NJSleeveboy

@butterthebean Believe it or not, I sooo agree with all you write.. I know I'm a newbie FOR SURE! I know it sounds down right righteous to some. It wasn't my intention nor point. My theme was to indeed KNOW yourself and we are all different.. And soo many posts like licking the cheese off the dorito or chewing and spitting.. That sort of thing (ALOT OF IT ON HERE) is what I am referring to! I know I may have issues. When I do, I'll scale back! You are also so right about the food addictions, etc. My psych visit caught all of that (and the recent comments about alcohol and cross addictions). I know for ME, I have no alcohol addiction. Others need to be honest.. Re food addictions, yep, I think all of us have them.. My point wasn't to cave into whims. Junk food indeed got me here.. Or bad choices... I am working on changing that and only time will honestly tell. I don't think I'm enabling anyone, because my point was have the ONE dorito! but, if yuo are the type who can't handle that (only you know that), then don't do it! It works for me.. Same for the 2 pretzels. Etc. So, yes, I do agree with your points and that's why I love this forum!

@sleevmaster. Sorry, I feel no aggression so apologize if it feels that way. It is my opinion! that's all. Will help those who feel the same way and we are all different. I do list sources. They are from my mom my brother, my brother's bariatric surgeon best friend and my surgeon and my nut.. Not trying to stir any pot, but I read a lot of the posts and too many people are really driving themselves nuts. Prob helps to know that some docs put you on foods on day 2, meaning, don't worry about cheating. .Many have written on here and agree. That's all. I'm a motivational speaker and trainer by trade, so that's probl where you are getting my confidence/perceived arrogance from :-)

@sramos. Thanks! I am sure I will (get beaten up) lol.. I don't want to tell anyone what to do. We all have to make our own choices. I would have loved to have read this sort of post before and post op.... To each their own.. I don't judge others who need black and white.. However, they just need to be honest with themselves if that is what really works. MANY need it and need to max their weight loss for either health reasons or because of how bad they are at being able to change.. So, know yourself. I told my NUT yesterday flat out, that I want to eat more.. I want to enjoy this and why are we in a rush for me to be like everyone else and lost 20 pounds a month starting two or three? Why not eat a lot more and still lose 10 pounds a month. Gets me to goal soon enough. Again, music to her ears and she was happy to oblige. Just needed to make sure I am not obsessed over the scale and committed to long term.

@vst addict, funny. I asked same question yesterday as I am ravenous at times.... My doc uses same size tool for EVERY patient... He laughed.. Alll are different and don't worry is that all have told me there... Of course, I was told, I get ravenous.. We are eating 800 calories a day. a 4th or 5th or what we used to eat/take in... I am told when i get my 1000-1200 over the next few weeks, I should be very satiated and to remember, ultimately, to maintain down the road i'll be on more.. Too son for me to know or comment more.

I suggest not the pretzel, lol. But try it, to see how you tolerate it. I swear, go for a nice can of tuna or chicken and add 2 tablespoons of light mayo and mush it with fork. OMG, the first day I got home, the taste after one week of liquid was incredible Yes, you'll have gas, as you will in 2 weeks. Eat it slowly and enjoy it!!!

Sorry it's so long!! yes, I hope we hear from the veterans. .I have spoken to many of them, as I just wasn't buying into the golden rules and was able to tolerate so many things. I had a real spicy meal yesterday and no gas or anything. Sorry it was soo long, a lot to say, lol... I lost 26 pounds from the the one week liquid preop to today, which is two weeks post op, for a total of 26 pounds in 21 days. I am HAPPY to not obsess on each pound and slow down the weight loss to get onto a lifestyle diet that works.. My nutritionist (and mom), said that was music to their ears.

