JudyFL

Hi, all. Quick note for now; I'll have to add to it later. But I simply must share:
Yesterday I thought I was looking good when visiting with a friend. We went to a mall and she (walking slow and behind me sometimes) said, "Damn, girl. You need to go buy some pants!! Those are hanging off your butt, you look like you've got Depends on."
Mind you, they were 'size 20' jeans--with zipper and button--that I could NOT wear 2 months ago.
We went into 'J. Jill's' (which I'd never heard of). We pulled a size 16 pant and I said, "oh no. ain't no way I'm in a 16 pant."
I actually had a moment of [fear? trepidation?], but a weird freak-out/fear moment before I reluctantly relented and agreed to try them on.
What guess what!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Whoo-hooo!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! They FIT!!!!!!!!!!!! I could button and zip them. They looked so good on my @$$!!!!!!!!!!!!!! We took pictures.
She also took pictures of the back of the pants I was wearing. OMG. I cannot believe how BAGGY they are in the back. I could tell the thighs were loose, but the BUTT--was like empty sacks!!!!!!! I need to post the pictures. Even the sales lady said, "you need to not even wear those pants anywhere. You need new pants, I don't care if you get them from here or not, but do not leave this mall without some new pants...and wear them out of the mall!" My pants are sooooo baggy.
Anyway, I just wanted to share, to just say...you know...this stuff--VSG--actually works. Thank God.
OH!! I CRIED (right there in the dressing room) when I really looked at my thighs, hips and butt in those size 16s!! We then went to Chico's and I tried on a "size 3" pair of jeans. They fit too!!!!!!!!!! OMG. This is really happening. 3 months/ 45 pounds and counting.
I'm rushing; excuse any typos, please. Just had to share!

Why do so many of eat you eat carbs like rice and bread after a few weeks or months just because you can tolerate it? I'm of the understanding that sticking to Protein and then introducing healthy carbs like vegetables will get you to your goal faster and healthier.
Yes, sometimes I crave a bit of Pasta or even yogurt with fruit but staying in ketosis by avoiding sugar is so successful. And will be a healthier lifestyle down the line. Except for an occassional piece of birthday cake i swear I'll never go back to refined sugar and "white" carbs like rice and potatoes again!

Toast was my biggest go to food before surgery. Sooo...I threw my toaster in the trash right before surgery. Havent had a problem since.

Three weeks and you can't do Soup? I'd say a tall glass of Water and enjoy the company. It's a good reminder that not all celebrations need to be centered around food.
Why not start a new tradition and change it up this time around? Mini golf? Bowling? A bounce house place?

Diner
Egg white omlet, grilled Tomato
No toast, no potato

http://www.cnbc.com/id/100829102
This is an interesting article. The way insurance companies look at obesity may be changing.
Do yourself a favor and skip the comments below the article. They sting pretty bad.

I think it depends on your doctor's plan as well as your body. I'm almost 11 months out and bread really doesn't appeal to me much. I still follow the "protein first" rule, and by the time I done eating my Protein, there isn't much room left. (Except when we are talking about popcorn - and I try only eat the light stuff.) I still love the smell of fresh bread, but knowing that it will probably just sit in my sleeve as sludge keeps me from eating it. I do like the Special K Multigrain crackers. I can take 6-10 out of the box, put a little tuna salad on them and eat... but the box doesn't call out to me like, say, Wheat Thins. (I loved Wheat Thins pre-surgery.)

Do something good with them Laura. Give them to a local women's shelter. Some of those women go there with nothing, including no clothes. The shelter will give them something to wear. I try to do that, it makes me feel better than to just give the to Salvation Army. It will make you feel good like you are helping in some way and it will also allow you to move on in your own life.

I took my own advice this afternoon and took a boatload out of my closet! New Beginnings, here they come. (local woman's shelter).
Feels good.

I'm only two months post- op and down two sizes but I LOVe puirging the clothes that are now too big. I've put two pair of pants and a favorite sweater into the corner of the closet and everything else is GOING, GOING, GONE into two big trash bags...One with crappy stuff that can't be resold that goes into the collection box on the highway and the other to the resale shop for cancer patients downtown. Sure, it feels kind of weird tucking away some once-favorite (and expensive) items but it feels even better getting into clothes I haven't been able to wear for years. As I write this I'm wearing a skirt that I know will be making its last appearance! It's an elastic waist Sarah Arizona beauty that I bought six years ago at Nordstrom but the waistband is way too stretched out.
I mentioned to my doctor's assistant that it's a shame there's no room at the clinic for a bariatric "closet" where patients can donate and borrow special occassion outfits. I have a wedding coming up and don't want to shell out the $ for a dress I know I'll only be able to wear once.

