Ready2BHealthier

Today was the first day I went out to eat - ordered scrambled eggs - came with potatoes and toast. Didn't touch the toast, took the skin off some of the potatoes and mashed them up. Ate some of the eggs (maybe 1/2 egg tops). lunch was a Colby Jack low-fat cheese stick Just had an Atkins Advantage Protein shake Also had a Snapple.

I had my first 'ugh' food yesterday - had a small cube of watermelon and got horrible pains in my stomach. I think I'll be staying away from that. I, too, am having some trouble with my liquids. I love to drink cold drinks but having to drink so slowly, it gets warm, then I'm not into it - need to put ice cubes or something to keep me drinking. Had my first cheese stick today for a snack and it was good - nice to eat something that isn't so mushy... Have a party on Saturday which will be a challenge. I got some suggestions from my nutritionist but I'm not sure what the reception place will be serving. Maybe I'll pack a cottage cheese or yogurt and keep it on ice in my car. I just don't look forward to explaining to everyone why I'm not eating anything...

I have Blue Cross and they covered it. Your surgeon's office should know what you have to do. Each insurance company has their own requirements. I had to write an essay on my weight loss attempts, had to get cleared by a psychologist, attend two nutrition classes, there were some other things too.

I found them at my local supermarket, but GNC has them as does drugstore.com. I got the ready to drink, but I think they have a mix too. Here's a link..., actually two links - the first is lower in calories which my nutritionist says is better. The other one is higher in Protein but a larger size so two of the smaller ones is better calorie wise. http://www.gnc.com/product/index.jsp?productId=3360109 http://www.gnc.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2627155

I had my surgery 4/26 - so about 2.5 weeks post-op - am down 25 lbs. so far...

I am about 2.5 weeks post-op and started 'mushies' this past week - scrambled egg chopped up, tuna salad chopped up, tilapia chopped up, mashed potatoes, cottage cheese, yogurt (plain or vanilla), sugar free or fat free pudding, creamed soups, creamed spinach, baby pastina, cream of farina, ricotta cheese... They told me to put whatever I was eating in a 4 oz dixie cup and then dump it on the plate to eat. I barely finish 1/2 of it but most is staying down...

I asked about this too and was told it was basically due to lack of Protein. They said if I keep my Proteins up, it should minimize the damage. I have been trying to be kind to my hair in the meanwhile - washing it every other day instead of every day and once the summer is here, I will try to forego the heat of the hairdryer when I can. I'm worried about it too...

My doc said I could have creamed spinach. I bought the frozen Green Giant one for the microwave - haven't tried it yet, but hope to this weekend. [/code]

I'm at 17 days post-op and started mushies this week. The only thing I tried that I'd call 'thick' was some baby pastina. It seemed to sit like a lead balloon in my stomach and I only ate about 2 oz. of it over sixty minutes. I've done well with cottage cheese (not my favorite thing to eat, but my current favorite because I can actually finish a four oz. cup!). I've done some mushy tuna/mayo which I like but really can only handle 1-2 oz. The greek yogurt is good - I also have some sugar free Jello pudding for a snack and that is fine. I made some tilapia the other night on the stove in a grill pan with a little olive oil and garlic powder, then chopped it up into little pieces. I had about 1-2 oz of that. I've also had about 2/3 of a scrambled egg all mushed up. I am usually a fast eater but have been eating really slowly - very little on the fork and then mushing it up for awhile before I swallow it. So far it has worked but I'm sure I'm not getting my Protein in. I just can't seem to keep that much down. I do like the Myoplex Lite shakes - they are close to 30g. of protein and are very thin - maybe you'd do well with those? I really like hearing from everyone

Me too! It's really only a little over two weeks and I really feel back to myself except I'd wish for a little more energy... Am back to sleeping on my stomach, which I really missed. Started some mushies this week - amazing how little I can really eat. My hardest challenge has been not eating and drinking together. I really miss my cold glass of Water with my meal...

Hi Bill - fellow NJ'er here! Same surgery date too. I start mashed potatoes and purees tomorrow! I'm also excited. I have to follow your lead and stop weighing each day. Today was up 0.4 lbs. Not a big deal I know but I'm watching too closely. Need to pick only one or two days each week to check. Enjoy the spuds!

