Kookichu

Nikki, I believe in you and will keep you and your surgical team in my thoughts and prayers. My surgery was on Jan. 13th. No regrets!

Vicki, i am also still on pureed stage. My instruction sheet from my nutrition says I can have pureed pears or peaches in their own juice. And light, flaky fish so (even though i am not a fish type) i bought thin cuts of tilapia and baked it in my toaster oven which made it slightly crisp but very soft. I am almost 4wks post surgery and can testify that my appetite was better two weeks ago. Not sure if it's the lack of variety right now or just disinterest, or both. Things were going fairly well until this week when my appetite bottomed out. Today, I forced myself 1/4 C. of oats with cinnamon and a dash of splenda for breakfast, 2 small red potatoes boiled and mashed with a pinch of cheese, and my 12oz wheybolic protein shake (GNC) for dinner (60g of protein). If it werent for the heavily packed protein in the shake, I would not reach my protein goal. And the past few days, I've been feeling the lack of it. I hope this helps.

Congratulations to the final January's!! Hoping for a smooth and full recovery!

Hi lady! I did have a stuck issue with a deviled egg. My plan was never to puree but instead chew to a puree'd consistency...well, eggs are a mental roadblock for me to begin with as I have always needed toast as it's companion. So mentally, I wanted to rush the egg along. The last bite was swallowed and immediately "stuck"...so I sat and waited for it to pass then realized maybe it wouldn't and stood over the toilet for a few minutes both dreading and hoping it would come up. The feeling passed in less than ten minutes, but it was miserable. For me, it's hard to dress up an egg. I have done scrambled eggs twice without physical problems. chew.chew.chew

Froggy, like Blue, I went through Cigna. I am doing absolutely great which still feels strange to say it. It has been 3 weeks today and the difference in my life is remarkable already! Thank you. IF you have to wait 6wks, just utilize the information you were given going through the process and get your life prepared for a life changing blessing! keep us posted!¡

Vicki1205, congrats on 23lbs! that is fantastic. I was slightly disappointed with my 18lbs, but i was told the same thing about anesthesia and the healing process...surgeon said "be proud. When was the last time you lost 18lbs in less than 3wks" and reminded me that this is only the beginning. Turned my attitude around into being more determined than ever...my energy level is at a five year (or more) high. Keep on keeping on, lady!

R@ven, a lot of things leave a strange aftertaste for me, exceptions have been homemade chili and ice water. I have tried flavored water packets but because of the aftertaste I have kept plain icewater and/or 1% milk, or swiss miss hot chocolate with me at all times. The same aftertaste goes for sugar free jello and puddings. The few things i have tried like a dorito or a combo leaves a nasty taste too so I just deal with it at this point and stick to high protein soft foods. I found a delicious high protein powder@GNC today with 60g of protein for 3 scoops in 12oz of water (havent tried it with my 1% milk yet). Hopefully the bad aftertaste is temporary but it does keep me in line with the right choices for 3wks out.

Hi mister, i realize your question was for Krystal but wanted to report that one week post op my energy level doubled...not sure why so soon, but I have more energy than I have had in years! In my mind, that id just mindblowing...not sure if it`s the fat burning process or just using the tool I have been blessed with. I sympathize with your struggle with food. That was also me. I wanted what I wanted and so I ate it...now, while there has been "head hunger" and cravings, surgery changes the ability to over indulge allowing you to develop a healthy relationship with food. I have faith in you...if I can do this, you can too. My thoughts and positive energy are with you!

Stress of surgery in and of itself (any surgery) often causes hair loss. I noticed that my bariatric vitamins (Celebrate chewable) has biotin in it. I am only three weeks post op and lose the same amount of hair I always did which I always contributed to my thyroid disorder. Just meet your vitamin and protein requirements and IF any hair loss occurs, I have heard it is usually only a temporary side effect.

I agree with jlmckee. You should be fine. Your abdomen will be very tender and using a pillow to hold tightly against it helped me get up and down with more ease...some get abdominal binders for that purpose before leaving the hospital. My mom stayed the night with me the first night home just in case to (it eased her mind), but it was not necessary. Best wishes to you!

