kiki19

Try buying a workout DVD...like Demante Dance or something...they are fun. You can do it in your home right when you get in from work while your dinner is cooking...I have a gym membership that I rarely use, but when I did DVDs, I pretty much did them every day...I let someone borrow my favorite, and now I am not doing it as much...but I looked at one of the Leslie Sansome walking DVDs, because that is for five days a week and you average about 2.5 miles a day. I thought that might be something I could use cause it is so darn hot down here. Anyway, you don't need anything to walk in front of the TV...just the DVD...

Very amazing...you can see your shape returning to normal...I've lost pretty evenly all over too. I am losing now, but I don't feel like it...maybe it is in my feet. Some days I feel bigger than ever...but I am wearing some regular 18s today...all of my 18s are fitting, some are just a little snug...but I feel like I can probably wear 18s until I hit 200.

Liquids...I eat every couple of hours. Once you start real food, you can only eat a few bites, so I usually eat something every two to three hours...sometimes I only eat twice a day; sometimes 6 times a day. When you are just out of surgery, I mean, up to 3 weeks post op, the communication to your brain that you are full or hungry just isn't quite there. Once you start eating real food, it is heavy. I ate five grapes the other day and thought I was going to burst. I am one of those tasting cooks...so by the time I get food ready for everybody, I am full...I have to quit that. Just take it slow. The first few weeks are a little frustrating because of the limited selection. Remember, the inside of your stomach is having to heal over the staples, so be very careful about eating anything. Just stick to your liquids and mushies...or whatever your doctor told you...I was on mushies until 6 weeks out. I still occasionally do mushy days...Yesterday, I had one Jimmy Dean sausage biscuit(which was not at all good), and then I had one bite of tomato, about 2 ounces of turkey, one 3 oz bag of planters trail mix, 2 oz chicken poppyseed casserole (without the poppyseed and no rice in it...I also did my chicken in my food processor on the slice, so it is small pieces) 2 oz collards, and I was so full, but I felt like a pig...so it will get easier with time...and the weight will come off consistently. I will be eight weeks out Tuesday.

Liquids...I eat every couple of hours. Once you start real food, you can only eat a few bites, so I usually eat something every two to three hours...sometimes I only eat twice a day; sometimes 6 times a day. When you are just out of surgery, I mean, up to 3 weeks post op, the communication to your brain that you are full or hungry just isn't quite there. Once you start eating real food, it is heavy. I ate five grapes the other day and thought I was going to burst. I am one of those tasting cooks...so by the time I get food ready for everybody, I am full...I have to quit that. Just take it slow. The first few weeks are a little frustrating because of the limited selection. Remember, the inside of your stomach is having to heal over the staples, so be very careful about eating anything. Just stick to your liquids and mushies...or whatever your doctor told you...I was on mushies until 6 weeks out. I still occasionally do mushy days...Yesterday, I had one Jimmy Dean sausage biscuit(which was not at all good), and then I had one bite of tomato, about 2 ounces of turkey, one 3 oz bag of planters trail mix, 2 oz chicken poppyseed casserole (without the poppyseed and no rice in it...I also did my chicken in my food processor on the slice, so it is small pieces) 2 oz collards, and I was so full, but I felt like a pig...so it will get easier with time...and the weight will come off consistently. I will be eight weeks out Tuesday.

Somebody had mentioned the trail mix to me, and surprisingly, it sits very well, but yesterday was the first time I had tried it.

I'm on clear liquids for the time in the hospital and then come home to two weeks of full liquids followed by 6 weeks of pureed before hitting soft foods. At 8 days it sounds like you are progressing pretty quickly. Also, I have been told that they usually pump in about 10lbs of fluid during surgery and hospital stay so to lose 7 lbs at 8 days is awesome! That's what I'm hoping to lose per month!

Way to go...congratulations...

If somebody says you took the easy way out, just smile...and say, Thank you...because we all know what it takes to get here...and they are totally clueless.

