AliveAgain

Yes, I feel the same way. I've only lost forty pounds but it's enough to show the flab. I was obese only for the last 6-7 years, the majority of my life I was fit and athletic. I was really hoping my skin would bounce back. Today was the first day I've been shopping as I desperately need new undies, and looking in the mirror was just disgusting. I walked out without buying anything because I didn't want to look at my body anymore. I've also felt very ugly in general. My husband and I had sex for the first time in almost a month the other night and I could only think how ugly my body must look. My boobs are so flabby my nipples are close to my belly button or under my arms!
I hope someone has some good advice for you, I could use the same encouragement

Hi valleygirl! Big hugs, you are only in the beginning of an amazing journey. It is to be expected you feel the way you do. Everyone feels this way at some point in the first week, and it will go away. I think I was just in shock the first day or so, happy to be alive and that there were no complications. The first week is the toughest, you are healing from a major surgery. Your body chemistry is already changed and this will mess with your thinking. But try to stay focused on being patient, resting as much as possible to heal and the rest will come naturally. It takes a while for most to work up to the amount of fluids and Protein they are supposed to get in, but don't rush to get there. I'm almost 7 weeks out and I have been feeling "normal" for a few weeks. Sure, I still have ups and downs, but that's just because we're all human. So are you! Staying calm is best, so take some deep breaths and watch a movie to get your mind off it for a while. Best of luck to healing quickly!

Hi everyone, I have a tough situation at hand and am hoping someone may have the answer. For the last four days or so, I'm having the worst time with nausea, moodiness, and weeping. I'm quite certain it's the low-dose oral birth control my gyno started me on (for PCOS), but I've been on birth control in the past and never had it hit me like this. Could the sleeve be changing how I'm metabolizing it?
So here are the basics: I'm getting in 585-675 calories per day, 70g+ of Protein (most days still above 80), anywhere from 35-45g carbs. I'm dealing with hemorrhoids for the past two weeks, so I get in what Fiber I can from Benefiber, veggies, flax seed. I don't drink milk, I'm steering clear of cheese at this time - my only dairy is greek yogurt and cottage cheese (which I've tolerated fine in the past). The easiest thing for me to keep down is shrimp, sometimes chicken or tofu. But I'm getting sick of eating them. I get in 56-64 of fluids per day, pushing through the nausea when I can. Before this all started, I was getting in 80-96. Despite the doctor's orders, I'm still getting 30-45 of walking in every day or every other day (it irritates the hemorrhoids) - and since I'm getting knee injections, I can't exercise for 48 hours.
I feel like I'm sick all the time, get the dry heaves even just drinking Water or tea. Yes, I've tried all kinds of herbal and Decaf teas -- nothing helps. The main coincidence is starting the pill....
Anyone?

Yes, fluids like broths or Soups do count. Though the chunkier and creamier the Soup becomes, the harder is it to say how much is Fluid and how much is food. Remember, SF Jell-o counts as do SF Popsicles. Are you drinking Protein Shakes made with Water, skim or soy milk? That counts and helps you get your Protein in! You're doing great, and it does get easier. I try to keep a water bottle with me at all times, and I drink more on days that I exercise versus sitting around.

I have been fine until this week as well, at 5-1/2 weeks out. Monday I poached a tender piece of halibut and steamed asparagus. The asparagus I'd eaten many times before, no problems at all. I ate about 2oz of the fish very slowly, chewed like crazy, over about one hour. I got that horrendous pain in the chest that didn't go away for about 15 minutes. So I finally gave in, and tried spitting a little only to have my first slime experience. Disgusting. Unfortunately I have a sensitive gag reflex, so the entire dinner came up. Now switch to the next evening when I'm at a friend's for dinner and I was able to eat about 3oz of grilled chicken, some green pepper, onion, avocado, mozz cheese, and 1/2 an oatmeal cookie made with applesauce. No problems at all! Then the next night I used the remaining halibut and put it in a veggie broth, and it went down no problem. So I'm thinking the one bad night is behind me. Until last night, when I tried eating roasted chicken (have had it before no problem) and after 1.5oz over 45 minutes -- got the slimes again.
I take Prilosec in the mornings and otherwise have no heartburn symptoms. Go figure!!

