AliveAgain

I've never heard of taking them every two hours. This was instructed by your doctor? I was told to take a chewable in the morning and in the evening, separate from my calcium due to the iron. Now I just take them once in the morning, calcium in the evening.

Yep, I was trying to make a funny! I was in economy (I'm too cheap to pay more) but this was my first time flying since surgery. It was just amazing to not hit all the seats walking down the isle, to lift/pull down my own carry on, slide right in to the seat, and have so much spare belt! I could pull it loose when we were in the air, I had extra legroom because my butt wasn't pushing me out. I kept pushing down on the arm out of old habit when it would jam on my saddlebags. The guy next to me asked if I wanted it up because I kept touching it, not realizing it was all the way down!! Also, the energy and stamina I had today was great. A day like today of flying across country used to exhaust me, but I felt awesome. Had my Jerky, my Protein bar, my Blender Bottle and powder. Drank tons of Water, too!! I am so happy because for the longest time I got to a point of hating traveling because of how hard it was in me. I'd have bruises for weeks from jamming every seat, bumping into strange metal knobs. On top of it, I was able to pack for a whole week in just carry on!! Whoo hoo smaller clothes!!

At least that's what it feels like. Look at all the extra belt strap!!! No extender here! And did you know the armrests go ALL the way down?!

It's different for me every month. Most will tell you days 15-21 are awesome for weight loss because, if your hormones are working properly, and you get the testosterone burst -- you lose more. I slow down between days 24-03 the most, perhaps losing/gaining the same pound for a week. Then it kicks in again.

I wasn't allowed mushy foods (like you listed) until three weeks out. I agree with joyv, go slow and maybe try more liquid protein for now. Unjury and Nectar are great brands you can get on the internet, and Healthwise makes great savory flavors you can add to chicken, beef, tomato broths or strained soups. Yes, 1-2oz or about 3-4 tablespoons is pretty normal for the first month after surgery.

My surgeon first performed the sleeve 12 years ago, and admits a lots of variations have happened to even what they do now. She may be confusing it with stomach stapling which would literally staple the stomach to a smaller portion and leave the remaining unused portion of the stomach inside. Like putting up a wall in the middle of a room with just empty space not being used on the other side. Since then the staples have improved, the "gun" that rapid fires is a major advancement, and the unused portion is removed. I agree that she should have facts before scaring you. I have a group of friends who all work in hospitals, one an ICU nurse, and that's like saying, "Don't get old. Getting old is fatal!" because that's what he sees all the time.

Do you have the option to use the specialty sections of your grocery rather than the pre-packaged? Here in the states I can go to a fish monger and ask for 2-4oz cut of fish, 6 prawns, 3 scallops; or to the cheese counter where they have all the fancy cheeses, and ask for just 2oz of what you like. That's what I do to keep waste down, plus eating the same thing multiple times in a week. It's not ideal, but I figure it's better than not wasting food and staying unhealthy! Sometimes I'm paying a little more by not buying pre-package or bulk, but then I'm not wasting on the back end. I rotate that one week I will have Greek yogurt, the next week cottage cheese -- but I won't buy both in the same week since my husband eats neither.

I watched multiple videos and have a picture of my post op stomach. I take a look at it sometimes to remember my commitment. But I love facts and research, and I find the human body fascinating. Should have been a doctor!!

Search VST for "sliming" and you will get hundreds of topics on this. It's common with newbie sleevers when eating too fast and/or too much, especially when reintroducing solids in the first 3 months. Your body is signaling that food is stuck in the esophagus and the salivary glands kick in to help it down. It happened to me a handful of times and I always felt better after "letting it come up over the sink." I've only had it happen a few times recently, usually eating out and not pacing myself. I find spitting the extra saliva into a glass helps.

Fish fills me up like nothing else, probably because it's not as juicy as chicken, pork, or steak. But yes, it's amazing how so little can fill you up! I made a Lazy Caprese salad last night and popped a piece of mozzarella, then some tomato, more mozz, more tomato (man I love summer tomatoes) then sat down to some shrimp marinara and was full in no time. But thankfully if I just wait 15 minutes or so, I can still get in my 3-4oz of dinner.

