DeniseNCC1701

Take a deep breath, Dragonfly#, it's going to be all right. Your body just went through some serious stuff, and it's trying to figure out what's going on. Focus on getting the Protein and Water in and, yes, walk as often as you can. Heating pads helped me a lot with the pain.

Don't panic, you're going to do great! I wish you a speedy recovery.

Be well…

Good for you, that must have felt great!

Be well…

I second getting the laundry done.

• Do as much housework as you can, actually. You're not going to want to do it right away post-op.
• Make sure you have your Protein drinks/water, broth, herbal teas, Jello and popsicles handy.
• If you can swing it, get a massage and/or mani-pedi, facial, have your hair done, etc…
• Select the room you're going to be doing most of your resting in. Fill it with things that make you smile. Maybe flowers, candles, etc…
• Make sure you have things to keep you entertained such as videos, books, puzzles, etc…

Good luck, and I wish you a speedy recovery!

Be well…

Breaking Red: Thank you so much for your post. And like Bufflehead said, it could have been written by hundreds+ of us here.

I too decided at the start of this process that I was going to throw out everything I knew, or thought I knew, about weight loss, exercise, nutrition, etc… and actually seek out the best team I could and listen to them for a change.

I'm early in the process, but I am continuing to work hard at seeking out positive, like-minded people to support me.

Be well, everyone…

Outstanding! To loose 50lbs pre-op shows your commitment and dedication. Post-op, you're going to blow it out of the Water. Best of luck to you, and keep us posted!

Be well…

Oh, I know how you feel. I've lost almost 70lbs and can count on one hand the number of comments I've gotten. Granted, I have a lot to loose, and most people have seen me at this weight before. But still…

I let it go. Like McButterpants said: "my weight was a bigger deal to me than it was to others."

Amen. And yes, take lots of pictures! Seeing your own before and after (even along the way) is a good ego-boost!

Be well…

I'm 49 and was sleeved Feb 24th, and have had a respectable loss so far. I've had weeks where I've lost nothing, and I've had weeks where I've stared at the scale and said "really?! Go me!"

I'm early in the process, and already I can see where I might have some skin issues, but that's OK, as regaining my health and eliminating meds are my main focus right now.

I also think that us "older folks" have the advantage in other areas. And forgive me for making the following blanket statement, but I suspect that having been though it all for over 20 or 30 years (or more), most of us have different expectations and goals than the 20-somethings, and are more inclined to have a clearer vision of our futures.

You're going to be just fine. Trust the process.

Be well…

Everyone take a deep breath and repeat after me: It's going to be OK.

This is perfectly normal. Your body is simply trying to figure out what the heck just happened to it, and is doing it's own version of freaking out. Just follow your surgeon's instructions, stay off the scale for awhile if you can, and trust the process. Things will start moving again. And eventually, you'll get to place when you'll pay no mind to the occasional stall, safe in the knowledge that the stall will end.

Be well…

Allow me to take a moment and join in the "I Heart Madam Reverie" group.

I can't put my thoughts down nearly as well as most people on this site, and I always admire those who have that skill. And to do so, and elicit a chuckle or three, kind of makes my day sometimes.

Be well…

Wow! Good for you, congratulations!

Look at you, sexy lady! You should be very proud. Congratulations!

Be well…

Anyone going to Star Trek Vegas this year? I'm unable to attend, though I will be in Vegas for business the week before. Ahh.. so close and yet so far!

I went a couple of years ago when Leonard Nimoy made his final ST:VEGAS con appearance. I had a blast. I even wore at ST:TNG Admirals jacket when I had my picture taken with him. It was thrilling.

Be well…

I'm low on Vitamin D as well. I suspect that if everyone in temperate climates were tested, the vast majority would be deficient. I try to remember to take supplements, and they can be prescribed as well. If memory serves, it's a fairly inexpensive pill, though the test itself was about $300 according to my insurance claim! Yikes!

Be well…

I'm sorry to hear about your arm, and I too hope that it turns out to be minor and that it works itself out in brief time.

Regarding pain: I had a fair amount of pain in the recovery room, and pain/trouble breathing at home for the first 4 days or so. Then it was like someone flipped a switch and I started to feel a lot better. I was back to work the following week, and fishing inside of 2 weeks.

And like the others said, really focus on getting that Protein in. I drank Isopure Protein Water the first week or two. It's nasty, but gets the job done. Homemade chicken broth hit the spot.

Be well…

wooHOO!!! That's so awesome… Congratulations!

Be well…

Jessica, definitely check with your doctor on this one, but many of us here have cold intolerance post-op, myself included. I also take synthroid. Being tired could be from a million things, especially recent surgery! You'll probably want to have bloodwork done frequently during the first year to monitor your numbers.

Be well…

Check with your doctor first, but I suggest cans of tuna fish, sardines, chicken, baked Beans, refried beans… nuts, beef/chicken Jerky, extra Protein powder. Have a safe and lovely trip!

Be well…

Outstanding, you good-looking lady, you! Congratulations!

Be well…

That's a lovely set of commitments. You've been working hard, and the goal is close now! Congratulations!

Be well…

Hey, sexy lady! Nice going, you should be very proud. Congratulations!!!

Be well…

Oh, and I do have two off-shore tuna fishing trips scheduled this year. One the first week in September, and the other the first week in October. I'm really looking forward to these, and I need to be good and strong to bring in those big fish!

Be well…

I, too, and just focusing on getting healthier right now and making it to boot camp 3x/week. But I'd really like to do our towns annual "Turkey Trot 5k" on Thanksgiving morning this year.

Be well…

You guys are going to be fine!

• Do you have something to flavor your Water?
• Popsicles (if allowed)?
• Is your dwelling in good order? You're probably not going to feel like cleaning much at first.
• Do you have things to entertain you while you recuperate (e.g., games, playing cards, books and videos, etc…).
• Clean out the cupboards, though you probably won't feel like eating much once you're back home.
• Select the room that's going to be your sanctuary those first days home. Put your favorite items in this room like pictures, flowers, candles, etc...

Good luck, and here's to a speed recovery. See you on the "loser's bench"!

Be well…

Take a deep breath. It's going to be OK. Put the scale away for a few days. Loosing weight is not always linear in this crazy process we've gotten ourselves into. The body is figuring out what the heck just happened, and needs time to adjust through the phases.

I gained 4-5lbs in 2 days on 900 calories/day. I wanted to shoot myself in the head, and I was miserable for days. But just stay the course, follow your surgeon's instructions, and keep pushing through the feelings.

Take a deep breath. It's going to be OK. Put the scale away for a few days.

Be well…

I only told my parents, my boss and one close friend before the surgery. On surgery day, I "went public" on Facebook with it.

Post-op, I've been telling everyone who's expressed an interest in what I've been doing. I'm lucky that people have been either supportive or don't say anything at all. I also told a few at the fitness center I go to. Their words were kind, but their body language spoke otherwise. In all cases, I care little for what others think anyway. I was on a fast track to an early grave. I do, however, make a point to surround myself as much as possible with positive people these days. I never realized how much energy negativity saps out of you.

Be well…