MissErika

No, I have just been walking. My incisons are still sore. My surgeon put me on optifast pre-op for 7 days and I lost 15 pounds just by that. I also started at a really high 364 so that could also be why, lol. I am 322 now.

I had my surgery on August 15th and I lost 42 pounds including one week pre-op.

Thanks for all your responses! I am so glad I'm not the only one lol.

I am 3 weeks post op and I have noticed my throat makes weird noises after I drink. It doesn't matter how big or little the drink is or what I'm drinking. It does it with decaf tea, water, etc. It doesn't hurt or anything and it's really hard to explain how it feels. Is this too much swallowed air or what? It's almost like an empty stomach feeling but in my throat.

Are you still focusing on protein first and did you have a high protein breakfast? I read a few people say that salads don't fill them up.

It looks delicious!

This exactly ^ but also remember that you may still be swollen from the surgery. I gained 10 pounds from the operation and it takes awhile to drop all the extra fluids and gas. Your body is still adjusting so keep your head up!

I was going 3x daily during my liquids but when I went to puree I stopped going! I went 4 days without going so I try milk of magnesia because that's what it said in my packet. Well, it did NOTHING! So I decided to get fiber chewables to help each day and I got prune juice last night because that was another option my surgeon gave me. I drank 1/2 cup at room temperature at my own pace and I went within an hour and a half and it completely cleaned me out without cramps. I got the "healthiest" prune juice I could find and was a little put off by the carbs but I needed to go that day and I was scared of laxatives because of my sensitive stomach. I now keep prune juice in the fridge for emergencies but I am trying to keep things going by eating more fiber purees and taking fiber chewables. I'll see if it works!

I don't believe you are destined to fail if you cheat on pre-op but you need to remember why you are doing this. This is preparing your body for MAJOR surgery and your liver has to be small for surgeons to work around. When you fail at pre-op you are only letting down yourself by not only giving into your food addiction but increasing your risk of complications during surgery! I did an entire week of binging before my pre-op as my "goodbye" to my favorite foods but the day I started my liquids I had to stick because you HAVE to put yourself first. Be honest with your surgeon because if you aren't you may be in serious trouble.

Well I have a history of seeing a psychiatrist and counselor. I just called the office that my surgeon recommended and asked them to check with my insurance and when they called back they said it was covered and the price would be $25 that day. Of course make sure the office you go to accepts your insurance. Also, to your other message, my appointment was really short. I filled out a two page survey basically asking my history and the last time I felt certain ways, etc. Then we went over it in a meeting and I was out in 20 minutes. I considered mine REALLY lucky because my mom took a really big "test" and I have seen others do it too. If you have to then it would most likely cost you more.

I was self pay and my insurance covered most of my psych evaluation. I think I only had to pay about $25. Actually, they paid for almost all of my testing including blood work, hida scan, endoscopy, etc. My insurance is with an employer that excludes bariatric surgery so I wasn't denied "personally" either. The staff at the psych office should give you an estimate and check with your insurance before you go that day so you will know exactly. I'm sure it varies on the plan and the insurance company but if you are covered for normal psychiatric care this should be included.

These look great, thanks for sharing! Will definitely make these in the future after I get more food.

I drank these a lot awhile back when I did atkins to try and lose weight. They get old fast but luckily they have new flavors now. I like the dark chocolate but milk chocolate, latte/mocha and caramel are also good. Just make sure you shake them really good or they will get a bit chalky!

I am not that low in size yet but you could look for thrift stores, retail and goodwill locations in your area if nobody can help. My sister can get t-shirts for 50 cents and nice jeans for $5. Also leggings are amazing - walmart (if you have one in your area) has some for $8 and the best part is they carry with you for a few sizes. You can even "dress them up."

YES!! She is AMAZING! Such a sweet lady. Also she is really really supportive and visited me in the hospital and checked up on me.

I got sleeved on the 15th at Memorial Hermann southeast. Also, to your other reply about red Jello, call the office and ask if you are concerned but if the hospital/office didn't say anything at pre-op appointments you should be okay.

