TES

My surgeon has a strict rule about not drinking calories. We can't have anything that has more than 15 calories for 8 oz. (that includes diet hot chocolate now that I am on solids...boo). So I probably wouldn't have this while I'm in weight loss mode--maybe once in maintenance.

I would talk until at least through the 10th if you can, or 2 weeks if possible. I work at a desk job from my home office and was back working within a few days but it wasn't easy. My stomach was unpredictable. I had a business meeting one week out and had horrible diarrhea right before I left for it and ended up taking another shower (I'm excessive that way). Prayed all day that nothing would happen and it ended up being okay--but I would have avoided a meeting that close to surgery if possible.

Also, you might want to try to dilute the juice--my dr allowed 4 oz of juice per day diluted with 4 oz of water during clear liquids. I know you didn't use the straw...probably poured into a cup? That sounds like good progres...hope you are doing better every day!

My surgeon doesn't allow yogurt, pudding, or thinned cream of wheat until the puree stage (not full liquids)...it is so true that all surgeons are different.

Have you ever heard of a technique to treat epilepsy called brain mapping? Cleveland Clinic does it and I'm sure some other major institutions do too. You might want to check with your neurologist to see if you might be a candidate. It's minimally invasive robotic surgery.

That sounds like a good idea, Christie. The jellos and such (full sugar not sugar free) might have been more during clear liquids rather than full liquids? I would ask about how much Fluid and Protein they want you to try to get in too. Good luck!

Everyone is different, but I would say for exercise that rigorous, you will likely feel up to it by about 6 weeks. You could use low-carb protein bars or nuts as fuel once you are on solid foods and/or approved to eat nuts (my surgeon approves nuts at 4 months).

a couple of Morningstar veggie meatballs (soy protein)--especially with some ricotta cheese or parm cheese melted on top Greek yogurt, but only if I eat it with some berries or raw veggies--otherwise it doesn't hold me over long enough a little salad with hummus and low-fat cheese on top (mini portion)

That's wonderful, Tiffany!!

It really depends on your surgeon. Mine differentiates full liquids from clear liquids in that you can drink the "milky" protein shakes, keifer, skim milk, 8 oz of 50 percent diluted juice per day, etc. My surgeon does not allow pudding or yogurt at this stage, although some doctors do. We were also allowed pureed and strained soups. Can you get a handout or diet from your surgeon or nutritionist since it varies so much from doctor to doctor?

Way to go--once you get to the gym, the working out part is so fun! I always remind myself of that when I'm not feeling motivated. Such a great feeling post-workout!

not easy...but very rewarding!

I remember once when Oprah had lost a lot of weight...she heard that people were saying things like "Well, she's rich, it's easy to lose weight when someone cooks all of your food and does everything for you." She was talking about it on her show and basically said...she was the one who had to make healthful dietary choices every day and refuse her beloved Ruffles potato chips. Her wealth didn't do that for her. And she is the one who had to get her butt on the track and walk every day. She couldn't pay someone to do that for her. I think it is so similar when people say that VSG is "the easy way out." We are the ones who have make sure that every morsel we put in our mouths is good fuel for our bodies and resist head hunger. The surgery doesn't do that for us. We're the ones who make special holiday meals for our families and then don't partake in most of it. The surgery doesn't do that for us. We're the ones who go to the gym even when the weather isn't good or we feel like going to bed early instead. The surgery doesn't do that for us. We're the ones who keep drinking (and drinking and drinking) Water when part of us would rather hang out with our old friend Diet Coke or Frozen Margarita. The surgery doesn't do that for us. And you know what? I wouldn't have it any other way. Yes, the surgery is a tool, but I still feel that we own and deserve every hard-earned victory we see on the scale and every NSV. If others don't understand that, it's okay. I know that I haven't taken the easy way out, but I also know that what I'm doing is an investment in something very important--me. And that's something that money definitely can't buy.

An hour is probably too long to eat once you are a month out, especially if you are able to eat those types of foods. I'm 8 weeks out now, and I stop eating after about 25-30 minutes and I am always full. I could probably have room to keep eating again about half an hour after that, but that would defeat the purpose of having the sleeve. Plus you need time to get in your fluids.

Are you in maintenance or still trying to lose?

You will be fine...I'm a vegetarian and having no issues getting in protein. Check out the "Vegetarians unite" thread. It is very important though that you work with a great registered dietitian (RD) who is knowledgeable about both bariatric surgery and vegetarianism, preferably both before and after your surgery.

I'm 8 weeks out and I even have a light scar in the shape of a square around the incision for my drain; it's from the bandages! I think I had an allergy or something.

I guess I'm relieved that it's unlikely that my chest hair will cover my scars....

I don't think you are being petty at all and sometimes it helps to vent. But remember that her reality is her reality--it actually would suck to have to get all new clothes from gaining weight, even if it is a size 2 to a size 6. I would try not to compare yourself to her (I know it's difficult!) and think of her as an ally. Remember that she may be trying to be supportive in her own way...and if not, you can distance yourself. But remember...keep your friends close, and your "enemies" closer! LOL. You never know, she may end up being a great part of your support system! If she is trying to be healthy too it will be nice to have someone else there who is eating healthy, and maybe you can even go on walks together at lunchtime--etc.

Amazing transformation, inside (health-wise) and out!

The breath smell and nausea are because you are in ketosis--which means your body is burning fat. You should see a loss on the scale soon.

sounds delish! I love using the Torani SF lemon syrup in my greek yogurt and I eat it with a few raspberries and/or strawberries and/or blackberries sometimes. I can't eat nuts yet (my surgeon says 120 days) but when I can, I'm definitely going to add to yogurt. My mom just had a birthday and I made her a pavlova with a lemon Greek yogurt sauce and mixed berries. It was a big hit! No one even asked what the "sauce" was made out of it--they didn't even know that it was healthy for them. :-)

wow, you look fantastic! how tall are you? You look thinner than the 230s....

I've had duodenal erosion in the past (too much ibuprofen) and it healed once I backed off on the NSAIDs. It wasn't right before my surgery though. Did you ask your surgeon this question?

My RD said to focus more on protein than calories the first couple of months, but on average she said most people are getting about 600 calories during this time.