AliveAgain

Of course, fit in some of your favorite foods before you start your pre-op diet. I know I did! But I would advise you start looking at them in moderation, trying to work in some of the habitual thinking that will need to change long-term. Perhaps go ahead and have that Big Mac, but only eat half? It's good to start practicing some of these things before surgery so it won't be such a dramatic change after. I did not have a problem giving up soda, wish I could help you there. But I do miss sparkling waters. The cravings do minimize pretty quickly when you're focusing on the good stuff and healing after surgery. It's more the behaviors that have tricked me up. Like driving past a Taco Bell...or opening the fridge and seeing my husband's leftover Pasta in a container. In the past, it was nothing to stop for "just a burrito" or "heat up and have a bite of that pasta." Now, it's not the cravings for the food itself, but the comforting behavior of doing those things that have been hardest to get past. It's happening for me, slowly. I think the best advise I've received on this forum is to chill out and go with the flow, give yourself a break when you feel like you can't take it anymore. I remember waking up in the recovery room, very hazy. My diaphram hurt like I'd sneezed 100x in a row. But they were quick to give me the pain meds and I don't remember much pain after that. Do get up and move around as soon as possible! Even it's walking across the room and back, it totally helps with the pain. I mainly felt it when I would get up from the bed or toilet, mostly achiness. No sharp, stabbing pain. Do know that with the meds they give you, antibiotics, and pain killers -- you may get constipated. I did, and that was the worst part because the gas would grumble and hurt. Yes, you will fart like crazy for a little while. Once they got some unflavored Benefiber added to my shakes, I was fine! Highly recommend it -- first Fiber mix I absolutely cannot taste or feel. I'm not a mom, can't speak to that. But I was a nanny for many years, so I know what it's like from that. You won't be able to pick anything up more than 25lbs for 4 weeks. So you WILL need help at home. Plus your belly is super tender, and if I know small kids - they kick and move around a lot in your arms. One thing no one told me is how hard it is to wear a supportive bra the first week, due to the placement of the incisions. That was a bummer. Try to find something all cotton now if you normally where underwire. You get out and walk everyday, doubt you want to do that loose and fancy free! I'm on day 9 now and could see going back to work next week if I had to. Depends on what you do. I'm definitely exhausted halfway through the day, but just let it be and know it will get better! This forum has been a bright light in my darkest days: Definitely return and ask as many questions as you like. While we're all individuals, we have one great thing in common, our sleeves. Best of luck with your surgery!!

I'm 9 days post op and in the same boat. I gained in fluids, took 6 days to lose that and am only down 2lbs. I have been diligent about meeting all my goals for protein/fluids and NEVER go above 40g carbs, and walk every day. I spoke to my doctor's registered nurse and she said "everyone loses differently." She indicated that if I was truly doing everything I said I was doing, there was no way I couldn't lose weight. Like you can really cheat at 9 days?! Don't get too frustrated. I went there and it was an ugly place. Try to trust the process, let go of the control and let your body heal some more. As my husband keeps reminding me, we did just have MAJOR surgery not long ago. The body will know when it's healed enough and when to start doing what it needs to do. That being said, do make sure you are getting enough of the proper fluids, dehydration slows down metabolism more than you realize. Best of luck!

Discrimination and hatred of fat, obese, overweight (whatever you want to call it) is extremely rampant. I really wish they would add it as a criteria to the Disabilities Act. I was FIRED from my last job for being overweight. No I'm not being dramatic -- I have physical WRITTEN proof that my boss' boss did not think I "fit in with the look and feel" of the rest of the team. Granted, it was with an athletic-centered company. I used to be very athletic pre-accident/injury and weight gain, so a majory of my resume speaks to working in that industry. But since most people have known me for 10-15+ years, they knew who I used to be, who I am on the inside, and generally never bothered them. It was the best job I'd had in years, I was so happy. Then they hired this jack*** who had a real problem with not just weight but women in general who were of "childbearing years." It was a bloodbath how many good people he got fired. However, this story has a happy ending: His *** was FIRED for being a disappointment just a few weeks ago. He barely lasted 8 months with the company!! Also, I've had to unfriend a number of people on FB because they will make frequent posts poking fun at overweight people. Do not need that in my life!! I honestly feel really sad for them and feel like it's their own fears or worries to not love themselves if they ever got above 20BMI. I had a boyfriend about 10 years ago when I was 140lbs and our relationship started online. I NEVER lied about my weight, showed recent pics, etc. but he always talked about how he was concerned about a woman "gaining weight after marriage and having kids." Red flad #1. When we finally met, his face showed his disappointment. Mind you, I was very athletic and very large chested. A majority of that weight was in my legs (cyclist) and in my bra. Yet, he seemed to think I needed to be about 110lbs. That's what his former girlfriend was. Granted that relationship sunk faster than the Titanic and I have THE WORLD'S BEST HUSBAND now! Just like there are racists, sexists, etc. - there are these people. Just pray for them and hope they'll find a way to cope with being perpetually disappointed. I wish your fiance could let him know people can SUE and WIN for that type of discrimination, so he should watch his back!

