Jump to content
×
Are you looking for the BariatricPal Store? Go now!

Things I Don't Like About Being Sleeved, What Are Yours?



Recommended Posts

Can I start with an I LOVE? I love that this is nothing like what I thought it would be. I really, really thought (as ink had resigned myself to accepting) that this would be fairly miserable: constant nausea or vomiting, virtually guaranteed food intolerances, etc. About 5 months in and I can eat anything, so far. That includes Pasta, rice, bread, dough, etc. Not that I eat it much or in large amounts, but I can get it down. I do still very much enjoy the freedom to eat whatever I want (though I really wouldn't complain if it were any other way).

The NSAIDS are indeed back and forth. Really, the only reason we can't take them is a "just in case". They aren't inherently bad for us, but IF you do have a reaction or complication that results in an ulcer, it could be harder to treat than if you had a regular stomach. Ok so that's super simplified, but the idea is there. :)

What I hate --

I hate not really knowing when to stop. As a general rule I under-eat my sleeve. This has also resulted in me never having hit above 650 calories in an entire day, 5 months out. I worry about that. It's no good. I'd hoped to be around 900 calories by now. My nutritionist wanted me at 900 calories 3 months ago. And from what I've been told, this may never change. I never thought I would _hate_ that I can't eat _enough_ calories.

Related to the above, I do hate the hairloss. I've been through it before (previous WLS) and I'm rather used to it now... but it still sucks. If nothing else, I hate having to clean my shower drain every day. :)

I hate what this has done to my poops. I take Fiber, and laxatives, and still have a hard time. A few times I've been able to go, only to have it "get stuck" halfway out and refuse to budge (either direction). That may be TMI for some, but it's the truth. What the heck are you supposed to do when that happens?

I hate that I have pretty bad reflux, and I hate that every time I reflux, I worry about complications. Mental note: call my surgeon and talk about this. My reflux is associated with a particular sensation, and it's a sensation I also had with my band - which makes little sense. I'm wondering if I have some dismotility, or a slight stricture. My "this may never change" above is related to the amount of scar tissue I had from my band & previous surgeries, which could also be exacerbating this sensation/reflux.

I hate that with my lapband I lost weight like a rockstar, and relatively 'm a total toirtoise this time around. Don't get me wrong, I think I'm going OK considering I stalled for the better part of my first 3 months post-op. But when I had lost weight so quickly before, I just had high expectations that it would happen again and accepting that it isn't going to sucks money butts.

I hate that I don't know what to do with my too-big clothes. So I'm hoarding them. Because I'm also a little afraid to get rid of them (if I'd gotten rid of them the first time, I'd have been screwed when that weight came back.)

I hate what my body is looking like. I'll take it over the fat -- don't get me wrong. And I'm not a vain person. But I look like a melty wax sculpture. I guess more generically, I hate that I've ALREADY destroyed my body. That I will never have my natural, tone bare skin again. That I've wrecked it, and that no matter how much weight I lose, I will never have my beautiful naked self again.

Ugh I could go on.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I've just posted my TOP TEN complaints (annoyances really) about the sleeve, just curious what everyone else's is. My list is on my Sunday blog that I just posted today. (Just click on the link to read them).

Hope every one is having a great week and I'll be curious to know what other people think. Most of the time, we just hear I LOVE MY SLEEVE, but there are those few things.....

Wow! I looked at your blog and saw your picture from 2010 and the one from 2012. You look so much younger! Great job! I hope it'll be the same for me after I get sleeved.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I am less than a month out and what I hate right now is the lack of energy. It seems that I am ok one minute and totally zapped the next. So far, that is all that I do not like.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Well....the only thing I can think of is an isolated issue. I'm dealing with a nasty (and multiple) muscle injuries in my left hip/leg, and would love to be able to take some Advil, to help with the inflammation. Unfortunately, that's a no-go... Other than that, I'm loving my sleeve, and the weight loss that comes with it! :)

I was told by my surgeon that I am not able to have NSAIDS ever again...

Me too- never

My surgeon told me no NSAIDS for the first 6-8 weeks. He allows it after that but strongly encourages limited use, and NEVER on an empty stomach. I take simple ibuprofen (200-400mg) only as needed now, sometimes twice a week or a month longer. Never had any problems with it. But I think it's different on a case-by-case basis. I have no problems with acid, etc.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Can I start with an I LOVE? I love that this is nothing like what I thought it would be. I really, really thought (as ink had resigned myself to accepting) that this would be fairly miserable: constant nausea or vomiting, virtually guaranteed food intolerances, etc. About 5 months in and I can eat anything, so far. That includes Pasta, rice, bread, dough, etc. Not that I eat it much or in large amounts, but I can get it down. I do still very much enjoy the freedom to eat whatever I want (though I really wouldn't complain if it were any other way).

