SParkle

I've only ever eaten until I feel satisfied, never to test how much I can eat as I fear I'd eat more than I actually need that way and stretch my pouch.

I just wanted to add that you've had some great support here, more than it sounds like you're getting with your bf. Trust me - you know when you find the right person that you can't live without. From the sound of it, you've not met him yet... he is out there, someone to love and cherish you as YOU....someone to accept you for who you are large or small, to share your life with for the good times and the bad/emotional ones...... I kissed a lot of frogs before I found my Prince, and boy, was he wort the wait! Good luck.

Thanks for posting - its great to hear from long termers as its a relatively new thing....

If it helps I felt 'normal ' at 3 weeks... I know everyone heals differently, but the 3 week mark for me was the turning point. I felt a bit more energised, and able to do a lot more than before - I started swimming then too as my scars had healed by then. Will you be able to cope - Thats something only you will know at the time - a lot will depend on the situation of the trip - a day trip or a vacation etc.... but I'd not rule it out if you're with others who can help out with your kids if needed. Good luck

If you're looking for shakes with the Protein in then I use BSN Lean Dessert ones.. .they have 21g per scoop and I make them with milk which mine has another 8.4g protein per 200ml glass so thats almost 30g per shake. If I'm on a day where my meat intake is low then I'll have one of these as well to bump it up.

I don't think theres anything that can make them go totally... but I'm using Bio Oil for my scars and also slapping it on the stretch marks too...they do look less worse also if you have a bit of a tan.

I'm also using Bio Oil..... and making sure if I'm in the sun that I use a sunblock on them - I use the lipstick kind so I can direct it solely on the scar lines.

I've dropped a dress size in 7 weeks....I agree about the taking in, but I would also ask the dressmaker how much they can take in as well.... sometimes taking in more than one size can knock the whole shape of a dress out of place. Also ask if they can let out too... so you could possibly consider the 12??

Hopefully I have that to look forward to - I'm still feeling a little lethargic at the moment but that might be the heat too!

I came out of hospital on day 3, and theres no way I would have felt safe to drive.... so I'd recommend not to if you can find any other way.... what does your surgeon say? If he doesn't clear you to drive and theres an accident then no insurance would cover you.

Half way already - well done!! You must have shouted the house down!! Keep up the good work and you'll be celebrating GOAL in no time at all!! Kathy

I'd imagine it would be ok.... although I'm no nurse... but what I do know is that it MUST be lower than the exit point on your body, so the gravity will pull anything down and out from you. I had some which stayed in for quite some time on a previous surgery and I used to carry mine around in a bag!!! LOL

Thats great news.... well done... you must be so chuffed with your progess!! Keep up the great job you're doing.

I had this tonight for the first time, and its not something I'd like to repeat.... I wasn't sick, but I hated the trying to swallow the saliva and you get almost a bubble effect where you just can't swallow it..... so spitting was the only answer. I put mine down to eating too much and too fast. i am still leaving stuff on my plate so need to get my head around my new TINY portion sizes!!

Are the cramps just at night? I found this information which might help: What causes leg cramps? Unknown cause (idiopathic leg cramps) In most cases the cause is not known. One theory is that cramps occur when a muscle that is already in a shortened position is stimulated to contract. As the muscle is already shortened, to contract further may cause the muscle to go into spasm. This commonly happens at night in bed as the natural position we lie in is with the knees slightly bent (flexed), and with feet pointing slightly downwards. In this position the calf muscle is relatively shortened and may be prone to cramps. This theory explains why stretching exercises may cure the problem. Secondary causes In some cases, the cramps may be a symptom of another problem. For example: Some drugs can cause cramps as a side-effect, or make cramps occur more often. These include: diuretics ('Water tablets'), nifedipine, cimetidine, salbutamol, statins, terbutaline, lithium, clofibrate, penicillamine, phenothiazines, and nicotinic acid. Over-exertion of muscles. Dehydration. Conditions that cause alterations in the balance of salts in the bloodstream (such as a high or low sodium or potassium level). Some people who have renal (kidney) dialysis get leg cramps. Pregnancy - usually in the later stages. An untreated under-active thyroid gland. Peripheral vascular disease (narrowing of the leg arteries which causes poor circulation). Excess alcohol. Some uncommon disorders of nerves. Rare causes include: cirrhosis of the liver; lead poisoning; sarcoidosis. With the above conditions the cramps would just be one of various other symptoms. Therefore, if you are otherwise well, and have no other unexplained symptoms, then the leg cramps are likely to be idiopathic (unknown cause) and not due to a secondary cause. Note: leg cramps are different to a condition called restless legs syndrome. In this condition the legs can be uncomfortable, you feel creeping sensations in the legs, and it is relieved by walking about. See separate leaflet called 'Restless Legs Syndrome' for details. What is the treatment for a leg cramp? Stretching and massaging the affected muscle can usually relieve an attack of cramp. Most cramps soon ease off. Painkillers are not usually helpful as they do not act quickly enough. However, a painkiller such as paracetamol may help to ease muscle discomfort and tenderness that sometimes persists for up to 24 hours after a cramp has gone. What are the options for preventing leg cramps? If cramps do not occur often, then no particular treatment is usually needed. However, if you have frequent cramps, you may wish to consider ways of preventing them.

