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The biggest shock for me post-surgery was realizing just how powerful head hunger is. At less than a week out I considered it a victory yesterday when I was able to eat two full popsicles over the course of a whole day in addition to my sips of water. My stomach has been very adamant about telling me when I'm not ready for things or when I've had even one sip too many, so physical hunger hasn't been an issue at all. Head hunger has been an entirely different story, though. I live with a roommate but have been staying with my mother and siblings for the first week post-op, and mentally I've been staring at homemade brownies, mac and cheese, Taco Bell, etc that they eat and craving them terribly. My mind says those things look delicious and tries to remind me how much I loved them before surgery, even when my body knows it would absolutely reject even a crumb of those things immediately at this stage. But I suppose that's a big part of making this surgery successful. Those mental cravings probably aren't going to go away easily. It's a matter of separating mental hunger from physical hunger, listening to your body rather than your cravings, and making the choices that are going to lead to health rather than giving in to old habits; and those things are all easier said than done.

My spouse didn't know enough about the WLS process in order to know about supporting the idea when it came up. Fortunately, it was not originated by me, it was by my PCP, but there was still a lot of hesitation. I actually had to play it cool for a few months until the idea gained traction. She would ask me if I had thought about the decision and I would be like, "I"m just going to go to the nutrition sessions and learn more, you're welcome to come along" and any possible moment that I could get her there, I would always make it feel like her decision. After a few months of this, I finally saw my moment and took it. She was totally on board by then, but had I not been patient through the whole process, pardon the pun, I don't think I would have gained the support I received and still have to this day 7 weeks post-op. I hope this helps, good luck.

me too! I use to love HINT water and regular water. UGH I cant stand anything. I never get near my 64oz daily.

I always have a metallic taste in my mouth and have trouble drinking plain water too.

I’m a slow loser as well. Hang in there. It will come. I stopped following the GS community on Instagram because I was feeling like everyone else was losing faster than me. I lose 2-4 pounds and then plateau for 3-4 weeks. It’s hard but I keep reminding myself how I FEEL and don’t pay attention to the scale. I had the procedure last November and have lost a little north of 30 pounds.

Sending healing thoughts to you Sent from my SM-J727V using BariatricPal mobile app

Had my first PCP visit in over a decade today, & I'm currently fasting to complete blood work tomorrow. She's agreed to write the referral to the WLS center that I chose & I have my initial consultation with the surgeon set up for May 22nd. I know these are just the first steps to getting the checklist for insurance approval (7 mos. nutritional counseling) but each step makes me feel more solid in my decision & excited for my future PS~Extra win, when they weighed me I was down 10 lbs from when I weighed myself a month ago(I've been tracking calories/macros & working hard on portion control)

I am pre-op for my sleeve so take my advice for what it is! I had the lap band about 10 years ago, and realize now I was not ready for the band when I had it placed. I am also a over eater and realized through several years of therapy that I actually had BED (Binge Eating Disorder). Once I started to get help for that, everything else fell into line. I am no longer gaining weight but instead am maintaining my weight (I also feel prepared for my sleeve!). Something to think about, as food is a complex and complicated issue for most of us. If you constantly feel like you are beating your head against a wall, sometimes it is time for some outside help to give you some coping skills. I first started with overeaters anonymous, and then went on to counseling sessions.

Had VSG, Gallbladder Removal and Hiatal Hernia Repair 05.10.19. One night in the hospital. Amazed at how little surgical pain there is for me. Most pain was from the gas, which seemed to accumulate in my shoulder blades, but getting better each day. Able to drink more today too. Other than being weary, can't really complain! Sent from my SM-G960U using BariatricPal mobile app

Abnormal ekg is not always a showstopper. They may want you to get clearance from a cardiologist.