Only my husband and one good friend (who I know is good with secrets) know. I've had to tell doctors and my personal trainer, but they might as well be strangers to not knowing anyone I know. So far, no problem. I've been able to be "honest" in that the weight loss came from better diet and exercise habits. It's not a lie, just an omission of my tool. The real test will come next week when I visit my family. I want to tell them, but just don't know that they'll understand. I was the only obese one, and a few are underweight for their height. My biggest nag right now: Friends from high school who are close to my church and family. The couple are both obese, much more than I ever was. She's been asking me how I lost my weight, and I'll be seeing them during my visit. I so want to tell them, because I think it would do wonders for them. They are my age with a young daughter, and I'd love to help them consider ways to get healthy. But my rule is that if I tell them, I'd have to tell my family. I'd never put that burden on friends who are close to them to keep my secret. Eating is the one time people will comment. When they see how little I eat. But I brush it off by saying that I love leftovers, I ate a big (X) meal earlier in the day, the heat sapped my appetite, etc. and they drop it. Do what is comfortable for you. I'm the same, didn't want to handle the stereotype of "cheating" just yet. I may come clean when I'm at goal, when I can emotionally handle what comes then. Lose friends? Maybe, maybe not. Some people can really surprise you, who's supportive and who's not.

I'm one of those that did not have a problem adapting to this rule. But I barely drank with meals prior to surgery. Now in my sixth month, I admit to keeping a small glass of water with me to sip down vitamins and the Actigall mid-meal. At best I'm taking in one ounce over 1-2 pills. My doctor has no problem with it so long as in still getting my protein and veggies.

I was allowed SMALL CURD cottage cheese as early as my third week in the mushy phase. Granted, I felt full after a single ounce. But it was delicious! I did not like it prior to surgery, but man when you're craving something not liquid -- you'll eat anything. My doctor said not to worry about fat-free since I'm eating so little and only every few days. Had some today in fact! I like to add unsweetened applesauce (a 1/2 ratio of sauce to cc) or have it with a slice of tomato and some salt and pepper. I tried it with salsa when I was craving that flavor and it was quite yummy!

What kind of support system do you have around you? Are you married? If so, can you work out a system with your husband to take the kids for an hour or so a few days a week so that you can hit the gym, or even just go for a walk around the neighborhood? Can you get up early to do these things to avoid the heat? Sounds like you could use some "me time" since you say that does make you feel better. Doing so much for others can be exhausting mentally and physically. I highly recommend making yourself a priority even if it's just for 2-3 hours per week wherever you can find it. Have you talked to your doctor about other anti-anxiety solutions? I tried Wellbutrin, and other medications, fifteen years ago and while it did seem to help with some of my mood swings, it also made me a zombie. I personally hated it, quit all those meds, and haven't looked back since. I still deal with anxiety and depression, especially in situational bouts (losing job, illness in family, etc.) but I made the choice to work at it with cognitive therapy, watching what I eat, exercise and meditation. However, I don't have kids. But all the advice I've every received from "professionals" applies to anyone with or without kids, or spouses, etc: If you're not making time and taking care of yourself, then how can you be your best helping others? I'm with PdxMan: try introducing some healthy carbs in small doses you're comfortable with (green veggies, black Beans, quinoa, etc.) The thyroid needs carbs to function properly, but not the starchy refined carbs. If the thyroid is sluggish, that could be waning on your energy. And do try to work in a walk here and there, even if it's for 5-10 minutes in 95 degree heat. I grew up in the south, I know what it's like. Put on the sunscreen, wear light clothing, bring Water, and soak in the Vitamin D. It will do wonders!!

I know! I was so bummed when I went from an 8 back to a 7-1/2 because it meant so many of my favorites are now too big. I try to wear them and my foot sloshes around. It's amazing how much I gained in my feet by seeing leather all stretched out!

Keep the course and it will happen for you. You can only control so much in this process, and I believe the more you relax and enjoy it -- the easier it seems to happen. 33 pounds is a GREAT accomplishment!! If you want to provide the stats of what your intake is for food, fluids, Vitamins we may be able to give some advice. What exercise are you doing? Personally, I find mixing it up to be the best for me. Bike on day, walk or hike, swim, weights, gym class, yoga. Maybe your body needs a little shake up! I know it will happen for you!

It will not take months (plural) to eat real food, I promise. For me, it was about 6 weeks out before I was able to comfortably eat solids again. That was roasted chicken breast, deli turkey, firmer tofu, shrimp, scallops, fish and cooked veggies. I started introducing red meat around 2.5 months with filet mignon, skirt steak, and ground meat in chili. It does fill me up faster than the leaner meats, but I can still enjoy it. I tried my first bite of an In-and-Out burger at about 3 months. Just got a crazy craving and got one. Had about two bites and wasn't impressed. Don't get me wrong, it tasted good, but I just didn't want anymore than that. Now that I'm 6 months out, I can eat almost anything I want. It's scary how I can have a few bites of dessert, pasta, rice and other things I have to limit. I remember that feeling on the liquid diet, wanting real food so badly. It did pass for me, and now I still don't get really hungry unless I go too long between shakes or meals or don't drink enough water in a day. Hang in there!

