Chancie

Hi Lan- Yes- I went thru this too. Do you have different protein powders that you can try>? you do need to get in your protein and your fluids. I still to this day CANNOT eat breakfast, and was getting tired of cold protein drinks in the morning- so I found a cookies and cream protein powder that I use in my coffee-I didn't start drinking coffee again until about 6 months out. But at least I was getting in 50 grams of protein in the morning.( two scoops split up into 3 cups of coffee) I was one of the ones that had a difficult time eating food- so just experiment- things that you once loved you may not like so much now and visa versa- I also found some protein shots with 100 cal.-0 fat, 0 carbs and 25 grams of protein. that helped me along. Good luck

Hi Paula and CONGRATULATIONS on your date!! Lots of friendly helpful people here, am sure you will find all the answers you need.... read read read! You'll do just fine!!

Hi Kelly and welcome and CONGRATULATIONS!! You have ligit questions and normal fears, but let me tell you this from personal experience-I didn't believe it either about not wanting to eat foods I once loved. My highest weight was 373- so you can take it from there- I LOVED food. It doesn't consume you like it once did after being sleeved. I think the weeks prior to surgery was the hardest for me- thinking I need to eat this now because I won't be able to eat it afterwards. But eventually you can eat things again, just not in larger quanities. Now my focus on food is healthy- I try to plan my meals, and I try to eat 3 X's a day. You'll be just fine!! Mona and free- CONGRATULATIONS to both of you too!!! Can't wait for alll of you to be on the losers bench with us!!

Lan, I'm no doctor, but maybe because of all the changes you are going thru, all your worries are being focused on something that is actually "there". Yes, you had a major surgery and you made it just fine, but now your focused on the 'what ifs' I'm sorry you're going thru this. But you CAN do it, and it's comforting to know you are seeking help for it. Continue being the strong person you are!! You're in my thoughts and prayers, it's not easy being alone, I had my surgery alone and it is difficult, no one I could share my feelings with except my journal and now this group which has helped me soooo much! Good luck to you!

I can't help you either. Even tho I was a self pay I had some stocks I sold to cover my dept. I didn't want to go thru loans and payments etc. and I got a good deal paying in cash.

I still struggle with the "full" feeling. And eating because I KNOW I HAVE to eat, even when I have no hunger. Thats kinda strange for a gal like me... I ate just to eat alll the time. I have good days and bad days with the knowing of my limits... some days I can take that last bite, and it swells in my mouth and I CAN'T swallow, I have to spit it out. I dn't know which is worse Bob.....the slimes or the actual vomit.....It almost scares me when It happens now......

My doc, Nut and support groups all say no carbonation... I'm following this rule- a personal decision because I have such an addictive personality. Just like Pasta, bread and rice- I stay clear of it. I use to be a bourbon Gal- with coke. I have had a few drinks- but with Vodka and crystal light orange... was ok... had it being "social"..... but no buzz and not the same. So..... I don't think I'll be drinking much. I have had a few glasses of wine too, not too bad... It's all on personal choices we make.

Congratulations on your surgery and welcome to The forum and to the Losers bench!!! Just listen to your body and things should go smoothly! Again- Congratulations!!!

Hey Judy! I'm just glad that you found out early-prior to surgery. You know what to do now, and it's just a temperary set back. You sound like you have a plan and that you're not quiting!! Good for you! Thinking of you!!

9 months out and it still happens to me. And you explained it perfectly- you can almost feel all of it travel up your esophogus - not pleasant at all!! It usually happens when I eat too fast, I still have to work on that. Some habits are hard to break:w00t:

Bob- I LOVEEEEEEE your post on these topics!! LOL.... I almost spit my coffe on the screen!! Too funny!!

Hi- I'm Chancie and I AM NOT an Exercise-Aholic!!! I hate to exercise! But I am so proud of you all!! I wish I had something close to me, but everything is far away. My son bought me a home Gym for Mothers day, and I haven't even used it like I should. I do however, like to do my knee exercises, and stretching exercises, and I have been pretty good at doing them almost everyday. I like to work with weights, so thats what I've been doing lately along with stretching. I'm thinking about looking for some yoga tapes, anyone here do yoga?? Just curious....

After my surgery, My Doc didn't prescribe anything. But If I remember correctly, it was my second visit back to him that I complained of the heartburn, and he prescribed nexium for me. I don't take it all the time, you pretty much know when something is going to bother you, so I just take it "as needed". I also took reglan for a short time because I had so much trouble with vomiting. But I'm one of those that "treats myself" I don't wanna be taken a bunch of meds..... used it as needed. And was off it pretty quick.

