Phoenix Rising

Thanks Lizzyshade and shortypants, I am only 9 weeks out tomorrow. I have always been a slow loser at the best of times and I also retain water so I knew this would not be a quick fix.

I forgot to mention, I also have two snacks a day. Usually fruit, a small apple and a small orange. I really missed having my fruit as I love it so.

Hi Holly,

Wow, you take my breath away. I looked at those stairs and knew I could not do that...Yet! With you as my role model I know that one day soon I will be able to cope with those stairs (even with my fear of heights). You looked so happy, you must get your friend Amanda to visit more often. She obviously knows you well, and you looked to be having so much fun together. Remember 40 is just a number, I am now 55 and think my life has got better as I have got older. Loved the angel wings.

Phoenix

You look amazing in your swimsuit, where did you get it, as I want one and haven't been able to find any like that with a skirt (i have to cover up my thighs!) You looked so happy with your children in the pool. Congratulations and keep on swimming.

Hi Thickhawk,

Are you drinking plenty? For the first few days I could only pass water, but eventually (TMI warning) I did pass some very loose and watery stools. However, if you are not able to pass anything, perhaps you could ask your dr to recommend something. I had senacot, as it is a natural remedy and works very gently on your system. The box says to take two in the morning and two at night, but I managed to get moving by just taking one in the morning and at night and it worked wonderfully. My advice is don't leave it too long before speaking to your doctor. I was very lucky, in that before surgery I had to do a complete liquid diet that did not include protein drinks. So after surgery, when I was still just liquids to be able to drink protein drinks filled me up. I did start my mushies a day early as by then I was absolutely desperate to eat something. This is when the hunger goes away and you do begin to feel like the operation is working. Hope things work out for you soon.

Phoenix

Wow, Lady in red,

You look fantastic, red is definitely your colour.

Congratulations.

Before surgery on my pre op liquid diet I had to drink at least 8 pints. After surgery I was told a minimum of 1 and 1/2 pints but 3 is preferred. On this forum most people have been told to drink 64 ozs per day. This is all liquids, water that you may take medication with, milk, coffee, squash etc.

As to exercise, you will be able to take short walks from the get go. I was told to build on that slowly. I was also told not to do any heavy lifting or overly vigorous exercise for 6 weeks.

Surgery can last from 30 to 90 minutes depending on your size and any other problems you may have.

I am only 11 days out from surgery and have had no pain, just some discomfort. I was able to drink by the second day as much as I needed to. I walked on the day of surgery and everyday since.

Good luck in May I hope your recovery is as easy as mine has been. Phoenix

Your blog is not boring, I am fascinated to read about other peoples journeys. It is what helped me decided to go for the sleeve. I am still new at this myself. One week two days post op. I am doing well, no pain, good recovery, able to drink all the fluid and protein I need. I wish you well in your journey and if I can be of any help just ask.

Phoenix

Thanks Lissa, I tried to pull it out with tweezers but it is obviously deeply connected and I couldn't. So I have cut it off at skin level and hopefully that will be that.

Hi there Madam Bones,

Congratulations on your decision, you know it will be life changing for you. Please don't panic and worry about not eating on you pre op diet, as that really helps when you have had your surgery for you to stick to the plan and do things as your surgeon and doctors require.

I had to do a three week liquid only diet without protein drinks to meet my requirements, but that meant that now, 5 days after my op; that I am more than satisfied with my liquids with protein that I am now allowed to have.

If I have any advice for a newby, it is come on to the forum and read, read, read and then read some more. I found out so much information that way, and was fully prepared for everything that happened before, during and after my operation. I am sure that is why I found everything a) as expected and easier to do and cope with.

Take advice and support from all the wonderful people on this forum who are always so willing to give that helping hand when you need it. If you have questions, ask away, there is always someone on here who will have experienced something similar or will have the answer you need. Good Luck and think positive thoughts.

Loved your pictures, esepcially the one of the tree in the graveyard. I also love the fact that life never quite takes us in the direction that we plan.

I have been teetotal for many years so not a problem for me, but it must be hard to resist if you enjoyed drinking with friends before. Remember how you felt on Sat/Sun and if you want to drink another time...stop at one.

I am very newly sleeved, but definately know you are heading in the right direction. Go for it.

Hi Holly,

Reading your blog on shoes reminded me so much of myself. I have been wearing old lady sandals for the last seven years. You know, the ones that open fully at the front and do up with velcro. Ideal for large feet and feet that swell. I am so looking forward to being where you are now and getting into Real shoes again.

I love reading your blogs, they are very revealing and truthful and show what a wonderful person you are. No matter what life has thrown at you, you carry on doing your very best for your family and now for yourself too. Keep on doing that, you are an inspiration to so many people and have touched so many hearts. When I read the piece on the guilt you carried I cried. Your Mother must have been a wonderful lady because she did a fantastic job on raising You. I know you carry her with you in your heart and I also know she would be so proud of everything you have accomplished and more importantly with the way you have done that. With dignity, grace and love for everyone else along the way. Looking forward to reading future instalments

Phoenix

Thanks Randi,

Your right, there is so much going on in hospital I guess I won't have much time for too much other stuff. Besides, I can always people watch (my number one favourite past-time)

And so it begins. Congratulations on taking back your life.

Congratulations...on not eating your friend, but more especially going on the hike in the first place. Well done you, I love your blog.

Hi there, I managed to find and read your blog. You are doing really well, 39lbs. That is just wonderful. You mention that your weightloss is slowing down a bit, I think this is fairly usual from what I have read on this site. However, you will still continue to lose and I am sure it won't be that long before you are in that swimsuit and struttin your stuff. Keep on doing what you are doing as it is obviously working.

Thanks CAsleeve, I will.