SeattleSue

Oh my word Robin, I was totally jittery. I crashed about 3:30, hard. hahaha I'm a little nervous about my "dinner" shake. Could be a long night. Susan

WAIT Let me clarify...I"m not older than Levi Strauss!!! hahahahaha I meant, before Levi's came super popular in the 80's with the whole prep movement.

Back in the day, there was a jeans store called, Mr. Rags. Sticky Fingers was THE brand to be wearing...painters pockets. AHHHH Back before Guess and Levis and certainly generations before True Religion brands. lol OK, I dated myself didn't I?

I had my first Protein shake this a.m. Still buzzing. But yes, my post-op is just as you described remembering. I have a magic bullet. LOVE IT. I quickly whip up my Protein shakes, etc. My surgeons post-op plan has me on protein shakes until day 21...I'm thinking that is severe and I may start soupy stuff in a week...putting my at about 15 days. I'm not trying to 'buck' the experts, but strike a balance between reasonably cautious and listening to my body. I'msure people will want to lecture me, but the post-op diet does allow for some discretion based on if you feel lethargic, etc. I don't yet, but I'm up to walking almost a mile in the a.m. and 3/4 in the p.m. on my treadmill. I have had zero problems with any area so far. I'm 9 days out (I count surgery day since I was done by 10 a.m.). Anyway, how about chicken enchilada's (easy). Chicken and rice ala Campbell's cream of something soup with baby carrots (all one dish cooking), chicken salad with some cashews (yum!) on nice rolls, chicken stir fry with frozen veggies over rice (use the packet sauces from the asian section), chicken dumplings (easy)... Gotta run, I have a "lunch" date with a girlfriend who doesn't know about my quick trip to Mexico. lol I'm debating whether to mention it, for a lot of reasons, but I don't want to lie about why I'm not eating. I'm not hungry, well...that's true. Strict diet: drastic times calls for drastic measures...that's also true. Ummmm Maybe I'll order french onion soup and just eat the broth and she won't notice. hahahaha Talk later! Susan

In true Seattle style, I decided that since I've been jonesing for coffee like some 70's kid after a pair of Sticky Fingers (if that don't make sense to you, don't worry), I decide to mix 1/2 scoop vanilla with 1/2 scoop chocolate Protein and 1 tspn of instant coffee (starbucks Coluuuuuuuuummmmbiaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaan) for my first Protein shake post-op. I think I could freaking RUN to town today!! The caffein has hit my purified body like a match to kindling. HAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHAHAHAHAHAHA Weeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee

Congratulations, that IS amazing. I'm so happy for you. Absolute JOY. I can just hear the delight in your voice...revel in it girl!! You deserve it. Susan

Pretty much started my chewable flinstones like, day 2? was taking my bp meds the whole time...I asked about oral iron because it's hard on my tummy anyway and Dr. Kelly said after 2 weeks, give it a try.

Nancy, have you gotten to your prescriptions yet? Hon...if you can, pick up some of those GasX strips that melt on your tongue. I wouldn't worry about anything but fluids. Pick up some smart water (has electrolytes) or some pedialite pops (in the baby section) and take things slow. I feel for you lady. Take care, Susan

How exciting!!! Congrats to you.... Yes, Aug. 15 will be here before you know it!!

hahahaha cooking advice I could probably give; as for the VSG, I'm flying by the seat of my pants! I made various broths before my surgery....and based on a tip I got somewhere on this forum, I froze the broth in ice-cube trays and stored in zip-locks for my recovery. Turns out I have no real taste or desire for broth. I've been cooking for my family since I got home. Easy stuff--but it's what I like to do. I need to use up the brothcicles, so it's a good way to go. hahahaha I'll have enough left to add to things in my puree stage (bleh). I've got no real hunger yet, so it's not like it's cruel or unusual punishment to cook. Funny, but the aroma of coffee seems to be 'enough' to meet that fix...and with food, it's sort of been the same way. It was extremely difficult not to taste the Tuna salad I made. That was just very appealing...but, I behaved. :-) Killing old habits. It's hard not to 'taste' when you cook; especially from scratch. I have enlisted my 14 year old son to be my taste-tester and spice barometer. haha Do you have a regular rotation of stuff that you can make and freeze for hubby? What kind of recipes are you looking for?

Hi Lynn, I think you'll do wonderful having had such an intimate experience going through this with your daugher. Good for you taking this step for yourself. I'm just over a week out from having been sleeved. I bet I could learn more from you!! Anyhow, welcome back. Amen, let the journey begin! Susan

I recall having a cough too...for about a day or so and I believe the little breathing apparatus with the floating balls really helped. Were you given one of those things? I worked it for the whole 2 day's post-op that I was in hospital.