Oh Social!! THANK you!! Great suggestions about the bullet... I have one but never thought about putting the spinach in it!! LOL The "Dip" I make with artichoke hearts( and I found them in brine not oil) 2 cans of Artichoke hearts ( cut up into smaller pieces ) 1 cup mayo 1 cup Parmesian cheese Mix it all together, and bake in the oven for about 30-45 minutes. I liked it with Triskets- Yummmmmmmy but not low cal!! LOL

I'm sorry to hear that your appeal got denied. I'm gonna say a few things that might not be so popular with everyone here. I am a self pay for the sleeve, because my insurance had no benifits for weight loss surgery of any kind. I chose the sleeve because, frankly, it was cheaper, but I did like everything about it. I was SEVERLY overweight. I actually thought I needed the DS. So the sleeve was my choice because it was the first part of the DS. But I can say this, IF my insurance would have paid for the RNY- I would have done it. Mainly because I KNEW I had to do something to improve the quality of my life. And if they would have paid......I would have let them! I hadn't even heard of the doctors in Mexico, and not sure if I would have done that because I would have to have done it alone, and wouldn't want to go there alone. I hope things work out for you, your in my thoughts.

Happy Birthday!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Thinking of you!! Hope your day is WONDERFUL!!!

CONGRATS Jenn!! I don't think I'll ever get to a size 8... but the 10 sounds possible at times!! I'be been so big for so long... that the 14 I'm in is........ GREAT!!!

Ha ha haaaaaaaaaaaaaa........ sometimes I just don't know what I'm doing and ....... you can see the diff! will do better!! LOL

Hi Lauren and WELCOME!!! First off....... Congrats to you for doing your 'homework"!! Ask lots and lots of questions!! Do your research! This is major surgery, and knowledge is your best tool! Ok.. ansers to your questions, and I'm 9 months out... 1. Did you find it hard to eat slower and chew more when you go to solid foods? I worry I won't be able to slow myself down Yes.... I was a FAST eater, and didn't chew my food well. For someone who is overweight, i think this is a common thing with us. But, yes, you can slow down because if you eat too fast, you hurt, and some of us vomit ( me ) it's unpleasant, so you quickly learn how to eat right. 2. for people who have had their sleeve for over a year or so, is daily life harder? how is it to go out? Life is actually better than in the beginning. You know your body better and you know to listen to it. When I go to a restraunt I "behave" better, eat slower, chew my food better because I don't want to embarrase myself by running to the bathroom and getting sick. So actually eating out is better for me. At home I tend to forget, and then I have troubles. 3. has anyone stalled, and what have you done about it? I am 9 months out, was VERY obese, and the last 6 weeks has been my first Stall. I'm working on it by being more active, watching what I eat closer, and being that I'm 9 months out I can eat more. But I have gotten away from eating my Protein like I should so I'm working on that and lost 2 pounds this week!! ) 4. was recovery difficult, and how soon did you return to work? Recovery was difficult for me. I spent a FULL 5 days in the hospital because I was vomiting so badly. It subsided when I got home but the first three months I was sick with vomiting or slimes or dry heaves... was not pleasant!! I was on a LOA for Knee replacement surgery, so I had no time adjusting when I went back to work. Now for the other questions.... I had my surgery right after I turned 50. I have what my best friend calls "Good Skin"- Isn't that "thin" skin..... if ya know what I'm talking about... But..... I was so badly overweight, my Highest being 373 I think....... and when I went into surgery I was 354. I dropped most of my weight by 6 months. I lost a total of 148 pounds to date. I lost muscle because of the fast weight loss and I was bad about exercising ( because I was sooo big ) But I exercise almost daily now. And it has improved some. Your questions and concerns are legit- and you need to write down questions as you think of them and ask when your doctor/surgen or forums like this to help you. I did LOTS of research prior to my surgery. This is a TOOL....... you have to learn how to work it. It's not a miricle cure. good luck to you and your decision, feel free to ask anything thats on your mind! g'luck to you~~:thumbup:

Fingers AND Toes crossed!!!!:thumbup:

Gingin33 -That was when I started gaining my weight, going thru a divorce, he was my "first love" and it was a hard divorce, and yes, the weight was my shield too... I can understand it better now. I have become more healthy physically AND mentally...... You can gain the weight back with ANY of the surgeries, so I would want to tackle the issue as soon as possible so you don't sabotage yourself. you may want to be thin, but if you don't have all the emotional issues dealt with, you may just gain it back without even knowing how or why you are. I may not be putting it into words like I feel, but I HAVE been there and do understand what you're saying. Hoping the best for you!!

I'm really surprised all of you can eat lunch meat this early out for you... I had trouble with it, just didn't go down right for me. Daisy- If it's the same thing I'm thinking of, you can buy canned artichoke hearts at any grocery store, and I guess just chop them yourself. I make a wonderful dip with them, but not " low calorie" LOL but I sure do like them!!

Hi Judy, I just wanted to say I'm thinking of you. I know it's gotta be frustratin, and jumping thru all the hoops to get this far, and then cancelled. But, everything happens for a reason, and you need to get the blood Pressure under control, then the rest will fall into place. You've gotten thru the hard part getting the approval, now take care of yourself and get that BP down. Sending my prayers your way!!

Social- Thats a great story!! I love it!

I've been working Midnights, so my eating is OFFFFFFFFFFFF!! Plus they're working me to death! The up side to it.... I lost 2 more pounds!!! WOOO HOOO!! Social...... The rol ups sound yummy!! I wish I had read this sooner, I would have taken that to eat at lunch, but it has been hard trying to eat at 2 am. so I have some broth, it's soothing.