tx1972

I was seeking the same information whe I was looking into plication so I am happy to share my experience with you First of all congratulations on making a choice for YOU! Hope this helps ease your mind - obviously everyone has a different experience but I'm happy with my outcomes so far. I had my plication on March 7th 2011. My max weight was 291lbs and i was in poor health. I was only 38 and worrying about how i could care for my kids. Made the very difficult decision and started the journey. They do a preop diet for a couple of weeks prior to surgery, and i felt that once i made the decision i had a newfound motivation and took it more seriously. on the day of surgery I weighed in at 269lb, right now I am in a plateau stuck at 204. I had an absolutely flawless experience - no difficulties post op and no complications since then. I know some of the other patients I met there had some nausea afterwards but no major issues. As for my recovery, sticking with the liquid diet was probably the biggest challenge but once I progressed to regular foods I've had smooth sailing. Just follow the guidance they give you - drink lots of water, don't drink while eating or after meals (it will make you feel full and in my case, just uncomfortable). you quickly know your new limitations as far as how much you can eat. From a medical standpoint, I had high blood pressure, back & knee problems, and sleep apnea - all of which have resolved since my plication. I am a new person! I know I have been fortunate to have had a very smooth experience. I also know that my current plateau is related to an unrelated medical issue that has limited my activity - once I get back on my feet I'll be able to exercise and get back on track. I think I have quite a bit of excess skin that surely weighs a few pounds so I'd be curious to know how much that weighs I am an RN and was very cautious with this decision - it is the best choice I've ever made and I have no reservations recommending Dr Ortiz & OCC. I got a lot of grief from my colleagues about going to Mexico - I was very nervous, I won't lie - but I have nothing but positive things to say about that team. Tijuana is a little scary to look at but I felt absolutely safe - we were picked up and driven around by the OCC shuttle and some of the other patients/guests even went shopping etc while there. I hope others share their experiences too - good or bad - it will help you sort out things. ultimately everyone needs to go with their gut - pardon the pun Take care and good luck, whatever you decide. Yolanda

It has been a while since I checked in here, and after reading my past posts and others who have been up and down on their journey, I thought I should share my progress just to reassure you that it might be slow but the destination is still the same. I am down a total of 86lbs since deciding on gastric plication. I started as a size 22/24 and am now a 14. Regardless of the amount of weight or change in appearance, it is the improvement in how I feel that reassures me that I made the right decision. So don't give up, don't get down - there will be days where you will slip up and not follow your diet properly, days where you skip the exercise and yes, the emotional eating may remain a challenge. But if you just put yourself first and remember that we all set out on this journey because we felt we were at the end of our rope, you might be able to motivate yourself to keep pushing forward. I hate to put photos of myself online but I know how much it helped me when I saw others share their before and after (or before & during) photos so here goes - uploading to my gallery on my profile! I hope it helps someone out there who is feeling defeated. I started this thread a while back because I was feeling discouraged - thank you to those who were kind enough to encourage me to keep trying.

I've had my issues along the way, plateaus were frustrating and the hair loss is still an issue, but all in all I have to be pleased with the changes I've accomplished. I was 291lb before deciding to pursue plication, and including my preop losses I'm down over 70 lbs in 5-6 months. I have to go by how I feel and I know that I'm in such better health than before. Sometimes the scale is slow but I notice the change in my body. I'm not too thrilled with the sagging skin but as long as I'm not in pain, short of breath, and generally unwell, I'll take all of it as a positive. Just hang in there - the previous post is pretty direct but accurate - it's not a miracle, we still have to work at it and the food choices are essential to success. This forum is a big help, especially when we struggle. Charge on ahead and keep fighting

Plateaus are expected but still frustrating. I'm trying to power through my own but figured there's got to be others out there going through it - or have been through it... thought it might be beneficial to share our experiences and observations. Personally I was doing well, I'm 4 months post op but seem to have hit a wall. I'm exercising, drinking my water, increased my protein, watching the intake - scale is just frozen. Any thoughts?

Agree with all the items listed above... might even consider a couple of packets of 'cup o soup' powder/packets since I wasn't fond of the broth at the hotel... You may want to consider picking up a pair of stretchy pants in a size larger just to ensure the elastic isn't tight on your tummy - I was so distended from the gas in surgery my pants were tighter than normal and it was uncomfortable. In hindsight I wish I would have taken a loose maxi dress instead and not have to worry about anything on my belly. Good luck!! Yolanda

Just this week I started noticing an increase in hair loss - washing my hair and more and more seems to be coming out. Any recommendations from those who've had the same issue? I've been reading online and there seems to be many supplements with conflicting reports of success - I'd rather try something that has been effective for others in my position. Thanks!

Good luck Donna!! You'll be back on your journey again soon

Thanks Revy! I have to ask (since you look amazing) - how long was your recovery time after your tummy tuck etc? Know I'm still a ways off from being ready but am curious how long I would need off work (office job). You are an inspiration for the rest of us girl! Yolanda

Hi everyone - doing well and feeling great but I've hit a plateau again and was wondering if anyone had any ideas to kick start things again... I know Dr. Miranda mentioned this was typical and I would hit a plateau every 20 pounds or so. Just thought I'd check with the experts Thanks! Yolanda

Thought I'd better post a follow up to this since it may be discouraging for those out there reading these posts and considering plication. I'm now 9 weeks post-plication and while I was feeling a little discouraged when I first posted here, I've realized I'm doing just fine. I'm down almost 30lbs since my surgery - that's not including the 17lbs I lost on the pre-op diet. So nearly 50 lbs in 11 weeks really isn't bad! I'm off my blood pressure pills, I'm sleeping better, I don't snore anymore and I have more energy. Most importantly my eating habits are dramatically improved and I don't have cravings for the junk I don't need. I am satisfied on a much smaller amount of food. The exercise is still an adjustment for me but I try to keep at it - I feel better and it gets a little easier every day (it's embarrassing how out of shape I was)! All in all I'm so happy I made the decision for the plication - Dr. Ortiz was right when he said the surgery is a tool to help us lose the weight - we still have to put the effort into it. But it sure makes it easier! Wishing everyone continued success!! Yolanda

