MomUv3

Just had my 5 week appointment today and my LPN said to put the scale away and weigh monthly but take measurements weekly. Said that I should expect to lose only 1% of my current weight PER WEEK, which is a HUGE decrease in what I've been enjoying over the past 5 weeks on the liquid, puree and mush. Said to expect stalls that could last from days to weeks. But, she said that I should be losing inches, especially if I do weight lifting to maintain and build muscle. Good thing I got hubby a set of hand weights and an exercise weight ball for Father's Day! Guess I'll be breaking out his weights and buying a flexible tape measure. The great news is that she said that at this point after surgery, our stomachs are fully healed and not relying on the staples anymore, so there isn't a chance of bursting our stomachs, which is a huge relief. I'm looking forward to eating "normal" foods instead of toddler food! Still no raw veggies or salad, though, until 6 months out, but I can live with that! What did y'all have as your first "normal" meal??

I kind of like my soft foods diet, it's working for me and frankenbelly has adjusted to the introduction of squishy food. I've found a pretty good variety and even though I have some sugar free snack foods, I don't really want them. Tomorrow will be 2 weeks since surgery so I imagine I'll add more items and Snacks over time.

Tomorrow im going to try on some clothes and get rid of some baggies. I'm going down and not going back! Today I wore capris I haven't worn in a year or two, can't remember and they were comfortable and shirt loose. It's a good thing I'm a bit of an optimistic saver and have clothes in several sizes in my closet!

You totally rock! 34 lbs and only 2 weeks out from surgery is fantastic! Such a great feeling to get into clothes that were previously too small. And you were smart to save them. I did a major purge of my closet about a year ago and donated the clothes I couldn't wear to charity. Now I really wish I hadn't! I've dropped two to three sizes already so I've had to buy a few things, but I really don't want to waste money buying new clothes that I (hopefully) will only be able to wear for a few weeks or months.

What veggies is everyone eating I've been doing green Beans but some ppl say Beans are bad some say beans is ok what's y'all's opinion?

I am four weeks out, and still doing purees. I have found that cooked carrots are great (I can make them SUPER mushy). Also VERY well cooked squash and zucchini (peeled). I haven't heard any restrictions on green beans from my doctor. I tried baby food green beans and couldn't stand the taste. I'm concerned I may be too early to try real green beans and that my stomach can't yet handle the fibrous outside.

I have had green chile flavored refried Beans and it went down and stayed there fine. I use garlic, onion not so good, really repeats on me.

Onions $uck me up now! And I LIVED them before!!!

That makes me sooooo sad! I start puree tomorrow and I used to LOVE onion, too, so I would have loved to flavor my food with them. I know they and bell peppers can cause a lot of gas. Wonder if that is the problem? Can you tolerate onion powder? Green chile flavored beans sounds great. What else have you been able to tolerate on puree? I think you are 5 days ahead of me (my surgery was May 12). So good to see that you are doing so well.

You are so sweet. They ruled out gallbladder, leak, didn't see a hernia. Bari dr doesn't care cuz it's not related to the sleeve. ER dr was really condescending and said that some people just don't handle pain as well as others. Wanted to punch him in the nose. Idiot. The pain didn't start until 8 days AFTER surgery and I was tolerating the surgery pain just fine w no pain meds up to that point. Anyway, we are on a wait it out and see if it improves strategy. It has gotten a bit better over the last few days, but still need the Lortab sometimes. I'm keeping my fingers crossed. Gotta go back to work tomorrow regardless. Best of luck w your upcoming surgery. Is your pre-op diet ok?

That's ridiculous you're having to wait it out in so much pain. Amazing how little some humans care. My pre op diet is only 24 hours before and it's clear liquids. Please keep us posted.

I puréed tri tip and was happy!

What's that? And I ate tuna fish!

I'm sooooo looking forward to tuna fish!

I'm still a week away from mushy foods but went to a BBQ today. Was ok through main BBQ food but when the 10 diff desserts came out I was fiending.

I'm loving hearing about people experimenting with their mushy foods.

My diet is 80% Powerade zero and G2. Alternated by broth, crystal light and Water. And Popsicles.

Made a slushee of ensure clear peach doctored with crystal light and it was palatable. i made Popsicles with it not as good.