I will be 4 weeks post op Monday and right now I'm walking on the treadmill 30-45 min at a time, and I bought some 3# hand weights that I can sit at my desk and do 25 reps of this exercise and that exercise for my arms thru out the day as I have time. When I go back to my Dr. around March 20 he will give me a release for "full" exercise and my 6 month FREE voucher for a gym that came with my surgery and 6 personal trainer visits. SOOOO I'm ready to try that...kind of scared but it will be a new fun learning experience I suppose

It's been postponed until the team gets past some crazy deadlines... fingers crossed!

It's been postponed until the team gets past some crazy deadlines... fingers crossed!

How did it go?

Today marks thirty days since my surgery, four weeks and two days. My husband and I went out to eat for the first time in over a month, and it was a success! I was a little worried about a negative reaction, but was feeling OK since I haven't had any problems at home this past week introducing "early solid foods." We went out for sushi and I ordered a miso Soup which I've been making at home, familiar territory. Then I was about to very slowly, but wonderfully eat three 1oz pieces of sashimi (sake and maguro) dipped in low-sodium soy sauce. HEAVEN! I took very small bites, chewed so thoroughly, and patiently waited between bites to check in with my belly for the full signal. The taste was amazing, so nice to have something my taste buds remember from before surgery. I felt like I could have gone for a fourth piece, but didn't want to push it. It was hard to not dive into the roll my husband got, but I kept staring at the rice like it was a sworn enemy. I did allow myself a small bite of the unagi he ordered for "desert"
It was so nice to feel normal again. And I have to say, I loved my sleeve for doing it's job tonight...

Hello Fitforlife! I live in the Bay Area as well, so we may have had the same surgeon (?) based on hearing you say "they hate carbs and don't want (you) to have any." My surgeon and nutritionist are the same way. Their plan is by far the strictest I've seen and I've been downloading other WLS diet plans on the internet to compare. It turned me into a stressed out nut about carbs, to the point I was willing to forgo Vitamins and Fiber I needed to get below 30g. Not smart. The funny thing is I've lost *only* 21 pounds since surgery (I'm in week 5) and to them, that's not terrible but not great either. I've notice people with other surgeons and other NUT plans seem to be losing more -- NOT that I'm saying their plans are better. Just everyone loses differently and to hold everyone accountable to the same plans is just crazy.
I went through a period around days 22-27 where I was also getting dizzy, headache, weak, etc. especially when I got warm or overexerted myself. I looked at my journal and noticed that cutting the carbs so low was killing my electrolyte intake (sodium, potassium, magnesium). Not to mention I was still in the 450-525 calorie range when I should really be getting more like 600. It was just crazy to think I could continue that way. So I listened to my body and started allowing up to 50-55g of carbs instead of 30-40g, and from the "approved" list of veggies. Amazingly, I felt so much better and I'm still losing at the same rate I was before! And I do better when I snack on smallish meals 4-5 times per day than keeping to the 3 meal rule. By smallish meal, it can be 5-6 small nuts, 1oz of Protein meat or cottage cheese, or even a few bites of egg salad. I think some docs are too worried that someone will take the 4-5 smaller meal thing as dangerous ground for grazing and taking in sliders (like the cookies).
Try to keep good snack options around like other posters have mentioned, and concentrate on keeping a food journal with MyFitnessPal on your phone or computer. It really is important to see how much you're taking in, or when you're not getting enough! Don't feel like you've irrevocably messed up. You will most likely do it again at some point (we all will) and the important thing to do is RECOGNIZE IT and learn from it. The more you pay attention, the more realize the difference between real hunger and head hunger. Planning is key, keeping emergency "good" Snacks available in your purse, car, desk, etc.
Best of luck to you!

