Chris R

If it hurts, you're eating too much, too fast, or not pureed enough!

I live in Jaffrey, had my sleeve done in Manchester at Catholic Medical Center on February 12. Doing great!

Good luck with your surgery, Joe. My engagement ring fit perfectly when my fiancee gave it to me a few months ago - now it practically spins around my finger on its own, so the ring shouldn't be a problem soon!

I long ago started discreetly asking the flight attendant for the 'seatbelt extension' as I boarded the plane. I can't wait until I don't need it any more!

Of COURSE you weigh after a poop! I just wish I could take off my glasses too - but then I wouldn't be able to read the scale!

I'm guessing caffeine is the biggest culprit. Caffeine withdrawl is known for causing major headaches.

Just eat small bites, slowly, and stop when you feel satisfied - BEFORE you feel full. I've found that I can eat less of the soft foods than the liquids, and the more 'solid' the food, the less of it I can eat before feeling it's time to stop. I haven't had any problem with sliming, etc. yet, and hope to avoid it!

I'm a teacher, and only have 22 minutes for lunch, so I've been eating in my room at my desk even before thinking about surgery - there's just no time to go down to the lunchroom and be able to digest! I've been taking an 8 oz protein shake (in an insulated cup I can shake it up in) and a cup of cottage cheese for my lunch. I eat the cottage cheese during the lunch time, and sip on my shake afterwards while teaching.

I also had very loose stools before starting the soft foods stage, but not as frequent as you are describing. Just be careful about dehydration!

What kind of protein shake powders are you using? I'm using the Syntrax nectars (my preferred flavors are chocolate truffle and double stuffed, but they have a lot of other flavors.) They can be mixed with 1 - 2 c of milk or water, have 23 g of protein per scoop, and do not make it thick (from your description, it sounds like yours is pasty?). I use 1 c of milk with the two flavors I prefer, which ups the protein to 31 g per serving.