Squeek2000

I had that head hunger SOOO bad... It made me angry. It does get easier. You have to find away to push through it. Because I'll tell you, it so bad with me I said "screw it, I can't do it" and I tried eating something (an egg of all things)... I chewed and chewed and chewed... And it was the worst pain almost immediately!!! Horrible. I learned my lesson!!! After trying to cheat, I completely ended my head hunger. I'm almost a month out and I'm still scared to ear anything... The pain was 10x's worse than surgery. It'll get better. Be head strong. Walk away from other when you see them eating. Try not to smell cooking food (that triggered my head hunger). It's tough, but I promise it goes away!! Stay strong. Lol

Stage 1 & 2 are the toughest to get through. I remember telling my NUT that I missed chewing so much that it was making me crazy. Getting to real foods, even in small amounts, is a BIG relief. Hang in there and know that it will work out for the better (and lighter) very soon.

I'm a little confused.... Were your comments in response to my post? I assume so since it was quoted, but I am 28 months out, not 2 months. I can eat anything and everything with no problems, including steak, seafood, salads, and cheesecake No pain, no nausea, no GERD, no vomiting, etc. I can comfortably eat 4-8 oz at a time, depending on the density. I get at least 60-80g Protein and 80-100oz fluids everyday and have since 5 days postop. Definitely no stricture, just great restriction.

Don't back out... if you do.. then you stay overweight and at first it is hard don't get me wrong. I was scared... couldn't help but think why did I do this... Now 5 months out I can eat... normal food steak.. all meats Beans cheese are my main foods.... I even have a piece of bacon now and again... But its about changing eating habits... and portions... I weigh all my food and drink as much as I can... NO CARBS! I promise its worth it... anything I want.... at first I couldn't eat eggs Starting this last month I was able to eat them again it's not easy but once you get use to it, its not so bad... it was worth it I feel better pre diabeties gone... semi high blood pressure gone..... I look better and feel better can do stuff I would not have even tried to do before.

Boy, does the increasing capacity we have after being sleeved vary!
My capacity (at 20.5 months post-op) is at least a cup. But a cup is a lot less than I used to eat pre-op. I assume that's true for everybody else here, right?
Hubby's gone to pick up a thin-crust supreme pizza right now. (We do this about once a month -- used to be once a week, at least.) I'm going to eat two slices of it with a little grated parmesan on top. (EDIT: I turns out, I ate only 1.5 slices.)
Life and food doesn't suck for me.
But big caveat -- I did NOT eat like this during the weight-losing phases. For one thing, I couldn't. And for another, I didn't want to waste those first six months. I wasn't trying to break any weight-loss speed records. But as an older person I really wanted to use those months while my sleeve was healing and my restriction was greater than it would ever be again to get rid of some serious poundage.
And now it's all gone. :)
To the OP and other newbies here who are suffering through the first month ... this phase will pass. And then you'll have new challenges. And sooner than you know it you'll have lost all your excess weight and be agonizing about how to maintain your weight. And then you'll figure that out, too.
It's a process.
One day at a time. That's all you ever have to do. Good luck!

Bariatric legal pizza Ingredients One pound ground (raw) chicken breast - or 3 small boneless breasts, pulsed in food processor ½ cup grated Parmesan 1 cup freshly shredded part skim mozzarella - one cup shredded cheese is 4 ounces by weight ½ teaspoon garlic powder Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper Dried oregano ½ cup prepared Pasta sauce Crushed red pepper flakes 4 or 5 basil leaves, rolled and sliced Toppings - lets not go crazy with fat - I used Molinari very lean pepperoni in paper thin slices Instructions Preheat oven to 450°F and line a baking sheet or pizza pan with parchment paper or foil sprayed with non stick vegetable cooking spray. In a medium bowl combine the ground chicken with ¼ cup parmesan, ¼ cup mozzarella, ½ teaspoon salt, ¼ teaspoon black pepper, ½ teaspoon garlic powder and ½ teaspoon oregano. Mound the chicken mixture onto the parchment and pat into flat rectangle or disc. Cover with plastic wrap and evenly press or roll the chicken into a 7x10" rectangle or round. I use a rolling pin to get it very thin. Remove the plastic wrap and roast until golden, 12 to 15 minutes. Smear crust with sauce, scatter with ¼ cup Parmesan, ¾ cup mozzarella, layer with toppings and season with a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes and ¼ teaspoon oregano. Pop back into hot oven and cook until melted and bubbly 6 to 10 minutes. Remove from oven and scatter with chopped basil Have your pizza.... this is bari safe

I talked to the doc about having no energy... its normal for the first yr or so... you body is always working burning fat... so even when you are sleeping resting your body is working to burn the fat.... it can also be carb with drawls as well... So it will adjust in time... My doc promised me because I was complaining about being so tired and sleeping too much.....I also complained I am now cold all the time doc said your body can only do so much... You learn and will adjsut as you go... I lost 128 pounds in 5 months that's a lot of my body working its butt off.... I eat no carbs at all.

