Candice

I'm one of those who loved my CPAP. I couldn't believe what a difference it made in how I felt during the day! Since I've lost about 50 pounds, I don't really wear it anymore since I feel fine without it. At my 3 month follow-up, I'm going to ask if I can get another sleep study to see if I truly need it. Wherever you get your machine, they will help you choose the right mask that you're most comfortable with. It will be fine!

I'm 3 months out. I tried beef fajita meat, and it didn't feel so good going down. Moist, lean steak cut up small is okay for me, and so is chicken thighs/breasts, pork, and ground beef/turkey. ETA: There's always good ol' Tuna!

My ride home from the hospital was a little uncomfortable, but no pain. 2 days after that, we drove to my parents' house 4 hours away and I didn't have any issues. I just sipped Isopure and Water all the way there and made sure I had my little pillow to put in between my belly and seat belt. And we also made a couple stops along the way to take little breaks. The only issue I had around this time was when walking, that bottom left incision hurt at first, but would go away after a little activity.

There is a new pizza out by Freschetta called "Simply Inspired." I've had the veggie one and it's delicious!! The crust is also super thin, about as thin as a tortilla. They are a little pricey, but I cut it up into fourths when it's frozen and just bake a portion up when I need it. The meat versions probably have a bit more Protein, or you could add meat to a veggie pizza. The Meatza does sound delicious though.

I had a "Farewell Tour" with food myself before my surgery. I made a little list of all the places I wanted to go and ate there "one last time." What I found was that I was SO unimpressed by food anymore. The food I had that used to be SO GOOD failed to impress me anymore. I felt that way a while before I considered the surgery. I told my husband that I was over food, and I was ready to get my sleeve. Now, I find my pureed tuna or chicken salad and cottage cheese are delicious!!

I love Isopure. The fruit punch flavor (Artic Punch?) over ice is REALLY good to me There are 40g of Protein per bottle. I tried a few and then bought a case from my surgeon's office. I have Mango Peach right now and it's pretty good. Very peachy. I couldn't have any red or purple dyes pre-op though, and the punch is red, so if you did want to try, make sure you're clear for red and purple dye post-op.

I'm sure others will be along soon to chime in. But at 3 weeks, you're already on "normal" foods? Jealous! I will still be on "pureed" foods at 3 weeks, but after so much liquids, it's wonderful. Could you have ate too fast? Even with pureed food, I have to make sure to slow down, or I start to feel like I took on too much and feel a little backup in my esophagous (sp?), bordering on nausea, that goes away. It's annoying to have to wait between bites, after years of not eating that way, but it's for the best!

I have no idea what my face will look like when I lose weight! I've tried standing in the mirror and imagining, but I just can't picture myself. I've always been chubby, so I can't compare anything. I'm looking forward to not having more than one chin though.

I'm set for 2/8 with Dr Stowers in Decatur, TX. I'm excited, anxious, and scared all at the same time!