KristenLe

It's the "easy way out", remember?

Nope. I don't think anyone can really be fully prepared because everyone's experience is different. Even those who have textbook recoveries can't know the impact of the restriction we feel after having a full capacity stomach. I am not saying that it's not totally easy (or totally hard) for some, but I can't imagine how one could be full AWARE of what exactly is about to happen.
This is why I am so amused at the pre-op people who give such "stern" or "educated" advice. What they read/heard/researched is NOTHING like the reality they are about to face in many cases, and certainly not in everyone's case.

I am 3.5 years out. I am successful. I know what to do and what not to do. FOR ME. I am not an expert on anyone BUT ME. And I suck at that at times, too.

@@vannababyy22 I can as well and it's a good thing. Just don't take huge gulps and hurt yourself - but drinking more than 64 ozs is good.

I suggest using unflavored Protein powder and adding it to some of the pureed foods you are already eating.
Good luck!

@@Dairymary **It is not an FDA approved product and Until this company proves their claims with clinical trials, she considers it just snake oil.**
NO Protein powders or supplements are FDA approved. The FDA won't test Protein supplements because they don't regulate them. And 'in situ' means 'in place' or 'on the premises'.
I'm married to a physician and have access to an entire department of bariatric surgeons who have extensive real-world experience with patients using GENEPRO and they have no issues with their patients using it because a) it works. My personal 'proof' that it's effective is over 60lbs of weight loss in 5 months, with no loss of muscle and great healing from my sleeve surgery and a subsequent orthopedic surgery.

@@christinah Wouldn't even consider it! I have a huge bag of mini snickers and other candy waiting for Trick or Treaters - even though we usually get less than 10 kids. I was never a candy person anyway - but at 2 weeks post-op - I have no interest at all.

I had 2 weeks liquid diet and didn't have anything not on plan. It sucked but my goal was to beat head hunger and cravings prior to surgery.

@@Kitty2272 It's very normal to be hungry - you are eating far less than usual. Stick with it - it gets better. Can you have broth or sugar free popsicles? How about Powerade Zero? The headaches will go away in next day or two. It's really worth the effort - you'll do much better post-op. Take it one hour at a time. I enjoyed broth during mine. Hang in there!

@@megnun21 I'll be 2 weeks out tomorrow. I'm not even bothering tracking weight loss at this point - we had a lot of swelling and Water retention from the IVs and weight can fluctuate up and down drastically during this time. Concentrate on getting plenty of fluids (at least 64 ozs) and meeting your Protein goals. Don't restrict foods - eat as your plan suggests! There's no way to compare your progress with anyone else. We all lose at different rates - and have different amounts to lose. Just keep doing what you're supposed to be doing - the weight will come off. It's not a race.

I had 2 weeks liquid diet and didn't have anything not on plan. It sucked but my goal was to beat head hunger and cravings prior to surgery.

I enhanced broth by boiling some carrots, celery and onion in box broth. Add salt, pepper, garlic and onion powder and paprika. Helped alot! I never thought I'd get thru 2 weeks and I did.

Thank you so much. I can have broth and I'm going to try it tonight. I will do what you said and take it hour by hour. Thank you so much. Sent from my VS985 4G using the BariatricPal App

@@Kitty2272 It's very normal to be hungry - you are eating far less than usual. Stick with it - it gets better. Can you have broth or sugar free popsicles? How about Powerade Zero? The headaches will go away in next day or two. It's really worth the effort - you'll do much better post-op. Take it one hour at a time. I enjoyed broth during mine. Hang in there!

You can have saggy skin with any weight loss - RNY or sleeve can result in the same loss and same saggy skin. Not everyone with RNY dumps with sweets. You need to change your eating habits with both surgeries. They are just Tools - you still need to do the work! I would not choose a surgery on these issues.

Approaching my 1 year Anniversary! Sleeve date 11/9. Weight at picture on left was 330 (start of pre op diet), current weight 210.

First off I want to say what an incredible job you've done so far. That's a long time! I had to do it for 3 weeks and it was probably the hardest thing I've ever done physically speaking. You're almost there, and it will be worth it at the end. I know you know this deep down. Popsicles out of the liquids you are using (I made popsicles out of my Protein shakes to get that bite and chew feeling, jell-o, warm broth. I'm sure you already know all this though. Hang in there since you're so close now, and hug yourself for doing such an amazing job already. Most of us only have to do it for 2 weeks. I'm seriously impressed here.