Congratulations on getting through the requirements! Insurance approval shouldnt take too long...a week or so. Best wishes to you.

Canam60, I am mostly wanting a pedometer but thought, in months to come, that I would amp my exercise up...as for sleep, I am not certain anything could track my habits. When working and before surgery, my hobby was sleep out of pure necessity. Since being off work, I sleep at night for 8hrs (like "normal" people). Thanks for your sharing your thoughts about it. I had my another post op appointment. Things are still going well. I invested in some Isopure Zero Carb Protein drinks (flavored water) packing 40g of protein per bottle and Amplified Wheybolic Extreme 60 (chocolate) packing 60g of protein for 3 scoops in 12oz. of Water...they let me sample it @GNC. As of today, I have lost 18lbs since surgery on the 13th of January. My surgeon said that I can take up to 6 stool softeners per day to aid in bowel movements which has been a problem this week. Steady as she goes!

Hi MiniLynne2b! And welcome! I did not have to have a sleep study. It was mentioned at the seminar that I attended in July 2013 but not sure what criteria they look at in determining who needs one. I did, however, have six months of nutrition classes, pulmonary testing, ekg, ecg, stress test, upper GI, ultrasound of gall bladder and liver, psychological evaluation and several rounds of bloodwork. Congratulations on taking the first step.

I did have 5 minutes of OMG when I failed to chew a deviled egg well enough and it stuck...hovered over the throne for a minute while my dog, Maynard, barked at me...thankfully, it passed without incident but it was a close call. Lesson learned. And I may never look at a deviled egg again with longing...or jello, not because it tested my pouch but because I feel like I ate my weight of it. chew.chew.chew, kookichu

Today is two weeks post op for me and I couldnt have expected to feel so great, but am grateful that I do. My first follow up appointment was Jan. 22nd and I moved into the pureed stage. I am not pureeing my food but rather chewing it into a pureed consistency. So far that is working great. The diet is somewhat boring but my appetite is not strong. I have tried scrambled egg with a drop of hot sauce [mentally missed the toast], sugar free pudding, pears in their own juice, Protein shakes [not my favorite but I hope experience and experimenting brings this around], cottage cheese, greek yogurt, and today I tried 1/4C. of Wendy's chili...success. I have set out the ingredients to make my own but wanted to be certain I could handle it. It was also nice to be able to research the protein content online. The one thing that tastes absolutely delicious to me is ice water! Some of the things I am trying is leaving a strange aftertaste that I never noticed pre surgery. Today I ordered my Vitamins and sublingual B12...a little later than I wanted but have been using samples distributed by my nutritionist. I ordered from Celebrate the forest berry chewable multi Vitamin and Quick-melt cherry sublingual B12. I am set with chewable Calcium. My next investment will be an unflavored Protein powder to add to the things I eat...it is already proving to be a challenge to get my protein in, but I am trying. Happy to be at least staying hydrated. Any suggestions on an unflavored powder would be appreciated...might try unjury. I still have a sample vanilla packet of unjury and a Cookies and cream one from syntax nectar. I will try these soon. I have been using the EAS prepackaged strawberry and chocolate ones with 17g of protein for convenience and, frankly, there has to be a better remedy. My incisions are closed and nearly healed. The truth is I physically feel good enough to return to work, but I have already been approved for 6wks short term disability at 60% of my pay so I am going to ride it out. The weather has not been kind for outdoor walking but I have been able to shop energetically. This is truly the best I have felt in years...I really suffered pre surgery with pain, exhaustion, and depression. Aside from some cabin fever, all of that misery appears to be behind me. Starting back to work in late February will be a real test. As of Friday, I had lost 20lbs since surgery [290lbs]. That is the first time being under 300lbs in four years...AND IT FEELS FANTASTIC! So, I am hanging in there. I just downloaded myfitnesspal today so if anyone wants to add me, my username there is also kookichu. I dont know what I am doing there yet, but intend to figure it out. Also thinking about investing in the ifit wristband [i think that is what it's called]. Anyone have experience with this? If so, tell me what you think. Blessed be!

