AliveAgain

Also, the emotions are totally valid. Between the shock to your system, the pain meds and the travel -- it happens to the best of us. It too will go away after the first week or so

Whoah, take a deep breath! Yes, this happens to almost everyone and the doctor should have told you. I came home 8 pounds heavier. It from all the fluids they pump in through your IV. It will retain for a few days, but if you keep sipping fluids and walk around it should go away quickly then you'll start seeing the REAL weight loss magically happen.
Best of luck! Relaxation is key, this is a long journey :-)

Quick follow up on this topic... I'm finally getting it! I went to a few social events last week and some friends didn't even recognize me. They'd walk right by or talk to my husband and then realize it was me standing next to him. Most are just very nice with, "You look great! Wow!" without reference to weight loss unless I bring it up. Then one of our best friends came over last weekend and I hadn't seen him since about a month after surgery (weight loss was too little for him to notice then). He went all day without saying anything until I mentioned something about working with a personal trainer. All he said was, "Is that working for you? Are you seeing results?" So I just said, "Um yeah, 55 pounds lost." And he said, "Well I noticed, but didn't want to say anything...." SERIOUSLY!!!

Funny how all the medical dramas on TV (Grey's Anatomy) the surgeons are all decked out with mascara, gloss, so much hair product! You go to a real hospital and it's nothing like that!

Funny how all the medical dramas on TV (Grey's Anatomy) the surgeons are all decked out with mascara, gloss, so much hair product! You go to a real hospital and it's nothing like that!

I'm from NC, too, so I know there's no chance you'll be pulling anything out for the next 4-5 months. I agree with Pennie, maybe set aside the key items you would like to keep and put the other stuff stowed away. You'll have a better chance of selling them or finding someone who can use them when the weather gets cooler. Chances are, you won't be able to wear any of it! Good luck!

Glad to know there are so many GOOD MEN out there! My husband saw me from afar the other day, walked up and said, "I barely recognized you! My incredibly shrinking wife!" :wub:

I have to say it is one of THE most exhilarating feelings to know I will NEVER have to shop in that horrid section of department store's EVER again! It's like being let out of jail, of the time-out-corner -- being let loose on parts of the store I haven't been allowed into for so many years. To stand in the fitting room and try on size small and medium tops that are fashionable and cute, just makes me And it's only going to get better from here.
The clerks are getting to know me because I come in a buy a size, keep the tags and receipt until I wear that item. Then two or three weeks later, if I haven't worn it, I find I try it on and already need the next size down. I'm becoming the "exchange queen!"
Next step... cutting up that ugly Lane Bryant card!!!

I have to say it is one of THE most exhilarating feelings to know I will NEVER have to shop in that horrid section of department store's EVER again! It's like being let out of jail, of the time-out-corner -- being let loose on parts of the store I haven't been allowed into for so many years. To stand in the fitting room and try on size small and medium tops that are fashionable and cute, just makes me And it's only going to get better from here.
The clerks are getting to know me because I come in a buy a size, keep the tags and receipt until I wear that item. Then two or three weeks later, if I haven't worn it, I find I try it on and already need the next size down. I'm becoming the "exchange queen!"
Next step... cutting up that ugly Lane Bryant card!!!

I have to say it is one of THE most exhilarating feelings to know I will NEVER have to shop in that horrid section of department store's EVER again! It's like being let out of jail, of the time-out-corner -- being let loose on parts of the store I haven't been allowed into for so many years. To stand in the fitting room and try on size small and medium tops that are fashionable and cute, just makes me And it's only going to get better from here.
The clerks are getting to know me because I come in a buy a size, keep the tags and receipt until I wear that item. Then two or three weeks later, if I haven't worn it, I find I try it on and already need the next size down. I'm becoming the "exchange queen!"
Next step... cutting up that ugly Lane Bryant card!!!

I have to say it is one of THE most exhilarating feelings to know I will NEVER have to shop in that horrid section of department store's EVER again! It's like being let out of jail, of the time-out-corner -- being let loose on parts of the store I haven't been allowed into for so many years. To stand in the fitting room and try on size small and medium tops that are fashionable and cute, just makes me And it's only going to get better from here.
The clerks are getting to know me because I come in a buy a size, keep the tags and receipt until I wear that item. Then two or three weeks later, if I haven't worn it, I find I try it on and already need the next size down. I'm becoming the "exchange queen!"
Next step... cutting up that ugly Lane Bryant card!!!