I've tried the Myoplex Lite shakes (four to a package) - they aren't bad - not sure if they would bother you or not - here's the link so you can look for them - they had them in my local supermarket and this link is for GNC online. http://www.gnc.com/p...oductId=2627142

I start mushies on Tuesday and am thinking I will do some greek yogurt (bought Chobani vanilla) for Breakfast, some cottage cheese for lunch and maybe some mashed potatoes for dinner. I also have been trying these Myoplex Lite Protein drinks in between. I can't seem to drink too much of one - three days and I'm still working on the first one which has still a few ounces left in it, but that's my plan. I also bought those little Jello sugar free puddings for a treat. I'm excited...

I didn't have to do anything ahead of time either - my nutritionist said most people eat until the end like they are 'going to the chair'! I didn't go crazy but I did eat the things I liked that I knew I probably wouldn't really have again (popcorn, bread, etc.). It was nice but many others have a big headstart on the weight loss. I don't think I could have done the liquids for two weeks prior though with a full stomach - think I would have cheated quite a bit.

I'm not a big Gatorade fan, but they have a powdered mix - maybe that would be better?

Wow - you lost 47 lbs already - that is great!!! My doctor didn't have me do anything pre-surgery. I was able to eat until the night before so my surgery weight is my high weight. I've lost 20 lbs in 10 days which I think is a great start! I don't see it on myself but I do feel it's easier to get around and move. Sorry to hear about the heartburn - that must be pretty uncomfortable... I haven't told everyone about my surgery yet - my close friends and my family but I am feeling more comfortable about sharing now...

Glad to hear all are doing well! I'm now 11 days post-op. I've been only on Clear Liquids (Jello, ice pops and flavored water) until yesterday when I was able to add baby apple sauce, thin Protein drinks and creamed soups with no chunks. It was great to have some small variety - wasn't really hungry like someone said, but wanted something different. On Tuesday (two weeks out), I can start creamed spinach, mashed potatoes, farina, pastina, cottage cheese, ricotta cheese and a few other mushies. I'm really looking forward to that. Yesterday I ran two really small errands and went into work for my first time for just an hour (at a desk). I was really tired last night and achy. It doesn't seem like much, but I guess my body needs to still heal and get used to doing stuff.

I'm at Day 7 and still only on clear liquids. I have no trouble getting them down - just wish I was allowed to drink a little faster. They told me one oz. per 15 minutes and not to gulp. It just seems as though if I take a break to be on the phone or computer, I'm already behind. I'm starting to be a little hungry now. They said typically I would move to mushy food on Day 14 but I see the surgeon this Thursday so we'll see. No protein at all right now - just flavored water, clear broth, ice pops and jello. It is strange how all the doctors seem to have their own food progression.

Wow - you're on Proteins already - are they Protein drinks? Which ones?

I've been finding warm stuff easier too - bought a few cans of plain chicken broth and have heating it in the microwave and sipping it. It's a lot easier than the flavored waters and feels like I'm really eating something not just drinking it. I've done a few sugar free ice pops too. I also had a lot of IV fluids in me so came home up about 8 lbs. but I can see the swelling going down in my ankles and fingers. I don't do proteins yet for another ten days, I'm guessing. I'm just on clear liquids now. Let's keep each other going

Close by - Bergen County, NJ. Had my surgery 4/26 at Hackensack University Medical Center. Came home last night - feeling pretty good!

Hey April sleevers! How are you all doing? I had my sleeve this past Tuesday morning at Hackensack University Medical Center in NJ - came home on Thursday late afternoon. Feeling pretty good. Most trouble I have had is my back hurting from the operating room table. Otherwise, just sore. Trying to keep up with my fluids. Send an update!

HI all - just registered here and am having my surgery the day after tomorrow (4/26). Am looking forward to it being behind me and starting the road to feeling better All the best to everyone having their surgery this week...

I am with you! I was pretty nervous a few weeks ago and waking up with thoughts of 'why am I doing this?'. But over the past few weeks I have now come to a calm about it and am anxious to be moving forward. My surgery is day after tomorrow (Tuesday) and I am placing my hope in God and my surgeon to help me on the road to being healthier. Then it's up to me!