smg

@@GigiLane I had my procedure on April 15th and so far, I'm doing great. I'm feeling better than I have in years, of course being 52 pounds lighter helps that a great deal, and I'm able to get out and be active without getting exhausted almost immediately and no knee pain!
I know I'm still at the beginning of my post-op journey but things like riding a bike, taking a walk, or going for a swim have been so much easier and, even though I'm still a ways off from where I want to be, my confidence has increase tenfold.
So far, so good!

My surgeon recommended waiting at least a week before coffee, and then to try a sip and wait a while to see how it feels. It's not that the coffee itself is so acidic that it hurts, but because it's acidic, it can stimulate secretion of gastric acids in the stomach the increased amount of gastric acids at a time when you are healing is what can be painful.
I've spoken to some who had coffee almost right away without issue, some had to move to Decaf for a while and some just had to wait. I waited 2 weeks before trying any and when I did, I drank decaf for a few days before trying regular coffee. Luckily, it didn't irritate anything for me.
I would say to always listen to your own surgeons advice. Everyone is different, and he/she knows best based on your specific case.

Luckily, I've never had the "foamies" either, but our NUT did mention it pre-op and said that eating slowly, chewing your food to "applesauce" consistency and taking small sips of liquids will prevent it. The biggest recommendation was to make sure you eat slowly. Take a bite, chew well, swallow, and allow your body a minute or two to see how it reacts and make sure you aren't full...
...after surgery, your eyes will definitely be bigger than your stomach!!

Welcome Senetria! I'm a few weeks post-op but what a great journey it's been so far. Best of luck to you on yours!

I ordered a "chicken sandwich, no bread, add avocado, sauce on the side, sub fruit for fries (wrap that to go) and would you bring a to go box when you bring out my order?. Oh, and could the chef weigh the cooked chicken breast and let me know how much it weighs. Thanks." I don't think that was too crazy. This is what I think WAS crazy. The following items all arrived on separate plates; grilled chicken breast, 2 slices monterey jack cheese, 1/4 sliced avocado, 2 slices Tomato, red onion rings, a leaf of romaine, and chipotle mayo. My table looked like I was a glutton at a dim sum house. The server raised his eyebrows as if to wonder if he did a good job. I smiled, chuckled to myself, and reached for the to go box.

Clear vegetable broth! Asked for a big bowl, it cost $8 bucks..... but, it was a cold day and it did the trick....

--like ordering wonton Soup with no wontons? That usually leads to a great deal of foreign language exchange.

When I go to a restaurant now, I look at the menu meals from the aspect of being more than one meal and how well it will heat up at home. I never order any appetizers or salad and usually ask not to bring any bread. I don't bother with asking for any special considerations or adjustments to the meal size anymore......it's just too much trouble.
Much easier to simply ask for take-home containers and bag it all up. I usually get about two to three meals out of a menu order.
When you think about it.....not a bad deal.

I don't even pay attention to it because you know what, they cost FAR LESS than the amount the of food I was eating before surgery....especially when I ate out (which was near constant).

It's easier than you think....you'll do great! Good Luck!

Congratulations on making the decision for yourself! The decision on whether or not to discuss with your "friend" is one you will have to make.
The only thing I can say is that the process brings a lot of emotions front and center, and you want to surround yourself with positive people, and leave the negative behind. Best of luck!

I have both a ninja and and a Vitamix 780. The Vitamix hands down wins this competition. The ninja is nice, but the Vitamix is really in a league of its own...plus it can make soups...which is really nice at the puree stage...

Honestly, I think most of us (even those of us who thought we knew) needed to be taught or re-taught how to do a lot of what's needed to be successful long term.
Once you meet your surgeon and nutritionist (NUT), be sure to ask them these questions and make sure that they will be available to answer these questions as they come up on your journey, before AND after surgery. My team has been fantastic and I've been able to continue to email my NUT with super-fast responses even after surgery. My team has ongoing classes beyond surgery to keep you informed of healthy food choices and eating habits, as well as fitness help.
It's been a great experience so far for me, mainly because of how easy the people on my team have been so eager to help when it's needed. I hope you find the same access and helpfulness! Don't ever think a question is stupid!
Best of luck!

Welcome Brandi! I'm sure you'll find plenty of information here...helped me a great deal pre-op, and even more post-op!

