MsVeDub

Reading your story is like reading my own , I was sleeved Nov 13 , 2012 . I have lost about 54 lbs . Start weight 237 . I am exactly in the same senerio as you . Losing all this weight is a wonderful feeling , I also see some loose skin , I am ashamed to admit that I have not gone to the gym since my surgery , I am doing horrible with my water intake , I am lousy with my vitamins ( forget all the time) . I also have to commit to doing more on my part .

I was very worried about the fluids as well. It's funny, becasue I NEVER thought I could eat with out drinking. I also didn't "practice" before surgery. However, it is much easier than I ever thought. The first week or two I HAD to rinse my mouth out with water (and spit) after each meal. Now I make sure I wait 15 before and 15 after. Every once in awhile I will take a SMALL sip during but it's rare. My biggest issue is "sludge food" meaning food with no real nutrients. I have days where all I want to do is pick at it...then I have days where I go all day and realize all i have had to "eat" was a protein shake. It's like anything else....practice makes perfect. It's not easy...but it's not nearly as hard as I thought it would be. As for the vitamins, it becomes second nature. Again, I had the same worry. As for soda. I had one sip and two things happened. One, I HATED the taste and Two, the bubbles made me feel horrible. You will be very surprised to see how much your taste buds change after surgery. I was a smoker and I am still surprised at things I thought I would still like and can't stand. The BIGGEST issue for me was protein. Before surgery I could handle Whey....after surgery I gagged every time I tasted it...no matter how small amount. I was lucky and found Lean Shake (chocolate) from GNC. They are a little pricy but so worth it (at least for me). I have not heard good things about the other flavors but everyone is different.
Just remember that no matter how much you learn in class...you will learn so MUCH more once you come home from surgery. FYI, don't try to get all your protein in the first week or two after surgery...if you can that's great...however, most people can't. Focus more on getting your liquids in so you don't end up back in the ER for dehydration. I found sipping from a 1 ounce cup was good for me as it helped me see exactly how much I was getting in. Also, I got so sugar free Popsicles and they really helped.
Sorry for the book. If you have any questions, please in box me or ask on here. I will try to answer them. I am not perfect but I have been working on doing it right. Since April 12th, I've lost 120lbs...so I'm not complaining. One last thing...all those fears are normal but keep this in mind. I have NEVER regretted my decision....even the first few weeks after when you're full of gas and in pain....once you see the numbers going down, you don't care how much pain you went through....just don't forget that pain and the work you will have to do or you can end up sabotaging yourself. Good luck

It very well could be. You know those éclairs that the grocery store has - the ones at the bakery? They come in a plastic container w/ about 5 large ones? Ya - they are also tasteless. Well, when I am having a bad day or an emotional one - I find myself at the grocery store - buying them - eating them in the car on the way home - then throwing the box away before going inside – then becoming upset that I ate them all. I have done this about 20+ times in the last 19 years. It wasn't until I was in therapy that I realized it was a connection to my mom. When I was younger, we used to go to a real bakery, and she would share an éclair with me. I guess it was my way of re-connecting with her subconsciously.

Way to go! Working out more will help you see the results you want quicker. Another thought - do you work in an office building? Can you take a few flight of steps a few times a day? I used to do that before. I would go up and down as many times as I could. It's a little at a time, but it adds up before you know it.
Keep up the great work. You will get there in time.

It very well could be. You know those éclairs that the grocery store has - the ones at the bakery? They come in a plastic container w/ about 5 large ones? Ya - they are also tasteless. Well, when I am having a bad day or an emotional one - I find myself at the grocery store - buying them - eating them in the car on the way home - then throwing the box away before going inside – then becoming upset that I ate them all. I have done this about 20+ times in the last 19 years. It wasn't until I was in therapy that I realized it was a connection to my mom. When I was younger, we used to go to a real bakery, and she would share an éclair with me. I guess it was my way of re-connecting with her subconsciously.