ellis71

I kept Tums with me at all times. I also took an OTC acid reducer right before I went to bed at night. It normally held me over until the next afternoon. It's really bad at first, but it does get better. I'm 8 weeks out and rarely get it now. But I had it bad the first night home.

Wow!! You look great. I can't wait for 4 months out!

I have always known that I've done too much damage to my body with my weight to NOT have sagging skin. Especially my stomach area. I'm pretty sure that very few people are lucky enough to shrink back to normal.

I was told basically what Michelle said.

I'm not sure about Slim Fast. The first week I was on clear liquids only (this did include sugar free Powerade) and broth. Then moved on to mushies, with lots of protein.

I did not have any sleep apnea testing. I filled out a questionaire and didn't have any symptoms of it, so I'm assuming it wasn't required by my Dr.

I actually just applied for my passport Thursday. We will be going diving in Mexico the end of next month. It's possible that there will be a significant difference in my appearance, so I hope there's not going to be an issue.

Tofu was on my list of soft foods.

I wonder if it's because you can't enjoy the things that others can enjoy right now, so it's easier to just withdraw from anything social. I'm not sure that I've felt that, yet. I'm only on day 10, but I can see myself wanting to skip things until I get a handle on this sleeve.

You really are a great motivator!! I wake up every morning thinking I can't believe I'm finally on the road to getting healthy. And I'm not wondering when I'm going to fail. It's an awesome feeling!!

This is very good to know. Before surgery (9 day ago) I wore spams EVERY day. The kind that went from the thigh to right under my breast. I've gotten so comfortable in it, that I feel naked without it. I've been afraid to wear them since surgery. And I HATE how my mid section pokes out if I done. I wonder if it's ok to wear. I can see it being uncomfortable after eating, though.

I'm sure squats will help, too!! I plan on squatting my butt off in a couple of weeks when I'm able!!

I'm sorry you're feeling that way. Stay strong and follow the diet. Beef broth gave me the most satisfaction of anything. It was way more "savory" than chicken. Popsicles were a big help, too. I was one of the lucky ones, I guess. I never felt that hunger, or really even had the head hunger, which I was sure I was going to have. Wishing you luck to hold out and just know that a lot of people here are going through the same thing as you.

You look great! I know you have to feel good about what you've achieved!!

I didn't even have a pre-op diet. They told me to cut my carbs in half, and eat very slowly, which I did, but that's it. I'm not having a hard time with the liquids. I do find myself getting a little more anxious to try food, and see how my stomach handles it. I have 2 more days of Clear Liquids.

I sent one also with a message.

Eggs are on my list (scrambled, hard boiled) for the mushy stage. Most fruits are not, because they are so high in sugar. I think I can introduce some later, but right now, only bananas are an option (which confused me, because I thought they were high in sugar, too.)

My clear liquid diet allows sweeteners. I just don't use them.

Wow. I didn't see anything posted here that could have caused that response from you, Cupcake. I'm only 5 days post-op and I'm sure trying to learn the dos and dont's is frustrating. I see nothing but support here. I hate that you had to become so trollish so soon.

All this has me concerned that I'm only on clear liquids the first 7 days then on to soft foods for the next 3 weeks. Why is there such a difference? I just don't see how they vary so much.

I used Dr. Robert Marvin and stayed at University General Hospital in Houston. I was happy with both!

I had the On-Q PainBuster ball, but I only had it for 2 days. My husband took mine out early Wednesday morning. I'm assuming it worked, but I didn't feel any different (no pain) after it was out. I also only took my pain meds one time, because I had a headache and my regular Tylenol had a coating on it and I couldn't crush it. So I took a tsp of the liquid. It was horrible!!

I don't exactly know what full feels like either. And I do the exact same thing. I really just stop when I don't want to drink anymore broth. I usually try and make 12 oz of broth but usually just eat 8. Except this morning. I did get 12 down. It took a while, but I did it. All I can say is I hope I'm doing it right. Lol

Another May 14th sleever here, too! I'm feeling great! I think all my surgery gas is gone, but some of the air I swallow during the day can get me for sure. I've walked at the park every day since I got home. I walked one mile today and haven't had a single bit of pain. I don't think I'm over doing it because I'm not hurting and my dr said walk walk walk! So I am!! I haven't felt hungry one time, but I haven't felt really full, either. That sometimes scares me, because I'm afraid that maybe my stomach, will be able to handle more foods after I'm healed, and I won't lose. Lol. The PA said I'm over-thinking things. I hope she's right. I wish all of us luck as we become, first and foremost, healthy. But with a little side of Hot Mamma!!!

I definitely think you made the right decision by telling them. Congratulations on your new job and your new life!!