OneManWolfpack

Chad, I am using the Celebrate chewables now after first trying the Bariatric Advantage and felt they were rather blech! The multi does not have iron, and I ordered a separate iron + C chewable from celebrate to take one a day. Although everyone's tastes differ, I find the multivit grape flavor to be easy to take and you don't don't even really need to chew it, as if you keep it in your mouth it dissolves over 5-10 min and tastes like a sweet-tart without really being either too sweet or tart (if that makes sense). Per my NUT, I do that twice a day along with a liquid Calcium + D (I had to find a tolerable liquid since all the chewables I tried were too chalky for my taste -- I use a brand called Wellesse. It tastes OK I guess. I'm more looking forward to the chocolate and caramel calcium chews but I'm still one week post-op so only liquid or chewables for now). Oh, and since the multi has 350 mcg of B12, I don't need to take a separate B12 unless my lab values indicate otherwise in the future. The Celebrate grape Iron +C is actually my favorite tasting of the non-Flinstone/non-Gummy chewables I have ever tried. Once a day separated at least 3 hours from the calcium so as not to inhibit absorption. Hope that helps bro. Keep up the great work!

I'm feeling the same way as you shewolf. Of course, I'm less than a week post-op so things will probably change, but right now even though I used to have a huge sweet tooth, the Isopure Protein drinks are now too sweet for me, and I even have to Water down crystal lite because it's now too strong/sweet. And absolutely zero hunger. I have to force myself to stay on schedule with my fluids. Now I'm just waiting for the trick-or-treaters tomorrow to take all my candy because just the mere thought of eating even one of those is making me nauseous... in past years I could have finished off a bag by myself! :ph34r:

Dannysgirl, my pre-op diet instructions were very similar to yours. I did two Protein shakes and a sensible high protein dinner and sensible Snacks for two weeks (about 1200 calories/day), clear liquids beginning two days pre-op, and NPO after midnight before my surgery.... Now I'm 5 days post-op and focusing on getting enough fluids in. Good luck to you!

This is NOT meant as a challenge! I just want to get a general sense from people, especially those a year or more post-op, how much they can comfortably eat. I ask because I am less than a week post-op and I'm still in the phase of having trouble getting more than 1 oz of Fluid in every 15 min. I can't even imagine eating a small meal at this point. Obviously this is a good thing, since at my worst I could easily put down a whole pizza, a dozen wings, a liter of coke, and still have room for huge slice of cake... all in the span of "grazing" over an hour or two. :ph34r: Thanks in advance for the replies!

Wow, great to hear such accomplishments! I had never heard of the C25K app but after reading this thread I just downloaded it. Running any kind of distance has always seemed like a pipe dream to me, but I'm motivated to give it a try. I'm less than a week post-op right now but since I'm just now starting walking again, this may be a great time to slowly incorporate this program into the routine. Thanks everyone and keep up the great work!

Getting fluids in has been the toughest part for me so far as well. Post-op day 2 (my day of discharge from the hospital), I only got in 6 oz of fluid (plus the 250 cc remaining from the IV that morning) Post-op day 3 only could manage 14 oz Post-op day 4 I made it up to 28 oz (14 oz each protein drink and water or gatorade G2), but really felt like I was pushing myself and felt really full despite walking, Gas-x, etc. Today is post-op day 5 and I'm on pace for about 36 oz total. Still way under the Doc's recommended 64oz and 60-70 g protein. Plus I'm still having loose/watery stools (sorry for the graphic) so I know I'm at greater risk for dehydration. When I called my Doc's office the nurse recommended I measure my urine output (fun!), and that if I'm not making on average at least 150cc every 4-6 hours to give them a call back. 10 oz a day seems like very little, and with no protein to boot? I'd keep trying to get a hold of the doc's office...