Are these small enough to swallow or can they be cut in half? I am still a couple of weeks post-op.

Wow, this is awful and I am so sorry you are going through this. I am not experienced in this area because I've never been married but I understand your husband's insecurities. My friends have had that same problem and my mother told me my father had similar insecurities when she tried to lose weight recently. Reassure him and point out all of the things that you love about him. Explain that you did this to be healthier so you can be here longer for him and your children. At the same time, you just had major life changing surgery and he probably doesn't realize that his insecurity is keeping him from being here for you and showing support. I am sad to hear that he wants to leave the marriage over something so positive in your life but I'm sure it was irrational thinking. Ask him why he feels this way. Also, as someone who previously was medicated for depression and PTSD - it is very important that he takes his medications exactly as perscribed otherwise all of his symptoms and more will come back. If he has problems or symptoms from the medication he doesn't like he needs to talk to his doctor/therapist. Good luck with everything and stay strong. I send you many wishes and please keep us updated.

Great idea!!! I am definitely going to do this, thanks!!

My doctor recommended milk of magnesia for constipation. The bottle says it will make you go "cramp free" in 30 minutes to 6 hours. I just drank it and it's absolutely disgusting. I am going to go get fiber gummies because I don't want to go through this again and I took the lowest dosage on the bottle...

I have heard of the red thing before but I didn't have to watch that for my pre-op. Anyway, I know it's hard but you are almost there! I couldn't imagine smelling those cheese fries though and I would probably get angry, lol. Also I almost chose your surgeon but decided on Hollis because he's a tad closer! Good luck!!

I am still a newbie when it comes to the sleeve because I had it recently but so far I have no regrets. I was very scared in the beginning and had crazy "what ifs" going through my mind but this thought came to my head and I will never forget it - "This is not the life that I want. I am uncomfortable, I feel ugly, I don't have clothes that fit me right, I am unhealthy. My cholesterol is high and I have hypertension at 21. No, I am not going to just "try another diet" because I have done that my entire life. And if I don't change something NOW I know a year from now I will be 60 pounds heavier, have more health problems and still be unhappy in my life." When you are ready to change your life, yourself and break your abusive relationship with food then it will be okay. Research research research and be cautious of the risks but also be excited! This is an exciting thing! And if this is what is right for you then go for it. Good luck!

Think about you too! I had to keep a timer at the table at first and time two-five minutes in between bites and 60 second chewing. It was annoying but worth it. Chew chew chew and do not reach for a drink. Also use a baby spoon/fork - it definitely helped me. If you still have problems then go back to yogurt and foods you can tolerate for a week and try again, as others have said already.

Good thinking. I had that same detox myself before my pre-op diet (and multiple times before that with failed diet attempts) and they are never fun. It's amazing how addicted our bodies and mind get when it comes to food. What's worse is I did a "Oh lets binge on all my favorite foods for four days straight before pre-Op!" That was awful and definitely made it harder for me. It will pass though and just think of the new, happier you. Also - since you haven't started your liquid diet yet you can make your transition easier with low carb "favorites." Like pizza crust made out of chicken instead of bread or cauliflower potatoes. This site has great recipes that might help you if you feel like giving up: http://yourlighterside.com/

Hi everyone. I recently had my surgery so I am in NO WAY ready for anything on the "do not have" list but I find myself craving diet soda every single day and it makes me think about my future. I was told I can never have soda again and when I researched I found carbonation was one of the reasons why. That and it could be a "slippery slope" back to overweight-ville. Have any of you had diet soda since surgery? How does it make you feel? Can you "de-carbonate" the soda and it will be better on the sleeve? I used to drink 2 cans every single day for years (I know... how unhealthy) so it's weird. I can imagine living my life with modified "favorite foods" but I can't imagine never tasting soda again, even just a few sips. Btw I'm new to this forum so if this has already been talked about recently my bad!!