MissLiss

@@drmeow thank you for approaching with the logic I apparently lost while I was assuming my deer in the headlights response to exercise and pressuring myself to meet the 30-45 minutes with perfection. Lol.

You are right of course and @@katkinsmu -

I think I am pushing myself just enough now and my natural curiosity about seeing new things and exploring will push me farther- I already want to take the slightly longer loop tomorrow morning for my flatter walk. I also had a friend tell me that she really wants to walk with me. I let her know exactly where I am walking wise and that I am truly beginning but she is game and I think the company will also help.

I saw a special for the gym I wanted to join and signed up today. It is a wonderful gym at the hotel right here- the membership includes the gym, sauna, steam room, 2 hot tubs, one indoor pool, one heated outdoor pool, one regular outdoor pool, a walking track, tennis which I don't play yet, basketball and full locker rooms.

So when I am cleared to start toning and allowed to be in Water and hot tubs I will meet with a personal trainer and in the mean time I will continue to work to improve myself.

Thank you all for your feedback- it helped me take a breath, evaluate and act instead of react.

I am on purees so I am allowed to have cottage cheese and I decided that I would have that for dinner.

I pulled out the cottage cheese container and a spoon...I chewed, chewed, chewed...swallowed...waited a few minutes...another spoon...repeat.

I found that I was mildly disappointed when I recognized I was full and I noted that internal response right away...I took a moment to re-feel my fulness, marvel and be grateful at the benefits of being full on so little and mentally brush away the disappointment over wanting more- and reinforced not needing more.

Now I realize that I made a mistake by eating directly from the container- my laziness about not wanting to wash a dish for so little...but I think taking the time to serve myself a portion is important. In part because I have less in front of me to want, and in part because I just remembered I need to be mindful about eating.

I'm going to do this right!

So, I'd love to hear from other people about what they do? What do you measure in? what do you eat off of or out of?

There are plenty of threads on here that talk about this...the soonest in I've seen is 8 weeks with doctor's permission for a special occasion. I am curious as well. What I am interested in is - aside from the accelerated affect of alcohol - what are the true risks?

The things I have seen alluded to - by my interpretation- and I am not 100% sure is

1) the stomach itself remains swollen for 4-5 weeks?

2) subjecting the stomach to anything so harsh so early is a risk of ulcer?

3) Of course, extra un needed calories as well as poor decision making

I would love to hear the specifics- I always operate better with the facts.

I have decided to wait at least 8 weeks and to discuss it with my doctor before doing anything.

I do know there are people who enjoy drinks every week on here - and I have a regular night out that I would like a glass of wine also- but for now tea, Decaf lattes, etc are doing just fine for me.

Thank you. My "cardio" route for Monday and today was a 1 mile loop. I live in a condo community within a ski resort. So I started out with 2 solid minutes up a reasonably steep hill but heart beats only got to 37 per 15 seconds and according to online for me it should be 44 to qualify as cardio. Then I segue onto a lateral street that continues on a much milder hill, then dips - 30 per 15 seconds- then up a steeper hill, then very mild hill to level to downhill.

I'm just not sure how this counts. It is manageable for me and gives me other routes to build on. I am looking into a gym membership this morning- the one right here has a discount.

I think this is a good start from what you describe @@goodnuff?

Thanks ladies. Perhaps he just assumed I would build to it? Who knows. Doesn't seem as if there is much of a choice but it does seem embarrassing to walk into a gym and do only 5 minutes on an elliptical- which I've never used-lol. Any other stories of what people began with are welcome

I am 1 week and 2 days post op. My doctor told me to start cardio 30-45 minutes 3x a week. I love walking, I used to love hiking, I used to love the recumbent bike.

I don't belong to a gym yet so yesterday I walked up varied hills. There was some hill, some flat some downhill. I broke a sweat but the demand on me changed throughout the walk so I'm not sure this is a good enough answer. I tried the recumbent bike at work, which is a glorified home version and I hated it- I think I would like the gym quality one again though.

I have to say- I'm a little at a loss. From 0-30/45 is a bit much so I think maybe I should work up to 30 minutes- I want to exercise and I do not want to discourage myself- I've also ordered a few cardio beginner dvds.

I think I am actually a little embarrassed that I'm not able to just hop on and do 30 minutes...does anyone have suggestions? maybe interval with longer periods of cardio? I know it won't be completely painless and that I have to work but I'd love to know I'm not alone and hear how you tackled cardio?

@@CanyonBaby the Unsuspecting dog made it! Although he promptly went back to sleep after we got home!

Wow- everyone sounds so good! It makes me look forward to working out!!

Thanks Guys! I have adjusted my planning to assume an hour to drink the Protein drinks to be on the safe side. I appreciate the feedback.

Good Morning!

I am now 7 days post op and since last Thursday I was to walk 30 minutes 3 times a day. I found relatively flat areas to walk and always started with a 30 minute walk however if I was active during the day - errands/shopping etc- I counted that as exercise and then I finished the day with a 15-20 minute walk. I simply found it difficult to get all that concentrated walking in on the liquid diet.

Yesterday I was moved to a more inclusive eating plan featuring protein!