Hello Folks! So glad to finally be joining you all on the losers bench! I was sleeved 10/25. I couldn't go home post-op day 1 because I couldn't tolerate liquids: nausea/dry heaves all day, and the gas/bloating sensation was horrible. Finally went home post-op day #2 after I took about 4oz of Fluid and didn't hurl. But still felt (and still do feel) very full. Got a liquid Lortab Rx for pain but only used it once because the only real pain I'm having are the gas / bloating pain. The Gas-x strips and walking help that, but only some. My biggest current problem on post-op day 4 is getting fluids in. Yesterday I only got 14 oz TOTAL (1/2 Protein drink and 1/2 water), and so far today I'm on pace for about 24 total oz, which leaves me way short on protein and Water recommendations. I mean, I feel thirsty, but just can;t seem to drink more than a half-ounce at a time, and need at least 15-20 min in between sips or I feel so full I get those fullness pains rising up my chest. The prilosec helps only minimally. Oh yeah, and the diarrhea ain't no picnic either Sigh. I know from having read all your stories that this will slowly improve with time and I just have to stick with the program, so I'll just keep sippin' and walkin' Still happy to be a loser....

Tomorrow! OMG TOMORROW!!!!!!!

(Ring, ring) Um, hello kettle? This is pot. You're black. (click)

Good luck to all this week's OctoSleevers!!! Holy crap! That includes me! (Taken from Susan's list without any permission whatsoever) 10/22 -- ( 19 ) xmasbpig Riaa90 Donny Strangefruit bethxxx DebInAZ brandy79 jplummer3 clynn mendymeyham whitneymalae My350z06 mefred fatgirlslim75 justsleevin49 Ruffus Kentucky Girl KLNorrod wonkastocks 10/23 -- ( 16 ) littlemiss0428 mrsjones075 time2getskinny kymbo jennifer4444 healthiermom shanti4758 MKate73 JANNCS BRAT Androfan cali4nan Kalipso2 nomorebigsam lovinjacobe smithpy 10/24 -- ( 8 ) bethanyruff pamalam shayv123 I'msexy&ILoveIt jusstice janda927 Cosmogirl70 Tamster jlfinmn (switched to RNY due to Barrett's) 10/25 -- ( 13 ) this.time.its.4.me meeshluv81 jrabbit81 lifechanging sleclerc lovex5 Robbino OneManWolfpack LDallas funkeechiggen EmilyG mzzroxy brennie 10/26 -- ( 3 ) mandymae tina1026 JoJo1026 10/27 -- ( 1 ) zenoosh

Good luck to all the 10/15 sleevers tomorrow!!!! BTW Susan, I added a name to your list who is also tomorrow: 10/15 -- ( 18* ) Susan 2.0 Cyn Hnbc1986 kmoore change4life2012 Jackie6 welittle1 Bella86 Geauxforit Happydash drexelgirl phatmomof2 chelbroyer Susan0178 Aimstergal njgrl22 lula carmelguy (*I added him... he posted in The Man Room that his sleeve is tomorrow) Looking forward to joining you all on the losers bench in Loserville next week!

CG, Welcome fellow OctoSleever! Yes, we are all here with you, even those of us who, like you, are still pre-op and a little nervous..... Just focus on your ultimate goal of why you decided to do this in the first place and the positive changes it will have on your health and your life in general. I have to believe that whatever pain there is from the surgery itself will be far outweighed by that. (Besides, I'll put it this way since you said you were watching the 49ers game: surgery can't hurt worse than the hurtin the giants put on the Niners today) Good luck to you. I'll be joining you on the losers bench soon!

LOL! Iggy, you are welcome in the Man Room anytime! BTW, I read your story (The One I Didn't Want to But Should)... and I'm so sorry for all you went through, and I'm really glad you're around to share with us and give us "chit!"

Wow.... I can't wait to lose "only" 25 lbs in a month. 16 days to go!!!!

I think this pretty much sums it up: <iframe width="560" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/TmWLISun9BY?rel=0" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe> BTW, ever since joining this site last month, my wolfpack has grown by hundreds if not thousands. Thanks everyone! Now who's up for Vegas????

I'm getting sleeved on the 25th. Things I will miss, in no particular order: Beer Diet Coke Regular Coke Beer Pepsi Beer Diet Pepsi Hmmmm.... am I forgetting anything? Oh yeah: BEER! P.S. Sorry for invading the powder Room ladies... but if it's any consolation, you are all always welcome in the Man Room P.S. #2: no I'm not an alcoholic, in case you're wondering. I actually don't drink a lot, usually just when watching football or out with the guys

Holy Sh**!!! This topic is 67 pages long! Octosleevers rule!!!!

