DeniseNCC1701

I second what LumpySpacePrincess said. The first two weeks when I was on liquids, I felt like I could take in more than I was supposed to, and that concerned me. My surgeon said that this was normal, and that the liquids pass fairly quick. Once I transitioned to pureed foods, it was a whole different story, and I feel the restriction after several bites (if that much!).

I was hungry the first week, but the hunger has been subsiding.

Be well...

I'm a little over two weeks post-op, and like everyone else responding, the first week was awful for me. I woke in recovery in pain, and I couldn't breathe. That feeling stayed with me for the rest of the week. Once I realized that my chest muscles had been stretched out from the gas, and it was THAT which was making breathing difficult, I applied heating pads, and started to feel better. I struggle with getting Water in, and I have bouts of diarrhea from time to time, but otherwise, surgery is starting to become a distant memory.

And I know we're all saying it, but it is indeed true: hang in there, it WILL get better!

In a few days you will be on one-derland! Good for you!!!

I know the temptations are powerful! at 10 days out, I tried some cottage cheese. It was a mistake, and went right through me. Since that episode, I've stuck with the plan. Your stomach needs time to heal. With that said, if you *do* choose to try something more advanced, be careful, take is slow and really listen to what your body is telling you.

Be well...

I'm two weeks out, and getting in the Protein isn't a problem. I've been using Eat The Bear brand Protein powder, and Isopure Protein Water. The Isopure Water packs the protein punch with 40grams per 20oz serving. The pineapple is my favorite so far. Maybe you can have some tuna fish or eggs?

Now, getting in water, that's another story, but I'm trying.

My instructions say no straws, too. But I confess to using one in the car with my morning tea or coffee... otherwise, I'm inclined to spill it all over my shirt!

I made a big batch of homemade chicken stock and froze it in pint containers. The boiled chicken meat I vacuum sealed 3oz servings to use later. Like everyone else, I second the motion to not stock up too much. I have a million cartons of beef and chicken stock packages, and sugar free Jello. I'm on pureed foods now for 6 weeks or so, and purchased a set of baby utensils. I'm finding these really help me to take smaller bites and remind me to take my time eating! I too live alone, but I have a dog, so what I'm unable to finish goes to her! LOL

I'm having a hard time getting in enough Water, so I'm leaving Water bottles in every room... sometimes 2 or 3 strategically placed, and a few in the car too.

Best of luck to you! Be well...

Very cool!!! Great job!!! AND...more Jersey folks!!! Where are you both located?

I'm up in Northern NJ: Sparta!

Fret not, just stay the course and you'll do great! Trust the process!

Awesome! Congratulations!

Good job! You must be very proud!

Old habits are hard to beat, that's for sure. I'm 2 weeks out, and already have moment where I'd just love to sink my teeth into something I used to find comforting. Try not to beat yourself up too much, you'll wind up feeling worse and more inclined to reach for the wrong things. And you are NOT a failure. You just survived a major MAJOR surgical procedure. That, in and of itself, is a HUGE accomplishment. You, and all of us, should be proud to get over that hurdle! Focus on that. Come here to vent. sugar free popcicles help me feel human.

My mantra: TRUST THE PROCESS!

Be well...

wooHOOO!!!!

PegsBored,

I too had trouble taking a deep breath. Remember, though, that during the procedure, your chest muscles were stretched WAY out so the surgeon has room to do his work. Those muscles are probably really sore right now. Heating pads did the trick for me, and within a few days I felt much better.

Side note: when I was coming out of anesthesia in the recovery room I had such a hard time breathing and had so much pain in my breastbone and left shoulder that I freaked out and had to be sedated frequently! I was terrified. So glad that is behind me now. Oh, and I'm 49, I'm right there with ya! Hang in there!

Hi everyone! I'm two weeks out, and start pureed foods today. I too got sick of broth, but found miso Soup to be my salvation (not eating the seaweed). And "Eat the Bear" brand Protein shakes are pretty tasty, if a little sweet. Isopure Protein Water packs the protein punch at 40grams per 20oz serving. And the flavors are palatable.

Regarding gas pains: I felt terrible for the first 3-4 days, and gas-x, prilosec did nothing. I had trouble taking deep breaths. Then it occured to me that my chest muscles were all stretched out from the surgery, and they were really sore. I started using heating pads and that helped a great deal.

Hang in there, it will get easier and you WILL feel better!

My mantra: TRUST THE PROCESS!

Amazing!

Outstanding!

Hi there!

I'm sorry you're having a rough time! I'm 2wks post op on Monday, and I've been really cold. My surgeons' nurse tells me it is because I'm already starting to loose my insulation. And of course you're weak… you haven't had solid food in awhile! Hand in there, it get's better.

D

Hi Water Nazi!

Yep, I met with my surgeon yesterday, and he said boot camp would be OK. The people who run the boot camp are aware of my situation and will look after me, too… I'm sure. At 350+ lbs and in dreadful shape, I don't imagine I will be able to do much at first anyway.

Hi everyone!

I’ve been lurking the message boards for awhile now, and I just wanted to take some time to introduce myself and share my story. This site has been extremely helpful in providing information and support. I’m very grateful it’s here, and even more grateful for all of you!

Like most of us, I’ve been overweight all my adult life. It started back in my teens. I’ve tried Weight Watchers several times, Nutrisystem, Ideal Protein, and I can’t even estimate the money wasted on gym memberships, diet pills, and exercise equipment.

In my early 40s, I was diagnosed as Type II Diabetic, and at the turn of this year, at 49 years old, I found myself on a dozen different medications for blood sugar, blood pressure, cholesterol and arthritis. My weight was about 380 (highest recorded weight); I was depressed and felt like crap. The past several months had my bloodwork numbers spinning out of control. While I had considered WLS for several years, and I knew now was the time to admit defeat with conventional weight loss methods and take my efforts to the next level.

On Feb 4th, I had a consultation with a general surgeon I knew who does a lot of work on bariatric patients. He encouraged me to pursue the sleeve over the band. As my insurance does not offer bariatric coverage, I decided to proceed anyway as a self-pay. My surgery was scheduled on Feb 11th for Feb 24th, with pre-op testing (EKG, bloodwork and chest x-ray) on the 17th. On the 19th I had my pre-op visit with my PCP to review the tests. My EKG came back abnormal (!). Someone was smiling on me, as I was extremely lucky to get an appointment with a cardiologist later that morning. He wanted me to have a stress echo done. Again, being extremely lucky, I was able to have this done the next day, under the observation of another cardiologist who would render a “verdict” on the spot as to whether or not I could proceed with the surgery. I passed (*whew*), and surgery happened Monday, Feb 24th as scheduled.

I came home the next day (late afternoon), and the next three days were brutal. I had lots of chest pain and trouble breathing. I later realized was this was due to my chest muscles being all sore from being stretched out from the gas they pump you up with. By Saturday I was feeling better. That Monday (this past Monday, actually!) I returned to work. It’s now Friday and I’m looking forward to going on a fishing boat tomorrow. Monday I start boot camp 3x a week. I also transition from protein shakes/clear liquids to pureed/soft foods on Monday. I don’t think I’ve ever looked more forward to having scrambled eggs whites than I do right now. LOL.

I am one of the lucky ones, and I feel very blessed. I have issues with loose bowels, but a little Keopektate goes a long way.

I live in northern NJ, and love to saltwater fish, mostly on party boats. I’ve never been married, and I do not have children. I have a beagle named Rosie. I love to travel, and my favorite place is Ambergris Caye, Belize. I’m also a big geek who loves Star Trek and Lord of the Rings. I’m really looking forward to being more active, but most important, being more healthy!