Eli Alexander

I love my morning cup of coffee. Important to not do coffee until you are meeting your daily liquids goals because it is a diuretic and can worsen the issue. But once you are drinking enough, coffee, within limitations, is great.

The flying issue was huge for me. I visited my sister last Halloween and the flight was miserable, partially because I didn't fit, but mostly because I felt embarrassed and offensive to people. Walking down that isle and seeing everyone let out a sigh of relief when I didn't sit next to them. I came home early November and although I was already in the process of getting things together to have the surgery, at that point I went full force and started dieting to the best of my ability. Between that time and January 20th when I had my sleeve I lost 27lbs. I am excited to be a skinny passenger one day and just complain about the terrible food and rude flight attendants like normal people.

Congrats and hope you are feeling fine. It's gets better quickly, so hang in there. There are some pretty awesome days, weeks, months and years to look forward to.

So it haven't even been two weeks since my sleeve, so for the first time in ages, I decided to watch the Super Bowl alone. I just didn't want to be surrounded by all my friends or family eating and drinking for four hours sraight. It's fine, I'll do it next year, it just feels so weird to so greatly alter a life long custom. Go Seahawks

Well Jovie, this sure is a roller coaster of emotions, it's crazy pre op how frequently most of us have major doubts. But almost everyone post op, given enough time, says they made a terrific choice. Today was my first day back at the gym and I feel great. One thing this surgery has done for me is helped set my mind towards always wanting to improve. That hasn't always been the case, but if I'm going to do something so drastic as major surgery, I'm going to give it my all. And I think this is true for many people. All the sudden we become more goal oriented. And that's one of the keys for me personally to use the surgery as a catalyst towards building a more fulfilling and happy life.

Someone who was about to get their surgery just messaged me, asking how I was doing since they were very nervous. I wrote out my response and then thought others might also want to read about how thrilled I am that I did this. So the rest of this post is my response message. This is so awesome! Already the best decision I've ever made. Calm your nerves and start dreaming, because they are going to come true. Ok, I'll give a fuller, totally honest answer so you can assess the situation yourself. The surgery itself went extremely well. The surgeon said there was almost no blood and the whole thing took only about 30 minutes. But I was terrified ahead of time, being wheeled into that operating room. Right afterwards, I thought I made a huge mistake cause the pain was pretty great. But that level of pain only lasted a few hours. By 11 that night I was face timing my parents so they could witness that I was no longer in a lot of pain. I was amazed how fast the pain went from a wrecking ball to very easy to handle. During the tough time just try and remember it gets better very very soon. I had been told that I would be in the hospital for one or two nights, but when I woke up after that first night, I knew I would be getting out that day. The pain was minor and I had the energy and will to make sure I met every goal to be allowed to leave. I would go on walks every two hours, dragging my IV behind me. The one really tough hurdle in the hospital was they wanted me to drink specific amounts of Water every hour. I was so over hydrated by the IV's that the thought of more water was repulsive. Then it hurts a little to take each sip. But I made every hours goal, and was released at about 6pm. The next day I was chipper and with my pain meds, totally comfortable. I walked up and down stairs and all about the house. Sitting or standing up was difficult, but once erect I could do anything. One really shocking thing was when I first got back from the hospital, I got on my scale just to see and had actually gained 9 pounds from all the water. So I spent the next couple days peeing more than any human should. By the second day I was skipping pain meds and on the morning of the third day I stopped taking them completely. There just is no reason for me to take them cause I have very little pain. Mostly just soreness in the belly. On the third day I also started going for long walks each day. Oh, the first full day home I made a promise to myself that no matter how uncomfortable it was, I was going to make my water goals and Protein goals that day. It was tough, but by the end of that day swallowing was easier and by day three it was very easy. So far I'm 7 days post surgery and down 14lbs, plus the all that water weight. It's already noticeable in my face and how some clothes fit. This process is awesome! I was driving and had to pull over because I was having tears of joy, which it's been 15 years since the last I had a happy cry. I just made a realization that I was deserving and ready for the happy parts of life and for a truly new beginning. Good luck, I really hope your surgery goes as well as mine. I know that regardless of the ease or pain over the beginning, eventually you will be past the hard parts, time always marches on. And when it does, you will will be standing there with a beautiful smile, looking at the new life you worked so hard to accomplish. Please keep me up to date.

The acid blockers are more important than just keeping away the heartburn. We have a greatly increased Rick of developing all ulcers that can actually destroy the suture lines and return us to the hospital with a leak. Take your darn acid blockers! I had my sleeve done on the 20th and I'm doing great. Went to the gym today for the first time for a more vigorous workout and I've been walking at least 10,000 steps every day since day three. I'm having no real issues yet, I'm keeping food and Water in check, no pain and I'm losing weight. This has been thrilling. And of this morning I've lost 20lbs in my 13 days post op. I hope everyone else here who is having issues figures out how to work with their new body. But remember, this is a long term aid, not a quick fix solution. If it takes you a month longer to eat or a few gad problems, it won't matter at all in the end as long as these issues are temporary. Best of luck everyone!

Right now I'm eating my own special chili. Take one pound of 99% fat free ground turkey and cook it with spices you like smoked paprika, garlic powder, cayenne and salt. Add one can of trader joes turkey chili. In nonstick pan no oil works great. Cook turkey before adding the can of chili. This makes 3.5 cups of chili, or 7 1/2 cup meals. Each 1/2 cup has 147 calories and over 20g of Protein and only 2.1 g of fat. When reheating I stir in a tablespoon of tomato soup and a splash of Water. Yummy, health and super high in protein without using the powders. And very filling.