Are you going straight from cloudy liquids to mushy? Lucky girl! My Dr makes us do two weeks of blenderized foods before graduating to mushy. So 1 wk Clear Liquids, 2 wks cloudy liquids, 2 wks blenderized, then mushy. I stayed away from BBQ this weekend. Did chew and spit a pepperoni though. My family has ordered pizza (my favorite food) at least 10 times in the last 3 weeks!! Had my Girl Scout troop end of year party on Sunday and made it though everyone (girls and moms) eating pizza, ice cream sandwiches and cake while I sipped on ice water. Felt very martyr-ish. Wish the weight were falling off quicker so if have more motivation. Only lost 15 lbs since surgery despite taking in only about 200 cal a day. ...

I had my sleeve on May 12 and am really struggling. Starting on May 20, I developed a horrible pain on my left side/back. It's pretty constant and really sharp. Even went to ER on Wednesday and they ruled out a leak or bowel obstruction or kidney stone. Doctors office is no help at all. Especially since ER doctor ruled out leak and the pain started a week after surgery so "it doesn't seem related to the sleeve." It is so debilitating. Anyone else having anything similar or heard of anything like this?

I had right back pain for the first week and it was sore muscles. If you can't get in your fluids; is it cause your nauseous? Do you need a nausea pill?

I hope it gets better,

Thank you! Are you doing better?

I had my sleeve on May 12 and am really struggling. Starting on May 20, I developed a horrible pain on my left side/back. It's pretty constant and really sharp. Even went to ER on Wednesday and they ruled out a leak or bowel obstruction or kidney stone. Doctors office is no help at all. Especially since ER doctor ruled out leak and the pain started a week after surgery so "it doesn't seem related to the sleeve." It is so debilitating. Anyone else having anything similar or heard of anything like this?

I really hate to read this. I'm so sorry you're struggling and in PAIN! Awful. Does anyone seem to have ANY sense of where the pain is coming from? Bariatric hospital that did surgery isn't any help? I'm just so sorry. I have my surgery June 3 so unfortunately no help. Maybe a hernia? Gall bladder?

You are so sweet. They ruled out gallbladder, leak, didn't see a hernia. Bari dr doesn't care cuz it's not related to the sleeve. ER dr was really condescending and said that some people just don't handle pain as well as others. Wanted to punch him in the nose. Idiot. The pain didn't start until 8 days AFTER surgery and I was tolerating the surgery pain just fine w no pain meds up to that point. Anyway, we are on a wait it out and see if it improves strategy. It has gotten a bit better over the last few days, but still need the Lortab sometimes. I'm keeping my fingers crossed. Gotta go back to work tomorrow regardless. Best of luck w your upcoming surgery. Is your pre-op diet ok?

I had my sleeve on May 12 and am really struggling. Starting on May 20, I developed a horrible pain on my left side/back. It's pretty constant and really sharp. Even went to ER on Wednesday and they ruled out a leak or bowel obstruction or kidney stone. Doctors office is no help at all. Especially since ER doctor ruled out leak and the pain started a week after surgery so "it doesn't seem related to the sleeve." It is so debilitating. Anyone else having anything similar or heard of anything like this?

4 days post op. Feeling much better today except I'm fatigued. My red blood cell count was low-almost didn't get released because of it. Muscle pain when moving and my diaphragm area is still tender and makes it hard for me to take deep breaths. That is from the hiatal hernia repair. I've eaten/drank much better today but still not even coming close to hitting the recommended amounts.

I'm not coming close either. I was getting good at keeping down Water but was getting really weak and lightheaded from having a complete lack of nutrition for almost a week. Today, I added cloudy liquids (got down about 1/4 of a Premier Protein shake, and about 1/4 c cream soup). I have more energy but now the intestinal gas cramps are killing me!! It feels like my stomach is going to explode. Is it possible to OD on Gas-X?? Any one else having similar trouble when moving to phase 2 post op diet?

Hi guys!

Sorry I'm a little late to the party, but I just got approved for my surgery date (May 20th) last week! I'm from the Dallas area looking for a bariatric buddy to discuss a few things with. I'm 28yo, female, and my surgeon is Dr. Holden (Dr. Kim's partner). Will be having my surgery done at Texas General Hospital. If anyone can give me any insight on Dr. Holden/Texas General Hospital I'd appreciate it!!!

Hi Shubie. I'm having my sleeve done on May 12 by Dr. Kim, also at Texas General, so I'll post how the experience is...

