MsLissa12

How far out are you? and when did you notice symptoms of leaking? I keep thiking I'm either going to stretch my new stomach out and stay fat, or pop a staple. My surgeon assured me that it's not likely, but a common fear when starting solids. I love that I'm onto trying real food, but scared that I will tolerate the wrong things and defeat the purpose. Mentally I know better, the foods are better, but portion is a big factor. I'm really trying to slow it down and wait for my stomach/brain to sync up. 80% mental they say...i do believe it's MAKING me mental!!!

I was going into my surgery with confidence that post op would be painful, but the weeks to follow the sleeve would help to limit my ability to over eat. I'm starting on my solid foods and am having a difficult time judging my portions. At first it was easy, as I could only tolerate 2-4 "bites" of anything. Recently at table sittings I've noticed that I can/will eat almost the entire meal...which then mentally says i've over eaten and should have slowed down...HELP ME SOMEONE!!!! I"ve followed the "deck of cards" rules and the counting of the oz's. I still feel like i'm over eating!!! When does my brain finally catch up to my stomach to tell it to relax and get over the idea of smaller portions?!! UGH! I'm still sketchy about real foods since i'm paranoid of leaking. It's like my body is tolerating many things it shouldn't be right now...or am I forcing it too soon? I can tolerate rice just fine, and some pastas...toasted bread (no rolls/buns). Yes, I know that carbs are evil and I'm trying to move away from them. So, 4oz. of protein (chick/pork/turkey) and then my 1/2 c veggies...when do i fit the protein shakes in? Or do I wean away from them? Do I ever stop taking the protein drinks? CONFUUUUSEDDD!!!!

there are many many sites that have good recipes. This site has a forum for just recipes that others have tried/posted. It's on the forums HOME tab...FOOD/NUTRITION and there's an entry for just recipes. I have looked online just by searching "post VSG surgery recipes/diet" I've found quite a few good ones as I am recently starting solids.

the "loss" i'm seeing is almost the same as when my hair was long all the time...it's thick and full, just wanted to know if i'm starting to lose or if it's normal. thanks ladies. i will keep an eye on it.

Protein shakes are hard to just start at first...especially if you're not used to them. I started slow w/them. Try the ATKIN'S kind, 1g sugar 2g carbs and not too bad on the palate. Carnation instant breakfast w/FF skim milk works too, but has high carbs. At wk 2/3 i moved to Myoplex lite...not too bad, and tolerable for the next phase. You might have introduced too strong too soon, or the wrong kind. My surgeon has suggested brands, and only one worked for me. I found the ATKIN'S by chance, and tried it b/c it's low sugar/carb. good over ice.

totally agree!! I have no regrets so far. I had my VSG one week before CHRISTMAS!! What was i THINKING??!! LOL I had all liquids for the holidays, but ate everything i knew i'd be giving up to be happier with myself and my health. My New Year started with the VSG and is my restart to my life. My kids will be my universe and we will all be healthy. I haven't gained any, but I try to stay off the scale. it can be discouraging...my weight loss seems so minimal compared to people here. But i'm losing inches, and as long as the clothes fit i'm good.

Protein helps. I started my full liquids w/a "starter" protein shake - Carnation Breakfast Drink packets come in multi flavor, arent' too thick, taste decent and have lower carb/sugar. It's thick enough to make you feel full and hold you until your next meal time...Jello Sugar Free pudding is also a thicker consistency to help make you feel fuller. It was trial/error for my first 2wks on full liquids.

welcome Sweetie...lots of people here w/great advise/tips. Came to a great place to find friends. i'm new, only 6wks post. Are you getting anxious yet? I couldn't WAIT to get mine done!

I know someone who also had significant hair loss post, but she wasn't taking her vitamins/supplements either. I am concerned w/what constitutes as "hair loss"?? I had short hair, have let it grow out, and now with medium length hair, i've noticed more coming out at shampooing/conditioning rather than brushing. Should I be concerned?

Agreed. the Scale is just plain EEEEE-- VILLE!!! (EVIL!)

I'm only 6wks out...just starting out on my "solids" although my purees/soft foods blended together like solids! I have been craving some Pringles and Cheetos cheese Puffs (they practically MELT in your mouth! lol) but I'm so new to solids I haven't dared try chips to derail my retrained brain! I'm sure the only real danger at 17wks is the sodium/fat and possible carb intake. Enjoy every bite and dont' make it a habit, you should be ok![

i'm on the track, but the tunnel is nowhere in sight!!! lol it is a daily thing, every day is different. I'm having a hard time w/my changing taste buds. What used to be tolerated and good sometimes is awful and undigestable. Example? Applesauce. I used to eat the natural unsweet MOTT'S applesauce daily. Post op, wk3 I tried, it tasted weird and texture was ick! I just gave up and stuck to jello! I have reverted to my week 2/3 stage foods just to be able to eat/stomach some substanence! Sigh...it's a long road, but i'm on the wagon rolling along...keep your chin up and don't be afraid to take it slow. You have to go at your own body's pace (and tastes!) You're going to find your way, i know i'm still looking!

