Ashlegal

@@jenislosingit

While my recovery easy (no major complications, out of the hospital in two days) my first few days were rough. I hurt, was weak, couldn't get enough fluids in, didn't want anything but Water and questioned why I had the surgery in the first place.

Then I grew a little stronger, a little less in pain and was able to push through the lethargy to get up, starting walking and get in enough Protein. Getting in enough Protein is essential, as is staying hydrated. It is hard but it must be done in order to get over that icky, crappy, weak feeling.

Once I pushed myself to get my fluids in, get up and move, drink my Protein shakes, I was back to work after eleven days and have been going strong since. I am 2.5 months post-op and I have no regrets!

@@TurnThePage

Get over yourself.

My surgeon did not set a goal weight his biggest concern was a healthy BMI. It was up to me to decide what weight I would be happy with maintaining. At this point in my journey (just shy three months post-op), I am not even thinking about a maintenance weight. I have for too long to go before I stop losing and I need to stay focused on my immediate goals; getting in enough Protein daily, making sure I stay hydrated, exercising regularly and taking my Vitamins.

I don't see the change in myself and I have lost 60 pounds in less than three months. The only way I notice the change is when I realize my clothes are way too big. Outside of that, looking in the mirror doesn't produce an image different from what I was used to seeing before surgery.

@@foodfighter78

If you cannot get your surgeon to put in a referral for a endoscopy, go to your PCP. There is no reason a PCP cannot refer you to the help you need.

In your particular situation, no. He wants something different than you do and thus you cannot remain "close" friends. You can spend time with each other in large groups, in social outings, with more than each other but ultimately if you continue to spend one on one time with him, the relationship will implode.

If you value his friendship, you will take the necessary steps to put some space between the two of you. Allowing a cushion between feelings to be built. Maybe once he sees things from outside of where he is currently standing, he will get a better understanding of your feelings. He may even see things from your POV.

I was more scared of dying a slow miserable death by being morbidly obese in conjunction with diabetes (and it's complications), high blood pressure/high cholesterol (and the fear of stroke and or heart attack), afraid I would fall and be unable to get up due to my weight, scared that when I did fall, it would be hard to get the help I needed because I was so big, ummm, let's see, I was scared I would be in a car accident and be wedged so tightly, getting me out would take too long and I would die, I was also really scared that I would eventually be in a motorized device to get me around to do everyday things because my weight would have made walking very painful.

(yes, that is one long run on sentence)

Ultimately those fears (and many more) listed above squashed the fears I had about complications due to surgery. I knew not having surgery, I would die and it would be slow, miserable, horrible and a wasted life. If I had to die, I was going to die fighting for the life I deserved, needed and dreamed about.

I have some in my pantry but have yet to try them. I'll provide a review when the time comes.

I've been eating really well cooked veggies since about a week post-op.

I started eating *certain* raw veggies about 7 weeks post-op.

A lot of veggies will be hard to eat no matter how far post-op you are.

Mostly veggies containing high amounts of insoluble Fiber are warned against. Even for individuals without WLS issues. Broccoli, cauliflower, most greens, green Beans, cabbage, Brussel sprouts, were foods I was told to stay away from until at least six months out. Unless they were cooked really well but even then they may cause some distress.

Also, they don't contain a lot of Protein so a few bites will feel you up, but not allow you to hit your Protein goals daily.

Suspenders.

Seriously.

I wear them even though I have no belt loop issues.

@@mark1733

If I haven't been in any trouble, I doubt you could land yourself in some.

@@mark1733 Wow! Congrats on a great accomplishment! Welcome to BP and hope you find everything you are looking for.

@@winklie

It is soooo worth the extra dollars, especially since we as WLS patients don't need as much. I drink 2 four ounce glasses of the Whole Fairlife. It feels me up, taste great and is yummy in an ice cold mug!

@@TMG1980TMG I know there are almost double the calories in the Whole or even the 2% but you do get more nutrition out of whole milk. Any whole milk. Which is why when babies are weened from formula (or even breast milk) they will start with Whole Milk. They (and us adults) need the fat (especially in small doses) from whole milk. Just a thought.

@@jess9395

You know what? That damn search feature doesn't always work, isn't always easy to use and sometimes it is okay for people to ask their own question as that is the entire point to being a member on a discussion forum. If all anyone ever did was "use the search button" there would be almost zero point to being a member, contributing and helping make this website what it is.

You ever think of getting into some therapy? Join a support group in your area? Get involved in your community? Take some different classes at a local community college?

