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Hi everyone.Well, I am on day one of the preop modified very low calorie diet and hoping that two Optifast meals a day won't give me a rash or violent tummy problems.(If anyone else here is interested I can post the modified preop diet for people who are reactive to the opti).My three year old curious son who always wants to eat what I do is very puzzled.He is slurping on a milo dessert he wanted because I was soldiering thru a optifast choc dessert for lunch-he is so cute Dr Mosse is still ordering urgent tests for me even tho the surgery date is in 2 weeks.I have to have an oesphageal manometry test now (to check for swallowing problems).So his final words to me on Mon were to start the diet, fill in the hospital paperwork and consent, but that he may not do the operation! He is so thorough I have already spent over $1000 on tests alone. Trying to stay positive and really appreciating reading this forum.

Yes, my blood sugars go down when I am feeling hypoglycemic. Here are my "numbers" that were tested in the hospital and are where I cannot go: Blood sugar of 190 - I begin to shake and have rough hypo symptoms Blood sugar of 170 or below - I pass out (Most do this when blood sugar is 130 or so) So, in my first nutrition meeting today, they said they are sending me to the Joslin Diabetes Hospital, which is luckily right across the street from the hospital I have chosen for my surgery. Hypoglycemia has been a huge problem of mine since I was a kid. Diabetes is new, and all over my family history.

It could be mild reactive hypoglycemia. I get it with carb-heavy meals but more extreme and need to be careful. Try adding a bit more fat and protein to your meal and reducing carbs a bit. You can test your blood sugar using a tester you can get at the chemist. It shouldn't go much below 4. Test when you are feeling worst.

I have grave's...which is from hyperthyroid. At first I lost, then gained a bunch. My weight went up and down. Surgery...the band has helped so much...and I make sure to get my levels checked every 4 mths. I take my meds like I should(most of the time) which really helps. Having a thyroid disease can cause your weight to go up or down...whether your hypo or hyper. Everyone is different.

I don't mean to be a nitpicker, but I want to be sure that newbies researching get accurate information. When I was researching the sleeve in 2011 it was clear even then that there are some long term complications associated with the sleeve. #1 is reflux/GERD. in fact, it seems to peak about 3-6 years post op - I recall reading that about 30% are impacted. Most people can manage it well though... a few have to revise to bypass because it is so bad. I had to ask myself if I was willing to risk this. #2 regain. This is a risk of all WLS and the sleeve has very comparable stats to the bypass, but it is still a long term "risk" #3 Less common, but real problems like: ulcers and other "problems of the stomach". This seems fairly uncommon, but there is a person on this forum who developed a "leak" a year or more post op from an ulcer. Reactive hypoglycemia, vit B deficiencies and other very uncommon type problems can show up. I don't say any of that to scare people - just go in with your eyes open. I, like most sleevers, have no complications and am very happy with my choice, but there are long term concerns to be aware.

Betsy its really interesting that you pointed that out I actually copied and pasted that from the hospital web site, lahey clinic but I am sure it was just mis-wording on the part of whoever typed it, I know lahey is very well respected world-wide and they were willing to do brain surgery on me that had never been done before and they have given be a second chance at living a normal life, so I would put my life, stomach, or whatever it may be in their hands any day. You are correct about that statement though, I do beleive it is worded wrong, but I also don't beleive the surgeon himself is sitting at the computer typing that lol. Cocoabean, ditto on that, same goes with rare side effects. But my pounding headaches/migranes have been almost absent after 2 weeks on it. Good to hear about the diabetes thing, since I am not diabetic either. I think I might be in that small population too, although I dont know what the heck is going on with my thryoid, my TSH and T4 levels have been wacko all over the place the past 2 years even though I am on synthroid. I seem to have hyper-hypo phases......I swear to god I have hashimotos but I have had my antibodies tested twice and they were neg....I also likely have a pituitary tumor that is causing some hormone dysfunction....but I just cant wait for them to come up with a diagnosis and just watch myself BLOW up to over 400lbs....that is why I really want the band....b/c I do believe they will eventually find something....and if they do...all of us will be happy that I chose the band....its a really tough descision...and I guess I hadnt mentioned it on here before b/c you guys might think it is a weird reason for seeking a band....but if they are willing to band me (which costs a lot more than running tests to dx me) I have to go along with it...... I dont know, what would you do...just sit and wait for an abnormal test while you battle with hungry every day and watch the scale continue to go up....or do something if you were offered it...???

