I am a low BMI gastric sleeve patient. My BMI was a little over 35 when I got sleeved. I was approved by my insurance because I have kidney disease and getting HBP or diabetes would be detrimental to my health. I'm getting very frustrated with people not knowing my history and saying I didn't need the surgery. Although a 35 was the highest my BMI has ever been, it's more about the constant struggle with loosing weight and trying to stay healthy.

Yes surgery was 9/8. So just at 4 months out now.

Did you have any specific questions? Happy to answer.

I was 213 dos, 5'6"

Edited January 11, 201511 yr by woo woo

I am doing my surgery in Mexico soon. Hints for pre-op prep....pls

Well in general any tips... What went well, what didn't? What if anything was different than written or expected? Are you on track... Ahead of plan....

Very different here.... Planning, etc at a minimum... The "you will be fine" approach.

No doubt I will be!

Thx

I didn't travel so I can't offer anything there.

I think everyone's style is different. For sure stay on top of your pain meds, take them exactly on schedule and take your nausea meds with them.

Go very slowly and follow your eating plan exactly, no exceptions in the first several weeks especially.

Buy several types of liquids to choose from at first since you don't know what will work best for you. Same get a variety of Protein drinks to select from and get some Soups onhand.

You will feel fine to go out to the store after a day or two though so no need to go crazy buying huge quantity or anything.

You will be fine, you're right. It's not that bad, just put your head down and get through it.

Tip: if you get a little sick after taking the liquid pain meds try walking quickly around your room or house. I found this to help with gas, upset stomach and just in general.

Also, the breathing machine works. Use it as directed. I think they call it a Spiro meter?

Eta: I am right on target as far as I can tell. Down 57 lbs since 9/8. I stay on program 99.9% of the time but I do not watch my fat intake at all. I do eat low carb. Occasional wine (1 or 2 glasses per week, if I feel like it.)

Edited January 15, 201511 yr by woo woo

Oh just thought of one more! Get the adult liquid Tylenol extra strength. It comes in a cherry flavor. Works REALLY well, I was able to start switching over to it from the narcotics on about day 3. It was nice to be able to stay pain free AND see straight at the same time

Edited January 15, 201511 yr by woo woo

Thank you.....congrats on all of your success.....this is great info, allow me to probe a bit more....

I live in Mexico and live about 40 mins from city. That being said, I plan to shop this weekend for next weekend's surgery.....

pain meds/nausea meds will both be liquid and should be enough for a couple of weeks.?

Protein drinks...I found a GNC....not like US...does choc mixed w Water count as clear?

Jello - probably easier to drink than eat?

Not sure about the difference in week 1 v wk 2 liquids.

Do you feel hungry. Does your mind work on you to eat like it does pre surgery?

If it is really hard to get liquids down at first....how do you get 60 plus oz in a day or is that pre op and after 6 wks post

If you can't see through it, then no it's not a clear liquid. Clear Liquids are broth, diluted juices, popsicles (sugar free), Water, tea, that kind of thing. The next week is full liquids when you can start adding your Protein powder, strained soups, SF pudding (no you don't need to thin it out).

Yes, your brain will still play games with you. It will tell you you're hungry when you're not, it will lie to you about how you "deserve" to eat this or that. This is stomach surgery, not brain surgery. So you will have to deal with that, i recommend seeing a good therapist if you plan to keep the weight off!

Nice, thx

All plans are different. Mine did not allow any pudding, yogurt or Jello until after 3 weeks. The best thing is to follow your doctors instructions.

You will not likely feel hungry at all in the early weeks, so it is not hard to stick to the liquids.

2 weeks worth of medicines should be enough.

At first you will just be sipping liquids all day. Just do the best you can.

It's more important to not allow yourself to get dehydrated than it is to worry about Protein for the first few days.

Edited January 15, 201511 yr by woo woo

Don't go in thinking you won't be hungry. Almost everyone I know felt hunger after the first couple of days, and everyone suffered through the liquid stage. It does get better when you can start mushy foods, you stay full longer.

