Mokamami

Thank you all for the support. I contacted my nurse program director about my hunger and was told to drink Water. I also tried to bring up my frustration with the nutritionist and was told to talk to my doctor, which I attempted to. I told him of my mental dullness as well (I'm a therapist and I was finding myself searching for words at times during session... I don't know if that has anything to do with my diet). My Dr. was more concerned with my blood pressure, which is at an all time high! I was shocked and worried about how high it is and I take my meds. I was so worried about it, and my doctor told me just to keep taking the meds and ignored my other concerns. I was really frustrated and scared. When I bumped into my nurse program director he told me that it is very difficult to get an accurate blood pressure because of your size". He told me I was probably suffering from "white coat syndrome' which elevated my blood pressure. I have never experienced that in the past. Basically, no one I contacted took much heed to how I was feeling. Don't get me wrong, I think my team is fantastic and awesome, but the one size fits all dietary regimen wasn't working for me and now I was cared and worried about my blood pressure.
Well, I did the worst thing I could possibly do. I snuck 4 or 5 Hershey kisses. I felt horrible mentally and physically. Mentally, I felt like a failure and physically I felt a sugar rush that made my head hurt, but tummy was fine. I was shocked that I didn't get physically ill just didn't like all that sugar. So instead of beating myself up, binging, or crying about it (like I always did before surgery) I decided to get proactive. I researched 10 different programs dietary guidelines for the gastric sleeve and decided to follow the most common dietary guidelines, which was full liquids for the next two weeks. (I'm supposed to still be on clear liquids...not even Protein shakes until next week). I had a fat free yogurt and now I feel, dare I say it, normal?
I know my choice may not be one that people agree with, and that's ok. I know I cheated on the diet and that may be a sign that I will not reach my goal or be noncompliant in a way that will undermine my efforts, I will deal with that and work to better myself and attain my goal. But I'm just trying to break my old patterns and own up to my struggles. This has been so hard, but I'm hoping I can make it.

I was just sleeved on Monday and I'm wondering if I can do this...yesterday I started to have hunger pains and I just drank Water and broth, but I thought I wouldn't feel hungry for weeks or months! So today I was alone and feeling a bit better (stopped taking pain meds!) so I went to the grocery store to pick up some items for my son. It's just me and my 15 year old, who is very supportive but relies on mom for everything food related. Anyway, I picked up broth for me and some of his favorite items he can prepare himself. It was so hard! I was really hungry and my stomach was grumbling despite the fact that I had just had broth and water! I put everything away but I am just overwhelmed by how difficult managing my hunger is. My program dictates that I stay on Clear liquids for 2 weeks post op, then 4 weeks of Protein shakes, then 2 weeks full liquids, then on to soft foods. I just can't see myself adhering to this plan.
I guess my questions are...have any of you had difficulty early on with hunger? How did you manage? What advice could you give me about being successful at following this plan until I'm on solids? Thanks

Mokamama, it sounds to me like you are doing a great job!! Follow the Drs orders. I know my surgeon has told me to get into my regular Dr (which is on my list for tomorrow). My Surgeon said that the primary care physicians don't always like when surgeons mess with their prescriptions. If you are not getting all the help you need from your surgeon's office, your primary care physician's office may have good resources for you as well. I hope you are also involved in a support group locally. If your Dr's office didn't supply this, call hospitals in your area and ask to talk to the Bariatrics departments or nurse. This board is great, but live people going through the same experience can be very helpful.
Take care!!

I agree with everyone else and also wanted to say that this was an important part of the journey for me. I was on liquids for almost six weeks. After I started eating real food, it seemed like more trouble than it was worth, especially since it frequently caused pain.
At four months out, I enjoy the taste of food now, but it doesn't drive my actions. I have a strong connection in my mind now between food and providing my body with what it needs to survive and thrive - I never had that before. I don't have the cravings for food that isn't good for me (though I enjoy a bit now and then).

