Lissa

Yes. Ignore him! He's having to adjust to your changes and you're dumping hormones like a crazy person right now. Those hormones will make you insane for a bit. If he wants to eat hot dogs, let him. He's only hurting himself. Once your weight loss starts showing and he sees that you are serious about adopting new, healthier habits, hopefully he'll get on the healthy bandwagon. But, you don't want to make any significant changes until you know that your hormone levels have evened out. At that point, I'll be your cheerleader if you smack him upside the head, but family members have a tendency to irritate the tar out of us, especially in those early post-op months because WE are out of whack. Good luck!

You are an amazing writer!!! I'm sorry I can't find a better superlative, but you have a wonderful way with words. I just relived your childhood while reading. If you aren't already a blogger, or planning to write a book, you should plan to do both!

Thanks, Giselle! BTW, speaking of hot, I'm having honest to goodness hot flashes for the last three days, alternating with cold chills. I have dressed and undressed so many times today that I finally put on my thinnest dress and put my bathrobe on my chair behind me so I can just pull it on when I get cold. The cold doesn't last long either! Whew! I hope it's menopause and not some kind of bug!

JD, You're probably NOT a country music fan, but Mary Chapin Carpenter sings a song called "I Feel Lucky" about a day like the one you had yesterday! It might give you a laugh or two if you You Tube it! Here's hoping that today is a better day and that your ankle recovers quickly. One thing a nurse friend told me about WLS is that falls are very common for us in the early months because it takes our brains a bit to catch up to our new centers of balance. It's similar to the adjustment period one has with a change in one's eyeglass prescription, only it lasts a bit longer because we're still losing weight even as our brain plays catch-up.

Are you having symptoms that you fear may be a leak? Most people have pain, vomiting, fever, etc. A rare few have a leak that they are unaware of, but most people with leaks start having problems right off the bat. They know something is wrong immediately, or within just a few weeks.

So, I finally broke down today and went shopping for some clothes. Specifically, I was looking for jeans, work pants, undies, and a couple of tops. I've floated through six different Goodwill stores, but hadn't found anything in an 18 I even wanted to try on, much less buy, even at discount prices. So, today I went to the Outlet Mall near my house. I tried on several pairs of size 18 pants and jeans, but they all fit way too loose in the seat area, although they were comfortable at the waist. Finally, the saleslady suggested that I go down a size to 16s... and they fit. The waist is a hair tight, but they fit perfectly in the butt/thighs. That was the jeans! For work pants, she brought me a 16W and that fit perfectly as well! So I totally skipped 18's!! Even better, I bought undies in a size 14. I bought 5 pairs because I know this size won't last long and the 14 is a perfect fit. I've always bought one size smaller than my pants in the brand I prefer (Cacique) and it was the right choice today as well! So, from a 24/26 pre-op to a 16 today. I think I'll happy dance a little bit! Join in, please!!!

Great progress!! You're already looking happier and healthier!!

Tina, Try LIGHTLY smacking the itching incision to get the itching to stop. Itching is good because it means the incision is healing, but a light smack will make the nerves do something else and help with the itch sensation. Remember, I said LIGHTLY.

I don't worry about carbs at all and I don't pay much attention to calories either. I make sure I get in 70g or protein per day and 64 oz of water. For me, that's enough to worry about.

Low energy can be a symptom of not eating enough, or of dehydration, or of B12 deficiency, etc. I find that my energy level is blah when I don't take my B12 and drink enough water, but I'm almost 11 months out. You're still recovering from major surgery, which might help account for your low energy level. Do what you can, drink your water, and try to get to your protein goal. Your energy level will return with a vengeance soon!

I had a spinal for 2 c-sections, plus had conscious sedation for an IVC filter installation/removal around my VSG. I do NOT want to be awake for surgery at all!!! I don't even want to be awake for a splinter removal, though!

