JudyM

And for me, please... judym@orange.fr

I didn't have a drain - and am very glad about it! But for those who have, it seems most people cope very well.

I didn't have a pre-op diet either. But maybe my liver wasn't too big and my surgeon could cope with it!

I too appreciate the clear explanation of what ghrelin is and what it does. I had no idea about the pressure receptors. Thanks!

Jane J is absolutely right. I had a couple of down days (a "what have I done" moment or two!), and got very tired, but now, I think I am getting my mojo back! When you buy food, buy the best. Treat yourself to some gorgeous body lotion. Or have a manicure and pedicure done. Buy a glossy magazine... You deserve it, and it does make you feel better :001_smile:

Good morning from a warm and sunny Normandy... We have had visitors all week, so spent much time cooking for everyone, and trying out new foods for my new stomach! I have had some lovely salmon with a little ratatouille, and last night..... I had a tbspn of chilli con carne, with a splodge of guacamole and a splash of creme fraiche! I had a difficult day last week. I went to the UK by overnight ferry, and went to get some breakfast, but the overpowering smell of fried food made me want to gag, so I thought I would get something on the train from Portsmouth to London... Managed to get a cup of hot chocolate only :sad0: Got to my meeting in London, and was there from 1030 until 3pm - no-one went for lunch :lol0: Arrived at hotel 4.15pm, having had nothing to eat... They didn't do food :lol0::scared0: Directed me to a mini supermarket - which was Polish, so didn't understand any of the packets (recognised pickled herrings, sauerkraut and various sausages!). I found a sandwich, so threw away the bread and ate the egg and bacon filling (which was sparse and horrible ). Went out in the evening to see Rod Stewart at the 02 Arena :thumbup: Was dancing all night, drank a small bottle of water. Still no food :crying: Incredibly thirsty when I got back to hotel. Bought a cold can of Coke Zero with ice - worried about bubbles, but it stayed down, and was delicious! I'm pleased to be on 'normal food' albeit in tiny bite portions. Most things I have tried have been fine. Must make an appointment to see the endocrinologist for blood tests to check my levels of vitamins, enzymes etc. Trouble is, this is France in Jul/Aug. Everything shuts down till they get back from their holibobs their hols in September :thumbup:

I got so mad with my scales!! I'm exactly the same - 3 week stall, then a measly 1 kilo (2.2lbs) in a whole week! I hope it kickstarts again soooon! I will resist the scales until next month.

I was sleeved the same day as Mary... and this weekend, I was banjaxed! I had to go and lie on the bed, and slept for 3 hours! I thought it might be that my body is working hard, burning off all that extra fat! We have had visitors, so I have been cooking, cleaning, being the gracious hostess, so maybe I just have overdone it a bit... zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz:mellow:

Thanks Jane! Yes, I am going to try yogurt and fromage blanc type stuff.. I am pouring myself a teeny glass of milk just to 'scratch the itch', and not drinking any more than that once a day. I am not craving milk as much now that I am on solids (chopped fine, and chewed to death), so maybe I am now getting whatever it is I thought I needed from milk... Yes, the different regimes are interesting, as are the pre-op requirements. I did none of the milk drinking marathons, and my op was - apparently - classic. Very straightforward, and have had no pain to speak of, no vomiting (yet!)...

I went for my 4 week post-op check yesterday. I am feeling fab, no complications, have not been sick, no pain. My scars (3 tiny ones, and one of about 2.5cm) are almost invisible now. I am off my blood pressure meds, and my BP is now normal and I am delighted about that. Also, I had water retention - swollen ankles were the norm for me - that has completely disappeared. People are starting to notice I look better, and that is probably because I am smiling such a lot too! I have been cleared for 'normal food' cut up small. No protein powders; Dr Boullenois wants me to get all my nutrients from my food intake. He reminded me no drinking 30 mins before or after a meal. He warned esp not to drink fluids when eating rice or grains such as couscous or quinoa, as that will swell the grain further and cause severe stomach pain. My stomach, when I asked him the size etc, is about the size of a (longer) Smartie tube! Dr B said my weight loss will be 5kgs per month on average, I'm so happy! :tongue_smilie:

