I've read mostly positive posts about Dr. Ortiz and OCC on this and other forums. A few people don't seem to like his "celebrity" status and I did find some older complaints about their bands. Anyone out there with bad experiences or complications with their sleeves from him?

So on the protein and liquids...I got all my liquids and protein in from day one. I was determined to follow all the rules so I could have the best outcome possible. Isopure helped me get all my protein along with Unjury broth. Gatorade G2 was tasty. I bought all my proteins and liquids weekly and packed them daily. Make sure you get that protein to help preserve your muscle mass. And maybe help with hair loss.

I am in beginning stages of investigating. What is the goal of the pre-op diet? How long do you need before returning back to work?

Covatila, I was never able to meet my water or protein goals in the beginning, mainly due to vomiting and intolerance issues. Over Christmas, I was hospitalized for dehydration. At that time, tests were performed to ensure I had no stricture or scar tissue that may be causing problems. The doc who viewed my X-rays told me that it appeared more like I had gotten a total gastric bypass rather than a sleeve my tummy was so small, he also said it was some of the best work he'd ever seen. So yes, your sleeve is as tight as a drum! Don't beat yourself up over not being able to get your water and protein in. I never was able to and I still don't! You're still going to lose, and you're going to do well. Just do the best you can. There's a process, and we are all different.

Hello to all the OCC Sleevers!

I just scheduled my surgery for April 7th. I feel like this is going to be the longest 5 weeks of my life! I am so excited a) to have this procedure done; to stop procrastinating and start living; and c) that I have found this thread to share with a group of supportive like-minded individuals who have been through the exact same thing!

Everyone's posts here have done wonders to quell my fears and answer pretty much every question I have had. Now if there was something to soothe the anticipation.

I'm really looking forward to the coming weeks and months, and also sharing this journey with all of you!

Hi! I will be arriving on the 10th and will be having surgery on the 11th. Maybe I'll see you that first day!

Covatila, ditto for me what Kindle said. This sleeve is tight! I'm still having trouble balancing eating/drinking and I'm almost 5 months out. Do the best you can and try to kill 2 birds with one stone in the beginning (protein powder in things, Greek yogurt turned into drinkable yogurt). You'll be fine.

On a separate note, I'm super excited to report another milestone!! I'm officially 101lbs down from my high weight as of Friday! I'm excited, amazed, surprised, extremely thankful to have not had complications up to this point, and most of all blessed. So good! I had said that once I hit this milestone I was going to buy myself an extra special handbag that I've wanted, however the closer I got to this point, I realized that that was something I always did- buy handbags. I should be having fun!! So instead I decided on a cruise and exciting, adventurous excursions.

:) :) Yay!!

Congratulations B2B! I'm so proud and happy for you! 100+ is a monumental achievement and a cruise is perfect!! Have fun!

Covatila, I was never able to meet my water or protein goals in the beginning, mainly due to vomiting and intolerance issues. Over Christmas, I was hospitalized for dehydration. At that time, tests were performed to ensure I had no stricture or scar tissue that may be causing problems. The doc who viewed my X-rays told me that it appeared more like I had gotten a total gastric bypass rather than a sleeve my tummy was so small, he also said it was some of the best work he'd ever seen. So yes, your sleeve is as tight as a drum! Don't beat yourself up over not being able to get your water and protein in. I never was able to and I still don't! You're still going to lose, and you're going to do well. Just do the best you can. There's a process, and we are all different.

How are you doing with your nausea/intolerances these days?

Made it to the 100's while I was in Hawaii. Very excited to come home and see that number that starts with a one instead of a two!

I am 3 months out and STILL having intolerance issues. I'm taking Prilosec 24 hr., Zofran for nausea, and I use Phenergan suppositories when I need them for vomiting. I have trouble with proteins. I still can't tolerate a protein shake. I can only eat/drink about a half a cup at a time, so I'm eating or drinking something about every 2 hours during the day. I'm trying to eat tuna, hamburger, cheeses, etc... But still can't get in the recommended amounts. My weight loss has been slow, but steady. Just trying to do the best I can, every day.

