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Thinking About Gastric Sleeve Surgery

MelissaRose24

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MelissaRose24    91

MelissaRose24
Posted

I am new here and I am a beginner when it comes to Forums. I am here because I am seriously considering getting gastric Sleeve Surgery. I am 28 and I weight 260lbs. I had a miscarriage 2 years ago and put on alot of weight because of pregnancy and feeling depressed.

I would like to know what are the main pros and cons of the surgery and if anyone has any advice they could give me I am more than open to it. I would highly appreciate it. I have hear about vomiting and Gerd and wanted to know how bad it is. Also how small are the portions the first month post opt. Also what is the post-309763-14834518745329_thumb.jpgaverage amount of weight most people my size lost the first month?

Thank you.

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Bufflehead    6,358

Bufflehead
Posted

Vomiting and GERD -- I haven't had any

Pro's and con's -- first time in my life I am at a normal weight, which means my life has changed entirely. No real cons except (1) it's major surgery, so that does mean a period of pain and tiredness after as you recover; and (2) some people find themselves unable to tolerate certain types of food after. I can't/don't eat bread anymore or anything carbonated.

Advice -- you have to be ready and want to build an entirely new relationship with food. Food will no longer be your comfort, your entertainment, your stress relief, your way of celebrating holidays or family. That doesn't mean you can't enjoy it though. You have to be willing to work hard at weight loss and weight maintenance for the rest of your life (I'm deadly serious about that). You have to be willing to accept the possibility that you radically change the kind of food you eat for the rest of your life. Don't kid yourself into thinking this surgery means you eat three bites of pancakes for Breakfast, one mini-cheeseburger for lunch, a Snickers fun bar for a snack, and a twinkie for dinner with a side of a couple french fries. Doesn't work like that. If you are like most of us, those types of foods are either entirely or very largely excised from our lives completely if we want to be successful in losing weight and keeping the weight off.

Small portions for the first month? I didn't have any "portions" for the first month. My plan called for liquids for the first month post-op.

After that I was allowed to move to pureed high Protein foods for four weeks. Portion size there was 1.5 ounces weighed or 3 tablespoons measured. This was more than enough, believe me.

After that I moved to soft foods for four months and my mandated size for each of my three daily meals was 3 ounces. I could rarely eat that much though.

I am now 3.5 years post op and can eat about 5 ounces per meal, depending on what is in the meal. I still focus on high protein, low carb eating in order to maintain my weight loss (over 200 lbs).

I don't know that there are stats or averages for weight loss in the first month. The first month post-op, your body does some insane things trying to recover from the trauma of surgery. Healing and getting used to a new way of relating to food should be your focus in the first month post op, not how fast you are losing. All that said, I would think anywhere from 8 - 25 lbs is a reasonable expectation for first month loss for someone your size. Focus on the lower end of that and if you lose more, let yourself be surprised and happy. Good luck in your decision!

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MelissaRose24    91

MelissaRose24
Posted

Bufflehead Thank you so very much. I agree with you that this is a life change and I have to be serious about changing my way of living and relationship with food but that is what I want. Thank you very much for your response Im just happy to learn more about the sleeve. I want to know as much as possible before my surgery.

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OKCPirate    5,323

OKCPirate
Posted

You might find this article interesting, it explains why WLS is not like wiring your jaw shut...in other words its not just about restriction, but bigger changes in your hormones, hunger signals et.al. But if you have to take care of the emotional issues which got you into this place, or you will find yourself back at square one...http://phenomena.nationalgeographic.com/2014/03/26/the-humble-heroes-of-weight-loss-surgery-stomach-acids-and-gut-microbes/#comment-3309413

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DaleCruse    756

DaleCruse
Posted

Are you planning to be pregnant again? If so, please speak with your physician about how to proceed. Good luck!

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DisneyMom2El    120

DisneyMom2El
Posted

DaleCruse I definitely want to get pregnant again but thats in the future it wouldn't be anytime soon.

FutureFitGirl

It's funny, I hear all sorts of things about do's and don'ts after surgery that sound so severe, but every one of them, my surgeon has dismissed. He asked if I planned to have more kids, and I said yes, but I know I need to wait 18 months. He shrugged his shoulders and told me you can't always control life, and if I get pregnant before that, everything will be safe and fine (I'm still not planning on it, but it's nice to know). He told me that he had one woman come in for her 6 week checkup pregnant, she found out at the appointment, and she had twins! He said that was ten years ago, the pregnancy was normal, babies delivered healthy, and she's still doing well after ten years with no complications.