My insides sang and growled like I couldn't believe! Nothing truly painful, but loud and obnoxious. It went away completely after 4-5 weeks, lessoning a little each week. I think it's just gas rumbling around and digestion working a little harder with the liquid diet. Nothing to worry about.

A continuation on the post that I forgot to mention earlier: My surgeon pointed out that ANYONE losing weight on ANY PROGRAM -- Weight Watchers, Jenny Craig, Atkins, you name it -- has the ability to regain some or all of their weight back once they stop using the program. Really, VSG is like a program in that removing 80-90% of the stomach just a tool to keep you honest with your lifestyle changes. And yes, to have fast weight loss in the first 3-6 months as the stomach heals to it's new "normal" size. But when you strip away the surgery, you get all the same factors you have with any other diet regimine: Eat right, exercise, drink plenty of Water, reduce stress, get adequate sleep, and be happy. Do those things, and you should be fine 2, 6, 20 years down the line!

Google "avocado chocolate pudding". Heaven!

I belong to my surgeon's support group that meets once a month, and there are many people in there that are success stories 2-6+ years old. Some even fell below "goal" and were able to keep that off over the years as well. They all live very normal lives, eat anything they want in moderation and smart portions, and still exercise -- though not every day or like they did when they were losing. They just live very smart lives now, and continue to come to the support group to help others and to keep themselves on track. Each and everyone will tell you that they don't have to do the Protein shakes all the time anymore, and they are able to eat a little of everything at birthday, holiday, celebration dinners; they could snack on potato chips and reintroduce soda -- IF THEY REALLY WANTED TO. They are a reminder that we will have to continue to be smart about our choices for the long term, or face the possibility of falling into old habits and putting the weight back on. Yes, you will ALWAYS have restriction and will never again be able to eat the Fisherman's Seafood Platter in one sitting, or the 16oz steak with side of lobster tail. But whether you eat 2500 calories in one meal or over an entire day snacking on calorie dense foods, and that done repetitively can lead to weight regain. (Of course, men need more calories than women, but you get my point).

Whenever I see overgeneralized "conclusions" in a title like that, I tend to steer clear of giving it much credence. Granted, I read it just to see if it had ANY interesting finds, but fell flat. The fact is you can be unhealthy or healthy at any size, depending on your definition of healthy -- physical, mental, or otherwise. I was obese for many years before anything showed up on blood or other diagnostic tests, and I actually had doctors who looked at me and would tell me, "I really expected to find SOMETHING with your weight problem." Aghast that I didn't have high blood pressure, high blood sugar, high cholesterol, or other "common" factors they look for with the obese.

I've been eating avocado regularly since I started mushy foods 3-4 weeks post op. I eat about 1/4-1/2 of a smaller avocado (28-50g) once a day about 3-4 times a week at most. It is has many health benefits and is actually not a high source of cholesterol. It does have a source of plant sterols which can be called a "plant cholesterol" but in moderation, can actually help with high cholesterol. They came highly recommended from two Stanford cardiologists who said the amount I was eating was "just right" and not too much. For how little fat you get in a 1/4 cup serving, it's not enough to worry about. In fat, a healthy balance of the "good" fats can do wonders for weight loss. You can see from my statistics, it hasn't slowed down my loss. Granted, eating a 1/4 cup of guacamole with fried tortilla chips is not the same thing

Most likely, you'll be just fine. But definitely call your surgeon if you have sharp, sudden pain that last longer than an hour or any type of fever/chills. I thought every bubble of gas was a leak, but after some frantic calls to my surgeon he alleviated my fears by telling me, "You will know if it's a leak. It's far worse than the gas pain, like 10 times worse, with more symptoms of sweating, chills, nausea." I don't know if that's true, but he was always right for me. Solid or mushy foods at 12 days out will make you feel weird, that's normal. You still have a lot of swelling down there and it's going to revolt for a while. I wouldn't do it again, just talk to your doctor and nutritionist about the struggle to get in Protein shakes, see what they recommend. Perhaps you should try another brand that could be easier to get down? There are many brands that make more savory or unflavored protein that you can add to broths or strained Soups. I liked those better in the first month because the warmth of the Soup was comforting (then again it was February).

I am on MFP but haven't used it in a while I'm at that stage where I seem to be doing OK with "self" monitoring of what I eat, and I have daily diets that I rotate in a way that keeps me on track. I'll see if I can add you, I'm the same name as I am here. I have lots of bottoms and skirts in size 22, let me know if you see anything that interests you! (Sorry for the delay in response, was on vacation and the mobile version wasn't working well for some reason)