InfiniteButterfly

I'm at 7 days, and I must be very lucky, because even with the pain and difficulty I'm having getting out and walking, I haven't had any regrets or the slightest bit of remorse. I feel like this is the best thing that's happened to me in a very long time. My only regret is my partner is not coping with it nearly so well (he has all the regret and remorse)

Good luck!

I am going to have to borrow this exercise. It sounds like something that would help me immensely.

I'm down a total of 36 lbs, which is fantastic. I started this journey at 310, and I'm now at my lowest point in about 10 years (I think I was around 270 after I gave birth to my youngest. I could be wrong though...it was a while ago) I am slightly irritated that I'm still so swollen that my clothes are not reflecting the loss, and I am frustrated that I can't do much walking because my stomach HURTS (I hit 3300 steps yesterday, which was an accomplishment. Pre-surgery, I was doing 10k steps). I know that I need to give my body time to heal, but I am ready to start MOVING! Last night was a bad night. I was told that "This time last week you still had your whole stomach. I am sad for your missing stomach" and "God gave you a stomach because he wants you to eat." To say I saw red would be an understatement. After the pain I've gone through in the past week, to say things like that just irritate the everloving fuck out of me. And I'm agnostic bordering toward atheism, so saying God did anything is guaranteed to get me to turn a mute ear. By that same token, God gave me a gall bladder for whatever reason (it's been gone 9 years), a thyroid gland (partially gone for 6 years) and reproductive organs (non-functional for 10 years due to surgical intervention). Just because some Big Invisible Friend allegedly gave me something doesn't mean that it works. And when you have something that isn't working as intended, you fix it. My stomach wasn't working as intended, for whatever reason. I had no shut-off, and whether that was physical (I couldn't read hunger cues) or mental (because food=comfort). So I fixed it...with the aid of a surgeon. He and I decided together which surgery would be best for the amount I have to lose, for my general health and for a lot of other little reasons that go into making this kind of momentous decision (I didn't just close my eyes and point to a chart for which surgery I wanted. I thoroughly discussed the options and chose the one that was best suited for my situation) So in closing, don't bother with the pity for my missing stomach. If you want to feel anything for me, feel happy that I took control of my life for a change. Feel happy that I can walk up and down the stairs as intended, without heaving for air at the top or limping up them one step at a time (that is my NSV for today...walking up and down the stairs without pausing and without painfully pulling myself up one step at a time) Be glad that I took this step before my health deteriorated to the point where I would need my hips and knees replaced (my knees...oh my knees...they feel completely different with just this small amount lost. I am SO looking forward to walking longer distances and eventually starting the C25K.)

I'm sorry for all of the complications you're having. I hope you feel better soon.

I'm six days post-op, and will hopefully be cleared for puree when I see my doctor next Tuesday. Although honestly, I'm not minding the full liquids too much. The clear liquids? Those I was getting a little tired of and I was glad to add some protein in, but my stomach hasn't wanted a whole lot other than water or juice anyway, so that makes it easier.

@@Heather_Feather I really love the stuff I got from Chike (samples are available on their website) and Syntrax Nectar. They're not as thick as the protein shakes I was drinking pre-surgery, and they come in a ton of flavors, so you may be able to find something you like better. Chike also makes a coffee protein beverage...OMG it's good.

I was doing Flintstones, but ended up ordering Centrum Chewables from Amazon. I have sublingual b-12 and calcium citrate chewables as well. My doctor had be begin all of them the same day I started my Protein liquids. I looked into liquid Vitamins at my local store, but it seemed really expensive for a tiny bottle. I'll have to check them out online, it sounds like a much better bargain.

@@moonlitestarbrite Has your friend gone on the Starbucks website and played with their nutrition calculator? It's not hard to knock quite a few calories off of some of their coffees (if it's something your friend really wants as an occasional treat). When I was pre-op, I rewarded myself with a grande nonfat nowhip green tea frappucino (no sweetener) once a week IF I hit my step goal for the week. It was only 210 calories, and I made sure to walk more on those days to offset the calories. I don't know if something like this would help her. Starbucks does have healthier choices, you just have to be willing to make the healthier choice.