Now, between the 10 pounds i've lost and the Protein last night, I woke up raring to go this morning. The doc changed my exercise from 3x a day walking to 3x a week 30-45 cardio which he defined as breaking a sweat. I am not a member of a gym yet but I do live in the 'mountains' of NJ. So off I went this morning, with my poor unsuspecting dog, for a 45 minute varied up and down hill walk and sweat I did. I am by no means in good shape yet but darn if it doesn't feel good after that walk!

I'm curious- what did everyone else find to do for cardio? what's your fave? and when did you start lifting weights to tone/etc.?

I am 6 days post op and met with my doctor and nutritionist today. I have been moved from the clear liquid diet to the next phase. Tonight I opened a Protein drink for dinner and I love this drink- it's Premier Protein Strawberries and Cream but I was not able to drink even half. So, although I am not surprised I guess it takes a concentrated effort? I was told I should drink 2 a day and like I said I really like them so that is fine with me. I'm just curious what others do and how they handle it?

Glad to help. My Nut also encouraged sugar free popsicles and I found some in tropical flavors in a big yellow box. The amount of flavor makes my face pucker a little but it's a nice change.

Thank you guys...seriously feel like someone removed my stomach and implanted a T Rex embryo...but I am getting used to it and am not so scared by it. When it is at its worst it does appear to signal a precursor trip to the ladies, But all in all I'm getting used to all the new quirks while I'm healing.

My NUT suggested I try making an Onion broth and I googled that and came up with the clear liquid Soup they serve at Hibachi. There is no added fat or flavorings beyond the broths and vegetables that go into it. I simmered the mushrooms in the broth and left the scallions and durkee's out of it and simply strained it so alI have is broth.

Here is the recipe for anyone interested and the portion sizes are adjustable and I got an onion and used the salad bar for the rest:

http://www.food.com/recipe/miyabi-japanese-onion-soup-410663?mode=us&st=true&scaleto=2

A mile? Wow. I was up and walking but didn't have a finite amount. I basically walked the length of the hall and back anytime I got up for the bathroom. They gave me socks with rubber on the bottom. The walking helps with the gas, to help your lungs stay healthy and circulating and to heal you faster.

what I found amusing is I had a yellow wrist and on my arm that said FALL RISK as I walked all over the place. Lol.

So, it's been a little over 2 days since surgery and I am on a clear liquid diet this week. Monday will bring a new eating plan. I'm fine with the plain liquids, I'm still learning my way around my new tummy but what gets me are the noises and goings on in that new little pouch. My last Water was 2 hours ago and I have woken up with sounds and bubbling going on that have me wondering...I mean it was just Water, why all this? It sounds to me like the scene in Titanic when the metal of the ship gives way and the whole thing begins to go down...what is up with all this? lol

Actually lying on my side isn't bad especially if a tuck a pillow under..,it's the struggle to get upright again.

@@KalelsWifey yes the gas was rough. I ended up with a nausea reaction after surgery and as painful as it was to have dry heaves it cleared the gas right out.

So ...more questions..I was told no lifting, no bending over etc. However, now that i'm back to sleep in my regular bed- I worry that I am putting too much stress on the site simply by raising myself up after lying down..I am not sure how to protect myself? and am I protecting myself simply of pain? or can the incisions come open?

I tried sleeping on my side which was great until i had to get myself out of bed and then I worried I was putting way too much strain on the incision sites...

Now that I am home from that so convenient hospital bed and television mount I am not sure I can continue dozing on my back. Did anyone change to their old sleeping position right away?

It's officially done!

Day 1 was a little rough till I got rid of the gas then the only painful area were the 2 largest incisions and they aren't all that bad.

That being said, I was served Breakfast, lunch and dinner. All containing broth, Jello, tea,and crystal light. I had no idea how much to eat- I couldn't tell between the incisions, the pain from th gas or hunger/thirst. So I had only 3 spoons of broth, 2 of Jello and a few sips of crystals light. It took me 2 minutes to do that because I was so cautious.

So I'm wondering- how did you guys handle your first few meals and how much did you have?

I ended up packing the following:

fresh undies, handcream, chapstick,brush, toothbrush and toothpaste,and a bathrobe that there turned out to be no need for, slippers which i only slipped on to go home- the hospital gave me socks, my phone and a charger.

What I wish I had had and didn't was a hat for my hat hair the next day and as someone mentioned a pillow.

Hello all!

Enjoying this beautiful afternoon and thinking about what to pack for the hospital. It s/b just one night's stay so I figure I will wear comfy bike shorts and shirt there and the same home. So I figure a change of underwear and a sweatshirt in case I am not up to wearing a bra (sorry fellows!)

I'll have my cell phone/charger and was thinking of crossword puzzles, a kindle, hand cream, chapstick, deodorant, toothbrush/paste. What am I not thinking of?

Oh you two have made me feel so much better! Thank you. Were the prescriptions expensive? What were they?

I am scheduled for my surgery this Tuesday. I am stocked up on Water, chicken boullion and Jello. My friend will be spending the afternoon with me after she brings me home from the hospital. But outside of that I will be on my own the majority of each day. I am wondering what to expect? Will there be prescriptions I need to fill right after surgery? From all that I've read I should be able to cope without a nurse. I have a friend who will be stopping by every day for anything I need. I do have a small dog and a dog walker on stand by if need be. I realize everyone is different but I'm just trying to get a clearer picture, no one seems to talk about this much.