Puja

I also still really enjoy going out to eat. I don't eat as much, and I may not have a drink, but that doesn't stop me from having fun and enjoying the company! If I'm at a bar, I grab a glass of Water. If I want to have a drink, I make sure it's not a mixed drink with loads of sugar and crap in it. We have to learn that going out to eat with friends isn't exactly about the eating. It's the company, the environment, and all the fun. Eating yummy food is just a plus, and it's still possible!

At home, I use the kitchen scale to measure everything that I eat. Sometimes, I can sort of eyeball an amount, but always check, just in case. However, when I go out to eat, or go to a friend's place, I find myself estimating how much is going onto my plate. Sometimes, if I've packed half my meal and brought it home, I'm surprised at how my estimations were incorrect. I might be over estimating at times (causing me to have a lower Protein and calorie intake), or under estimating (so I end up with a higher calorie intake than I should have). I've thought about getting a pocket scale, so I could use it when eating outside. Does anyone use one? Is it awkward and difficult to use? I'm open about the surgery, so don't mind people asking questions or looking at me weirdly.

Beachwithmybabies, you said it perfectly! I felt the same way. I was happy with how I looked in the mirror, but then I'd see myself in pictures or video clips, and I'd feel incredibly embarrassed and disgusted. I also never felt I was very heavy in the face and neck. I see the difference after comparing before and after pictures, but somehow when I look in the mirror I don't see any difference at all. In fact, I feel even more jiggly and wobbly! (That part may be true).

My antacids post-op were in capsule form. I took them starting on day 4. Indymom and I were given similar instructions. I could have tablets the size of a baby aspirin, or true capsules (no caplets or gelcaps, etc).

I was just pondering this today!

Yay! I'm so glad people can relate and corroborate my experience. I spoke to the PA at my surgeon's office about it, and she told me it wasn't surgery related. As far as I saw it, it wasn't normal for a 27 year old girl to develop knee pain after surgery, and after losing weight! This is something I'd like to discuss with her more in person.

My knees began hurting post-surgery, and still do on occasion. I never had knee pain before. Some research on the net told me there might be a few causes: 1. Dehydration. The synovial Fluid in our joints can decrease or become more viscous when we are dehydratred, even if only mildly. 2. Lack of exercise (the category I currently fall into, unfortunately) will contribute to muscle loss. Up until now, you've had amazing muscles in your legs supporting you. As you lose muscle, though, your legs have to work harder at supporting and balancing. If you don't feel like either of these causes apply to you, check with an orthopedic doctor! Never hurts to be on the safe side.

From what I've been told, if something feels stuck, it will pass. Walk around a bit, and it will eventually dissolve and go down. Drinking and eating to "push" it down are only harmful, and can scratch or injure your esophagus, from what I've been told. At 7 weeks post op, you're still healing, so some swelling will be present. If it still has not passed, definitely head to the ER! For future purposes, try taking your meds in capsule or liquid form instead.

Happy, that was very well written. You bring up some very good points!

Before having the surgery, I had a talk with everyone in my immediate support network about what I needed from them and why. I cried a lot, it was difficult, but it has worked wonders. My boyfriend was supportive, but sad I was having the surgery, because he felt he was losing a foodie partner. Even today, he doesn't enjoy eating out as much, because I'm not sharing a big 3 course meal with him. I no longer let him eat off my plate (unless I'm finished), and don't let him eat my leftovers that I bring home with me. It's not only my lifestyle that has had to change, but also his. The difference is, he had no choice in the matter. Just before the surgery, I know he was tense and worried, and acted out in ways that I didn't understand. Finally, he asked me not to have the surgery. I went ahead with it, knowing it was best for me. My parents indirectly and unwillingly also did things that hurt my previous and post op diets. It was important for my future health to sit down and have a talk. It's difficult for patients to deal with their health problems, but it's usually even more difficult for the loved ones of patients. They sometimes have a difficult time communicating their needs and emotions. Long story short, try to have a sit down and really discuss what is going on with him, and the both of you. Find out what he needs from you, and let him know that things will not change all that much.

It really is up to you, and if you feel you can manage both things on the emotional and physical level. A support network was very important for me, and I imagine also for most people on here. Will your network be able to be there for you despite the housing issues? The last thing you want is to have the surgery and not be able to cater to your own needs (again, both emotional and physical), because of other distractions. A few weeks is not a big difference for your peace of mind, just as Circa said!