Yep.. That's why this obsessing has to stop for all of us Dont get me wrong, i'm measuring my food so i can track calories until I get good at it.. But not in a rest.. Just test it out, as I did so that you don't end up overeating and then realizing you ate way too much. the broth in soup is liquid and will pass out quickly.. The other stuff will be mushy, so just chew it and enjoy

I explain my theory on why people fail and how it can be easy in this post http://www.verticalsleevetalk.com/topic/54141-my-suggestion-stop-the-obsessing-rules-are-meant-to-be-broken/

Luckily My doc only makes you do one week on the shakes.. One week pre-op and that's it!! THat was hard enough! lol.. Then clear liquids in hospitals. Pureed from day 2 to 2 weeks and starting 2 weeks mostly normal diet!! Yesterday was first real meal. YUM!!

Yes, Doctor Dan Davis in Stamford and Dr Adam Glassberg of Boston area... When you say "You are hearing", do you mean from the docs mouth or from this site? MUCH of the medical advice on here just isn't right, i'm afraid.. My bariatric surgeon friend told me that the docs need to be careful and wan t tell patients what to do to avoid ANY issues or pain.. You cannot split the sleeve. I have confirmed this and both my friend and my surgeon laughed when I noted it. you can SPLIT it if you try to see how much food you can take and way overeat. So, they don't want that! The risks are in the food not being tolerated and you puking, etc... Re soft foods, my doc has found that the longer the patients get used to liquid, the more difficulty they have transitioning.. He has almost no issues ever and there are many like him.. I'm waling proof.. What they both secretly shared, is that they want you to build your good habits now and they want you to see advanced weight loss, so you lose much more on liquid diet than you will when you go to more calories on a pureed diet. .I kept my intake to between 800-900 cal and lost as much as liquid folk, but got to eat!! I just posted a big story on the myths.. Read it here http://www.verticalsleevetalk.com/topic/54141-my-suggestion-stop-the-obsessing-rules-are-meant-to-be-broken/ Hope that helps

