mysleevemylife

Ok. Rules are SOMETIMES meant to be broken. So, Here's the deal. I am 2 weeks post op today. I am one of those who had zero issues and had a smooth ride from recovery room to date!! This post is not intended to mean I am sure I will have a long term good go at this! It also doesn't address the future, but really ONLY the many threads that I have read regarding the preo op and post op liquid diets and the Pre and post few weeks Do's and Dont's!
I have read almost every post on here before and after surgery, lol. Here is the point that I will explain. Your/Our obsession over following diet rules is what got us here in the first place.. isn't it?? I mean, it's great to have black and white rules.. Do's and Don's. can and cant's.. That's why we were ALL great on Atkins (remember the carb counting obsession), and South Beach (remember how carefully we chose the meals), weight watchers, low cal, grapefruit, slimfast , yada yada yada......RIGHT?
Sure, it worked. THEN WE WENT OFF THE WAGON and got sick of the rules and restrictions and put weight back on (and then some).... That's because it was a DIET.. Why do so many of you do that on here? I'm not judging, but trying to help! Yes, it's easier for me, since I have had no issues. I come from a strong medical family (i had bio as a minor,4 docs and 2 nurses in immed family) and I always love to understand WHY the rules are in place. If something doesn't make sense, I want to know why and not just follow a rule because it was put out there.
My surgeon told me that "rules" are on here for the lower end of reaction spectrum. meaning, many need not follow them, but since 30%, for ex, will have issues with some things, they want to make a general rule......
As EVERYONE says on here, as well as EVERY doc, ALL OF US ARE DIFFERENT! We heal differently, We tolerate pain differently, foods differently, weight loss differently, etc..... EVERY SINGLE ONE So, the rules need not be applied to the T!
Now, as a caveat and from feedback so far on this post, this is not an excuse to eat junk NOR stay on bad habits. I don't mean to enable anyone. here is what BUTTERTHEBEAN wrote:
"The only reason I say "enabling" is because I think there are some people waiting in the wings to hear someone tell them it's okay to eat whatever they want. They haven't tackled their food addictions and they are hoping for "permission" to go back to their old ways. I know there are some that can learn to eat "all things in moderation." I have no problem with that. For me, I chose to embrace my inner health nut. It's not fear or weakness or lack of self control...it's the desire to live a long, healthy and active life. I'm not depriving myself, or sacrifing. The things I'm doing and the life I'm leading now feel way better than eating pizza and cupcakes ever did (even in moderation). By that I mean that food did not give me pleasure (never did, I just thought it did), so I no longer look to food to satisfy my needs, except nutritionally."
Ok... Back to the post. Specifically, here is what I have had debunked by my brother (Anesthesiologist for bariatric), My mom (nurse and nutritionist), my bro's good friend and bariatric surgeon, and my surgeon..........
* Yes, the liquid PRE OP diet is not to be messed with. It sucked, but we need the liver to be soft and looking like liver in a supermarket. That will happen in most cases with one week.. Many docs do one week only and many do 2 weeks..... So, if you have a 2 week doc, don't worry if you cheat a little and wants some low calorie food.. It's OK!! have the Soup... etc. I didn't cheat as mine was only a week and I did not want to have a lifetime of liver issues if it was frail and broke a bit/injured while being moved for my surgery....
* Most docs on here POST OP put you on liquids for 2 weeks.. Why?? NOTHING medical. Really? Many docs, including mine, put me on Clear Liquids only day 1 in the hospital and then put me instantly on pureed foods (tuna salad, chicken salad, egg salad, greek yogurts, ricotta cheese, etc).. Yes. DAY 2! He does this for EVERY patient.. He has had NO MORE COMPLICATIONS than anyone else ever.... It is NOT true that eating this will cause a leak.. It can't get caught in you stitches, lol, as they are on the outside and you can't see them even in your stomach.. The ONLY risk is a)that you eat way too much and thus can cause leaks, so don't do that. and that is WAY too much. Meaning you go out of your way to test the limits. As any surgeon will tell you, stretching the stomach to break the staples is no easy task.... easy enough to follow that rule .. and the risk is that you get nauseated.. Ok.. we are all different. Some take 90 minutes the first time they eat to get down 4 oz of chicken salad.. I didn't . I got it down in 15 min and could have done it in 5..... But the point is, listen to your body. start slowly and if you tolerate it, then screw the rules.....
What does this mean? It means so what if you doc put you on 2 week post liquid. That is soo hard.. so, do it mostly, but don't obsess about cheating. have a friggin plate of tuna salad.. It will taste yummy.. Add some great yogurt. If you can handle it, you are good to go! I did.. They also want you on this liquid to max your weight loss for motivation up front? do you really need that?? I don't care if it takes me 1 more week than you to hit the same goal? Frankly, I decided to keep my calories around 800ish anyway for my first 2 weeks. It was a little hard, but nothing like your liquid nightmare and i lost as much weight... I'm now on 1200 cal full diet plan (less hard carbs and hard veggies) as of last night.