I feel for you! It took me a good 10 weeks I'd say to really grasp the sleeve. I would eat too much and it would come right back up, or I'd try to eat too fast, or I got sick of the same 'ole same 'ole foods. By 12 weeks, I was considered "healed" by my team, and I got the opportunity to try more things. I was tired a lot, and still am, mainly because of blood pressure and diabetes med. changes, I imagine. I used to train hard in terms of exercise, now I look at all aspects of my life. Steps I take, stairs I take, laundry, housework, anything that makes me breathe hard or break a sweat.
I cannot believe your bariatric program! How do they expect people to get better on 8 weeks of liquids? That is unbelievable. Good for you for advocating for yourself.
I guess I'm back to normal now (I am almost 5 months out) but it's a new normal. There are moments I enjoy the journey, good blood glucose, good cholesterol, no sleep apnea, getting smaller, etc. But I think a lot of moments are moments of endurance and calculation. Should you force yourself to exercise? Maybe start at 10 minutes 3 times a week, and consider everything you do that can be counted as movement. As you get stronger, exercise will become easier. I remember Oprah once saying she hated every moment of getting on the treadmill every morning, and I agree with her. I always hate exercise-- until I am done. Then the endorphins kick in!
I hope things get bearable for you very soon. Best of luck!
Amy

I am glad you are asking about exercise because I will be 4 weeks out on Tuesday and I just don't have the energy. I work in my garden for 1/2 hour when I get home but that's it and even sometimes that seems like to much. When do you start forcing exercise ? My eating is OK I am missing some solid foods, and my drinking is fine. I get all my Protein in with the Premier Protein shakes - choc. but I am concerned that I am not losing but the calories are so low, I am tired, so I am with you - when do we have to force the exercise and feel a little normal.

I remember that point.... at three weeks I felt as you do, and I can tell you it gets much much better! It took me 6 weeks to get the right balance between Water, Protein and calories. People talk about eating 650 calories.... there was no way I could function on so few calories. I felt light headed and crappy until I found the right mix of things. Then I felt ok but not great for another 2 months. This is a huge surgery and it takes lots of time to heal.
I'm sorry that your doctor isn't taking your issues seriously, and am glad that you are getting the blood pressure taken care of. You will get off all those meds, but just not overnight.
Here was my routine when I was allowed soft foods (2 weeks post surgery). Premier Protein shakes (bought at Costco), Greek yogurt fortified with GNC unflavored whey Protein powder, - those both have 30 grams of Protein, I alternated a shake or Greek yogurt for Breakfast every morning. My other meals were cottage cheese, pureed Soups, and creamy Peanut Butter. Plus the 60 oz of Water per day and I worked my way up to 800 calories.
8 weeks without solid food seems long to me, but your doctor knows your medical history and there is wide variability in post surgery instructions from surgeon to surgeon.
I didn't start enjoying food until 3 or 4 months post surgery. I figure that is part of the life changing aspect of this surgery. You don't want to eat, and have to force the protein and water in for the first few months. It gives you time to change your relationship with food.
Good luck to you, I'm sure you will do very well once you get past this rough initial stage!

I literally had to force myself to eat and drink for the first 2-3 months. I would have just as soon gotten everything IV because it was such a chore to eat. Then I started feeling normal and at 4 1/2 months out I enjoy everything I eat. I learned to be kind of picky since I can only eat such a tiny amount, I want every bite to be wonderful.

Thank you all for the support. I contacted my nurse program director about my hunger and was told to drink Water. I also tried to bring up my frustration with the nutritionist and was told to talk to my doctor, which I attempted to. I told him of my mental dullness as well (I'm a therapist and I was finding myself searching for words at times during session... I don't know if that has anything to do with my diet). My Dr. was more concerned with my blood pressure, which is at an all time high! I was shocked and worried about how high it is and I take my meds. I was so worried about it, and my doctor told me just to keep taking the meds and ignored my other concerns. I was really frustrated and scared. When I bumped into my nurse program director he told me that it is very difficult to get an accurate blood pressure because of your size". He told me I was probably suffering from "white coat syndrome' which elevated my blood pressure. I have never experienced that in the past. Basically, no one I contacted took much heed to how I was feeling. Don't get me wrong, I think my team is fantastic and awesome, but the one size fits all dietary regimen wasn't working for me and now I was cared and worried about my blood pressure.
Well, I did the worst thing I could possibly do. I snuck 4 or 5 Hershey kisses. I felt horrible mentally and physically. Mentally, I felt like a failure and physically I felt a sugar rush that made my head hurt, but tummy was fine. I was shocked that I didn't get physically ill just didn't like all that sugar. So instead of beating myself up, binging, or crying about it (like I always did before surgery) I decided to get proactive. I researched 10 different programs dietary guidelines for the gastric sleeve and decided to follow the most common dietary guidelines, which was full liquids for the next two weeks. (I'm supposed to still be on clear liquids...not even Protein shakes until next week). I had a fat free yogurt and now I feel, dare I say it, normal?
I know my choice may not be one that people agree with, and that's ok. I know I cheated on the diet and that may be a sign that I will not reach my goal or be noncompliant in a way that will undermine my efforts, I will deal with that and work to better myself and attain my goal. But I'm just trying to break my old patterns and own up to my struggles. This has been so hard, but I'm hoping I can make it.

