ShapeShifter

My surgeon / NUT recommends waiting a year. Whatever you decide, keep in mind that you will feel tipsy quicker and then feel sober quicker, but your blood alcohol level will remain elevated. So be sure to have a driver, even if you feel fine, because if you get pulled over and do a breathalizer, you may be illegal. Be safe!

You look fabulous! Such a great smile. Also... love your pendant. : )

Your body has been through great trauma. Please don't hold your recovery against it. We all heal differently and have different post-op experiences. One who did not experience an allergy and vomitting will likely settle in a bit easier. Everything I've read tells me that this too shall pass. It will get easier. We must believe this.

I am almost a month out, and am getting on okay, but suffer extreme fatigue by the end of the work day and struggle to stay awake while driving home. It is horrible! I am choosing to believe this is only temporary. Wishing you WELL, dear.

I find that eating protein first doesn't allow any room for much else. I've been doing yogurt and blueberries in the morning, a turkey roll up with low fat cheddar for lunch (or chili if it is served at work), fajita chicken with salsa for a snack, and cottage cheese for dinner, along with two protein shakes to ensure I reach protein goal. I couldn't possibly add a starch.

Wishing you WELL, dear. I know you will find what works for you.

I use isopure low carb chocolate (25 grams protein), and I have a stash of Premiere Protein pre-made shakes (30 grams of protein) for a quick grab and go. This stage will go by quickly... you are going to do great! There are people older than you who have already reported great success.

So much comfort and joy in your future. Excited for you!

I was just thinking of you this morning and am so happy to know that your world is just getting better and better! Yay YOU!

Hi there! Have you been referred to theworldaccordingtoeggface.com? A great resource / blog by a post-op foodie. Lots of ideas for every stage.

I just wanted to leave you some love. I'm so sorry you are going through all of this. Stupid cancer.

The mantra I use to get through difficult times, which always works because I know it to be true... this is only temporary!

Everyone writes of difficult days in the beginning and that things do get better as the tummy heals. Believe that each day will get better and better... and it will. Wishing you WELL!

Before you get too excited, I've read somewhere that those 'bullets' are collagen, and not whey protein isolate, which is the best kind of protein for absorption purposes. You may want to research ingredients. I can't tell you how many cans of low carb protein powder I've ordered and realized they weren't the right kind or protein. One of the experienced sleevers here will have a better understanding than I.

Could you conisder the unflavored whey protein to mix into other beverages like low sodium V8, if it is the sweet powders that are bothering you? I ampre-op, so I don't actually know how well that works.

Wishing you all the best on finding what works for you!

Couldn't hurt to see a dermatologist, if you are able.

I am pre-op and have already incorporated protein drinks into my day. I have one for breakfast (sometimes made into a smoothie with frozen fruit), and sometimes I'll have one in the afternoon when I start to feel tired. The brand I have tried and liked the best, so far, is Isopure... they have no carb vanilla and low carb chocolate that are staples in my house. I do understand my taste may change post surgery... but they are definitely needed for the two-week liquid diet leading to surgery. I am planning to join Sam's or Costco for some of the offerings they have on protein.

All the best to you on your journey! I am a Melissa, too.

Can you try a netti pot for your sinuses and a salt and warm water gargle for your throat?

Congratulations! I'm pre-op, but have always had low good cholesterol, too. I was told that is improved by exercise. Go figure.

I have PCOS, too. Over the years I've joined WW with friends and watched them go down to a size 10, while I got all the way down to a size 18. Woohoo. I am beyond hopeful that this will be our solution to years of struggle. I often wondered if I was lying to myself about my eating, because surely I should be losing weight on less than 1600 calories a day. I was affirmed by the nutritionist who said that the only way for me to lose weight was through surgery. I wish it was not the case, but 20 years of doing the same thing (different types of diets) over and over again has not delivered a different result. It's time to stop the insanity! (I think that was Susan Powter... I did her program, too.)

All the best to you on your journey!

I have chosen to tell people I care about and with whom I work closely. I am single and live alone, and I will need the support of my community before and after surgery. I've worked with the same people for over 10 years, and with PCOS, nothing I've tried has let me lose more than 18 lbs or so... and it is silly to think they will assume weight watchers if finally working for me. I'd rather be upfront with them, and seek their support on my journey. I am grateful for a loving community, all of whom seem excited for me and my new beginning.

I agree that there is no shame in NOT telling. We tend to know whether or not support will be offered from those around us. I have been blessed with overwhelming support from doctors, family, friends, and co-workers. I am grateful

You look amazing. Thanks for the inspiration.

I am pre-op, but have read that the hunger can be stomach acid to be relieved by prilosec or something of that sort. Also, when you are hungry, drink water. It often is a signal that you are thirsty or dehydrated (that goes for pre-surgery hunger, too).

To avoid snacking, consider setting a schedule for consumption, i.e., your surgeon suggests 4 meals a day, so eat at 8am, 12pm, 4pm, 8pm (or whatever works for you, of course). If you feel hungry between those hours... drink water. Sometimes making rules to follow can help us follow our own guidelines, rather than being without boundaries.

I had uric acid kidney stones in 1995. I (gratefully) didn't need surgery, but I was told to drink more water to prevent them in the future. Also, you can take cranberry extract pills to keep them away. I once knew someone with gouty arthritis, and he used a supplement for the joints, which I don't recall, but it likely can be found in a google search for joint relief.

Jenny, I am so happy for you! Hope is a good friend. I think I'll hold onto her as well. Thanks for sharing!

Hey there! I'm pre-op, but I do add PB2 to my shakes. It has 85% less fat, as the oil has been pressed out and peanuts powdered... no sugar added. YUMMO with chocolate protein powder.

I am pre-op, but I've read it may be that you are really just thirsty (drink more water), that antacids can help, or that it could be head hunger. Hoping (for my future's sake) there is some truth there. ; )

I'm guessing that the weeks of liquid diet cleansed your system of the toxins, and you are feeling them much faster when introduced to your cleaner system. At least with this slow introduction and testing of foods your tummy will like, offers an awareness of what your body doesn't like. I'm sorry you are so sensitive. I have a friend who has to make her own food due to gluten issues. It is stressful when you can't just trust you will be simply nourished when dining out. Wishing you WELL!

Good luck going back to work, and please be safe. Don't lift more than you should until you are cleared to do so. And... yay for YOU, sexy!