You have forgotten to relax and trust your team! Don't pack a ton of stuff. In between walks, try to sleep. You're going to be loopy as all get-out anyway. Don't buy anything new like a phone charger for one night. You're overthinking - big time. Buying more stuff might make you feel like you're getting prepared, but it's not necessary. No regular socks, they won't let you wear them. Bring a hairbrush, toothbrush. Don't bother with makeup. I wore the hospital gown for my entire stay. I didn't want to bleed all over my clothing. You might bring a shawl for your shoulders. Any type of garment with sleeves is a pain because you'll have an IV. If you use hypo-allergenic wipes, I'd bring those. Just take a deep breath, you're going to be fine. We're all in your corner!

The general advice for a hypo ( non wls ) is to have something that is high in sugar and easy to absorb, liquid is better than solid. So orange juice, high sugar cordials etc ( avaoid carbonation). Alternatively foods such as honey or jam also wok quickly. Then once the person appears to be returning to normal it should be followed up with a good quality, low gi carb e.g a banana or whole meal bread sandwich. Obviously for wls patients i imagine the recommendations would be a little different . However it is still important to raise and stabilise the blood sugar.

Hello to All, I will be 6 weeks post-op tomorrow and have only lost 12 lbs. I know that averages out to the 2 lbs per week that my doctor wants me to lose, but it just seems like for the past week since I got my first fill that things have slowed way down. I am losing inches and that is a good thing, but would love to see some more lbs go away forever. I am measuring my food, eating between 800-1000 calories with lots of Protein, drinking almost a gallon of Water a day and working out in some way everyday. I go back to the doctor on June 14th, I assume for a 2nd fill. I am also hypo-thyroid and realize that this will affect my weight loss so my PCP is keeping a very good check on my levels and dosages to try and minimize my thyroid destroying this weight loss effort like it has so many others. Would greatly appreciate any suggestions on what I might be needing to change or add. Thanks in advance and thanks for all the great people on this forum for sharing their ideas and experiences with all of us newbies.

I found the post you were talking about and read it, it is so nice to hear other hypo-thyroid people having positive things to share with us. Thanks for sharing the information. I am like you when I see the huge losses in the same time when I am following my doctors orders exactly and am losing so slowly, but like you I am thankful for what I have lost. Good luck on your journey!

I'm 2.5 years out. I find it really helps to reset once a month. For two or three days I drink Protein shakes and green juices and have a really small dinner. I stay at or below my goal of 175 (I'm 5'10") most of the time. If I go above 175, I start watching what I eat more closely. @@CowgirlJane ... really not much more than what I said in my post above at http://www.bariatricpal.com/topic/330902-what-are-your-differences-between-year-1-year-2-and-year-3/?p=3824614 Over at www.gastricsleeve.com there's a woman named "Grace" who really suffers from this problem. To find her posts, use the Advanced Search function and look for Keyword "hypoglycemia" and User Name "Grace." Her posts have generated some good discussions on that board. I'm also having a really hard time with reactive hypoglycemia. I wasn't a low carb fanatic at any time since my surgery. I have episodes around 11:30 if I don't drink a Protein shake for Breakfast or if I have anything with excess sugar in it. I also have episodes in the middle of the night. I thought I was having night sweats, but I have the tremors and ravenous hunger as well.

