gettingtohappy

This surgery has been a journey and I've learned alot about myself in the last 4 months. But now that I can start introducing new foods....all I care to eat are greens!!!! Mustard greens, collard greens, spinach....I eat them everyday...several times a day. I don't eat anything else with it except for the greens. There is one other thing...I have to eat them almost pickled in apple cider vinegar. Weird I know!!! I have to drink Protein shakes in between to get my protein and take Multivitamins to supplement everything else. Has anyone else developed weird eating habits?!?!?!

I posted this topic when I was about 3 weeks out. I'm now 3 months out and can drink alot larger gulp of fluid at one time! It does get better and you won't even notice that you are getting better...one day you will wake up and realize you are feeling more normal. I'm still not used to eating such small amounts for every meal or not drinking when I eat. Everyday gets better and better though.

Ok...so some days I make the quota and some days I don't. Why do we have to have so much protein? What is it doing other than constipating me? I am trying to drink the whey super protein chocolate shake (52grams of protein) everyday but some days I don't get it all down...some days if I'm super busy I don't drink it at all. I don't eat enough food to get the protein from meats. So what is the deal what is all this protein doing for us?

Thanks Pdxman! I was wondering about that. There are some times that I don't have much of an appetite to eat food so I just drink a shake to get me through. I was wondering if the carbs were making me stall on weight loss. I'm 2 months out and have lost 26lbs...I was a lightweight when I had surgery...so from what I've been reading I'm supposed to loose weight slowly. I just ordered some of the Unjury protein packs to try.

You are doing great! What brand of protein supplement do you use? I live overseas so I'm limited on what I can just go to the store and buy. I'm thinking that the whey protein that I use has too many carbs.

Thank you guys for the explanations!! I will work harder to meet my Protein quota. I am definately feeling the affects of not getting enough...just by reading your responses I see why I'm feeling so fatigued. But just like LilMissDiva (my sleeve idol!) says...it's really kind of hard early on after surgery. I've got to work harder...the last thing I want is to have this surgery and do something to make myself unhealthy. Circa and Lissa...that was a great explanation! Thanks...you guys are always so motivating. I appreciate you taking the time to type up your responses. I'll do better.

Thanks for the info...but I wasn't saying that I want to cut out all protein so I could shrivel up and die as you put it. :-) I just wanted to know why we needed "so much" after surgery. I'm aware that it is a needed nutrient. Trust me...I stated "what is is it doing other than contipation" half hearted/jokingly. Maybe I should be more descriptive in my posts. I know what to do for constipation...it's called common sense. We're not children here...the purpose of the post again was to find out why we needed so much. But I get it...thanks!

Diva! I love the new pics...you look fabulous! I'm at 8 weeks and nothing tastes good still. I just eat to survive. There is absolutely no enjoyment in it at all...I guess that's a good thing now that I am down to 170 which is 26lbs lighter than before surgery! Yea...I want to keep going so I can look like you!

You are definatly right about this. I guess we just get confused as to how the body works. Especially when we are eating like birds and we aren't losing weight. I don't know about the others, but there is a fear that comes over me when I stall. I'm only 7 weeks out and my fear would be that when I stall...that's as far as my weight loss is going to go. We freak out because we fear that after all we've gone through...this could be the end of the line. Of course common sense would say that this can't be the case. We just get discouraged. Speaking for myself of course. But alas...as you stated there is no quick fix for being fat.

All I can say is meee too! I was going to post the same thing you posted not long ago...but I knew what everyone was going to say. I just tried to force myself to drink and not pressure myself on making the daily quota of what is required. ie..64 oz of fluid and 60 gm so of protein. I get about half of that right now. I keep striving so that I can get to the point of what's required. I can say that I'm getting better. A couple weeks ago I'd walk upstairs and I could literally pass out! I was not eating or drinking enough. I'm 7 weeks out now and I am getting better. I'm not perfect...but I'm getting better. Hang in there and make small goals to accomplish each day. Trust me I know exactly what you are going through!

