POSTED UNDER Gastric Sleeve Surgery Reviews
This is Scary - Adelaide, Australia
UPDATED FROM Gabby from Aus
1 year post
1 year anniversary!
Gabby from AusNovember 14, 2014
WORTH IT$3,000
well, long time since I wrote a post! Was my op anniversary on 5/11 but was kind of too busy at the time to write a post - was my partners 50th birthday on the 4th and we got married on the 8th ????.
The good news is Overall weight loss has been 25 kg's and I'm at my goal weight of under 80kg's.
The not so good news is I developed reflux after going on a course of anti inflammatory's 6 months post op which was not long enough - after a recent endoscopy, it looks like I have a small hiatus hernia that is causing this issue. Upshot is only 2 options; back for a full gastric bypass or put up with it. I don't want to have another op but can't can't imagine living with reflux for the rest of my life.
For those of you who don't know about it, reflux is full on nausea and vomiting (phlegm) and pain for about a period of 2 hours and I've been getting it daily for 6 months. Not fun. Anyway, being a positive person, I thought I would try harder to see if I could change this. I have had to go outside the post op recommendations and have found grazing helps immensely - down to about 3 times a week. I can't work out foods that effect it - the doctors say coffee and chocolate and for me, I disagree with chocolate having found it helps.
I still think the op was worth it and am sure I will work it out in the long run.
The good news is Overall weight loss has been 25 kg's and I'm at my goal weight of under 80kg's.
The not so good news is I developed reflux after going on a course of anti inflammatory's 6 months post op which was not long enough - after a recent endoscopy, it looks like I have a small hiatus hernia that is causing this issue. Upshot is only 2 options; back for a full gastric bypass or put up with it. I don't want to have another op but can't can't imagine living with reflux for the rest of my life.
For those of you who don't know about it, reflux is full on nausea and vomiting (phlegm) and pain for about a period of 2 hours and I've been getting it daily for 6 months. Not fun. Anyway, being a positive person, I thought I would try harder to see if I could change this. I have had to go outside the post op recommendations and have found grazing helps immensely - down to about 3 times a week. I can't work out foods that effect it - the doctors say coffee and chocolate and for me, I disagree with chocolate having found it helps.
I still think the op was worth it and am sure I will work it out in the long run.
UPDATED FROM Gabby from Aus
1 month post
frustrated
Gabby from AusDecember 10, 2013
Well getting on fine. Life back to normal and still working out food. That will take a while yet but nearly got the hang of it. I am frustrated though with the weight loss - actually put on weight in 2 days then took a week to lose it then loss stalled for a few days. Result is I have only lost .2kg since Tuesday before last (over 2 weeks!) And reckon I'm eating about 1/4 of before and type of food + exercise about the same. Im hoping this is just a bit of a plateau that generally happens during weight loss. Anyone else had a similar patch (hoping its a patch!)?
Replies (5)
December 19, 2013
Hi Gabby
How's this week been for you? Are you finding it hard over the festive season? I started pre op diet today lucky me was fine during the day at work but finding it hard when I got home from work looking for a snack hope it gets easier,
December 20, 2013
Hi Gabby
i live in NSW and had my sleeve on 21 Oct, our journey looks almost identical all the same issues. i have just reached 18 kilos and feeling good. for the energy i have been taking a supradyn tablet that dissolves and it makes me feel great
December 30, 2013
Hi gabby
How's it going? Are you still losing weight? You were frustrated last post hope it's still coming off. I have three more sleeps to surgery any hints out there on how to do the first two weeks post op?
December 31, 2013
Hi Kazi
Don't be be worried it's a good, I have just reached 21 kg in 10 weeks and feeling fine. Just don't try too much in the first few weeks. Take a liquid vitamin and do as the dr says. Walk as much as you can and you'll be fine. I survived Christmas so that one hurdle over.
December 31, 2013
Thanks Nags - getting excited now - new years eve will be a hoot..... Are you on normal foods yet? I've got the clear liquids tomorrow and then surgery. How much have you got to lose? I would like to loose about 40 kgs so 21 kgs in 10 weeks sounds good to me.... Would love to hear about your diet post op when you started puree and normal food etc and what goes down well.