Wow!! I'm jealous. My doctor and RD won't let me go near them. Even when I get to go to soft foods next week, they advise to use the bariatric oatmeals with the lower carbs and high protein. To quote them, "Forget buying the stuff you used before from the store, way too high in carbs!" Hey, whatever works - we're all individuals and our bodies working differently. I wonder sometimes if my doctor is a little "too into" the high-carb thing sometimes. But I'm hear because my previous own attempts would work then fail, so who am I to question it? I have two family members who are doctors with nutrition backgrounds. I know if they knew what I was restricted to, they would think I'm off my nut!!

First, I get down the PPI with 2-3oz of Water, then my chewable multi and sublingual B12. Then, I usually start my day with a Health Wise shake (15g protein) or

I've already been on here with my first week post-op distress, and I'm so thankful to all who helped me through. Things seem a little better now with the shakes (I still hate them, but am pushing through). My worry before surgery and even more now is that this is not going to work for me, that I'm not going to lose weight with the sleeve. I know everyone said to expect to come home heavier than pre-op because of all the fluids they pump in you at the hospital. I came home 8lbs heavier. I'm now just over a week from surgery, and I'm only 2lbs. less than what I was the morning of surgery. I'm keeping to my diet plan (there is no way to cheat!) - 64oz or more of fluids every day, 60-70g of Protein and less than 40g in carbs (usually it's hard to hit 30g!) Taking my multi 2x daily, PPI, B12/Folic Acid, Calcium -- all on schedule same time every day. My weakest part is the walking. I love walking, and have been making an effort to get 30 minutes or more in every day. But I'm doing so with bad knees and a ankle tendonitis. My ortho and physical therapist support me fully in why I need to walk right now, but strongly urge me to stay off my feet as much as possible. And of course wear supportive shoes, etc. I find out next week if I need a second knee surgery. Before the sleeve, I enjoyed swimming and cycling because they are low-impact on those joints. But I won't be able to do those for another 3-4 weeks. So I read about all these people who lose 20-30lbs their first month and I'm curious when did it really start to happen for you? I'm scared that 2lbs on Day 8 is just not enough.

