wannalise

Super normal, but thank heavens it goes away. Preop I could eat the spiciest of foods and adored it. The first few months post op I found mild salsa overwhelming! (and it made me mad.) But now I am able to eat most of the things I ate preop and enjoy them. Hang in there! Anna

Okay, I am the other side of the coin, but for different reasons! Even when I have been at goal for a long time and won't be so worried about restiction I know that diet coke (which is truly a nectar of the God's) is something that became too habitual for me, and was a trigger for me to eat crappy food too. I associate diet coke with enchiladas, burgers, cheesecake....(yes there is a pattern here.) I know it is something I need to avoid and post op it has been the most difficult thing for me. It is your call and not all surgeons agree on this one, but this forum already has three of my favorite success stories that I have watched for months, so do what works for you! Best of luck my dear. Anna

Totally normal. Things were even funky for me for a while post op, but (and I am sure you are dying to know...) as long as I stay hydrated things keep "moving" just as they should. Hang in there, that preop stuff really is difficult (mostly the mental part for me) but it rapidly becomes worth it! Anna

Emma, Welcome to our quirky little family. There are many of us from different walks of life, but the commonality is this, we tried everything, we missed out on years of experiences because our bodies (or our worries of judgement) held us back. I am so thrilled that you are taking charge at a young age. There are a variety of different weights people have started at, but as long as you willing to use your sleeve as a tool, follow your surgeon and NUT advice, and find support here and anywhere else you may need it, YOU WILL REACH YOUR GOAL! I could not wrap my head around having to lose 160 pounds. It felt impossible, my original goal for myself was that if I could reach 200lbs I would be satisfied and know that I had made changes for better health, both physically and spiritually, but I know that now I am stronger than I ever realized, I am capable of things I didn't know I could do, and I have a cute ass. Who knew? Keep posting and let others support you as you support them. We can all get to where we dream of being and not waste anymore time on being obese. Best of luck to you! Anna

Welcome aboard. First of all, no need to give a disclaimer on who your surgeon was, I am glad to hear you had a great experience. It seems we all find the place that works best for us, and I'm glad that was the case for you. There really is a wealth of information here and a lot of people ready to answer your questions and support you along the way. Keep on posting! Anna

I am another one of those who was severely obese, but had no comorbidities. But...I was headed there. One of the biggest reasons for me to get surgery was to prevent diabetes and any of the other diseases that can come from obesity (which by the way every major disease has its risk increased by obesity.) Why wait? The sleeve has been amazing, there were health issues that I wasn't even recognizing where related to my obesity. My energy was crap! After those first 50 lbs it was night and day. I have been on a low dose of an antidepressant for about 5 yrs. I don't need it anymore, and not because I am a happier person, because the hormonal changes (we store estrogen in our fat) have allowed me to not need additional help chemically to feel like me. And what a huge blessing that you will be able to do this as a team. I am so excited for you!!!! Anna

There are loads of us who have been to Dr. Aceves and he is absolute heaven, and I really found his post op diet to be succesful for me as well as manageable. If there is anything I can help you with please PM me if you need. Good luck on your journey! Anna

Welcome! This board was a lifeline for me both pre and post op (still is actually), there is really a lot of information, but mostly you can take great comfort in the fact that even though the rest of the people in your life will try to be supportive, they can't fully understand what you will experience unless they have been there. Please keep going and know that you've got lots of cheerleaders right here to support you. Anna

This is a HUGE transition not only for yourself, but also in your relationship. I would want to be honest with my partner and then (this may sound manipulative) let it go and allow her to support you. Step back and then ask her for help in simple ways, ex. I've noticed that you are really great at getting your exercise in, do you think you could support me in that? I love the meatloaf you make, do you think you could help me tweak that recipe so that I still love it, but so that it fits in with my goals. Acknowledge her worries and her shortcoming and then know that even the best intending spouses/partners will not understand this unless they've been here. Best of luck! Anna

It will work for you, it is an excellent tool, but ultimately it is you that will get you and keep you to your goal and you will be surprised to realize that with some support you are much stronger than you ever knew. And on the days when you need a little extra strength we are here for you! Anna

I went alone and was relieved not to have to worry about someone else being bored or sitting there staring at me. That being said, I had a lot of nausea post op because of one of my seizure medications intensifying all the anisthetics, etc. I ended up staying there an extra day and I had an emotional meltdown when Dr. Aceves told me he really felt like it would be in my best interest. Because of this and how difficult I found the airport I wish that I had taken someone. I went a week ago with my best friend and it did help her experience. The staff there are amazing and will do anything for you, but there are still all those little things that having someone there that you love is very comforting. (Also while I was there I was able to get my teeth whitened on the CHEAP, BONUS!!!!) Best of luck with your decision. Anna

