Sherri297

I've had pills stuck too. I make an exception and eat a couple of carb loaded crackers like triscuts. It usually does the trick. Good luck.

I also was on a lot of meds when I had surgery. For me it was not an option I HAD to take them. Break them in tiny pieces or crush them, dump them out of their capsules into a little juice whatever you have to do to get them down. The side affects of going cold turkey off your antidepressants is dangerous and somewhere you really don't want to go. Good luck.

Hi Terry, Yes the surgery really messes with your hormones. For 4 years previous to surgery I would maybe have 2-3 periods a year. After surgery had 2 within the first 6 weeks. Now nothing the last 6 months. I figure it is what it is. My tolerance to heat is MUCH BETTER now that I have some weight off also.

Welcome to a community unto itself. You'll find so much knowledge & support here. I have personally read posts almost everyday. It helps keep me motivated.

String cheese is my go to snack. It's portable and filling. Also raw almonds.

This thread is so sad and irritating. Our health care system is sooo broken. For example: Several years ago I had a heart attack, a stent was placed in my heart and after 3 days in cardiac ICU was released. The bills for cardiologist, hospital, everything was $58K. I received top of the line care. Then 9 months later at a different hospital had an angioplasty with another stent placement that was a routine and a scheduled procedure - the bills added up to over $62K. Because of this I was forced to get my WLS done in Mexico. I don't regret it for a second, it saved my life. My bills totaled $5,000 and that included having my gallbladder out also. I just don't understand how our hospitals get away with what they charge, the discrepancy is disgraceful. Sorry about the rant, just needed to get that off my chest.

I can see why you'd be very frustrated. How much are you walking at this point? You will probably start losing more after you start on soft foods. Right now your body is in shock and starvation mode. Put protein first and you won't be able to not lose. Patience and stay the course.

Wow.....what an insightful post. Thank you for giving me something to chew on. (Yes, pun intended).

Happy birthday and congratulations on a job well done. I know this wasn't easy but you sure make it look that way. You are a true inspiration.

First of all congratulations on a job well done!! And next thank you for your perspective on carbs. I've been lazy lately and have hit a 6 month stall that is totally self inflicted. TOO MANY CARBS. Time for this old girl to get back on the wagon. Again thanks for sharing and motivating.

Also try a heating pad on your upper back and chest when your resting. It really helps .

I'll join you. I have been stress eating at work also. Gained 3 lbs, but haven't lost anything significant for 6 months. I'm actually doing well with exercising that's probably why I haven't gained more. OK ....8 lbs your on! I started the month at 168. Back to basics for this woman.

Everything is also swollen, it will take 2-3 weeks for the swelling to completely go sown, by then your already a slimmer you.

A big YES to the pillow. It can be any semi firm pillow a couch pillow...whatever.

Congratulations! You've worked very hard to get where you are...... I'd shout it from the roof tops too. You look fantastic, I'm sure you feel fantastic too, I know I do.

Try a heating pad for the pain. Getting anything down is rough those first few days, but you have to keep trying or you'll end up dehydrated. Try Isopure protein watered down, its a clear protein drink you can get from GNC and it isn't so heavy on the tummy. I still cannot drink blender style protein shakes, it whips in too much air, and feels like I'm drinking something carbonated. Maybe watered down Gatorade also, and try things at different temperatures also. Hope this helps. Good luck and happy healing.

Force yourself to walk around the house for 5 minutes every couple of hours. Plus all the advise above and try using a heating pad or hot water bottle. That really helped me, plus use a pillow to hold against your tummy while walking or changing positions. Good luck....things will get better very quickly.

Don't expect your body shape to be any specific way. All my life I've carried my extra weight in my butt and thighs, now 100 lbs. lighter I wear a size 12 pant, but a 14 - 16 top. I just don't get it. Hopefully things will even out as I get closer to goal. Congratulations on your sleeve, weight loss, and future weight loss. This is going to be a terrific year!

October 8th was my day last year, it's a great great day to be sleeved. Spend the next month reading posts on the forums here and educating yourself. Getting samples of protein shakes, and freezing left over dinners for your family or significant other. It will be time to pack your bags before you know it. Congratulations on your'e decision,

I wish I could but they have this stupid rule that says you have to have a 100 posts before you can post there, so here I am posting about nothing to get to my 100 posts. ????

Congratulations!!!

I am several months ahead of you.....surgery was in October last year. I too have 30-40 lbs. to go. I have been basically stuck at the same weight for the last 5 months, it's very frustrating. I've upped my exercise, but the sugar demon has crawled back into my life. I've fallen off of the wagon big time, so I to would be very interested in getting advice from those who have made it to goal. I'm not giving up, and I feel very blessed to have lost the 100 lbs. that I have, I guess I was just hoping that it wouldn't be this hard.

Congratulations on your surgery, weight loss, and having such a wonderful and supportive family. Your family will be your greatest inspiration and motivation,and with the blessing of this surgery you will be able to be a more active part of their lives. Enjoy the journey, sometimes it's a rocky road at others its smooth sailing.

You might try Crystal Light and herbal teas in varying flavors, and YES to jello and SF popsicles, they made the liquid diet do-able.

It varies between hospitals and doctors, whether or not that doctor uses a drain etc. My surgery was last October, had surgery on Monday, released from the hospital Wednesday and stayed in hotel another 2 days after which the drain was removed at the hotel and I could fly home.