It sounds as if you need to be involved in something to gain some new friends, new interests, a new hobby (or two).

You probably have a lot of time on your hands that creates unnecessary space to sit and think, dwell, over analyze on top of being alone.

I can tell you what works for me but ultimately you need to figure out what works for you.

I stay busy, I stay occupied and I don't accept excuses for myself. The fat girl you used to be, no longer exists. You have to let her go, you have to detach yourself from her and you have to accept your new identity.

@@Sophie74656

Are you kidding me? Your husband makes you sacrifice your comfort in order to spend time with him? F*ck that! I'd never. He'd never. We'd never.

They both sound pathetic.

I don't like booths at all, even when I was at my thinnest. I am short and booths never give me the support or height I need to enjoy my meal.

I would have have asked her, "was it really necessary to ignore my request? I'll remember that for the next time."

People like that make the ugly in me come out.

I swear I told you that they come in a few different flavors. *shrug*

The peach is the best!

I had my first pickle last week. It was awesome! I have decided to start making my own and just finished some about two hours ago. I don't know if I can hold off popping them open!

I had the same issue, I seriously thought I would never be able to find something I could tolerate. I wasn't even trying to fall in love with a Protein shake, I just wanted one I could tolerate. I spent so much money (too damn much) on different ones. Some were recommended on here, others from the support group I am and a few were encouraged from my surgeon and or NUT. They all sucked.

I enjoy the Syntrax nectar. They have lots of flavors. Some sweet, some less. My saving grace was finding a board on Pinterest that gave all kinds of recipes for Protein smoothies/shakes.

I ended up also buying some Torani SF syrups which made everything taste a little better. I tricked myself by telling myself I was "treating" myself when I used the blender to mix-up different protein recipes.

Here check it out:

https://www.pinterest.com/eggface/protein-shakes-and-smoothies/

@@burnettsr921 and @@treblecutie23 Congrats on your new life! What a crazy journey, eh?

The most important issue with only being three days out is staying hydrated and getting in as much Protein as you can. It is not easy but it does get easier. You may have to try different Protein powders/pre-made shakes/ drinks to find one you can tolerate. Many people, including myself have found Premier Protein pre-made shakes are tolerable. They can be warmed up, thrown in the freeze, thinned with some Fairlife Milk and have 30 grams of protein in each container.

Check out this Pinterest page and maybe you'll find a recipe or two you can try to help make it easier:

https://www.pinterest.com/eggface/protein-shakes-and-smoothies/

It gets easier, just remember to sip, sip, sip, don't rush it and be patient with yourself.

My best friend's sister had GB about thirteen years ago and for a very long time she was really thin. And even for a couple of years she was "too thin" (way below a healthy BMI) and I admired her for her determination, strength, commitment and dedication to a new way of life. She owned a restaurant where she was the main cook, menu planner and she did catering on the side. She was always surrounded by great food, great ingredients, people eating, people needing her to try things, sell her food related items; her whole life was FOOD! FOOD! FOOD! And yet she remained vigilante to her new self.

Until recently. In the last few years, her weight has started to creep back on and her health is on a slow decline. It shocked me to see she was gaining weight and when I asked if everything was alright she was candid with me. She bluntly told me "Ash, your surgery did not cure any food issues you may have had, it will not prevent you from gaining the weight you lost and it most definitely will take a great deal of will power (more than you have ever had) to keep the weight off."

While I knew what she was saying before she needed to say it, it needed to hear it from someone going through it.

All I can add is this "don't let your husband's (or anyone's) feelings navigate your future."

It will be the brand new start, to a brand new year and by this time next year you'll look back and think "I am so glad I did it when I did!"

@@SuperDave A picture of myself is what catapulted me into my journey. For years I'd see myself in pictures and thought "well duh, the camera adds like ten pounds (definitely not 100)." Then I saw one that put me in tears and it was then I knew I needed to make a change. But I still don't see what others see when I look in the mirror. But as they say "a picture is worth a thousand words!" And I can only come up with one, fantastic! You look fantastic!

Cooking relaxes me. I have always been a "foodie" and loved trying new recipes, being a hostess, making food for my neighbors and stocking my freezer with "home-made convenience" meals.

This didn't change after surgery.

The only difference now is my portion is much smaller, my recipe choices and meals are Protein dense and I keep an eye on my carb count.

I cook 4-5 times a week, many of those times are with friends/family and I make sure nothing goes to waste.