Cheeselife

My surgery was the 9th, I've lost 19lbs since then. I'm also meeting Protein and Water goals. Allow yourself to accept the reassurances you'd give me! Sent from my SM-N920V using Tapatalk

I'm only a few days out, but it was my first surgery too. It was weird to walk into a room full of people and equipment, looking just like a medical TV show, and being asked to go lay on the bed in the middle of it all. It was fine though, a few people introduced themselves and checked how I was, the anesthesiologist was nice, put in my IV, then put on an oxygen mask and that's all I remember before waking up comfortably from a lovely sleep!
I'm ding way better now, but was very uncomfortable for the first couple of days, even with pain meds. It's worth being aware that the 'buyers remorse' stage is a very real (and very common!) thing when you feel like you've made a weird choice to incapacitate yourself painfully.
It's a short stage though, and walking really helps, even just around the house.
My surgeon wasn't fussed about the pre op diet, but I wish I'd done it more thoroughly, the headaches aren't fun when your body is recovering from surgery! I second being fit too, I had a shoulder injury about 6 months ago and quit the gym and I really regret it.
I don't know if you have people relying on you, but to distract myself the day before surgery I cooked a load of meals for my husband and children to reheat. I'm feeling up to cooking today, but it's nice not to have to!
Sent from my SM-N920V using Tapatalk

Ilovecats1985,
Sorry you (and so many other WLS patients) have to deal with this. You’re trying to get healthy, it sounds like you’re doing everything right, and apparently your family-in-law can’t handle it.
At least when your in-laws announce that you can’t have cake (or whatever) because of surgery, it gives you an easy way to say “No, thanks.” But of course it’s unfair that your secret is out and can never be taken back.
I have to say, I am SO glad your husband is supportive, even if not super assertive. That makes all the difference, and that’s all you need. Let him know what you’re willing to stand for, whether it’s one day a year with your in-laws or flat-out no time at all because they’re so rude. You don’t need to take anything from them.
Good luck, and congratulations on your surgery, your weight loss, and your determination.

Mother-in-law, sister-in-law.
They sound awful and toxic, I'm so sorry. None of my family knows about my surgery, just my husband and a couple of close friends. I'm not strong enough to deal with any negativity.
You dud the right thing, tried to keep the peace despite them, then stood your ground when they pushed you too far. People who behave like that will struggle to find happiness, they truly are their own punishment. I'm so sorry.
Sent from my SM-N920V using Tapatalk

You had a day of crazy. Don't freak out too much about this - just realize that you have difficulties controlling yourself around sweets and guard against exposure to this stuff until you are much better about restraining yourself.
But a big thing to remember - at this point, you could eat absolute crap and still lose weight. There are plenty of people out there that eat fast food and Cookies and because of the restriction in the early months, they continue to see weight loss. My doctor was just talking about this at my last appointment, not that I was eating poorly, we were discussing a friend of mine that is doing this and justifying it by saying she's still losing weight and me trying to get ideas of what to say to counter that mentality.
What the doc said was this: the sleeve will cause anyone to lose weight eating exactly the same foods they ate pre-sleeve in the first year. They can't eat anything in large quantities, so the weight drops away. It works that way until they hit about a year or so out, and then the weight loss slows/stops. At this point, their stomach has relaxed and they are able to eat a bit more food than at the beginning. And all of this time, they haven't adjusted any of their eating habits or tried to move towards healthy foods, because they thought they didn't have to.
So they keep eat stuff that has no real nutritional value, is high in fat, calories, salt and low in Vitamins, Protein and Fiber. They no longer have the sleeve's super reduced size to make up for the poor eating habits. And they gain back all of the weight, say that the surgery failed, when in reality they failed themselves.
You should be using this time over the next year to completely change how you eat, what you eat and how often/how much. The sleeve takes care of Portion Control and in most cases the feelings of hunger. The biggest thing that many seem to miss about the surgery - the biggest advantage is really that it allows you to relearn healthy eating habits - good foods full of nutrients and putting Protein, veggies first and foremost in your daily diet - because you're no longer a slave to ravenous appetite or able to stuff in tons of food. Sweets or junk are still possible, but they should be very occasional treats, not stuff you eat daily.
It's a huge mind shift, but those that are able to make that shift do the best after having this surgery. I hope you're going to be one of them!