I had 2 weeks liquid diet and didn't have anything not on plan. It sucked but my goal was to beat head hunger and cravings prior to surgery.

Ptotein cakes are real simple to make. One scoop of your favorite whey Protein Powder. Don't use any other kind but whey. They will suck! I personally recommend Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard just about any flavor or Protozyne Peanut Butter cookie powder. Add just enough soy based Creamer to make a batter. Add 1/2 teaspoon baking powder, not soda!
Nuke that for about 25-30 seconds for a warm gooey lava cake. 40-45 seconds for a cupcake. I will also add a tablesppon of peanut butter before microwaving it and "ice" it with plain fage yogurt. The macros vary depending on what you make it with, but it will be at least 25 grams Protein. There are tons of recipes scattered throughout this forum and on the web.

I'm skipping the candy today so I can have a cute costume next year. lol!

What do I do at the gym ?..........
I'm not sure there is a classification for it, but it goes a little something like this......
* Show up. This alone is more than I used to do. With that alone.....I'm improving over the old habits.
* Grab a towel from the bin. Gonna need it. Sweat is good. Means work is being done. Better grab two on some days.
* Walk through the gym and get on the elevator to get upstairs to cardio area. Yes....I just said elevator. My knees don't do stairs really well at the current time and seeing me walk up the centrally located open staircase would be the thing that makes people laugh so hard they'd hurt themselves. So....elevator up....while getting earbuds in and music decisions made.
* Find a treadmill facing whatever it is I want to face....lots of natural light in there....I wanna find one without glare on the onboard TV. Gotta enjoy watching ESPN, Fox, CNN and such with CC text on while I'm getting started.
* 5 mile walks with an incline are my goal...provided the knees don't lock up.
* When that's done I'll feel pretty warmed up to go back downstairs and do some lifting on lift days. I've been using the machines more than free weights due to the range of motion being safely programed in. I'm nursing a blown shoulder and another abdominal hernia coming back.....so safe range of motion is much appreciated.
* Every now and again on non-lift days I'll hit the treadmill and then get on the heavy bag after treadmill. What I should be doing is more cardio on elliptical, rowing machine or recumbent bike......but a few minutes on the heavy bag with the right music is enough to really finish things off nicely.
Point is.....do what makes you feel good and work within your limitations. Seek the council of someone knowledgeable there to help get you acclimated to the various machines and proper form on lifts and strategies on timing, cardio and above all....INJURY AVOIDANCE !!!!
Beware the so called trainers. I've seen all sorts in this field. My current gym has some exceptional trainers who approach things with a good, safe, effective and wholistic approach with their clients. We hired one for my son. He was very good. Covered what to do in the gym and in the kitchen. He had him on recommended diet. He also had the degrees in nutrition and exercise science to convince me of his legitimacy.
My last gym......not the same quality of trainers. Their credentials were how well they fit in their "Staff" shirts. The exercises I'd see them run clients through were highly dangerous and very inappropriate for their beginner needs. Injuries were common.
The key to the gym is to lock in to a way of doing things that you enjoy, is safe, productive and helps keep your interest. It can be an oasis from the rest of your life.

Hey y'all,I had my sleeve the 25th and had gained because of IV too but dwn by 13 today so lost the 6 I had gained plus 7 more still on Clear Liquids. I am amazed at how little pain and discomfort I have had as well as thankful.
Allie
Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

Wow - 2 months??? That's unbelievable!!! Congrats!

I will give the lemon water a try too...ty

The puree stage continues and I had my first scrambled egg today. Just the one and it was very wet. Took ages to eat and I only managed about 3/4 of it but it was very yummy :-)
The one big thing I have noticed is that I crave more seasoning on whatever I'm consuming.
My food bill for the month has been amazing :-)

I have enjoyed iced tea since Day 5. It's my Go-To beverage. I can drink Water but only with lemon.

Today, a few hours after posting this I finally told him how I really feel.. How i just hate relinquishing control. (It was through text message) he replied with "you arent alone and you never will be". Sent from my LGLS775 using the BariatricPal App