Glad to hear the leak test went ok Maddie..... hopefully they'll sort out the gall bladder too.... are you still in pain or has it gone now? Thinking of you

Just wanted to say congrats on your date! Good luck and keep us informed how you get on.

I was on Optifast shakes post op which were ok - I liked the coffee one the best but they are higher in carbs (17g Protein and I would have with skimmed milk which gave me an extra 8.4g protein). I also discovered BSN Lean Dessert Protein powder which is delicious - these are I think 21g protein (plus whatever you add into it - eg milk) I've tried the Choc Coconut (ok), choc fudge(very nice) and cinnamon Roll (lush!!) Ive also tried a couple of Protein Bars but didnt rate them at all... tasted very powdery to me..... spanish brands so no point listing. Hope this helps....

I don't think I can word it any better than TexasT...... I was also a volume eater... to the extent that even when I felt full I'd still carry on.... Now? - Theres just no way I can. Eat slow and chew chew chew..... and I can feel myself filling up - usually takes about 5 mouthfuls depending what I am eating.....but my portion control is obviously much smaller.. and I'm slower than my husband now which amazes him!! I've never pushed my sleeve... it cost far too much money for me to risk it - I've never been sick or had the slimes or nausea from over filling it..... I just literally listen to my body and stop when it feels right.

Congratulations! As the others say, it does get easier... each day gets easier. Good luck

'I feel like I have done really well.....' Wannalise - your ticker proves you HAVE done really well.... to all of us. There will be mental issues I'm sure we'll all come across at some point where we beat ourselves up abut not quite choosing what our dietitian would choose... but this is long term solution for us. We all have to shed the diet mentality... the punishing ourselves for not picking the lowest calorie thing on the menu....we can do this now.... this will be how we will be able to live. You're doing such a fabulous job, just do what you are doing..... don't do the Protein shakes all week... you're allowed to Celebrate your birthday and you still lost.... the sleeve rocks!!

My drain hole was the same with no stitch - it healed within 3 weeks, no problems.

I've only tried little tiny bits of bread and it went down ok, but we're talking tiny tiny bits.... but I'm trying to keep away from it as its my fav! On the Protein front I found BSN Lean Desserts very nice - the choc coconut isn't as coconutty as I'd like, but the choc fudge was nice, the cinnamon roll is lush! I don't like banana flavour stuff but they also do 2 with banana in.... and a vanilla one too. I also added some peppermint flavouring to the choc one for a choc mint which was good.

Thanks for the ideas Anna...... I managed to get all my Protein in today without a shake, but I did find it quite hard and felt like I was eating loads!! I had: 1 weetabix with milk 1 Protein Bar 1 beef burger 1 slice melon 3 slices beef with gravy and brocolli 1 yoghurt With some high scoring bits in there it wasn't as hard as I thought.... although I'mnot getting much balance of veg in there.... just couldn't eat any more. My Nut has cleared me on everything now... I'm 6 weeks on Thursday. but 'm also trying to be a bit careful and chewing everything really well. I managed to get quite a bit of liquid down as well around it all... this waiting after eating is what I find the hardest so I find something else to do for a while after eating to take my mind off things.

I had breath problems, but put that down to the diet - which was protein drinks with skimmed milk.... I bought a tongue scraper and some mouth wash and that seemed to solve the furry tongue and bad breath problem for me.