Well Remember what Cortez did when he landed in the New World. He burned the boats that brought him. No Turning Back.

Save one piece of your largest and get rid of the rest! You are never going back so go forward and treat yourself to some new things!
Great work!

Yup, Ketosis. I have been using the Listerine Breath Strips (very strong, I cut them in half) whenever in public.

Ketosis. It sucks. I'm in the same boat - my surgery was the day after yours. Everything tastes nasty!
http://www.webmd.com/oral-health/features/low-carb-diets-can-cause-bad-breath

I use chicken broth to moisten tuna or chicken (which I puree). I eat this with soy crisps. 4 oz. of tuna or chicken is 20 grams of Protein. I add Mrs. Dash seasoning for flavor...

My surgery was Monday and I'm still waiting for the bells and whistles of the paradigm shift that is to be my new life.
The reason I am posting is I've read previous posts and some people make light of the surgery itself and how they bounced right back. I'm glad I didn't pay too much attention to what seems like wishful thinking. THIS WAS MAJOR SURGERY AND IT HURT!
i woke up an hour or so after surgery in my hospital bed with the requisite IVs, monitors and catheter. Never had a catheter (never had surgery before this!) and it was not painful or even uncomfortable. I was very fortunate that there were no sharp pains but I definitely felt like I went three rounds with a Mack truck and the truck won. I was given glycerin swabs for my dry lips but no thirst (thanks to IV fluid). I know I snoozed a bit throughout the day but HOSPITALS ARE NO PLACE FOR SICK PEOPLE. THEY DON'T LEAVE YOU ALONE!!! This was most annoying throughout the night when my vitals were checked every hour. I could not get a good night sleep. I am a side/belly sleeper. Needless to say, that wouldn't work! If they offer you shots of morphine via the IV, GO FOR IT. I was hesitant night #1 as always debate before even going for a Tylenol, but by Tuesday night that little black button was my best friend! I demanded of the night nurse on Tuesday that unless they could see I was flat-lining from the monitors hooked to my chest to PLEASE leave me alone. We reached a compromise that they would only check me every 3-4 hours. By Tuesday night I was able to rock over to my side a little by using a pillow to brace my stomach (by last night I was totally good with side-sleeping). Use that pillow to brace your stomach when getting in and out of bed
The swallow test was awful. I was still weak and a little dizzy when they took me to radiology. They liquid you drink is vile. It was kind of cool, however, to see it travel down your esophagus to your stomach.
Here's where I made my biggest mistake: When the tray with my liquid lunch was brought in I opened the bottle of Water for a nice big swig and almost choked to death. Take baby sips. I was spitting up phlegm and coughing for about 10 minutes. It has been a challenge to keep drinking and I know I was not able to get in my requisite 64oz yesterday. You just have to keep sipping all day. Personally, I have to drink sitting up, not even reclining, for it to go down. I find tea and broth easier to manage than plain water. I used to guzzle Crystal Light all day. I was told my palate would change; could this be the first sign?
When I got home I slept well through my first night with out pain meds (again, I'm not eager to use narcotics) I had such a hard day yesterday trying to get in my fluids I had no time to nap. Seriously! I also woke up with a cold and sinus headache. I went for a 10 minute walk and got overheated. Will dress in layers this afternoon. (I am in Florida) Today the headcold is better but the sinuses still hurt and I got clearance to take a non-aspirin decongestant. I've been cutting my pills (Prilosec) and mixing with greek yogurt and it goes down well. I actually swallowed the little red decongestant whole with water and had no problem but I don't think I'll press my luck with the Prilosec. That stuff is terrific....I was starting to feel the heartburn late last night. Again, sitting vs. reclining should be better for digestive tract. As I had no problem with the yogurt I'm tempted to eat some more but sticking to the prescribed shakes.< /p>
I had pains in my stomach from gas but not too bad. Didn't travel to back or shoulders like some patients. It's day five since surgery and my stomach is still a bit distended and the sutures really itch.
I am tired and achy and not thinking about going back to work until Monday when I'll be going P/T to my desk job. Very understanding employers who know I’ve had surgery but not what kind. No ones' business. (IMO this stuff is not for public discussion....my family and closest friends know what's going on...no need to tell the world....that's why you, my forum family, will be here to support me and vice versa)
Suggestions based on my experience:
Bring a pillow from home as the flat ones in the hospital are lousy. I washed mine beforehand. And you may want it for the car ride home.
Take one of those paper Listerine breath fresheners to pop in your mouth after the radiology swallow to get that awful taste from your mouth. Or even a tiny squeeze of your toothpaste! The bit of water they gave me did not cut it.
Bring an eye mask if you don't have a private room.
And one more thing: DON'T GET ON THE scale FOR A FEW DAYS....YOU WILL BE SWOLLEN AND RETAINING IV FLUIDS ETC. I feel my weight loss in the shirt I put on this morning that didn't fit two weeks ago!