My doctor and nutritionist strongly advise to stay away from bars. As mentioned, they can be higher in carbs and sugars than is beneficial for the amount of Protein you get. Unless you're doing some major exercise (like CrossFit, etc.) you just don't need it. For shakes, I love the Syntrax nectar flavors - it's about all I use because they mix well with Water and you can make them the strength that you like (1 scoop, 1.5 or even 2). Then again, I am home not working. Once I go back to work, I'll need to find more ready-made options. I am not a fan of the milk-based drinks (dairy, soy, almond, etc.) It's something about the flavor. Plus, most are vanilla, chocolate, or strawberry flavored -- just too sickly sweet for me. But I was also never much of an ice cream, candy bar, etc. person before surgery

My doctor and nutritionist strongly advise to stay away from bars. As mentioned, they can be higher in carbs and sugars than is beneficial for the amount of Protein you get. Unless you're doing some major exercise (like CrossFit, etc.) you just don't need it. For shakes, I love the Syntrax nectar flavors - it's about all I use because they mix well with Water and you can make them the strength that you like (1 scoop, 1.5 or even 2). Then again, I am home not working. Once I go back to work, I'll need to find more ready-made options. I am not a fan of the milk-based drinks (dairy, soy, almond, etc.) It's something about the flavor. Plus, most are vanilla, chocolate, or strawberry flavored -- just too sickly sweet for me. But I was also never much of an ice cream, candy bar, etc. person before surgery

My doctor said it wasnt necessary, I asked because I knew the Bypass patients had to wear one. He gave me a card to carry in my walet that says what procedure I have had and it also asks resturants to sell me a kids meal...
I have never used it...kids meals are almost always fried or full of carbs.

I took myself out to lunch today and ordered a bunless cheeseburger with sweet potato fries. I actually ate about half the cheeseburger, the slices of Tomato, some pickle slices, and 3 of the fries. The cook came out and I ended up telling him that the food was delicious, but I just couldn't eat any more. I was so full, but that cheeseburger was SO good.
The point of that is that you can have ANY food you want after surgery. You just won't be able to eat as much. I'm pleasantly full and not in carb overload from my meal. I'm just now finishing my unsweet iced tea and it tastes divine as well.
93 pounds lost feels really good today, especially knowing that I can eat anything I want.
Oh, and for my appetizer and dessert, I had 7 flights of stairs on either side of my meal. Being able to walk up and down those stairs without pain is a MAJOR incentive for me!

I get the carb rush and crash. I really do. I used to go all day without eating, just running on coffee, coming home and having two servings of a nice Pasta and feeling so happy after. Or I'd get a huge nacho at lunch, crash mid day at he office. Order the plate of pancakes or French toast for weekend brunch and not get a damn thing done the rest of the day because I had no energy.
Now, I sleep better than ever before. I never get sick. I have more energy on most days than I know what to do with. I love exercise. I haven't had a headache in over three months other than some mild PMS related things that were a blip on the map). I'm happier and everyone notices. The first month was the hardest. I think I craved Pasta and Mexican food everyday. I knew I was in trouble when I started "sneaking" in a teaspoon of salsa just to taste it. But guess what? All that goes away. Now what I eat is my new normal and I'm loving it. And when my husband cooks a pasta for his pre-hockey dinner, I sneak a single bite. I eat it after I've had my pan seared scallops and veggies. When I'm at a friend's house for dinner and they make oatmeal choc chip Cookies, I eat 1/4-1/2 of one and I'm satisfied.
As for those other questions:
Three servings of Protein in the morning? Never heard of this. In the first month, I had a Protein shake and maybe some SF Jello made with unflavored whey Protein. Now, at three months I have a very normal Breakfast of either Greek yogurt with some berries, eggs and turkey bacon, cottage cheese then a Protein Shake an hour or so later.
Drinking with meals. I thought I'd have a hard time with this, but it's actually been the easiest. I keep a glass of Water near me, but only for emergency. I'm too fearful of choking or needing to clear my throat. It's not that we CAN'T drink with the meal, it's that we shouldn't. But I had my doctor and nutritionist telling me that long before surgery. Soda bloats you, watery liquids (teas, juices) just dilute the stomach acids that are trying to break down foods for further absorption. Now, it's more like I know I won't be able to eat as much if I drink more -- I'll get too full too fast.
Foregoing club soda and the mini scone. Eh, they advise you don't drink carbonated drinks because the stomach is too sensitive the first few months. I would agree. But I had a sip of my husband's Orangina not long ago and nothing major happened. You don't really crave it. And I think after 3-6 months or so if you really want a non-calorie, non-sugar bubbly Water apart from a meal it would be fine. As for the scone, I see treating yourself to a few carbs/sugars here and there (like once a week) is OK. You won't be able to eat it comfortably for the first few months, but you also won't miss it. And if you do miss it, have a single bite. Get the taste without eating the whole thing.
Heating anything substantial in the first three months. WTH? I eat hot foods all the time and have since four weeks post op. And even when I was on liquids and mushies the first month, I heated Soups and the like up to the allowed 130 degrees (so protein could be added without clumping). I enjoy baked fish, steamed veggies, all kinds of chicken now. It's great!

