Satchel

I am almost afraid to ask this, so try not to laugh, as I have just begun to do an Internet search, but since my sleeve surgery (I am beginning my 4th week out), I have not had a sensation to urinate. I will just realize that I have not gone to the restroom in awhile and try to go, with no problem at all. I am hoping this is not surgery related and that my kidneys will function as normal, including the sensation. I am praying it is nothing serious. I also start my pureed food stage today.

I would agree. Many people cannot look past appearances to see who you really are. You may have colleagues who have had a bit of jealousy anyway, and now with your weight loss, it makes it even more difficult for them to respond to you. Just be who you are, say thank you, and go about your business, with a smile.

I have not gotten one yet, but my nutritionist said that the doctor will give me one.

I asked the same question of my doctor, and was told that you would begin to feel pain. The causes might be drinking big gulps instead of sipping slowly, and eating things too early on.

I am two weeks out. I am looking forward to pureed foods next. There is a light at the end of the tunnel. Have lost 28 pounds so far and am happy about that.

Did you substitute anything for the Protein Shakes? I have a difficult time with them and know that I am not getting the protein I need to heal. I am 2 weeks out.

It gives you something to look forward to, besides a slim body!

These are the names of the cookbooks referenced in my surgeon's "Patient's Education Booklet." 1. recipes for Life After Weight-Loss Surgery, by Margaret M. Furtado 2. Eating Well After Weight Loss Surgery, by Patt Levine and Michele Bontempo-Saray 3. Before and After - Living and Eating Well After Weight-Loss Surgery, by Susan Maria Leach This cookbook I ran across on amazon.com when ordering the other cookbooks: 4. Weight Loss Surgery Cookbook for Dummies, by Brian K. Davidson This cookbook, I just ordered: 5. Cooking with Kaye: Methods to Meals Protein First Recipes You Will Love, by Kaye Bailey She also has a pocket diet journal on her website. She is also on Pinterest. Right now, these delicious sounding recipes are to look forward to. My husband even wants to try them. The first four books appear to use common ingredients which I like. Not sure about the 5th one, as I have not received it yet.

I am 55 and after being on 3 blood pressure medications and still could not control it, I knew I really had no choice, especially since I am going to be a new grandma in May. I purchased the book Successful Weight Loss with the Gastric Sleeve by Guillermo Alvarez, M.D. and The Sleeved Life by Pennie Nicola. Found both to be very helpful in this journey. They are both available on Kindle, as well. My concern has always been, will I be able to eat foods like people with normal stomachs!? Eating healthier and in moderation was the theme I heard most often, My surgeon provided a booklet that had websites to visit and cookbooks to try once we are able to eat solid foods. I ordered all of them! Just got them today and they look wonderful. My husband is a better cook than I and said he was willing to try out the recipes, as well. I cannot wait to try them. If you are interested, I will give you the names of the cookbooks. I, too am concerned about the flabby skin, but I hope to have it removed, when the time is right. I need to get crackin' on exercise, as well. Blessings to you in your journey.

Thanks, everyone! Yes, it is amazing how each surgeon is so different. I know mine would say this is all part of the healing process. And I do agree that this is just a very brief moment in time that leads to greater rewards later. Thanks again!

Not having had "food" for three weeks (two pre-op and one post-op), and have three weeks left of a liquid diet, I am getting very discouraged. I know that I am not getting my 800 calories in each day, but time passes so quickly and then I realize I have not "eaten" anything for too long of a time period. I can hardly stand the shakes, drinks, yogurt, etc. I have my first post-op appointment with my doctor on Monday, so I hope to get some good advice from him. Three more weeks, though, before pureed foods. Is it okay to drink herbal teas, or green tea?

Is the chewing 30 times per bite, waiting 5 minutes between each bite, a temporary thing, or as time goes on, you do not have to chew to a pureed texture?

I thought about using a pillow, as well. Thank you, all, for your quick responses.

I hope this question isn't too corny, but I am a side sleeper. Is it harmful to sleep on your side early out of surgery?

I am 3 days out, and I, too experienced (still experiencing, yet lessened) the "gas" pains between my shoulder blades, and excruciating pain in my left shoulder. I was told to "walk it out" to get the system moving and to drink plenty of fluids. It should subside eventually. It takes longer for some and less time for others. I also purchased a heating pad from amazon.com that is specific for your shoulders and upper back. It works great.

So happy for you, too! I lost 16.4 lbs., however, was required a two week pre-op diet. My surgery is scheduled for 8am. God's blessings to you!

Just found out the time I should arrive at the hospital tomorrow morning. The pre-op diet was not good for me and I am sure I did not get even the caloric intake I was supposed to get, but I am trying my hardest to get in the liquids today. I wish I could get over the fear that I will not be able to eat out with my friends anymore. I know this is ridiculous. I keep reading all the positive stories on the forum, and replies to my own posts have been wonderful and supportive. I guess because I have felt such hunger pains since Dec. 28, it is easy for your mind to play tricks on you. A close friend of mine told me that she did not have to follow a pre-liquid diet at all. So glad I did not know that earlier! Regardless, the day has finally arrived. God is good and He will see me through. Thank you all for your continued support!

My system is not taking kindly to the pre-op diet. My family doctor said my system is rebelling. Great. I cannot tolerate the shakes at all, so I try to get a few sips, and was told to have Greek Yogurt and drink milk, and attempt to get at least one shake in. Tomorrow I start the clear liquid diet, and Friday is my surgery. I will try and not fear about the post-op diet. The positive list of things loved about the sleeve helps me to look to the future, and that this, too, shall pass.

Good to know. Thank you for your responses!

How long did it take before you were give the okay to drive again, or was it primarily when you were given the okay to go back to work?

I have been on my pre-op liquid diet for one week and have one more week to go before my surgery date of January 11. I can hardly tolerate the protein shakes anymore, and am worried about the 4 weeks of them after surgery! Why do I feel so listless and worn out? I have been trying to think positively, having lost 11 pounds so far, but I thought by now I would be used to the shakes. I can have lettuce salads, sugar-free jello, low-sodium broth, and yogurt, which I include throughout the day, but just the thought of the shakes . . . I have to psych myself up to drink them. Any thoughts?

I have not read all the replies just yet, but try low-fat soy milk. I bought both regular skim milk and low-fat soy milk, just in case, as my surgeon said this often happens to people, especially since you are drinking it every day, and may not be aware of being lactose intolerant. I found that I do like the soy milk better, and have less stomach upset. Hope that helps.

I feel the same way, listless and no energy. I think the whole liquid diet thing was a shock to my system! I do make sure that I consume what is on the list and spaced out well. That helps. I do know that I need to drink more water, as well.

Mine is scheduled for January 11th.

My surgery is scheduled for January 11th. Getting nervous, but I have read and heard so many positive things about having this surgery which is keeping me going. Started my liquid diet this weekend, and I have to admit that I found myself more anxious about that, feeling as though I would never be able to eat again. I know that is ridiculous. Must be my emotions talking. 2013 will be our year, January Sleevers!