greenbaymichk

This too shall pass. Remember you are pumped full of IV fluids. It may be a week before those are all out of your system. Don't freak. Two weeks from now when you are peeing and pooping again all that will pass and you will be very happy. Trust me. I've been there too, just earlier.

I stayed in the liquid stage for three months. This wasn't without my doctors consent. It was just what I was most comfortable with. However, my nutritionist gtew concerned that my stomach would have a hard time handling dense Protein if I went any longer than 3 months on a liquid diet.
After 3 months, I started adding in 2-3 ounces of fish or chicken once a day. To my surprise, I didn't gain weight or get out of control. I still have a Protein Drink for Breakfast along with two other meals that contain dense protein.

This has been an amazing journey! I'm 11 months into my sleeve and down 90 lbs. I still have 20 lbs before I reach my goal, but it won't be long before I'm there!! This surgery has changed my life!! I'm happier, healthier, more confident, and know I've bought myself many more years with my family and friends!     

Sounds normal to me. I am 5 days out and spend 90% of my day drinking and planning my next pureed meal. Haven't yet gotten the expected 60 grams of Protein daily, but have come close to 60 oz of Fluid. I am counting on being healthy for the long-term, so I am taking one day at a time.
Anger and depression are part of grief - you have lost part of what you were and are making the emotional adjustments necessary for growth and change. We enter this "adventure" with preconceived ideas about how things will go - when our experience does not equal our dreams, we feel disappointment and anger.
You are in surgical recovery - be gentle with yourself and allow your body and mind to adjust to the massive changes that your are undertaking.

@LisaPunkinHead Had to chuckle when reading your reply post, possibly a typo in first line. But, you are right either way ... by taking control with VSG surgery, you will both "LIVE a lot longer" and "LOVE a lot longer"
-RC-

Greetings to Fellow Sleevers and Sleevers-to-Be -
The purpose of this post if to provide some experience to the older crowd that might be considering VSG, as compared to usual ways to loose weight plus exercise.
ME: I am 2 months post-op VSG. My surgery went incredibly well (4-16-2015). I had little to no pain, could drink Water soon after, could eat with no discomfort. Was moved to soft foods at one week post op (normal for my program if you are proceeding well). I was able to eat shellfish at two weeks post-op, btw.
Can eat quite a bit with no issues, keep my daily calories < 700 and my daily carbs < 50. I use KetoStix to assure my body stays in state of Ketosis, which I personally believe is key to losing max weight during the critical 12-18 months post-op. So, my journey has been a great one.
I have both knees requiring full replacement and have had back surgery/issues at L4/L5. So, I currently get little to no exercise. PS Part of my motivation for WLS was to drive BMI down to level having the knee replacements with much lower risk and better rehab potential.
While preparing to start using a personal trainer at my VSG 3 month post-op timeline, I stumbled across some details and documentation on my weight loss the last time I was serious. This was at age 50 back in 2009. My approach then was NutriSystem. In January 2009, ironically, my weight was 385 - about same as it was on date of my VSG surgery. At the same time, I began to use a Personal Trainer at local Golds Gym. So, it was a very intense strict diet and 3x to 5x workouts a week.
Those old records show that I successfully lost 65 lbs, taking 10 months to achieve that milestone. Approx. 6 lbs a week. Including working out (mostly cardio and weight machines). Reminding me of this time in my life, I have the cute little NutriSystem bears from 10 lbs lost to 60 lbs lost. BUT - no surprise, at that point I became bored with the diet and went back to bad habits, gaining all the weight back in approx. 2 years.
Playing the movie forward, as of yesterday (6-19-2015) I have lost 65 lbs since my VSG.
The staggering and compelling comparison is as follows:
THEN >>> Time to lose 65 lbs - with focused diet program and personal trainer >>> 9 months.
NOW >>> Time to lose 65 lbs - with VSG and little to no exercise >>> 2 months.
What else do you need to know! VSG was the greatest decision I have ever made. I feel no hunger and plan to see this journey to my goal weight. Even if I wanted to cheat and eat bad things, I am a quantity eater, so its just a physical fact that I will not be able to hold much food.< /p>
So, if you are a member of the older crowd of 50+ yrs of age, VSG can and will work for you.
DO IT!!!!!
-RC-

I'm 5'7. I was 371 before pre op diet. 345 at surgery date (June 10th) and 325 today.

Hey..I was called out in front of company executives at a little meet and greet for top performers. The woman who did it was mortified as soon as she realized it..it was not her intention to embarrass me but the words were out and everybody was staring at me.
I somehow managed to turn it into a story about a personal transformation after a huge personal loss (death of my sister) which was also true. The theme of the meeting had been transforming our business so it fit.
So, I get an"audience" with senior executives and I get the spotlight on being half my former size...peachy. I did get compliments on my inspiring story and true listening which seldom happens when a peon like me is in a crowd like that....so I guess one must look on the bright side.

Update: it will be known as 'Christmas Poop' from now on. Added cinnamon and SF Syrup (French vanilla was all I had). Pretty yummy!!

