justhere4theshow

Thank you for this thread! I am 6 weeks out and not losing yet. I am terrified to eat anything without protein in it (like fruit which I am craving) and I constantly feel full between getting protein and water goals met. I am freaking out (because that's what I do) and feeling as if I am eating way too much. Tomorrow I plan to start tracking everything that goes in, just to prove to myself that I am not eating too much. My surgeon said not to get in a hurry with solids, so I still eat a rather soft diet. He also told me to eat as much as 1200 calories a day, as long as I get 90 grams of protein. I was feeling physical hunger because I was not eating enough until about a week ago. I am somewhat confused and overwhelmed with transitioning from liquids to solids, because with liquids you just sort of "keep it coming", but with solids you can't do that. I went through a quite thorough program prior to my surgery; I was given so much information and thought I was an expert. I am not. This is no easy path, so thank goodness it's worth the struggle if it works. I have to admit that I AM really wanting to start losing weight for the sole reason that I do not want to be one of the few who don't lose. I just can't imagine being able to lose anything much if I get 1200 calories a day. I lost more weight on my pre-op diet than I am losing right now and it's super frustrating. I almost feel like I went through this for nothing. My body seems to know how to get around it. I guess it's time to recognize that I will have to work just as hard as I did pre-op to get the same results I got then, which sucks because I wanted it to be a little easier...but then nothing worth having is ever easy. I just need to see some sort of advantage to having done this!

I found your post to be very informative. I must still have some swelling even at 6 weeks, because I do feel restriction with fluids. I absolutely can get too "full" with water and Protein Shakes, even when sipping. My sleeve tells me when I am done for a while. I have had a lot of difficulty getting liquids in because of it. I guess everyone is different, though.

Thanks buddy! I am happy to know that at least one person here doesn't hate me, haha!

I am a newbie, and after reading the Bacon fiasco, I am getting ready to say some things that may make me very unpopular here... First of all, this is not high school and people need to act like adults. If someone can't take advice and not let it ruin their day or their life, then they need to participate in a much different forum than this one. Having said that, I find it very discouraging to see someone with a lot of solid knowledge get chased off by such stupidity. So why let those kinds of "newbies" ruin your experience here? The world would be a much better place if people could just learn how to coexist without constantly poking some thing or some one with a stick all the time. What ever happened to take what you like and leave the rest? Who cares if the bacon eater doesn't get it? It certainly has no bearing on my experience here. I came here to soak up the knowledge of those who came before me and who speak from experience. I really couldn't care less if someone is non-compliant; it's none of my concern. I just need to get what I came here for, and I can't get much if the veterans throw up their hands and leave over a conflict. It's not personal, and it's highly unlikely that any of us will ever interact outside of this forum (I suppose it's possible, but unlikely). If you can't handle ignorance and take it with a grain of salt, then that's your business. It's all around you, and if someone leaves every time someone says something stupid, then who will be here to help the ones who listen and take advice when it's given? WE are the newbies that matter, and we need your wisdom. I hope you'll stay. I need to hear what you have to say.

I am 6 weeks out and water makes me nauseated immediately. Food doesn't bother me anymore. I have to take my pills (I am on a lot of meds) with a protein shake instead of water, and I still take Phenergan. I infuse my water with mixed berries and for some really odd reason it helps (psychological?) Good luck to you; I hope you find some relief soon.

You are not alone! I am six weeks out and stalled since week 4. Admittedly, I was not hitting my protein OR water goals consistently until last week, so I kind of knew I wouldn't lose much more until those two things got sorted out. Now, I am just waiting for the process to start again. I soooo desperately want to see that scale move, but I know it takes time for the body to adjust and get going. I hope you have good luck and get "un-stuck" soon!

I am 5 weeks out and haven't lost anything in 2 weeks. So scared I am somehow getting too many calories. Plus I am still hungry. I am freaking out. Sent from my SM-G930V using the BariatricPal App

I had no problem. I take a lot of medicine. Sent from my SM-G930V using the BariatricPal App

I think WLS is more daunting because it's elective. Why would we choose to have our insides rearranged? But it is necessary by the time you make the decision to change something drastically. Obesity is an illness and must be treated aggressively, whether it be with surgery or diet and exercise alone. I am no stranger to surgeries, and this is by far the easiest one I have had. I had no complications other than getting dehydrated and spending 7 hours in the ER getting IV fluids. Just trust your decision and stay the course. You'll be glad you did.