8 pages into the thread and I see no other responses from you.
There has been a ton of great advice given here from everyone.
You are only 3 weeks into this. All you are really expected to do at this point is sip Water and sip Protein shakes.
Everything will fall into place really soon. You just have to hang tough another week or two.

@@docpaddle you may have to sacrifice for a little while, but know that you will be eating your wife's delicious meals again.. Once I passed goal, there's nothing I can't and don't eat....in moderation.

I was sleeved almost 3 weeks ago. I guess I was real lucky, I had zero pain other than some slight gas issues. I have been tolerateing very small portions of fish and eggs, along with my Protein Shakes and broth. But unfortunately I constantly lament not being able to eat like I used too, and I wonder if I made a big mistake. My wife is a fantastic cook, and I really miss coming home to her wonderful meals. Tonight they made homemade organic pizza, one of my favs, and I had a 3oz egg white omlette, with a little salsa. The only thing cheering me up is the 28lbs I have lost, so I keep dwelling on that. My Doc says it gets better, but I worry it will not. I really miss eating!!!!

@@LadyJustice007
I am sorry you’re regretting getting the sleeve.
If you are dehydrated, that can really make a difference. It can make you less tolerant to pain, so your post-op recovery is harder, and also dehydration gives you headaches, makes you tired, and takes away your energy. Being dehydrated can also make healing slower so you’re in pain for longer and it’s harder to get in enough Protein. All that makes everything seem worse, and I can see why you’re regretting the surgery now!
But hang in there. Know that you are in the post-op period that’s hardest. Lots of sleeve patients wonder why they got the surgery. Just push through until you can get back to some real food and your weight loss gets on track.
Also know that you don’t have a choice. The only thing you can do is look forward and do the best you can with what you have – your sleeve. You can do it! Keep letting us know how you feel.

I think I speak for many after reading your post, how are you doing? I haven't seen any replies from you. Hope you are ok. This post has kinda freaked me out as my hubby is being sleeved tomorrow and then me on the 11th. UGH.

I am 11 days post op and feel thankful that I have not felt nauseous since the hospital....I had a very rough day but had sense enough to go for a walk with my dog....wasn't far mind you but it did change my mood.....once you can introduce new foods I think you will find it easier.... I am new to this as well this is just how I feel....but as well I am in medication for depression since I had my son 11 years ago, which started with post pardom and they strictly told me not to go off them.....which is one of my goals way way down the road....it is hard because we used food for everything happy sad bored....Friday use to be pizza night at my house for my son and I, I will not lie and say I wasn't upset that he got yummy pizza and I ate a yogurt lol....but later on I will be able to have pizza with him again just a healthier version....

You might get there eventually but seriously, be grateful you aren't there yet. At your stage, my portion size was 2-3 tablespoons max before I foamed, slimed and vomited. It was at my 6 month mark that I hit 1/4 cup.
At three years out, I know how easy it would be to regain. In fact, I regained 20 pounds over the winter and have relost all but 5 of it in the last two months. My restriction is amazing, but Cookies, M&Ms, cake, potato chips and misc. other junk brought on the pounds.
I committed to going back to high protein/high fat low carbs and lost it all quickly due to my (THANK YOU SURGEON!!!) extremely tight restriction. Keeps me honest.
You will get used to it if you remind yourself that you are now eating to live, not living to eat.
You might get there eventually but seriously, be grateful you aren't there yet. At your stage, my portion size was 2-3 tablespoons max before I foamed, slimed and vomited. It was at my 6 month mark that I hit 1/4 cup.
At three years out, I know how easy it would be to regain. In fact, I regained 20 pounds over the winter and have relost all but 5 of it in the last two months. My restriction is amazing, but Cookies, M&Ms, cake, potato chips and misc. other junk brought on the pounds.
I committed to going back to high protein/high fat low carbs and lost it all quickly due to my (THANK YOU SURGEON!!!) extremely tight restriction. Keeps me honest.
You will get used to it if you remind yourself that you are now eating to live, not living to eat.

I guess I've got a below average capacity. At 8 weeks a could barely finish 2 tablespoons and then I'd be stuffed for 1/2 day. Even a piece of string cheese was two meals. Now I'm 28 months out and have been maintaining below goal for over a year and a half. If it's mostly liquid (like soup) I MIGHT be able to finish a whole cup of something. But anything with any density, I'm limited to about 1/2 cup. I get in what I need by eating 6-8 times/day. This has been my max capacity and hasn't really changed since about 14 months out. THANK GOODNESS!

