Lila21

Here are a couple of things that I did which were key: Got a variety of shake samples (Chicke, Wheybolic, etc). Got a variety of other protein supplements (Healthwise, Nectar drinks, Isopuke). Made sure my house was very clean and all my chores were done (because you won't want to do this post op for a while). Got all of my post-op meds before surgery so I didn't have to go the pharmacy on the way home. Got a blender bottle (for making shakes) Got set up to puree things (you can do anything from a jar attachment for your blender to the "Ninja"). Put my emergency numbers on the fridge, so they are handy. Bought some anti-bacterial soap for washing around the incisions. Bought some baby spoons (these were surprisingly handy, and still are!) Stocked up on some DVDs for the first couple of days on meds. I already had this, but I found I used a heating pad a lot the first couple of days. Got a variety of hot teas to drink (this goes down easier than cold water sometimes). hope that helps!

So, I had a good post-op meeting with my doctor, and everything seems to be going really well (which I am very grateful for!), but he set a goal for me to lose 50 lbs in the next 2 months... my jaw kind of hit the floor. I just don't know if that's realistic or not. I am very overweight (268), so I guess you could expect bigger numbers, but I have never in my life lost weight that fast. I am just curious if other people lost that quickly? His advice to me was "exercise as much as possible and keep your calories as low as possible." To me, that sounds like I might just go into starvation mode and stay there.... Any advice?

Yes, please call your doc ASAP! The more nauseous you feel, the more dehydrated you will get, which will then increase your nausea. Call your doctor, and feel better soon!!!!

I didn't have a cath, either. Looking down the replies, it looks like more often than not, we have NOT been cathed, so hopefully you won't either!!

I've heard that most food intolerances resolve by the first year mark (if not sooner), so rest assured, it won't be forever :-)

Definitely, don't stress about it! There's simply no way you are gaining anything other than water weight. I think our bodies go through a lot right after surgery, and you have to realize how much water weight affects you. I've been stalling for a couple of weeks now, and I know it's just my body re-adjusting after surgery. Just focus on following your doctor's orders: water, protein, and exercise!

Hey there, Diva Cakes, just offering one more voice of support. It's hard to change your eating habits once you get into a bit of a rut (I think we *all* know that one!). Maybe doing the 5 day pouch test will help you break the carb addiction. I am shocked that I don't crave carbs (I keep mine under 40 g. a day) if I keep them out of my system for about 5 days (and I LOOOVE cake, Cookies, pizza, bread, anything carby :-)). Give it a shot!

I have that same problem right now. I start craving things I never even used to eat, like hot wings (why?!!!).... but I am not really eating real food yet either (still on mushies).

I think it's very difficult, if not impossible to stretch the sleeve. The one thing you will definitely feel with the sleeve is fast satiation. I am only a month out, but my meals are usually 1/4 of a cup... and they satisfy me. Later, you can eat more, but it will NEVER be what it was. You will still have to change your eating habits, but it's SO much easier with the sleeve. You won't be starving, you won't feel hunger all the time, and it becomes much easier to eat healthy, small, portions.

I have totally had that experience when dieting pre-sleeve, so I know what you mean!! I am in the camp that gets mild hunger, and by mild I mean that I eat usually 2 meals a day at 1/4 of cup each, and I don't feel overly hungry in between or at night. I think you'll be fine.

That sounds incredibly frustrating. I'm really sorry to hear it! The only thing I can suggest is that you might cut out the fruit. Fruit is pretty high in sugar, so it might bring your carbs down better. Also, I find that if I don't exercise, I don't lose weight. Exercise is pretty key for me. I know it's hard when you work a ton of OT, though.... I've read studies where they say you get the benefits of exercise even if you break it up during the day. So, maybe a 15 minute walk before work, a 15 minute walk at lunch, and another 15 minute walk after work?

My doc told me to stay under 40 g. per day. That might not seem low, but once you start calculating your food, it's not a hard number to get to!

I agree with Eloray. I was super jittery before surgery, but I found so many answers to my fears on this board. I'm not trying to convince you one way or the other, but if you feel like you want to go through with this, but are scared, a good way to get through it is to keep reading this forum. And ask the questions that make you most scared. You'll find some great and reassuring answers. I was on here every night the month before my surgery, and it helped a ton!

That's so awesome!!! Many congrats to you!!!

I watched your video, and I think it will be sooo useful for pre-ops!!! I was just sleeved, but I know there are tons of people out there who will benefit from this. Oh, and I don't think it matters if you wander a bit, it's nice to see your personality on screen.

Yeah, Dawn!!! That's so awesome! You must be feeling GREAT! :-)

LOL, I'm sorry, but this post cracked me up! Look, you know the answers...don't eat fried calimari right after surgery .... Anyway, I think you know what you need to do. Use this time to your advantage, work on getting back to better eating habits, and picking up your fiance will be sooo much easier next time :-)

once you get all your ducks in a row, the approval process is fairly quick (around 2 weeks), but it can take a while to do all the stuff required by your insurance. For example, my insurance requires a 6 month diet documented by a doctor or nutritionist.

It gets better. You will adjust even though it doesn't feel like you will. Hang in there!

WOW!! that is an amazing story! thanks for sharing!

omg, soooo cute!!! Love it!!!

i use the Celebrate bariatric chewable multi-vitamins, and I use the Gold Whey protein (24 g. protein per serving). I also just ordered some sublingual b12 as I read somewhere that you don't create as much b12 with the sleeve. Hope that helps!

Wow, you look simply wonderful! Congratulations on all your success!!!

I am right there with you! We are in what's known as the "DREADED 3 week stall." Just stay the course, we will adjust.

Right there with you on the 3 week stall... we just need to ride it out