Mab

No one could have prepared me for post-surgery eating. I am now having to see a therapist about my AVERSION to food. WTH, right? I would just rather not be bothered with eating. If I do have cravings, it's for savory things, not chocolate or sweets. Now, don't get me wrong. I want a greasy, nasty taco from Taco Bell, but I would rather not destroy my stomach. You are going to do great. It's the hardest, best thing you will do for yourself. And I bet the pounds are going to melt off of you. As for meal prep, there are probably a lot of folks around here who could help out with easy meal prep and freezer to microwave meals for you to eat on the go. (My husband is the chef in our house.)

I have to admit it was a little hard coming back to work because I thought that my co-workers would expect me to be a lot smaller than I was - but they were fantastic. Sometimes we set impossible standards for ourselves. If and when you decided that this is the right thing for you to do, you will know it. If you're going back and forth, you really might not be ready. It took me 2 years to get ready. Best of luck to you!

4 lbs is awesome! See if you can't stick to low carb for dinner, though, because that's what really shrinks your liver. I know how hard that is, because man, there were times when I thought I could live on bread.

I think 8.8 lbs in that amount of time is great - especially since you've been on antibiotics. Some of us just lose slower than others. I lost a lot in the first 25 days after surgery, but have slowed down quite a bit since. Check with your NUT and Dr. to see if they're satisfied with your loss and perhaps they have suggestions. It's wonderful that you're able to tolerate eggs and moving around so much.

Cat Lady - I'm just about in the same boat 7 weeks out and I've just been given the go ahead for soft chicken and fist. I was told I could do veggies, but they needed to be SMOOOOOOSHY. The doctor also said I could have berries, but I've been too nervous to try. We'll get there one day!

I'm almost in the same boat as Candice - surgery on 4/10 still on liquids due to some gastro issues. Unless you like being in excruciating pain, you need to stick with your post op diet. I'm the first person to admit that I "cheated" every single day on the pre-op diet, but do not do it on post-op. I hate the word "cheating." Right now it wouldn't be cheating, it would be harmful. It will hurt you and could even set you back. It's a head game - you're not really hungry. I want hot dogs and tacos EVERY DAY. Let's focus on what you can have in a week. It is just a week. Just a week. Keep telling yourself that. If you need to post here every time you're about to cave and do something dangerous to your tummy, do it.

I make mashed cauliflower, too. I boil it until its falling apart. I use smart balance, cream cheese and cheddar cheese to mix with it. Then I put more cheddar cheese on top and stick it in the oven to brown it a bit. DELICIOUS. I'm going to have to try yours, too - I love ranch.

I agree with the diarrhea tactic. If someone says/does something negative regarding my surgery, I am going to start talking, in detail, about diarrhea.

Why don't you call and find out if you can continue taking it post-sleeve? I know none of us want to be on meds, but I truly believe for those with reflux and stomach/esophageal erosion it's necessary. They can give you the omeprazole through your iv so you don't have to swallow it and the carafate is liquid. I also take 3 or so gas x strips after I eat anything. That combo works for me really well. My pcp listened to my belly a couple weeks ago and couldn't hear a thing, which has always been unusual for me.

I had reflux and heartburn pre-sleeve, though I didn't think it was that bad. After the sleeve was a different story. 2 weeks after surgery I was unable to eat or drink anything due to severe pain and was hospitalized. I am currently on Carafate (liquid) 4x a day and Protonix 40m 2x a day. I guess the doc thought I would be okay after finishing off my carafate, but 2 days later I was having the same issues so I am back on carafate for who knows how long. (I'll take it the rest of my life if need be to avoid that pain.)

42 lbs is amazing. I'm very proud of you. I know you've had serious complications, and even though this post is not a happy post, you still have your sense of humor. You'll be in my thoughts.

Your physical hunger will go away, but the surgery is not a cure for head hunger and emotional eating. The fact that you will physically harm yourself if you binge or overeat is a pretty good deterrent. This is a process and it's not an easy one. Your issues with food will not magically disappear when you wake up from surgery. That's why we refer to the sleeve as a "tool."

I am APPALLED at the fact that your surgeon didn't see you for an entire YEAR. He made buckets of money off of you and can't be bothered to check in? How on earth is he measuring his success with his procedures? There are some things that can't be found in a med chart. Oh, I am so mad. I had surgery on 4/10 and have seen my surgeon 8 times since. 4 of those visits when I was put back in the hospital for some issues, but he visited every day, sometimes twice a day.

She said that her nutritionist told her what to eat and we shouldn't insinuate that it's wrong. I am 4.5 weeks post-op and my doctor and nutritionist want me to eat a balanced diet, Protein first. I am required to eat 15 carbs every four hours to maintain steady sugar levels. Our bodies are different.

I couldn't take before pictures, I just couldn't. I know I'll regret it, but the shame was too powerful.

Dehydration can make you feel like you're suffering from something absolutely horrible! Thank goodness they got you on fluids - you'll be feeling better soon, I hope. UTI's suck SO MUCH. Take care!

I'm craving salad like crazy, too!

Please make sure there is someone with you! I can't imagine climbing 4 flights every day - with or without surgery!

My Effexor is time released and I took it the day after surgery, no issues. Personally, I prefer taking meds in liquid or sub lingual form now.

I don't know what to tell you except to increase your Water intake. You lose an enormous amount of fluids when you have diarrhea. As for your sore hiney - get some of those charmin wet wipe thingies. Call your doctor, okay? I hope you feel better soon.

Thanks so much. I guess I'm just tired of taking medicine, you know? But we all need help once in a while, I guess. I'm going to ask about physical therapy - maybe something in the Water, I love to swim. I didn't know it was non-narcotic - that makes me feel loads better. Plus my doctor prescribed the ones that dissolve in your mouth, so it works super fast and doesn't mess up my tummy. I appreciate your response.

My doctor told me none ever again. 3 weeks after surgery it was discovered that I had major erosion in my stomach and esophagus - landed me back in the hospital for 4 days. NSAIDS were most likely a contributing factor.

I have always responded very well to NSAIDs for aches and pains and cramps. Of course, there's no way my tummy can handle those now. Acetaminophen doesn't work for me. My PCP gave me a prescription for Tramadol for anything that might pop up - been having bad backaches lately (it's hereditary). The Tramadol seems to work and doesn't make me feel too goofy to work or drive, but I'd rather not take something like that on a regular basis. I have used Flector Patches in the past with good results. They are a patch you wear wherever you are hurting and anti-inflammatory medicine is magically absorbed by your skin. Do you think that this is something that I could possibly use again since it doesn't go in my belly? Of course I will ask my doctor, but I was wondering what you guys thought. I'm also interested in what you guys take for any chronic or minor pain. <3

I think you'll be okay - mention it to the doctor, of course, but I think you're okay.

I take them after each meal and after I swallow any pills. Also, they make my breath smell deeee-lightful.