Today marks thirty days since my surgery, four weeks and two days. My husband and I went out to eat for the first time in over a month, and it was a success! I was a little worried about a negative reaction, but was feeling OK since I haven't had any problems at home this past week introducing "early solid foods." We went out for sushi and I ordered a miso Soup which I've been making at home, familiar territory. Then I was about to very slowly, but wonderfully eat three 1oz pieces of sashimi (sake and maguro) dipped in low-sodium soy sauce. HEAVEN! I took very small bites, chewed so thoroughly, and patiently waited between bites to check in with my belly for the full signal. The taste was amazing, so nice to have something my taste buds remember from before surgery. I felt like I could have gone for a fourth piece, but didn't want to push it. It was hard to not dive into the roll my husband got, but I kept staring at the rice like it was a sworn enemy. I did allow myself a small bite of the unagi he ordered for "desert"
It was so nice to feel normal again. And I have to say, I loved my sleeve for doing it's job tonight...

How long ago was your surgery?
I'm sorry to hear you're struggling with the reintroduction of mushy/solid foods. Please be patient and know that it may take some time for your new stomach to get used to them again, but it will happen. Did you spend a good two weeks just introducing the mushy foods before moving on to solids? Sometimes going to solids too quickly can set you back.
I'm on day 28 and I'd say 50% of my caloric/protein intake is still in shakes, usually two a day. What has gone down well for me so far:
Plain, non-fat Greek yogurt with 10-14 blueberries
Small curd, lowfat cottage cheese mixed with 1-2tbsp unsweetened applesauce or 1tbsp pesto (or plain!)
Soft poached or boiled eggs with runny yolk - my doctor mentioned that scrambled or omelette style is too hard until 6-8 weeks out
Egg salad made with Greek yogurt, dash of relish and seasonings
Laughing Cow or Babybel cheese
Juicy, tender skinless chicken breast - make sure it's not tough, sometimes helps to have with broth
Soft/medium tofu in miso Soup or slightly seared in seasame oil with mushrooms
Well-cooked asparagus, okra, spinach - no raw or roasted veggies for a few months, must be mushy for first 2 months
chicken meatballs from Trader Joe's with a light, homemade marinara suace
Lean deli meats (juicier the better!) like chicken, turkey
The trick is definitely to take in solids at first with sauce or broth, something to keep it juicy or soft. And chew, chew, chew. Even when I eat mushy asparagus, I keep it in my mouth until it's practically dissolved. You can make great homemade Soups with the good veggies like broccoli, asparagus, cauliflower and some veggie or chicken broth. My doctor doesn't want me near cream Soups or Beans at this point, too high in carbs. Definitely NO bread, Pasta, rice, or potatoes. Good luck! I'm hoping more people post because I'm always looking for ideas!

Yes, I'm trying to reduce my carbs and I don't care for the sweetness. The two chewables account for 4g of carbs in a single day. Add that to the calcium chews and Benefiber, and I'm already at 20-24g carbs or half of what I'm allowed in a day. They taste like SweetTart candies and get stuck in my teeth, not a big fan.