The NSAIDS are indeed back and forth. Really, the only reason we can't take them is a "just in case". They aren't inherently bad for us, but IF you do have a reaction or complication that results in an ulcer, it could be harder to treat than if you had a regular stomach. Ok so that's super simplified, but the idea is there. :)

What I hate --

I hate not really knowing when to stop. As a general rule I under-eat my sleeve. This has also resulted in me never having hit above 650 calories in an entire day, 5 months out. I worry about that. It's no good. I'd hoped to be around 900 calories by now. My nutritionist wanted me at 900 calories 3 months ago. And from what I've been told, this may never change. I never thought I would _hate_ that I can't eat _enough_ calories.

Related to the above, I do hate the hairloss. I've been through it before (previous WLS) and I'm rather used to it now... but it still sucks. If nothing else, I hate having to clean my shower drain every day. :)

I hate what this has done to my poops. I take Fiber, and laxatives, and still have a hard time. A few times I've been able to go, only to have it "get stuck" halfway out and refuse to budge (either direction). That may be TMI for some, but it's the truth. What the heck are you supposed to do when that happens?

I hate that I have pretty bad reflux, and I hate that every time I reflux, I worry about complications. Mental note: call my surgeon and talk about this. My reflux is associated with a particular sensation, and it's a sensation I also had with my band - which makes little sense. I'm wondering if I have some dismotility, or a slight stricture. My "this may never change" above is related to the amount of scar tissue I had from my band & previous surgeries, which could also be exacerbating this sensation/reflux.

I hate that with my lapband I lost weight like a rockstar, and relatively 'm a total toirtoise this time around. Don't get me wrong, I think I'm going OK considering I stalled for the better part of my first 3 months post-op. But when I had lost weight so quickly before, I just had high expectations that it would happen again and accepting that it isn't going to sucks money butts.

I hate that I don't know what to do with my too-big clothes. So I'm hoarding them. Because I'm also a little afraid to get rid of them (if I'd gotten rid of them the first time, I'd have been screwed when that weight came back.)

I hate what my body is looking like. I'll take it over the fat -- don't get me wrong. And I'm not a vain person. But I look like a melty wax sculpture. I guess more generically, I hate that I've ALREADY destroyed my body. That I will never have my natural, tone bare skin again. That I've wrecked it, and that no matter how much weight I lose, I will never have my beautiful naked self again.

Ugh I could go on.

Thank you for candidness and baring it all. I too feel the same way for many things. I am getting a revision I wonder how it will be for me.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I am less than a month out and what I hate right now is the lack of energy. It seems that I am ok one minute and totally zapped the next. So far, that is all that I do not like.

Joyce - I promise it will get better! My energy was pretty low for almost two months. Now, I am four months out and let me tell you that I have energy to spare and I LOVE it! Once all the anethesia is totally out of your system and you are on solid protein-rich foods, you'll start seeing an amazing difference. One other thing I have noticed about energy, if I don't eat Breakfast in the morning, the rest of my day is not as energetic, so I make sure I get Breakfast. Most days it is a Protein shake of some kind, or cottage cheese with pineapple or some fruit. Also, once you start getting in some cardio and possibly weight-training, you'll notice a difference because your metabolism will speed up. I only work out three days a week - 30 minutes on a recumbant bicycle (I have a sciatica problem in my left hit so I can't walk on the treadmill, or do the eliptical) and 20 minutes of resistance weight training. I can really tell a difference. I wasn't cleared to work out by my surgeon until eight weeks out though, and I really wasn't in the mind set or ready to work out any way.

Keep your chin up and your eye on the prize - you're going to love the difference you will feel.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

My surgeon told me no NSAIDS for the first 6-8 weeks. He allows it after that but strongly encourages limited use, and NEVER on an empty stomach. I take simple ibuprofen (200-400mg) only as needed now, sometimes twice a week or a month longer. Never had any problems with it. But I think it's different on a case-by-case basis. I have no problems with acid, etc.