" I am hoping to be able to get in the pool soon...not sure how healed I have to be! "
My surgeon says two weeks - I feel your pain! I have arthritis in my ankles and feet, so I am looking forward to getting back in the pool…and the hot tub!

I opted to just take some cottage cheese drain a bit of the whey from it, sprinkle some pepper on it then put a few tablespoons of marinara and a teaspoon of Parmesan and microwave it. Tastes great. I'm sure the ricotta bake is better.. but I'm happy with my simplified version.

Ok so this is a recipe I found online, including the notes. I have not tried it yet, so I have no idea if it's good. But I love mashed potatoes and thought they looked like they'd be worth a try! If anyone tries it, let me know how they turn out! :-)
Ingredients
2 large potatoes, peeled and quartered
1/4 cup olive oil
5 cloves garlic, peeled
14 ounces tofu, extra-firm, drained and pressed
1-1/2 tsp salt
1 tsp black pepper
3 Tbsp chopped fresh chives (optional)

Instructions
Boil potatoes until fork tender.

Heat oil and garlic in a small saute pan over low heat, stirring frequently until soft and lightly golden.

Drain tofu and place between two plates to press and drain.

Place drained tofu in food processor and puree with garlic and oil mixture.

Drain potatoes.

Mash potatoes with fork or ricer to desired consistency.

Add garlic puree mixture.

Season with salt and pepper and garnish with fresh herbs, if desired.

Makes four servings.

Adapted from 101 Things To Do With Tofu by Donna Kelly & Anne Tegtmeier.
Although, this recipe was amazing, it needs a little tweaking for my taste. The first set of tweaks I made did not work out so the recipe above is the actual recipe without my changes. For my version, I used 11 oz of white potatoes, 1/4 cup olive oil, 3 large garlic cloves, 14 ounces of firm tofu, 1-1/2 tsp salt, 1 tsp of pepper, 1 tsp of dried italian seasoning and 1 tsp of dried parsley.
Unfortunately, my dish turned out extremely garlicky. I love, love, love garlic but this was just too much. My garlic cloves were pretty big so I used three instead of the five called for. My cloves must have been really large because the dish was too intense for dear hubby, as well. In fact, he moaned all evening about how he couldn’t get the garlic smell out of the house. The dish also seemed a little oily so I will probably back up on the olive oil, next time.
I then thought that maybe these would work out as twice baked potatoes and I was right. Added some cheese and threw these in the oven
All in all, a pretty good first try for this recipe. It was really good except for the overwhelming garlic so I will definitely be trying this one again.

So I don't want to brag, instead I thought I'd share some of the Puree ideas that have been working for me. I know everyone gets specific instructions from their doctors, and it seems like everyone gets different instructions from each other, but I thought I'd share: Comment and share if you like, and comment if you dislike.
Remember, after you're done processing whatever you're making to weigh it out to the appropriate serving sizes.
1) Rotisserie chicken
I find that buying a fresh rotisserie chicken was helpful in saving time and some energy. I debone it and rip the meat off the carcass into a bowl.
Then I chop it roughly on a board or a plate so it purees easier.
In the processor, I put in the chopped chicken as well as 1 tsp of pickle juice and 1 tsp of lite Mayonnaise for every 5 oz of chicken.
Process it
2) Ground Turkey Provencal - 93% lean
The turkey is actually a really great platform for adding flavor, and my nutritionist told me that dried herbs are alright for after a few days out of the hospital.
1lb. ground turkey
1/4 tsp dried thyme
1/4 tsp dried sage
1/4 tsp dried tarragon
1/4 tsp dried rosemary - however you have to crush the rosemary. don't keep it in its long form
1 /4 cup low sodium vegetable stock
mix the turkey and herbs. Heat 1tsp of olive oil in a large frying pan. Add the turkey and cook it until it is half cooked. The turkey should be a little browned, probably a little grey, but not completely cooked. Add the vegetable stock and continue to cook until it is completely absorbed into the turkey.
Take the turkey and let it cool to almost room temp. Then add half to the food processor. Add 2 Tbsp of plain greek yogurt or Lite mayo. Process!
3) Italian Chicken
My nutritionist suggested using a light Tomato sauce as a moisturizer when food processing. Of course ask your own nutritionist, but here's what I've been doing.
1 lb. ground chicken
1 cup light tomato sauce
Heat up 1 tsp of olive oil in a pan. When it's hot, put in the chicken. Cook it through. When it's finished, let it cool to room temp.
Chop up the chicken so it's in small pieces. Add to the food processor. Gently process, and add the tomato sauce just before you are finished processing.
4) Baked Greek Lamb
1/2 lb of Lamb Shoulder. If you're fancy, you can use chops. The shoulder will have a bone or two you need to remove.
1/4 cup tzatziki (greek white sauce)
1/8 tsp cumin
1/8 tsp coriander seed
Coat the lamb pieces with the spice mix. Bake the lamb on a baking sheet. Use an olive oil spray or lightly spread around a little olive oil on the baking sheet. Make sure it isn't too much oil.
Bake the lamb until it is cooked through. Remove and cool
Cut the lamb into small pieces, add to processor and lightly process. Just before it is at puree'd texture, add the white sauce.
I hope you enjoy these if you try them. If not, sorry!

