Gastricsleeve4me

I, literally, eat my feelings. No other way to say it. Food is my ultimate companion for boredom, stress, fear...you name it. But that use is so compelling...so strong...and so habitual, I knew I needed restriction (for a period of time) to break the cycle. Now, with the help of a therapist, I'm focusing on finding new habits and coping skills that "normal" people use for those feelings. I knew it was a problem, but the surgery really showed me how bad it was...when I get through the moments of mourning food and being pissed I can't have what I want, I can step back and get some satisfaction that it just proves I needed this to break the cycle. At least that's what I'm telling myself (and my therapist )! So the first six months for me are about weight loss and learning to use the sleeve, sure...but it's REALLY about a small window of opportunity to change the role food plays in my life and find healthier ways to work out whatever crap I've gone going on. So, I totally and completely get it!

Aww, man...sorry to hear that it gets better...it gets better...it gets better!! 4 days is short...life is long...and it's only up from here! The emotional roller coaster is tough. Of you're still feeling in the dumps in a few days, might be a good idea to seek out a therapist in your area. I have one that deals with food issues (though don't think that's a requirement by any means) and she's been great at helping me sort through my feelings.

I'm a fan of a bit of peanut or almond butter in my Protein shakes...but not a fan of the fat. Imagine my excitement when I found organic powdered Peanut Butter at the market. Made by Betty Lou's Inc. One TBSP added to my vanilla shake was yummy! I only use one, but serving size is 2 TBSP. NUT facts: 45 cals 1.5 fat 5g carbs (2g sugars) 4g protein Apparently you're actually meant to add a TBSP of Water to make PB nice because I can throw in a baggie with Protein powder on the go

Hey guys! I started a meetup group for folks in NJ and surrounding areas. Just scheduled a first meetup in Princeton thurs night (June 7) in Princeton if anyone's interested in meeting others who have had weight loss surgery. Happy to give more info here, or you can join the meetup group at http://www.meetup.com/NJ-WLS-Support/

I found that port surgery I could drink a lot more than the 1-2 oz every 10-15 mins recommended. I presumed that was fine since I experienced no ill effects. But when I met with my NUT last week (I was about 9 days out at the time), she scared me straight. She said that, while I CAN do it, i shouldn't. That my stomach shouldn't be working to hold more than the recommended amount. I'm sure advice varies, but my surgeon was also very specific and said NEVER drink more than 2 oz in 15 mins. For you, probably best to shoot a note to your doctor to ask?

Thanks for sharing!

I ordered the sample pack to try a bunch since I wasn't sure of I liked it. Got it at mybariatricpantry.com though I'm sure other places have it too. Haven't made it through all the flavors yet...but the Caribbean cooler was soooo good. Then equally the pink grapefruit, which i was excited about, sucked some people love nectar, some don't...the sample pack might be a good way to start. Came in like 3 days.

Good luck! I was sleeved the same day and have been experiencing weight loss...but am taking in more calories. About 500 a day, no less than 70g of protein, no more than 30g of carbs and 10g fat. Not sure if that helps...trying to get to 600+ calories soon. But I know everyone's different so may just be patience you'll probably pick you about the time I'm hiring the dreaded 6 week stall.

Syntrax nectar Caribbean cooler...and you get 20g of protein!!

I bought the sample pack...so far thumbs up for Caribbean cooler and the cookie one. Thumbs down for the grapefruit. Cherry was just ok

240 to 233 this week...excited, but conscious a week's weight loss won't look like this for long, since I'm only 12 days out!

Sold! I've got some in the fridge and will try it out. Never had it before but seems like quite a staple, so I'd bought some to try. Thx for the tip!

Awesome! Only about 11 days in. Surgeon wants no mush for another 9, though NUT is encouraging trying sooner. So excited to hear mex agrees with ya! Will def have to find some ways to do healthy versions where possible. I grew up in San Diego (now on east coast) so it was a staple

Ha ha. I'm a big Mexican fan. I'm not ready yet, but I have visions of doing some refried beans, bit of low fat sour cream, cheese, and mashed avo on top once I'm at puréed

Hi there sleeve sister! Also sleeved may 21. For powders, I'm really liking the fruity ones from syntrax nectar. Added to water it's more like juice and has over 20g of protein in a scoop. For pre mixed, I do isopure zero carb in alpine punch. But not everyone enjoys them. You can buy individual ones at vitamin shoppe if you want to try. Also chocolate EAS Advantedge from Sams Club. Good luck!

About 12 days out and trying some new things here and there. Today I tried hummus and it ran right through me. Is that a sign that I should avoid that food for now? Try again another time? Revert back to liquid? Or just normal? Thanks!

Congrats! I was sleeved there on may 21...positive experience all the way! PS...the quesadillas at the Crowe plaza are amazing they'll let you have a nice meal the night before so long as it's after your blood tests and before 10pm

Ha ha...totally agree! I chuckle when I see everyone talking about buying new clothes when, for me, it will be about fitting into most of the clothes I have for a while! I dither hole "I'm not buying any larger clothes" so just wore tight clothes for the last year. I figure I've got to lose at least 50 lbs before shopping is required. Most of my closet will be for 25 lbs down (I'm 1.5 weeks and 17 down now)...and I've got a whole box of stuff somewhere for the 25 lbs after that!

That sounds great! I've definitely seen a common trend of about 20-25 lbs first mo, then 10 a mo after (for me considered to be doing really well)...so seems on track?

Couldn't remember if I posted in here or not. I'm gastricsleeve4me. Sleeved 5/21. Just gave th link to my NUT and she checked before we meet...super helpful!

5/21, 15 lbs since surgery

Curious what all of you have heard... My surgeon in MX was very explicit about not putting anything on my incisions. That they needed to stay dry, and open to air as much as possible. Went to the dermatologist here locally today for a heat rash I'd developed and she saw my incision sites. She asked what instructions I'd received and I told her. Then asked her what she'd be doing if it was her. She said she'd be keeping them moist...with something as simple as Vaseline. When I had a breast reductn a couple years ago they had me using polysporin on my incisions liberally. Derm lady today said they don't like polysporin since some folks have a allergic reaction and it just makes things worse. So...I'm curious...what were your instructions?

Been eight days since surgery. I worked from home today, which involved me sitting in an offic chair typing for about four hours. Noticed my tummy was feeling a little sore/tight so got up and moved around. Then went out to meet some friends and we were laughing pretty hard for a out an hour. Came home and my tummy is sore!! Lower left. After reading a bit sounds like this can be from engaging muscles and that a lot of the surgery takes place on the left side. So, now I'm in pain from laughing. I suppose there are worse things?!