I agree, but obviously am not an insurance rep! Most of the preop things that are of concern are the things that would affect you specifically in the surgery itself, i.e, issues with respiration or your heart. Hopefully things go very well for you. Keep on posting! Anna

Miralax. It works way more naturally and doesn't give you cramps. BTW the boards are so smart that just above what I am typing....an add for senokot! Good luck, and MONDAY! It is almost here, I bet you are so excited!!!!!

I am thrilled to hear that your recovery is going so smoothly! This is such an exciting phase to start out in. Enjoy every little victory and if it helps right them down. They are all amazing. For example, last night I was walking in the mall with my boyfriend and we walked by a clothing store for jr's and regular sized women. Tom said to me, "I bet you love that store." I have NEVER been able to shop in a store like that and my boyfriend of almost three years didn't even bat an eye at the fact that I could shop there. It was thrilling!!!! There are so many cool little victories and changes. Enjoy them all. Anna

WOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOT! Hold on tight!!!!

Not useless at all. I am very hopeful for you that you can get the things you need and want to help you be happy and healthy. Anna

Yay!!!!!!!!!!!! Isn't it thrilling to have hope again? This is such a crazy rollercoaster, but I promise it is worth it. Keep posting and know that you have a world of support here for you. Anna

Yay!!!! I was there a week ago with my best friend and six months ago myself. I am so excited for you and what a great head start you gave yourself. Welcome aboard!!!!

Just heard this lovely statistic, if ever having a day where you feel unmotivated: "400,000 people die every year from what they eat." -Robert Vogel, Cardologist, Univ of Maryland. So.....go us! We don't have to be a part of that statistic anymore.

Lis, You have been a life saver for me more than once. It was good to know that others struggled with the emotional changes that take place when we lose our ability to cover up our feelings. You are so great, and I appreciate that you share with us all of your resources. I guess this is just rambling...I jsut want you to know that when I needed someone who understood my particular struggle you were there. Thank you! Anna

Okay first off....BREATHE! Your job right now is to heal. Thats it. Do your best with protein, but you really don't need to track everything just yet. You need to focus on hydration and healing. Your body can go for a while without much in the way of nutrition, but it can not go without being hydrated. I had to have someone grab my by the shoulders and tell me to calm down (figuratively) when I was about where you are. I refused carbs, but was vomiting constantly when Tiffykins finally told me to chill, drink a gatorade and take a nap. You will have plenty of time to heal and track and lose lots of weight, but right now that can't be your focus.

Wooooot!!!! I am so excited for you, it has been fun to watch your preop posts and now look at you. I am glad that they were able to work things out with your anasthesiologist to care for your voice, I know that was very important to you. Keep on posting and if you ever need hugs or advice we will be here! Anna

I also kept it really simple. I had a sweet roommate who in an effort made me buttery mashed potatoes and brought them to me at work. I ate a few bites and then sat at work, in front of my clients, with my hands above my head bawling! I called my boyfriend and told him to get my stomach back. (I was a titch crazy!!!!) So...in my experience stay away from potatoes. I did very well with yogurt, cottage cheese, and pureed some wendy's chili one evening too. Hope you enjoy this phase, it does feel good to get to eat something that isn't liquid!

Guess what, every worry you have expressed is normal. I am almost 6 months out, and it is rare but sometimes (especially when I go out to dinner) I would really dig a big old burger or nachos. But for the most part that is it. I have experienced some physical pain especially as I was learning my new signals for fullness, and on occasion still have emotional crap to deal with. The other day I was overly tired and just wanted a giant diet coke some fast food and a nap. I had to totally step back and realize that this old method of self soothing still remains in my arsenal and I can't push it away, I just have to allow myself to feel the negative things, understand them and hopefully learn a little more each time. I am excited to start a family in the next few years as well, and guess what, my pregnancies will be smoother, my children healthier. As they grow I will get to play with them without the same level of fatigue I would have felt before. My children will not be doomed to having unhealthy relationships with food, and I won't have to stress being the "fat mom." All the discomfort, worry, fear every bit of it is normal, but your surgery is done. You can't have that stomach back, but you can create a better life for yourself and your future with this new teeny tiny one. Hang in there! Anna