@@cbcatlover to me, flat pop isn't worth it (not that the carbonation and accompanying pain is either)

@@Monarch1966 : I just got my nectar today...a sample pack from MyBariatricPal.com (10/$19.99), which wasn't too bad. I had strawberry mousse for lunch today. I mixed it in Water, and it was thin but really tasted good. The other Protein shakes I had were so thick, I can't even stomach the thought of them, but the Nectar ones are quite good, full flavor, little to no aftertaste (that I noticed), and thin texture. It was like drinking kool-aid almost. My NUT recommended Isopure as well, but also mentioned it tended to be kind of pricey. I haven't bought any yet to try it...it's not at my local grocery store, so if I'm not ordering online, I stick with what they sell.

The Color Run, Aug. 9, Erie, Pa I can't wait to heal a bit more and start doing the C25k to prepare for it (although I know it's not timed, and I can walk it if I want)

While I do have both a dog and a cat, most of my animals are a bit more cold-blooded. In addition to the dog and cat (and chinchillas), I have 10 cornsnakes, two boas, two geckos and a bearded dragon. Although in fairness, one of the geckos and the beardie belong to my daughter (but she's 10, so I help a bit with them) Pictured are Maya (dog), Boo (cat), Cupid (hypo Honduran boa), and Toothless (pastel bearded dragon)

I used some Body Fortress (muscle building shakes) during my pre-op phase. I haven't tried them post-op yet. They have the necessary protein and low sugar/carbs that you want. The only thing my NUT warned was to be careful of the extra things you're getting (creatine, taurine, etc) and be aware what you're putting into your body. The chocolate peanut butter is quite tasty though

Seeing some of these posts really make me appreciate my NUT all the more. She's really well-informed, actually had answers to all of the questions I asked, and was well-informed about the different choices I could make. She never pushed any particular brand of Protein shake on me, rather gave me a list of all of them she was aware of and their websites (the list already had them sorted by protein and sugar), and her advice was always to get small samples and try a lot of different things. (and her advice on bananas? If you want one, have one. Make sure it's a serving, which is approximately 1/2 a medium banana, and make sure to have protein with it. And that counts as your carb, so don't eat other carbs with it)

Just got my Chike coffee flavor, and OMG it's good! (although beware if you're supposed to avoid caffeine. I got the okay for a small amount of caffeine because I'm prone to migraines and my GP suggested it to help control them). I have a sample pack coming today with the rest of their flavors, as well as the Sytrax sample pack. Looking forward to finding something other than the Nature's Bounty I was using pre-surgery. I can't tolerate them at all post-surgery. Nor, apparently, anything with milk.

Bananas were one of the first things that I was warned about when I started my 6-month pre-surgery. It's easy to get in the mindset that because it's fruit, it's good for you and not pay attention to the sugars and carbs (I know I wasn't...it was nothing to eat a banana a day.) My plan eventually allows for 1/2 banana, as long as the Protein is first or comes with (I ate PB-smeared banana halves during the pre-diet). That said, it my NUT said no, I would go with what she said, at least at first. Until I know my body and tolerances better, I'm following her allowances to the letter.

Support groups are wonderful. I can't wait until the next meeting of our local one (I'd been attending prior to surgery, and am looking forward to going back) It definitely helps being around others who have the same restrictions. (I have definitely noticed a nasty taste in my mouth as well.)

I had PB2 in almost all of my pre-op shakes. If you're really worried about it, check with your NUT.

Hmm...my two weeks pre-op was a liquid diet and I easily lost 10 lbs on it. Protein shakes, and up to six servings of cottage cheese, cheese sticks, yogurt, sf pudding, V-8. I know everyone's pre-surgery diet requirements are different though.

