Chicago1962

HI Zara - I'm so sorry you are struggling. I'm guessing you have talked to the doctor and surgeon, right? And they say physically you are ok - just still healing? As long as there is nothing physically wrong, then it sounds like fear is on the rampage and it's so good you wrote a note to us so we can encourage you! I fear gaining weight too. I had my surgery on June 12 and my weight loss has recently slowed. Scares me. But I know it's all part of the process. I didn't get here in two months and I sure won't be totally healed and healthy in two months. There will be ups and downs. As for feeling nauseas - I have that too with some foods. I try to experiment - and see what I can and can't eat. I miss some foods - really miss them - but it's still early for us. And your body has especially been through so, so much. Please try to be patient - and get people around you to support you. I hate feeling alone in this - and this website does help a bit. Hoping and praying for a bit of pain-relief for you.... amy

We all carry so much shame about our bodies. And fear. We all get this - and I want to encourage you to take care of yourself and wear what you need to wear... as long as the nurses/doctors can get to you and care for you quickly. They will be checking your drain, your catheter, your blood pressure, blood glucose, temp, etc. regularly - and will need you in super loose clothes. The team who assisted me was so helpful, so caring, so used to "us" and our issues. I pray you have a team like that too. We also all carry a lot of control issues. Our fear and shame has created in us (in me) a need to control things so I feel ok and can cope with the stress around me. Some of what I read in your note is your desire to control things - and this is what I think to myself - and I'm being honest - control (for me and maybe for you) is what got me to the 350+ pounds. I "controlled" myself to a staggering weight - to a place where I was so unhealthy I almost didn't want to live anymore. Sigh. So for me, surgery and this process is partly about surrender. Letting some people who may just know something I don't know lead me through this whole thing. I had to trust all the docs, nurses, dietitians, etc. I met with for months prior to the surgery. I sure had to trust the hospital staff and surgeon during the surgery. And I had to trust the post-op support teams who cared for me and are still checking my stats and keeping an eye on my progress. What I've learned is that I sure the heck could use some care and leading from others. Not in everything, but in learning how to care for my body and my spirit so I can continue in my progress and live a longer, healthier life. I think I wrote all that for me, not for you. I guess I needed to face some facts about myself - and your post helped me do it. Be encouraged that you are no more difficult than many of us - and that I, for one, cheer you on in your progress!!!! You can do it - bare butt in an oh-so-unattractive hospital gown and all !!!!!

I turn 50 in a few months and I am so excited about life. I've lost 75 pounds so far - looking to lose another 100. I can't believe how full of life I feel, how hopeful, how energetic and adventurous. It's like I've lost 10 years too - and I am enjoying it so much. My sister just got married for the second time. She met a wonderful guy who is crazy about her. They share a strong faith, a love of travel, the joy of family (and extended family), a desire to build a warm and welcoming home, and a deep friendship. That's what I want too, and I am feeling more open and ready for that daily. Anyone else out there feeling like they have a second chance at life and love again?

You can do it! I had to do liquid three weeks prior to surgery and I made it work for me with liquids, yogurt, and a salad a day. I'm excited for you! I had my sleeve on June 12 and I'm down 75 pounts (30 pre-surgery and 45 post-surgery). You can do it!!!!!

I had my surgery on 6/12. I am writing this on 7/22. I ate a small home-cooked hamburger today with light cheese. No bread. It was so good after so many weeks (total of about 6 pre and post op) of liguids, shakes and mush. I feel fine today. It's been about 7 hours since i had the burger. Per my post-op instructions as long as I chew really well I can eat solids now. But I thought I'd check with those of you who go before me. Sometimes I feel a slight pain in my tummy - but it's still so hard to know what I'm feeling. My stomach is so different now. I don't feel hungry ever. Full is so different than before. I feel liquids flow through my stomach sometimes which is wierd. Do others feel that too? Any first-hand advice on adjusting to my new stomach and eating solids would be helpful. Thank you!!!!