My surgery was Monday and I'm still waiting for the bells and whistles of the paradigm shift that is to be my new life.
The reason I am posting is I've read previous posts and some people make light of the surgery itself and how they bounced right back. I'm glad I didn't pay too much attention to what seems like wishful thinking. THIS WAS MAJOR SURGERY AND IT HURT!
i woke up an hour or so after surgery in my hospital bed with the requisite IVs, monitors and catheter. Never had a catheter (never had surgery before this!) and it was not painful or even uncomfortable. I was very fortunate that there were no sharp pains but I definitely felt like I went three rounds with a Mack truck and the truck won. I was given glycerin swabs for my dry lips but no thirst (thanks to IV fluid). I know I snoozed a bit throughout the day but HOSPITALS ARE NO PLACE FOR SICK PEOPLE. THEY DON'T LEAVE YOU ALONE!!! This was most annoying throughout the night when my vitals were checked every hour. I could not get a good night sleep. I am a side/belly sleeper. Needless to say, that wouldn't work! If they offer you shots of morphine via the IV, GO FOR IT. I was hesitant night #1 as always debate before even going for a Tylenol, but by Tuesday night that little black button was my best friend! I demanded of the night nurse on Tuesday that unless they could see I was flat-lining from the monitors hooked to my chest to PLEASE leave me alone. We reached a compromise that they would only check me every 3-4 hours. By Tuesday night I was able to rock over to my side a little by using a pillow to brace my stomach (by last night I was totally good with side-sleeping). Use that pillow to brace your stomach when getting in and out of bed
The swallow test was awful. I was still weak and a little dizzy when they took me to radiology. They liquid you drink is vile. It was kind of cool, however, to see it travel down your esophagus to your stomach.
Here's where I made my biggest mistake: When the tray with my liquid lunch was brought in I opened the bottle of Water for a nice big swig and almost choked to death. Take baby sips. I was spitting up phlegm and coughing for about 10 minutes. It has been a challenge to keep drinking and I know I was not able to get in my requisite 64oz yesterday. You just have to keep sipping all day. Personally, I have to drink sitting up, not even reclining, for it to go down. I find tea and broth easier to manage than plain water. I used to guzzle Crystal Light all day. I was told my palate would change; could this be the first sign?
When I got home I slept well through my first night with out pain meds (again, I'm not eager to use narcotics) I had such a hard day yesterday trying to get in my fluids I had no time to nap. Seriously! I also woke up with a cold and sinus headache. I went for a 10 minute walk and got overheated. Will dress in layers this afternoon. (I am in Florida) Today the headcold is better but the sinuses still hurt and I got clearance to take a non-aspirin decongestant. I've been cutting my pills (Prilosec) and mixing with greek yogurt and it goes down well. I actually swallowed the little red decongestant whole with water and had no problem but I don't think I'll press my luck with the Prilosec. That stuff is terrific....I was starting to feel the heartburn late last night. Again, sitting vs. reclining should be better for digestive tract. As I had no problem with the yogurt I'm tempted to eat some more but sticking to the prescribed shakes.< /p>
I had pains in my stomach from gas but not too bad. Didn't travel to back or shoulders like some patients. It's day five since surgery and my stomach is still a bit distended and the sutures really itch.
I am tired and achy and not thinking about going back to work until Monday when I'll be going P/T to my desk job. Very understanding employers who know I’ve had surgery but not what kind. No ones' business. (IMO this stuff is not for public discussion....my family and closest friends know what's going on...no need to tell the world....that's why you, my forum family, will be here to support me and vice versa)
Suggestions based on my experience:
Bring a pillow from home as the flat ones in the hospital are lousy. I washed mine beforehand. And you may want it for the car ride home.
Take one of those paper Listerine breath fresheners to pop in your mouth after the radiology swallow to get that awful taste from your mouth. Or even a tiny squeeze of your toothpaste! The bit of water they gave me did not cut it.
Bring an eye mask if you don't have a private room.
And one more thing: DON'T GET ON THE scale FOR A FEW DAYS....YOU WILL BE SWOLLEN AND RETAINING IV FLUIDS ETC. I feel my weight loss in the shirt I put on this morning that didn't fit two weeks ago!

I have now been sleeved for 25 hrs Alongside my sister. I have so much pressure and nausea. More this morning being the anesthesia was wearing off. The surgery went well for both of us. Now just have to get through this tough part. Going home tomorrow. Cannot wait to be able to drink more than a shot of Water every 20 min!