I was exactly where you were in the months before my surgery. Very afriad at never enjoying the foods I loved again. But I know I will again one day, this time in much healthier portions. When I go home late this summer, I will enjoy hamburger night at my brother's -- but bunless and skip the fries. When Thanksgiving rolls around, I'll eat all the stuff but on a small plate. And my new smaller stomach will let me know when I'm full. I totally thought I was going to regret this in the first month post-op, but know I have to say I wish I'd done this years earlier. Best decision ever!!

I get the carb rush and crash. I really do. I used to go all day without eating, just running on coffee, coming home and having two servings of a nice Pasta and feeling so happy after. Or I'd get a huge nacho at lunch, crash mid day at he office. Order the plate of pancakes or French toast for weekend brunch and not get a damn thing done the rest of the day because I had no energy.
Now, I sleep better than ever before. I never get sick. I have more energy on most days than I know what to do with. I love exercise. I haven't had a headache in over three months other than some mild PMS related things that were a blip on the map). I'm happier and everyone notices. The first month was the hardest. I think I craved Pasta and Mexican food everyday. I knew I was in trouble when I started "sneaking" in a teaspoon of salsa just to taste it. But guess what? All that goes away. Now what I eat is my new normal and I'm loving it. And when my husband cooks a pasta for his pre-hockey dinner, I sneak a single bite. I eat it after I've had my pan seared scallops and veggies. When I'm at a friend's house for dinner and they make oatmeal choc chip Cookies, I eat 1/4-1/2 of one and I'm satisfied.
As for those other questions:
Three servings of Protein in the morning? Never heard of this. In the first month, I had a Protein shake and maybe some SF Jello made with unflavored whey Protein. Now, at three months I have a very normal Breakfast of either Greek yogurt with some berries, eggs and turkey bacon, cottage cheese then a Protein Shake an hour or so later.
Drinking with meals. I thought I'd have a hard time with this, but it's actually been the easiest. I keep a glass of Water near me, but only for emergency. I'm too fearful of choking or needing to clear my throat. It's not that we CAN'T drink with the meal, it's that we shouldn't. But I had my doctor and nutritionist telling me that long before surgery. Soda bloats you, watery liquids (teas, juices) just dilute the stomach acids that are trying to break down foods for further absorption. Now, it's more like I know I won't be able to eat as much if I drink more -- I'll get too full too fast.
Foregoing club soda and the mini scone. Eh, they advise you don't drink carbonated drinks because the stomach is too sensitive the first few months. I would agree. But I had a sip of my husband's Orangina not long ago and nothing major happened. You don't really crave it. And I think after 3-6 months or so if you really want a non-calorie, non-sugar bubbly Water apart from a meal it would be fine. As for the scone, I see treating yourself to a few carbs/sugars here and there (like once a week) is OK. You won't be able to eat it comfortably for the first few months, but you also won't miss it. And if you do miss it, have a single bite. Get the taste without eating the whole thing.
Heating anything substantial in the first three months. WTH? I eat hot foods all the time and have since four weeks post op. And even when I was on liquids and mushies the first month, I heated Soups and the like up to the allowed 130 degrees (so protein could be added without clumping). I enjoy baked fish, steamed veggies, all kinds of chicken now. It's great!