I tell and will tell openly. I just had it done 2 weeks ago and it's already gotten me a date. And she asked me out. I was introduced to a couple friends of friends at a pub where I was drinking tea while my friend and others had beer and burgers. Of course one of the women asked if I wanted a bite of hers and I told her I had the surgery. They all became fascinated and amazed at my progress and journey. And one by one everyone at my table started talking about their food struggles and past addiction issues. I was not looked down upon for having the surgery but as a hero for conquering my foe. And at the end one women asked if I wanted to catch a movie or go on a hike with her. I said yes. That's more interest in me that I've had from a women in a couple years. I felt like a rockstar, and no way would that have happened if I kept my mouth shut.

Hey Chris Jane, BryBro and anyone else interested, I have myfitnesspal pal again and my name is elimagun I'm going to use it today for the first time in a long time and see how it works for me. Feel free to contact.

Justajenn, it's no problem, I was really just wondering cause I was about to post once till I realized it was the powder room. But what we are all doing here is way bigger than caring about the gender lines.

I'm was on myfitnesspal, and I think I'll do it again. I'll chime in later and give my name, I can't recall at the moment and I left my phone in the car. Wow was that a great game until the end. I just don't understand why in the world rustle threw at the end instead of handing it to Beast Mode on the half yard line. Makes no sense. Still had a blast watching and it's been an amazing three years to be a hawks fan. And I have to admit,we lost to some great competition (even if they do cheat). Hopefully next year I'll be skinny and celebrating a victory with my buddies.

I'm hoping in a year or so to travel back to Vietnam, where I visited a couple years ago. For 100 bucks there I can have a silk or wool hand tailored suit made just for me and my new body. Next time I'll get 3-5 suits. But I'm really looking forward to replacing my wardrobe. But I can't do it till I am very close to my goal weight. Till then, lots of belts and baggy shirts.

Wow mdlange, congrats on being right there, about to join the brother and sisterhood of sleevers. My encouragement comes from me weighing in this morning. 13 days after the surgery, I have zero pain, in fact all my nagging knee pain is even gone, and i'm down 20lbs since surgery. Holy moly I get excited every morning to stand on that scale and see the progress. It's like Pat Sajak and Vanna White letting me spin the wheel to see what I win each day. You are going to love the confidence this restores in you. I know I have a renewed sense of pride, sense of accomplishment and it shows. What we are doing isn't easy. It's a lot of work just to get where you are today. All those hoops, all that dieting, and now the tough but well-worth step of surgery and the dread surrounding that. It makes our survival and thriving that much more substantial. Keep your head and know that if you have strength to get this far you have all the moxie and gumption you need to come through the other side in full glory. We are all with you on the forth. I know I'll be rooting for you. And just keep pushing forward. The fear subsides, the pain vanishes, but the heart and soul of a lion (a thin lion) will remain. Good luck, we are here for you.

Thanks BryBro. I'm perfectly happy giving up these little things in the short run for everything I gain down the road. 13 days out of surgery and I'm down 20lbs. That, added to the 27lbs I lost leading up to surgery and I'm down 47lbs since November 26th. That's worth all the sacrifices I've made and more. But next year I being social!

No problem Kathy, you can post anywhere you please, I'm game!

By the way, and I don't care, I'm new to this forum, but I was surprised to have at least three responses by women in the guys room. Is this the norm? I good either way.

Oh well, it could have been worse, I could have been miserable being around all that food only to my team lose. I'm glad I made the decision I did. Actually, after the end of the game I went over to my best friends house and was cheered up by their brand new 8 week old yellow lab puppy. I can't help but have a smile with a puppy licking my chin.

Double post

Congratulations! Wow, sounds like you are one determined woman. Great way to tackle this. Share all the little victories with your kids if they are old enough, it will be a joy for everyone and a great example of how to conquer life's obstacles. Keep posting and fill us in on your progress.

Woohooo! Congrats on making it through. The hardest part is over, now you just need to work the program and recover. So many wonderful moments ahead. Good luck and healthy living.

Thank you jovie. Congrats on the approaching date. How are you doing? At your point I was a big mess of emotions, excited and petrified all stirred up in one giant diet gumbo. Now, I'm just excited every day. Don't get me wrong, it's hard to eat correctly and there are moments of distress, but so many more highlights. Mirrors aren't my enemy and stairs are my friend. Pretty fun.

Blooming, 20oz in 7 hours is actually pretty good for your first day back. It seems so crazy that drinking should be so difficult, but that's just how it is. My guess is that if you are already doing this, tomorrow you will make your liquid goal. Make sure to get extra sleep, I think it really helps. Your body has just been through a lot, giving it time to recover is required. But a few days from now, wow, you are going to be amazed how quickly recovery actually takes place. I have family and friends who have helped me in this process, but none of them actually know what it's like to be going through this situation. So these forums were huge for me too. That's why I try and repay the kindness I received by chatting with others who might need an ear to bend or a silver lining to focus on. And it's pretty easy to point out the positives because they are staring me in the face. I'm down 17lbs 11 days after surgery. That's massive. My sister is coming to visit on the 13th of February, I am really looking forward to her reaction. I saw her over halloween when I was at my fattest, about 44lbs more than I am now. And in a couple weeks I could push that to 55 pounds hopefully. It's going to be nice to share my success with her. Anyway, keep it up, stay positive and plan for fun adventures.

this is exactly why my bariatric center switched their policy from crushing to swallowing or if necessary braking into smaller chunks, but not crushing.

congratulations BloomingLotus! Now you get to the really fun part. A few days of some tough recouperating, but getting better all the time, and then you see those pounds just fall away. Hard work = success = happy life. I hope you are proud of yourself because taking these steps, following through and doing all the work to get here, is already a huge accomplishment. Way to go.