Ok. Rules are SOMETIMES meant to be broken. So, Here's the deal. I am 2 weeks post op today. I am one of those who had zero issues and had a smooth ride from recovery room to date!! This post is not intended to mean I am sure I will have a long term good go at this! It also doesn't address the future, but really ONLY the many threads that I have read regarding the preo op and post op liquid diets and the Pre and post few weeks Do's and Dont's! I have read almost every post on here before and after surgery, lol. Here is the point that I will explain. Your/Our obsession over following diet rules is what got us here in the first place.. isn't it?? I mean, it's great to have black and white rules.. Do's and Don's. can and cant's.. That's why we were ALL great on Atkins (remember the carb counting obsession), and South Beach (remember how carefully we chose the meals), weight watchers, low cal, grapefruit, slimfast , yada yada yada......RIGHT? Sure, it worked. THEN WE WENT OFF THE WAGON and got sick of the rules and restrictions and put weight back on (and then some).... That's because it was a DIET.. Why do so many of you do that on here? I'm not judging, but trying to help! Yes, it's easier for me, since I have had no issues. I come from a strong medical family (i had bio as a minor,4 docs and 2 nurses in immed family) and I always love to understand WHY the rules are in place. If something doesn't make sense, I want to know why and not just follow a rule because it was put out there. My surgeon told me that "rules" are on here for the lower end of reaction spectrum. meaning, many need not follow them, but since 30%, for ex, will have issues with some things, they want to make a general rule...... As EVERYONE says on here, as well as EVERY doc, ALL OF US ARE DIFFERENT! We heal differently, We tolerate pain differently, foods differently, weight loss differently, etc..... EVERY SINGLE ONE So, the rules need not be applied to the T! Now, as a caveat and from feedback so far on this post, this is not an excuse to eat junk NOR stay on bad habits. I don't mean to enable anyone. here is what BUTTERTHEBEAN wrote: "The only reason I say "enabling" is because I think there are some people waiting in the wings to hear someone tell them it's okay to eat whatever they want. They haven't tackled their food addictions and they are hoping for "permission" to go back to their old ways. I know there are some that can learn to eat "all things in moderation." I have no problem with that. For me, I chose to embrace my inner health nut. It's not fear or weakness or lack of self control...it's the desire to live a long, healthy and active life. I'm not depriving myself, or sacrifing. The things I'm doing and the life I'm leading now feel way better than eating pizza and cupcakes ever did (even in moderation). By that I mean that food did not give me pleasure (never did, I just thought it did), so I no longer look to food to satisfy my needs, except nutritionally." Ok... Back to the post. Specifically, here is what I have had debunked by my brother (Anesthesiologist for bariatric), My mom (nurse and nutritionist), my bro's good friend and bariatric surgeon, and my surgeon.......... * Yes, the liquid PRE OP diet is not to be messed with. It sucked, but we need the liver to be soft and looking like liver in a supermarket. That will happen in most cases with one week.. Many docs do one week only and many do 2 weeks..... So, if you have a 2 week doc, don't worry if you cheat a little and wants some low calorie food.. It's OK!! have the Soup... etc. I didn't cheat as mine was only a week and I did not want to have a lifetime of liver issues if it was frail and broke a bit/injured while being moved for my surgery.... * Most docs on here POST OP put you on liquids for 2 weeks.. Why?? NOTHING medical. Really? Many docs, including mine, put me on Clear Liquids only day 1 in the hospital and then put me instantly on pureed foods (tuna salad, chicken salad, egg salad, greek yogurts, ricotta cheese, etc).. Yes. DAY 2! He does this for EVERY patient.. He has had NO MORE COMPLICATIONS than anyone else ever.... It is NOT true that eating this will cause a leak.. It can't get caught in you stitches, lol, as they are on the outside and you can't see them even in your stomach.. The ONLY risk is a)that you eat way too much and thus can cause leaks, so don't do that. and that is WAY too much. Meaning you go out of your way to test the limits. As any surgeon will tell you, stretching the stomach to break the staples is no easy task.... easy enough to follow that rule .. and the risk is that you get nauseated.. Ok.. we are all different. Some take 90 minutes the first time they eat to get down 4 oz of chicken salad.. I didn't . I got it down in 15 min and could have done it in 5..... But the point is, listen to your body. start slowly and if you tolerate it, then screw the rules..... What does this mean? It means so what if you doc put you on 2 week post liquid. That is soo hard.. so, do it mostly, but don't obsess about cheating. have a friggin plate of tuna salad.. It will taste yummy.. Add some great yogurt. If you can handle it, you are good to go! I did.. They also want you on this liquid to max your weight loss for motivation up front? do you really need that?? I don't care if it takes me 1 more week than you to hit the same goal? Frankly, I decided to keep my calories around 800ish anyway for my first 2 weeks. It was a little hard, but nothing like