This is a great new website http://www.proteinartist.com/ with Protein puree recipes and menu ideas.

Across the pound from most of you in Northern Europe ????

Hi June Friends! I had the Sleeve on Tuesday the 16th and in general am feeling good. I am not saying that it is easy when my family is BBQing outside or having pizza and caesar salad! I am finding some peace in staying out of the kitchen, not going to the grocery store etc. I have zofran for nausea, oxycodone for pain, omprizole for acid, and will take ursodial in another week for keeping gall stones away. I don't take the pain or nausea pills very often...ocassionally I overdo and then they come in handy. My main reason to do the surgery was to relieve stress on my feet and ankles as I am pretty immobilized...I am impressed that I am moving better and almost without thinking about it...like a normal person! I started at 244 when I checked into hospital...and came home weighing 254 due to IV's...I am now 230 and feeling like the worst is behind me. The incisions are pretty well healed and I am hoping to be able to get in the pool soon...not sure how healed I have to be! Would love to chat with anyone else who is on my timetable or has advice. I go to two different hospital support groups and had the surgery in Portland Or.

I know it's hard to replace all this (consider consignment shops for both selling and buying maybe?) Good luck!
Have you considered what to do with your BRAS??? I have. I found a great organization called THE BRA RECYCLER,LLC at www.brarecycler.com who takes new/secondhand but gently used/ clean bras and gives them to shelters etc. for teens and women across the globe! Please consider doing so for your bras as you continue on this weight loss journey.They will appreciate it and bras are hard to sell anyway. Thanks

Agree with leaving at least 3-4 weeks recovery before returning to school. Brain fog is real - the combination of fatigue, pain and pain meds, and uber-concentration on hydration is taxing.

Hello,
I'm 1 year, 2 months out......and I did lose all the weight i wanted, plus an additional 10 lbs past my goal.
yes, the last 20 lbs was the toughest......but I was determined to do it....I've kept if off now for 8 months..
So, I'd say, its up to you........how determined are you?
Good luck to all!

I am not in for my surgery till August 4th but with everything I have seen and read and understand now about weight loss...If you use this surgery as your starting point to change your life then the weight and all of it will come off regardless of what you have to lose....The average person doesn't change anything in their lives as far as eating goes. Dr.s would expect that if you have not changed your eating up till now what makes them think you will. So average says if you still eat what you want instead of what you need then yes you will lose weight but only 50 60 %.
We have to try to remember that if you change your eating and stay on it, which was always my downfall you will lose all your weight too. So there is no way if you eat right, let go of your breads, sugars, garbage food that you will not lose all your weight and probably more than your goal regardless of how much weight you have to lose.
My goal is not to stretch my stomach..If my stomach only fits a half cup food at a time, that is all it's getting dammit...*grin*

Agree with leaving at least 3-4 weeks recovery before returning to school. Brain fog is real - the combination of fatigue, pain and pain meds, and uber-concentration on hydration is taxing.

Only if you are lucky. Mine was like a passing pineapple.

I am so not looking forward to Constipation after my surgery. From what I'm reading I'm afraid it is going to be like pooping a pine cone.

Things I used:
--clean underpants
--comfy cotton sports bra that fastens in front (you may end up with an incision along your bra line -- trust me, you do NOT want this while wearing an underwire bra, or even a regular bra!)
--charger with extra long cord for my phone
--lip balm
--toothpaste, toothbrush, comb, deodorant
Things other people suggested I might need which I didn't:
--laptop, ipad, kindle (no way did I have the attention span for any of that, plus too busy sipping and walking)
--any other toiletries or makeup (this is major surgery, not a spa vacation, the hospital will have the basics)
--my own pajamas or robe (the hospital provides gowns, which are much easier to manage in conjunction with IV lines, drains, etc. -- just put an extra one on backwards when you go out walking the hall to avoid flashing people)
--non-skid socks or slippers (hospital provides non-skid socks and won't allow use of personal socks/slippers)
--gas-x strips -- these are useless for surgical gas anyway, and hospitals frown on or prohibit use of any medications they did not provide
--a pillow (I just made sure that my ride home had a pillow to clutch -- hospitals have plenty of pillows for use there)
--books, magazines -- lol no, see above with respect to laptops and tablets
IMO keep it as basic and lightweight as you can. The most important thing is not what you bring with you but your commitment to being upright and moving as soon as possible after surgery. When they take you to your room after recovery, do NOT let them put you in the bed! Sit upright on the sofa or easy chair in your room and get up and start walking as soon as you can! Do make sure you have a nurse or support person there when you get up and walk the first few times though. Walking. moving, and being upright instead of lying down are the fastest way to get rid of the gas.

Congratulations to you that has to be an awesome feeling!!
My surgery is today!!!