I found that chicken broth was satisfying and somewhat filling. It also had sodium that you might be otherwise lacking and causing the light-headedness.

My surgery was Monday and I'm still waiting for the bells and whistles of the paradigm shift that is to be my new life.
The reason I am posting is I've read previous posts and some people make light of the surgery itself and how they bounced right back. I'm glad I didn't pay too much attention to what seems like wishful thinking. THIS WAS MAJOR SURGERY AND IT HURT!
i woke up an hour or so after surgery in my hospital bed with the requisite IVs, monitors and catheter. Never had a catheter (never had surgery before this!) and it was not painful or even uncomfortable. I was very fortunate that there were no sharp pains but I definitely felt like I went three rounds with a Mack truck and the truck won. I was given glycerin swabs for my dry lips but no thirst (thanks to IV fluid). I know I snoozed a bit throughout the day but HOSPITALS ARE NO PLACE FOR SICK PEOPLE. THEY DON'T LEAVE YOU ALONE!!! This was most annoying throughout the night when my vitals were checked every hour. I could not get a good night sleep. I am a side/belly sleeper. Needless to say, that wouldn't work! If they offer you shots of morphine via the IV, GO FOR IT. I was hesitant night #1 as always debate before even going for a Tylenol, but by Tuesday night that little black button was my best friend! I demanded of the night nurse on Tuesday that unless they could see I was flat-lining from the monitors hooked to my chest to PLEASE leave me alone. We reached a compromise that they would only check me every 3-4 hours. By Tuesday night I was able to rock over to my side a little by using a pillow to brace my stomach (by last night I was totally good with side-sleeping). Use that pillow to brace your stomach when getting in and out of bed
The swallow test was awful. I was still weak and a little dizzy when they took me to radiology. They liquid you drink is vile. It was kind of cool, however, to see it travel down your esophagus to your stomach.
Here's where I made my biggest mistake: When the tray with my liquid lunch was brought in I opened the bottle of Water for a nice big swig and almost choked to death. Take baby sips. I was spitting up phlegm and coughing for about 10 minutes. It has been a challenge to keep drinking and I know I was not able to get in my requisite 64oz yesterday. You just have to keep sipping all day. Personally, I have to drink sitting up, not even reclining, for it to go down. I find tea and broth easier to manage than plain water. I used to guzzle Crystal Light all day. I was told my palate would change; could this be the first sign?
When I got home I slept well through my first night with out pain meds (again, I'm not eager to use narcotics) I had such a hard day yesterday trying to get in my fluids I had no time to nap. Seriously! I also woke up with a cold and sinus headache. I went for a 10 minute walk and got overheated. Will dress in layers this afternoon. (I am in Florida) Today the headcold is better but the sinuses still hurt and I got clearance to take a non-aspirin decongestant. I've been cutting my pills (Prilosec) and mixing with greek yogurt and it goes down well. I actually swallowed the little red decongestant whole with water and had no problem but I don't think I'll press my luck with the Prilosec. That stuff is terrific....I was starting to feel the heartburn late last night. Again, sitting vs. reclining should be better for digestive tract. As I had no problem with the yogurt I'm tempted to eat some more but sticking to the prescribed shakes.< /p>
I had pains in my stomach from gas but not too bad. Didn't travel to back or shoulders like some patients. It's day five since surgery and my stomach is still a bit distended and the sutures really itch.
I am tired and achy and not thinking about going back to work until Monday when I'll be going P/T to my desk job. Very understanding employers who know I’ve had surgery but not what kind. No ones' business. (IMO this stuff is not for public discussion....my family and closest friends know what's going on...no need to tell the world....that's why you, my forum family, will be here to support me and vice versa)
Suggestions based on my experience:
Bring a pillow from home as the flat ones in the hospital are lousy. I washed mine beforehand. And you may want it for the car ride home.
Take one of those paper Listerine breath fresheners to pop in your mouth after the radiology swallow to get that awful taste from your mouth. Or even a tiny squeeze of your toothpaste! The bit of water they gave me did not cut it.
Bring an eye mask if you don't have a private room.
And one more thing: DON'T GET ON THE scale FOR A FEW DAYS....YOU WILL BE SWOLLEN AND RETAINING IV FLUIDS ETC. I feel my weight loss in the shirt I put on this morning that didn't fit two weeks ago!

I confess that this journey is both harder and easier than I thought it would be.
I confess that in public situations I finagle things to make it look like I've eaten more than I have.
I confess that it makes me sad that I might never be able to consume a large sandwich with big ol' slices of homemade bread again (like I need it).
I confess that I occasionally use a straw.
I confess that I haven't told anyone about my sleeve and I don't plan on it. I don't need your negativity or opinions.