your liquid nightmare and i lost as much weight... I'm now on 1200 cal full diet plan (less hard carbs and hard veggies) as of last night. I've heard people say they are craving one Dorito chip.. Then the advice replies were "lick the cheese off" or "take a bit and spit it out...." LOL. Really? This is your diet/lifestyle for the rest of your life. HAVE A CHIP.. See if you get a lot of gas.. Chew it well.. If not problem, then enjoy the one chip. You got here because you at a half bag . One or three chips won't kill you! You need to find a way to eat what you will do.. The docs want you to build your healthy habits now. *The first year is where you get your max weight loss- Ok. For sure,, so, as noted, build your healthy habits now.. but make it last. So, if I want a Dorito chip. I have one or two.. On my pureed phase, my kids had pretzels at a game. I took 2 small ones....I had a qtr of his hotdog meat.. The point is, if we can seriously lower the number of calories we eat (which, for me, they figured i was eating between 3500-4000 per day and needed to be at 2400 or so.. Now, with 1200, which believe me, with the sleeve is a mini feast, I will be eating half the amount and will lose a lot of weight. So, yes, build good eating habits and i'm working on good food choices that I can live with! Can I eat white bread. Damn right?should I// nO?? it's a waste of calories and spikes your sugar and appetite. But, I sure will if i want a hamburger or great sandwich. A month ago i would have had 2 cheeseburgers and 2 hotdogs at a bbq. .So, guess what, i'll lose weight. Can't make it a daily thing.. But, again, stop obsessing.. *Eating and drinking slowly eating- well, you don't HAVE to eat slowly, but as we have been told our whole lives, eat slowly so that when you are really full, you know it! Also, you need to see what your bod can tolerate and if you eat too quickly, you may not have realized you were about to puke. If you can tolerate it, you can eat and drink quicker than others, but not a good idea for reasons mentioned. so work on it, but don't obsess.. At the hospital, they told me I had to drink in in little tiny medical cups a few cc evry 20 min. I laughed, as Water went down easily in recovery even. ALL NURSES TOLD ME NO. When I saw my doc, i asked why I can't just drink as I can tolerate it at home and get my 64 oz is. HE said dont' chug, but do whatever you can do without discomfort. So, 8 oz bottle of water went down in 5 minutes... etc.... *Chewing your food- ALL true... We have that banana sized stomach.. So, the doughy breads, and stringy veggies and large pieces of non chewed enough food INDEED often get stuck! Not stuck like a lap band, but rather, they move toward the pyloric valve and are too big to pass through it, since there isn't as much acid, etc in your stomach and, well, the route to the valve is now MUCH shorter.. So, it sits in front of it and as soon as the next item goes there, it waits in line. your body puts out gas and then knows there is a problem, so will signal you to vomit it up. not fun... So, chew! All true! Also makes us take longer to eat and thus enjoy the tastes more than ever and have the full signal sent to our brain while we are still eating or pretty close to that! *Caffein is bad... Ok. Google whether it's an appetite suppressant or stimulant.. It's hysterical.. You'll get equal replies from GREAT sources that say the opposite. I WANT my one cup a day. I'm not an addict. I asked. I am now sipping on my first REAL one. It is indeed a diuretic for some. So, drink a half cup more water than a day! If you feel it makes you hungry after you have it and you don't want to hold back, then stop the coffee.. It doesn't for me. It does for some... But what will you be doing in a year from now??/ There is NO medical reason why you can't have caffein after a few weeks *ALCOHOL is a no no for 2 months. NONSENSE.. Again, just there so we don't put empty calories. BUT what if I WANT one drink or two on a date tonight?? I am told, go for it, but just know you will have ingested 400 wasted calories. Ok. I get it, but I WILL drink in my life, although never drank a ton and that was not the cause of most of my weight.. Watch the calories and don't do it twice most weeks.. Or if you will, then cut back a bit on your Snacks, etc. Anyway, looking forward to a martini with my date tomorrow at dinner.. Oh, most people on here for a while, will tell you since there is less food to bind with alcohol, it goes into your intestines/blood stream much quicker and you get a nice buzz faster with less! way cool! * Most other rules and comments on here are just not universal and again, if you feel the NEED to cheat, then well, cheat! How can it be cheating if this will be your new life! WOrk hard at right food choices and don't make this soooo hard. The harder you make it, the more YOU WILL revolt and end up going off the wagon like the good old days... Since I have had no pain, etc and pretty much eat what I wanted (and cheated on my puree period even), I feel this is just toooo easy. I hear so many of you struggling (not because you have pain, but because you want to break a rul) and so many of you "supporting them" to stay strong, that I just wanted to add this post! Also, again, much of the medical advice that our well meaning friends on here provide, just isn't true. Sorry, but it isnt. I hope this helps some of you enjoy your Pre and Post diets much more than you may be now! Best, my friends!

