Hello! My name is Laura and I live in the St Louis area. I work in IT and have for about 18 years. I had sleeve surgery Monday, Dec 2. My insurance at work finally decided to cover most of the costs so I decided it was time. I am 49 and really didn't want to turn 50 overweight, hence my handle. I originally had decided to get the band but then did more research at the urging of my endocrinologist. She had suggested the sleeve and after doing research (and watching a procedure on YouTube) I decided that's what I wanted to do.

So far I'm doing great physically with only a little bit of pain but a TON of burping. Fortunately I had someone who gave me advice before surgery about what to have on hand afterward so I could get my Protein and enough fluids in.

One thing I've had problems with is picking a goal weight. People ask me how much weight I want to lose but I don't think in terms of weight, I think of size. I've been overweight all my life so I have no idea what weight would be best for me. I'm 5'5" but am pretty muscular from playing sports. I carry most of my weight in my belly and flabby upper arms. I know I'd really like to get to be an average size and have set my 1st goal at fitting into a size 12. The thought of not having to shop plus size stores makes me happy! Right now I'm borderline 20-22 and I honestly have no idea what it will take to get to a 12. I think once I hit that I'll reassess and see where I want to end up. How have others decided a goal weight?

Really glad I found this site and am happy to have company along on my journey.

Hey!! I'm also 5 days post op!! I feel really week.. Hoping to be able to up my protein and feel better!! Hope to follow ur journey!!

Cris

Congrats on your surgery! Have you been drinking enough and getting your protein? A friend told me about Chike protein coffee drinks and protidiet chicken soup (found both on amazon). Both are pretty tasty and are a change from water and protein shakes. My friends couldn't believe when I told them a sugar free strawberry jello cup was 4 servings to me but I take my time getting through it. Hang in there! I'm so excited for both of us!

Congratulations on your new journey! I understand about simply knowing it is time to make the change. I was the same way. I just knew I was ready and never looked back.

For your burping, have you tried gas medicines? After I had surgery in 2007, I used the disolvable strips. They did work okay, but the chewables were better. I just used the CVS store brand and they helped. The gas subsided after about two to three weeks, if I remember correctly. Check with your surgeon to see what you can take for it.

As far as picking a goal weight, I'm sure your doctor can help you with that. I know what you mean about thinking in terms of size, though. I shoot for body fat percentage first, size second....and the number on the scale is the least of my concerns. I will have to admit that it was tons of fun watching the scale drop so fast right after surgery!

Keep posting and letting us know how you're doing!

Edited December 8, 201312 yr by TexasFire

I do have the chewable gas-x but haven't used them too much because the burping isn't painful, just annoying. I'm hoping I'll work through it eventually. Every now and then I get a larger bubble that actually hurts but I just try to breathe deeply and that seems to help.

Thanks for the words of encouragement!