Just a note for anyone who didn't see it, search 'December 2015 Sleevers' on Facebook for extra support!
Sent from my SM-N920V using Tapatalk

My NUT recommended Eating Well After Weight Loss Surgery. She said that their dieticians had looked at it and felt it was very suitable and in line with their recommendations. Each recipe tells you what to do depending on your type of surgery and what stage you're at.
Eating Well After Weight Loss Surgery: Over 140 Delicious Low-Fat High-Protein recipes to Enjoy in the Weeks, Months and Years After Surger https://www.amazon.com/dp/B001D1Z7UI/ref=cm_sw_r_awd_8CSDwb1J6JH85
Sent from my SM-N920V using Tapatalk

I didn't read your post until I just got home and while I was out I went to GNC and you are absolutely right. I got me some samples to try to see if I can find another Protein Shake.< /p>
That young lady was so helpful!!!!
These shakes are about it until I go to the Dr on 12/23 I will be 2 weeks out on that day so hopefully I will be able to start soft foods.

My husband and 2 good friends know, and obviously my children, though they are very good at keeping quiet! I may end up telling more people, but for now I don't want to be involved in their issues, guilt trips, and accusations. Most of my friends are naturally thin, they have no idea how much harder it is to lose 100lbs+ and wouldn't be able to relate in a way helpful to either of us.
My main motivation to tell would be so that I wouldn't feel I was lying to the few people in my life who are significantly overweight. Along with the obesity epidemic, there's a shame epidemic, that sense of "they can do it, but I can't, I'm a terrible person". Studies have shown that shame leads to weight gain, support (including positive things like beautiful plus sized clothing ranges and other things which make us feel accepted) leads to self acceptance, higher self-esteem, and the adoption of healthy lifestyle changes.
But for now I'm not telling, I just don't want other people to think they have a place in my decision-making process.
Sent from my SM-N920V using Tapatalk

Just got the call today!
APPROVED
and ready to get sleeved!

Prebiotic can help too, my pcp told me that hormones are absorbed and regulated by our gut bacteria too.
My period arrived the day before surgery, it was fine though, I leaked in my hospital bed that night, but who cares? Mine are short, so it's pretty much done now, but I agree that it's painful to change a pad and wipe, especially if you're needing to wipe the seat too!
Sent from my SM-N920V using Tapatalk

So much better, thank you! Slept pretty well last night, just back from walking a couple of miles in the unseasonal warmth! Still figuring out the nutrition side, but feeling a lot more normal, which I'm glad of at only day 4!

I'm so sorry you had such a rough time. How are you feeling today? I'm a day ahead of you, today is the first day I actually feel like I could get dressed and leave the house. I haven't even showered since the morning of my surgery! Think back to the difference between how you felt when you woke up yesterday, and how you felt when you went to bed. Compare it to the day before. Every day you're feeling a little bit better, every day you're getting past one more of the limited number of painful days we signed up for. A few more days and you'll be focused more on the positive changes in your body than the occasional pain. Then we can begin our exciting relationship with the scales for the first time!
Sent from my SM-N920V using Tapatalk

Walking is helping me a lot today, I think I just need to be more patient!
Sent from my SM-N920V using Tapatalk

I'm only a few days out, but it was my first surgery too. It was weird to walk into a room full of people and equipment, looking just like a medical TV show, and being asked to go lay on the bed in the middle of it all. It was fine though, a few people introduced themselves and checked how I was, the anesthesiologist was nice, put in my IV, then put on an oxygen mask and that's all I remember before waking up comfortably from a lovely sleep!
I'm ding way better now, but was very uncomfortable for the first couple of days, even with pain meds. It's worth being aware that the 'buyers remorse' stage is a very real (and very common!) thing when you feel like you've made a weird choice to incapacitate yourself painfully.
It's a short stage though, and walking really helps, even just around the house.
My surgeon wasn't fussed about the pre op diet, but I wish I'd done it more thoroughly, the headaches aren't fun when your body is recovering from surgery! I second being fit too, I had a shoulder injury about 6 months ago and quit the gym and I really regret it.
I don't know if you have people relying on you, but to distract myself the day before surgery I cooked a load of meals for my husband and children to reheat. I'm feeling up to cooking today, but it's nice not to have to!
Sent from my SM-N920V using Tapatalk

