kermit_ojp

I received no calorie guidance from the nutritionist, just 60 grams of Protein, 64 ounces of Water, Vitamins, and one hour of cardio daily. I asked the doc about calories, and he said as long as I'm getting in 60 grams of protein, then there won't be very much room left for carbs, etc. He said if I follow that, I will never go over 1000 calories. So we'll see. If following that (once I'm on real foods), isn't working, then I will reevaluate and start counting calories.

Congrats, Barbara!! This journey is so much fun, huh? We should plan a meet up in Dallas or Austin in the spring for all the Texas crew.

I have never done a half marathon before. However, when I lost a ton of weight in my early 20's, I was jogging regularly, so I'll probably do a walk/jog routine, to keep it under the 4 hour time limit. And if I don't finish, at least I tried, right?? :thumbup: It will just make me want to do another one so I can complete it. The blue raspberry crap is this Protein drink that packs 60 grams of protein in 24 ounces. It's hard to take in. The amount of Water I need to cut down the crazy taste, turns it into about 70 ounces. Ugh. So what stage are you in now for your nutrition? I was so excited to start mushies, but have barely been able to tolerate anything more than a tablespoon at a time. Even a few sips of water is causing me so much gas in my throat and on my chest, it's making me nauseous (I'm physically unable to burp--long story--so there's no relief for it). Anyway, the doc called me today to check in, so I told him about it. He freaked and said he was going to admit me to the hospital for dehydration and starvation since I'm not getting near enough liquids or foods in. He called in two meds for me...I have one so far, and am waiting on insurance approval on the other, so keep your fingers crossed that it works! I have this posted in another thread, so I guess I need to update that as well. I hope your appt goes well and you can move on to other foods. I'm barely feeling that hunger anymore, too. But it might be due to the fact that I'm constantly nauseated. Congrats on the weight loss so far! How often are you going to weigh? I think I'm going to aim for once a week.

Heck ya, it's worth a try. I'm googling it now and will go after work to find some! Thanks so much, and I'll let you know! :crying:

ha...yes, I've had friends hit me on the back. You can imagine how that looks in public...:biggrin0: But that doesn't help either. Maybe this early on, a tablespoon of food is too much? I'll try cutting that in half and see if it helps. Or maybe I need to return to only liquids for a while. Ugh...this SUCKS! :thumbup:

I know this may sound dumb. And honestly, the only people who I have ever found that have this same problem, are people who wrote into this forum on the internet for other people that can't burp (there's about 300 of us). I can't physically burp, never have been able to. I can't make myself burp, and it never comes naturally. Maybe 5 times in my life has it come naturally. So anytime I drink or eat too much, the gas gets stuck in my throat and chest area, and basically sits there until I can find 20 minutes to lie down flat, or let it go away on it's own...(hours). About 5 days post-op, this has gotten worse. Pretty much anytime I eat anything or drink too much, it happens. And by eating, we're talking about a tablespoon of food here, per meal. Drinking....little sips taken every few minutes or so over a long period of time will cause it. When the gas gets stuck, I get really nauseous, unless there is a place for me to lie down flat to let it pass. If I can't lie down, then the nausea (which could last hours), makes it really difficult to eat or drink anything. The short of it is, I know I'm not getting enough Water, calories, or Protein in. I'm really scared this might be a long term problem. Does the gas eventually calm down?? Or are you all finding you still need to burp every time you eat? In the meantime, what the hell do I do?? No medication has ever worked...gas X, rolaids, tums, etc. My friends have always made fun of me growing up, because I couldn't burp and it would cause a great damper on my social life when we would try to go to dinner and then have drinks after. I always had to cut out early because I was feeling sick. I talked to the doc about it and he had no real solution. On the other forum, some of these people have been to gastro specialists, had tests, etc, and no one has found a real cure. At this point, I'm ready to hire someone who specializes in muscle memory to teach me how to burp. God, I'm sure this all sounds completely ridiculous....and the only reason I'm putting it out there, is because I'm worried about my caloric/protein/water intake. Plus, I'm working out everyday and burning about 300 calories, so that also has me worried. Anyway, hoping someone else on this board has had this problem and has found the miracle cure. :thumbup:

Well, it was interesting. He didn't mention moving me to mushies until he asked if I was feeling hunger. When I told him yes, he seemed really surprised. That's when he said, ok, I think you're ready to move to mushy foods then...take it slow and try it out, etc, etc. Maybe when you start feeling physical hunger, that's a sign to move to the next stage?? He also moved me to solids a week earlier than my original plan. He said I can start trying them out Monday the 11th. Congrats on your weightloss as well!! Some move faster when they have more to lose, etc. But it looks like, eventually, most everyone reaches their goal weight or even beyond!