You are absolutely right. I believe my surgery is a God given opportunity to overcome my failed attempts - an answer to much prayer. He is giving me a chance and I must have the courage to make this choice to reign in my excesses.

Oh, that's beautiful. I needed that, because I am still a rock...
I woke up yesterday, two weeks out of surgery, had no complications, and it feels like I have a hernia in one of my incisions, the biggest one, of course. So I need to head back to the doctor and check to see...
I hope you don't have a stricture. Did you have hiatal hernia repair? The last time I got put to sleep, which was for a hysterectomy, whoever intubated me during surgery, my esophagus got injured and it took a while to recuperate from that. It felt like everything I ate got stuck right between my breasts, and at one point, it felt like I had swallowed a golf ball. So possibly something like that happened, and then your stomach being cut out probably exacerbates it. I mean, there can be major complications with this surgery...I am glad everything has worked out so far. Did you have leak symptoms? I read somewhere a person who had no leak symptoms, so that was pretty scary to me.
I am praying for you and hope everything works out and that you have no stricture.

Wow! Whew! Take a deep breath! You have a LOT going on here, including complications that you've had to deal with. Your body is going through a tremendous shock and tremendous changes, and everyone is different at this stage. Let me just address MyFitness Pal, though. I, too, log every single bite, and when I reached stalls it was SO beneficial to look at everything and see where I might tweak things. I highly recommend you continue to do this, now and forever. At the same time, the calorie goals set my MFP are for people who are on traditional diets. The unsleeved masses could not comfortably or successfully consume the small number of calories we can consume after surgery. The nutritionist at my bariatric center (of excellence) told me I should be consuming about 800 calories per day, including the 250 I get from my two protein drinks. Right now, you should be highly focussed on water, protein, vitamins, and as much exercise as you can do without injuring yourself or setting yourself back.
After a lifetime of failed dieting, it's easy and natural to feel that once again we are failing. However, this is a game changer, and all the rules are different. Again, take a deep breath, track, relax, and go through the process. It's going to be ok!

Well, congratulations!!!! It's almost here. It's a little rough the first couple of days, but rest, water, and walking will help you through it... I only have three more days of post-op liquid diet. I am so looking forward to a scrambled egg. Who knew the pleasure you would get out of such a small thing, but I am so tired of soup...plus, it has just way too much sodium, even the low sodium, to be beneficial to my BP. I am 11 post-op, and I can tell you, I feel way better. I worked with a friend of mine yesterday, and I was worn out by 2 in the afternoon, but not too bad. I am just trying to build my stamina. So good luck and best wishes for your upcoming surgery.

I think your lifestyle of eating should be directed at "the most bang for your 2 oz" lol...protiens first. Really focus on the protiens. Seek them out in animal form, and do not be afraid of a small amount of fat. Avoid processed meats once you can. brown turkey meat has slightly higher fat than white, chicken with a little evoo, bison over cow, etc...look to alternate forms of getting in your veggies (I said look, you decide) - I have found jucing and soups that are cold -veggie medlies, etc. are excellent for me. I use it to help supplement my fluids through the day, leaving meals for protien.
I do suggest avoiding carbs in the forms of breads and crackers and dumplings, etc. They just do not pack enough nutritional punch. Eventually maybe barley or oameal in the morning or teffa (am I saying it right??).
If you are referring to the paleo diet in reference to the caveman diet, i call it bunk! If you really want to know what is best for you - it takes a lot of real knowledge - get away from the books promoting diets - read the anatomy texts, the biochem references, the articles posted as studies and papers...alot of knowledge will go a long way (no i did not mean a little, I meant a lot). Some basics to keep in mind with food, and I am just mentioning a few, please feel free to add to the list:
Allergies - food allergies!!! this affects soooo much, even very dangerous inflamation you may not even realize is going on inside of your body - that feeling in your sinuses? You get that elsewhere too when you expose yourself to a daily onslaught of food you are allergic too.
Medications - some medications need to be taken with food or without, avoiding certain foods or types of food, naturally raise or lower blood pressure or affect glucose levels - which you may need to counter with timing your food, food choices (avoiding sodium if you take a med that already is a potential to raise blood pressure, etc - fiber and additional good oil in diet if prone to constipation. Probiotic foods if you have been recently exposed to antibiotics.
Do a blood panel every 3 months to begin with - and pay attention to what that says about your food needs...platelets going down? You may need more red meats, or beans and lentils, etc...or perhaps you need to avoid donating blood for a little while?
Like I said sooo much to consider. I say this only if you are really considering adopting a "lifestyle" food choice...there is not a need for that, in my opinion.
Good luck. if you do choose one please let us know and how it worked!