Hope your surgery went well today! Please do share your experience with us! Would you mind if I message you a couple questions I have about Dr. Holden/TGH? wishing you lots of success and a speedy recovery

I was the same way and had to stay in the hospital an extra day. My nausea was so much worse after this surgery than it was when I got food poisoning years ago. The Zofran anti-nausea that they pushed through my IV did nothing for me, but ask for Phenergan - a different anti-nausea. That one actually helped. It comes in a suppository and works really quickly. They only issue with it is that it makes you drowsy and when you are sleeping, you are not drinking. You need to be careful to get in liquids They shouldn't have you taking pills since they won't stay down. They had me do a whole day of taking in nothing by mouth (hooked up to the IV, of course), to let my stomach rest and that helped. It also helped to do the deep breathing - and I mean really deep so that it makes your abdomen rise.

For those of you seeing Dr. Kim in Colleyville, just thought I'd let you know that Texas General was great. The nurses are all very sweet and the hospital is clean. You get your own room with no roommate There is a pull out sofa in each room if your SO wants to stay overnight with you and a lounge on each floor with vending machines. Plus a cafeteria on the first floor. I did sometimes get conflicting instructions from my nurses as to how often to do something (like use the breathing spirometer - was told by three different nurses to do it 30 minutes, 1 hour, and every two hours), so that was kind of confusing. They also have a person come by who is a respiratory nurse to make sure you're doing your breathing. The TV is free and there is Wi-fi (although sporadic). Best of luck to all of you headed that way soon.

Oh, Ladybug123, I feel your pain! I was sleeved on Monday and did great up until about 8:30 or 9:00 Monday night. My nausea was so horrible that they had to put me NPO (nothing by mouth) all day on Tuesday, so I had to stay another day. I've had food poisoning twice and this nausea was so much worse than when I had food poisoning. Absolutely worst experience of my life. The doctors did an MRI, barium swallow (that came back up quickly!) CT scan and x-rays and concluded that there is no leak - that it is just my body freaking out over the new curvature of my stomach. I'm still having nausea and gas cramps, but they're getting better each day and I'm keeping my fluids down. Not meeting my liquids goal yet, but at least I'm not toooo dehydrated. Ironically, my nausea started really soon after I did a GasX strip Monday night. My nurse scolded me and said that she has seen so many patients get increased nausea after taking GasX shortly after surgery. I sure hope you feel better soon.

OMG is good to know about gas-x strips!!!! Maybe those aren't any good!!!!! Yikes!!!

The nurse said that they are too hard on the stomach that soon after surgery when everything is still so raw. I know I'd never take it again if I had it to do over.

I was sleeved yesterday. Feeling pretty sore in one stab site. And the nausea and heartburn are killing me. My surgeon checks twice for leaks and I have none thank god. I don't have the bad had at all. I'm just really tired. Been up walking a little.

Oh, Ladybug123, I feel your pain! I was sleeved on Monday and did great up until about 8:30 or 9:00 Monday night. My nausea was so horrible that they had to put me NPO (nothing by mouth) all day on Tuesday, so I had to stay another day. I've had food poisoning twice and this nausea was so much worse than when I had food poisoning. Absolutely worst experience of my life. The doctors did an MRI, barium swallow (that came back up quickly!) CT scan and x-rays and concluded that there is no leak - that it is just my body freaking out over the new curvature of my stomach. I'm still having nausea and gas cramps, but they're getting better each day and I'm keeping my fluids down. Not meeting my liquids goal yet, but at least I'm not toooo dehydrated. Ironically, my nausea started really soon after I did a GasX strip Monday night. My nurse scolded me and said that she has seen so many patients get increased nausea after taking GasX shortly after surgery. I sure hope you feel better soon.

My surgery date is May 15th, nervous & excited! Looking for a buddy to talk through the process / share food ideas, discuss pain issues and just see what works for others! I am a working Mom in my late 40's w/a supportive husband and grown daughter. Just wanting to share with someone going through same thing! Oh and I'm a Dallas area Texan!

Hi Redsmomx3. My sleeve date is just 3 days before yours. I'm a working mom too, but my kids are little. Hubby is very supportive, but the kids are scared for me. This website is really great for all sorts of information. Not only this forum, but others as well. You should check out the May Sleevers forum, as the folks on there will be going through the same issues we are at about the same time, so they have a bunch of useful information. And I'm happy to share and chat with you since I'm just a few days ahead.