I was just sleeved 3 days ago and I can't believe how professional and kind the staff at Little Company of Mary in Evergreen Park, IL was! I was treated with respect, kindness, and sensitivity. The first night was hard...a lot of pain in the belly and shoulder. The staff were attentive while I moaned and groaned, I was really uncomfortable! But I knew what I had signed up for and I kept myself in a positive mood mostly.
By the next morning, I was able to tolerate broths and my leak test came back negative! I was very weak and my nurses and caregivers were awesome! They just went over and beyond what was reasonable care by sitting with me, coming quickly when I called, and giving me encouragement! I was able to walk 3 times around the floor but still had to figure out how to manage break through pain. I found out that waiting too long for pain meds actually triggered my nausea. My family came to visit and I became so exhausted from talking! I did feel very loved and supported, which I worried about before the surgery. I didn't think I would get so much support, but I was wrong!
Today I was able to do 2 lapse at a time around the floor, energy was up, mood still positive. The most important things for me were to keep my spirits high and follow ALL directives given to me by the staff. I know I have just started this journey but I am so convinced that I made the right choice! I shutter to think of the life I would be living had I not made this choice to have bariatric surgery. The possibilities are endless to me know!
Well, I just wanted to post the beginning of my story. I love this forum and I look forward to being successful with all of you!

I'm having my sleeve on April 14th as well! Good luck to you!

When I started the process I was 453. Day of surgery 8 months later I was 371. Surgery was June 4th, as of last week I was 231 and still losing. Slower than before, but still losing. Determined to get to goal.

Thank you for all of the kind words! I am about 26 months out from lap band surgery and was down about 155 lbs total from when I started. My lapband surgeon is actually the surgeon that did my Tummy Tuck, and he charged me about half of what other plastic surgeons were asking for. He does not advertise as a plastic surgeon because he only does abdominoplasties on his own lapband patients. Unfortunately I had to pay out of pocket because I got sick of waiting to meet the criteria for insurance. Mostly I was ready to have it done and it was worth a few thousand dollars to me to have it taken care of.
I have attached a couple of pictures. They aren't the best quality but they give you an idea of what it was like before and after. The before was taken right before I left for the hospital and the after was taken less than 48 hours later. I am very happy with the results so far!

just scheduled my panni for june 25!!!! any suggestions on helping prepare, this is a miracle surgery because i have not lost all my weight and insurance originally denied it both the doctors office and i got a surprise. i am just thankful because this is my last year with good insurance!!!!!

Just got home from the hospital today! I was sleeved April 14th! For those of you that are having your surgeries done at Little Company Of Mary with Dr. Cahill, you made a GREAT choice! The staff was wonderful! Tony is excellent and checked on me every day! The best thing I could say is keep a positive attitude and do EVERYTHING Tony tell you to do. I must admit that the first night was rough...I had a lot of pain in the belly and shoulder. But the support I had at the hospital was superb and family visits the second day were much appreciated. I'm so excited about the future!

Early on, you are most likely experiencing gas/acid in your tummy that mimics hunger. It feels just like your stomach is growling. Did your doctor prescribe an antacid/PPI? That could help. It's possible to feel hunger that early but I think it's rare. I didn't really feel hunger until maybe a month out. Even now (2 months out) I sometimes have to remind myself to eat. In my past life I would have loved to have that problem lol! Anyway, hang in there, I know it is tough. I wish I had better advice but that phase honestly sucks, theres no sugar coating it. I loved sugar free Jello and popsicles. The sweet stuff helped me. Good luck!

