Sleevie WonderLand

Awesome! Congratulations!

I was having a hard time when I was first sleeved because I really wanted to eat some real food in the beginning and was throwing a major tantrum. Here I am, going into my fourth week...got an excellent progress report from my surgeon today at my follow up visit; he actually wants me to go on regular food now especially since I'm refusing to drink Protein shakes (they still make me gag) but I dont want to. I'm AFRAID that I will eff it all up by eating regular food and stretching my pouch and not lose anymore weight. Logically, I know that no matter what I will lose some weight because I cant take much food in. But the coo-coo crazy part of my brain is telling me that like all the other weight loss attempts Ive made, I will sabotage and inevitably screw up my weight loss. Since my pre-op diet on October 4th to now, I've lost 29 pounds. I started at 252 and now weigh 223 pounds. I've never lost so much weight at one time in my life. It feels freaking awesome. I promised my surgeon that I would start on flaky fish and seafood (which I'm ok with), but I think it'll be a long while before I eat any chicken or other dense food. Is there anyone else out there who went through this? Am I crazy? enlighten me.

I am not a sugar-coater, so I'm gonna give it to you straight....this VSG journey is not easy by any means. It's a really big life adjustment, physically and emotionally. I understand your thinking about the pre-op diet and it almost makes sense until you think about what happens after 2 months of doing it and you begin to slowly cheat here and there. Eventually you end up gaining the weight back, and realizing that you need restriction to maintain weight loss. I too like to be in control and think that I'm strong enough to do things on my own. I'm getting adjusted to my sleeve after having surgery on the 18th of October. I gotta tell you that I had buyer's remorse after I got home from the hospital and realized that I had to succumb to what the sleeve wanted versus what I wanted (which was to eat a massive plate of fried chicken and mac n cheez lol). You HAVE to pay attention to what you eat. You CANT cheat, not even a little bit. You CANT change your mind and have your old stomach put back in. It's a new dawn, a new day and a new stomach; you have to adjust your life accordingly. My recovery wasn't too uncomfortable, but I think I have a higher tolerance for pain (I've lived thru 3 c-sections). My biggest issue was the emotional part of it, having to come to grips with the fact that I was accustomed to eating food at any time in any amount for no reason at all. I have finally adjusted to my sleeve and hardly have an appetite - in fact I have to remind myself that I need to eat and drink to stay hydrated and get some Protein in my system. I would say to give yourself at least 2 to 3 weeks to start to feel "normal" again. Some people handle recovery better than others, so i can't really predict how bad you will feel. I can tell you that a positive attitude and staying here on VST to get answers and support really helped me. I realized that nothing good comes easy and that if I really want the sleeve to work for me, I gotta learn how to work it, and that's by following my doc and nutritionists instructions. In addition to that, you gotta learn how to listen to your body because your old stomach is gone. The new stomach has new rules, and if you don't follow them, she'll make you pay! LOL Overall I have to say, this is the best thing I've ever done for me. I believe in the sleeve! Good luck and best wishes!

Omg! Someone on VST suggested MFP to me and it's the best frickin thing ever! I would never track my food if I didnt have the phone app. Add me! SleevieWonder

Man, I feel for you, this is a tough one. Why didn't your coordinator find out the requirements before they began working with you? STuff like that really ticks me off. I know the lap band hasn't been getting the greatest reviews lately, but there are several success stories related to the lap band. I believe there is a lapbandtalk.com site that is also related to VST, maybe you can get some insight from there. If you have serious co-morbidities, maybe you can appeal and fight but you may not wanna go there and waste more time with that, especially since your coordinator doesn't seem to have it together. I wish you the best of luck in your decision. Be encouraged...