Thanks, so much, all! What I have learned is that this site is no different than Amazon.com and human nature.. When people buy a great product there, they don't say "wow, this is great, let me go online and tell everyone I like it".. When they are upset they say "I need to tell the world".. So, we hear on here, the people who have issues. NOT suggesting they are complainers, just that these are the ones who didn't have the easy ride.. I can't tell you how much you guys helped with these replies. Now I'm no longer scared, but thrilled. I had my 2 week post op yesterday and they dispelled the many myths on here.. People are funny with how they become doctor's and give advice/comments that are all false (Ie i was told if don't stay on liquid, stuff will get stuck in my staples, lol)_.... I am on pretty much anything I want to eat now... Had a frozen spicy kashi dinner, even with the brown rice and had no issues..... They let me go on caffeine.. They don't want u to in case it's a stimulant for appetite, but i'm a big boy.. They ok me to drink on my dates.. They don't want you to because they are empty calories... Anywho.. Loving this.. I started low. I was a 35 BMI'er with sleep apnea and diabetes, so got approved.. 260 pounds.. Now down to 235 and, well, really too fun! Went shopping yesterday and bought everything healthy. steaks. chops. chicken, hummus, veggies.. Anyway, The ride remains great!!!

Neither popcorn nor ANY food can get stuck in the staples! Not possible. The staples are done on the outside of the stomach and the sleeve looks like a pillow case would if you sewed it from the outside. IE no evidence of staples. In fact, a doctor will not be able to see your staples through an endoscopy for that reason.

<edit> I love this site, but so many people make statements that sound like medical facts, when it's simply their own ideas and views, so be careful on here. I have found MANY of the "medical" comments in accurate. This is great for support but please only say things that you know to be true. For ex,<edit> states that if you cheat too soon, you get food caught in your staples.. that is not at all the reason why we go on liquids and pureed in the beginning and, frankly, it's impossible for the food to get stuck in a staple.. The staples are done on the outside of the stomach and the sleeve looks like a pillow case would if you sewed it from the outside. IE no evidence of staples. In fact, a doctor will not be able to see your staples through an endoscopy for that reason. Just a friendly fyi! :-0)

Make sure to check for other signs of leakage. Non stop vomiting is one.. Do you have a fever? if unsure, make sure to check. Leakage can be fixed, but it is not something you want to wait on, as then it can be lethal. Better safe than sorry. Call your doc!

Did they require you to submit receipts?

Ok. I know there is no such thing as too good, nor am I trying to brag.. Believe it or not, I am a bit worried that something is wrong because nothing seems wrong.. if that makes sense, lol! today is exactly one week post op! As soon as I got out of surgery, I had almost no pain and was able to walk within 2 hours. Yes, I felt some pain on day 2 after I was released from the hospital, but it was really no worse than a hard day at the gym.. My doc also put me only on one week pre surgery liquid optimist and then put me on Clear liquids ONLY during the one day hospital stay. He put me on pureed foods literally the day I got back and for two weeks. So, I started reading these forums and, well, I don't seem to hear from anyone who has it like this? My food goes down great. I got a bit of gas/reflux on the first few days, but almost nothing now.. I have no problem ingesting my 64 oz of liquid. I try to sip and not gulp, just in case, but have no issues even gulping if i want to. I get my 60 g of Protein in via one shake in the am and 3 meals throughout the day (pureed tuna/chicken/salmon or greek yogurt).. I can easily eat the full 4 oz in 5 minutes, but take at least 15 or 20 min. I am not hungry and feel great with that, but i see so many complaining about difficulty eating and drinking... So, why am I worried? I don't know.. Did they really do the surgery right? No, I'm not hungry, but probably wouldn't after any surgery. Am I stretching my stomach by eating the 4 oz in 15 minutes? I did this in the hosptial also and asked my surgeon when he visited me if I can speed up my liquid intake, as the 200ml cups were killing me and it was a chore to take an hour to eat a few ounces of puree (meaning, i can eat it much faster).. I asked the surgeon if i can just eat and drink much faster than the diet calls for, although MUCH slower than I ever have ih my life. He laughed and said sure.. I need to hydrate and if there is no pain, drink the Water as it feels comfortable (ie a half glass at a time(. he said the same about the food! Can i stretch my stomach with this food? Many of you in here write YES, but the doctors i research say that stretching takes a long time of abuse and won't happen this easily. Many of you say if you eat soft foods this quickly, I am at risk of leakage? The doctor sites and such don't agree with that.. It's the healing and need to go slow, like a baby, but that pureed food on day 2 won't cause any issues. Anyone else agree? I do LOVE this site and this is my first post, but I also know that people like to talk about things that they aren't experts on (like "no... stop eating pureed food or you will cause a leak). So, love to hear your thoughts and anyone else that has had an easy go. By definition, I think people with troubles tend to post more than people with smooth sailing...... Also, love to hear from anyone who also went on soft foods as quickly as my doc told me to. Thanks!!!