JeanZ_RN

I applaud you for doing it your way and being so close to your goal! I think what you outline sounds ideal - eat the foods you want, just very small portions. Do you adhere to the Don't drink while eating rule?

Thank you one and all. I appreciate you!

No, nobody mentioned that. I'm thinking it's the compression of my abdomen that is the problem, so I'm not sure that would be the answer. But it would be worth a try...

I'm 5 days post op VSG, and my incisions are still so tender that I can't wear even loose elastic waist pants for more than about 30 minutes. Pain meds help some, but not enough. I'm planning to go back to work day after tomorrow, but I don't know if I'll be able to because of this. Otherwise everything is fine - able to get in all required Water and Protein without a problem.

WHY is he against it? If he is only attracted to very heavy women, then you have a decision to make - are you going to stay heavy (and forego becoming healthier) just to satisfy that part of his likes/dislikes?

We who have been sleeved (mine was 11/13) need the Protein to heal - especially in teh immediate post-op period. If you can find a Protein shake that you like or at least can tolerate, use that as the basis for your diet while on full liquids. That should get you the 60-80 gm Protein you need per day. You can add the other things you listed if you have room in your tummy.

The answer to your How much is a serving of... can be found on the container of that food. And the only reason to be concerned with what that says is so you can calculate how much protein / carbs / sugar you get from consuming it. Example: If something says a serving is 1/2 cup, but you only eat 1/4 cup, then you count 1/2 the amoint of each nutrient listed on the label.

For those having trouble getting enough Protein, check this out: http://www.protica.com/Products/ProteinCandy.htm

I have one of the Protein Twist things in my fridge; haven't tried it yet but it says it's watermelon flavor. Says 15 gm protein, and it's very small - 2 teaspoons, max.

Fortunately I found a shake I like - Premier Protein, chocolate - and I still like it after surgery. And I've found I can drink an entire 11 oz serving as long as I don't rush. So I drink it over 20-30 minutes, and that does fine. I like them really really cold, so when it gets about time to have one I shake it well and put it in the freezer for 25 minutes (I use a timer, cause otherwise I'd forget and it would freeze solid). When I get it out I shake it again and voila! I like that it has little ice crystals in it.

Hope that helps!

Alex:

Today for the first time I'm hearing a "bloop" sound, as if an IM had just landed... But I looked up Messages and there is nothing new posted there. Any idea what the noise is?

I like the new look of the web site, and I have a couple of observations/requests:

>> The banner headline takes up quite a bit of real estate on my screen. Would it be possible to mae it narrower?

>> I keep getting into the Band discussions by mistake. IMHO it would be great if each user could determine which types of surgery to see / not see.

My day is Wednesday, 11/13. I'm excited! I would like an invitation to the Facebook group also, please - jeanz53@hotmail.com.

Best wishes to all my fellow November sleevers!

I'm afraid my girls will deflate like balloons. Aaaaaack! My surgery is scheduled for Wed 11/13/13.

SassyTink:

You said: My concern is the leaking. If you follow the instructions given by the Dr. what are the chances of a leak? Once the six months after the surgery has past is there any chance that a staple will not hold? This is my only concern. The rest of my life I don't want to worry about every twinge and having to worry that a staple was not holding.

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The staples are there to hold until the remaining stomach heals. That usually starts within days of the surgery, and is complete within 6-8 weeks. Once you're beyond that point, the chance of a leak is VERY small. After that the staples are just serving as reinforcement.

Jean Z, RN

Consider this: http://www.bobbywhisnand.com. This trainer was obese, and he has developed a program that is adaptable to ANY level of fitness, any age. The exercises can be done sitting or standing, and his videos guide you through every step. He spoke at a support group meeting I attended, and I'm so glad I found his programs!

Jean Z

Alex, thank you so much for setting up and maintaining this and the other sites for all these years! I really appreciate all of the time and effort you've put in, without remuneration, just to help those coming along later.

Jean Z

Did you do those blood sugar and BP checks while you were actually dizzy, or after? I'm betting it's low BP. The reason I say that is BP can vary quite a bit within minutes, but blood sugar takes longer to change. Jean Z

Did you take it with food, or on an empty stomach? In general it's best to take Vitamins with food, because they need food to do their best work. Jean Z

I'm pre-op, looking for clarification. What does MFP stand for? And who sets the values - you? surgeon? dietician? Thanks Jean Z

So my surgery is Nov 1st and I started this whole process the end of July. My doctor put me on a low calorie diet and exercise and I have lost 30lbs since. I started out at 249. I had to gain weight to get my BMI to 40 so my insurance would approve the surgery since I have no other problems. Now that I have lost this weight people are telling I should postpone the surgery, that I'm not that heavy and I should try again on my own!!! I am 40 years old and I truly feel like I have tried long enough of yo-yo dieting and I ready to start a new chapter in my life. I'm just wondering if any of you guys still feel like there's still a chance to do this on your own? Or are all of you 100% about this surgery no turning back? I'm excited, nervous and I feel like I'm making the right decision but it's hard when people put their two cents in ;(

I had some of that ambivalence too, but I got over it quickly. I am ready to stop this yo-yo stuff, and the best way for me is to have the surgery. I have tried to lose weight on my own too many times, and my inability to stick to it over the long term is proof enough that IT'S NOT WORKING. Somebody famous said something like... Insanity is doing the same thing over and over, and expecting different results. My surgery is scheduled for Nov 13th, and I'm EXCITED!