It's good that you're actually feeling hungry!!! I"m 6wks out and it took me about 12 days before i really felt the tummy growl of hunger. Don't get depressed, find a protein shake/drink that makes you feel full. And caution yourself when you're feeling that hunger pang! It will/can cause you to eat too fast and hurt!!! Take it slow, and believe me, the protein filler WORKS! I"m a lifelong foodie and love the smell/idea of good food, and it helped me to feel full. You will be chewing your mushies before long...just hang in there (P.S. My jello was my chewie first food)

it took me a long time to get used to the liquid idea. I started with carnation breakfast and fat free skim milk...2 drinks at a time...worked my way up from there, still having a struggle w/my daily water. I'm always full feeling, or before I remember no drinking after eating, i have already eaten and have to wait!! >.< Now, I"m trying to remember to drink my water BEFORE my meals, and then another round of water 20min AFTER. it's a learning process for everyone...have faith and keep trying!!

First and foremost, welcome to the board! I'm 6wks out of VSG surgery. I had severe acid reflux prior to my surgery decision, and while I was being sleeved, my surgeon also removed my hiatal hernia. I used to have reflux/gerd with almost anything i ate, and yes, i too forcefully was a purger after binging or eating guilty foods...it was normal for me after awhile. I'm guessing that contributed to the acid production?? I have virtually NO REFLUX issues now! And that's even trying spicy foods!!! Maybe it's a reflux issue and not a gastric one?

My surgeon's office contacted me with my initial f/u appt. before my surgery. They then called me 24hrs after going home to check on me and then reminded me of my f/u date/time. His office is awesome and really take the time to discuss any issues/problems. I didn't have a drain, and i've seen that quite a few people have...I'm not familiar with what it's for and/or why only certain procedures get one...

mine was about 3wks

when I was first post op, most of the protein shakes and milk drinks had high carbs, but they were my only intake for 2weeks. Then it was low carb/no carb if possible. Protein intake first, then veggies/fruit. I'm usually too full to make all the veggies/fruit. Carb count EVERYTHING including fruit and veggies...some have high carb!!

you guys are making me feel a whole lot better!!!! I've been DYING for a soda. I'm just at 6wks post op and for sure it's a HUGE no-no...and the other thing that hit me recently...PRINGLES CHIPS!! I'm a chip person, but have moved away from the "chip habit" about 2yrs ago...I'm not a big soda drinker either, but I think it's due to not being able to have it, and my over whelming "need" to belch after eating to rid the GI of excess air...i've not had a sip of soda or not one potato chip (or cheeto cheese puff) P.S. I would choose PEPSI MAX if I could have soda (or PEPSI NEXT)

With liquid i found it to be like overfilling the glass if poured too fast...drink too fast, feel the pain going down in a "lump" or feeling the physical liquid "sitting" at the top of my throat - all signs of being OVER full... everyone is different GOOD LUCK LADIES!

I'm at 6wks post and have been working of when do i feel full this last month. There are keys to noticing your body telling you when you've eaten enough, when you've over eaten (pain and over full feeling) and when to stop. My surgeon suggested that the question after every few bites should be "Have I eaten enough?" not "Did I over eat?" it has taken me time to know what that meant. I find that when I'm eating too fast, I feel the need to breathe deeply. At this point I have to put the fork/spoon down and stop. Ask myself the question, and if I pick up the utensil to eat and find myself breathing deeply, I'm full...ALMOST to the point of over eating. I'm finding it easier to stop sooner each meal, but really struggle when i'm feeling super hungry.

My insurance didn't cover due to our company being less than 100 employees, plus I have a high deductible. I found a surgeon that had the self-pay option, and it wasn't too bad, 13K total...now the pre-op stuff was billed and subjected to my deductible, which i'm still partially responsible for, but most of the procedures were not too expensive. what state are you in? really look for a specific BARIATRIC surgeon, and not settle for a general surgeon...far less complications w/a specialist. I hope you find someone who can meet your needs! Best of luck to you!

i can't WAIT to be able to saunter passed the PLUS SIZE women and women's section and even to step foot NEAR a mall again! I've waited far too long to start this journey back into skinny ANYTHING! I still have my much loved size 11 skinny jeans from former weight loss...looking forward to trying them again. I've loved the fashion styles and just couldn't ever find the style for me or to fit me...spent alot of my 20's in "old lady" clothes b/c of my weight and height. I'm on the wagon now and loving the ride!

Nope. Good ol' Southern gal here...weight has always kept me from shopping "off the rack" and therefore hindered my desire to shop. Looking forward to doing some shopping as the lb's shed right off!!! I had medical issues due to weight and of course family history risks too, but mostly i wanted to look good and FEEL good aobut MYSELF. Vanity or not, i'm in it!

Hey MoreganK!! You're ticker shows some awesome progress!!!