Hi everyone, I am new to the post-op board. I spent a lot of time on the pre-op even after my surgery. I was sleeved Jan. 21st, and am excited that I am on my 3 month sleeve-versary! I am getting about 90-100 grams of Protein per day. A Protein shake in the morning sometimes with Peanut Butter, and Isopure protein Water (40grams) in the afternoon. I barely get food in, because I'm focused on my protein, I might have a small salad, or 1/4 of a half of sandwich at lunch time, but by 3:30pm I start sipping on the Isopure and it normally takes me until about 8:00pm or 9:00pm to get it all day. I have yet mastered the art of sipping slowly because I'm always thirsty, but I take large sips...not gulps. And chewing...am I the only one that hasn't mastered the art of chewing slow and taking 45 minutes to eat? Am I the only one that doesn't take 30-45 minutes eating?

I often have nightmares that my stomach is stretching. I am steadily loosing, and have lost about 32lbs since surgery.

I've been told by post op patients, and others that your stomach will stretch eventually, but my fear is will is stretch this soon.

Does anyone else have the same concern? How would you know if it is stretching? Would it stretch this soon? Would I feel it? These are the questions that haunt me!

How do u revising would insurance approv thate

If you're asking me, I know insurance sometimes pays for revision from band to sleeve, personally though Iv been self pay for all of my surgeries. I don't know if they pay to resleeve.

@@Band07 you were banded...then sleeved.....now going for a mini bypass?

If you're asking me, I know insurance sometimes pays for revision from band to sleeve, personally though Iv been self pay for all of my surgeries. I don't know if they pay to resleeve.

Where did you have your procedures done (sorry for asking if you already mentioned...)?

So this is YOUR sleeved stomach, one that is atypical because you already had a band and are now revising to a bypass?

I have heard that people who are first banded and then sleeved have more "issues" than those who are first sleeved. I'm not sure your xray is a fair example of a stretched sleeve.

I'm not sure why you refuse to believe this can happen but here are a few more for you that were not prior lap band patients and are not me. These are actually revision surgeries of those who had to be resleeved.

ImageUploadedByBariatricPal1429317110.749143.jpgImageUploadedByBariatricPal1429317122.380683.jpgImageUploadedByBariatricPal1429317131.348455.jpg

Never did I say I REFUSE to believe it's possible. It's my OPINION that if the procedure is done correctly, a sleeve will not stretch significantly. My opinion is based on my experiences and those of the sleevers I know, most of whom are 3-5 years out. This is also what I was advised by multiple surgeons.

It's my OPINION that your opinion has been vastly influenced by your own experience (understandable). Your thread here - http://www.bariatricpal.com/topic/334573-sleeve-to-mgb-low-bmi/ - opened my eyes to your situation. I do hope you find the success you are seeking.

@@Band07

You said you've worked with sleeve patients for years? What do you do?

@@Band07 you were banded...then sleeved.....now going for a mini bypass?

Band07 I just took a look at one of your old post. It states that you are 175 but want to be 150 and you are considering a revision. No judgment, I'm just curious, are you considering surgery to lose 15pds? I didn't know at such a low BMI a revision could be done. Again, just asking.

Your old post also states that you had the sleeve in 2013 and you have since gained 10 pounds. And that you have never really felt a restriction and can eat whatever you want... Is it possible that your surgery wasn't performed well or there is a decrease in its function because you are a revision from band?

Think of it as a challenge, and as an opportunity. Taste your food. Feel free to play games with it.

That sounds so naughty!

@ LipstickLady I wish I had your imagination... I was thinking of oogy boys in junior high school swirling the spinach into their milk!

@@Alex Brecher

Thanks so much for your response. I am taking it day to day and the fact that I am loosing weight helps me get over the fear. I think overall I just don't want to fail!

@@kathy0529

How are you doing? Yes we are both three months out. It went so fast and I can't believe the progress I've made.

I do get my liquids in, and I barely get in a lot of anything else because I focus so much on Protein drinks.

I've never heard of protein Cereal. I may have to check that out. When I do eat cereal I put a little milk on my cereal because of the gurgling that takes place from the solids and liquid combination.

I hope all else is going well.

@@Band07

You said you've worked with sleeve patients for years? What do you do?

Don't laugh ... I'm a counselor, I did pre and post surgery counseling and ran all the support groups.

@@Band07 you were banded...then sleeved.....now going for a mini bypass?

Band07 I just took a look at one of your old post. It states that you are 175 but want to be 150 and you are considering a revision. No judgment, I'm just curious, are you considering surgery to lose 15pds? I didn't know at such a low BMI a revision could be done. Again, just asking.

Your old post also states that you had the sleeve in 2013 and you have since gained 10 pounds. And that you have never really felt a restriction and can eat whatever you want... Is it possible that your surgery wasn't performed well or there is a decrease in its function because you are a revision from band?

It's true my sleeve was made larger because of scar tissue from the band. I said I would be happy at 150 heck today I would be happy at 160 ! 150 is still overweight though on the BMI scale for my 5' 3 1/2 height. This morning I was 188. At this point I easily have an extra 50 lbs to lose. My highest weight ever was 260, I was around 230 pre band surgery and I got down to 139, I maintained between there and 145 for years.

@@Fatdiva14 It has gone fast!!! I'm doing well. Walking at lunch and got a Fitbit one to track it. (Forgot it today though!). I'm having an issue w/my heal so I took yesterday and today off. I do weights though on the walking and non-walking days.

Special K has 2 Protein cereals. Both are good and one you could eat w/out the milk. I wonder if that's what the gurgle is about!! The liquid/solid combo. I just thought I was intolerant of the milk and when I measure what's left in the bowl, I've only consumed 1/4 cup! I don't want to have it everyday, just the option for something different.

It's funny, I knew I loved Carbs before the surgery, but I also loved chocolate, too. After the surgery I have zero craving for Chocolate, but at Easter the doughy rolls were calling my name, but I said NO and had none of it. So, I guess I WAS more of a Carb addict than Chocolate!

I bought Protein Bars to try - I did not care for the Premier Protein Bar even though I drink their chocolate shake every day. I have a Nature Valley box that I bought, but didn't realize it had peanuts and I was told to wait 3 months for nuts so the box is waiting till after Tuesday!

Keep up the great work!!

@@Band07

You said you've worked with sleeve patients for years? What do you do?

Don't laugh ... I'm a counselor, I did pre and post surgery counseling and ran all the support groups.

Why would I laugh?

I don't take that long to eat but I do chew my food very carefully. Occasionally if I am distracted I might forget. But it only takes one swallow to realize my mistake! My capacity is still around 3-4 ounces of solid food (actually it's more like 3-3.5 depending on consistency). There are times when I feel full on less though. This is about where I was when I started back on solid foods and began measuring the weight of what I was eating. I am only 4 months out as of a few days ago though. The process of eating very slowly is still something I truly struggle with. I am not sure how important this is in the long term, but I constantly remind myself I need to do it. Putting it into practice is much more difficult.