You have made me realize how blessed I am to have nothing but support around me. I think this person is definitely bitter about her own experience and cannot see past that to cheer for you. I hope you won't let it discourage you, because this is truly an absolute blessing. It's very hard, but very worthwhile. You don't need that kind of negativity, so just steer clear as you can. I wish you the very best on your journey!

Will I have to take proton pump inhibitors for life? I know that GERD is a big side effect of the sleeve surgery, but I am not crazy about the information I have read about long-term use of PPI's. I will definitely ask my doctor, but I was hoping to hear from anyone who has been able to discontinue these meds after the surgery.

I hope to find people who are about as far out as I am to share and support each other. HW 235 SW 219 CW 202 I hope I am posting this in the right place...thanks! Sent from my SM-G930V using the BariatricPal App

Glad to hear you're doing well. And yes, once we get protein and fluids mastered, the rest seems to get easier each day.

Thanks for responding! How has your recovery been? I had a rough first week, but it's getting a lot better. I still have some nausea when I drink protein shakes, but I can't get enough protein without them...I also still eat too fast, so I have to work on that. Otherwise I am doing okay!

This made me LOL...I needed that!!

I am 4 1/2 weeks out and I am soooooo overwhelmed. I am scared to death that my surgery won't work. I am scared to death that I am going to mess this up somehow...I know everyone is different, but I see so many stories of people having problems that I kind of expect myself to have problems, too. I need to go read success stories I suppose...I just need some reassurance that I, too will have a success story and I know there are no guarantees and no promises. Some people seem to get through it effortlessly while others struggle from day one. Which one will I be? It's absolutely too soon to know, and for some reason I am having trouble accepting that today. Any suggestions for how to just trust it? If I do what I am supposed to do, this can work for me, right? This is an emotional roller coaster for sure. I am looking for promises where none exist, I know...I just want to know that I am not alone. Please comment if you had doubts in the beginning, and how you coped...?

Thank you all for responding. I read an article which stated that we have proton pumps in cells throughout our body, and that inhibiting them can cause problems long-term. It also mentioned that PPIs disturb normal gut flora. I am just really freaked about it and wanted some idea of what other people have encountered. Thanks again!

Congratulations on your approval! The ball is officially rolling now; you're on your way! Best wishes to you!

I was terrified of the same thing. I have BCBS of NC, so my requirements may not match yours. I was told by my bariatric physician to lose 17 pounds, which was something like 5% of my total weight. They go more by your pre-op weight, but they do want to see that you can make lifestyle changes in order to succeed with the surgery. ALWAYS go with what your program tells you, but some insurance providers make you start over if you gain weight during your pre-op stage! I was so nervous about it all, but I had a great experience with BCBS; I hope yours is smooth like mine was. Best wishes to you! You're almost there!

I would not advise ordering Protein prior to surgery. My tastes completely changed after my surgery. I have six huge containers of Protein powder and I can only stomach two of them now. Everybody has a personal experience of their own, so don't quote me on any of this, haha! It's much more important to get your fluids in when you are newly post-op, so stock up on SF Jello, popsicles, etc. Try protein carefully as you are allowed, but get ready for really small portions. You won't need much at the hospital, but have some chapstick ready. I was catered to like a princess, so I only needed loose, comfortable clothing and my own pillow for the trip home. I hope you're treated as well as I was. Just remember why you are doing this and follow your surgeon's guidelines strictly. They know how to keep you safe and healthy. Best wishes to you on your journey!!

I thought I would breeze through the liquid diet, but I had to do it 2 weeks pre-op and 3 weeks post-op. I had a rough time, but I did it! I REALLY had to keep my eyes on the prize, though. I wanted my surgery more than I ever wanted a lot of things. I feel so blessed to have my sleeve finally. Be prepared to get really tired of liquids, but remember that it is for SUCH a worthwhile pay-off. Sugar free popsicles were and are my salvation! I am only barely a month post-op, and the liquid diet turmoil is already fading away in my memory as just a challenge that made me appreciate good, healthy food. Best wishes to you on your journey!!!

I started on my second day post-op. Not sure what it is that makes that common, but I was warned by my NUT that I needed to take pads to the hospital. I thought she was crazy...