Teachamy

Have you been tested for Celiac disease? It causes horrible pain and distention. Just something to think about. Glad you're feeling better! Oh and no--you didn't stretch your sleeve. If the pain returns, definitely call your doctor.

Did you discuss this with your doctor? Often times the office will report the qualifying weight to insurance.

Let's try not to be hostile here. Cancer is a terrifying diagnosis and harringm is just sharing an opinion. Good luck to you harringm. I hope everything turns out OK!

I think getting on a scale everyday during the weigh loss stage can leave many of us saddened and obsessive if we don't see a loss. Once we are at the stage where we are maintaining normal weight--I can understand the benefit.

Don't get me wrong, work is a drag this time of year, but the new compliments I have been receiving have been very nice and very welcomed! Glad you are doing well and have supportive co-workers!

At 4 months, the swelling probably isn't an issue. Be patient, stick to the plan. That's what I keep telling myself too! I lost 4 pounds last week, so I am expecting to see a "stall" on Monday when I weigh again.

Protein shakes, protein shakes, protein shakes. Count them as part of your fluid intake. Good luck!

The steps after surgery are very gradual, which makes each stage of the diet/exercise plan much easier to handle. As soon as you are used to one diet stage, you get to add more food and different textures, and you learn the new normal for you. This isn't at all a lifestyle of deprivation. Even though your calories will be much less, you won't notice it after a while. People look shocked when I admit I eat 700-800 calories a day--but that is my new normal and I am fine with it. I don't feel like I am missing out at all. So remember to take it one step at a time, and be patient. You will do great. Good luck tomorrow!

I saw this on Facebook and didn't see anything uplifting about it. Very condescending and judgmental.

My pre-op diet was 1200 calories a day--and now I eat 800 or less. Funny how 1200 seemed so low for me once upon a time! At any rate, as long as you are making the right choices now, eating what you are supposed to, exercising, etc. I wouldn't worry too much--it won't do you any good in the long run. And please don't think about your eating as "cheating". These were life choices that you made. It will be the same for you after surgery. Sometimes we make choices that we regret, but calling your acts "cheating" will make you feel defeated at times. Diet needs to be a noun in our vocabulary--what we eat to be healthy, not something we do. I know you can do this--take a deep breath! You'll be great.

It's always possible to find good choices at restaurants once you are able to leave the full liquid stage. We went out with friends this weekend and I had poached haddock with clams, spinach, and potatoes. Ate a few bites of everything and had lots of leftovers. I told people I didn't want any appetizers because I wouldn't be able to eat my meal too, they seemed pretty satisfied and didn't question me--even if they didn't know about the sleeve. I drank water and a little fresh squeezed OJ when my blood sugar got a little low. (I am diabetic.) It was a nice evening, and it felt good being "normal" again!

Thank you for posting! You look beautiful and I am so glad your health has improved so drastically. I am 3 months out today--I hope to be where you are in June!

I am allowed coffee (any kind) at 12 weeks, but prior to that I wasn't even allowed decaf. Check with your doctor or nutritionist.

I wish I could say I've been there, done that so I could tell you it's a piece of cake. But, I haven't been there. You are right that you earned this and you will feel fabulous after you recover. You've been through worse, and this is the result you've been waiting for! Best of luck!

Her arrogance is beyond obnoxious. Any move you make to end your friendship will only make her believe your jealousy caused you to do it. I suggest writing down you thoughts to share with her so she can't twist your words to suit her agenda. Good luck. This is tough!

To be honest, I didn't start eating eggs until the beginning of my 3rd week after surgery. It sounds like you did fine with the tea, but in the morning you might try something softer than an egg. 1/4 of cottage cheese or yogurt would probably work out a lot better. 5 days after surgery, I relied almost totally on Protein shakes. Getting in a quarter cup of food was very difficult. Your stomach is still swollen, so the fact that you got in 4 bites of an egg is impressive, but I can see why you feel over-full. Good luck!

I never bought a scale for home use. Pre-op, I didn't really want to know and would only weigh at the gym. Now I only weigh once a week or less at my bariatric center. I know myself too well, and I would obsess over the scale if I had one at home. Between weigh-ins, I judge how I am doing on My Fitness Pal and how my clothes are fitting.( I am down a size and think I'll be in size 12's very soon!)

You look great !

I agree with the Gas-X suggestion. And get up and move. If it was a fine broth, you'll be fine.

I have celiac disease, along with a handful of other auto-immune disorders. As I am sure you know, lean meat, yogurt and cottage cheese are gluten free, as are many vegetarian options. I used Slim-fast and WonderSlim shakes/drinks for Protein. Quest products are also gluten free and delicious. You'll have no problems! Best, Amy

Yes, I think you can prepare mentally--and you need to--before surgery. But the day-to-day survival piece isn't really understandable until you live it. I am 3 months out next week, and it has become my life.

I try to re-frame. And pause. Why do I want the food? "Treating myself" can never mean food for me again. I am addicted to food, and that way of thinking is self-destructive. For me a treat means a massage, a manicure, time out with friends, some alone time, or "window shopping" in a catalog or online.

Have any of you noticed you need less carbs. to treat low blood sugars than you used to? I am rebounding all over the place after a low.

I need to get in the habit of using Miralax daily. I agree with other posters that it is great in tea. However, I have hit a weird non-pooping phase at 11 1/2 weeks out and am perplexed. Pre-op I was so regular. I do have celiac so last week I resorted to a "celiac cleanse". If you also have celiac, you can probably figure out what I mean by that. I was desperate!

I had stopped working out pre-sleeve due to a medical issue, and started again post-sleeve, so I am still building up to my usual level of fitness. If you already do yoga/hot yoga you will be fine. If you have no experience with it, I imagine it will be a challenge, but not impossible. The sleeve has made me feel better when working out.