Honestly, I think most of us (even those of us who thought we knew) needed to be taught or re-taught how to do a lot of what's needed to be successful long term.
Once you meet your surgeon and nutritionist (NUT), be sure to ask them these questions and make sure that they will be available to answer these questions as they come up on your journey, before AND after surgery. My team has been fantastic and I've been able to continue to email my NUT with super-fast responses even after surgery. My team has ongoing classes beyond surgery to keep you informed of healthy food choices and eating habits, as well as fitness help.
It's been a great experience so far for me, mainly because of how easy the people on my team have been so eager to help when it's needed. I hope you find the same access and helpfulness! Don't ever think a question is stupid!
Best of luck!

My wife has supported me from day 1, but I also lost close to 30 lbs during the pre-op diet and even though she supported me, she questioned it.
I really don't think it's a question of support, but more of a question of fear. Anytime surgery is involved, as a parent or a family member, you worry, and I think that's what's happening here...
Time and education will help them. Let them know that this is for long-term success, and that you believe it's what's right for you....and reassure them of the success rates and let them know that you are excited and not scared...they'll come around!
Best of luck!

I think a lot of it immediately post-op is more of a "head-hunger" than a real hunger. You're mentally used to eating and the thought or smell of food entices those receptors that have been programmed for years.
I actually found I was "head-hungry" for the first week after surgery, but by week two, I had to actually remind myself to eat because the "hunger" was diminishing. Even now almost 3 weeks post-op I don't typically get that hungry feeling all that often. I notice it more if I'm around a food that used to be a crutch for me...
My program was fairly different than a lot on here as well. We weren't required to be liquid only post-op. We were taught to eat what my team called the "slip-n-slide funnel diet" meaning if it was a food that could easily slide through a funnel it was OK to try. Just introduce things slowly and give your body time to heal.

My wife has supported me from day 1, but I also lost close to 30 lbs during the pre-op diet and even though she supported me, she questioned it.
I really don't think it's a question of support, but more of a question of fear. Anytime surgery is involved, as a parent or a family member, you worry, and I think that's what's happening here...
Time and education will help them. Let them know that this is for long-term success, and that you believe it's what's right for you....and reassure them of the success rates and let them know that you are excited and not scared...they'll come around!
Best of luck!

Day 2, feeling pretty darn good. The doctor found i had a hiatal hernia which was fixed at the same time they did the sleeve. Woke up this morning wishing i could drink something but was told i have to wait. Took a walk and now I am sitting in a chair typing this to you all. So far so good, Straight ahead ......... i couldn't of been any happier with my Doctor and the hospital and staff !!!!!
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I'm 7 days into my pre op diet and already regretting it. :-/ but I know I'm being ridiculous. There's a better way to live life, I know there is. food is meant to fuel us, not consume us.

I'm 3.5 weeks post op and I have my first business trip tomorrow. Fortunately it's a 24 hr trip to DC (I live in Boston), and it's significantly shorter and time and distance as compared to my usual trips overseas. Nonetheless, I'm worried not about what I'll eat, but about STAMINA. I'm friggin' EXHAUSTED. DEPLETED. Just so, so tired. I'm getting Protein and liquids in, but I go to bed at 7:30 every night. I know I'm still healing but I just feel so tired. Since I can't bring my Protein shake through security, my plan is to drink on the way to the airport, get a Greek yogurt and big bottle of Water at the airport, nap on the plane, and I built in time for a nap before my work event tomorrow evening. Fingers crossed I can make it through this!
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I am/was an emotional eater. Yesterday something came up that would have triggered me to overeat--binge, really. It was my gut instinct, but I couldn't do it. I physically cannot. In one was I was scared. "How do I deal with my emotions?!" But in another way I was SO relieved I had the surgery-this is why I had this surgery. It is a very powerful tool!
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I didn't have a puree phase, but I ate (and still eat) a lot of geek yogurt, cottage cheese, tuna, refried Beans, chili, Protein pudding, etc. Everything tastes better with melted cheese on top (except maybe the Greek yogurt).
A lot of folks like The World According to Eggface's ricotta bake. It wasn't one of my favorites.
What does your NUT suggest?

Yeah that seems really high on the carbs. I would definitely look for something with less. Quest brand has a lot of flavors, is really low in carbs, and tastes fantastic....
Honestly, I think the pre-op diet was soooo much harder for me than the immediate post-op diet was...keep pushing...you're almost there!!!

My wife has supported me from day 1, but I also lost close to 30 lbs during the pre-op diet and even though she supported me, she questioned it.
I really don't think it's a question of support, but more of a question of fear. Anytime surgery is involved, as a parent or a family member, you worry, and I think that's what's happening here...
Time and education will help them. Let them know that this is for long-term success, and that you believe it's what's right for you....and reassure them of the success rates and let them know that you are excited and not scared...they'll come around!
Best of luck!