imagine.dream.inspire

In the beginning you have to sip slowly all day long. You might not meet your daily fluid requirement every day. I sure did not. As time passes, you start healing, and inflammation goes down, it gets easier to drink fluids and you won't have to drink as slowly. Just give it some time. For now just try to get in what you can. Small sips every 10 minutes is what I did. I added crystal light to my water and diluted juice to help it get down easier. Water felt really rough during the first 3 weeks.

1. I still have to take small bites and chew well. If I don't, especially with Protein, it'll come back up or i'll begin to feel discomfort. 2. I haven't attempted to have alcohol yet but I was advice to limit alcohol as it will hit me much harder now. My doctor said that I could try having 1 drink but must take an acid pill 45 minutes prior. 3. I am on solids and eat anything I want. I've tried different foods in small amounts and haven't had the greatest results. You don't want to introduce too many foods at once. I mainly focus on protein and some vegetables. I've had other foods like sushi rolls and even an egg roll. I really limited my portion and I took really small bites. Usually I would stuff the piece of sushi in my mouth but this time I had to use a knife and fork.

Its normal. For me it usually meant that I needed to hydrate more or that I was producing too much acid and needed to increase my acid meds. That gave me a false hunger feeling.

I like Jillian. I wish she were my trainer. That tough approach just works for me. I admit that I used to pass judgment on those who had surgery before. I also viewed it as an easy way out. I was ignorant at the time just as many others are ignorant now. People are just misinformed. WLS is not instant weight loss. It is just a tool and you, as the person, have to utilize it and do your work.

Sorry for your loss. :wink0: I lost my fur baby a few years ago and it was really tough for me. I miss her so much.

29 here, at least for a few more months

This happened to me. I was doing great and then suddenly began to gain for no reason. My surgeon said that my body was adjusting and it was just water. The scale is moving again now. Its frustrating but just wait it out.

I love hominy!

This sounds really good. Since we are supposed to get in protein it would probably be good to dip grilled chicken in. Just slice and dip, slice and dip.

What pills are you taking?

I loved this. Thank you for your honesty. :thumbup:

Your blood sugar might be dropping a bit. If so, it would be time for a snack. I don't get hunger signals anymore. I thought that I did at first but it turned out to be acid. Now I just try to eat something small a few times a day. Not because I am hungry but because I am trying to meet a minimum of 500 calories and 70g of Protein.

Each gram of Protein has 4 calories. Anything above that comes from other added ingredients like sugar. Carbs = 4 calories per 1 gram Protein = 4 calories per 1 gram Fat = 9 calories per 1 gram

I couldn't stand the unflavored protein powders. I did my best to get in as much protein as I could but I never reached my doctors goal. I talked about this with the after care specialist and she said to at least try to get in 1/2 of what they recommend.

Liquids go through you pretty quickly. I always had extra liquids without problems. My stomach made noise and still does from time to time. I don't think it is anything to be concerned with and somewhat normal. When you get to soft foods and solids you'll really notice the difference as far as fullness. If you over do it the food sort of feels like its coming up your esophagus and sometimes it becomes painful. I think the best thing you can do in the beginning is just to stick to the 1/8-1/4 cup serving. Eat slowly, chew well, and pay attention to how you feel. Do not eat until you feel stuffed. If you begin to feel like you are hungry it might be that you are not hydrating enough or your stomach might be overproducing acid. A lot of people confuse it with hunger.

Bring a robe with you. I don't think you need your own PJ's since their gowns are pretty comfy and oversized. I brought my own pj's and didn't use them at all. You do want to bring a comfy loose fitting outfit for the day you leave. You will most likely be a bit bloated. You'll be walking a lot while in the hospital so bring a good pair of slip on shoes. They provide towels and small shampoo/conditioner/soap, etc. but I still brought my own. The outlets are standards so you do not need any special adapters. I brought my laptop but only used it a few times to send out quick emails. I mainly just walked, rested, and watched TV briefly. I brought books and lots of other goodies to help me pass the time but never got a chance to use it. You don't have to bring any protein or any of your own food. You do not eat the day of surgery and will not be eating till the next day. Well, more like sipping since it is all liquids. I got a spinal block with morphine the day of surgery and got IV fluids right after I was moved to my room and into the next morning. I brought someone with me and it helped just to have emotional support but I think that I would've been OK if I had gone alone. They are very supportive.

If this is true someone forgot to send me my paycheck!! LOL. I am just kidding, of course. I am not fake and I am not paid. I just had surgery in Mexico last month with Dr. Aceves and I highly recommend him. Not because anyone is paying me, but because I was very impressed and very happy with the level of treatment I received. Even though I am post-op now, Dr. Aceves and his after-care specialist are still going above and beyond.

Dr. Aceves in April @ 8,750.00 I could not be happier with the level of service, promptness, and care. The doctor is amazing. Worth every last penny.

Thanks for the tip. I was just thinking today that I needed something to keep my drinks cold. I completely forgot about a thermal. This just made my day!

Good luck.

Re: Meat during the soft food phase. Check with your doctor. Not all doctors agree with meat during the soft food phase. Dr. Aceves (my surgeon) said no to meat in any form (even when blended) until after day 30.

36 but since Dr. Aceves oversews the staple line it comes down to a 34

I had that a lot. I was told to swallow again (saliva) and breathe deeply. Things are still swollen in the beginning so do take it easy and follow your doctors guidelines. Most doctors recommend Clear Liquids for the first phase. Bananas and thicker liquids like muscle milk would come later. This gives your stomach time to heal and build up to foods. Every doctor is different. Congratulations on your surgery. Welcome to the VSG club.

Congratulations. You're doing great.

After day 5 you can move on to thin liquids which includes flavored Protein shakes made with flavored protein powders and Water NO MILK. That should help you get in more protein without forcing down the awful unflavored protein. I also was able to drink a lot more liquids. Gaby mentioned to me that it was okay to do as long as I was not gulping. She said that liquids go right through you. I still took it easy and did my best to sip slowly but usually consumed double.