Welcome Roxie. All of us have our reasons for being slow losers. If all the medical options are ruled out such as "hypo thyroid" then I suggest you track everything you put in your mouth. For instance, I cook by tasting. Amazing how many calories go down the tube. Also, try not to equate exercise with losing weight. Exercise is great cardio, muscle building etc. but to lose weight you still have to consume less than you take in. Exercise does consume calories and is part of the equation but not the only one. I can't exercise very much, but still have managed to loose one or two pounds a month. The other thing is to assess your "head hunger". Do you have any? Do you give in to it? What are the rewards you give yourself, is it food or do you try a warm bath, etc. Just a few ideas. Certainly not the complete answer but to get you started back on side. Doddie

Here is a list of some of the abbreviations used on this website. ACL = Anterior cruciate ligament AGB = Adjustable gastric banding AMRAP = As Many Rounds As Possible (crossfit) BB = belly button bc = because BCBS = Blue Cross/Blue Shield BED = Binge Eating Disorder bf = best friend BM = bowel movement BMI = Body Mass Index bp = blood pressure BPD = Borderline Personality Disorder or Biliary Pancreatic Diversion bs = blood sugar btw = by the way CBT = cognitive-behavioral therapy CC = common channel c diff = clostridium difficile cos or cuz = because CPAP = continuous positive airway pressure CRNP = certified registered nurse practitioners cw = current weight CXR = Chest X-Ray DDD = degenerative disc disease Dr. = doctor DS = Dumping Syndrome or Duodenal Switch EGD = Esophagogastroduodenoscopy EKG = Electrocardiography ff = fat free GERD = gastroesophageal reflux disease GI = gastrointestinal GNC = General Nutrition Corporation store GP = general practitioner or family doctor HBP = high blood pressure hr = heart rate hw = highest weight ICU = Intensive Care Unit Idk = I don’t know IMHO = in my humble (honest) opinion IMO = in my opinion IUI = Intrauterine insemination LAP Band = Laparoscopic Adjustable Gastric Band lol = laughing out loud LSG = Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy med = medicine MFP = my fitness pal msg = message NASH = Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis nf = non fat NG = Nasogastric NP = nurse practitioner NSAIDS = Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug NSV = non-Scale victory (“scale” means “weight scale”) NUT = nutritionist OA = Overeaters Anonymous omw = on my way Onederland = a magical place or destination for those trying to lose weight. It might correspond to attaining a weight in the hundreds or losing a hundred pounds. op = operation OSA = Obstructive Sleep Apnea Oz = Australia PB = Productive Burps PCOS = Polycystic Ovary Syndrome PCP = Primary Care Physician PICC= Peripherally Inserted Central Catheter PM = private message (email) PMS = premenstrual syndrome POSE = Primary Obesity Surgery Endolumenal postop or post–op = post-operation or post-surgery PPI = Proton Pump Inhibitors ppl = people preop or pre-op = pre-operation or pre-surgery PTSD = Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder PVC = Premature ventricular contractions RA = Rheumatoid arthritis RH = reactive hypoglycemia RN = registered nurse RNY = Roux-en-Y RTD = ready to drink RYGB = Roux-en-Y gastric bypass SADI-S = single anastomosis duodeno–ileal bypass with sleeve gastrectomy s/f or sf = sugar free SG = Sleeve gastrectomy SIPS = stomach intestinal pylorus-sparing surgery smh = shaking my head, scratching my head SO = significant other SOB = shortness of breath sw = weight at surgery tmi = too much information TPN = total parenteral nutrition TT = tummy tuck TTC = trying to conceive Ty = Thank you. [but according to the urban dictionary “Ty” is also an abbreviation for “a total stud with a massive carrot”.] u = You UGI = Upper Gastrointestinal VSG = Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy Vit = vitamin wks = weeks WLS = Weight Loss Surgery WOD = Workout of the Day w/o = without wt = weight or :-) = = smiley face or :-( = = sad face