Hi Leanne I seemed to hit a plateau about that time but it has picked up again. I notice that things definitely slow down if I don't fit in the exercise but I seem to average about 3 lbs a week. In my mind I don't think that's much, but I keep getting comments that I'm shrinking so perhaps there is more visible loss than the scale sometimes. Don't be discouraged Yolanda

I had my plication just over a month ago and I was a little discouraged because I had only lost about 10lbs since the surgery (had lost 17 during the pre-op phase), but this week I've been focusing on ensuring I'm taking in enough calories and doing my exercise and I'm seeing a little more movement on the scale. More than the weight loss though, I'm seeing a difference in my clothes so I'm going to try and stop weighing so frequently and focus on my intake. I have to admit though, I am finding it hard to take in enough food - I get full so easily. Going to keep looking at higher protein and not take in unnecessary calories and see if it works. I agree - we need more positive on here!!

I am 4 weeks out today and was having the same issue until last week. Just not hungry or not able to eat much to account for much calories, but a friend put me on to Greek yogurt and that has been helping me in the protein department. My loss seems to have picked up since then. I was feeling discouraged but this week I've been noticing things feeling loose and more people commenting at work that they notice a change - that has been reaffirming so I'm trying not to focus on the scale, though its hard not to Good luck, we'll all get through this together!

One little thing tidbit that I can contribute... I'm only 3 weeks out but I found it hard in the 2nd week to get in 30g of protein - one of my friends told me to use Greek yogurt since the protein content is higher - boy was she right! Yoplait had a greek 2x brand that had 19g of protein in a single serving cup! Helped tremendously! I made a little smoothie with that for breakfast and gradually just moved to eating the yogurt.

Congratulations Olivia!!!!!!!!!

Thank you all so much, I really does help to know its not just me. I know in my head that I'm probably expecting far too much - then again haven't we all been looking for that "instant miracle" for years. The magic diet plans, patches, hypnotism LOL I've just got to cut myself some slack and be patient. I do know that my total intake is not where it should be so I'm increasing my calories etc. I have increased the consistency just a little to help with my overall intake since the constant drinking has been driving me crazy. It's not a hunger issue, just sick of drinking! Also looking forward to going to the gym next week - I'm not much of an 'outdoors' walker, primarily because it's so darn hot and humid here - I hate to be hot and blah, in addition to being self conscious after years of being a whale. Fortunately the Golds gym nearby has a cardio-theater room and its dark and plays movies so I enjoy going in there and being anonymous while exercising. Once I get to a size I'm comfortable with I look forward to getting over these 'issues' For those of you who are eating regularly again, are there any foods that we should avoid? There isn't anything in the post op info... I was wondering if nuts might be hard to digest or if salad would be something I should wait to start eating in the beginning... any advise on the solids phase would be appreciated. Thanks again ya'll!!!! I appreciate all of you and your words of encouragement. Yolanda

Reading on here tonight hoping to find some posts to make me feel better but no luck... trying not to be discouraged but just can't help it. It's day 16 since surgery and I'm only down 8 lbs since surgery. I was just expecting more results based on what I've been reading from others. I've started recording everything I eat/drink - I'm getting the protein (greek yogurt has high protein counts so that helps) but I'm noticing its hard to get much in calories - I'm thinking I'm not taking in enough but scared to increase... I'm not taking in junk - I'm following the recommended diet. Hoping when I can increase the exercise in a few days things will improve but open to suggestions. Maybe I just need someone to slap me. Who knows.

That's outstanding! Congratulations. I'm on day 10 and only down 5lb since surgery but trying not to be discouraged since I know its early. Funny how the weight came off consistently every day during the preop phase and now it slows down - there are even less calories going in. The human body is interesting, thats for sure. I guess I haven't been walking as much as I should so there's my goal for the week - the dogs are about to get the shock of their lives They only weigh 2 & 3 lbs so they won't last long!! Good luck - I hope I have similar success! Yolanda

Hi! Hope you're doing well! I'm on day 10 now and feeling great, just wishing I was seeing a little more in the weight loss department but I'm not worried about it. I think it will pick up when I can start some exercise. As for the 'delicate subject' I had a very small BM on day 3 but then nothing til I started the protein/creamy soups. Not sure about anyone else, but the first couple of days with the heavier liquids went right through me - was lucky I was close to a bathroom! It seems to have settled now though. I'm having a hard time finding 30g of protein to put in me - I bought some high protein shakes at the vitamin shop but they are just gross - I can't imagine those 'bullets' that others have mentioned on here. If anyone has any suggestions I'm open. I just get sick of drinking all day long. I'm not hungry, but bored I guess. But we will soldier on and make it to day 21! Can't wait! Good luck!!!! Let's keep in touch and update our progress. Yolanda

Wow! So sorry to hear you had additional stress but glad you were still able to get some kind of procedure to help. Good luck!!!! I'm quickly learning this is a great support system on here Yolanda

I'm at day 8 and yes, lots of gurgling It was a little uncomfortable the first few days, now its just the noises without any gas pains. Interesting figuring out how my new stomach responds to different liquids etc. I moved up to a cream soup yesterday and while it went down fine, it went through the rest of me pretty quickly Good luck - looking forward to our journey, keep updating and I'll do the same. Yolanda