I had frequent debilitating nausea after eating or drinking for three weeks post op. My doctor prescribed an anti nausea med as well as a pill that kept my stomach from cramping after I ate. They were prescribed to be taken as needed and worked like a charm. It was at about 3.5 months that I could finally stop the pills. Talk to your surgeon.
As far as the potion sizes. I am still at 1/3 - 1/2 cup at most meals. My doctor and NP told me that this would be my forever norm. For me, this is my healthy portion, I just need to eat a little more frequently.
Were you not warned of the same?

I know.
I know words don't help much.
I know you are feeling alone in your misery.
I know you feel tired. I know your energy loss seems overwhelming.
I know you feel like you're your own worst enemy.
I know you feel like you've made a mistake having your surgery.
I know you are feeling that you have "failed one more time".
I know you want to wail at yourself--or just anyone and everyone.
I know you're hurting inside and out, upside down and right side up
I know.
I also know:
You can't "undo" the sleeve.
I know you will have to reach deep down within yourself and find your determination and inner strength.
I know you have to write down all of the reasons you had WLS to begin with. I know you have to read that to yourself many many times during the day--out loud.
I know that prayer can't hurt.
I know that at one time you wanted to see yourself in the mirror as you see yourself in your heart.
I know that crying --even wailing loudly helps.
I know that walking/exercising in whatever manner you can to the point when you can think of nothing except trying to breath helps to get the endorphins flowing.
I know that sometimes a new hobby to concentrate on and keep your hands and mind busy helps.
I know because I've been there. At times--still am.
I finally know that if you can do this WLS , then so can I.
Shall we-- together?
Prayers going up for the both of us.

Everyone's experience is unique. I had anticipated being in significant pain immediately following the VSG and for a few weeks afterwards, and was surprised that it was relatively minor. I started my period during the surgery, and it was like the cramps were amplified tenfold that first day. The staff was excellent and gave me ample pain medications that dulled the discomfort. I'd also brought a heating pad with me, and it helped. I was up and walking relatively quickly, and was even told I needed to slow my pace. After being released from the hospital I felt well enough to go shopping. I had the surgery in Tijuana due to insurance not being willing to cover any of the expenses (my BMI was under 35), and live in Los Angeles a couple of hours away. We went sightseeing in San Diego and shopped at an outlet mall on the way back. The first couple of weeks I was more tired than normal, but I had very little pain. I did have some stomach issues at the one month mark when I slowly began eating solid foods again. I had to revert to liquids for a while. I did worry about dehydration. My doctor actually told me to have Gatorade since it had calories I needed and my stomach tolerated it well. It's not something to have as part of your everyday consumption, but while sick it helped me.
I do think it's helpful to equip yourself with the knowledge that it is normal to have regrets post surgery I watched many YouTube videos by people who had the VSG and their experiences, read a book about the "sleeved life", and read through this forum and others. Repeatedly people said they had "buyer's remorse" in their first month. Over time as they healed and adapted the regrets faded and they were grateful for their decision. I've actually never had any regrets about having the VSG, but I think knowing that if I did I could persevere through them helped me.

Im 10 days post op and at first i was regretting it, asking myself what on earth did i do... however when i started on pureed foods and was able to take in more Protein n Water a day, i felt better. Remember ur stomach is healing so it's going to hurt when u drink or eat. It's hard for me to eat slow so i get some pain but spoke to my NUT and she says i have to remember my tummy is healing so it's normal for some discomfort.
I crave the lasagna and pastas etc...or when i cook for my family but i always keep in mind that i did this for ME...my health and it's a matter of time. Give yourself time to heal...it WILL get better be patient. My prayer go out to you..seek advice from ur NUT, Doctor that's what they are there for..you shudn't have to feel that way by urself...

Fortunately, I also didn't struggle much emotionally after WLS. Yes, the reality of having 85% of my stomach removed was considerably different than the theory. But I understood pre-op what to expect and adapted post-op to the actuality of my new situation.
Now, over 20 months later, I've lost 100 pounds and am maintaining at 135 pounds. I have also lost my arthritis, my agoraphobia, my lower back pain, my stress incontinence. I have gained a waistline, a jawline, a social life, and a closet full of clothes sized 2 to 8. My jeans are size 4s.
If you're dehydrated, you will definitely feel depressed. If you are not moving or walking more each day, you will feel depressed. If you are depressed and have not consulted with your doctor(s) to find out how they can help you in this area, you will probably become more depressed than you are now.
So hydrate, stand up and move and keep moving, and call your doctor.
All this crap will pass. Very best wishes to you!

To those who are regretting it.

