Mrs.Newme

I feel so good. I am at 5.5 weeks out, am ahead of my weight loss, and I thought I was behind. I am down almost 30 pounds and got the approval to start excercising! My energy level is awesome and I am shrinking. But the absolute best part is my arthritis pain is much improved, my attitude is better, my sugar level is controlled and my blood pressures are back to normal. Loving my sleeve and the healthy feelings that come with it. For the brand new newbies just fresh out...hang in there, keep plugging away at each accomplishment.

Maybe it is the type of drink? Or the flavor? The Protein is so critical. I hated them for a while too, so I went to the market and found some sugar free torani syrups. I got caramel and added it to my chocolate....delicious! Raspberry was tasty too! Hang in there, it is worth it.

putting food back is not a bad thing, but it can be bad if you eat out of the container, then put it back and eat it again later. Bacteria in the mouth can contaminate food. If I have a container of something small and I know I can not eat it all, I will scoop out the amount I can tolerate into another bowl or plate. Or it will take me 45 minutes to eat it.

Someone attacked me in another thread, and it seems like arguing on the internet is silly. I have found it extremely healthy to talk to other individuals who are going through this process or are preparing to go through this process. It was kind of shocking to see all the different experiences we have been through. In another thread, I had learned that some surgeons do not "allow" their patients to have any protein, stating things like it is crutch. I say this site is also very useful for people to learn that not all surgeons are the same, nor are they all responsible, nor are they all doing any good by their patients. I am so very grateful that my surgeon is very much on top of the necessary lifestyle and dietary needs. I was also very fortunate my surgeon has sleeved and RnY'd many many people I personally know, so I know I was in a quality program. Moral of this post....research, research, research. Learn as much as you can about not only your surgeon, but what kind of support he or she provides and what education they provide.

No Xray prior to surgery, but was on a calorie restriction for about 2 -3 weeks prior, then liquid for 4 days prior. I have heard it does reduce the liver size and was told surgery has been rescheduled for other people if it was found to be too large.

This is fun. Surprising how popular Dec 19th is. Puts a twist on the holidays!

My doc and NUT had me go through a pureed phase before I could go to soft mushy. I guess they found that seems to work better with a lot of people. I love tuna, but you really have to break it up when first eating. I also love scrambled eggs, but my digestive system wanted to kick me. Keep in mind for the last month or so you have limited what you have eaten, and you have only allowed liquids to go in, so be gentle with yourself. Every new phase of eating takes practice. One thing I learned was do not drink after eating. It will come right back up. And when you do drink, take small sips.

I have had some issues and am going into my second week of mushy. I tried a scrambled egg the other day and man oh man did it give me some gas. I think with the thicker type of foods, there is going to be a reaction with the body. My problem right now is trying to tell myself if I chew it enough it will be mushy.

Dang....5 on that one date. That is pretty cool. Cheers to the Sleeblings.

Get smaller plates? lol....sorry...couldn't help it. I hear ya on the finishing everythign on the plate, but can you control what is put on your plate? Maybe only put half of what you would normally put. Or only place what you can tolerate? That way you can empty your plate, but not at the risk of hurting you?

Well...we are now triplets!

LOL....see...the fun has begun.

Okay...this might be kind of fun. I did this with another member. Post your date and find your sleeve twin. Might be something fun. I will start with mine: December 19th ,2011

People have no idea until they go through it.

That doesn't sound like a nice friend and I would tell someone like that either.

A friend of mine got pretty upset and at times has made comments about how it is easy, which it is not. And I do remind this person that major surgery and the risks involved and the crappy feelings after ward are not easy. The initial reaction from this person was similar to my reaction...shock and not a positive feeling. That was how I first reacted to the suggestion of this. I think it is a common thing for people to think negatively. I am very controlled in who I talk to about this. It is my business first off, and no one elses. The most important people in my life are the ones who know.

OH....I feel bad to read this, because I know what you mean. I can't guzzle water like i used to. I drank so much water before and I have a very hard time with drinking water now. Sometimes it makes me want to retch, but that is if I swallow too fast. Try ice chips maybe? Ice cubes?

juzmejnee.... I am definitely not as far out as you, but I don't think you should be hard on yourself. 800 calories does not sound like alot. Have you contacted your NUT? Even diabetics get more calories than that. Could it be the quality of what you are eating and maybe the timing? I am by no means any kind of expert, but I have started to learn to listen to my body. When I feel full I stop (I hope I can get to the point where I can stop prior to feeling full), but when I feel full I walk, walk, walk and walk some more. I try to help my digestion by walking and moving. A bad habit I had prior to the sleeve was eating before bed. Terrible habit. I guess if I could give any kind of suggestion, it would be maybe to track the times you are eating and the quality of hte food and see over a few days how you are doing? Just some thoughts...I should write these down for myself when I stall. Hang in there.

I found the same situation with sweet stuff. The idea of tasting something sweet has been completely unappetizing to me.

I am going on 4 weeks out and feel like crap at this very time for eating a half of a hamburger. Literally feel like garbage. No judgement. We are all in this journey and it is not an easy one.

LOL...of course some of us are struggling. I have struggled too, but it is not worth the cheat. However, you licked the spice off of a corn chip. Maybe a cheese soup?

I dont have to sleep completely sitting up, but elevated on an extra pillow helps. Another thing that seems to help me is my last snack of the day is now a soft string cheese. Sounds weird, but it keeps the acids at bay also. I am a tummy sleeper, so even with that, I have to have a extra pillow to prop me up. Good luck. I know the sensation of acid sucks. Seriously...try a sf mint. It does soothe.

WOW! Thanks everyone, there is so much variety out there. I have struggled with large calcium citrate pills getting lodged....makes me very ill feeling. The Vitamin store I went to will allow the person to return the Protein within 30 days, after reading some of these posts, I know it is not a gimic. Thank you for all the input. I have a lot to consider.

I believe dumping may occur for sleevers too, but best person to ask would be NUT or Dr. It does sound like it though. I feel I have had this too. Not a pleasant feeling.

I was taking Calcium supplements prior to my sleeve for osteopenia and severe osteoarthritis. I was supposed to start taking my calcium supplements again this week, but gag on how huge that pill is. Calcium carbonate does nothing for my body but make me flatulent. So started calcium citrate several months ago along with Centrum Silver. I went to a Vitamin store yesterday and found a liquid form of Calcium Citrate with orange and vanilla flavor. Has anyone else tried these? Do you have recommended brands? Also...clearly not all Protein powders are created equal. prior to my sleeve I purchased 2 large canisters of protein. I like chocolate, so got the chocolate type from a large department store (Think Walmart/Target/Kmart etc.) Yesterday I went to this vitamin store and found a chocolate whey protein a bit more pricey, but the difference is phenomenal. I will gladly pay the higher price to have something with a quality taste. Any suggestions from fellow sleevers?