I was exactly where you were in the months before my surgery. Very afriad at never enjoying the foods I loved again. But I know I will again one day, this time in much healthier portions. When I go home late this summer, I will enjoy hamburger night at my brother's -- but bunless and skip the fries. When Thanksgiving rolls around, I'll eat all the stuff but on a small plate. And my new smaller stomach will let me know when I'm full. I totally thought I was going to regret this in the first month post-op, but know I have to say I wish I'd done this years earlier. Best decision ever!!

I get the carb rush and crash. I really do. I used to go all day without eating, just running on coffee, coming home and having two servings of a nice Pasta and feeling so happy after. Or I'd get a huge nacho at lunch, crash mid day at he office. Order the plate of pancakes or French toast for weekend brunch and not get a damn thing done the rest of the day because I had no energy.
Now, I sleep better than ever before. I never get sick. I have more energy on most days than I know what to do with. I love exercise. I haven't had a headache in over three months other than some mild PMS related things that were a blip on the map). I'm happier and everyone notices. The first month was the hardest. I think I craved Pasta and Mexican food everyday. I knew I was in trouble when I started "sneaking" in a teaspoon of salsa just to taste it. But guess what? All that goes away. Now what I eat is my new normal and I'm loving it. And when my husband cooks a pasta for his pre-hockey dinner, I sneak a single bite. I eat it after I've had my pan seared scallops and veggies. When I'm at a friend's house for dinner and they make oatmeal choc chip Cookies, I eat 1/4-1/2 of one and I'm satisfied.
As for those other questions:
Three servings of Protein in the morning? Never heard of this. In the first month, I had a Protein shake and maybe some SF Jello made with unflavored whey Protein. Now, at three months I have a very normal Breakfast of either Greek yogurt with some berries, eggs and turkey bacon, cottage cheese then a Protein Shake an hour or so later.
Drinking with meals. I thought I'd have a hard time with this, but it's actually been the easiest. I keep a glass of Water near me, but only for emergency. I'm too fearful of choking or needing to clear my throat. It's not that we CAN'T drink with the meal, it's that we shouldn't. But I had my doctor and nutritionist telling me that long before surgery. Soda bloats you, watery liquids (teas, juices) just dilute the stomach acids that are trying to break down foods for further absorption. Now, it's more like I know I won't be able to eat as much if I drink more -- I'll get too full too fast.
Foregoing club soda and the mini scone. Eh, they advise you don't drink carbonated drinks because the stomach is too sensitive the first few months. I would agree. But I had a sip of my husband's Orangina not long ago and nothing major happened. You don't really crave it. And I think after 3-6 months or so if you really want a non-calorie, non-sugar bubbly Water apart from a meal it would be fine. As for the scone, I see treating yourself to a few carbs/sugars here and there (like once a week) is OK. You won't be able to eat it comfortably for the first few months, but you also won't miss it. And if you do miss it, have a single bite. Get the taste without eating the whole thing.
Heating anything substantial in the first three months. WTH? I eat hot foods all the time and have since four weeks post op. And even when I was on liquids and mushies the first month, I heated Soups and the like up to the allowed 130 degrees (so protein could be added without clumping). I enjoy baked fish, steamed veggies, all kinds of chicken now. It's great!

I was exactly where you were in the months before my surgery. Very afriad at never enjoying the foods I loved again. But I know I will again one day, this time in much healthier portions. When I go home late this summer, I will enjoy hamburger night at my brother's -- but bunless and skip the fries. When Thanksgiving rolls around, I'll eat all the stuff but on a small plate. And my new smaller stomach will let me know when I'm full. I totally thought I was going to regret this in the first month post-op, but know I have to say I wish I'd done this years earlier. Best decision ever!!

I am one-week post op. You must follow the post-op diet to be successful and not damage the surgery site as it takes time to heal. I won't say that I don't crave foods that I can't have, but I am not having hunger pains at all. In fact, I can't really believe how wonderful and filling that chicken broth and sugar-free Jello can be.
There are things that my family is eating that really look delicious to me right now, but I am not about to screw this up.... it wouldn't just be cheating but would be medically damaging at this point.
One day, I will be able to eat reasonable portions of the foods that I love.
As I have seen said many times before, "Nothing tastes as good as being thin feels." There is no way that I would call this an easy process. Those that say that you are "cheating" by having this surgery must think that it's not difficult. ANYONE would lose weight following this structured diet. It is the reduced calorie amount that is causing the weight loss--- not that your smaller stomach makes you magically lose weight.
The surgery changes your hunger which will give help with your willpower to accomplish what you couldn't on dieting alone.
Don't give up! I almost backed out of the surgery myself because I kept thinking "i should be able to do this on my own", but I've never been able to. Now that I have had the surgery, I have the strength and willpower to stick with the plan.
Good luck!

