NikiS

This is such a learning process. I never had any restrictions. I chalked it up to my muscles, tendons and tissues being in shock from the surgery. Almost immediately I was hungrier than I had ever been prior to surgery. The hunger didn't go away until I was exactly 2 weeks post-op. Like you, I have to cut myself off. I don't really know my limits and I don't want to find out the hard way so I restrict myself. I am super mindful of my intake and haven't been eating as much as I should. I have absolutely no problems getting in all of my protein or my liquids. In fact, if my surgeon hadn't told me not to drink more than 8 oz an hours I'd probably drink around the clock. Protein and other liquids no problem. Food... problem. Not because of restriction, but because I'm afraid I'll overdo it.

You are beautiful! Thanks so much for sharing this picture with us.

Your hard work had truly paid off...you look amazing! Congratulations!!!! :welldone2: Nicole

Even though I am only 17 days post-op I am right there with you. I can't see the weight loss that others see in me. I'm down a total of 30 lbs (pre-op weight included - 20 since surgery on 9/20). My clothes still fit the same way -- to me. I need to incorporate more exercise and am looking forward to doing so but I'm just waiting for the green light from my surgeon at my 1 month appointment. I would love to go to that appointment and be at least 10 pounds lighter...phew! Oh well... I definitely don't regret my decision to have the surgery and I plan on riding the wave. Slow and steady wins the race! Be encouraged! Niki

I'm sorry that you are experiencing this. A few times I felt light headed when I stood up too quickly and once I even the shakes. My doctor said I was doing things a little too fast -- eating, drinking and/or standing. You should contact your surgeon's office and let them know what's going on. Please keep me posted. All the best, Niki

I read your post and literally applauded! Congratulations on your lifestyle change (physically) and your lifestyle change (spiritually)!!! God is soooo good and I am both happy for you and proud of you! Continued success and many blessings, Your sister in Christ, Niki

Wow!!! You are doing wonderfully!! You should be so proud of yourself. Simply amazing! Congratulations and keep up the good work. All thebest, Niki

It took 2 full weeks for me to get that full feeling. And yes, your tummy will definitely let you know when to push your plate or bowl away. And now, thanks to you... I'd really like some Lobster Bisque .

Both the weight gain and the hunger are normal. Like the other said, the extra weight will come off quickly and once your new stomach heals a bit the hunger will disappear. I'm only 16 days post-op, and for me it took 2 full weeks for my hunger to go away. Hang in there and be encouraged. Things will come together in time. All the best, Niki

I was in this same boat. I only received one meal at the hospital and it was 6 ozs of chicken broth. After I ate half of it with no restrictions I had to make myself put the bowl down. I chalked me feeling no restrictions and not feeling any pain after eating to the morphine. Before being discharged I ate the remainder of the soup and the same thing... no pain and not feeling full or restricted. In the days that followed I never had a problem getting down liquids or Protein. Yesterday, post-op days 15, I started my mushy phase and that's the very first time I ever felt full. I ate a few bites of chicken and it took me over the edge like I had eaten Thanksgiving dinner. So your full button/factor will certainly kick in. For a while there I thought maybe I did something wrong like drink too much liquid thereby stretching out my new stomach but of course that wasn't the case. Liquids do go thgouth you much quicker. And sometimes you'll probably find yourself getting hungier sooner because of it. As time goes by the restriction(s) comes and you will feel full and you won't be able to comsume as much as you did right after surgery. Finally, at 16 days post-op I'm not getting as hungry as I did immediately after surgery, my full factor sensor definitely works, and things are moving right along. I can still drink which isn't a bad thing, I just try not to consume more that 8 ozs of liquid an hour per my doctor's instruction. All the best to you and please keep me posted on your progress. Niki

32 lbs!...that's great! Congratulations!!!

That is great! You sound like you're gettng back into the swing of things. Still continue to rest up when you can. Walking is definitely key; sip slowly and often; enjoy watching the weight melt off of you!!! All the best, Niki

Like you I love bread! I was reading my manual last night (the book given to me by my surgeon's office) and it says in the mushy phase I can have well toasted bread like melba chips/toast. I know it's not a big hunk of sourdough bread but I'll take it Also, my doctor told me that I wouldn't necessarily lose my tolerance for bread it's just that because it's so doughy it would not only absorb any liquids in the new stomach it would make me feel really uncomfortable. I'm sure somewhere down the line I'll try bread, bagels, etc, but for now I guess the melba toast will have to do.

I had surgery on Sept. 20 and inquired at my 1 week appointment why I hadn't gone poo. The doctor said that it was normal but told me to get some Milk of Magnesia. I took it and within a few hours I went. Crazy thing is, I haven't gone since then. I'm now on mushy food and hope I become a little more regular.

Phew... I thought it was just me. I am only 2 weeks post-op and I'm sure I feel hungrier than most. I was just sitting here thinking I must be part camel as I can drink more than the average person who just had surgery 2 weeks ago. I not only feel hungry but I'm thirsty as well. I have to make myself stop eating after 2-3 ozs of creamed soups or yogurt because my full button doesn't seem to be working and the last thing I want to do is stretch my new tummy out. I written this concern down along with about 5 others that I plan on asking my physician. My 1 month appointment isn't until Oct 28 but I don't think I can wait that long to get the answers to my questions.

You look absolutely fantastic! Congratulations on all of your success.

You look amazing!!! Congratulations and keep up the good work!

I'm moving into my mushy/soft foods stage and I don't remember my doctor mentioning anything about fruit. I'm pretty sure citrus is out of the question and apples may be too hard but what about the softer fruits like grapes or bananas. I'm wondering if those would be ok. I'll call to ask my doctor but I was just curious if anyone has had any soft fruit(s) during this stage and how did your new stomach handle it.

Sometimes I think nothing will cure my hunger - LOL. The protein shakes (to me) are delicious and if I drink that first I'm good. But like some of the others mentioned, 2-3 hours later I may get hungry again. BUT, I'm no where near as far out as some. I am only 2 weeks post-op so it's still all so new to me.

Adorable! You look absolutely beautiful. Can't wait to see your Princess! Congratulations!!!!

I think 15 lbs in 3 weeks is incredible! You are doing a fantastic job and it sounds like you're right on point. There are some extraordinary cases where a few of us may lose a little more weight but that's just the dynamics of things. Don't compare yourself with anyone else. You are doing wonderfully!! Keep up the good work and be encouraged! Niki

When I went for my 1 week check up I still hadn't gone. My doctor told me to get some Milk of Magnesia. It definitely worked but since taking it (9/28) I haven't gone again. I guess it's because I'm only in my creamed soups phase. This week I move onto mushies and with that hopefully some regularity will return.

You'll be surprised... initially I felt full all of the time from drnking. But by week 2 I had a little give and could take in more. I know each person is different but after surgery just see how you feel. Take your time, follow your surgeon's instructions and you'll be fine. Congrats on your upcoming surgery. I'm sure you'll do well. Niki

CONGRATULATIONS!!! Those are the kind of results that I am hoping for!!! Almost 50 lbs in 6 weeks...you rock! Like you, I can't wait to start working out but I still have a while to go. I am only 13 days post-op. My time is coming. Keep up the good work and congratulations again, Niki

@ Favor, wasn't that CRAZY!!! I know it was just a dream but I keep thinking about it - LOL.