I'm sorry, I don't have any good advice about your back, but I'm happy to hear from you. I followed your story earlier and was amazed you went back to work so quickly. While I had a good experience too, I have been taking a nap in the afternoon! I'm fortunate to have summers off because of my job. You seem to be doing well and quite a variety of food. I think my plan is the strictist on the planet! I am 8 day's out (I count the day of surgery because it was early a.m. lol) and I'm still on clears. I'm so sick of sweets. I can't even look at gatorade. Then again, I don't have any hunger either. Hahahaha "Thank you, I love cheesecake!" Priceless. Keep up the good work YellowRose, you are doing awesome. I hope you get some relief for the back. Susan

Thanks Sandra! Many blessings to you, I appreciate it. Susan

Dawn...I haven't felt my abs in years!! lol How are you doing? Susan

sugarmamma7, I hear you. I'm pretty sure some people don't engage their brains before they engage their mouth. Listen, your hubby and your kids are the closest and you need to be alive to go on...this is about life, not vanity. Take a deep breath and think again about why you decided to do this for you. Sometimes we just need to clear all the voices and get back to square one. This is a safe place to vent. You got this...good luck at your appointment tomorrow. We'll see you around! Susan

Sarah, I feel your pain sweetheart. I know 6 months seems like a long time and itmust be hard to not know that it's going to happen and your fate seems to be in the hands of others; the professionals. If I may offer some advice? I would ask that you believe this is going to happen for you and move forward with purpose. I cannot tell you what having something positive to focus on and work toward did for me. No, I didn't have 6 months because I was a self-pay, non reliant on insurance...but I have struggled under a cloud of self loathing and defeatism over my weight for far too long. I gave up at least the last few years of my life unwittingly. I'm done with regret. I was living half a life at best. I really sense you are in a place like that. So, please, make the mental adjustment that THIS IS GOING TO HAPPEN and move forward to act on that foundation! I know you will start to see things in a whole new and encouraging way. Every day is new and every day you will be able to see the end of the tunnel is closer. Don't feel like you have to rush to get everything done. One thing at a time. You are very likely not crazy. Overwhelmed, depressed, frustrated; maybe. Stay connected kiddo. Things are going to get better! I'm praying for you. Susan

Nancy, that was quick! I'm glad things are going well... Pre-op I loved lemon-lime, but I couldn't tolerate the flavor in gatorade post-op. I was 'sour' and made my tummy literally feel like it puckered up. Maybe that's the same with your crystal lite. I'm going to the whole lemon-lime thing another chance but frankly, I can't even look at gatorade right now. I switched to Smart Water (has electrolytes). I'm not even allowed to have Isopure until day 10. Anyway, take it slow. Is there someone that can pick up your prescriptions for you??

I don't have a clue, but congrats on the 22 pounds!! I'll be interested to hear from those further along in their jurney. Everyone is different and the more you have to lose, generally the faster it seems you lose it--but I bet the percentages are fairly equitable. Glad you haven't had any complications!!! Great question...can't wait to hear others responses. Susan

I'm so glad you decided to share your story...you've done great! I applaud you for taking out of your 401K...you're right, when it comes down to it, we have to have a life and the sleever (or WLS) is a HUGE tool to help us sustain our life; and then improve the quality!! Thanks for the insight into support groups. I need to find one, I'm only a week out...but I know how valuable THIS site has been to me already...but a local group is necessary too. Good luck. You are an encouragement!!! Congrats. Susan

Wow...way to perservere! Congrats, I know what you mean...it's a great feeling. CHEERS!

Glad you are feeling better!!! Don't slug anyone til your incision is TOTALLY healed! lol I'm officially 7 days out of surgery (about 2 hours ago) and my bruises have just started to show up! hahahaha Guess that has to do with the length of their commute to the surface!! Anyway, take it easy. focus on fluids and don't sweat the little stuff.

Thank you for the compliment! I have the priveledge of working with Special Ed teenagers in a junior high school as a paraeducator. It's very rewarding for them to start to take pleasure in story telling! I'm not published, though I have a background in public speaking and have given my testimony on TBN of the wonderful things God had done for me. My family has been encouraging me to write a book for years about my life which truly would read like a 'made for tv movie" but I really don't have anything important enough to say that should be contained in more than a few pages. lol Thanks again for the kind words. I do agree that a sense of humor serves us well, always! Best wishes to you also!!

You bet. I'm keeping it pretty close to the chest with co-workers and acquaintences...but for those that are seriously interested, I think I will share. It feels like a very safe place here to share and frankly, cathardic! Thanks for listening!!!

Oh, i'm so sorry. I feel bad for you but I agree with others about hydration. Best wishes to you!