I am 3 months out and STILL having intolerance issues. I'm taking Prilosec 24 hr., Zofran for nausea, and I use Phenergan suppositories when I need them for vomiting. I have trouble with proteins. I still can't tolerate a protein shake. I can only eat/drink about a half a cup at a time, so I'm eating or drinking something about every 2 hours during the day. I'm trying to eat tuna, hamburger, cheeses, etc... But still can't get in the recommended amounts. My weight loss has been slow, but steady. Just trying to do the best I can, every day.

I am almost 4 months out. Can not tolerate protein shakes. Tried all brands, flavors, vegan, whey, rice. So I got this organic sliced turkey and string cheese. If I eat 2 slices and 1 string cheese, that's 22g of protein. Plus super easy to prepare or take with me. I also have no problem with Greek yogurt. So I eat a lot of that. I mix tuna with Greek yogurt rather than mayo. Hope you get to feeling better.

I am in beginning stages of investigating. What is the goal of the pre-op diet? How long do you need before returning back to work?

The preop diet is to lose weight so that your liver shrinks in size and makes surgery easier for the surgeon and in turn you by not being overinflated and in the way.

Everyone is different. I had three weeks off, but some people I went with went back to work the next week.

I am 3 months out and STILL having intolerance issues. I'm taking Prilosec 24 hr., Zofran for nausea, and I use Phenergan suppositories when I need them for vomiting. I have trouble with proteins. I still can't tolerate a protein shake. I can only eat/drink about a half a cup at a time, so I'm eating or drinking something about every 2 hours during the day. I'm trying to eat tuna, hamburger, cheeses, etc... But still can't get in the recommended amounts. My weight loss has been slow, but steady. Just trying to do the best I can, every day.

So sorry you are still having issues. I was on flagyl for a Clostridial infection 3 out of the last 4 weeks, which was extremely irritating to my stomach. Didn't have the nausea you do but could barely eat or drink anything. Some good protein suggestions that I tried were puréed split pea soup, puréed bean soup, edamame, and peanut butter as well as Unjury chicken broth. Many days I only managed 1/2 cup Greek yogurt, a piece of string cheese and 40 oz. dilute propel zero or G2. Some things a holistic- minded friend of mine suggested to help heal my GI track were aloe Vera juice, digestive enzymes (which may help your intolerances), and super high powered , multi strain probiotic...The kind you find in the refrigerated section of a good whole food store, not the off the shelf acidophilus stuff. I'm taking Garden of Life Raw Probiotics Colon Care 2x/day. It's got 50 billion CFU of 33 probiotic strains along with a digestive enzyme blend. Good luck to you.

Hello, I am having the sleeve on March 12th with Dr. Ortiz and was just wondering if there is anyone else scheduled for this date? I have been reading all your posts for the last few days and am so greatful to have found this forum. I have a current BMI of 32 and was wondering if anyone else has had experience as a lower BMI patient. I'm worried a little about the very slow rate at which some others have lost weight. I have 50 lbs to lose. Thanks to all of you as watching your posts have got me more excited;)

T-minus exactly one week until surgery This Pre-Op Diet is the pits for sure, but I just met the goal this morning...hopefully I can shed a couple more between now and next week too! Can anyone give me suggestions on post op diet? What you eat to get all of your necessary protein? I know it's liquids for a while, but if someone could enlighten me a little more that would be great!

Today I started my pre op diet OMG it was so hard. I think mainly because we are snowed in and I am stuck in the house. I have a little less than two weeks......

Kindle, b2b, Hoosier and all who responded, Thanks for all of your feedback. Today I actually got in 63 grams if protein, well once I finish the last few sips of this protein shake lol. And I got in 4 glasses of water and a watered down glass I apple juice. Hoosier, I really enjoyed the isopure drinks before surgery, but now they nauseate me!! I managed to get in 1/4 of a bottle today which was 10 grams of protein. I am having a hard time tolerating sweets which is why I'm struggling with the protein shakes. But whoever said it is right- you really have to start drinking water as soon as u wake up and continue right up until you go to sleep!! (I started putting a water bottle in the bathroom so that any time I walk in there while getting ready for work, I can sip it.) I'm trying hard, I really want to follow everything right and I would prefer to lose less hair of possible. I lost 30 myself before surgery, including my 2 week pre-op and I am 2 weeks post op and down an additional 15. Amazing the difference I see already!

The left was December 13, 2013 and the right was yesterday, down 45lbs.

Edited March 6, 201412 yr by covatila84