zomgjj

My surgery was on the 28th I'm 5 days post op and having a really hard time getting the Protein in ! The first shake I tried was possibly the worst thing I have ever tasted or smelled in my life! I gained 2 lbs over the time I was in the hospital and I'm down close to 30 lbs from the preop shakes to today and I'm down 11 lbs post op ! I have some discomfort still but I push my self everyday to get out there an get walking . It's really slippery outside here so my family is constantly checking on me when my bf is at work and taking me out for walks . I almost feel like an animal haha but I appreciate the help an support ! I look forward to purees anyone with any good recipes?

I'm with you on the Protein shakes! I am 3 weeks post op and haven't been able to drink any type or smoothie or drink with protein in it. Yuck! I know get my protein from food now that I can eat. Congrats on the weight loss already! It's good that you are out walking, it's the best thing and I seem to lose more weight on the days I get the most exercise. The best thing I had when I was in puréed was Wendy's chili in the blender. My nutritionist gave me the ok for it. Someone on here said there's quite a bit of protein in a small chili to so that's a plus!

Today is my tenth day post opt and I'm doing ok I think... Actually got out this morning and drove for the first time for more than 4 mins. And I helped a friend with a newborn session. So there was some bending and movements I haven't done since 2/24. BUT I'm so tried of this liquid diet... I want real food and I was so hungry tonight. It scared me. Anyone else get really hungry certain days or times of the day? I'm just so upset right now. I'm missing food I guess.

Yes! I had a lot of head hunger for the first two weeks and I felt hungry all the time with just fluids. It does get better and trust me, you will feel so full when you start puréed foods. The first time I had an egg I thought I was in heaven. I think the end of the second week was when I started feeling normal and was getting back into things. It takes time but your insides are healing right now. Hope you are doing good otherwise the hunger and wanting to eat.

I'm really losing quite slowly. Here are my one month pics. I don't see much of a difference but I am going to do this every month anyway. Hopefully one day I will look back at this and wonder why I was so worried about it.

You are looking great! I Def see a difference. Keep up the good work.

Ohhh friends!!! I've tried to join the march thread but...I need to be with you all!! My surgery is Friday!! Getting nervous but...so excited!! Can't wait

To join y'all!!

Well hello and welcome! I hope everything goes smoothly for you and hope for a speedy recovery. Most of us are a week or more out from surgery so I'm sure we'll be here to answer any questions you may have. Good luck and keep us posted!

Hi everyone and welcome new comers. I hope everyone is doing wonderful and is progressing well.

I had a question. Does anyone else have a problem with being cold? Before surgery I was ALWAYS hot. Everyone would freeze around me cause I had to stay cool or I would Haze trouble breathing or get sick. Now it seems like I'm constantly cold. I hate socks but I've been wearing them nonstop due to my feet freezing all the time.

Thought I would share my numbers as well since a few of you have.

Highest weight; 406

Surgery day; 356

Current weight; (3 weeks post op) 338

From the time I had my first serious meeting with my PCP it took me the better part of 13 months to get my surgery. How long did it take you guys?

Just curious...

It took me about 10 months to get my surgery.

My surgery was yesterday. I feel good so far but I've gained 7 lbs since yesterday. My fingers are all swollen and my blood pressure has been up. I think it's just due to all the fluids

Welcome to the losers bench! The first couple days are the hardest and don't worry about gaining weight while in the hospital. I gained like 15 lbs of Water and Fluid weight and it came off like nothing.

Good luck in tour journey. I gets a little easier as the time goes on.

I had a non scale victory today!

When I started my journey back in April 2013 I was buying 4x shirts and before surgery I was buying some 4x but mostly 3x and I went shopping today cause I haven't in so long. I automatically picked up a 3x shirt and put it in the cart. My mom pointed out that I should get a 2x so it would fit me longer than a 3x. Well I got a 2x and came home and it fits, like really good. So happy! I haven't bought 2xs in sooo long!

I totally agree. Whoever thinks this is the easy way out has noo idea. Nothing easy about this huge lifestyle change!

Hey guys, it seems like everyone is getting the hang of things a little bit at a time.

I feel like I'm way ahead for only been a little over 2 weeks out. I pretty much eat what I want I just chew it to mush before swallowing.

My dietitian told me to only eat blended things. Like I have to put everything in the blender. I'm not supposed to eat soft foods for another 2 weeks but I've already eaten types of chicken, I had a few small meatballs and mashed potatoes for dinner today. I'm not losing weight much since eating regular food and it's disappointing but that's okay.

I also feel thirsty all time, granted I use to chug drinks and now I can only sip.

These new changes are still pretty hard but I'm getting there pretty fast.

Just a heads up for all in the puree stage and beyond... A small cup of Wendy's Chili is 20 grams of Protein, and DELICIOUS! I was only able to manage 6 bites in two settings but man I was sooo happy:)

I got a large chili the other day, and put half in my blender to blend up the meat and Beans and ate it with no problem. So I got two big meals out of a large one. It was also soo good compared to my meals lately. Thanks for letting me know about the protein in it, I had no idea.

Good luck to everyone who is going to join the losers bench this week.

Thanks everyone for the kind words. I've lost a total of 65 lbs, which 15 of it is after surgery

How is everyone doing on their eating? I'm eating a lot of stuff that isn't in my stage yet but I have had no problems so that's good. It's much more satisfying when you are eating actual chewable food. When I was on broth and Soups I felt like I was having to much intake. Things do get easier with time and tomorrow is my 2 week mark!

