dawn1230

I had Gastric Sleeve surgery on 6/3/13 along with my identical twin. I started this journey at 270 lbs, and I now weigh 155 lbs (on a good day) - I have lost 115 lbs. My experience with the sleeve has been fantastic. I stuck to the diet guidelines almost 100% - I was committed to making sure I didn't mess anything up. I healed quickly and learned to work with my new stomach in a short amount of time. In the first 2 months I dropped a lot of weight without making too much effort. My only struggle was to get in enough water - I had to make a bigger effort to manage that intake. After 2 months I realized that just losing weight wasn't my goal - I really wanted to get healthy and fit. I started a couch to 5K running program in late August. It was so hard. Really, really hard. I stuck to it and even though I suffered from some weight related issues while running I didn't give up. My weight continued to drop, but interestingly enough not as quickly as my twin's weight dropped and she wasn't exercising or as careful with her food choices. This difference between us really helped me realize this surgery was just a tool - it wasn't a miracle that would relieve me of all responsibility for my own weight loss and health. I had to try. I had to use this tool to my advantage. Throughout the first 6 months I was very careful with my food choices - really focused on lean proteins and healthy snacks. I had the occasional lapse but it was no longer "THE END" of the effort as it would have been in the past. I knew I had some control over the situation so I was able to forgive myself the bad choice and move on. I am now at the point where I choose to eat what I want and have no "off limits" items. If I want chocolate, I have it but in moderation and I know I will need to either eat less or exercise more if I indulge. I turned 39 this year so my skin isn't as youthful as it once was and it hasn't all cinched into place. I will always have some loose skin in my upper arms, thighs, stomach and a little in my behind. It doesn't bother me. I look great in clothes, I am a size 8 or 10. Maybe one day I'll get surgery to remove it all, but if not I can live with it. On May 18th I completed my first 1/2 Marathon - the Portland Rock & Rock 1/2 Marathon. I feel incredible. I am healthy. I am fit. I am a runner. I have a body that lets me do whatever I want to do. I will run the Portland Marathon on Oct. 5th 2014! Thank you Dr. Ortiz and your Staff for making this new body and improved life possible for me. I appreciate the tool you provided to help me learn to help myself. I am a success story. As for my twin sister Emily - she is also a success. She now weighs 165lbs and feels great. Her journey wasn't the same as mine - she dropped weight much more readily then I did and with much less effort. Lucky her! She isn't a runner but is more active overall and is much healthier and happier. My Stats: 38 years old at surgery, 39 now 5'8" Weight Loss Progress: 155 LBS - 6/3/14 163 LBS - 5/2/14 170 LBS - 4/2/14 174 LBS - 2/28/14 181 LBS - 1/25/14 188 LBS - 12/25/13 196 LBS - 11/25/13 205 LBS - 10/31/13 220 LBS - 9/1/13 231 LBS - 8/4/13 246 LBS - 6/30/13 270 LBS - 6/3/13

An update for anyone else that may have had this kind of shoulder pain. It's called radiant pain and is caused from the area around the band being swollen and then bothering a nerve that shows up as pain in my shoulder. Two ibuprofen and the swelling goes down and the pain goes away.

Thank you all for your input. Last night and again today I feel like someone is stabbing me in the shoulder, last night I cried it hurt so bad. I took two painkillers (strong ones) and even they didn't help. It's back again this afternoon and I've noticed two things that both occured around the same time - I was extra active and I had tomato soup with cream in it (dairy). I am going to try skipping any dairy and walking more to see if I can get rid of it. Also I have the pain my left wrist. Ooooooh, I feel terrible. The bright side is that I'm losing and you all made it through so I know I will as well.

I had surgery 12/29 and while it's only been just over a week I thought I would be feeling normal by now. Can those of you that had surgery before I did tell me how long it took for you to feel normal again? I want to be able to bend over without pain in my incisions, I want to be able to drink a glass of water, I want to not have weird pains in my shoulders and chest...

Ahh, that makes sense. I did ask Dr. Miranda if I could use the blender to make my protein shakes when the time comes and she said it would be fine, but maybe I'll just use the blender to crush up and ice and then add it to the liquids so they don't get all frothy with air... Dawn

Thank you all for taking the time to respond, I really appreciate it. Jude your detailed information was very helpful. I had surgery yesterday and am planning to follow the diet to the letter - I don't want to risk messing it up after coming this far. Thanks again to you all! Dawn

Can anyone tell me why you can't use a blender to add ingredients to your protein shakes in the creamy stage? I've found the best way to tolerate the taste of the protein shakes is to add 1/4 of a banana to the blender - it tastes so much better and I can't imagine why that would cause a problem at that stage???

I already searched and wasn't able to find a thread that answered all my questions throughly about all of the above topics - no real details that I could find.

I'm hoping all you experienced bandsters out there can tell me more about the following items - 1. Slime-ing - what is it, what does it feel like and what causes it? 2. PB - what is it, what does it feel like and what causes it? 3. Gumming Up - what is it, what does it feel like and what causes it? 4. What happens when something gets stuck? How do you know it's stuck? What causes something to get stuck? Thank you in advance for sharing your information and experiences. Dawn

SheRee - is your name Sheree? Just wanted to be sure. We'll be flying down from Oregon on the 28th for surgery on the 29th and returning home on the 1st. Husbands are not happy we're missing New Years but they understand. How long are you staying? It's nice your daughter and ex-husband are coming with you, I imagine this will all be easier with family around for support.

Thanks Jazzy Jude! SheRee - maybe we'll run into each other. Look for two women with brown curly hair about 5'8" or so. I really am looking forward to all of this. How soon after surgery is the first fill normally?

Hi Cindy, I live in the Portland area and am being banded on the 29th of this month - I am interested in learning more about Dr. Fitzpatrick. If you don't mind answering some questions I would apprecaite it. Is she in Portland or a suburb? Is she a general MD or with a weight loss clinic? Any additional info you can provide would be greatly appreciated. Thank you! Dawn

My twin sister and I are both scheduled for surgery 12/29. It's going to be tough to follow the pre-op diet plan right through the holidays.