You can't change it and these feelings WILL go away if you consider what may happen if you work your WLS. I have a stricture, I was nauseated for the first few weeks. I was dehydrated for a long time. I was stuck on purees for 6 weeks and couldn't eat "real food" until my 3.5 month mark. I slimed and foamed for my first year and I still vomit at almost three years out if I eat rice, potatoes or Pasta, or one bite too many. Feeling full is miserable and my meals are teeny.

I LOVE IT.
I am thin, I am healthy, I can do whatever the fluck I want to do physically. I can fit into any outfit that fits my fancy and look good. I can put ice cream in my cart (can't eat it, I dump) and no one looks at me with judgement. I am no longer the fat mom. I no longer have ouchy feet or knees. My sugar is no longer pre-diabetic. My heart is no longer in distress because of my obesity.

I rock. I am finally who I am supposed to be on the outside. I was always who I am on the inside and now the rest of me matches.

It's fabulous.

The initial post op phase of this thing sure does suck doesn't it? You want food, you don't fully get the implications of the emotional aspect, it's hard to adjust, and to top it all off, how will you ever find any comfort being as you cannot have much to eat. I know those feelings well. All of us do.
To be quite honest, sometimes it still sucks now. When I'm at a restaurant, when it's a holiday gathering, when I cook all day for the family and can only eat 5 bites, when nothing would make me happier than a huge cheeseburger - but wait - why am I going to waste money on a huge cheeseburger I can only eat a few bites of?
Having to work through the emotional part of this journey sucks too.
Let me tell you what I've gained by having to learn to live the sleeve life. I'm healthy, I'm not ever the fattest one in the room, I never count calories, I eat how ever much I can of whatever I want, and when I see my reflection in the store window I giggle because I cannot believe that's me.
Oh yeah - and I gained peace, confidence, and emotional maturity. I got these things by having to fight my way through the regret, the wild hormonal changes, the frustration of being denied my favorite method of comfort ( food), and the realization that I had quite a few issues to deal with.
There is no price you can put on that last part. It is priceless and it has given me a new found calm and rationale that I never new existed. They call this a journey. Everywhere you look someone is speaking of their "journey". And it's all true. If you want the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow you have to go the the rough part of the journey. It's a worthy journey. You can do it.

I'm not a year out so I am not really a vet I don't think but the hardest for me was not being able to chug Water. I used to wake up and drink 18 ounces of Water without taking a breath. and I used to do it all the time, all day. I can make a decent dent in water now, but I can't chug like I used to. It really isn't lady like at all, even though it is only something I did in private it was a bad habit, so while I miss it, it is for the best I don't do it. I don't care about not eating and drinking at the same time, I grew up with a Dad that made that a rule with kids so they would eat all their food, so I was used to it. Like @@AvaFern said, you don't have to do it forever. I did it in the beginning so I wouldn't take a chance on getting too full. If I am out some place eating dry meat, I will have a few sips because that is better than something getting stuck and feeling like you can't breathe. As long as you aren't using drinking to push food through your sleeve so you can pig out, I don't see an issue with it.
Being patient about my weight loss in the beginning was really hard. I thought because I started over 300 pounds the weight would just fall off, but it didn't work like that. I was over 300 pounds for almost 16 years, my body wasn't willing to just let it go that easy. Even now I am low key pissed that I am not closer to 200 pounds even though my macros are almost perfect every day and I am active. It seems slow, but in reality, I would have never ever lost this amount of weight on my own. Also I am really close to my clothing size goal, without even being close to my weight loss goal, which makes me think I am going to be a lot smaller than I thought (hello Dior).

What Kindle and Ann said! I agree completely that as a pre-op, you are worried about everything because this is truly a new way of life for you. Relax...follow your doctor's instructions to the letter, and enjoy and reap the benefits of your surgery.
As a veteran of WLS, I can't say enough how much better the quality of my life is now and how that takes precedence over anything I put in my mouth. Now it's true...like Kindle, I went into therapy to work on my food issues...the band was not enough to deal with the root of my issues as overeating is/was a symptom. I can't stress enough how the emotional part of the journey is just as important as the physical.
Every time I see my reflection in the mirror, or take a step without pain, or squat down to play with my grandson, or make love, or plan a vacation, or buckle the seatbelt on a plane, I say a prayer of thanks for the gift of this wonderful tool I have that lets me lead the kind of life I was desperate for when I was obese and immobile.
Congrats on your upcoming surgery. Don't sweat it...don't worry about every little thing, and enjoy the ride!

I am a 28 year old female with pcos. During the last three to four years, I became insulin resistant, pre diabetic and am now having periodontal issues. I am 5'2 and 175 lbs. I think that puts me to 31 or 32 on the BMI chart. I am working on having my surgery sometime in the next 3 months but I am also not getting any support from friends or family members. My sister is the only person supporting me. I wish people knew that just because one is not 300 pounds, it does not mean they don't have health issues that needs to be addressed.