Yeah, EAS might be the way to go. Even my very picky mother and sister tasted it and thought it was good. I've only really had the chocolate flavor. Just make sure you get the one that's low carbs...2 or 4, I think....and it has 17 g of protein. Ok, I did have the hunger thing like you did, too. But for some reason, I'm easily satisfied when I drink/eat something after it. How much mushy food are you able to tolerate at once? And it very much got easier when I went to mushies yesterday. My mom was baking homemade flour tortillas the night before and I thought I might kill her over one. I think everyone goes through this whole thing, "will it work? It's not working, etc" I wouldn't worry too much about that. I'm also craving stuff....like all of a sudden, cottage cheese sounded really really good last night. So I made myself a little bowl and after a few tiny bites, I was "done." And now the thought of cottage cheese doesn't appeal to me at all. I would def say up your protein in any way you can, and maybe that will help with the hunger. I'm leaving for the gym in a bit. I also cannot wait for weights! My doctor is kind of weird though and acts like weight training should never be apart of my workout routine ever. Also, at his seminar, he want on and on about loose skin and there is nothing we can do it about it....there's no workout that can curb this, it's a fact of life, you're going to have loose skin, etc. And, of course, in my suspicious mind, I'm thinking he must be saying this so that his patients will eventually need to have plastic surgery with the new doc they hired at the hospital who specializes in plastic surgery after wls. Am I crazy?? lol Oh...and so far, I'm onl.y doing the treadmill at the gym. I'm training for a half marathon in March, so I need to get my mile down to under a certain amount of time. Even tho the doc cleared me for any cardio workout, I think I would have overdone it with a class or the elliptical machine. Just doing the tread mill yesterday at a very reasonable pace, wiped me out. However, I think that had more to do with nothing in my system. So I've started drinking that watered down blue rasp crap before I leave. lol

I'm a mexican...so hell yeah, to the refried beans with cheese! lol Actually, I was going to put some pinto beans on to soak tonight, so I can make them tomorrow. I never thought of adding cheese for flavor and a little extra protein...heck, and at this point, extra calories. Even moving to mushies, I'm not getting enough calories in. I will make them tomorrow and let you know they go down! :thumbup:

My stomach growls, but is easily satisfied with a Protein shake or pudding or something. The doc got on to me about not having enough protein or Water, so I bought these things from GNC....250 calories...24 ounces...zero carbs or sugar...60 grams of protein. GNC Pro Performance? AMP Amplifed Wheybolic Extreme 60™ - Fruit Punch - GNC PRO PERFORMANCE - GNC Today is my first day to drink them....I got the blue raspberry flavor. They have a really strong whey/protein after taste, so I had to cut it with water. My plan is, to add some to every water bottle I have throughout the day, that way I'm getting at least 60 grams of protein by the end. I've been moved to mushies, but as of now, I'm only able to tolerate about a tablespoon per meal. Because of this, I have to rely on Protein drinks until I can take more in. EAS makes some tasty, ready made shakes, but only 17 grams of protein. I was just trying to drink the least amount I can, with the most protein. But....you pay for that. This definitely harder to get down. What about you? What are you tolerating or not tolerating? Are you feeling hunger? Have you started exercising yet? My first day at the gym was today, and I probably over did it considering I had nothing in my stomach but a bit of water. I'll drink some protein stuff tomorrow before I work out.

This made me laugh out loud. I was in college about 10 years ago, when I got on Body for Life and did squats for the first time in my life. I did the whole routine, no problem. The next day, I, too, fell onto the floor when I got out of bed. I was trying to go up and down the stairs on campus, and literally looked like a crazy person, extending my leg out to the side, while I grabbed onto the rail for dear life, trying to make it to the next step. Then, a tornado hit Austin, I was home alone in my apt which was right off the highway, which was where the tornado was basically heading down. I couldn't move fast enough with my legs, so I literally dragged myself across the floor, and into the closet, with couch cushions dragging along with me. Anyway, so moral to the story....take it slow on squats, if you haven't done them in while. LOL

Congratulations! I always look to your posts for guidance and inspiration. Thanks for taking the time to keep everyone updated.

