onmyway15

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I'm soooooooo excited and nervous and ready! I've decided to put together some BEFORE pics, painful as it is, and log every step of this journey. I want to look back a year from now and see my progress . I want to remember where I started from and never go back! August 1st hurry up!

OK, so for all you fine folks who are in the wild throes of the pre-op all-liquid diet...I'm now six days POST-op and my surgeon requires the all-liquid + shakes diet to continue for two weeks post-surgery. So that's FOUR weeks total pre- and post-surgery to this all-liquid beast and I wanted to share how it's feeling for me as I can now easily compare the pre- and post-surgery sensations.
Pre-op
So the first few days of the pre-op diet weres a bit rough, but did get much better after the third day or so. I did basically graze all day on different shakes, broths, Mio-Water, etc. The second week actually went quite fast...much faster than the first. At some point my body just adjusted to the all-liquid diet and cravings were less, but still there. I was still eating 10-12 sugar free popsicles a day, for example. I would also ravenously suck down a 10-12 oz shake (I make them with ice and only 1/2 scoop powder) in under 2 minutes flat lol. I probably drank 4-5 cups of broth a day. I can't remember how many runs I made to the store for more damn broth. Overall, I was taking in about 1,000 calories a day.
As I was prepping for surgery, I was talking with my buddy who came with me that I was hoping that my hunger would evaporate because I was dreading two more weeks of all-liquids.
Post-op
I was not allowed do drink anything until the morning after my surgery and then only after my leak test. They had me on IV fluids, so any sort of thirst was minimal. I did manage 1/2 cup of broth and 1/2 cup Decaf iced tea over about 8 hours. No hunger whatsoever. The idea of food was nice and I could smell other breakfasts, lunches, etc. But I didn't have any craving at all for actual food.
I also was standing outside the hospital waiting for my ride when I smelled BBQ nearby. Smelled awesome, but no cravings for some. Simply awesome!
So, fast forward to my first full day home from surgery (this is day four post-surgery) and I'm testing out my liquid tolerance. My surgeon/nutritionist want 64oz minimum of liquids and 60g Protein. I chose Isopure because it's liquid+protein and not thick like a shake. I actually don't mind the taste of Isopure, but I think it's totally worth it for the protein. I could handle about 1 oz of liquid (Isopure) every 20-30 minutes. My pouch would fill up (I could hear it through my mouth...weird!) and if I overdrank it felt like a trapped burp. Not painful, just a bit uncomfortable. By mid-day, I could handle 2 oz of liquid every 10-15 minutes and that seemed to be my rhythm. Broth felt great on my new tummy. No nausea at all...zero.
So, by the end of the first full day home (fourth day since surgery) I was able to drink 56 oz total of shakes + Isopure and got like 80g of protein. Protein is easy.
What's interesting is that I never felt hungry. I was deliberately keeping myself well-hydrated by drinking every 10-15 mins or so, but when I got to a shake I wasn't ravenous for something food-like. I just enjoyed the taste...and very slowly at that.
By the second full day (day 5 post-surgery) I took in over 100oz of liquid and about 110g protein. Maybe a bit much on the protein, but it was great. Liquids drained through my itty bitty tummy quite fast and I could take small sips and even small gulps almost continuously and never really fill up.
So now I'm six days out and am driving around and shopping at strip malls and food everywhere. It all smells wonderful. I don't feel physically full, but I feel more like I just had a full meal a few hours before, so I'm just sated, though I could eat if I wanted to. So it's like, "Smells great, don't crave it."
Also, my taste buds have not changed at least for the shakes and broths. They all taste the same as pre-surgery.
I'm taking in about 600-700 calories a day. I should feel ravenous, but I feel wonderful. I feel very content.
Hope that helps some of you who are struggling with the pre-op and I hope your experience is a positive one as mine has been thus far!

Have been away on a mini vacation for a few days and didn't think or worry about the process while gone. Came back home yesterday and the first thing I did this morning was call the doctor's office and talk to the coordinator to see how things were progressing. You said, "I have your approval!!" I was NOT expecting those words out of her mouth. There had been some delays in getting stuff into their office and I didn't even know they had received it, much less sent it to insurance. I'm an emotional wreck right now!! I'm scheduled for August 13 and have to go back to work on the 18. She said I should be fine since I'll be in in-service meetings and sitting at my desk most of the time. I sure hope she's right.
I know my dear sweet dad in heaven had a hand in this happening for me, as well as the Lord above.

