TwinsMama

Congrats!!

The Nurse at my Drs office who had surgery (she also helps with the surgeries), said she keeps Water near her (mini bottles if need be - the 8 oz ones) and a Protein shake. She is years out but she said she would rather get her protein than try to worry about a "balanced" meal. Hope this helps, I work at a desk (though some times I don't get to sit here much). So I'm not able to give too much advice about this.

My Dr told me chewable or sublingual (?sp). I did that for all of 5 weeks then switched to a pill I could swallow. My taste buds changed so much I haven't found any I like that are chewable or liquid. Also, don't forget to take them at least 2 hours after your multi.

If physically your body is telling you to stop please stop. I never feel empty once I've taken a few bites. It could be acid or you're eating too fast. I felt this before I could take my ppi. My acid levels were crazy. I also experience this when I eat too fast. I'll get this rock in the throat feeling but know I'm not yet at the satisfied (not full) stage of eating. I usually just stop eating and let it pass. So far I haven't passed out from it. I'd say stick to what feels like fullness.

Wow, you look amazing! Now you have to tell us your workout routine because you look so completely toned up.

I feel you. I had to start making myself drink at least 10 oz. before I got out of the bed. I literally sit and drink the oz on the side of my bed and then get up and get ready. The AM I didn't do that, the whole day it seemed I was dying of thirst. I've gotten it down to 10 min to get the oz in. Maybe try that. It might give you a bit of a jump start. Also, if you're drinking tea and/or coffee they could be helping you not retain your fluids. Same with salty foods.

I disagree a bit with this. I had a real life (one of my best friends in the world) example and even with all the years (3 from start to finish) of research I did, still it was a surprise just how involved this process is. I think we all think well, it won't be so bad, until you're in the thick of it. But you're right, as we keep at it, it will be much easier.

Sue, your suggestions are great. I've found that by adding calendar reminders on my work computer and phone, I don't have to remember when I last took my vitamins. I get a prompt and then take them. Easier for me to do it this way.

I was still in the hospital due to complications. If you can set up a sub just in case, I'd recommend that. This coming from someone who other than excess weight, had a clean bill of health (no co-morbs) prior to surgery. You just never know.

Thank you all so much for the information and resources. This has been quite a mind-shift. Normally I'm just happy to lose any weight, now to actually have a target is quite fun. I like the idea of shooting for my Drs goal and then reevaluating once there. Yes, I hadn't thought about how I might lose my curves if I drop too much, so I'll be considering that too!

The first surgeon I was going to use (ending up switching due to his long waiting list) said flat out in the seminar...no offense to any Nuts out there but the way you tell Americans to eat is flat out wrong, you're helping keep America fat. When he said that you instantly knew who the Nuts were. He said do what they tell you to do to qualify. However once you get sent to me, we're doing things my way. I really liked his style! The point is, they are going to tell you what the standards are and are not going to deviate from it. It is a special Nut that actually understands the true dietary requirements for post-ops. The surgical team I chose has a Nut on their staff, she specializes in bariatric surgery nutrition. She's great!

Be careful with this. Since you're still healing you could still have some sensation loss that while may make you feel you have room, you really don't. I would say try to measure your food if you can. Last thing you want to do is stress your sleeve.

Girl...I just want to hug you. Yes, my friend that went RnY 3 years ago, went through this. She didn't have anyone going before her that she could talk to about this stuff. I sat back and watched her so I saw all the pills, the frustration when eating, the constant liquids. But, still it is NOT the same until you go through it. So even if your friends had told you, they may not have truly been able to get it through...if that makes sense? The thing to remember is that we are still in the building/forming habits stage. At 3 years out, my friend has her vitamin routine down so much that she doesn't even have to remember them, it just comes natural to her. We'll get there too. We just have to keep forming those habits. Also, even with a 1/2 cup of food at a time, at some point our food will provide much more satiety so you will probably get back regular (which was a surprise to me because pre-op I was VERY regular). As of today I'm getting back to regular so I'm happy and eating more solids, I don't really feel like I'm missing out on eating.

We talked about this in our support group last night. It might not be the glue but it sure is part of it. Everything we do involves food to some extent. People don't realize we can still eat just not what/how we used to. Once they actually see you eating they may relax a bit.

Oh yeah that would make me mad. Not sure why she would say that, could she be jealous that you'll start being the healthy eating "go-to/guru" instead of her? Even though she may be known for healthy eating, once you get the sleeve you (generally speaking) become really attentive to healthy eating and exercise. Maybe deep down other sleevers have made her feel not so great about her food choices and she fears you'll do that too.

Congrats!

I have not been able to do Protein shakes since surgery. Anything with whey, soy, and even the veggie ones is a no go. I found some CLIFF bars that I can actually do. They are 20g protein but high carbs (like 30g). I was so low on protein that I decided that was better than nothing. Yesterday I made 55g of protein and felt great, slept better than I have since surgery. This at 6 weeks out. Today I'll probably get to 58g which is great. I just have to do lots of protein rich foods.

Awww, many of us feel that way in the beginning. Don't stress about having someone take care of you. This part is temporary and obviously they don't mind doing it. Your son is a sweetie by the way! Take your time. I didn't feel remotely able to get comfortable for weeks (I had complications though). But some others seem to do good as soon as 2-3 days. We're all different but just know this will pass. I hated hearing that as a new post-op, but it is true. Keep trying to walk (also hated hearing that) because it does help you heal. Hugs to you and hope you feel better soon!

I literally just gulped water down (trying not to spit it out)...oh the pain in my chest. But man that is hilarious!!

I can't speak as someone at goal/maintenance but I can tell you this about me...I spent years counting carbs, or calories, or meals, or steps. Now, I still do the same but I'm much healthier doing it and the weight (with the same attention to detail) will stay off. Most of us realize this is a lifelong battle, so we resign ourselves to continue to monitor these things. I know for life I'll need to watch my weight. It's my thing. Just like some other people have to watch their spending habits, drinking, or gambling. I do see posts where people want to diet because they've gained weight back. The one thing I've noticed is that for the most part, their "diet" is really getting back to the sleeve basics. So not really a diet, just more of a restart. I'll let the Vets weigh in, but certainly on this side of surgery it seems people are much more purposeful with their healthy lifestyle choices.

In speaking with my Dr I could possibly be at goal at about 175 lbs. I on the other hand would like to get down to 150 lbs. (probably because I'm familiar with myself at that size). I'm having a hard time trying to figure out which should be my goal weight. How did everyone determine theirs? As an FYI, I'm roughly 5'11" and hourglass shaped (not sure if that matters). I've been as low as 140 lbs. although that was in college (before twins). Any suggestions on how to figure out a goal would be good.

I've seen this before, they'll probably want to do more tests. Doesn't mean you won't get approved, they'll just try to manage if you do have a heart condition.

Oh, good for you! I have fat arms (even when I was thin) so I'm looking forward to the smaller arms and wearing cute shirts that actually fit my body AND my arms. Enjoy your success!

Quote of the day! I'm adopting this one!

That's funny, I've heard so many things that Drs say sleevers don't do: dump, get hungry, etc. So far I have been hungry and yes I dump. I haven't even wanted to try sugary sweets because I dump with things that are naturally sweet tasting. I can't imagine with real sweets. I can't even drink crystal light...I got so sick after trying one that I used to think was bitter. Just goes to show that everyone is different.