Thank you, thank you, thank you!! I just got home to Fort Worth today, been spending the time post in Dallas with my mom. Anyway, I got all my jeans out that are a size smaller and half of them fit. So exciting. I went and joined a gym today also. I start cardio workouts tomorrow. The doc released me to do everything but strength/weight training. He also said to go ahead and start on mushy foods. I tried some really smooth mashed potatoes, and was able to get about a teaspoon in at lunch and another dinner. So.......protein drinks it is until I am able to take in more mushies. I was able to walk pretty much the day of surgery. Not much, but some. Now I am feeling almost normal and cannot wait to start working out. Thanks to you guys for all the support! It makes my day to get on here and read everyone's progress, questions, etc.

So I had my first appt with the doc today and I've lost 24 pounds so far. Yay! lol

Good to know about the processor from Walmart. And deviled ham => makes me want to hurl in addition to skin crawl...lol. Ugh. Can't wait until January 18th when I can get my protein from real protein sources.

Exactly what kind of texture am I looking for when I puree tuna or chicken? I just can't imagine that tasting good. But I'm pretty sure the Protein shakes are going to get real old real fast by next week.... So smoother than tuna salad.....maybe like the consistency of a smooth egg salad?

What a relief! I was worried. This made my day!

I'm sure things will get better from here on out. I was sleeved the day before you on 12/21. I, too, was questioning my decision, and I really didn't have ANY problems after surgery. So I'm pretty sure it's normal. I was doing great until this morning. I really wasn't drinking enough Water or Protein drinks post-op and it caught up with me today. I was lethargic, sleepy, nauseous, and could not snap out of it. I made the decision to hydrate myself out of it, instead of going to the hospital for an IV....and good thing I did, as I feel 100 times better this evening. So.....I have to make sure I have a drink in my hands at all times. This is the only way that keeps me drinking constantly. Keep me posted on your experience! I think these next few weeks are crucial for us.

Yay! You sound better then me the night I got home from the hospital. I'm with you about the pain meds. I can't tolerate any of them....so liquid Aleve was what I was sent home with. I don't think Frank has been on since a couple of nights before his surgery. You'll feel better and better each day. Yesterday, I wasn't sure if I'd be back to work by Monday, but today I'm sure I will be. Speak to you soon!

Just re-read this about the calories. Good to know. I'm sure I'm not meeting my calorie requirements as it stands right now. Luckily, everything I've tasted hasn't been that bad. So I'm able to sip the Isopure, water, use those protein sample packs that Tiffany suggested mixed with water or SF pudding, mixing a small amount of unflavored

I hear you about this roller coaster ride! I've seriously gone back and forth in my mind since Sunday, "Why am I doing this? Am I really doing this? I love food, what the hell is wrong with me? I can't believe I did this. What was I thinking??" Ugh...it's been crazy. But today (after all the meds have worn off), I'm feeling more sane, completely happy with my decision, and am very excited about this journey!

Definitely keep us posted. I just had mine Monday, so we're not too far apart. If you have any questions, please ask. Since everything is way fresh in my memory.

Hey guys. Things are so much better today. The surgery went well. The doc started off with a single incision, and then had to go to five. So far so good, two have some bruising, and one bled a little yesterday. Really the only pain I've had so far are the gas pains in my shoulder and side. Every time I got up or down, it killed. However, today I'm getting up and down with little wincing. I've already been on two walks outside today (it must be 65 or 70 degrees here), been sipping Water, ate an ounce of Protein pudding, had a couple of Vitamins, watched the movie Taken, and will probably try to have two ounces of soup in a few minutes. We got home from the hospital late yesterday afternoon and by dinner time, my mom was starving, since she'd been pretty much by my side since Sunday evening. Anyway, I was trying to explain to her how to use the gas grill outside so she could make bbq chicken, and it just couldnt be done. So.....I went outside, told her how to get the grill going, then proceeded to cook and baste the bbq chicken for her and my roommate. It was really the best feeling to be, 1) active and 2) to not feel any head or stomach hunger for that bbq chicken. I think they could have put a plate of mexican food in front of me and it would have had the same effect. How long will this last?? I hope for a very long long time, but I'm sure that's not realistic. Anyway, I will be enjoying it while it lasts! That's it for now. I'm going to peruse the board for a bit to see if the other two that were getting sleeved yesterday, have posted anything. Will keep everyone updated! Olivia

I am alive. The gas pains are a killer. More tomorrow. Thanks for all the well wishes!

Thank you! And yes, this will be a great Christmas. However, I'm sure my family is a little irritated that I'm doing this so close to the holidays. But with my work schedule, this was the only good time to take off. Oh well, they'll get over it, I'm sure. And if they don't, who really cares, right?? lol I'm just ready for tomorrow to be here and over with. Luckily, I only had to do a two-day pre-op liquid diet. But I'm hungry, irritated, and feeling very overly emotional. Is that normal??