I am having my sleeve on the 12th of this month and I am doing my pre-op liquid diet. I started out great, then the second day I felt like crap, then the third day I had to fast for blood work and got 440 calories under 1200 and I am having a hard time with getting my Protein where it is supposed to be, even for the pre-op, how am I going to get it in when I can barely do it now. I am worried about the recovery period, the pain, the nausea, eating this way for the rest of my life. I SOOOO want this. I finally want to be thin, healthy, and active. I want to wear skinny jeans, sit comfortably in chairs EVERYWHERE, maybe ride amusement rides and fit, chase after my granddaughter when she starts walking and running, exercise with ease, go up stairs without knee pain...I mean the list goes on and on!! I keep telling myself I got this! Being on this site mostly helps ease my mind when there is positive feedback and posts from people who have done it and succeeded. Then there is the one that scares me a bit more with excessive pain immediately after. Know I know that I will have discomfort and some pain. It is to be expected. But I am scared outta my mind at this point. 1 week, 3 days to go....I got this.....no, WE got this!

Thanks for the info! Since I'm not drinking beer anymore a friend suggested I smoke pot to make up for my lost alcohol buzz. Well, I've smoked in the past and KNOW it just makes me want to eat and then go to sleep. I didn't think the munchies and sleeve would go together very well so I did not take her advice. Thanks for the affirmation that I made the right decision! LOL.

This is something you'll have to get used to after surgery, too -- communicating how you feel. My kids (15,20) are always apologizing for eating in front of me when I can only have a little. We went to the Melting Pot (a fondue place) that's my son's traditional birthday place where they bring out tons and tons of food in a 4 course meal and as soon as I turned down the appetizers, he said "Oh, I'm sorry -- I feel selfish because this wasn't a good choice for you..." I keep telling them I don't feel bad watching them enjoy food because I really enjoyed my filet mignon (sp?) and it doesn't bother me at all that I can't eat all they can.
I think you should approach your coworker and just tell her "I really am happy you were approved. I feel a little jealous that I wasn't but I'm working on that. I'd really love to share your experiences and know what's going on with you. I don't feel at all uncomfortable around you and I don't want you to feel that way around me." You don't have to mention the other coworker, you can just say it's obvious she's pulling back and you think that she might be feeling awkward around you.
You've said it might be a difficult conversation but isn't it easier than doing this dance around the topic and pretending nothing's going on? Use this as practice for how you will respond when people say things about surgery or how you're losing too much weight, etc. If you really want to be friends with this person and share in experiences, it's worth the uncomfortable feelings to talk to her.
Ginger

@@livvsmum
great pics
lookin' terrific
you lost almosts the same as you now weigh!!!!
133.6 lbs gone!!!!
party dance, party dance
keep up the good work for the rest of your healthier, happier, longer life
kathy
congrats

Yes... Very normal. And you are probably going to regret your decision to have the surgery before you start feeling better. The first month was horrible for me but once you get through it... And you will... You'll be fine. Good things are ahead for you. Good luck!!!

Thanks, today I'm still hurting but i did a lot of walking and was able to eat more today without as much discomfort.

I have definitely had moments where it all feels very overwhelming and surreal, and it's easy to let that turn into self doubt. Like you, I was surprised by how quickly I was able to go through the process (information session to surgery date under a month), but I think that is completely normal given the major life change that the surgery will facilitate. I think it's been helpful for me to take some deep breaths and remember why I am doing this- life is simply too short to be held back from all of the things I love because of weight. I know from previous weight loss attempts how much more beautiful everything feels when you aren't constantly thinking about how your clothes fit, or worrying about being able to keep up with friends or family, or fully enjoying being on vacation without being held back by embarrassment and frustration. This surgery has the potential to break a terrible cycle that many of us have been stuck in for years, and I think it's helpful to remind yourself of that when it feels really scary and overwhelming. Only you know if you're ready to take the plunge, but I think even starting this process says something about where you are with weight frustration. Whatever you decide, I think there's a path for everyone, and I hope you choose whatever you think will make you happiest in the long run!

August 1 skylark Coffeebeanz swifty3565

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August 4 Margaret Sue Boeve SwanRose Orlando NoDramaLlama LisaELasVegas Rhonda Mendola qtpatootie2681 sachsegirl ? Murphy'sMama Ymartell08

August 5 chevygirrrl phatdad bebop812 Tracis weight loss journey HotMessNurrrrrse Alex C jenjenriley Photo925 Sweet Pea STL Sleever enlightened1 aidansmom jennyweber MarylandMom

August 6 JennOnHerWay celisa23 agirlnamedfrankie [the balloon girl] jmariez Mangold33 taylorj7

August 7 Miaoreo SleevyD GREATFUL leelee2728 cynk

August 8 Tilds38

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August 11 krissi11 gettingittogether83 Maggs Bobby46 Dawnyell76 kristigo dreamgirl45 ayscott74

August 12 alamergrl amorga Missbaisah ? johnsydney Crippen chasingpolaris321

August 13 HighHeelShoes geelynn

August 14amazon

August 15 jdillon onmyway15 [on her birthday]

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August 18 Urbanlamb CrystalJae Amarie812 kgunchic CaroJoy New nana billw0917 lmscls

August 19 TatroBenay KayKayGirl BGLady

August 20 tynoodles11 AngelaMoniq southern_sweetie goodgirl5957

August 21 Rainbow1958 BarntruckCutie

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August 25 mommal mskiesha29 snowkitten Micky71 shellief mhenne97

August 26 5BeautifulDays smallermekerrivsg truthinhiding Luvin_Life125

August 27 papoose humpty

August 28 auntmixie Adrianneval

August 29 Tinita

Before the surgery, I actually made chicken and beef broth and froze it. I knew when I got home I wasn't going to be cooking, so thawing it and heating it up a little bit at a time was a huge help.