When I was in the hospital, recovering from surgery, I had a roommate who was in for the repair of a marginal ulcer...caused by her taking 2 Advil. My surgeon doesn't allow it...because of the increased risk for marginal ulcers...and, having seen her pain, I'll take his advice and skip NSAIDs altogether. :)

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Well....the only thing I can think of is an isolated issue. I'm dealing with a nasty (and multiple) muscle injuries in my left hip/leg' date=' and would love to be able to take some Advil, to help with the inflammation. Unfortunately, that's a no-go... Other than that, I'm loving my sleeve, and the weight loss that comes with it! :)[/quote']

I really miss the Advil. I was doing great. 6 weeks post-op and I wake up with a random tooth-ache. Likely to end up as a root canal. No Advil for the sleeve and I am allergic to codeine. Not going to be pretty.

Sent from my iPad using VST

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I was told by my surgeon that I am not able to have NSAIDS ever again...

Same here!

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I'll be honest. . . I hate driving past Sonic and knowing I can never again order my Large Diet Dr. Pepper with extra ice and a straw. It was my drug of choice for years, and on a stressful day like today, I sure wish I had one!

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

My Doctor's office said no NSAIDs immediately due to healing, but that I would be able to take them in the future. I can take liquid Tylenol now, and can also take Lortab (which I will likely need as I have kidney stones).

QueenofCrop, I enjoy your blog-especially the pics of your meals-- it really helps to see what others are eating.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

NSAID people - ask your doctors about Mobic. It's a prescription only pill, but is easier on the stomach - my spouse's gastroenterologist recommended it.

I have 2 herniated disks, a labral tear in my hip, and bursitis. My surgeon said if I decide to go back on my NSAID, I'll have to stay on my PPI.

Had I known no NSAIDs, I wouldn't have had this surgery - my back and hip pain are far too bad and there's no way I could function without an anti-inflammatory (I had a bad reaction to steroid injections, so it's NSAIDs or nothing).

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

The only thing I hate now is that I can eat way more than I could eat at one year.

I also hate that the sleeve is no help with junk food. I can eat Cookies, candy, cake, etc, and lots of it, like there is no sleeve. Give me a chicken breast, and I can chew chew chew, and have great restriction. It takes a lot of willpower when I'm around friends who are eating junk food.< /p>

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now

  • Trending Products

  • Trending Topics

  • Recent Status Updates

    • LeighaTR

      Four days post surgery. I am sipping as fast as I can and getting NO WHERE near the goal of 60 - 80 grams of protein or the 64 oz of liquids. I just feel FULL. I don't know if it can still be the gas build up (I would think by now that would be gone) but it is a struggle to drink. And so far I have not had the nausea or spasms and don't want to wander into that territory by pushing too hard with liquids. I about passed out today as it was my most "strenuous" day. Went from second story to basement for shower and I was sure I was going to pass out. Looking back on my last few days I have had a total of less than 1000 calories. Am I just not getting enough nourishment in me? Once again a friday where I can't get ahold of the doc until Monday rolls back around so I am hoping maybe someone here has some experience on how to keep energy going. I do have fibromyalgia too and that may be where some added fatigue comes into play. How did you all fair with the goals the week after surgery?
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
    • Doughgurl

      2 days until I fly out to San Diego to have my Bypass Surg. in Tiajuana Mexico. Not gonna lie, the nerves are starting to surface. I don't fear the surgery itself, or the fact that I'm traveling alone, but its the aftermath that I'm stressing about the most, after this 8 week wait. I'm excited to finally be here, but I am really dreading the post surgical chapter. I know its going to be tough, real tough and I think I'm just in my head to much now that the day i here. Wish me luck, Hopefully I'm one of the lucky ones, and everything goes smoothly. Cant wait to give an exciting update,. If there is anyone else have a June bypass or even a recent one, Id love to have someone to compare war stories with. Also, anyone near San Antonio Tx? See ya soon with the future me. 💜
      · 3 replies
      1. Phil Penn

        Good Luck this procedure is well worth it I am down to 249.6 lb please continue with the process..

      2. Selina333

        I'm in Houston so kind of near you and had the sleeve in Dec. Down 61 lbs. Feeling better. Was definitely worth it. I hope the everything is going well for you. Update us when you can!

