Laparoscopic Gastric Sleeve Surgery

13

Replies

  • angelintx
    angelintx Posts: 327 Member
    Hello everyone! Sorry I've been gone so long and haven't posted in a while. After getting over a rough stomach virus (which was a very odd experience post-VGS), I found myself swamped at work and trying to "dig out." I missed my monthly support group meeting which made me so sad! :sad: I really rely on those meetings to keep me focused with a positive attitude. I thought generally the boards here would help in that regard too. In light of the "bug" and the extra hours at work, my exercise has waned considerably. I'm planning a trip to the gym tonight to get my butt back in gear! Wish me luck!

    Also, I'm currently looking for someone who is willing to be sort of an accountability partner. Someone who would be willing to check in on me frequently (several times a week) to see if I'm doing what I'm supposed to regarding food intake and getting in exercise. I would be willing to do the same. If you're interested, please send me a message. Thanks!
  • Katz85340
    Katz85340 Posts: 206 Member
    Hello everyone! Sorry I've been gone so long and haven't posted in a while. After getting over a rough stomach virus (which was a very odd experience post-VGS), I found myself swamped at work and trying to "dig out." I missed my monthly support group meeting which made me so sad! :sad: I really rely on those meetings to keep me focused with a positive attitude. I thought generally the boards here would help in that regard too. In light of the "bug" and the extra hours at work, my exercise has waned considerably. I'm planning a trip to the gym tonight to get my butt back in gear! Wish me luck!

    Also, I'm currently looking for someone who is willing to be sort of an accountability partner. Someone who would be willing to check in on me frequently (several times a week) to see if I'm doing what I'm supposed to regarding food intake and getting in exercise. I would be willing to do the same. If you're interested, please send me a message. Thanks!

    Welcome back and glad to hear you are feeling better! I wondered how the flu would be (not that I want to get it). I know when I've been sick after the surgery, I only get dry heaves. ;) I can't promise I'll check in but I'll definitely try.
  • Katz85340
    Katz85340 Posts: 206 Member
    I had a VSG on 1/19/10. It's the best decision I ever made. I chronicled the first 9 months or so post op on my blog.

    As for people that want to give WLS patients a hard time, they need to rethink why they are on this website or any other. There are many paths to weight loss, everyone needs to make their own decision and choose what's best for them and if you don't like their choice...well, tough beans. I don't let other people tell me how to style my hair, what clothes to wear or how to raise my kids so why would I let a stranger on a chat board denigrate my choice to have WLS based on their prejudices?

    Like someone before said, let's just be nice, please. That's what makes this site so great.

    Well said!
  • Katz85340
    Katz85340 Posts: 206 Member
    hi all
    i had a lap band done in march 2008, in 2010 developed a slip and was revised to a sleeve. i was nervous about getting the sleeve at first, but i love it now. i started out at 254 when i was banded and was at 183 when i got the sleeve and today im at 150 lbs. i was glad to find this thread

    Good for you! I recommend the sleeve to anyone thinking about having gastric surgery.
  • angelintx
    angelintx Posts: 327 Member
    Welcome back and glad to hear you are feeling better! I wondered how the flu would be (not that I want to get it). I know when I've been sick after the surgery, I only get dry heaves. ;) I can't promise I'll check in but I'll definitely try.

    Thanks, Katz! Being sick was different in a couple of ways: (1) since I didn't have the volume or the same sized stomach, it was more like an intense reflux than actual vomitting such as I had known it; and (2) the acid content was so extreme, it scorched my esophagus and the back of my tongue and that pain lasted for several days afterwards. Except for the acid part, it was actually better than before surgery. In light of the acid part, I've decided to go back on an acid controller ... just in case ... it was THAT unpleasant.
  • Katz85340
    Katz85340 Posts: 206 Member
    I take Tums Smoothies myself...LOL!
  • Katz85340
    Katz85340 Posts: 206 Member
    Anyone else having trouble with plateauing, constipation and/or fatigue?
  • valj77
    valj77 Posts: 26
    i had the same problem getting my fluids and protein in. i had a lap band in 2008 and in 2010 was revised to a sleeve. im pretty much in a stall now, but im trying to up my protein and increase my exercise to get past it. as far as the fluids/protein just keep on trying
  • runs4zen
    runs4zen Posts: 769 Member
    Anyone else having trouble with plateauing, constipation and/or fatigue?

    I struggled with plateauing a couple of times and constipation has always been an issue for me. That said, the plateaus broke when I increased my caloric intake (I was way too low and it's easy to do after a VSG). The constipation has alleviated quite a bit since I added raisin bran and apples to my diet. Almost every day I eat 1/2 cup of raisin bran with 1/4 cup of skim milk (115 cals) and eat a fuji apple (about 120ish calories) and that seems to have helped regulate my system naturally. You might also try those yogurts that are formulated for regulating sluggish cycles, I've never had them so I can't say one way or the other what they're like!