December 31, 2013
Hi Kazi
Happy new year! It will be great especially after that weight goes. Yes I'm looking at about 40 kgs also. After the pp it's important toake sure you get your protein toake sure your hair and skin don't suffer. The 2-3 weeks of liquids are easy you be surprised, I don't do the milky drinks well so I drank 'dr Tims tropical fruit punch' mixed with cold water and sipped it it had high protein and then a energizer up and go drink, jelly, frozen yougurt and Chobani yogurt. You won't be hungry. I'm on normal food now that's the hardest step. Just don't rush it
Keep in touch, good luck
January 1, 2014
Thanks nags happy new year to you as we'll Nice to wake with a clear head :). Your half way there although the loss will probably slow down. Looking forward to this year and being able to do so many more things. Have a trip to the Great Barrier Reef planned later in the year so looking forward to being able to wear bathers in public :))). I enjoyed the opti slim and have also invested in a juicer so hoping I can have juice as I know that's really healthy looking forward to not feeling hungry it's been tough on the pre op diet and today is only clear fluids can't wait until tomorrow
January 1, 2014
Best of luck, take care and do let me know as you start to come off fluids that's the hardest introducing solids and knowing when to stop eating before discomfort. Takes practice but it's all ok.
January 5, 2014
Hi nags. I had the op and all went well. Just wondering if you could suggest a multi vitamin for me to take one that I can swallow or liquid. I was told to do fluids for two weeks, mushy purée for two and then normal. Is this what you had to do? I'm feeling well but tummy making a lot of noises once I have protein shake did you experience that?
January 6, 2014
Hi Kazi
Fantastic news.
I take supradyn it dissolves in cold water and is like a orange drink, so very easy to take. I could feel the difference immediately . its in the tubes like Berrocca. I made noises for weeks but it all ok just tummy settling down.
I now take multi vitamins that are mini size so i can swollow them.
Yes i did pretty much the same meal program, i think i went 2 weeks on liquids and then mush for 3 weeks but that was just the timing of my appointments. Dont rush it, the harder part is introducing the solids and being sure not to eat too much in one go. so let you stomach heal. nothing really hurts it just is very uncomfortable if you have too much. Please dont hesitate to ask the biggest thing i found was not really knowing if what i felt was normal its all a bit funny at the start.
Look after your self
January 6, 2014
Thanks nags it's great having someone to ask all these questions. I have three weeks off work so looking forward to that :). How much have you lost now? I have had custard the last two days and today carrot apple lemon and ginger juice which I made myself. Did you have custard? I had it in hospital so I thought it would be ok at home. Really appreciate your advice it's like having a doctor on call but one that has been through the procedure. Kazi
January 6, 2014
Hi
Custard should be good, I didn't really like custard so I stayed away from it, I did have jelly, shakes, and Apple juice . It's funny but I wasn't that worried about variety I was too excited about weight loss. I found I didn't lose the first week home but then it fell off. I've just made 22.5 kgs. I took 3 weeks off and that was fantastic it helps you heal and de stress after all the hype. Go girl !
August 13, 2014
Hi Gabby, Thanks so much for your diarised journey - its a great help in understanding the process. Also like what you said about telling people, that is something I am wondering what to do. I am booked in to have my surgery on the 10th of Sept. - nervous and excited.
How are you going with your weight loss?
September 29, 2014
I'm hoping you pop back and update, as another Aussie I always enjoy hearing about the journey down under! Your story is great!
UPDATED FROM Gabby from Aus
23 days post
3.5 weeks post op
Gabby from AusNovember 28, 2013
13.5kg! I had post op surgeon visit on Wednesday and he is really happy with progress.
Here are some tips: he said normal weight loss post surgery was 1-2 kgs per week so 4kgs since nurse visit was high. Apparently I have lost about a third of excess weight already. Weight loss should continue at 1-2kgs per week for another 8 weeks before slowing and then plateau at about 9 months post surgery. Thought this guide might be useful but probably varies depending on start weight.