Thanks for the wonderful response! Thanks for taking the time.....I had to laugh at your seat belt story....you and I sound a lot a like in the self-confidence area....I never lost my sense of self even though my weight ballooned....surely my pants shrunk in the wash!.....or, I hate it when they mismark clothes; no way is this an extra large!!!!.....or, damn! my scale is broken again???? I suppose my intelligent self always knew it wasn't anyone else's fault but as you said, the brain is interesting.
Congratulations on your wonderful weight loss......soon you will be in onederland! I never was a size 6 in my entire life so I'm just enjoying being a size 10/12....that seems just right to me.....for now.
Take care and thanks for reading my blog and for the wonderful post.

My doctor told me to weigh my meats with a scale. Makes sense, I mean when you're buying it from a butcher they use a scale as well, not a measuring cup! Measuring cups are best for Fluid ounces or for "loose" foods like powders, rice, small pastas, chopped veggies, etc.

I know exactly what you mean. It is like a switch has been flipped in my brain that just had it makes sense very suddenly. I've only been overweight/obese for the last six years (gained 100lbs in a single 12-month period, very rough year). The last 30-40 pounds came on over the subsequent years being frustrated with the initial weight gain. Joints hurt every time I tried to get into a routine again, I could not find sports bras that fit me in my new large size. It depressed me, so my eating habits actually got much worse after gaining that extra weight. Funny, I had to gain weight to eat worse than I did before. Not to mention hitting my 30's and what that does to hormones and metabolism. I wasn't really eating differently than what I ate when I was 28 years old, but I wasn't exercising at all and I was older. It was terribly difficult to see that I needed to adapt. Even the year or so before surgery, I was eating so healthy. Salads, lean meats, no soda, avoid fried foods, etc. -- except I wasn't journaling and even healthy foods in "too large" quantities can be high in calories. I know the healthier eating habits staved off getting any higher than I was (I stayed at 265 for a long time), but I was still working myself like crazy 60+ hours per week and not getting active. I have two very healthy doctors in my family, many friends who are trainers or do triathlons, and yet I just couldn't get it. I had the knowlege of "calories in/calories out" and nutrition, sleeping well, killing soda and avoid refined sugars and carbs. But I wasn't always applying it.
The other odd thing is that even though I went from buying 4/6 and XS clothing all the way to buying 22/24 and 1-2/X clothing, I never perceived myself as fat. I always saw the skinny me when I looked down. Then I'd look in a mirror and it felt like I was looking at another person. Or I'd get in an airplane seat and the belt wouldn't fit. Or some innocent kid would ask me if I was having a baby. These little innocuous events seemed weird to me, like I truly thought the airlines were making their belts shorter and taking away legroom. The brain is really funny that way, how it can be your worst enemy.
Now that I've had the surgery and dropped nearly 55 pounds, I get it. I totally see what I was missing. Now that I journal and measure my foods, I see how the large portion sizes eating out are not smart. I understand how staying hydrated helps the body shed. And it's amazing how much I want to tell other people now what they're doing wrong. I see it in their eyes when they're ordering in restaurants how they are keeping themselves unhappy. They see surgery as extreme, but I see it as having on of the healthiest relationships with food I've ever had in my life!

