Maddie

That's awesome! WTG

My daily focus was on fluids. My dr told me that as important as the Protein was, that it was more important to stay hydrated. So, I pushed liquids and took in as much protein as I could. If I tried to push in too much at one time, not only was I miserable but it would often come back up. So, I listened to my body. I promise, it does get easier.

I was required to have:

- sleep study

- endoscopy

- EKG

- nuclear stress test

- meeting with a nutritionist

- routine blood work

- chest xray

I went through the same thing with feeling too full. It was several weeks before it got any easier. It took me forever just to take my night time meds because I felt full after chasing each pill down with Water. As I started to heal and the swelling started to go away, it got better.

I don't know if you have tried having your drinks at different temperatures. But, I did much better with cold than I did with warm. sugar free popcicles and snowcones helped me get fluids in. For some reason, plain Water hit my stomach like a brick. Crystal light, SF koolaid and stuff like that worked best for me. If cold doesn't work for you, try warm tea or hot cocoa.

These first few weeks are the hardest. Good luck.

I have spent most of my life feeling defeated and feeling like I could never change that. I had come to accept that success and feeling good about yourself only happened to other people.

Yesterday, I reached the 100 lbs. lost mark. I weighed myself 3 times, cuz I just couldn't believe it. Even though I had been given this wonderful tool, I guess in the back of my mind, it still seemed like more of a dream than a reality.

Trust me when I say that I have never been any type of motivational speaker. But, folks, I am here to tell you that I was given a chance to live my dream life. Healthy and fit. I am not 100% there yet, but have come such a long way, that now I have no doubt that I can be successful. I am living my dream.

For those who think that WLS is the easy way out, you're wrong. It hasn't been all sunshine and rainbows. I have been through some tough times, but it's all worth it.

When I first started this journey, I remember saying that I would be so happy if I could sit on the floor and play with my grandkids. I am able to do that and so much more. Yes, I still have restrictions due to my back problems, but they aren't half as bad as they used to be.

My pain is so much less severe, I am off all blood pressure meds, off the CPAP and for the first time in my adult life, my cholesterol is NORMAL.

Through the good and the bad times, I counted on the support and advice of the folks on this forum. You guys have kept me on track and were a safety net for me when times were tough.

I still have 17 lbs to go and then I have to ease into maintenance, but I now I know I can do this. For anyone having 2nd thoughts or doubts, hang in there. We can all do this and we are all worth it.

WOW, you are doing a great job. It's wonderful that you are setting such goals for yourself. WTG

You're off to a great start and I look forward to your progress.

@Deb - you can't fool us. We all know you are lover not a hater. LOL

That would work perfectly.

I have RLS and take medication for it. You are not crazy, you can get it in your arms too. RLS can be triggered in some ppl after the trauma of surgery, etc. Also, it is ALWAYS worse at night. If you don't have a reduction in symptoms within the next week, I would suggest seeing a dr that treats RLS. Best of luck to you.

My goal is 140 and I am 5'7".

Great job, Nannie.

Gratz on losing so much and for getting to Onderland. WTG

Stories like yours really keep me motivated. Gratz on the success.

This is what I looked like the afternoon of surgery. Ohhhhh, pretty! As you can guess, the bruising is spreading. LOL I'll post more pics once I heal up.

I go to GNC all the time, I'll check that out, thanks.

So nice to hear that you are already off to a great start. It's very liberating isn't it?

Thank so much everyone, you are all so sweet.

I didn't. I never heard of a liver cleanser. But, I would think it's a good idea as the whole point of the pre op diet is to help shrink and "deslime" your liver.

I use a Magic Bullet for prot shakes and for when I was on mushies.

Thank you all so much. (((hugs)))

Searing pain is a burning pain.

At 8 days out, just take things as slow as you can. It will get easier as you heal.

Your new tummy is still very swollen on the inside and tender. Even small sips can be very uncomfortable. Experiment with cold vs warm drinks. Some do better with different temps. As you heal this will get better. I promise.

It's tough for so many people to deal with this. Let's face it, most of us were emotional eaters. I have been very fortunate to have not aquired any cross addictions. It is very sad. I know a girl now who is struggling with alcohol addiction that started after WLS. I also know of a girl who died from liver failure for the same reason.

We really have to work hard to find other ways to deal with our emotions.

So far, when I feel the need to emotionally eat, I make myself get up and do something. Go for a walk, give myself a pedicure, or w/e. I just know that I have to distract myself for a while. So far it's working. phew

Same here. Dense Protein fills me for hours.

I don't eat Breakfast. My tummy doesn't like it. I drink a prot shake in the mornings. After about an hour I start pumping in my Water for the day. I can usually get about 2/3 of it in before lunch. Cuz after I start eating for the day, it gets harder to drink. Hope this helps.

I couldn't handle the chewables for several reasons. I now take over the counter prenatal Vitamins on my drs advice. I don't know if they are too big for you to keep down. Also, I switched to "UpCal D" it's a powder that you mix with Water or a prot shake (3 g of carb). I get them from Amazon and they are pretty cheap too. Good luck.

I am so sorry you are having to go through this. I totally understand. I was on blood pressure meds for many years that caused dry mouth. The result was cracking of the enamal of my teeth. I had several pulled and got partials about 7 yrs ago. But 7 weeks ago, I had ALL of the rest of my teeth pulled and got upper and lower dentures. It sucks ass. I can't get the implants to hold in the lower till I am 6 months out. So everytime I try to chew, the bottom pops loose. UGH So, my diet is very limited.

As difficult as it is to go through this,be thankful that you have teeth that can be saved.

I wish you the best of luck.