Now for the update: still lacking energy - big day at work yesterday so needed 10 hrs sleep last night! Surgeon said could start serious exercise next week... If I'm up to it.
I am feeling slimmer and better - getting into clothes I haven't fitted fir years (hopefully kept at the back of the wardrobe).
Best news was I had lunch with a friend at a Japanese restaurant yesterday. Had pan fried dumplings. Sound yum but high cals? Well, only ate half an entree size so figure that's ok. But, cause you know u can't eat much I find I savour every bite. So, food tastes better as eating for flavor not to fill up. This is great!
Here are some tips: he said normal weight loss post surgery was 1-2 kgs per week so 4kgs since nurse visit was high. Apparently I have lost about a third of excess weight already. Weight loss should continue at 1-2kgs per week for another 8 weeks before slowing and then plateau at about 9 months post surgery. Thought this guide might be useful but probably varies depending on start weight.
Now for the update: still lacking energy - big day at work yesterday so needed 10 hrs sleep last night! Surgeon said could start serious exercise next week... If I'm up to it.
I am feeling slimmer and better - getting into clothes I haven't fitted fir years (hopefully kept at the back of the wardrobe).
Best news was I had lunch with a friend at a Japanese restaurant yesterday. Had pan fried dumplings. Sound yum but high cals? Well, only ate half an entree size so figure that's ok. But, cause you know u can't eat much I find I savour every bite. So, food tastes better as eating for flavor not to fill up. This is great!
Replies (4)
November 29, 2013
So 13.5kg almost 30lbs right! Woohoo that is awesome I know you feel great!
December 3, 2013
Great to read I am having the op in two weeks so start opti slim this week hard over Christmas party's but otherwise I would have to wait 3 months for surgery. I was wondering what you told people about your surgery I only want to tell close friends and family but will need to tell work I am having some sort of op for the time off any ideas?
December 3, 2013
Hi Kazi, great question and one I worried about. I really didn't want people to be judging me so I stuck with my decision not to tell anyone at work. I am 46 so when I said I was "having some maintenance" was telling the truth, people presumed it was a hestorectomy and generally enough to put off most people. For the persistent ones I added "on the plumbing" - didn't have anyone ask further than that!. Hope that helps
December 3, 2013
Thanks Gabby I had thought about gall bladder but have read that a side effect of op is to have trouble with gall bladder so might have looked strange to have it removed twice. I'm starting to get cold feet I have to give up smoking as well as eating in the party season so having thoughts about postponing well I wasn't bot now my mum thinks I should postpone I probably should not have said anything until after I am 50 so old enough Look forward to reading your posts
December 3, 2013
I found people respected the vague description. Told people I was on a diet to help surgery and decided to stick with it after op. Also find I can talk about stuff like I'm tired after surgery but generally haven't had any probs at all. People may guess and tak but iI say let them!
i think its a good idea to wait too. As much as we all want to loose weight, there is also a time that u may wish to say bye to yr old life style and use Christmas for a lovely send off. The op is great but does take about a month out of yr life with the diet included (that was the worst part for me!). I will say, 4 weeks today since op and for dinner,, just enjoyed some blue cheese Thai green chicken curry and a wine for dinner. Only dif is portion size - about a cup all up.
December 3, 2013
Haha, we keep crossing posts. I haven't had any prob with hair loss so not sure re that. I find waiting btw mouthfuls better than chewing for ages. Week 2 - 3 had trouble with meat but fine now. I was exactly the same portion size, not unhealthy food. It is such a huge relief to feel full after a small meal - I think I actually enjoy food more now: relish the flavors!
I work in mental health so was fancinated with the part of the sbs show that talked about the changes in brain activity following the surgery. I have been concentrating on "restructing my brian". How much was my weight prob to do with thoughts like "i need to be full" etc?
December 4, 2013
Hi Gabby we'll I have postponed op to Early January so will be on opti slim Christmas Day but will still be able to do a Chrissy party's :)). Loved the sound of the meal you had blue cheese Thai and wine. My sort of food so was so pleased to read that. I brought a juicer just recently and can't believe how good the juice tastes not a great one for lots of veggies but this will help I can't wait to be fit and healthy :))
Replies (3)