Something More than my Stomach was taken out

I am now two weeks post-op and want to report that something else was taken out along with my stomach. Actually if feels like a switch was in there that was always off and has now been turned ON. I wake up full of energy every morning (never happened in 20 yrs), and I feel happy. I have some inner energy that I never knew before. I really believe that the surgeons do not fully understand what hormones lie there in the greater part of the stomach (that was taken out). It's an incredible feeling. I feel so alive! I want to dance! I want to walk on the beach (actually I did- walked along the rocky coast and then dipped my feet in the ocean even!) It's an internal feeling of well being. I feel "healthy" inside. I realize that I always felt sort of sick inside and very tired, depressed, low on energy. Now that's all changed and I felt it after about day 5 post-op. I'm so amazed and wanted to share this feeling. My doc said they do not fully understand why diabetes goes away with this surgery since it's not malabsorptive. He's a professor and researcher at UCLA so I know he knows his stuff. They will probably find out so many more hormones that live in that part of the stomach in the future. I feel totally different inside, even though I'm just starting my weight loss journey. It's so strange and good. Never, ever, felt that way when I had the band- I was just hungry and miserable, not to mention in pain every time I ate even one bite.  I wanted to share this for all the pre-ops who are on the fence. This is amazing and I love it. Take Care!

YOUR POST MOVED ME SOO SOO MUCH THAT I EVEN SHARED IT WITH MY MOTHER IN LAW..... YEAH, I CANNOT WAIT TO BE SLEEVED, GOOD FOR YOU AND CONGRATS ON YOUR NEW LIFE !!!!!!

I just wanted to let you know, if you energy goes down with the low cal diet, it will return.  I was very tired till about week 5 then WHAM, it was wonderful.  I also take B12 daily  I have so much energy now.
Kathy

I have not felt low on energy one bit. I make sure to get at least 80gm protein every day, I am on soft diet now, eating tuna/mayo, soft scrambled eggs, greek yogurt, soups, and then just supplement with protein drinks if I don't get enough through food. I use Nectar (fuzzy navel flavor, mixed with water and a smidgen of pineapple juice), and I use Premier Protein drinks from costco, they are premade and have 30gm protein in only 11 oz. I have gotten a bit sleepy only twice since surgery and I layed down for about an hour and then was up again like a bullet! I figure that's normal post-op to need a bit of rest here and there. Also my endocrinologist told me that I probably only need about 700 cal per day in reality. He's also into research and is finding people don't really need as many calories as they are told. We don't use much energy anymore due to technology- think about this- we drive everywhere, we don't even get up to change the channels anymore on the TV, we don't have our kids walk to school, in reality we barely move all day- thus our metabolic rate is super duper slow! It's impossible though to survive on that low of calories if you have your full stomach. It would be constantly secreting that hormone Ghrelin, telling us it's time to eat more!! That constant hunger feeling is miserable!  Now that's gone for the most part (I'd say 90% gone), so I can eat less and do it comfortably! Anyways, I just feel so great- and wanted to share! Hugs!!

Kathy,
Your post was just what the doctor ordered!!!! I have been freaking out about my surgery in 20 days and worrying about aftercare, if I am doing the right thing, will I be too tired to enjoy life, and the list goes on and on. And then I see your wonderful and uplifting post. Thank you so much. Pleas think of my on Nov 19th as that is my day.

You got it! You are on my calendar. I had lots of friends sending positive thoughts and prayers my way on my surgery day and I belive it truly helped! You are gonna do great, just do exactly what your doctor tells you- don't stray even a bit! You'll do great honey! Take Care!

Kathy,
Good luck Kathy I am happy that your surgery date is soon. I cant wait to annouce mine soon. This post also made me feel terrific.

Kathy,

I went through the same thing too. I stay up later in the evening and wake up early. i have more energy and actually am doing more. I exercise and am happy.
It is amazing. I am glad once I got through my recovery that I did the sleeve!!

Erin

It truly is amazing,  and the really cool part is it will keep on getting better and better  !!yeah for you,  you are doing everything right!! and well on your way to a healthier and happier,  not to mention hotter you    :o)  jeani

Thanks for sharing, you put my experience into words, perfectly!  I too wake up with a smile on my face : )  Though I was always filled with joy about what family and friends brought to my life, I am filled with joy about myself for the first time in ...forever!