I've heard people say they are craving one Dorito chip.. Then the advice replies were "lick the cheese off" or "take a bit and spit it out...." LOL. Really? This is your diet/lifestyle for the rest of your life. HAVE A CHIP.. See if you get a lot of gas.. Chew it well.. If not problem, then enjoy the one chip. You got here because you at a half bag . One or three chips won't kill you! You need to find a way to eat what you will do.. The docs want you to build your healthy habits now.
*The first year is where you get your max weight loss- Ok. For sure,, so, as noted, build your healthy habits now.. but make it last. So, if I want a Dorito chip. I have one or two.. On my pureed phase, my kids had pretzels at a game. I took 2 small ones....I had a qtr of his hotdog meat.. The point is, if we can seriously lower the number of calories we eat (which, for me, they figured i was eating between 3500-4000 per day and needed to be at 2400 or so.. Now, with 1200, which believe me, with the sleeve is a mini feast, I will be eating half the amount and will lose a lot of weight. So, yes, build good eating habits and i'm working on good food choices that I can live with! Can I eat white bread. Damn right?should I// nO?? it's a waste of calories and spikes your sugar and appetite. But, I sure will if i want a hamburger or great sandwich. A month ago i would have had 2 cheeseburgers and 2 hotdogs at a bbq. .So, guess what, i'll lose weight. Can't make it a daily thing.. But, again, stop obsessing..
*Eating and drinking slowly eating- well, you don't HAVE to eat slowly, but as we have been told our whole lives, eat slowly so that when you are really full, you know it! Also, you need to see what your bod can tolerate and if you eat too quickly, you may not have realized you were about to puke. If you can tolerate it, you can eat and drink quicker than others, but not a good idea for reasons mentioned. so work on it, but don't obsess.. At the hospital, they told me I had to drink in in little tiny medical cups a few cc evry 20 min. I laughed, as Water went down easily in recovery even. ALL NURSES TOLD ME NO. When I saw my doc, i asked why I can't just drink as I can tolerate it at home and get my 64 oz is. HE said dont' chug, but do whatever you can do without discomfort. So, 8 oz bottle of Water went down in 5 minutes... etc....
*Chewing your food- ALL true... We have that banana sized stomach.. So, the doughy breads, and stringy veggies and large pieces of non chewed enough food INDEED often get stuck! Not stuck like a lap band, but rather, they move toward the pyloric valve and are too big to pass through it, since there isn't as much acid, etc in your stomach and, well, the route to the valve is now MUCH shorter.. So, it sits in front of it and as soon as the next item goes there, it waits in line. your body puts out gas and then knows there is a problem, so will signal you to vomit it up. not fun... So, chew! All true! Also makes us take longer to eat and thus enjoy the tastes more than ever and have the full signal sent to our brain while we are still eating or pretty close to that!
*Caffein is bad... Ok. Google whether it's an appetite suppressant or stimulant.. It's hysterical.. You'll get equal replies from GREAT sources that say the opposite. I WANT my one cup a day. I'm not an addict. I asked. I am now sipping on my first REAL one. It is indeed a diuretic for some. So, drink a half cup more water than a day! If you feel it makes you hungry after you have it and you don't want to hold back, then stop the coffee.. It doesn't for me. It does for some... But what will you be doing in a year from now??/ There is NO medical reason why you can't have caffein after a few weeks
*ALCOHOL is a no no for 2 months. NONSENSE.. Again, just there so we don't put empty calories. BUT what if I WANT one drink or two on a date tonight?? I am told, go for it, but just know you will have ingested 400 wasted calories. Ok. I get it, but I WILL drink in my life, although never drank a ton and that was not the cause of most of my weight.. Watch the calories and don't do it twice most weeks.. Or if you will, then cut back a bit on your Snacks, etc. Anyway, looking forward to a martini with my date tomorrow at dinner.. Oh, most people on here for a while, will tell you since there is less food to bind with alcohol, it goes into your intestines/blood stream much quicker and you get a nice buzz faster with less! way cool!
* Most other rules and comments on here are just not universal and again, if you feel the NEED to cheat, then well, cheat! How can it be cheating if this will be your new life! WOrk hard at right food choices and don't make this soooo hard. The harder you make it, the more YOU WILL revolt and end up going off the wagon like the good old days... Since I have had no pain, etc and pretty much eat what I wanted (and cheated on my puree period even), I feel this is just toooo easy. I hear so many of you struggling (not because you have pain, but because you want to break a rul) and so many of you "supporting them" to stay strong, that I just wanted to add this post! Also, again, much of the medical advice that our well meaning friends on here provide, just isn't true. Sorry, but it isnt.
I hope this helps some of you enjoy your Pre and Post diets much more than you may be now!
Best, my friends!

