TheGamer

I was 383 and was only required to do 2 weeks. I lost 30 pounds prior to surgery (15 of which I gained back in the 2 days I was in the hospital ). The first week was rough. By the second week I HATED shakes and actually called my doctor's office to see if I could just drink 3 of them rather than the 5 they wanted. I just wasn't hungry any more and the idea of forcing myself to drink them was UGH. My advice is if you're going to start early, start on a weekend or some time where you're able to just devote your time to getting used to the liquid diet. By the time I had done it for a week or so, I had it down to a science. If you're blending your own shakes, invest in the XS size storage containers ("100 calorie") to store pre measured powder and mix-ins so all you have to do is grab one of each and you're ready to go.

I second the tummy support pillow if you're a side sleeper. I actually set my pillows up like a horseshoe and slept in the middle. As long as I had support, I was good.

I just got back from my EGD to stretch the opening between my esophagus and pouch because of those. My advice is warm liquid and if you have a heating pad, place it on your chest to help calm the spasms. If you have a recliner or any way to sleep at an incline, do so because I ended up inhaling stomach acid during an attack. They ended up giving me a low dose (2.5mg) of Norvasc for off label use to relax the esophagus and it worked after a few days.

My weight's been inching down this week and it's driving me insane. Not an outright stall, but it's like my body's going "NYAH NYAH" at me

Yep, as motion sickness is really rooted in your inner ear, the stomach doesn't have much say in the matter.

I still get nauseated if I eat or drink anything cold. My new stomach hates it.

The only complication I was advised of when it comes to losing weight quickly (like most sleeve patients will - more than 2lbs a week) was that it can impact the gall bladder and lead to gallstones. I was given medicine to help keep this from happening my first 6 months.

Your stomach is going to be really sensitive, just remember that I don't really remember much of my two days in the hospital, only how amazing it was when I got to have broth! Take tiny sips, less than a tablespoon if that makes you uncomfortable. If anything, talk to your hospital staff and make sure that everything's okay.

The first day I got sleeved they didn't even let me drink. I was allowed ice chips only while in the hospital the first day, once an hour. I was on too many meds to really worry about it, though. My first day most of what I did was sleep and hurt. The sensation you feel is probably gas, so take something for it and see if it helps.

I did. I actually scrambled TWO of them thinking that it was gonna be no big deal. After all, I could eat four with no problem before surgery, amirite? I managed to eat about half of what I cooked but oh man was I full

My stall came with a weight gain, too. It was close to 3 pounds, I think? Since then I've had mostly loss, but occasionally I'll have a couple days where I don't lose, or a day where I put on a pound and take it right back off the next day. Bodies are strange >.>

I love making up some blueberry tea (Celestial Seasonings) and adding in frozen blueberries and a little splenda to a vanilla shake. It looks like you stuck a smurf in a blender and tastes delicious.

What kind are you taking that you'd call them yummy? I could use yummy ones. Mine are gross.

The thing that helped me most was focusing on why I was putting myself through the misery of two weeks with no "real" food. My surgeon was adamant that if they couldn't have clear/easy access to the stomach there would be no surgery and after a lifetime of being fat, there was no way I was going to do anything to risk it. If you're hungry, have something you're allowed to drink, like a shake. The first couple days are the worst, but the longer you do it and stick with it, the easier it's going to get. If you're not already exercising, use the lunch time as get away and walk time.

I get to have a second EGD on Friday to check for strictures at the opening to the stomach. I think it would be fascinating to watch, but I doubt they'd let me stay awake for it. I think they put everyone under as a rule just so people don't freak out.

If it's the one I'm thinking of (OnQ), it's basically a small, clear ball/pump that goes directly to the site of the surgery/incision. Small amounts of pain medication are dispensed directly at the site. It allows for pain control without the necessity of giving the entire body pain medication (ala hydrocodone), which generally leaves you more tired and less likely to be active immediately following surgery.

Start with something easy, like walking together. I still spend most of my down time in front of the computer. I'm never going to be one of these super active, workout all the time types, but I do make sure to walk more days than not.

Considering it takes me longer than 20 minutes to drink one, I hope not

You've got internal stitches, so that description isn't inaccurate. It's possible that you overstretched something and that's why you're feeling more pain than normal. If it gets worse, I'd call your doctor back.

Have they done another EGD? If you're unable to swallow soft or solid food, it's possible the opening to your stomach is too small.

This may seem kind of silly, but how much are you exercising? I find that the more I do it, the more energy I have. Really, post surgery other than sleep there's not anything food wise (which would previously have been something sugar and fat loaded) that will boost me.

That's going to depend on a lot of factors like your starting weight, height, how you're sticking to your plan, your metabolism, how much you exercise, etc. Ultimately, you're losing weight so yes, it's good

I wish I wasn't so familiar with my stomach acid this week

While acidic foods can irritate ulcers, it's a myth that they will cause them.

Yeah, carbonated drinks are a no go. If it's got bubbles, avoid it.