So this past week has been really hard on me. My scale has gone UP two times and for the week I'm only down less than a pound. I've not eaten anything I shouldn't have, get in my Protein, Water, etc. I just don't get it. I know people say we all go through stalls, but this early in? And why? Yesterday I was feeling really down about it. I hope today I can get out of the funk. Sorry to be a downer.

I just got over my first stall which was only a week after surgery and it was super frustrating. I stayed the same weight for 3 days and even went up a pound but then after the couple days I starting losing again. I was so so upset when the scale wasn't moving especially when I was eating Soups and stuff all day. I hope everything starts moving for you again. I know it's hard and I will have to take my own advice in my next stall but the stall isn't forever, just remember that.

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Would like to share. The picture on the right was me the day I began my journey back in late April 2013. I had lost 50 lbs total on my own before surgery. The picture of me on the left was today a couple days shy of 2 weeks. I've lost numerous inches around my body just since surgery. The shirt I have on in the left is my favorite shirt and it is now almost a dress on me! Crazy!

Erin,

I totally know what you mean. I have an eating disorder- I eat for comfort and escape. Now that that ability has been taken away from me- in the past week or so- I have been dealing with a lot of pain (emotional). I have had my coping mechanism taken from me so i am now dealing with a lot that I always pushed aside with food. It's been hard!

K

I'm the same way! I always ate when I was stressed or any other emotion. food was practically like a best friend. My second day home from the hospital I pretty much lost it and cried. I felt so ridiculous that I was crying over food, but ya know it's something I had to and still have to deal with.

Okay guys I'm getting very frustrated!

I'm a couple days short of being 2 weeks post op and I'm already at a stall. All the weight I've lost is from the first week after surgery. I hate that the weight loss has already slowed down and practically stopped.

I know obviously I'm going to start losing again but this early in the game is real frustrating.

Also I've finally experienced something getting stuck. Oh that it's horrible. I wasn't paying attention to my chewing and swallowed my scrambled egg to soon. Ouch!

Did u see emily, pam, and chris? I love this team. How long were u in the hosp? Did he manage ur pain well? Can u tell im nervous?

Yes I've seen all of them and I love them all actually! They are even more encouraging and helpful after surgery.

I had my surgery on a Tuesday and was out on Friday morning. My pain was very managed and the nurses at the hospital are very very nice. One of them that handles weight loss surgery patients had gastric bypass 9 years ago and she'll show you before pictures.

You'll do great! The first couple days are the hardest but the more you walk the better you'll feel. I'd do it all over again tomorrow if I had to!

How did ur surgey go? What did u think about dr Custer? I totally love him amd just think hes amazing.

My surgery went fantastic! He's an absolutely amazing surgeon. I couldn't of picked a better doctor or team to have help me with my journey.

Hey guys do any of you have to take a shot for 14 days called lovanox or something like that lol

Yes I had to take mine for 10 days after I got out the hospital. Today was actually my last day of them!

Was wondering if anyone else felt like they are constantly eating and drinking?

Like I'm not even getting enough fluids in and I feel like I'm eating and especially drinking a TON.

I'm more worried of getting to much of something than not enough. I think it might be mental and just not wanting to set myself up to old habits.

I hope I'm not alone in these feelings!

I am a week out.

Chapstick!! Your lips and mouth are going to be so dry and I made my grandma leave and buy me chapstick and it felt so much better.

Loose fitting clothes to go home in, and possible a robe of some sort to put over tour back cause they will probably make you walk the halls after surgery.

Good luck on your journey!

I'm glad to read how everyone is doing. It's been a few days since I have been on. I hope everyone is continuing to heal real well and is doing well with all the other aspects.

As for me, I'm doing unbelievable. I am in no pain anymore, stopped taking my meds. I am drinking about 30-40 oz of Fluid a day, am doing good on my Vitamins, and I'm just now figuring out a good way for me to get my Protein in.

I start my pureed foods this Friday which I'm so excited to eat an egg and mash potatoes! Wooh!

Also, I'm losing about 3 lbs a day! I lost all my hospital weight plus ane additional 11-12 lbs in 6 days. Crazy!

Hi Zom,

I don't need to have Protein Shakes with my regime but I was looking in an American bariatric cookbook and they suggested using Protein powder as an ice cream with milk. Apparently it makes it less sweet and tastes nice. i have ordered a chocolate one from Amazon which will arrive tomorrow.

Would you be able to try that do you think?

Claire

I was just thinking about trying sugar free ice cream in my shakes to maybe them thicker and taste better. But the thing is, I got flavor less protein powder and it still made me gag when I put it anything. I think it won't be as bad when I'm able to eat some soft foods cause right now I'm on full liquids.

I just order some different protein powders today and I see my nutritionist on Monday so I will ask her for some help to manage.

How are you doing with everything?

I'm doing pretty well besides the head hunger. I want something to actually EAT sooo bad.

I'm having trouble getting my Water and Protein in. I can't stand any Protein Powder. I've tried several different ways and my stomach just can't take it. I usually just gag. Even the flavor less still has flavor in full liquids. I used it pre op in eggs and such and it wasn't that bad but these shakes are going to be the death of me.

Anyone have any suggestions?