Heartfelt congratulations! What an inspiration.
BTW, I have seen those Pinterest canning jar salads--but the one I saw requires using a food Saver to keep the salads fresh. Can you actually just put them in a canning jar and seal them up? Any other tips?

Well, actually, I plan to try a hamburger one day. I will get the small/regular size cheeseburger & hope that I can tolerate the bread since I've not incorporated it into my meals yet. I thought to myself..."hmmm....Will you want to try a french fry??" But, I just don't even think that a french fry sounds good at all. I just think of grease. Cheeseburgers were one of my fav foods to eat before surg & I plan to treat myself to one or portion of one every now & then in the future. I think I'll try the Jr. Whopper. Yummy!

This seems harsh and passive agressive to me. (Not what VST is supposed to be about.) In my opinion, why post at all if it's not constructive? Better to just leave it alone and move on to a different topic that you can add value to.

Hey Amazon... don't sound so offended. Really. I was just saying what is true for me. I had surgery, I've lost 60 pounds in 3 months, I am just being honest about my day. And yes, it was completely possible for me to eat a burger. No need to be "unsure" about anything. No need for congratulations... It's just my story... Glad you aren't tempted by fast foods!!!

Lol! I have been DYING for a cheeseburger today. Have no idea why. Just wanting a cheeseburger. Your post made me smile. I didn't get one because I still have trouble eating ANY bread and when I eat that dang cheeseburger, I want it on a bun! Don't beat yourself up too bad. Ya just need a burger every once in a while and think of all the Protein in that meat patty!

WELCOME!! :-)

CONGRATS!!! PROMISE YOURSELF THAT YOU WILL BE PATIENT WITH YOUR BODY & THAT YOU WON'T GIVE UP. BEST WISHES ON YOUR JOURNEY!

