Texasmeg

At 4.5 weeks, I'm still on a liquid diet and my skin is extremely dry. I use a lot of lotion.

I like Expedia because you can compare airlines, although Southwest isn't on Expedia. When I've checked the cost vs. airline sites, it has been the same.

It sounds like you have been through a lot. I was sleeved Dec. 31 and spent 2 days in the hospital. After a week, I felt ok, just tired. Before 2 weeks, I felt pretty normal. I didn't have complications, but they can happen. Good luck to you with whatever decisions you make. By the way, I'm in Dallas. Dr. Cribbins did my surgery - he is terrific.

Clear liquids for three days and full liquids for nearly six weeks (I'm at 4 weeks now). I agree with Bufflehead on speaking to your Nut and or doc.

Week 4 Breakfast: Two Tbs malt-o-meal mixed with milk to make a liquid Mid-morning: Protein shake Lunch: 1/2 cup Strained Light Healthy Choice cream soup Mid-afternoon: Protein Shake Dinner: 6 oz light greek yogurt eaten over an hour I'm only allowed liquids, LF/SF Yogurt and pudding, or popcycles until Feb. 7. For fluids, I fit in enough Water or crystal light to add in to the rest of my fluids to 64 oz.

Excercise, of course, but I'm also not taking my calcium chewables - too chalky!

I am definitely an American & appreciate the nearly pain free experience I had in the hospital. I did get up and walk quite a bit, but used the morphine button when I needed it.

One thing I do know. My husband is a Type II diabetic and his blood sugar rises if he doesn't eat (seems counterintuitive, but that's how it works). In any case, your's isn't very high.

Hello and welcome to the forum. My Doc. said I could drive 48 hours after being off anesthesia and narcotic pain medicine. As to the sugar levels, how much are you consuming in the Optifast? I drink Muscle Milk Light and Premier Protein, both are low in carbs.

What about calcium - I can't stand the chalky tablets I have.

I think my Doc said 1- 2 lbs/week after the first month.

I agree that it is hard to tell what the feelings are early on. It gets more clear. After two weeks, you should be able to tell. In the meantime, you do the best you can not to overfill your pouch (which isn't even a pouch yet!).

Thinking of your today - I know it will go well and it will be a new life for you. Just remember, every day gets better!

You are lucky! I've been on liquids for three weeks and have two more to go (although I am allowed LF/SF yogurt and FF/SF pudding). I can't wait to have other options besides yogurt, pudding, strained soups, Protein drinks, and Water.

I'm glad you are feeling better - don't beat yourself up. If you need help, that is "managing this situation"!

My doc said I could drive 48 hours after being off anesthesia and narcotics. I didn't really need to, though, so it was more like five days.

HW 232 SW 223 (12/31/2013) CW 208 Lost 24 pounds to date!

I am only allowed to do hand weights and walking for another three weeks, but am looking forward to getting back to Pilates. My class is on the machine (Reformer). It is hard work, but it tones all of my muscles and especially my core. I've never particularly liked excercise, but I really enjoy Pilates. The only thing is, it is mot an aerobic excercise, but I get that on the elliptical,

I was very nervous about telling my grown daughters, but they have seen my struggles and were surprisingly supportive considering they don't have any problems with weight. They also did not think I was heavy enough, though I am morbidly obese. You may want to go through some of your struggles at trying to lose weight with your daughters so they can share your journey and see what led you to this decision. I would also tell them that people who reach a certain weight are dismally unlikely to be able to lose weight by diet and exercise and keep it off. This is a much more effective method.

Wish I could have them - my Doc has me on liquids for almost six weeks total (2.5 more weeks).

I needed some nicer clothes for work and picked them up at a good consignment shop.

If it's gas in your stomach/intestines, try Gas-x strips. It won't help if it is in your body cavity (pain in shoulders).

I'm going on a trip to Croatia in the Spring with my very active daughter, son-in-law, and husband. I don't want to be the one saying "No, it's ok - you all go on without me. I'm just fine sitting here."

Kevin, I tried sending you an e-mail, but it came back undeliverable.