Hey Mokamami! We were sleeved on the same day and although we have had different surgeons it might be worth chatting to your dietician/nutritionist or surgeon about moving onto free fluids. I was clear fluids for two days (broth, Water, like you are now) but then I could have free fluids, wich is basically fluids the consistency of milk (drinking yoghurt, Protein shakes, Soups without meat blended with broth to make them thin and add some instant bene Protein for extra protein in my shakes or juice etc) it's worthwhile asking the question. My Dr said this was to allow me to get the protein my body needs to be healthy at this time. Week two I go to slightly thicker puréed foods then two weeks after that the mushie foods.
We all are different and maybe your body is ready or needs a bit more- I'm only a fellow sleever nit your Dr - but no harm asking.
So glad to hear you are doing so well on the healing side. My head is still a bit emotional about it all but I'm very happy I did it :-)

Hello, I'm sorry to read you are having a tough time. You were just sleeved a week ago? I was very hungry about 6 days post op and had a mini meltdown. I would have eaten my own hand I was so hungry. I even called my surgeon who told me "hunger is not a complication." It's normal to be hungry, especially when you're on liquids. I was shocked, disappointed, and angry at how hungry I was because no one told me that I would be hungry. The surgery was supposed to eliminate hunger right? It doesn't work that way for everyone. I'm just as hungry now as I was before surgery, I just get full on less food.
Try to be patient with yourself and remember that "this too shall pass." You won't always feel so miserable. I didn't stick to my meal plan because of my hunger and moved to soft foods about 7 days post op. It wasn't a problem for me, I didn't have any trouble keeping foods down and I felt much better finally being able to eat. I'm not suggesting you not follow your doctors orders but remember that you're an individual with individual needs and what works for others might not work for you. Hope you feel better!

I thought I would give you an update...I was sleeved 4/14/14 as planned in Tijuana with Dr. Illan. After I arrived I had an EKG, a chest X-ray, and blood work. Later that afternoon it was show time. By this time I was more excited than nervous. They did give me a pill for nerves. I warned the anesthesiologist that I am a puker. I get violently ill every time I go under. She assured me this time would be different. I inwardly rolled my eyes. The 45 minute operation ended up being 2 hours due to an enlarged liver. I only did one week pre-op. In retrospect, I should have done two weeks. They didn't use a catheter so when I was back in my room I realized I had wet the bed. I am not sure if anyone noticed because I put the pad in the trash. I didn't have any gas pain. I did end up with a drain but no big deal. Since I didn't have gas pain I was lazy about walking. I slept as much as I could get away with. The nurses were super respectful about needing peace and quiet. The keep your door closed and come in with minimal intrusiveness. All of the nurses were the best ever. I only had one that was all business but not rude. My doctor was caring and so supportive. He took the time to get to know me before and after surgery. His partner Dr. Flores was even more personable if that is possible. I have never had such quality care in such a great facility. Even though I had done my research and was assured that all would be well, it is still a bit daunting to have surgery by oneself in a foreign country. I slept most of Tuesday. Wednesday I was released. Omar, the coordinator took me out for the most delicious broth after the final leak test (they gave me the films) then we checked into the hotel. What a nice hotel! After a nap Omar took the other woman and her husband sightseeing. I stayed in the hotel because I had to work. I laid out by the pool, the sat out on my balcony and listened to the birds. All this time I only had minor discomfort. Omar had provided me with drinks. The hotel does broth and a Popsicle each day. I slept like a baby. Dr. Flores came to check on me in the morning. Omar took us shopping. I need up buying so much stuff, he had to take me to Walmart to get me a second small suitcase. We went to the Farmacia where I bought a year's supply of B-12 shots, Retin-A, Imitrix, and Z-packs. I came back to the hotel where the doctor came to visit again. The only discomfort I have is when I breathe in deeply. Tomorrow I fly back home with fond memories and a new life.