I was 332 lbs...... I flew to Mexico with my mother to embark on a journey to change my life!! All I can say is WOW... what a difference one year makes!! I have surpassed my goal and have lost 135 lbs. Dare I say that my journey has been relatively "easy"???? YES!! It has!! There was no pain.... only a general soreness in my abdomen..... No gas, no nausea, nada!! I have a little reflux here and there but daily a daily OTC med that keeps everything under control. I have exercised... some... not a lot and my body has transformed!!!
My surgeon Dr. Ariel Ortiz is AMAZING!! He and his staff were very accommodating and have been extremely supportive. I have made lifelong friends with other patients and refer to them as my "sleeve sisters"!!!
When I look at my "before" pic I can't even believe that I let myself get that big. I have always been a happy and confident girl and even at 332 lbs I still felt beautiful. I am definitely an advocate for this surgery as it's changed my life... I am still the same happy and confident girl but my "light" is shining a lot more brighter now!! I feel as if my outside finally matches my inside!!!
In honor of my accomplishments I had an incredible photographer take some pictures of me... I was blown away when I received them.... I've posted my before and after pics... WOW!!! What a difference!!!
For those that are contemplating this surgery.... DO IT!! If your insurance doesn't cover then go to Mexico as they have top surgeons and incredible care!!! I obviously have to recommend my surgeon and his clinic www.obesitycontrolcenter.com. I cannot thank them enough for their service, hospitality and support!! I am TEAM ORTIZ all the way!!!

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Yeah mods should probably lock this one up. Not seeing much constructive coming from it.

Not touching this hornets nest with a ten foot pole!!

I am sorry to hear about your sister. Leaks are just one of the known risks of this surgery, and was a risk I was willing to take given the percentages of complications.
Everyone has their own reasons for having the surgery and each of us has our own risk tolerance. If your risk tolerance is very low, then I agree, don't have any surgeries. But, for myself, my quality of life was going downhill fast. A complication of a leak or otherwise was just another risk of being morbidly obese. I was willing to take the chance to fall into the 97% of patients who don't have these types of complications.
Again, I am sorry to hear about your sister and I will keep her in my thoughts.

And for the first time in my life, I'm not totally disgusted looking at myself in the salon mirror! As a matter of fact, I barely recognize myself. I think I may actually be attractive. Eeeeee new emotions!

He didn't even noticed...it wasn't my scars he was interested in lol

I work with scars in my profession. Any oil (E,emu) will work on reducing the built up scar fibers. The trick is not really in the oil, but the actual rubbing and working of the scar tissure. Manually breaking it down and tearing apart the fibers. It's not going to be pain-free, but it's worth it. Scar tissue has no elasticity to it, so you have to stretch it out manually by rubbing , kneading, retrograde massge. Try googling it?

LOL, I see I'm not the only Crunchy Taco fan. :-)

Hi, I will pray for you & I also wish you the best. Don't be afraid to speak with a professional (Dr, counselor, pastor) to get the support/help that you need. If it is truly depression, please don't ignore it. Now, you may have meant this loosely, but in case you are serious, I just know it can get you down if unattended to. Inbox me if needed. Best wishes!

I am 5 weeks out...I had salad today for first time, very small...I chewed & chewed, but it was like a tight feeling in my chest, similar to the first couple of days after surgery. I think I will wait before I try one again.
I like KFC mashed potatoes and Wendy's chili, too. Only fast food I've had since surgery. Trying to avoid it as long as I have no appetite.

I love the medically supervised/ diet & exercise explanation!! Think I'll go with that!! *clapping like we're on Family Feud* Good answers!! Good answers!! Thank you all!

So I was sleeved on 3/19. From the time I started my pre op diet to now I'm down 26lbs and it is noticeable. My family and very close friends know I had the surgery but my co-workers don't know. They are SO nosey and it's uncomfortable. I'm not ashamed of my surgery but I am a private person; especially in the workplace. How have you handled these nosey folks? I want to tell them to mind their *#%**!!!! business but I need my job!! Lol!

I recently had a crunchy taco from taco bell with no issues. I was full after one - though I had it as a 'treat'
because it isn't the most healthy of choices but they do offer the fresca menu there which saves on calories, etc. I have also have had chicken tenders from Popeye's - I can only eat one chicken tender and that's enough to fill me up. I just save the rest for later.
Though eating fast food is not for everyone, I PERSONALLY believe in all things in moderation and have still had steady loss/success!

I love Wendy's chili too!

Hi, I will pray for you & I also wish you the best. Don't be afraid to speak with a professional (Dr, counselor, pastor) to get the support/help that you need. If it is truly depression, please don't ignore it. Now, you may have meant this loosely, but in case you are serious, I just know it can get you down if unattended to. Inbox me if needed. Best wishes!