little_ms_sunshyne

Thank you for sharing! I will be having my surgery this week and it is helping with my jitters!

I'm sure you've seen on here multiple times that the sleeve is simply a tool to help you lose weight. You still have to use willpower and choose what you put in your mouth. Especially around the holidays. I ate a fruit cake cookie the other day. No big deal. It was just one and I stayed within my calorie limits and met my Protein requirements.
I was sleeved 11/3 and I get hungry but not ravenous like before surgery. I've also noticed sometimes when I think or feel hungry I'm actually dehydrated so I strategically plan when I will eat and drink during the day. I don't do this perfectly. In fact I find it much more difficult during the weekend. But I do the best I can.
If I'm craving Chinese I find a delicious recipe online that focuses on Protein and I skip the rice or noodles. The other day I made jambalaya with sausage, chicken and shrimp. I ate the meat only and serve it with rice for my husband. It's even possible to eat out! I went to an Italian restaurant and ordered chicken Parmesan grilled, not breaded, and served over veggies rather than Pasta. It was delicious! I haven't gotten bored at all because I keep cooking and trying new things.
I only get the metallic taste when I haven't had enough Water. One thing I noticed is flossing daily is absolutely critical when taking in lots of meat. Skip a few days and you will notice for sure!
Most people I think are so thrilled with the pros of the sleeve they are willing to overlook the cons. I miss eating Publix subs but when I step on the scale and it keeps going down I remember it is totally worth it!

All I seem to see on here are how amazing everyone is doing, how they're the model patients, getting all their Protein, Vitamins, Water intake, daily hours in the gym etc. I had my surgery in Nov 14 and here's what I e learnt so far....
1) some foods that are bad for you are easier to eat e.g chocolate
2) I'm still hungry and I still crave all the food I did before
3) you get bored or the same food choices very quickly
4) Protein shakes, Protein Bars are disgusting
5) your breath stinks and you have a taste of metal/metallic in your mouth
6) you don't lose the weight as quickly as you might think/hope... but you do lose
7) the novelty of only being able to eat soft tiny portions wears off and sometimes you wish you could join the rest of the family for a big old dirty Chinese
Having said all that it is worth it, I'm so glad I had it done. In 2 months I've lost almost 35 pounds. I thought I wouldn't be hungry... I am. I thought I wouldn't be able to eat chocolate/sweet stuff... I am. I've now accepted that and know I need to resist as much as I can.

Surgery completed yesterday, check. While sitting in recovery I asked the nurse if doc did a Tummy Tuck or something she said no I don't think so. I asked because it felt like my left side was caved in and I could fell my bones, or ribs or something. Anyway, I got home late last night and looked at my stomach with my sissy pooh and I think we booth got a little scared. It's quite sunk in where I guess he pulled the stomach out. But I think it will be ok. Right now I'm ddealing with a bit of the gas and trying walk and do my breathing treatments is the focus.

I can't believe surgery already happened! Right after I felt very nauseous but today I'm feeling soooo much better
This is the beginning of a new life

I cooked some ground beef and added taco seasoning. pureed it in a nutribullet. Took a spoonful, added some refried Beans and shredded cheese on top. Also added some fresh pureed salsa. HEAVEN!
I've in the same stage. Half and egg with refried Beans, blended oatmeal into powder before cooking. Mash taters and potted meat. I'm mexican, so I'm adding salsa to everything!

Lol thank you! I made a "7" layer bean dip but with only 5 layers salsa, guacamole, refried Beans , and sour cream.. Heavenly on the taste buds.. I'm just not sure I can handle meat yet, just tried mashed potatoes for the first time yesterday also heaven!!

Black eyed peas are good luck on New Year's - bet you could do something with those!

Crab cakes!

Hello everyone out there! This is my very first post. I've been "cruising" the boards for a while now and tonight I felt like it was time to sign up. I'm a 34yr old mom of three (ages 8, 6 and 5) and I am in the final stages of the pre-op process. I have 1 more weigh-in next Monday and then my doc can finally submit my paperwork to Aetna. I started this process at 304 lbs with a BMI of 49. I'm down to 293, hoping to get to 284 before surgery. I'm not scared, at least not yet, instead all I can think about is, "this time next year...(fill in the blank)." Here's the list that keeps me going. What are yours?
This time next year:
1. I'll hopefully be 100 lbs lighter;
2. I'll be able to fit in normal size clothing (goodbye size 26-28);
3. I'll be able to work out for more than 30 minutes without dying;
4. My feet and back won't hurt all the time;
5. I won't be the fattest mom in my kids's class (which is the worst);
6. I won't dread going on an airplane;
7. I'll be able to shave my legs and clean myself without having to be a contortionist.
8. I'll be the same size I was when I met my husband (or close to it);
9. I'll fit in Ann Taylor, Lily Pulitzer and more;
10. I'll be happier and healthier for me and my family!!!