:ph34r: *slowly backing out of this thread

How long ago was your surgery?
I'm sorry to hear you're struggling with the reintroduction of mushy/solid foods. Please be patient and know that it may take some time for your new stomach to get used to them again, but it will happen. Did you spend a good two weeks just introducing the mushy foods before moving on to solids? Sometimes going to solids too quickly can set you back.
I'm on day 28 and I'd say 50% of my caloric/protein intake is still in shakes, usually two a day. What has gone down well for me so far:
Plain, non-fat Greek yogurt with 10-14 blueberries
Small curd, lowfat cottage cheese mixed with 1-2tbsp unsweetened applesauce or 1tbsp pesto (or plain!)
Soft poached or boiled eggs with runny yolk - my doctor mentioned that scrambled or omelette style is too hard until 6-8 weeks out
Egg salad made with Greek yogurt, dash of relish and seasonings
Laughing Cow or Babybel cheese
Juicy, tender skinless chicken breast - make sure it's not tough, sometimes helps to have with broth
Soft/medium tofu in miso Soup or slightly seared in seasame oil with mushrooms
Well-cooked asparagus, okra, spinach - no raw or roasted veggies for a few months, must be mushy for first 2 months
chicken meatballs from Trader Joe's with a light, homemade marinara suace
Lean deli meats (juicier the better!) like chicken, turkey
The trick is definitely to take in solids at first with sauce or broth, something to keep it juicy or soft. And chew, chew, chew. Even when I eat mushy asparagus, I keep it in my mouth until it's practically dissolved. You can make great homemade Soups with the good veggies like broccoli, asparagus, cauliflower and some veggie or chicken broth. My doctor doesn't want me near cream Soups or Beans at this point, too high in carbs. Definitely NO bread, Pasta, rice, or potatoes. Good luck! I'm hoping more people post because I'm always looking for ideas!

I would call my doctor. You are drinking a lot of fluids, and exercising. It may be time for some blood work. Let us know, we are all invested in you.

My initial thought is no. I wouldn't imagine it was dehydration. It does sound like carb withdrawal. You are eating under 40 grams of carbs a day and when I started doing that I initially felt very sick. All the symptoms you described. But then you said you are 26 days out so I would not think you'd still be feeling that way from carb withdrawal at this point. I will say that anytime I cut out sugar and white flour and carbs drastically I get very sick like this. But if you've been doing the same thing for 26 days and this is a new symptom then that's probably not it. So in that case I would just say to call the doctor. I'm one to err on the side of caution. Also can you come back and let us know how you're doing? I am thinking of you!!

I'm not a doctor nor have any medical background so I couldn't comment one way or another another about dehydration per se. But I am wondering if you need some blood work. Could it be related to the potassium? I would definitely talk to MD to see what's up. I can't imagine that is is related to dehydration since you take in so much fluid... again, I'm no md. Sending good thoughts your way. Please keep us posted!

I dont think your dehydrated but after excercising I do find it helpful to drink a Protein Shake and a cup of Powerade Zero. This has helped me when I do ride my bike and was experiencing dizziness. You are doing great with your excerising routine, definitely call your doctor.

It sounds like you are getting plenty of fluids but also probably sweating out alot too. I would def talk to your doctor about this. He/She will be the best ppl to give you advice. Or even your Nutritionist. Dehydration is serious,and it's like once you get dehydrated,it's hard to get rehydrated,especially with our now small tummies.
But kudos to you for going 8.5 miles on a bike. I can't even remember the last time I was on a bike,maybe I need to invest in one...lol

Excellent work!! Keep it up!

Yep, Cirangle told his support group that the original stomach can hold up to 60oz -- that's HUGE! After VSG, they are around 2-3oz and eventually with time that will stretch x3. So in the end, having a 6-9oz stomach. Still much smaller than it was originally. All the more reasons to continue to watch what you eat down the line so it doesn't come back. I see the first 3-6 months as just training for the marathon of life to come!

So no one has had it explained WHY we're all so cold? I worry about thyroid problems because they run in my family, and I know being cold a lot can be a sign of developing hypothyroidism. My mom is ALWAYS COLD because of it.
I don't mind when I know it's just a part of the process, but I worry about ignoring other possible health issues!

It gets better - hang in there! I was sleeved 8/10 and like the previous poster, can eat nearly everything (foods that are greasy or really high in fat don't sit well, but otherwise I'm good). I love Mexican food too, and I enjoy it on a fairly regular basis. I get a fajita steak or chicken salad without the fried tortilla shell, and enjoy primarily the Protein with lots of grilled veggies, pico de gallo, salsa, and a bit of sour cream. I even treat myself to a few chips with salsa before the meal!