Lissa

My PCP is a jerk, but he's been my PCP since I was 11 years old. Everything that's ever been wrong with me is because I'm fat, go figure. Now that I've dropped 120 pounds, all of my health problems are still because I'm overweight. Never mind that I have had major improvement in my health, with resolution of most of my co-morbidities, and never mind that I'm a gym rat now, everything is weight related. I had surgery locally, but my PCP still says it was "too drastic". I don't care. I'm shopping for a new PCP, but haven't found one yet. I think that older doctors, like mine, don't trust anything too new-fangled.

Amytug, I drank chicken and beef broth. Lots and lots of broth. Buy low sodium, but I could not stand sweet anything for about six months post op. I've never really gotten into the whole protein shake thing..and I've tried. I have a couple of IRL sleeve friends who still do shakes at 2 years plus post-op, along with regular meals, but I cannot really get into them. I'll have a shake once or twice a month. I much prefer protein bars and have found that Premier Protein bars (30g of protein per) make a great breakfast for me. Protein bars are much more portable and don't have the aftertaste I get from shakes. If you're still on liquids/purees, Unjury makes a chicken soup protein that I didn't mind. I just didn't want to buy a bunch of it for my liquid/puree stage because I'd already bought the others. I'm slowly using my protein powder up as additions to things like protein ice cream and creamer for my coffee. In 18 months, I've bought 2 cases of the ready made Pure Protein shakes from Sam's. Those are about the only prepared shakes I like. Everyone's taste is different and what works for me may not work for someone else, but this is why the veterans always say don't overbuy before surgery. Good luck.

I'm 18 months out and still can't really drink while I eat. One thing that helps, though, is making sure you have something moist on your plate. I believe it was Egg Face who said that the key to eating protein post-op is moisture and she has tons of dip-type recipes that are high protein. I make greek yogurt based ranch dressing and will often put a dollop of that on my plate to dip meat. I have actual physical pain if I drink liquids while I'm eating and it's a good way to make me slime or vomit if I drink with a meal. I'd prefer to skip those two things.

Good luck! I know you must be SO excited right now!

That pain is annoying, but it will go away soon. I'm having similar pains since my gallbladder came out in February, but I somewhat expected it. Just don't move in ways that aggravate the stitch until it heals and you should be okay. Looks like you're doing great already! 24 pounds gone forever!!

Our tastes do change dramatically after surgery. I kept my protein shakes and powders and they did taste good a few months out, but I couldn't stand sweet stuff for months after surgery. BTW, I love your name!

My VSG was the result of a "Come to Jesus" conversation with my doctors. They told me to lose weight or I wouldn't live another year. I made my decision based on that and that's what I told anyone who questioned me. I'm totally open about my VSG and it has inspired several people close to me to work out, diet, or have their own WLS. If there are naysayers (and there are always a few), I simply tell them that this surgery literally saved my life. End of discussion. I don't listen to negativity. This was my last, best, option to save my own life.. and it's worked so far. I'm 18 months out, over 120 pounds lighter, and I feel like a brand new person! I really don't care what anyone else thinks of my decision. IMO, this is the best thing that has EVER happened to me, after the births of my children... and some days that's questionable! LOL

I don't remember anything after they got my IV in and started the good drugs. I don't remember being intubated or extubated. As a matter of fact, I got up off the recovery bed that they wheeled me to my room in and refused to get in the hospital bed. I sat in the chair in my room. It's normal to be nervous and scared. This is major surgery. But, the complication rate is so low and usually the docs and anesthesiologists won't take any chances if they consider you high risk, that you will be fine! I can't wait to read that you're on the loser's bench. Just breathe deeply, try to relax, and it will be done soon. Good luck!

I'd ask my surgeon before wearing a binder. Perhaps a bandaid (butterfly type) would help keep it closed until it heals completely.

Congrats and welcome to the loser's bench!! For the first few days, concentrate on staying hydrated. You'll get the protein in once the swelling goes down some, but the water is a must. Good luck!