      3. Doughgurl

        I am back home after my bypass surgery in Tiajuana. I'm post op day 4. Everything went great! I guess I'm one of the lucky ones who have not encountered much pain at all, no nausea thus far and I'm having no problem keeping down broths and water. Thank you for your well wishes. I cant wait to keep up this journey and have a chance at better health and simply better quality of life. I know there will be bumps in the road ahead, and everything won't be peaches and cream, but at least I have a great start so far. 😍

    • LeighaTR

      I am new here today... and only two weeks out from my sleeve surgery on the 23rd. I am amazed I have kept my calories down to 467 today so far... that leaves me almost 750 left for dinner and maybe a snack. This is going to be tough for two weeks... but I have to believe I can do it!
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
    • Doughgurl

      Hey everyone. I'm new here so I thought I should introduce myself. I am 53y/o and am scheduled for Gastric Bypass on June 25th, 2025. I'm located in San Antonio, Texas. I will be having my surgery in Tiajuana Mexico. I've wanted this for years, but I always had insurance where bariatric procedures were excluded. Finally I am able to afford to pay out of pocket.  I can't wait to get started, and I hope I'm prepared for the initial period of "hell". I know what I have signed up for, but I'm sure the good to come will out way the temporary period of discomfort and feelings of regret. I'd love to find people to talk to who have been through the same procedure or experience before. So I look forward to meeting you all. Hope you have a great week!
      · 2 replies
      1. Selina333

        I'm so happy for you! You are about to change your life. I was so glad to get the sleeve done in Dec. I didn't have feelings of regret overall. And I'm down almost 60 lbs. I do feel a little sad at restaurants. I can barely eat half a kid's meal. I get adults meals often because kid ones don't have the same offerings at times. Then I feel obligated to eat on that until it's gone and that can be days. So the restaurant thing isn't great for me. All the rest is fine by me! I love feeling full with very little. I do wish I could drink when eating. And will sip at the end. Just a strong habit to stop. But I'm working on it! You will do fine! Just keep focused on your desire to be different. Not better or worse. But different. I am happy both ways but my low back doesn't like me that heavy. So I listened (also my feet!). LOL! Update us on your journey! I'm not far from you. I'm in Houston. Good luck and I hope it all goes smoothly! Would love to see pics of the town you go to for this. I've never been there. Neat you will be traveling for this! Enjoy the journey. Take it one day at a time. Sometimes a few hours at a time. Follow all recommendations as best you can. 💗

      2. Doughgurl

        Thank you so much for your well wishes. I am hoping that everything goes easy for me as well. We don't eat out much as it is, so it wont be too bad in that department. Thankfully. Also, I hear you regarding your back and feet!! I'd like to add knees to the list. Killing me as we speak! I'm only 5' so the weight has to go. Too short to carry all this weight. Menopause really did a doosey on me. (😶lol) My daughter also lives in Houston. with her Husband and my 5 grand-littles. I grew up in Beaumont, so I know Houston well, I will be sure to keep in touch and update you on my journey. I may need some advice in the future, or just motivation. Thank You so much for reaching out, I was hoping to connect with someone in the community. I really appreciate it. 💜

    • Alisa_S

      On day 4 of the 2 week liquid pre-op diet. Surgery scheduled for June 11th.
      Soooo I am coming to a realization
      of something and I'm not sure what to do about it. For years the only thing I've enjoyed is eating. We rarely do anything or go anywhere and if we do it always includes food. Family comes over? Big family dinner! Go camping? Food! Take a short ride or trip? Food! Holiday? Food! Go out of town for a Dr appointment? Food! When we go to a new town we don't look for any attractions, we look for restaurants we haven't been to. Heck, I look forward to getting off work because that means it's almost supper time. Now that I'm drinking these pre-op shakes for breakfast, lunch, and supper I have nothing to look forward to.  And once I have surgery on June 11th it'll be more of the same shakes. Even after pureed stage, soft food stage, and finally regular food stage, it's going to be a drastic change for the rest of my life. I'm giving up the one thing that really brings me joy. Eating. How do you cope with that? What do you do to fill that void? Wow. Now I'm sad.
      · 1 reply
      1. LeighaTR

        I hope your surgery on Wednesday goes well. You will be able to do all sorts of new things as you find your new normal after surgery. I don't know this from experience yet, but I am seeing a lot of positive things from people who have had it done. Best of luck!

  • Recent Topics

  • Hot Products

  • Sign Up For
    Our Newsletter

    Follow us for the latest news
    and special product offers!
  • Together, we have lost...
      lbs

    PatchAid Vitamin Patches

    ×