Thank you, every one of you lovely individuals! Your response is truly overwhelming for me :smile1: I jotted down every one of your great suggestions. I am calling my doctor today to see if I can go to full liquids. Up until now I didn't even realize I could try pureed/strained tomato basil bisque -- I miss tomatoes so much! I love all kinds of soups, it's been adding the Protein that made them taste horrible and not being able to get them nice and hot. I think from now on I'll keep my protein out of the soups (with some exceptions) so that I can actually enjoy them like a regular meal. Way to go Joiebean, reminding me of Won Ton soup -- one of my favorites as a kid when I was home sick with a cold or flu! The idea of getting back flavorful, savory flavors again just warms my heart. My husband and I are quite the food snobs, always organic and buying fresh from the plethora of food stands we have around us (excellent farmland for produce and fruit). I cannot wait to get into the mushy stage when I can get back to herbs and spices. It's not the quantity I want back, just the ability to TASTE fresh, delicious foods again. I love fish, love chicken, greek yogurt has been a staple in my fridge for years - so I know that stage should be a breeze for me. And we've been strong juicers for a while now, can't wait to shop again for kale and ginger! I felt horrible guilt to be complaining about something so silly as having to down vanilla, chocolate, berry, etc. type drinks -- such a small problem in the bigger picture I know. I really liked Feedyoureye's suggestion of looking at it like medicine, that really clicks with my type of thinking. I have always been highly imaginative and having visualizations works for me. To answer other questions, yes I do have a giant packet and diet plan from my doctor. But it's been a bit confusing to waddle through it all and understand HOW to improve on their suggestions. He is a great doctor, I'm incredibilty thankful to have found him and that I was one of the lucky ones who had insurance to help me out. His RN and RD are trying to help me, but I'm not the easiest person to deal with when I'm not feeling well. Yes, I take Omeprazole 20mg (PPI) every morning. The funny thing is that I suffered from not making enough stomach acid before the surgery, so I'm wondering if I really need it. But no doubt, I'll continue taking it! No problems getting in the Multivitamin, B12/Folic Acid, Calcium w/vitamin D -- all that feels very normal. I love herbal teas, they are the best part of my day. I gave up all caffiene about 6 months ago, and found myself rebounding with energy once I did. I only buy unsweetened almond milk and/or soy even prior to surgery because I had tested positive on a food allergy test for sensitivity to all cow and goat products (and eggs). The greek yogurt and some cheeses were the only things I allowed in moderation. But still, a majority of the protein is WHEY (cow) so no matter what I use, Water or dairy alternative, the whey is still problematic. I have been in the care of a wonderful psychotherapist for about a year now. I'm an A-type personality who works too much and suffers from anxiety/stress disorder, stemming from perfectionism and wanting to please everyone. So to be "down" for a week in bed, tired from regular everyday stuff like walking up and down stairs - just is not my normal self. Besides trying to "find my normal with food" I know that's been the biggest reason for my depression. I'm not used to being this weak! Yesterday, my husband and I fought while out walking and I found myself doing a good click for over a mile. That's what I usually do with stress, work it out with housework, projects or going full speed ahead like an idiot and overdoing it on the physical. Just can't sit still when I'm in a bad mood! I'm suffering a bit from that today, more sore than I was before around my abdomen. I'm listening to it and planning to go-easy today. Oh, and I should mention I'm ramping up on the PMS which is like adding dynomite to building with a raging fire. Up until about age 28, I was an atheletic, svelte 130lbs woman who lived vibrantly. But through a number of accidents and tragedies, I gained over 100lbs in one year, tacking on another 30-40 off and on over the years. At first, I just thought I could get it off myself -- but then it just didn't come off. Then the PCOS started, and that freaked me out. I continued to work 50-60 hours a week with 2+ hours of commuting by car each day, which left no time for exercise (along with injuries). A lot of people I haven't seen in 7 years don't even recognize me, that hurt. Inside, I'm still that girl that loved the 2-3 hours bike rides through the country and kayaking across lakes. I don't really care about what size I end up in, be it 12,10,8,6 -- I just want those things back in my life again. Thank you again everyone. I will reach out to those who I can work with together on this journey - mentoring or mentoree. You are all angels in my book!

Hello Everyone! This is my first time posting to any forum, just not something I've done before, reaching out to strangers. But in my case, I decided not to tell any family or friends about my sleeve. Only my husband and doctors know. It's a long story to get into, but not why I'm here now. I was sleeved last Monday, Jan 30. From what I've been reading for weeks, I'm very thankful that there were no complications and I was able to take on fluids and Protein right way. I have not vomited once and nausea is manageable without pills. Went home the next day and have been able to get in fluids and Proteins everyday. Only complication is that I may be lactose intolerant, trying to figure that one out. The gas pains were horrific and I went an entire week without a BM. But after 3X daily doses of Benefiber and mega does of Milk of Magnesia, that problem seems to be getting better. The most disconcerting part is that my guts feel like an alien trying to escape my body. The sounds they make at night wake my husband from dead sleep. Walking does help, but that's been a bit problematic due to other reasons I'd rather not get into. I am getting 20-40 minutes of walking everyday, if it kills me. Now, my biggest problem is the depression. It hit hardest on Days 3-4, then 5 was OK I think because my husband was around. Today has just been a complete mess. I don't think I can do any more of these disgusting shakes. I hate sweet things - cherry, vanilla, chocolate - all of it is just horrible. I was not a big sweets person before either, so not a shock to me. Even the Jell-O and Popsicles make my tongue and teeth ACHE. I try the chicken and beef stuff, just takes like wet mud to me. Then I'm confused when I see some people on here talking about eating yogurt, applesauce, cream of wheat, oatmeal, tuna, etc. less than a week out. My doctor told me I have to be strictly on these protein torture drinks for another 1-2 weeks. A lot of the things I'm complaining about -- the gas, bloating, walking problems, etc. -- I think I can get through that. But the idea of another 7-14 days of NOTHING but SWEET, SWEET, SWEET and MUD absolutely makes me want to stop eating all together. I miss flavor, real flavor. Not talking fattening junk food, but just the taste of a tomato in vinegar, and nice tuna salad with fresh celery and dill. I'm dreaming my teeth are going to fall out because they ache so much. Can anyone advise?

I am really confused by your diet just 4 days post-op. My doctor (and most that I've read about) have sleeve patients on all liquid diets for the first 1-3 weeks after surgery before ever adding anything like yogurt, applesauce, much less high-carb items like cream of wheat and oatmeal. Is this just a difference of doctors?