The following is a list of abbreviations commonly used on this board. ACL = Anterior cruciate ligament AGB = Adjustable gastric banding AMRAP = As Many Rounds As Possible (crossfit) AT = Aspiration Therapy BB = belly button bc = because BCBS = Blue Cross/Blue Shield BDD = Body Dysmorphic Disorder BED = Binge Eating Disorder bf = best friend BM = bowel movement BMI = Body Mass Index bp = blood pressure BPD = Borderline Personality Disorder or Biliary Pancreatic Diversion bs = blood sugar btw = by the way C25K = Couch Potato to Running 5K CBT = cognitive-behavioral therapy CC = common channel c diff = clostridium difficile cos or cuz = because CPAP = continuous positive airway pressure CRNP = certified registered nurse practitioners CT = Computed Tomography (commonly called CAT Scan) cw = current weight CXR = Chest X-Ray DDD = degenerative disc disease Dr. = doctor DS = Dumping Syndrome or Duodenal Switch EBT = Endoscopic Bariatric Therapies EGD = Esophagogastroduodenoscopy EKG = Electrocardiography ER = emergency room ESG = Endoscopic Sleeve Gastroplasty ff = fat free f/u = follow up GB = gastric bypass GERD = gastroesophageal reflux disease GI = gastrointestinal GIF = Gastric Intrinsic Factor GNC = General Nutrition Corporation store GP = general practitioner or family doctor HBP = high blood pressure hr = heart rate hw = highest weight ICU = Intensive Care Unit Idk = I don’t know IGB = intragastric balloons IF = Intrinsic Factor IMHO = in my humble (honest) opinion IMO = in my opinion IUI = Intrauterine insemination LAP Band = Laparoscopic Adjustable Gastric Band LES = lower esophageal sphincter lol = laughing out loud LSG = Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy med = medicine MFP = my fitness pal MGB = Mini Gastric Bypass msg = message NAFLD = nonalcoholic fatty liver disease NASH = Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis nf = non fat NG = Nasogastric NP = nurse practitioner NSAIDS = Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug NSV = non-Scale victory (“scale” means “weight scale”) NUT = nutritionist OA = Overeaters Anonymous omw = on my way Onederland = a magical place or destination for those trying to lose weight. It might correspond to attaining a weight in the hundreds or losing a hundred pounds. op = operation OSA = Obstructive Sleep Apnea OTC = Over the counter Oz = Australia PB = Productive Burps PCOS = Polycystic Ovary Syndrome PCP = Primary Care Physician PICC= Peripherally Inserted Central Catheter PM = private message (email) PMS = premenstrual syndrome POSE = Primary Obesity Surgery Endolumenal postop or post–op = post-operation or post-surgery PPI = Proton Pump Inhibitors ppl = people preop or pre-op = pre-operation or pre-surgery PTSD = Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder PVC = Premature ventricular contractions RA = Rheumatoid arthritis RH = reactive hypoglycemia RN = registered nurse RNY = Roux-en-Y RTD = ready to drink Rx = Prescription medicine RYGB = Roux-en-Y gastric bypass SADI-S = single anastomosis duodeno–ileal bypass with sleeve gastrectomy s/f or sf = sugar free SG = Sleeve gastrectomy SIPS = stomach intestinal pylorus-sparing surgery smh = shaking my head, scratching my head SO = significant other SOB = shortness of breath st = stones (a unit of weight measurement) sw = weight at surgery tmi = too much information TPN = total parenteral nutrition TT = tummy tuck TTC = trying to conceive Ty = Thank you. [but according to the urban dictionary “Ty” is also an abbreviation for “a total stud with a massive carrot”.] u = You UGI = Upper Gastrointestinal VSG = Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy Vit = vitamin wks = weeks WLS = Weight Loss Surgery WOD = Workout of the Day w/o = without wt = weight

It's my own damn fault, I don't know why I can't just stay out of it. I honestly just wanted to let people know of some possible risks... I should know from being in online communities for years that whenever you disagree with people, someone is going to take it personally, and then make it personal. Problem is, I'm not a toughie, and I get very reactive, partly because of my depression. I should protect myself better, and just resist the impulse to type things that might be controversial. I've just put Telly on ignore, and I'll just try to keep a lower profile here, I just wish I had thicker skin, so I could participate in discussion like this, voice my opinion, and -not- go to pieces if someone gets nasty. It just gets tiring living life trying to avoid 'stress', but you don't get to pick and choose your weaknesses. I might take a short break from the forums, not sure, I get such good support and info here sometimes, it's a tough call to make. Don't feel responsible or bad, really. Laying blame anywhere doesn't help anyone.