AM I the only one who has tried to respond to a blog comment and cant? I've also experienced writing a blog on VST and when I hit the "publish" button the whole thing frickin disappears. (&%^&%^%%$)(*(&*&^&^^%$%$$#@! (that's me cussin)

I slept on it and realized that again, my mind is playing tricks on me. I made some chicken Soup last night with spinach and okra and ate everything except the small piece of chicken that I put in the bowl. I just couldn't eat it! I've decided that I'm going to make a little seafood stew tonight with some shrimp and fish and start from there. I just have to take my time and all should be well. Thank you ladies...I don't know what i'd do without my VST family!

Right after surgery your doctors and nutritionist will most likely encourage you to stay hydrated and not focus so much on Protein in the first couple of days. You will also probably be taking an acid reducer which you will have to learn how to get down in between the little sips you'll be getting accustomed to. As the days go on, you'll increase your intake and try to find the best foods to help incorporate protein into your diet (I suggest unflavored protein powders). Celebrate sells chewable bariatric supplements that don't taste too bad. I've been trying to take them as prescribed for VSG patients. Getting them all in through out the course of the day isn't too hard, well it isn't for me because Ive created about 5 different alarms on my phone to remind me. lol Dont stress your self out too much in the beginning. Concentrate on swallowing smaller amounts and chewing your food into a pulp before swallowing. Staying hydrated is extremely important.

Lali, Congratulations on your weight loss, i'm sure there's lots more to lose! Have you discussed this with your nutritionist or surgeon? It could be from the types of food you're eating or maybe you need an acid reducer type med to take before your meals. Have you been logging your food intake? It might help you to look back and take note of the foods you are eating. Maybe you need to switch things up a bit...I don't have a direct answer because I'm new at this too! I think the best thing to do is contact your doctor's office so they can help you figure it all out. Keep us posted!

Try unjury chicken broth. It's considered a clear liquid and it's loaded with Protein. I think you should be in touch with your doc and nut regarding your concerns. Unjury also has an "unflavored" Protein Powder that you can add to liquids to up your protein intake.

It really does get better over time. I agree with Lissa, you should be in touch with your surgeon/nutritionist asap to let them know what's going on. Dehydration is nothing to play with.

Fabulous Forties in the house! I turned 40 last December and looking forward to 41 in a few weeks! Best early bday gift I've ever given myself!

I'm with the majority so far. They put it in when I was out, when I woke up I had it, didn't take it out until the next day. They measured the amount of pee that was coming out each time they emptied the bag. They took it out the next day and yes, it was a weird feeling coming out, but not painful. I kinda lost some sensation down there so when I was finished peeing I would get up and still have a little leak happening. Nothing a few Kegel exercises didn't take care of. I've gotten a UTI before from a cath after a c-section but the trick is to catch it early. You'll notice the foul smelling urine and have those cramp like bladder pains. The minute you suspect something, call your doc!

Some of you may wag your finger at me for this one, but I wish I had that "one last favorite meal" before surgery because after getting sleeved i resented having to give up food for two weeks prior to my surgery and feeling like it would be several months before I would eat a non pureed or liquified meal again. Of course it's been 3 weeks now, so that resentment has subsided now that I'm beginning to understand my sleeve, but I was PISSED when I wanted a piece of fried chicken and just couldnt have it. I did have a bit of ice cream the night before my surgery, but it was such a small amount that I kick myself for not firing up a juicy steak instead. OMG did I overpack. The only thing I used outta my bag was some clean underwear. The robe, night gown, heating pad, laptop, toothbrush/toothpaste didnt even come outta the bag while I was there. I used everything the hospital provided. It was just easier, and besides they charge for every piece of gauze that's used on you, so you might as well get your money's worth! Good luck with your surgery! And pack a small, firm pillow...it definitely helps to support your stomach when you get up out of the bed or chair.

I dont have answers to many of your questions, but I do highly recommend the nectar Syntrax brand of Protein shakes. My favorite flavor is the Chocoloate Truffle and the strawberry Mousse. I buy mine from mybariatricpantry.com. Good luck and best wishes for you towards a speedy recovery.