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MelissaRose24    91

MelissaRose24
Posted

Wow! That is definitely amazing! It feels so good to know that when I get pregnant it can be a healthy pregnancy. Thank you so much for that DisneyM2EI. I definitely think my weight had something to do with my precious miscarriage.

FutureFitGirl

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Middus    491

Middus
Posted

I think we have to be wary of exceptions. If you are planning to get pregnant again, leave about a year after surgery just in case. No one plans for hernias or some complications that may arise as a result of surgery.
In addition, when Pregnant, you are eating for two; many people can't even get enough essential nutrients for themselves in the initial 2-3 months after surgeries like Bypass and sleeve, so you can imagine how risky it might be for a developing foetus.
In life, there are always exceptions, but better safe than sorry.

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MelissaRose24    91

MelissaRose24
Posted

Yes I agree...Im happy that this surgery may help get my life back on track in a healthy way and maybe help with having a healthy pregnancy but im currently single so like I said no plans to get pregnant again in the near future. Thank you Middus.

FutureFitGirl

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Newme17    3,444

Newme17
Posted

Congrats on the decision! You will do well. I had two miscarriages and two babies delivered. I never thought I had an emotional eating problem until the loss of my first baby. So I wholly understand your pain. But God is good, we have tools to use to put our bodies back where he'd like us to be, healthy!!! I can't have any more babies, but I'm getting the sleeve myself to prevent health issues that'll keep me from my kids and family now. Keep us posted on your journey. We're here to support you. . Happy new year to you too!

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Babbs    14,681

Babbs
Posted

Everyone already covered a lot of great advice, but I just wanted to say you're gorgeous :)

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pvechiola    195

pvechiola
Posted

I am new here and I am a beginner when it comes to Forums. I am here because I am seriously considering getting gastric Sleeve Surgery. I am 28 and I weight 260lbs. I had a miscarriage 2 years ago and put on alot of weight because of pregnancy and feeling depressed.

I would like to know what are the main pros and cons of the surgery and if anyone has any advice they could give me I am more than open to it. I would highly appreciate it. I have hear about vomiting and Gerd and wanted to know how bad it is. Also how small are the portions the first month post opt. Also what is the attachicon.gif ImageUploadedByBariatricPal1483451873.240533.jpgaverage amount of weight most people my size lost the first month?

Thank you.

Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

You're a very pretty YOUNG lady and at only 28 I'm pretty sure at your age you might be able to get your weight down by eating sensibly and walking, I am 55 and I have been trying for 10 years to get my weight off. I wish I was 28 again there are so many other ways besides weight loss surgery for you. I don't know your health matters or how long you've been trying to lose but if I was 28 I would try exercise over surgery any day. Good luck with whatever road you take, my daughter loves dance and she dropped at least 80 lbs doing Zumba and she was right about the age you are now when she got serious. Good luck.

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Go To Topic Listing PRE-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A

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    • Doughgurl

      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. 💜
      · 1 reply
      1. Phil Penn

        Phil Penn

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

    • LeighaTR

      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

      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

        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

        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

      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

        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!

    • Alisa_S

      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. summerseeker

        summerseeker

        Life as a big person had limited my life to what I knew I could manage to do each day. That was eat. I hadn't anything else to look forward to. So my eating choices were the best I could dream up. I planned the cooking in managable lots in my head and filled my day with and around it.

        Now I have a whole new big, bigger, biggest, best days ever. I am out there with those skinny people doing stuff i could never have dreamt of. Food is now an after thought. It doesn't consume my day. I still enjoy the good home cooked food but I eat smaller portions. I leave food on my plate when I am full. I can no longer hear my mother's voice saying eat it all up, ther are starving children in Africa who would want that!

        I still cook for family feasts, I love cooking. I still do holidays but I have changed from the All inclusive drinking and eating everything everyday kind to Self catering accommodation. This gives me the choice of cooking or eating out as I choose. I rarely drink anymore as I usually travel alone now and I feel I need to keep aware of my surroundings.

        I don't know at what point my life expanded, was it when I lost 100 pounds? Was it when I left my walking stick at home ? Was it when I said yes to an outing instead of finding an excuse to stay home ? i look back at my last five years and wonder how loosing weight has made such a difference. Be ready to amaze yourself.

        BTW, the liquid diet sucks, one more day and you are over the worst. You can do it.

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