Hello, I was sleeved last weekend by Dr. Garcia and his staff! They were amazing! I must admit I was a little scared to go to TJ to have a surgery and still smile at the fact that I'm bold enough to do what I did. I am now one week post op and feeling great. I am still having a bit of the burpys when I eat and drink, but have to mention that this gets better daily. I have a low bmi and I truly felt remorseful the night after surgery. Feeling much better now and am looking forward to a better life. Dr. Garcia is still answering all of my questions through the awesome alma and I don't feel like just because the surgery is over that I am no longer someone that he knows. Dr. Garcia takes the time to send long, wordy responses to any question I have and welcomes all post-op comments. Hmmm....never had an American doctor that cared to spend that kind of time without a $35 co-pay! Whatever the case here is my breakdown: Dr. Garcia - Sweet and soft spoken. Very knowledgable and caring! My sis asked for a less "tight" sleeve because she didn't have as much weight to loose and he took off less of her stomach during surgery. In the states you have a one fold surgery...there is no customizing. So if you feel you don't need to loose as much speak with him about getting less cut off. His Anesthesiologist: Not only was he amazing but he is hot!!...meaning attractive!!...whew...ok...I'm back....: He comes to meet you before surgery and takes his time and answers any questions you have pre-op. When you come in he totally takes your mind off of surgery and I was so interested in our conversation...I didn't realize that I had stopped talking and had surgery! lol...next thing you know I'm waking up with oxygen on. Really? That was amazing. His Internal Medicine doc: She is very sweet and attentive. Took all pre-op information and answered any questions I had as well. His on-call doc: I can never remember names but I know it was Dr. V. She was amazing at making sure I was comfortable and the nurses knew exactly what to do for me. His nurses: They were sweet, attentive and nothing like any nurse I've experienced! There was one who wore a red jacket, older lady, didn't speak a lick of English, but the best nurse I've ever had. She constantly checked on me and would rub my had on her cheek or rub my back to comfort me. I felt like she was my mother! She was the next best thing...I can definately say that! His driver: Hector is awesome! He should be a comedian, but I don't think he knows it! He was sweet, funny, and caring. He always sang Dr. Garcia's praises and was ALWAYS punctual and very attentive. You won't lift anything in his presence. I tipped him reaaaly well on my last ride with him. Hmmm...that's all I can remember for now...ask me any questions. His

LOL!! That "never ever" list is growing girl! Ice cream is on my never ever list though. It goes down so easy and smooth and then POW!! My sleeve starts doing kick boxing and Zumba inside me. Yep..."nevah evah" for that drama.

Wow...this is strange...and I'm not sure if it has anything to do with the surgery. I can say that sometimes our immunity is down after surgery and we are more vulnerable to illness during this time of weakness. We as gastric patients are struggling to drink and eat enough so that makes it worse on our system. I do hope you get well soon!!!

Wow...my doctor only gave me one week of each of these. I am 6 weeks out and feel like I should have waited on certain items. The only things that feel good now are soft green veggies, like green Beans, collard greens, spinach, and soft broccoli. The only Protein I can tolerate are soft cooked fish! I've been surving on tuna, sardines and salmon! I had a yogurt slush a few days ago from the ice cream place and that felt really good. I could only drink a little though. Just hang in there Riss!! We can go through this together. Everyone on the board has so much good advice.

Hey Gomez, Here is a full write up that I did on my surgery when I was one week out. http://www.verticalsleevetalk.com/topic/27739-dr-garciasleeved-last-weekend-reviewnow-1-week-post-op/page__fromsearch__1 Also there was no long wait at the border because we had a medical pass. We went right through in the right lane! I felt very taken care of. Everyone from the doctor down to the drivers were so sweet and supportive! I didn't have any worries. I hope this helps. Feel free to ask me anything else you need to. When do you plan to have your surgery done or are you just researching right now?

Hi Gomez, The surgery went well. It only took about 35-45 minutes. After surgery I was a little loopy from the anesthesia of course but the nurses were there with me the whole time. They took me to my room and I felt fine. I was in a little more pain because I suffer from a condition where I have to take pain meds daily. So their pain meds were inneffective. It wasn't until I spoke with the internal doctor that she upped the meds for me and I was fine. I was just uncomfortable from the gas pressure the first nite but each day got better and better. I went with my sister and another lady who had the surgery and they were fine. I don't remember how long he has been doing it, but Ms. Alma can answer your questions on that. I just know that he has done alot of them and the rooms are always filled with people getting the sleeve surgurey with him.