I remember being shocked that i was hungry. I wasnt expecting it, but now you know to expect it. Your tummy will be giving you all sorts of strange signals at first, and it will take some time for you to learn what all those new sensations mean. You will learn them. Be patient with yourself and your new baby tummy. It's most definitely worth it!

If you feel hungry on day 3, it is very likely acid reflux not hunger. This can and should be controlled with daily ppi or acid reducer or, in my case I was on both.

My experience was zero hunger on liquids.

I was on a PPI. I had true stomach hunger, as did everyone else I've spoken to. You were fortunate not to have that experience. Folks should be mentally prepared to deal with hunger after surgery. I wasnt and it was kind of shocking. I lived through it, but like most everyone I've talked to, liquid diet was very hard after the first few days.

I'm happy those days are behind me now, just a distant memory and now I'm very close to goal and feel awesome.

BMI right around 35/36 - weight 207. I researched for weeks trying to justify my desire to have the surgery. Its a lonely place when almost everyone around you say you look great but you are internally struggling because you know the truth. The battle to keep the weight off, stress and the mental fatigue it causes you that no one would ever understand. I'm currently in the Pre-Insurance approval stage but my surgeon and staff doesn't think its going to be a problem. My insurance BCBS only requires the 35 BMI w/comorbidities, psychological evaluation and the surgery must be preformed at a Blue Distinction Center.

After speaking with the psychiatrist, he confirmed my decision not to share with others about my surgery. My husband and only a selected few (friends that have had the surgery) I will share for support. Unfortunately, I CAN'T TELL MY CHILDREN! Girls, one 25 and two in college. They would think I want the surgery for selfish, cosmetic, lazy or trying to stay young reasons or bottom line narcissistic.

Sign....Striving for a healthier after 45 life but must remain in the closet.

I told very few people for the same reasons. But when I finally did tell my family they were so supportive Worried but supportive. You may be surprised at people's reactions. I'm 46 and had a lapband in 2012. And on 11/24 transitioned to a sleeve at 199 lbs. but that was up from 172 with my band after having problem. My point being. Your loved ones will support u

Just an update from a low BMIer...

Surgery: 12/31/14

Height: 5'4"

Surgery Weight: 188lb

Today Weight: 176lb -- I lost 12lbs the first 12 days. Since then I've been on a stall. I'm fine with it, knowing my body will start dropping again soon... body is just adapting. A few people have noticed my face is slimmer... wearing big winter clothes doesn't help. I know as the temp warms, and the pounds continue to drop, more people will notice.

FOODS: I had Clear Liquids first week with no problem. I did have HUGE hunger on day 8... that was the same day as my post-op apt and Dr said I could start easing into real foods. I had refried Beans with some shredded cheddar and it was so yummy. I also had scrambled eggs. Yum. Since then (I'm on 16 days post-op now) I've had a big variety. I've had chicken (soft chicken that was in tortilla soup) and it went down FINE! I chewed slow and really small bites. I will say I had some grilled chicken on 14 days post-op and .... it was the first time I had to throw up. I think I just ate too quickly. Other than that I'm doing really well. Eating very healthy and not really ever hunger (just that one day at post op 8days). I have to be purposeful about my Water and Protein.

PHYSICAL: I feel GREAT! Other than some tired days during the first 8 days post, I feel great. I'm taking Calcium and mult Vitamin (purchased at my surgeon's office). My incisions feel great and I know it is just going to get better and better. I've been walking on the treadmill and outside. The furthest walk I've done is 2.3 miles. Felt great!

For those pre-op, I was SCARED to death and kept asking myself should I do this. Well, I am so very happy I did. I would do it again in a heartbeat! I was self pay (first dr appt was on 12/5/14 and surgery on 12/31/14... so this happened FAST). ONLY hubby knows! Since I'm a low BMI, I knew people would be really negative towards me having this surgery. They don't know my struggles. So, we are keeping it quiet. I was nervous about this, but now that I'm past the initial healing, I am so glad NO one knows. Hubby is thinking about doing the surgery too.

Hope this helps those of you considering the sleeve. Blessings!