You're eating/drinking too much. You want to eat/drink until you are satisfied but not until you hurt. Try stopping a few bites/sips before you get to that feeling. You can always go back for more if you're truly hungry later, but that pain from being overly full lasts forever, it seems. This is one of the toughest issues I faced, being able to stop before I hurt.

That sounds good. I've been watching a lot of Bobby Dean's "Not My Mama's Meals" on Food Network where he strips the fat and calories from some of Paula Dean's dishes and makes them healthier. He just did pot pie with wonton wrappers for the "crust".

Chopz, Welcome to VST! I understand how you're feeling oh so well. I, too, went on blind faith and trepidation when I had my surgery. I had so many health problems that I was convinced I'd die on the table and I was willing to risk that to save my own life. 120 pounds lighter and 18 months later, it was the absolute best decision I've EVER made in my life. I congratulate you on taking this huge step, on taking control of your own life, and on being brave enough to admit it out loud. Good luck on your journey!

Six months is when I really felt "normal" on food again. That's when I was allowed to add salad and other fibrous foods back into my diet. I don't eat anything like I at pre-op at this stage, though. My food choices are much better because I realize that I have to get the protein first.

I burp... and not a dainty little ladylike burp either. I wish!

I had a three week pre-op liquid diet. Most of the people I know have had at least two weeks beforehand. Even the ones who don't have the preop liquid diet seem to have to do some kind of laxative in the last few days. Your doctor will prescribe what he feels is best.

I take biotin daily and have since about 2 months post op. The most important thing is to make sure you get your protein goal daily. Mine got fairly thin on top, but it's growing back in well now.

I'm lactose intolerant after surgery as well. In 18 months, I've had milk twice. Both times I had problems. That means that ice cream and cottage cheese don't work for me either, which is probably a good thing. I can do cheese without too many problems, but I try not to put too much of it into my sleeve.

Don't be jealous. When is the last time you lost 5 pounds in 8 days? You'll get there. Just follow your doctor's recommendations.

I was afraid I'd die when I had my sleeve. With the pre-existing complications and conditions I had, it was a real possibility. My first word when I woke up from my sleeve was "What?" I also had a panic attack about 7 months out thinking that I'd starve to death because I wouldn't be able to eat enough to stay alive. I squelched that thought process really fast! Be careful what you think, but deal in reality. If there is a true risk, your doctor will discuss it with you beforehand. Mine did. We had an honest "come to Jesus" conversation about what could happen and I decided the risks were worth it. Good luck on your journey!

I'd add the following: Don't compare your journey to anyone else's journey. Celebrate where you are today instead of being unhappy that you haven't made it to goal yet. Talk positively and think positive when discussing your journey. You didn't get fat overnight and you won't get skinny overnight either. And, to steal from The Help: You is good. You is smart. You is important. Treat yourself that way!

I drink lots of decaf tea with splenda, mio drops in my water, a little cherry extract is good sometimes, especially if you put some lime juice in it. Mostly though, I just do it. It's a necessity and I don't even stress it anymore. I drink at least 64 oz of water daily, every single day.

No, that's not true. You haven't learned how to eat without drinking. You have to relearn habits and it takes 21 days to establish or break a habit. It's really important and helpful for your weight loss to not drink with your meals. I had a tough time with this guideline right after surgery too, but it's old hat to me now. If I drink too soon after eating, I feel bloated and sick. A couple of sliming episodes convinced me. You will find your way.

BEST thing I've ever done after the sleeve! I'm about a month post-op on my gallbladder removal and I'm amazed at the pain it eliminated! Have it out. You won't regret it.

I do use artificial sugars, but, like Sleeve of Steel, I use full fat versions of everything else. Most of her food list is identical to mine except that I don't eat Cream of Wheat. I adore eggs in all their forms right now, and a small omelete is a great way to get in a few bites of veggies for me.