BigDude

Made my own peanut butter last night. I love it and its nice to cut out the oils and added sugar

Hey Ken. I know how you feel, I think us guys attach a little more stigma to having surgery I know I did. Why can't I just be tough enough to lose weight on my own. But now, six weeks out, I could not be happier with my decision. Yeah there's a little pain and some recovery but it passes. I feel great now and I know you will too.

I had a high of 54, smallest I can ever remember is 38 so I would be happy with that

One day at a time. I'm about 2 1/2 week post op and it seems like it came and went fast. Even though I started 3/20/14

You're going to be fine. Weight fluctuates over only a few days. Just stick to your plan, sounds like your doing great. And a hint for after surgery, stay off the scale. At least no more than once a week. If you are doing the work the scale will take care of itself. Keep up the good work

Yes. I took them for at least a week and glad I did

Welcome John. I suggest GasX strips for the gas. In the puree stage I stuck with cream of chicken soup and pureed chilli. Of course I still had three protein shakes a day. For me it was easier to find one or two things I could handle and just stay with that routine. Hope it helps

Thank you all so much for sharing. It is so helpful to know I'm not alone. I have felt the shame of not being able to control my weight. I have gone through the "What the hell did I do" moments. I have had trouble sleeping. But I know that others have made it through these things and I will too! I'm not an emotional, feelings sharing type of guy ( read caveman) but this site has really helped. I'm 2 weeks out and I still deal with some pain around the big incision site, mostly in the evenings. I worry that I drink or eat too fast, in fact my pouch is telling me so right now. I did finally sleep on my side some last night which is a big deal! And I do feel like it gets better and easier, even if just a little, every day. I already know this was the best decision I have ever made but sometimes it still doesn't feel real. I do know that things will continue to get better, for all of us! Thanks again for letting me lean on you all and I'm here to lean on too.

Absolutely GasX strips. I took one every few hour the first couple days home (and walked a lot) and never had a gas problem

Way to go! Keep up the good fight.

I'm only 1 week post op but I am already glad I made this decision. Recovering well and things only get better from here!

Welcome and congrats! I am a week post op and the pre op diet was the worst. I think because you can still physically eat what you want and you know you may not get to eat some of that ever again. My advice is do the best you can and when you do cheat (stuffing!) Make it a very small amount just for the taste. After surgery you will have no more worries. Good luck

Sounds like we're still twins! I have been doing well too. I did have to stay in the hospital until Thursday but I chose to do that and have my drain removed before I left as opposed to leaving Wednesday but having it left in for a week. After the first day, things got better fast. As the swelling went down I was able to get more liquids in and I have been able to tolerate most everything else. My taste buds have changed. I can deal with it but some things just taste weird now. Tastes sometimes change from meal to meal too. I am already getting about 50 grams of protein a day and I am drinking over 100 ounces of crystal light (lemonade) everyday! My routine has been to get up at least every 2-3 hours, refill my liquids, take a GasX strip and walk around. I have been having a little trouble sleeping so this is my routine 24 hours a day. Also lits of sugar free Popsicles. They count as liquids, you get the "chewing experience" and they taste great. Hope everybody keeps doing well.

Hope everybody is doing well. Its my second day home from the hospital and I am feeling really good. Some gas and pain but not too much. Before surgery I read from everyone that you feel better everyday after surgery. This is so true. Don't get discouraged if you feel bad the first day or two after surgery. Just work your surgeon's plan and you will get better everyday. For me right now that means fluids and walking. Its surprising how hard it is to get in all the fluids but I've already got about twice as much today as yesterday. Oh yeah, take your pain meds and use the GasX strips! Anyway, I am doing great and am glad to hear that you all are too. For those with a date coming up, good luck you will do fine!