TheBionicBroad, you bring up some interesting points, and it's clear that you know your stuff! From what I've read and been taught, however, saturated fat increases both LDL and HDL, and is linked to dyslipidemia ad coronary artery disease. Here are a few articles that give some good information: http://cholesterol.emedtv.com/cholesterol/high-cholesterol-foods.html http://health.usnews.com/health-conditions/heart-health/lowering-ldl-cholesterol

I would get hemoglobin levels checked, as well as liver function tests! How good are you about taking your Iron, b12, and multivitamin? Do you get proper liquids and nutrition in? Less fat should not be a reason to bruise more. If that were so, skinny people would be walking around in hues of blue and purple.

How much cheese are you eating? Do you have a diet that is higher in fat than you realize?

Illgeturhairdid, what a wonderful idea! You're so right that the most of our lives have always been centered around weight, and probably always will be. But, there is so much more to us than that. Thank you for the reminder! I'm 27, born and raised in Orange county, California. In 2004, I decided to come to India (I'm of Indian ethnicity) and pursue my medical degree. Now that I have finished, I'm working on getting back to the States and applying for Residency. Over a year ago, an acquaintance of mine (who has now become a mentor) underwent a roux-en-y bypass, and I was amazed at he changes in her body and her confidence levels. She was very open about the surgery, and answered all my questions. After passing out of med school, I asked my parents to support my decision for going through with the sleeve gastrectomy, and here I am, 4 months later! I've been very open about the surgery, in hopes to help someone just like my mentor did. Being open has helped me take charge of my own health, as well! Being overweight all my life has been a blessing in some ways, because I have so much more confidence in myself and my personality because of it. I have never relied on my looks for anything! I've just had to be awesome! *winks* I've been with my boyfriend for almost 5 years, and he has been a huge support. We both love good food (I still enjoy it), good music, and good company! We are also huge animal lovers and currently have a pair of male guinea pigs. Good luck to everyone! I look forward to reading more about you all.

YES!! I had so much black in my wardrobe in hopes that it would be more slimming (and somehow larger sizes come in darker and more drab colors). A lot of my clothes were bought because they fit, rather than because they looked cute and made me feel attractive. Now, though, I can try on several things that actually fit, and be extra picky about what I buy! It's liberating, and so very exciting! I can walk into a clothing store and no longer be afraid that I will walk out empty handed and embarrassed because nothing fit me!

Aussiegirl, I wish I had the words to console or help you, but unfortunately I do not. All I can say is that if anyone understands you, it is the people on this forum! Hopefully someone else will come along and be able to write something helpful. In the mean time, I'm sending you positive vibes! Family and friends do worry, but they are also best at making us feel better. Letting them into your private world can be scary, but sometimes very liberating! good luck and happy new year!

Blackanese, how and where exactly are you patting? Use the palm of your hand, and pat gently just below your sternum. Sometimes it helps to rub up and down as well. That little burp really is a huge relief!

As silly as this sounds, when I need to burp I literally burp myself like a baby. I will pat myself on the chest, or have someone pat my back, just like a baby. It works! If I'm extremely gassy, walking helps loads.

Crosswind, I do enjoy almond butter in the US, but haven't been able to find it here! I know that eating Peanut Butter with a few crackers is an extremely satisfying meal for me, so I suppose I'll enjoy it. It's good to know that the peanut butter is not as unhealthy as I thought. Runner, I agree with Siren and Indymom. Is there a medical reason that cheese is not allowed for your diet? Cheese has really been a saving grace for me, and can't imagine not being able to eat it!

Sirensiren, that's wonderful! 135 pounds! Do you know approximately how many ounces of cheese you are getting in per day? I haven't been doing anything low carb, like Ravenjeh. I only measure calories and Proteins. Is ricotta easy to make? Have you got a recipe that you might be willing to share?

MegInNola, is sounds like you've balanced things out really well, and your results show it! I did read about the PB2, but it's not available in India. I'll be sure to get it once I reach the US. Sounds like a lifesaver! I'm allowed 800 to 1000 calories, and require 60-80 grams of Protein. I usually hover around the lower ends of each. Thinoneday, string cheese is much lower in fat and calories, if I understand correctly. Good for you! Anewme, I completely understand! When I first got onto soft foods, I started with Beans and cheese. I fell in love with it, and ate it all day long! Now, I can no longer stand it. It makes me want to gag, seriously. I hope I don't get sick of cheeses, because they add so much variety!

Kami, that sounds like such an exciting trip! It's wonderful that you let go and enjoyed yourself, and still saw a loss. I suppose a good balance of food, exercise, and listening to our bodies really works. I loved food before the surgery, and I still love it. I'm so happy that pleasure has not been taken away from me. I'm in Bangalore, in southern India. I've been here several years, actually for med school. Originally, I'm from Orange County, California! Your diet in India sounds a lot like mine!

All the best to you!

Awesome! I'm in India right now. What was your diet like? Did you manage to get in all your proteins and stay within your calorie limit?