Hi everyone, it seems like this site has been very quiet for a few days... I don't feel so guilty about not getting to the computer to post.. Everyone must be out enjoying life and spring...........at least I hope that's what's happening!!!! I have been just trying to settle back into a sort of normal life... Was able to make it to church yesterday, but took my pillow for back support. My severe nerve pain is gone, but has been replaced with a plan old bachache that doesn't go away.. I know that will come with time. I did gain back 2 pounds....figured I would just from getting hydrated again.. I have a hard time drinking very much these days... But I'm working on it... I'm eating okay, not doing too much of the wrong things... What I haven't done is get back to my band routine.... Protein first... I haven't had the energy to cook, so have been going for what is handy and what someone else makes... I'm still at 293 and if I can hold there until my band gets reactivated I'll be very happy.... I hired a sitter for my granddaughter for the week.. Daughter is very nervous about it, but I just need another week without the strain of anything phsical with a 2 year old... I'm very close and can run to her if I'm needed.. It will be good for Mimi to have the interaction with other kids.. I think she'll be fine, but DD is a worrier like her mother!!!! I'm tring to work on my closet... Soooooo many clothes to move out and get rid of and try to find what I actually have for summer in the size I am now... It's a big job and will be doing it slowly.... At least it's finally warming up around here some and I can do capris and not worry about my too short pants!! DH left for work awhile ago and I should go do a little something now so I can rest again... Brother will be coming home from hospital today... He is divorced with 3 daughters... One grown with her own baby, who will be staying with him for a bit..... one, 17 who just had knee surgery on Friday, and one who is 11...... He has a semi-serious girlfriend, who will help with care, but lives in Bismarck and works.... And of course the ex, who causes all sorts of problems..... Anyway, they share custody and live about 2 blocks from each other... My mother, daughter and I went to his house yesterday and washed his bedding and straightened up a bit.... Will try to get some good, healthy food there for supper tonight if I can think of what to do... He is a smoker with bad eating habits who is going to have quiet a bunch of changes to make in his life... He and I are close, so will try to help as much as I can..... Hope everyone is refreshed from a good weekend... Have a good week...... Julie

@Apple1 Actually, I don't mean to contradict you, but in my opinion, what you were experiencing from going from eating a low carb diet where you were in lipolysis (fat burning mode), to eating sugar or high carbs is a well-known phenomenon in the low carb world. Most of the low carb docs know of this. It is a benign blood sugar reaction--in many cases. That is why they will tell you that if you've been low carbing and are going to have a glucose tolerance test, then you must go back to being a carb burner (glycolysis) for a minimum of 3 days prior to the test--where you have to eat a minimum of 150g of carbs per day in order to have an accurate picture of what's happening in the GTT. It's almost in the nature of being a reactive hypoglycemic event where your sugars go super high, then crash. It can cause the same symptoms of dumping--fast heart rate, sweating, nausea, the big D, feeling super bad, etc. Happened to me once from having a margarita after years of low carbing. That doesn't necessarily indicate a persons diabetes 2 is out of control again--but it can.

I don't dump either. I do have a reactive hypoglycemic though, which makes my blood sugar spike than crash....so, I try to be very careful with sugars. I passed out once from low blood sugar since my surgery, and I really don't want that to happen again. Sent from my iPad using the BariatricPal App

No weight loss surgery is perfect for everyone. One has to realize being overweight has its own risks for surgery. The band haters, they seem to focus on the fact that this "foreign obeject" is messing them up ( excuse me what are hundreds of titanium staples?). I have read enough profiles in seven years to read between the lines and figure out a lot of them ambushed themselves. For some reason or another if a sleeve or gastric bypass or a duodenal switch fails there is not as much hate. Even though a lot of them are ruined for life physically (and eventually mentally). Research has shown that a lot more disparaging things are being discovered about the sleeve. The stomach has a lot of nerves and hormones that keep our system in balance. Sleeve surgery was only used in the past for extreme medical emergencies. There must have been a good reason for this. All the yahoo about removing ghrelin, well it has been shown a lot more depression happens when ghrelin is removed. I have also read about a lot of sleeve patients groaning about hunger. The band reduces the size of the opening that food can go through. Gastric bypass does this, but over time it stretches. Also the pyloric valve is bypassed. Food rushes too fast through the digestive system. Reactive hypogylcemia can happen and this can result in seizures. Malnutrition in the bypass and duodenal switch, that is a whole other dissertation. Monthly iron infusions for the rest of your life, and how many times have I heard people who don't know any better go on about band maintainance. How about iron infusion maintainance. I can go on and on, but I won't. Take care everyone.