Mosaicforyou, I am thinking about you...sending all kinds of positive energy your way as Wednesday is approaching. xo

Just getting started with myfitnesspal, but ready to rockNroll. Username is: kookichu

Will be thinking about all of you as you journey into health. Prayers for a flawless surgery and full recovery. It is worth it! [2wks post op today and aside from food restriction, I can't even physically tell I have had surgery...most energy I have had in years]

And teacherlady, 60lbs lost!!! That is phenomenal...dont let anyone steal your thunder. You are beautiful and deserve peace of mind. "and the day came when the risk to remain tight in the bud was more painful than the risk it took to blossom" -Anais Nin It's your day. You got this! As I just read ...denial is the easiest way to NOT reach your goals. You have it worked out as far as I can see.

Hi Esthor!!! Girl, those pictures...phew. I never even thought to post one with real pants on and didnt.even take one. lol. Oh well, these are true stories and that body is no lie. Everything is coming up roses...and I say that metaphorically because there is over a foot of snow right outside my door. Good for you in deciding surgery is the tool you need to conquer the weight! You are gonna do fantastic! Best wishes and blessings to you. Be sure to keep us updated.

Today is a new day! run this statement through your mind...the things people say or do is more a reflection of them than you! You seem to be analytical much like myself. I have had snide comments mostly from people I dont hold in very high regard anyway and even a few unintentional harsh statements from family, and I guarantee I handled those the same way...by overindulging with food. That being said, I have always been my hardest critic and worst enemy. I have dealt with many addictions, actually [since we are being honest] and the most difficult has been unhealthy eating. Paired with lack of discipline and the demands of life, food was killing me. I knew that bariatric surgery was the tool I needed to get a grip...and live! Post surgery, I am still an addict craving my old choices everyday but this new lease on life feels like such a blessing that I am channeling that into painting dried gourds, searching out low carb, high Protein recipes on pinterest, sending thank you cards to my biggest supporters, and daydreaming of shopping thrift stores and finding clothes that fit...or even getting into old clothes that I have saved over the years. Don't beat yourself up one more minute for getting off track. I venture to guess 90% [if not more] did, maybe will again. I am sorry the statement that derailed you was spoken, but know and believe you are already stronger than the intention behind it. Someone told me I was taking the easy route to weight loss and dont think it didnt float through my head [still does]. But I am here testifying that nothing about this decision was easy...and praise God for seeing me through it as recovery has been in my favor. Count those blessings. Name them. You are going to blossom!

Meintraining, I wore old navy sleep pants that have a drawstring so that they could be loose on the way home and a long mens tshirt...comfortable is key. I expected to need everything and preparing added to my anxiety. But once the surgery was over, nothing in my packed bag mattered. I kept my purse, which is tote size, beside the bed on my rolling tray. My charger cord was just long enough but barely. The hospital provided anti slip socks, toothbrush, toothpaste, shampoo, conditioner, lotion, tv, remote, extra pillows, and even found me a fan. The morphine made me hot so that fan was awesome sauce! lol. You're gonna do great!

I packed pjs, robe, extension cord for phone, socks, dainties, deodorant, toothbrush and toothpaste...but honestly, the hospital provided everything and I didnt even get my bag out of the trunk. Everything I needed was in my purse [chapstick, phone charger & phone ]. I wore the clothes I wore to the hospital home. Those two days fly by, but had I stayed longer, I would have needed my bag. Blessings to you all! I am 12 days post op and doing great. It still feels like a miracle, really!

I second Dorian, you can do this. I can't count the number of pizzas that have passed through my taste buds. Millions [lol]! Acknowledge the fall, dust yourself off and start again. It's not even starting over because you have come so far and the agonizing just goes to prove how much his means to you. Presurgery was difficult for me, too. I absorbed the information in the nutrition classes, lost 14lbs, but I was still able to eat all the carb, sugar and fat I wanted...not always willing but able. Post surgery, you can't. It is that simple. Yesterday, I saw a picture of two pizzas on pinterest captioned "beauty comes in all shapes and sizes" and I wanted a bite of that pizza. Lordy, did I! The struggle may always be there for us, but we're fighters and winners...setbacks won't change that. Love yourself and stand up, beautiful!

Hi! My surgery was also the 13th. Congratulations on taking the step and for having a stellar support system. I have also found the forums helpful. Wishing you a speedy recovery!