Ditto. Any of you have to start a 2 week pre-op diet this week? Here's the "official" 10/25 VST sleever list according to Susan 2.0: 10/25 -- ( 10 ) this.time.its.4.me meeshluv81 jrabbit81 lifechanging sleclerc lovex5 Robbino OneManWolfpack LDallas funkeechiggen Let's rock this!!!!

Nice! I just ordered 12 cases.... problem solved!!!!

Ugh............Grrrrrrr!!!!

OMG! It's amazing how much some of us think alike! McD's grilled chickn snack wrap (honey mustard, no tortilla), and wendy's chili (no crackers) have been my go-to's for fast food fixes lately. Sadly (or, um, excitedly), my two week pre-op starts in two days, so I'm dumping all fast food (even the "healthy" stuff) for quite a while....

Thanks, but it's already well known in my community that I suffer from a severe case of phallumegly. Sadly ladies, despite all the recent advancements in modern medicine, there is no known cure.

Lloyd, PdX, Butter, Longhorn, et al, Appreciate the comments and advice. I'm glad most posters understood that yes, these are good friends, and good friends do bust each others balls -- constantly. And yes, they WILL notice I'm not drinking. Not sure though if I'm gonna mention surgery or just maintain that I've committed to a healthier lifestyle (no lie there). That being said, I certainly will follow Justine's advice and prepare my comebacks and one-liners and plan on using them early and often. P.S. Longhorn: Thanks for making me snort Protein shake out my nose. Hope to catch you at the next Jonas Brothers concert!

Fellas, I'm getting sleeved in just over 2 weeks. Doing pretty good pre-op so far, but had a major slip up this weekend when I invited some buddies over for football. I'm back on track now, but it got me to thinking just what I'd tell the guys when I'll be around them soon eating practically nothing and sipping on Protein shakes and broth every quarter. I've seen plenty of topics on this site about whether to tell your spouse/partner/GF/co-workers, etc. But what about the guys? You know what I'm talking about. Here's how I envision that conversation goes down: Me: Guys, I want to talk to you all about something. Buddy #1: We know, your fantasy team sucks. Quit bitching about it! Me: No, not that. Something serious. Buddy #2: Is it cancer? Me: No, nothing like that. Buddy #3: Then it's not serious. Put your nuts back on Me: No seriously guys. Listen, I'm planning on having WLS Buddies #1, 2, 3, and 4: .......................(stunned silence) .................................................. Me: Um, guys... Hello? what do you guys think? Buddies #1, 2, 3, and 4: ............................(more stunned silence).......................................... Me: I've been thinking about this for a long time, and I've decided to go through with it. It's the best decision for me, my health, and to get my life back Buddy #4: I didn't realize you had a vagina Me: Hey, that's not fair. Buddy #2 (to Buddy #4): Yeah, that's not right dude. Me: Thanks for the voice of support man Buddy #2: No, I mean, I think we already knew you had a vagina. Me: Uncalled for dude. Buddy #1 (to Buddies #2 and 4): Guys, lay off him. Me: (Not saying thanks, just waiting for the punchline....) Buddy #1: I mean, it's probably just his time of the month. Me: (And there it is). All right, you guys suck. I'm outta here. Buddy #3 (yelling out as I leave): Hey, give Randy Jackson my best, dog! DOOR SLAMS SHUT. <END SCENE> So I ask you men: What have you told the fellas about your surgery and weight loss?

Arcus, I don' t think malabsorption is as much of an issue with the sleeve as with the bypass / DS procedures since most nutrient absorption occurs in the small intestine, which remains intact with the sleeve. But, for the original poster, like others have said, the most important things post-sleeve are to maximize Protein intake during meals and keeping hydrated throughout the day. Remember just how small your stomach will actually be post-op. ANY non-protein volume taken in during meals (whether its Water, breads, veggies, etc) will decrease the amount of space left for protein. From a satiety standpoint, protein keeps you feeling fuller longer relative to the other nutrients. As for Soups, like OTR sleever said, measure out the total volume and stick to the limits given by your doctor. I agree this is really tough, and I've just started practicing this pre-op, since I used to enjoy a (large) diet soda with most meals..... Ugh, bye bye diet coke