melody2

i was allowed to eat mushy food from day 1. it's my surgeon's practice to do this for three days and begin to move toward more solid food (we had a list). i stayed on the mushy food plan for a couple of weeks...it was easier on the tummy. i had the same concerns about quantity and purchased a food scale. i weigh everything, trying to keep things in the 2.5 - 3.5 ounce range. it keeps me from being too full and allows me to manage quantity more accurately. if you look at the calorie count for homemade chicken noodle soup you'll find it's not that bad for 4 ounces. i use fitnesspal to track calories and food. however, i was surprised at the amount of salt i was consuming in the mushy food stage. yikes! can we say water weight? i'm now in the habit of asking myself, "self....is the food you're about to eat healthy and will it nourish my body?" i try to let the sleeve guide to me. ...hmmm....others have named their sleeve....maybe it's time I gave mine a name..... let your sleeve guide you.....don't sweat too much the first few weeks out...you're learning....

Great blog. Thank you for sharing.

Sometimes, I think, you have to mourn what was and say your goodbyes to have closure. Then you can move forward. It's not unreal to be sad or even angry about losing the thing that meant a lot to us all--food. Once, when I was upset about failing another diet, a good friend told me, "You don't have to be perfect....you just have to be." I always strived for perfection on a diet, failed, beat myself up, and started over again. Now, after surgery, I think I finally understand the "being perfect" comment....I dont' have to be perfect....I just have to be...me.

Thank you for inspiring me to develop goals that are not focused exclusively on the scale! I can't wait to make my own list.

What a great post. I admire your courage and determination. You are an inspiration. Thank you for sharing your story. I wish you many blessings in the coming weeks.

This is a little unusual. Ask your surgeon to see someone else.

It will be different--but a good different. There will be pain, nausea, bandages and gas. Sometimes you will wonder if it was worth it. Then, one day you will wake up and feel normal but also healthy...and definitely lighter. You find a new optimism.... You will find...well...you.

Great motivating comments and the right approach. Thank you.

I was recovering from a cold and had a low grade fever the day of surgery. They still did the surgery; however, I wish I had postponed. The sinus drainage and coughing was hard on the incisions.

Good decision buts its not a quick fix. The discipline of the pre-op diet was hard for me and then to realize its a mainstay afterwards caught me by surprise. I guess I never really thought beyond the surgery, the pain, and recovery. I was so focused on pre and post surgery. However, after the doctor gave me the green light this week to begin regular food I'm realizing that how I eat and what I eat is very different. It's all good but the surgery forces a lifestyle change that is forever. I think I missed the forever part. I wish you much success and a successful surgery. Even with a couple of minor complications, I would do the surgery again. I want to be healthy.

I encountered the same thing with my patient advocate. Very nice lady but gave me wrong info a few times and lost my paperwork. I left several voice mail messages that were never returned. I finally resulted to email and when she didn't respond I forwarded to the program manager. In the end, she finally responded and everything worked out. I can only imagine the number of questions she receives daily. My surgeon is one of the best and I think my patient advocate was just overloaded.....it's a busy office.

Congratulations to both of you!

I am so sorry....my heart hurts for you. You did the right thing and count this as a blessing. It may not feel like a blessing but God just did you a huge favor. Now it's time to focus on the amazing future ahead....with you leading the charge. Remember that courage is found when times are tough. You have courage.

You are so right.....the surgery forces one to look internally at the real issue....it's then that you realize you've been playing the wrong song over and over....it's time for a new song...thank you for sharing.

Great story.....thank you for sharing.

Thank you for sharing your story. I felt the same way after surgery and simply drying my hair exhausted me. Each day is getting better...thanks for showing "determination in motion." It's motivated me to put on my walking shoes! Thank.

No doubt, it's very difficult. Smoking, food or alcohol act the same--they make us weaker in the end. Think beyond the moment at hand and imagine what you will feel like if you don't give in to the temptation....possibly how will you feel if you do give in to the temptation? Know that you are stronger than any temptation. Harder said than done....but possible.

it takes times to move to each stage. the first day on pureed was a challenge....I could handle maybe 2-3 teaspoons. Also, it's the only day that I actually lost my lunch, per se. I eased into this stage using liquids and pureed. It's much better now.

my prayers and thoughts are with you. you are a very strong person and encouragement to many. thank you.

What an awesome story about faith, hope and determination. I hope you are feeling better today. Remember to take care of "you" as this was a fairly major surgery. The soreness and fatigue will pass---remember to take it easy and nurse yourself back to health.

Prayers are sent your way. I know the waiting is hard.

Best wishes and prayers sent your way

Congratulations! The hard work is paying off. The sleeve is a jump start but it doesn't replace eating healthy and exercise. That's the cool thing about the sleeve.....it gives us motivation.

So sorry you're having a tough time. Make sure you're getting enough fluids. Thoughts and prayers sent your way.

One week since surgery and the pain is much better. I keep a pillow with me to help with getting up and down. I also try to use my arm and leg muscles more to keep pressure off the core (the physical therapist at the hospital taught me this when walking right after surgery). Hang in there....it gets better each day.