potatoes). If I can eat my protein AND my veggies (very rare) then I will nibble on something with lots of carbs, like bread or potatoes. But I usually don't have room for anything after the protein and veggies. Also when I say "nibble" that is exactly what it is, a nibble. One or two bites is usually all I can manage after I have eaten my protein and veggies! When my hubbie and I go out to eat, we have started sharing a meal. If the restaurant gives a choice in the size of the entree (Lots of restaurants will let you order a Steak in 8 oz, 10 oz or 16 ounce) we will order the large entree to split (although we split somewhere like 30/70, with me getting the 30% of the steak). Bill then eats the bread, the potato and the salad. Usually just the meat is all I can handle. Once in a while I will have a bite of his potato or bread. Sometimes I will order a dish of cottage cheese to go with my entree. But it is all about getting enough protein!

I know how you feel. Before I had my procedure, I told ONE other nurse at work, and asked her to keep it quiet. Well, she didn't! I had tons of calls and cards from other nurses that I work with, so I know she told everyone. (It was nice that they called and sent cards, but I really wanted to keep the news of my surgery quiet!) I was only 10 days post op when I went back to work, and everyone kept telling me I didn't look any different! Well, what do you expect in ten days? But they were so suportive as I progressed in my journey. Keep your chin up, and don't worry, everyone will be envious as you drop those pounds and start to look and feel so much better! Keep posting. Let us know how it goes at work. You are in my thoughts and prayers tonight!

It sounds like you are doing great! Be sure and post tomorrow after your doctor's appointment, so we know how that goes. And remember, it is a journey that we all take one step at a time. I can remember when I was just a couple of weeks post op, and in a hurry to get all my weight off and "be done with all this". It finally dawned on me that it will never "be over". That I will always be a post op VSG. That although the day will come when I will eat more normally, I will always be limited in how much I can eat. I will always (hopefully) eat less than I used to, but the other side of the coin is that I will weigh less than I used to also. In short, it is a new life style, one that will help me be healthier, happier and hopefully live longer. Best of luck tomorrow at your doctor's appointment and congratulations!

You are doing SO great! The pictures are an inspiration. Keep up the great work! I know I am SO happy with my results! Be sure and keep us posted, and keep posting pictures! I attached a photo of me shortly before I had my procedure. You can see from my profile picture how different I look. You are doing great. Keep it up! I am the one in the middle.

Hey, BIG congratulations! And March 5 isn't even a month off. Will be here in NO time! Be sure you keep us all posted, we want to know how you are doing. And we love to hear success stories! Welcome (in advance) to the Looser's Bench!

I can't remember how soon after my surgery I started loosing pounds. I do know that it seemed like I was loosing weight but not inches for ages. I had lost 25-30 pounds before any of my clothes started to look/feel loose. I was beginning to wonder if all the pounds I was loosing was off my feet, fingers and sinus passages, as my rings were loose, my shoes were loose and my allergies/sinus congestion had cleared up! Then all of a sudden, boom! My clothes started getting to big for me, and stuff (like my pants) started to fall off. I am now almost 8 months post op, and the weight loss has slowed down significantly, but I am still loosing about 1-2 pounds a month. I am so happy with my sleeve! I am down right at 100 pounds (it varies by a pound or so daily). I have gone from a size 26/28 top to a 12/14, size 22/24 pants to size 8 and my weight has gone from 258 pounds to 159 (this morning. Last Friday was 158. It varies on how much I ate the day before, how hydrated I am and how my scale feels like treating me each day!) I wouldn't go back to where I was for anything!!! Hang in there, the scale WILL start to move, and you WILL lose!

I am one of those people who went to Mexico to have their surgery. So haven't seen my surgeon since June, when I had my surgery. And to my knowledge, there is no support group in my geographical area. BUT I love this board, and it takes the place of a support group for me. I read it almost every day, and have learned SO much from the posts I have read. A BIG thank-you to everyone who was sleeved before me, and has posted about their experience. It has been a learning experience for me. I am SO happy with my sleeve experience! It has literally changed my life!

I was self pay for my surgery, so there was no imposed "wait period", it was just a matter of getting the time off from work and the doctor's schedule. As far as return to work, I went back to work 10 days after my surgery. I am a labor and delivery nurse, and work 12 hour shifts (night shift), and I was tired. Some nights I didn't know if I was going to make it through the shift or not. I wish I had had the luxury of staying off work 4-6 weeks, but I am a Travel Nurse, and most travel agencies don't offer sick pay, or short term disability, or stuff like that. So I went back to work cause I had to. But I made it through, none the worse for wear, and today (I am almost 8 months post op) I feel great, and feel sure that I am healthier than I have been for years. I am down about 100 pounds, and thrilled with how I look and feel. Hope this helps you some!