I love all of these fantasies!! I'll share a real-life experience, just to keep it real. When I was in college (early 30's) I worked at a prison and I had a HUGE crush on one of the officers. He thought it was cute and amusing and basically teased me with it the whole time I worked there and for years afterwards. Recently I posted a picture of me on Facebook and he started messaging me again, privately, wanting to see if he could rekindle the spark. I flirted a bit, but turned him down. He's so last decade!

Singing: "The waiting is the hardest part". Stay strong, it will all happen when it's supposed to happen, but it doesn't hurt to stay on top of things either.

IMO, a fever is a big deal, especially right after surgery. I think I'd be on the phone to my medical posse and see what they think about it!

You'll figure out your workout routine by trial and error, unless you hire a personal trainer. I know that several have posted that P90X is pretty challenging, but it sounds like you were fairly fit pre-op. Try it once you're back on solids and cleared to work out and see how you do. You'll know whether it's something you can do or not very quickly.

Anytime, Misty!

If you want to overachieve with your sleeve, follow your doctor's guidelines to the nth degree and you will heal better, faster and lose weight faster. I liked enigma's response above, it's exactly correct.

I don't know if you'll overcome it, but you stated how I feel about clothes shopping very well. I keep waiting on security to come and drag me, kicking and screaming, back to the plus size section!

I don't find that any creepier than my personal aversion to watching others eat. I'm about over that stage, but it's lasted for nearly 11 months! You're a guy, though. Guys react differently to lots of things than women do. At least I assume you're a guy.

Ask your surgeon if s/he thinks you'll have a dumping type problem after surgery. You may be more at risk because of factors I don't know about, but it doesn't seem to be a common problem for us sleevers.

Seriously, no joke intended at all, if you get a leak or other complication, you will know it! Symptoms vary, but most people who have leaks have severe discomfort, vomiting, paid, fevers, and HUGE problems being able to eat. Not everyone has the same symptoms, but they are basically in bad shape from the start and never feel any better. There have been two people that I've seen who didn't have "major" symptoms, but those folks still knew something wasn't right very early. At 3 and 5 weeks, you're not out of the woods, but I'd say you probably don't have a leak if you're not having problems already. If you're truly concerned about it, discuss it with your doctor, either at your next appointment or make a call to the office Monday. For most of us, aftercare is a big part of the process. Good luck!

Girl, It's great that your hubby has started dieting and exercising. I know it's hard to see it, but my thought is that he's doing what he can to support you. Men are very action-oriented. Since he can't take away your liquid diet or help with preparing your food right now, he's showing you he cares by trying to be your buddy. I know it's just irritating the tar out of you right this minute, but you'll like having a hotter hubby as you get hotter yourself. Bonus: You'll have a built-in workout partner and he (hopefully) won't be brining home junk food to try and sabotage you.

No, because you won't be able to eat all of that junk afterwards. I've dumped once (diarrhea) after drinking a Protein shake made with milk. I won't be doing that again and I am very cautiously trying milk again once a month to see if I've passed the lactose intolerance phase for me. Sliming, or throwing up, after surgery isn't the same as it is before. I liken it to my stomach pushing an "Eject" button on food. The few times I've done it, the food went down, then my mouth started watering, but it felt like it started in my jaw, then the food comes back up. I haven't heaved like I did before surgery when I'd vomit, it just comes up and out, then it's over. Most sleevers don't really have dumping syndrome from what I've seen and read. That's much more common in GB patients.

(((Hugs))) Yes, those hormones are RAGING right now. Things will get better, especially once you're cleared for solid food! Try some decaf tea or flavored water (mio drops, yeah!) to avoid dehydration and know that this will pass. Soon you'll be past this stage and wondering why you felt so crazy for a few days. It DOES get better quickly, although it's hard to realize that right this minute. Good luck!! (PS Don't kill anyone right now. You'll like them better in a few days, too!)

Great job!!! You look fantastic!