. I agree! I couldn't drink water because it was making me sick. I had to mix it with a little juice to change the ph balance of it. I started taking prilosec and now I can drink more regular water but you may need to take a ppi to help.

They have a closet in your room to put your things and I believe it has a lock on in. I personally didn't lock my stuff up. But if you feel you might need a lock...bring one for your suitcase and put it in there...personally I can honestly say you won't need it. I had the same concerns at first but then quickly got over it once I got there.

The hotel was nice! I was expecting something much less comfortable. They served THE best soup. I forget the name of the soup but I think it was tortilla soup and it was sooo good and easy on the stomach with no "bits" that would irritate. But first I had but the chicken broth and that was gross! I ordered the apple juice which turned out to be fresh squeezed green apple juice...mmmm...it was so refreshing and good. Between the the soup and the juice...we were very comfortable. There were several english channels to watch on tv so no worries about that. The hotel seemed to be about a good 4 star hotel. Very nicely decorated with marble showers...Certainly nicer than the one we stayed in when we went back to the states (The Hampton Inn).Dr. Garcia is informative...but you have to ask him questions. He will take the time to go through all of your concerns. His staff are the one who gave me more information about what I was going through. Crossing the border was easy because the driver has a "surgery" pass. You don't have to wait in line...you go straight through past the crowd in the far right lane. There is also room for a guest! When I was there a woman was there with her husband and they give them meals and everything...so just let them know you have a guest coming so that they can make accomodations in the hospital and the hotel.

Hi Texas girl! I did the same thing. I had a low bmi and I only have about 50-60 to loose. I went to Dr. Garcia in Tijuana. I am one month out and feeling ok. Still struggling to get my Water and Protein quotas daily...but other than that...no problems at all. It has been difficult to go through the holidays and eat when I can't have what my family is having but I will get over it. I am down 20lbs this month so that is good. I can now have some soft solids from what my doctor told me and the things I couldn't wait to have don't taste right. Ughh...I've tried to cheat and eat pizza topping, and ice cream...amongst other things...but they taste like crap! All food tastes bad except for baked fish and soft cooked leafy veggies like spinach...what the what?!?!? I didn't realize that my tastebuds would change too! I know this sounds cool...but it is a big mental and emotional adjustment. I am realizing how much I relied on food to make me feel ok. I have found that now I have to stay busy just to keep my mind off of eating. So I'm working on getting some hobbies going. I have to replace the solace that I used to receive through food. I kind of wish I had have prepared myself a bit more mentally for this change. I didn't search this board like I should have before I had my surgery. But I will adjust and overcome. As everyone will tell you...time makes everything better. You will see healing milestones everyday. That's the awesome thing about this surgery. Whatever the case we are making room for you on the loser's bench over here...come on girl!!! Get ready for some loose hanging clothes and renewed confidence. I swear I look 10 years younger...not sure why but even my husband noticed. He loved me before...but he doesn't notice how much more loving he is now. He loves to cuddle and pick me up now...so come on over to the "light" side!!!

I'm one month out and I can start introducing some soft foods...things I've been wanting taste different. I don't like them now...Ughh...this thing is totally different than I thought it would be. It's making me sad because of the holidays and I want to eat with everyone else...

Me too!...I'm only about 3.5 weeks out and water is hard on my stomach. Drinking crystal lite makes me want to vomit! I almost did the other day after sipping some...ugh! I've been reduced to drinking extremely watered down juices. I do like 1/4th juice and the rest water. I need just enough juice to change the ph of water. But sugar free is for the birds!

Ohhhhhh!!!! Thanks for straightening me out on that one... lol..

Congratulations! I'm almost 4weeks out and my tight clothes are soooo comfy now. What does NSV stand for?

That is horrible! I didn't have an experience like that...quite the opposite. If you are feeling hungry most people say that it is acid in the stomach and you should try taking an anti acid to help that feeling. I use Prilosec and it worked well for me. How long did they say that you should keep that drain in? Please go to your local doctor and get checked if you start to feel like you aren't getting better daily because something could be wrong. We have all been where you are and it is not a fun place the first week or so. But I promise you that you will feel better...hang in there...big hugs!!!