Probably a week although my belly wasn't very swollen so I guess it depends, is it incision swelling or gas?

I am going to have to agree with several of the posts here. I don't believe I have the right to judge anyone's weight loss journey or struggle. I am tall and people are always surprised to hear that I weigh 260lbs. They say "you carry your weight well". I am not pre-diabetic, I don't have high blood pressure. I do not have sleep apnea. But my family history says that this is my destiny if I don't do something about it now. This is a preventative surgery for me that will also help get me to a healthy weight. So I could easily be accused of taking advantage of this procedure. However, at one point in my life I was over 300lbs fought a good fight. Continue to do so. I realize that the sleeve is a tool for a healthier living. Everyone deserves the right to a healthier living. We all have travelled different journeys and faced different struggles. Isn't this where we should come together instead of judging? Don't we get judged enough already?

I am going to have to agree with several of the posts here. I don't believe I have the right to judge anyone's weight loss journey or struggle. I am tall and people are always surprised to hear that I weigh 260lbs. They say "you carry your weight well". I am not pre-diabetic, I don't have high blood pressure. I do not have sleep apnea. But my family history says that this is my destiny if I don't do something about it now. This is a preventative surgery for me that will also help get me to a healthy weight. So I could easily be accused of taking advantage of this procedure. However, at one point in my life I was over 300lbs fought a good fight. Continue to do so. I realize that the sleeve is a tool for a healthier living. Everyone deserves the right to a healthier living. We all have travelled different journeys and faced different struggles. Isn't this where we should come together instead of judging? Don't we get judged enough already?

First day home since surgery on Friday. Recovery is going well. Definitely struggling with the swollen feeling I have in my belly. Trying to get fluids in my any way I can. sugar free popsicles,Jello, broth, and propel.
Thank you so much for the support. I am new to this online community and you have made me feel comfortable and welcome :-)

Ugh...Okay....how do you know someone else's Before, During and After WLS journey? There are some of us on here and I'm sure on other boards who chose to change their lifestyle BEFORE weight loss surgery.
I had to attend a seminar and 3 nutrition meetings with a nutritionist. I learned all kinds of facts and tidbits about being obese that stuck with me. So much so that I made a deal with myself....If I could make some changes now...I could get this surgery. I had my surgery on 12/16/14 after losing 50+ lbs on my own....at a bmi of 32.
So I guess I'm one of those "people" who took advantage of WLS. H*** yes, sure did. You are not aware of my struggle with obesity since I was a kid. You are not aware of any part of my journey. But I am. i will lose the 42 lbs I have to reach goal and I will not gain it back.
Guess I need to remind some...Weight Loss Surgery is a TOOL. And please remember....Everyone is on their own journey...RESPECT them by giving the benefit of doubt.

First day home since surgery on Friday. Recovery is going well. Definitely struggling with the swollen feeling I have in my belly. Trying to get fluids in my any way I can. sugar free popsicles,Jello, broth, and propel.
Thank you so much for the support. I am new to this online community and you have made me feel comfortable and welcome :-)

My surgery is in 3 days. I am also feeling the cold feet and not so much as questioning my decision, but pondering why some people think the way they do. I feel support from my family and some friends, but I have only told a few friends. I don't feel like its everybody's business. I feel that by limiting whom I told about it that sort of protected me from peoples opinions, because the people I did tell I was able to explain the rationale for my decision and they understood and are in support of it.d Good luck with your surgery. You will do great!

How are you doing?

I hear you. I think a lot of people eat badly and put on 10 lbs, then go back to "normal" and lose it and assume that it's the same thing for everyone. The reality is that obesity is nothing like an extra 10 or 20 lbs and that working hard at the gym, or eating healthfully, or any number of things just isn't enough. If it were, most of us wouldn't be here! Just nod and smile and ignore the naysayers--they don't have to live in your skin.
Good luck today! I'll be there in just over 2 weeks...

Me too.... nervousssssss!

Good luck tomorrow and remember that many people do not have all the facts when they judge our decisions. Believe in yourself and in your doctor....you are going to be fine. And dont forget to continue breathing!

I understand! You'll be great!

@@little_ms_sunshyne Good luck tomarrow!

Good Luck tomorrow! My surgery is scheduled for tomorrow too! I go in @ 1:00pm!

Gracias! Wide awake now! I packed my bag, did some laundry, gave myself a pedicure lol At some point sleep will come!