And I promise that you're not marching to a guillotine on the other side of the OR door.
People have had jitters before you and people will have jitters after you. This is your turn and nothing more.
Keep yourself busy for the coming week. On the morning of surgery, change the sheets and towels as a last bit of busy work and so that you come home to a fresh, crisp bed if you want a nap.

That's good! How are you feeling? I slept so much better in my own bed, though I had to make a pillow nest to get close to comfortable.
Sent from my SM-N920V using Tapatalk

Hi. My heart goes out to you because the first 3 to 4 days is the roughest. Walking will help with the gas in your system. Walk walk walk as much as your body will allow. What helped me was I would start with my meds for nausea, pain, and acid. Take the nausea and pain med on time and don't let it lapse so that you are on top of it. Then there is an other medicine that coats your stomach called carafate that was helpful for me.
There is also a clear Protein that is not too bad called Isopure. My dr instructed me to to take it slow no more the 1 oz at a time and shift between a little Protein and a little Water. protein and Water will be you your biggest friend in the future. The nausia pills, dehydration, and keytosis can cause headaches so glad you are starting to feel better! Good luck

Good luck! Mine was yesterday, still nil-by-mouth but I'm hoping it goes well when I drink so I can go home today.

Mine was the 9th, I get waves of discomfort, which are worse when I swallow. I was told to persevere, especially with the Water, it's important to stay hydrated. Not managed to have a Protein shake yet, but I did get down about a teaspoon of Protein pudding earlier. I used a tiny spoon!
Sent from my SM-N920V using Tapatalk

Not every female feels this way but given the fact that women are more likely to be fat shamed than men, it's understandable.

I had mine yesterday, hoping to go home later today. I was very nervous, but there was very little pain. When I was coming out of the anesthesia I felt horrible heartburn pain, but the nurses were wonderful and it was just discomfort after they'd given me pain meds.
Sent from my SM-N920V using Tapatalk

Are you using Water flavouring, like Mio? I've heard that helps. Or sugar free ice lollies? I had my surgery yesterday, still nil-by-mouth, and I'd heard that it's difficult to keep down Water, so I'm worried too.
It does sound like it's worth reaching out to your NUT, they'll be able to give you ideas and alternatives.
Sent from my SM-N920V using Tapatalk

Love it! My bras don't fit.
I love pretty bras. Even overweight/obese I had a rainbow of them. (I have weird obsession with wearing a bra that matches my shirt) I love the Cacique bras for the support and lift, and have dozens of them. My DH jokes that I have "bra Christmas trees" because I hang numerous ones from one strap onto a clothes hanger, lol. I have a hanger in the laundry room just to air dry them. I even hang them in the closet because they took too much room in a drawer : (
When we lost my son I literally gained so much, so fast, that I had to get those bra extenders. About 20lbs down I was able to stop using those... then I lost 20lbs more and was having to use the last/tightest hooks. I realized today that my bras are all too big around! One of the measurements I took to start was my ribcage (right at the bra band level) and it has gone from 44 in to 36.5 in!
My bras don't fit at all! This is a great NSV for me!

My neighbors dropped me off and picked me up. I had my sleeve done in a Surgical Center. I was supposed to go home the next morning but my blood pressure spiked and the Dr didn't like that I had no one at home and I have sleep apnea so he kept me there for another night. I didn't need anyone there. It would have been awkward. I felt really good once home. Walking was no trouble. I just felt like I had done 100 situps when I had to get up from my recliner. I slept in it for 2 nights. In the guest room for 2 because the bed is lower and them back to my tall bed that I have a step to get into on the 5th night after surgery. I probably could have gone to my bed sooner but I was being cautious. Two years ago I had a hip replacement and 18 months ago a knee replacement and no one was with me there either.