Hi guys!

Sorry I'm a little late to the party, but I just got approved for my surgery date (May 20th) last week! I'm from the Dallas area looking for a bariatric buddy to discuss a few things with. I'm 28yo, female, and my surgeon is Dr. Holden (Dr. Kim's partner). Will be having my surgery done at Texas General Hospital. If anyone can give me any insight on Dr. Holden/Texas General Hospital I'd appreciate it!!!

Hi Shubie. I'm having my sleeve done on May 12 by Dr. Kim, also at Texas General, so I'll post how the experience is...

Well I am 6 days post-op and I am feeling pretty good. I am down 10lbs from the date of my surgery and down 20lbs from my pre-op visit. I am getting better with getting the 64oz everyday but I am struggling with the Protein. The shakes make me sick. Is anyone else having this problem?

What kind of shakes are you having? The BariEssentials Protein Shake that my doctor required (4 a day and nothing else of substance except for 1 c of chicken broth) for one week pro-op, was so vile that I couldn't keep it down. I was either vomiting or a breath away from getting sick. He doesn't let us pick what protein drink to have - it has to be either BariEssentials or Optifast. I called to see if I could have anything else and they VERY reluctantly let me switch to Premier, which I can tolerate without any nausea (at least the chocolate ones). Only 3.5 days to go. I'm looking forward to the surgery even more now since it will start my journey to being able to have stuff other than the Protein Shakes. I wish you luck!

Lucky you! We obviously use the same doctor as he owns the company that makes BariEssentials. I had to drink those shakes for FOUR weeks prior to my surgery on May 5. Right now I'm struggling to get all my liquids in, still having quite a bit of pain, and oh the leg cramps. I see the dr again for follow up tomorrow before trying to get home to Kentucky.

Bless your heart!!! I could never have gone 4 weeks - I give you tons of credit for sticking that out. I'm not surprised to hear that he owns the company - that makes a lot more sense than his "we get consistent results using this particular shake, " which always seemed like a lot of hooey. I'm sorry to hear you're still in a lot of pain. I hope you get great news from your doctor tomorrow and start feeling better soon. Have a safe trip home and keep us posted....

I checked it out and you're right! According to Trademarkia, Dr. Kim owns Fortify Nutritionals (and the trademark), which makes BariEssentials. Wow.

Just got all my clearance for May 12 surgery. Starting to freak out about the permanence of never being able to devour a plate of food or drink with my friends. I can see now that I'll become the designated driver. Yikes! If this was only cosmetic I would probably back out but it's health benefits out way everything else.

That is my surgery date too ! I am soo anxious and excited and nervous all at the same time ! I was just thinking oh no no more margaritas and shrimp tacos at the same time . But to better my health that is just a sacrifice I will have to make . Good luck on your surgery sending prayers your way!

That's my surgery date, too!! Good to hear from others that we'll still be able to have an adult drink out with our friends, though. I had major food funerals before I started the all liquid diet on Monday, but keep telling myself it will be great to be thin and healthy. On my way home from work today, when I was angry about being so hungry this week and was feeling sorry for myself, I started thinking about my really thin friends and remembering how they eat when we go out. I realized that they eat the same way that we are going to have to eat after our surgery - nibbling little bits and making healthier choices. The only difference is not being able to have drinks with the meal. That kind of put it in perspective for me. Best of luck to both of you on your surgeries on Monday!

Well I am 6 days post-op and I am feeling pretty good. I am down 10lbs from the date of my surgery and down 20lbs from my pre-op visit. I am getting better with getting the 64oz everyday but I am struggling with the Protein. The shakes make me sick. Is anyone else having this problem?

What kind of shakes are you having? The BariEssentials Protein Shake that my doctor required (4 a day and nothing else of substance except for 1 c of chicken broth) for one week pro-op, was so vile that I couldn't keep it down. I was either vomiting or a breath away from getting sick. He doesn't let us pick what protein drink to have - it has to be either BariEssentials or Optifast. I called to see if I could have anything else and they VERY reluctantly let me switch to Premier, which I can tolerate without any nausea (at least the chocolate ones). Only 3.5 days to go. I'm looking forward to the surgery even more now since it will start my journey to being able to have stuff other than the Protein Shakes. I wish you luck!