I know exactly what you mean. It is like a switch has been flipped in my brain that just had it makes sense very suddenly. I've only been overweight/obese for the last six years (gained 100lbs in a single 12-month period, very rough year). The last 30-40 pounds came on over the subsequent years being frustrated with the initial weight gain. Joints hurt every time I tried to get into a routine again, I could not find sports bras that fit me in my new large size. It depressed me, so my eating habits actually got much worse after gaining that extra weight. Funny, I had to gain weight to eat worse than I did before. Not to mention hitting my 30's and what that does to hormones and metabolism. I wasn't really eating differently than what I ate when I was 28 years old, but I wasn't exercising at all and I was older. It was terribly difficult to see that I needed to adapt. Even the year or so before surgery, I was eating so healthy. Salads, lean meats, no soda, avoid fried foods, etc. -- except I wasn't journaling and even healthy foods in "too large" quantities can be high in calories. I know the healthier eating habits staved off getting any higher than I was (I stayed at 265 for a long time), but I was still working myself like crazy 60+ hours per week and not getting active. I have two very healthy doctors in my family, many friends who are trainers or do triathlons, and yet I just couldn't get it. I had the knowlege of "calories in/calories out" and nutrition, sleeping well, killing soda and avoid refined sugars and carbs. But I wasn't always applying it.
The other odd thing is that even though I went from buying 4/6 and XS clothing all the way to buying 22/24 and 1-2/X clothing, I never perceived myself as fat. I always saw the skinny me when I looked down. Then I'd look in a mirror and it felt like I was looking at another person. Or I'd get in an airplane seat and the belt wouldn't fit. Or some innocent kid would ask me if I was having a baby. These little innocuous events seemed weird to me, like I truly thought the airlines were making their belts shorter and taking away legroom. The brain is really funny that way, how it can be your worst enemy.
Now that I've had the surgery and dropped nearly 55 pounds, I get it. I totally see what I was missing. Now that I journal and measure my foods, I see how the large portion sizes eating out are not smart. I understand how staying hydrated helps the body shed. And it's amazing how much I want to tell other people now what they're doing wrong. I see it in their eyes when they're ordering in restaurants how they are keeping themselves unhappy. They see surgery as extreme, but I see it as having on of the healthiest relationships with food I've ever had in my life!

I know exactly what you mean. It is like a switch has been flipped in my brain that just had it makes sense very suddenly. I've only been overweight/obese for the last six years (gained 100lbs in a single 12-month period, very rough year). The last 30-40 pounds came on over the subsequent years being frustrated with the initial weight gain. Joints hurt every time I tried to get into a routine again, I could not find sports bras that fit me in my new large size. It depressed me, so my eating habits actually got much worse after gaining that extra weight. Funny, I had to gain weight to eat worse than I did before. Not to mention hitting my 30's and what that does to hormones and metabolism. I wasn't really eating differently than what I ate when I was 28 years old, but I wasn't exercising at all and I was older. It was terribly difficult to see that I needed to adapt. Even the year or so before surgery, I was eating so healthy. Salads, lean meats, no soda, avoid fried foods, etc. -- except I wasn't journaling and even healthy foods in "too large" quantities can be high in calories. I know the healthier eating habits staved off getting any higher than I was (I stayed at 265 for a long time), but I was still working myself like crazy 60+ hours per week and not getting active. I have two very healthy doctors in my family, many friends who are trainers or do triathlons, and yet I just couldn't get it. I had the knowlege of "calories in/calories out" and nutrition, sleeping well, killing soda and avoid refined sugars and carbs. But I wasn't always applying it.
The other odd thing is that even though I went from buying 4/6 and XS clothing all the way to buying 22/24 and 1-2/X clothing, I never perceived myself as fat. I always saw the skinny me when I looked down. Then I'd look in a mirror and it felt like I was looking at another person. Or I'd get in an airplane seat and the belt wouldn't fit. Or some innocent kid would ask me if I was having a baby. These little innocuous events seemed weird to me, like I truly thought the airlines were making their belts shorter and taking away legroom. The brain is really funny that way, how it can be your worst enemy.
Now that I've had the surgery and dropped nearly 55 pounds, I get it. I totally see what I was missing. Now that I journal and measure my foods, I see how the large portion sizes eating out are not smart. I understand how staying hydrated helps the body shed. And it's amazing how much I want to tell other people now what they're doing wrong. I see it in their eyes when they're ordering in restaurants how they are keeping themselves unhappy. They see surgery as extreme, but I see it as having on of the healthiest relationships with food I've ever had in my life!

My husband spent the night with me and I'm so glad he did. I told him he didn't have to but wound up needing him after all. We you're heaving and ready to puke, the nurse can't get there fast enough to help you. And when you need to go to the bathroom at 3am, I'd rather have my husband help me than to wait on the nurse.