Same here, my GS was the friday 13th in Tijuana with the Dr Garcia and I am fine, no hungry at all, drinking my liquid sip by sip, becacuse still fell cramp when i drink it, but only for that I am fine. somentime feel weak or sleepy i don't know, the only thing that i know 100% is that I am much better than before, because know I will be hearthy for ever.
I am doing my best trying to be active, today I went to the gym and walk for 30 minutes slowly, then drink and them rest, now I am here really fresh, I wash my hair and take a long shower, after that I am new again

Thank you for this post....it was what I really needed to read today. I am getting so excited...I can't wait until I am 11 months out...yippeee....thank you.

As with any life changing decision this one has questions as well. My goal was not to be fifty and fat. I was not a big kid and really put on weight in my late 30's and early 40's and when I turned 47 I realized I was dying a slow unnecessary death.
Now at that point I could choose to continue on that path or make up my mind to make changes that where in my own best interest. Choosing to be the best you that you can, should be everyones goal, because a healthy self regard is a sign of self value and love.
www.fiftynotfat.com

Glad I found the blog! I just found out that I was approved for my surgery and a tentative date and the jitters have definitely kicked into high gear. Congratulation on your success thus far. I look forward to watching your progress!

Sweetybabs, for me it wasnt really about the pain. I had to come face-to-face with my problem of grazing. The sleeve does not allow me to just eat because I'm bored, or in a greedy mood. I was resenting the restriction aspect of it all, and threw a fit when I realized that there was no turning back. I'm doing much better now, and have come to grips with the fact that this is THE ONLY WAY i will be able to lose this weight. I'm still craving my favorite foods, but am finding consolation in the fact that I will be able to indulge in them (tho in very small quantities) in due time. The physical part of me is healing, and I"m still massaging the mental part of me to match my new sleeve.
Sheesh...3 nine pound babies huh? *bows down and fans SweetyBabs feet*
Recovery will be a breeze for you because you are probably one of the most positive people on this site, and a positive attitude will def get you thru with flying colors. All the best to you!

I am 6 days from surgery! I get on here several times a week to stay up on the latest and greatest news on the sleeve surgery. I love the comments, warning, postive thoughts and prayers. I can see how the pain would make you second guess your decision. Most of us have zero tolerance for pain...me included. However, I know the pain is coming....much like pregnancy and childbirth...we have to metally prepare for the pain. I gave birth to three 9+ pound kids...so I think I got this!
Check back with me next week to be sure....LOL
Pain is more of a mental disability than a physical disability...so that is how I plan to cope. Keeping a clar mind...stay mentally busy and pray A LOT!!!
I wish you a fast recovery and the same to all of us who are waiting to have our "new stomachs"!
God bless!

Wow, I here ya , your words of exactly my thoughts too, yesterday I was one month post op and i still am having little regrets, but day by day it does get easier!!!! I keep telling myself that I want to live healthy, I want to see my kids grow up in to adults and have their own familys, when you start feeling low and down just take out a piece of paper and free write all the things you want to do once your weight is down and you are able too, I want to go hiking again and camping in the mountains, I want to fit in a air plane seat confortabley and not have to get a seat belt exstention, I want to fit on carnaval rides again !!!! This isn't easy but we have made our choice and now we just need to take it one day at a time and this to will pass, we once again will and enjoy our food, Keep your head up and shoot me a message anytime !!!!