Hey everybody!
So glad to see your updates - we did it! So sending positive thought for those to follow.
My update:
I was reborn as a my new sleeved self at 3:15pm on 14 April! Dr did the hiatal hernia at the same time so that combined with a still fatty liver made my operation just over 2:15hrs long.
I was scheduled for 2pm surgery but when I checked in they said I'd go in at 1pm instead. Yep. I sooked like a champion waiting on the bed but some Drs in training and the theatre staff calmed me down. My surgeon said the operation went really well :-)
Recovery room however was another story - 1 and a half hours for them to get my pain low enough on a scale of 1 - 10 before they would transfer me to the ward. But we got there. It was hell for me not sure how you some of the others managed, your pain tolerances must be high. I can honestly say at that point I wondered what the hell I had chosen to do to myself..... Right at that point I had real regret. And that regret has now waned every hour since day 2....
Could not fault the nursing staff @ the Wesley - magnificent care in there. Only gripe was after the first night they left me in the room right by the nurses station which was soooo noisy. No sleep anytime of night or day unless knocked out with morphine then only an hour or so at a time. They moved me to another room for my last night though - that was awesome.
A lady had the same hernia and sleeve operation as me and with Dr Martin (hers was before mine) wow - what a trooper - she was up off the bed going to the loo by herself during the first night and went home at 11:30am the next day! sleeve star - so happy for her. I ended up staying in for 3 nights due to inability to get enough fluids in. Everyone is just so different.
The barium aniseed swallow wasn't too bad - a bit hard to get down but I didn't heave - had a 5minute delay from oesophagus to sleeve - but for day two Dr was happy with this and mainly due to hernia repair.
What I would recommend:
- Heat packs for shoulders for gas pain nurses bring these whenever you need
- adult cegas fast dissolving crystals (no Water required) to get gas moving;
first two days teaspoon sized Water swallows anymore for me created air trap pain as the entry to my stomach was so swollen and narrow;
- Dipping my spoon into free fluids and licking or just sucking off the liquid rather than small measure in the spoon - I found I could get more down taking it this way and less painful;
- Asking for liquid pain relief rather than tablets when the injections stop;
- sublingual anti nausea tablets dissolved really quickly under the tongue too;
-Hydrolyte pops - only half at a time but helps if you are dehydrating when drip is removed
- Walking every couple if hours was most helpful of all;
- Packing 'just in case' feminine hygiene supplies - I was not due for 12 days but hey - day3 post op saw me having an earlier period :-/
Well that's me for now - I'll be stalking you posts and updating in a few days. Thanks for all you thoughts and well wishes.
Get well and onto losses everyone!

Just got sleeved April 14th and all went very well! Tolerating my liquids nicely and feeling stronger everyday!

I think that what you are feeling is totally normal and healthy! This is a tough road we have chosen to take and a healthy fear is necessary, in my opinion! It reminds us that we have had dark days in which the weight has caused depression, insecurities, health problems, etc. Keep focused and you WILL succeed! I will have my sleeve done on April 14th and I recently watch a show that depicted a 530 lb. woman actually gain weight after surgery! It scared me to death! But what that taught me is that I have to be diligent and realistic about my diet and embrace this new healthy lifestyle for the rest of my life. I am worth it and you are too!

Amen to that one April! I'm a psychologist and I have dealt with weight issues all my life. I can help people in their darkest times, but now I'm the one that needs the help and support of all you wonderful people to get me through...education is irrelevant, we are all fighting a good fight against obesity together!

Hi everyone! So happy to have found this thread. I too hope that over time I will be able to come back here and post my successes as many of you have! You are all so inspiring.
I'm from Australia and have 11 days to go until I get my sleeve :-) 14 April 2014. I started out HW 410lb and had to start a 5 week pre-op diet and have dropped 25lb so far.
Feeling very emotional - scared, excited all at the same time. I am coping well on my preop diet, not feeling hungry, just miss variety and dare I say it Steak! Ha ha
Thank you again for sharing your posts and I hope to see more success stories and sharing of challenges.

I think that what you are feeling is totally normal and healthy! This is a tough road we have chosen to take and a healthy fear is necessary, in my opinion! It reminds us that we have had dark days in which the weight has caused depression, insecurities, health problems, etc. Keep focused and you WILL succeed! I will have my sleeve done on April 14th and I recently watch a show that depicted a 530 lb. woman actually gain weight after surgery! It scared me to death! But what that taught me is that I have to be diligent and realistic about my diet and embrace this new healthy lifestyle for the rest of my life. I am worth it and you are too!