I am getting this too now, I am 5 weeks out and my surgeon gave me permission to eat solid food. I feel exhausted in the day and when I stand up I get dizzy. I have a little pain in my left arm/shoulder like I pulled a muscle. Trying to figure out what it is...low blood sugar, leak, ketosis, or postural hypo-tension. I sent my doctor an email but after 5 on a friday I don't have much hope of getting an answer right away. If it gets worse I will go to urgent care. Follow up: The surgeon's office told me if I had a leak I would be in a lot of pain and in the ER room...so I will rule that one out. They think I got too much sugar or something like that..

Correction: reactive hypoglycemia

Being exhausted can be a sign of low blood sugar. I was diabetic prior to surgery. If I had not come off all my diabetic meds after surgery, these meds could have forced my blood sugar to go towards the low side. For the first month after surgery, your body is in a major heal mode. That might cause the exhaustion. Some meds may cause these symptoms. There is also a condition called reactive hypoglycemia that some people who underwent WLS encounter. But at 2 weeks, I think this is too soon for that condition.

Your TSH is something that is a routine test that is done with all your regular labs. I was thought to have hypo thyroid because my tsh was a little high and I had the classic symptoms. Let me tell you this, the medicine the Dr. gave me called levothyroxine was the worse meds I could have ever taken. It makes you gain weight terribly. Rashes on face,hairloss, isomnia (severe) and hot feeling all over our head. I am on the road for a bypass and even if you have a tyroid condition don't let that stop you from your surgery. The meds you get for the thyroid won't make you lose weight even if they regulate your thyroid. You may gain because of the meds. I have spoken to so many patients who gained weight and had bad side affects from those meds. Other people I spoke to had the by pass and their levels stabilized and got better. Those of us that have metabolic syndrome like I do or Diabetes like I do will run the risk of a slow thyroid because that is the natural corse of things when our bodies are fighting to stay alive in an obese state. So please, do not do what I did, become afraid and post pone the surgery or cancel it because you think you don't need it or some miracle thyroid pill willfis your issues and make you suddenly stop gaining weight or thin. Chances are if you are here, you need ths surgery. I needed and wanted this surgery for many years and would come on herer to read horror stories that scared me away. I regret that and will listen to facts and people who have been there done that. So go forward and stay positive. Our Thyroid is not our only problem and will not solve the bigger issues at hand. Good Luck.

I had heard pre sleeve that they take out the Ghrelin producing stomach (supposedly where 90% of Ghrelin is made. Heard the other 10% was in the pancreas) causing me to feel no hunger, either for a long period of time (ie: 6 mths-1yr) or ever. I've noticed that it's spread pretty evenly on this board: Those of us that still have hunger and those that don't (lucky dogs, btw) Thought I'd look up Ghrelin. I found that its produced in the pituitary, stomach, intestine, pancreas, thymus, gonads, thyroid, lungs, kideys, brain, and heart. Wow. I guess my other organs picked up where my stomach left off. I've been on Levothyroxine for my thyroid for about 10 yrs. Now that I've seen in writing that some of the Ghrelin is produced in the thyroid, I'm wondering if you have hypo/hyper thyroidism if that might affect ur levels of Ghrelin. Has anyone heard this? Does anyone have an upcoming appt with their surgeon where they can ask this question? Starting on day 10, I've continued to have hunger (real hunger, not acid or head hunger). While it's easily satiated (with a few bites), I'm hungry more often than pre sleeve. It gets embarrassing to inform my husband that I'm hungry "again" 90 minutes after my last meal. I feel that he thinks I'm a pig (I told him of my fear one day and he informed me that altho he teases me "Ur hungry AGAIN?", he's never felt this way). I hafta keep a baggy of almonds in my purse cuz sometimes I can't wait till I can get to a meal - then I make poor choices. Anyone else have a problem with hunger? And those that don't feel hungry post op: You have no idea how much I envy you!! I totally expected to be just like you