    Good Luck!
  • Katz85340
    Katz85340 Posts: 206 Member
    Anyone else having trouble with plateauing, constipation and/or fatigue?

    I struggled with plateauing a couple of times and constipation has always been an issue for me. That said, the plateaus broke when I increased my caloric intake (I was way too low and it's easy to do after a VSG). The constipation has alleviated quite a bit since I added raisin bran and apples to my diet. Almost every day I eat 1/2 cup of raisin bran with 1/4 cup of skim milk (115 cals) and eat a fuji apple (about 120ish calories) and that seems to have helped regulate my system naturally. You might also try those yogurts that are formulated for regulating sluggish cycles, I've never had them so I can't say one way or the other what they're like!

    Good Luck!

    Thank you! I'll try that!
  • angelintx
    angelintx Posts: 327 Member
    Anyone else having trouble with plateauing, constipation and/or fatigue?

    Answer: (d) All of the above. I am anemic, hypothyroid and sleep deprived so it's no wonder I'm tired. Still struggling with a plateau that has lasted for the better part of 2 months and have periodic bouts of constipation. The more protein I eat, the more constipated I get.
  • Katz85340
    Katz85340 Posts: 206 Member
    Anyone else having trouble with plateauing, constipation and/or fatigue?

    Answer: (d) All of the above. I am anemic, hypothyroid and sleep deprived so it's no wonder I'm tired. Still struggling with a plateau that has lasted for the better part of 2 months and have periodic bouts of constipation. The more protein I eat, the more constipated I get.

    They said I might have a parathyroid problem because my PTH is high; whatever that means. I didn't think about the protein being a problem with the constipation but I guess that would make sense. I'm trying to monitor my fiber, sodium and water intake more now, so we'll see how that goes.
  • ngory07
    ngory07 Posts: 194 Member
    So glad I found this thread! I have my sleeve done on Jan 24th. I do have a question. What is your calorie goal for the people that are on solids?
  • MacMadame
    MacMadame Posts: 1,893 Member
    My program recommends 600-800 once on regular food. But that's only if you do the recommended amount of exercise (4-5x a week for 45 min). If you do less exercise and/or are losing slowly, they tell you to cut back your calories and, if you do a lot of exercise, they tell you to up your protein, which ups your calories a bit.

    Here is what I ate the first year after my surgery along with the exercise I was doing during that time period:

    http://fattyfightsback.blogspot.com/2010/07/calories-protein-carbs-exercise-weight.html
  • Katz85340
    Katz85340 Posts: 206 Member
    So glad I found this thread! I have my sleeve done on Jan 24th. I do have a question. What is your calorie goal for the people that are on solids?

    MFP put mine at 1330...
  • runs4zen
    runs4zen Posts: 769 Member
    So glad I found this thread! I have my sleeve done on Jan 24th. I do have a question. What is your calorie goal for the people that are on solids?

    My calorie goal right now is 1760 (not including when I exercise and have to eat back calories) but I'm in maintenance. Eating this much after a VSG is more difficult than losing weight--I swear it!

    That said, when I was first losing weight after the surgery, I was only eating about 500-800 calories a day (it was plenty). About 6 months in I started eating 1200 calories a day. In the end...always, always work with your doctor and/or your nutritionist. Calorie intake is usually less important than protein intake when you're first starting out AND, I've noticed that doctors do things differently on all avenues when it comes to WLS-- the surgery to the after care!

    good luck!
  • MacMadame
    MacMadame Posts: 1,893 Member
    Hey everyone.... not much to say. I figured I'd check in though.

    My doctor told me to go back to training including running so that's what I've been doing. It's great to have so many more calories to play with! :laugh:
  • MacMadame
    MacMadame Posts: 1,893 Member
    Hey, where do everyone go??
  • angelintx
    angelintx Posts: 327 Member
    Hello everyone! Sorry I've been absent a few days ... lots going on in my world right now. Job is changing, hectic at home, etc. but I'm doing okay and I finally broke that vicious plateau I was on for so so long!! :drinker:

    So, hope to be making more of an appearance and getting the tracking done "consistently." A wise person on here told me that consistency rather than perfection is the key. I think they know what their talking about! :wink:
  • runs4zen
    runs4zen Posts: 769 Member
    Hi all! Sorry! I've been busy at work too. Our new semester started and it was all I could do to keep my food diary! I'm back though! How is everyone?
  • Jbertak
    Jbertak Posts: 3
    I'm new to this message board, but I have used MFP to log food & exercise for a long time.
    At 65, with T2 diabetes, sleep apnea and high BP, and at a lofty 424 lbs, I said to myself: "self, we're in trouble here; let's figure out a plan to work on the rest of what my be a short life." Six months of research, group meetings and testing resulted in my having sleeve surgery on Nov. 24 - day before Thanksgiving - hooray! I lost 24 lbs. pre-op and I'm down a total of 70 in the 10 weeks since the operation.
    Incredibly, I came home from my 2-night hospital stay without diabetes, without sleep apnea, and with an attitude that is focused on living a better and longer life. I walk 2 miles up and down hills daily; I've started doing strength exercises 3 days a week, and I'm itching for the weather to improve so I can get back on the golf course (walking this year) and back into my yard-work. This week I'll drop below 350 lbs. for the first time in 12 years at least - I have a very long way to go, but I'm determined to get there. My wonderful support group includes my wife (a dietitian, but as we've always agreed, NOT my dietitian - she's a retired academic) my family and a wide circle of friends who who support me with their pride and hugs. It is not easy - I miss some things, including evening cocktails and cooking elaborate meals; but that will change way down the road - or not, I'll decide that later. I can eat almost anything, just very little volume, and staying hydrated is sometimes a problem. I follow a strict eating/drinking schedule and monitor my exercise activity carefully. Last week, my Dr.cut my last 2 meds in half - we'll probably will drop them completely in 2 months. The sleeve surgery and the resulting nutrition/exercise program is working incredibly well for me. My surgeon, dietitian, hospital support group - they have all be wonderful in helping me. Anyone who wants to chat about topics raised here, reply via post or contact me a johnbertak@gmail.com.
  • MacMadame
    MacMadame Posts: 1,893 Member
    Hey, John... if you like to cook elaborate meals, you'll be able to do that again. There are people who have surgery and the become chefs! I would check out the websites of these guys, 2 of whom just happen to be dudes:

    http://theworldaccordingtoeggface.com
    http://formerfatdudes.com
    http://www.chefdave.org/

    if you haven't already found them. :happy:
  • runs4zen
    runs4zen Posts: 769 Member
    Well done, John! Congratulations!
  • angelintx
    angelintx Posts: 327 Member
    Your progress is inspirational, John! Congratulations and glad to see you on here.
  • Harrisol
    Harrisol Posts: 2
    I had the sleeve done 12/01/10 it was the best thing I've done! I've lost 41lbs, and my weight loss is splotchy too, one week I'll loose 4 lbs next week nothing, the surgeon says I'm doing great and keep up what I've been doing. I'm really glad to see there are other sleevers here too :) add me as a friend if you would like to chat :smile:
  • angelintx
    angelintx Posts: 327 Member
    I had the sleeve done 12/01/10 it was the best thing I've done! I've lost 41lbs, and my weight loss is splotchy too, one week I'll loose 4 lbs next week nothing, the surgeon says I'm doing great and keep up what I've been doing. I'm really glad to see there are other sleevers here too :) add me as a friend if you would like to chat :smile:
    Welcome, welcome!! Glad you found us!! Congrats on your huge success so far!!! What's your secret LOL??
  • Katz85340
    Katz85340 Posts: 206 Member
    I had the sleeve done 12/01/10 it was the best thing I've done! I've lost 41lbs, and my weight loss is splotchy too, one week I'll loose 4 lbs next week nothing, the surgeon says I'm doing great and keep up what I've been doing. I'm really glad to see there are other sleevers here too :) add me as a friend if you would like to chat :smile:

    I had my surgery in October. I had a few weeks where I didn't lose any weight but my surgical team said I was doing great also. Then I was like, "In such a short amount of time, I am losing weight, what am I complaining about!" I changed some things up in my diet (added more fiber, water, protein, etc.) and I'm losing like crazy now. Keep up the good work!
  • Jbertak
    Jbertak Posts: 3
    So How's Everyone Doing? First day in months with weather warm enough for me to get out in the yard and work and get over to the driving range and hit some golf balls. I walk every day, but some days I look like South Park going up against the cold and wind. I generally don't like winter, but having sleeve surgery the day before Thanksgiving gave me a mission this winter. So far, I'm 79 lbs. down (55 post op) and exercising like crazy. Keeping the calories at about 1100 and the protein at 100 really hasn't been all that hard for me. I eat on a strict 4 hr. schedule and log every bite honestly. I haven't felt this good in many years - even my 4-year-old grandson noticed last week - "Pop-pop," he said, "you're shrinking!" Then he gave me a big hug. I'm planning on being around for a lot more of those hugs as he grows up. I think of my sleeve as a passage to a brighter and longer future. So what's up with the rest of you sleevers?
  • Harrisol
    Harrisol Posts: 2
    thanks every one! I have to make sure that I exercise 3xs a week or more and if I bite it I write it! I was writing down all calories and protiens down until I found this program and this is so much easier I love it!
  • angelintx
    angelintx Posts: 327 Member
    I had my surgery in October. I had a few weeks where I didn't lose any weight but my surgical team said I was doing great also. Then I was like, "In such a short amount of time, I am losing weight, what am I complaining about!" I changed some things up in my diet (added more fiber, water, protein, etc.) and I'm losing like crazy now. Keep up the good work!
    You have been doing amazing, and I'm checking out your diary to see how I can work in some of your good choices to produce better results! Thanks for being a great role model!! :bigsmile:
This discussion has been closed.

Categories