Thanks, everyone. Surgery went well and I'm so relieved and grateful.

It seemed as if it would never get here, and yet tomorrow is my surgery day. Last week I was so anxious, but for the past 3 days I've just had this feeling that I'm right where I need to be. I'm so grateful to have this opportunity to regain my health and reset my relationship with food. Good luck to all!

Hey everyone! I am 5 weeks post op tomorrow! I have a pic id like to post. I know I have lost weight but since I see myself everyday I don't really realize how much. I'm so proud of myself! I'm started off at 315 last oct. I lost weight before my surgery to 271. Now I'm 5 weeks post op and I'm 231.2!!


Erica

I am 56 years old and in relationship limbo-Married, but we haven't lived together for 8 years. I have stayed married for the health insurance-but that will change this year.
I had 5 children. 2 boys-3 girls ranging in age from 21-39. My youngest son was killed a year ago. I have 4 granddaughters.
I did work for about 20 years as a Tax Specialist, counseling people on their tax situations and preparing their taxes. I loved it-but computers took away most clientele. It was seasonal work and I stopped to go to school full time in 2006.
I graduated from college 2 years ago with a degree in Social Work. I haven't even looked for a job. At my weight I would never even think of applying for one-too much risk. It was hard enough to go to school. Couldn't fit in those stupid desk/chairs. It's a long walk from the parking lot to the classroom. I'm surprised I was able to finish.
After graduating I basically gave up on life. I had no energy, no stamina, no passions for anything. I was just sitting around waiting to die-hoping to die. I couldn't see a future. My health began failing rapidly and I just didn't care.
I had refused to consider WLS for years-but when I read about the sleeve that changed.
Having to lose 250+ lbs is a lot different from having to lose 100 lbs. I am so proud of those of you who took this step before you got to the place I am. My life would have been soooo different had I changed it around when I "only" had 100 lbs to lose.
I have a new lease on life now. A future I'm actually getting excited about. Other than my divorce I can't wait to see what 2012 brings!

I hadn't told her because I only wanted those close to me to know. She can have trouble keeping secrets and I didn't want to burden her with that. And if she let it slip I knew she would feel guilty.
Almost everyone in my family knows now, and my ex and his girlfriend know because they hacked my email. Long story there but I don't have to worry about them finding out now.
So I told her, she was a little upset because she thought that I had a bad stomach disease even though I never said that.
I'm just glad it's out in the open now and that she can ask me questions and I can tell her why I don't eat certain things.
I feel relieved.

Surgery date is August 4. So excited but on a 2 week liquid diet as of Monday.

Happy early birthday!!!! By the way, we are twins...kind of. What a great gift! That's my birthday, too. I wish you the best!

I am having my surgery on August 15th. On my birthday..... my REBIRTH-day!

I can hardly wait!

I am having my surgery on August 15th. On my birthday..... my REBIRTH-day!

I can hardly wait!

It's so nice to be able to come here and just be happy about this, rather than worrying about which of my friends will take me being so excited the wrong way (some of them wanting to lose weight, too)!! So thank you, everyone, for being here and being you!
My life has been so busy since surgery, I hadn't really had a chance to stop and reflect about how far I have come. I started preop diet at 262, had surgery on 4/1/14 at 252, and today I weigh 203. Soooo close to the hundreds! That's 59 pounds in 4 months. Do I feel like I could have lost more by now? Yes. Has this been easy? Not at all. You all know the drill, we each have our challenges. Mine biggest ones are persistent serious heartburn, lots of Hair loss, difficulty taking pills and supplements, and inability to get enough Protein in (still).
I hadn't bought any new clothes because I had gone up and down so often, I had smaller sizes. But today, I was wearing my size 20 capri jeans and they were ok, but kind of hanging some. So I went to Walmart over lunch break and bought a pair of size 16 capri jeans (different brand, but still). So I assumed they wouldn't fit just yet, but would be an inspiration to me to lose these last 4 pounds before the hundreds really quickly.
I got back to the office and tried them on....and they FIT! I cried. Happy happy.
Thank you for letting me post here, again, not sure who else would understand.

I am having my surgery on August 15th. On my birthday..... my REBIRTH-day!

I can hardly wait!

Congrats! I am post op 12 days and feeling good. So happy did this!

I am having my surgery on August 15th. On my birthday..... my REBIRTH-day!

I can hardly wait!