That is FAB! I know I felt great last week when I bought a top 2 sizes smaller than usual, so to fit in size 8 must be mindblowing! WELL DONE! x

I tried a couple of Protein shakes - ewwwww - like fishy wallpaper paste, in consistency and in taste - I gagged it all down the sink, I'm afraid! Interestingly, my surgeon told me yesterday to go on to chopped up normal food (I'm 4 weeks out). I mentioned Protein Shakes and additives, and he said he would rather I got my protein from food rather than additives. He also told me I was drinking too much milk. I have such a craving for it at the moment, and suggested to him my body needed it... he said it was a 'head craving' and to cut down! He is going to a Bariatric conference in California in September, so it will be interesting to chat with him when he gets back... the French/European approach is sooo different from that of our US friends.

The trapped gas hurts, but as others have said, the walking really helps it to disperse. I didn't know that my lungs would feel restricted, but had some great help on here, to breathe in through your nose, and blow out of your mouth as hard as you can - this also helps to disperse the gas. Good luck and keep your chin up!

... My weight loss seems to have slowed, but I don't think I'm eating enough quite yet to get my metabolism kick started. I have my first post-op check on Thursday so will have some hard questions for my surgeon. Don't forget too to look at size as well as weight. I bought some new knickers at the weekend because all mine are toooo big now! I was in UK size 22-24, but i bought a UK size 18 top at the weekend! I keep trying on my 'hospital outfit', which is so big, it looks ridiculous!

As with others, I have not yet had a hunger pang, though my sleeve was fairly recent ... I have to remember to eat, and the difficulty for me is that I have no 'fancy' to eat anything in particular... In desperation yesterday for something to eat because I had to, I had a Slimfast strawberry shake (I hope that is okay to do that?)

My grandma used to put a teeny tiny pinch of sugar into fizzy drinks to make them go flat (beware, it turns it into a fountain!)... But I don't know if a teeny pinch of sugar would be allowed? I guess in a big enough qty of coke, it would be

I'm relieved others are a bit scared of eating - I don't feel so daft! I did manage half a small fresh salmon fillet last night (steamed), with one small steamed potato and some lemon fat free mayo - I just mashed it together with my fork, and it tasted lovely. I really miss a fresh salad with lettuce, tomato from the garden... when can you eat lettuce?

That is incredible - how marvellous for you, and all the health worries gone too! I am also off my meds for HP, feels wonderful

I agree with all the comments here, though I wouldn't use energy on 'hate', as I don't think people meant to be hurtful - they were probably thinking 'wow', but didn't like to say anything... Once you really start changing how you dress (I can't wait to start wearing 'thin' clothes), the compliments will come rolling in. Well done you! xx:thumbup:

I've got some cottage cheese that I'll have for lunch tomorrow. Is that all you have? cottage cheese?

I have been lucky and had no pains to speak of... 2 of my 4 scars have healed completely, and the biggest one (on the left hand side) is on the way there. I did have a twinge, but I was doing some vacuuming at the time - so I stopped! You haven't been exerting yourself have you?

.... but not too much salt, eh? :biggrin0: My doctor was adamant I shouldn't be on clear liquids. I went straight onto things like pureed potatoes, apple puree, etc. I'm on mushy food now, and all seems well.....

My surgeon gave me nothing at all, beyond a vague 'Eat potage', which left me wondering "how much?" , and "for how long??" I don't even know what size my new stomach is!! (I shall ask him at my follow up on 22nd July) In France, every job and profession is strictly demarcated, so it will be for me to go and see a nutritionist for dietary advice. The surgeon does the operation and that's that! I have had some lovely advice from people on here, and I have bought a couple of recipe books for anyone post WLS. The recipes are great and can be adapted for each stage, as well as for the rest of the family. All nutritional information is given at the end of each recipe. I bought them from Amazon and they are both US publications.

Mary - what is DDP? You guys are so funny, licking foods - I hope you didn't put the Doritos back in the packet, lol!! I was told by my French surgeon not to have just liquids, but to go straight to pur?es... My first hospital meal was a pea and vegetable Soup that the spoon stood up in, it was so thick! (I managed two teaspoons of it!)

Well done to both of you! You must be saving so much on your grocery bill! You look fab. xx