Lucky you! We obviously use the same doctor as he owns the company that makes BariEssentials. I had to drink those shakes for FOUR weeks prior to my surgery on May 5. Right now I'm struggling to get all my liquids in, still having quite a bit of pain, and oh the leg cramps. I see the dr again for follow up tomorrow before trying to get home to Kentucky.

Bless your heart!!! I could never have gone 4 weeks - I give you tons of credit for sticking that out. I'm not surprised to hear that he owns the company - that makes a lot more sense than his "we get consistent results using this particular shake, " which always seemed like a lot of hooey. I'm sorry to hear you're still in a lot of pain. I hope you get great news from your doctor tomorrow and start feeling better soon. Have a safe trip home and keep us posted....

Today was day 6 post surgery for me. Today the Protein shakes were making me gag! Yuck just sick of the fake sugar sweetness! I called Nut and she said I could blend up some potato broc Soup w some 2%. It was delish! Only could eat 1/4 cup but so satisfying:)

Is anyone else having probs w this fake sugar thing? Even though I am overweight! I have always ate whole foods and try to stay from processed, sugar free, and fat free foods. I just used to eat to much of healthy foods.

I am scheduled for surgery on May 12th but I have struggled with that during this entire pre-op diet. The shakes are all so sweet and I also try avoid processed and sugar and fat free foods. I have been making one with plain greek yogurt, frozen mixed berries, unsweetened Protein powder and a drizzle of raw honey. I couldn't imagine adding sweet syrups and other stuff to the powders. I also added a little coconut oil to some of the others which helps a bit too.

You are so lucky! My doctor won't let us mix yogurt, berries or honey into ours. Only SS FF Gelatin, crystal light, or non-carbonated, sugar free drinks like coffee.

Well I am 6 days post-op and I am feeling pretty good. I am down 10lbs from the date of my surgery and down 20lbs from my pre-op visit. I am getting better with getting the 64oz everyday but I am struggling with the Protein. The shakes make me sick. Is anyone else having this problem?

What kind of shakes are you having? The BariEssentials Protein shake that my doctor required (4 a day and nothing else of substance except for 1 c of chicken broth) for one week pro-op, was so vile that I couldn't keep it down. I was either vomiting or a breath away from getting sick. He doesn't let us pick what Protein drink to have - it has to be either BariEssentials or Optifast. I called to see if I could have anything else and they VERY reluctantly let me switch to Premier, which I can tolerate without any nausea (at least the chocolate ones). Only 3.5 days to go. I'm looking forward to the surgery even more now since it will start my journey to being able to have stuff other than the Protein Shakes. I wish you luck!

Adding flavor is what I did, although I used flavored Protein powder as well. I used ff/ss pudding powders (butterscotch, cheese cake, lemon), crystal light (orange is wonderful in vanilla Protein shakes), sugar free syrups, PB2 and natural pb (careful though its loaded with calories). Be creative! I still drink a shake at least once a day to get my protein in. Oh yeah, I also added Dannon Light and Fit flavored Greek yogurt for added protein and sometimes just the plain. The thing about the pudding powder is when mixed along with the ice it makes your shake thick, so if you can't do the thickness, might not work for you. I had fun with this and coming up with different flavors. My current favorite is the unjury strawberry Sorbet with Crystal Light Raspberry lemonade. I make ice cubes with the lemonade too, so that the flavor isn't diluted by the ice. Enjoy!!

Thanks for this info. Can you put all that stuff in it during the pre-op liquid diet phase?

I have my preop with my surgeon today and it's less than 2 weeks til surgery. Did that keep me away from Girl Scout Cookies? No it did not.<br><br> I have to say what makes me nervous is not the procedure itself but anticipating post op pain, post op feelings if deprivation and concerns that I won't be able to handle the post op diet. Anyone else feel like that?<br><br> Also I'm obsessing on Vitamins. What brand, how many milligrams, what type.... I wish I could be like you guys and clean house with anxiety instead of getting stuck on details.<br><br> -MB

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Do you have a pre op diet? I'm the same way I'm not afraid of the procedure im afraid of the aftermath.. I just wanna be ok. I take the chewable Bariatric Advantage vitamins. They are so good!

Hi! Thank you for the recommendation. I've been wondering which vitamins I'll need and which are best. Do those bariatric advantage vitamins have all that we need in them, or do you have to take other supplements/vitamins as well.