SueJH

If you are anxious about going to a gym, buy some dumbbells and either an exercise DVD or look online for exercises to do. You don't necessarily need a lot of fancy equipment to get a good workout. They also have exercisers for upper and lower body that you hang over the back of a door and can change the resistance level. There are options! Do not give up, you can do it!!

Thanks for posting the pics! You look great!

That's a hard question to answer as everyone's tastes are so different. I'm only 5 weeks out, but I did the Ensure High Protein shakes, had sampler packages of the unjury Protein powder and the Syntrax Nectars. I do like the Syntrax nectar Fuzzy Navel, especially in the mornings as it reminds me of having orange juice. The Ensure wasn't too bad, but in general, you do get tired of them. In the beginning I was told to get at least 50g of Protein a day. I would have 2 Protein Shakes and a cream Soup and just hit 50.

Vitamins you should be taking a B12 every day along with a chewable multi. Also I take Calcium citrate, 500mg 3x a day.

I'm 4'11 and pretty much started at the same weight as you. I would love it if you could post some pics!!

Same here. I've never had a problem before surgery. I am only 5 weeks out, but it has already seemed to have subsided a bit. I take Prilosec maybe once or twice a week, if that. Hopefully this is the extent of it and it doesn't get worse!

I can't give you a lot of information as I am only almost 5 weeks out, but I went from the full liquids for the 2 weeks after surgery then to soft solids - tuna, chicken, turkey, etc. My next NUT appointment is on August 1st, which will bring me close to 8 weeks out. Not sure if I will be transitioning to regular foods as tolerated or not.

chicken, turkey deli meat and tuna salad mostly.

Laura-ven - some plans transition you right to soft solids after 2 weeks. When I went to my NUT and she was explaining the soft solid phase to me I asked about puree. She told me that they use to have a puree stage, but found that a lot of patients were skipping that and just chewed their food really well and did not have any problems so they just go straight to soft solids now.

Thanks !, i will buy this Protein shake , i can not tolerate the ones that I have now...thanks for the advice!

I hope you like it! I do because it feels like I'm just having a glass of orange juice........that I sip slowly!

I really like it more than other Protein drinks I have tried. I am almost done with this container and will have to be ordering another soon.

I'm only 4 1/2 weeks out so I'm doing soft solids but I can tell you just watching commercials with food that before I would be drooling over, I now think it looks gross or it just doesn't do anything for me anymore.

Bashmom - here is the link.....

http://www.bariatricchoice.com/syntrax-nectar-protein-drinks-fuzzynavel.html

Call the airline and let them know what is going on and see if maybe they would make an exception for .4oz.

Did you use regular ricotta and mozzarella or reduced fat? I made it the other day with the reduced fat and felt it was a little dry trying to eat it.

That's awesome....and funny! Funny how we are now getting excited over being able to eat like a "normal" person! I'm still only 4 weeks out so haven't progressed to that phase yet, but that is my ideal too. To be able to have a bite or 2 of something and be totally fine and not feel like I need (or can) devour the whole thing!

Good luck to you! Your progress from your ticker so far is amazing!

I'm a June 10th-er too. Since surgery down 12lbs as of this past Monday. Usually get at least 50oz of Water in and a little over 60g of Protein. I think what helps in that area is that I have the nectar Fuzzy Navel powder every morning. Right there is 23g of protein. At my 2 week follow-up I went from full liquids to soft solids. Usually have rotisserie chicken, tuna or deli turkey with some cheese and low-fat mayo. Been walking at least 3 miles a day, 4-6 days a week, since about day 7. I have been somewhat fortunate in that I got laid off the Friday before my surgery so I have had the last month to really focus on healing and my diet. Have an interview tomorrow so my days of rest may be coming to an end soon!

As long as you follow the guidelines you cannot fail. I am 4 weeks out as of yesterday. I am down 12 lbs since surgery. Compared to others, I'm a slower loser, but who cares! It's 12 lbs that would still be on me had I not had the surgery.

As far as this vs bypass, that is something you need to chat with your doctor about. From the group's I've gone to, it seems they are leaning more towards the sleeve these days - less risk, quicker recovery, you don't have the malabsorption issues as with the bypass, etc.

It's scary, but I still think for me it was a good decision. Good luck!!

Ditto from what everyone above has said! Thanks for taking time out to update us and to let those of us who are just in the beginning stages of our journey know what life looks like 3+ years out.

I'm 4 weeks out as of yesterday and I'm probably between 400-600.

Gurgles and gas! If it hasn't happened yet, you might get some pretty bad gas pain. I was fine the day after surgery until about 4:30pm when I felt absolutely terrible because of the gas trying to find an escape route! The good thing is that it only lasted for a few hours and that was it for me.

You will be tired, and that is totally normal. In addition to the liquids, just try to get up and walk a little every hour or so. It will help the gas move along.

Good luck!

Thanks all. That's good to know that I won't be destined to a life of cold meals!

I know it's early, I'm only 4 weeks out, but am getting so bored with my food options. I've tried to do fish, but it gets cold waaaay before I am even close to be done with it. Everything I eat then has been cold - tuna salad, turkey, chicken, etc.

So, to all you vets out there who have been at this for a while, do you get to a point where you can eat a little quicker and actually enjoy a warm meal?

Totally normal! Not only because you are having a major surgery that requires anesthesia, but you are having it voluntarily! I think that gives you the little extra hesitation because you start to think that you can stop this any time you want. Only we can't. We got this far in the process for a reason.

Good luck to you and I know you'll be fine. August 8th is a great day.....it's my birthday!

I didn't know there was such a card!

No, by 7 days out I was getting in about 54oz of Water a day. You'll be fine!

You'll know. It's harder to tell just on liquids, but once you transition to puree or soft solids, you will know. I wouldn't worry about drinking too much as long as you are getting your Protein and Fluid requirements.

I tried to register for your site this morning and it wouldn't let me. Said registration is down while they transition to the new site. Hopefully you'll be able to continue without interruption!