My journey to better health 'began' May 15 when I finally went into surgery and got my sleeve Although the prep for the journey took much longer, and sometimes seemed never-ending. The bariatric center where I'd signed up to go through the procedure lost their surgeon when I was five months in, which unfortunately delayed my surgery by a few months (thankfully, Dr. Eid stepped in. He's the head of bariatrics in the medical group my hospital is a part of, and he and his partner started making trips to Erie specifically to care for the patients here that were left surgeon-less) So here I am, five days out. I had astronomical pain yesterday (I think I walked a bit too much the day before, because I was getting belly twinges which turned into full-blown burning poker to the tummy yesterday whenever I was upright). The doctor's office told me to listen to my body, take it easy, and if the pain was unbearable, to come in. But since the pain was next to nothing when I was reclined or propped on pillows on the bed, I just took it easy. I saw a suggestion on here in one of the threads I read yesterday about compression pants helping (because it supported some of the belly weight so it wasn't dragging down on the healing areas.) I had several pair of compression yoga pants, which aren't really tight, but were just enough to give a little added support and I was able to get around a bit better last night. I'm looking forward to more walking today...within reason. I don't want to push too hard and have another setback. Even with the pain yesterday, and the unspeakable nausea coming out of surgery, I haven't regretted the decision for a second. I did have to leave the room when the rest of the family was eating dinner (I had my Soup early so I could go elsewhere). I wasn't really hungry, but everything smelled really good, and I figured it was better to remove myself from the temptation zone (I say temptation, but I've worked way too hard to get to this point to give into temptation at this point. Yes, there are things I would like to someday have again, but I'm in no hurry). I am incredibly thankful that my insurance allows for continued psychiatric care, because I really credit the counseling I've received to this point with being able to maintain my equilibrium. I had started anti-depressants shortly before starting this journey as well, and I don't think I would be doing nearly as well without those two things. A supportive family helps as well. My bf was really wary of the surgery (more because he's got a horrible phobia against doctors and hospitals that because he was against the surgery), but he's learned that he can no longer be a food pusher (his words...he likes to share whenever he's eating and it's been very difficult for him to change his patterns as well...but I give him credit. He's doing good. He's also an exercise pusher...when I wanted to lay in bed feeling sorry for myself yesterday, he encouraged me to get up and shower, take small steps). Hubby is just the rock that I've leaned on through all of this. While the bf is almost like a drill sergeant at times, hubby is a comfortable pillow to rest on when I've had enough. My kids are kind of meh about the whole thing...but if I can be outside more with them this summer riding, walking and playing, they're all for it. I won't say it's been easy or fun...the gas pains alone remove it from the fun zone (hence me REALLY wanting to walk more today), but I have my eye on the prize: a healthier life going forward.

I was sleeved 5/15 also, and today is the first day I showed loss since the hospital. I've been struggling with my Fluid intake, because I just don't feel like drinking (yes, I drink anyway, but it's not always easy). I'm alternating Water and juice currently (I have little Jello shot glasses that we use to feed our geckos. They're 30 ml like I was given in the hospital, and I have a counter beside me for whenever I finish one) I just started my Protein liquids today, and managed a whole four baby spoons full of yogurt mixed with Protein powder =P You'll start your protein shakes/protein liquids when the doctor gives you the go-ahead. Mine was at 5 days. Others were on protein liquids before leaving the hospital (and there are clear protein liquids that you can get now...I think someone mentioned Isopure?) Those may give you a fuller feeling than Clear Liquids...although honestly, I never felt hungry on the clear liquids. I was too busy feeling gassy to feel much else =P Best of luck on your journey

I finally did this afternoon. Right after getting permission from the doctor to get Colase or chewable fiber tablets.

I had one loud gurgle that I thought was hunger...but a few sips of Water later and I was fine (I'm five days out, and really not having hunger issues) Everyone's body is different, and it is completely possible to not be hungry on clear. Sorry, I really disagree with this statement. I've worked very hard to stay on target and not mess up. I want this to work, not get back in the same boat I'm in the process of climbing out of.