ShelbyMoore

Hi jcb,
I'm sorry you felt miserable like me. In hindsight I should have stayed in the hospital. It seems I read on here how well everyone was doing right after surgery but I was miserable. I just want others to know that it can be a very difficult process.
Today I'm at day 4. I felt miserable when I woke up but once I got moving around I feel better. I stay on top of my anti-nausea medication. So far I've gotten 1 1/2 Protein Shakes and I added some nonfat Fairlife milk (3oz) so I could have a different taste. The milk tastes good. The main issue I'm having is when I drink a "sip" I feel tightness under my breastbone.. it's kind of painful. I tap, tap, tap it hoping the pain will go away. I do as much walking as I can.. it's not much.. but it's something.
Each day is a pinch better. I'm looking forward to feeling better tomorrow. I hope you feel better soon too!

I’m not going to sugar coat anything. My surgery was Monday and today is Thursday. While I was in the hopital I felt great. The staff controlled everything I might be feeling through IV medications. My surgeon visited me the morning after my surgery and asked if I wanted to go home. I did because I was feeling great. BUT, after I got home and all the pain and nausea medications wore off I felt miserable. They gave me liquid pain meds but I couldn’t keep them down. I couldn’t keep Water down. As soon as anything touched my mouth I began dry heaving. I continued to try sipping but it was horrible. My stomach was bloated and felt like it was full of Fluid. I phoned the surgery nurse and she had me send her photos of my stomach. She suggested I keep walking (which is hard when you feel so nauseous) but I did it. So day 2 was a really difficult day.
Day 3, today, I feel a little better. I’m keeping up better on my nausea medication. Keeping the nausea down is helping me keep water down. I was on Clear Liquids for just 2 days and today I get to add my Protein Shakes. So far I’ve gotten down 1/4 of a premade premiere Protein Shake. The nurse phoned me a little bit ago and asked how I was feeling. She wants me to track how many oz of liquid I’m getting in. Yesterday I was so sick I didn’t track anything. But I’ll track better today. The nurse asked that I try to get 2 Protein shakes in today. She told me again to walk around, even if I do circles in my backyard. My stomach is less bloated than yesterday but still has some bloating. When I walk I have to hold my stomach. I have overall muscle aches, just like when you have the flu. I have no fever. I had minimal gas pains which resolved before I left the hospital.
It seems most posts I read others have done so much better. I find this process very difficult but I’m keeping focused on the long term goal. I hope others are doing well.

It was 3 months yesterday and I feel great! I've lost, since my pre-op diet, 55 lbs! The sizes in my clothes have dropped from pants 16 to now I'm wearing 12's. Top XXL to L. I can eat anything now so it's more difficult because I have to make good choices now. For those in the beginning few months embrace that you can't eat much. lol I have to focus on getting my Protein in, and when I know I'm short, I have a Protein Shake or two. I have to work on getting my Water in because I just don't seem to have the time to drink all that's required. When I work I'm in meetings most of the day. I carry my water around but find that I have to work at constantly sipping/drinking it. So, bottom line, the water is what I have to focus on. I began this journey in the 250's and am now 191. I have about 20-25lbs to go.
Thanks for asking!

((hugs)) So here's what's happening. You read a lot about changing tastes after surgery. I "think" it's due to ketosis. You are in ketosis as much because of low cals as you are low carb. It gives us a metallic taste, etc.
If it were me, I'd concentrate on getting in my liquids to make sure I stay hydrated. And hydrating will also lessen the ketone concentration. But you just have to drink, cuz you MUST! And you have to force yourself to eat--cuz you have to eat...
You just "do it" cuz you have to -- it's non-negotiable.
BUT (and it's a big but)! You can reframe the way you choose to think about it and to glom onto it!!! Yay!!! You have an icky taste. Embrace it, cuz it's cutting your appetite to hell! It won't always be this way. And soon, you will struggle with recidivism and sliding back into bad habits and dealing with stalls and regains! Embrace the now! Love it! Look forward to only eating cuz you MUST. It will help make this time way more tolerable. I swear it will!
Make sure you drink, drink, drink!!!! Find something--even flavored teas (unsweetened) and diluted help!

Hi aberry,
I was the same way after surgery. Smells of anything bothered me really bad and NOTHING tasted good. Everything was thrown off. I became nauseous easily and like you said.. I didn’t throw up but felt like I wish I could have.
I’m now 7 weeks out and all that is gone. It seemed like the 6 week mark I felt back to normal. All my regular tastes came back and I’m not sensitive to smells either. But I remember those days when it all did... it was horrible.
Hang in there and trust it will get better. Do the best you can to get some food in. I averaged 400 - 500 calories a day. I phoned the Drs nurse when I went through it and she told me to eat the best I can but Water was the most important. It was important to drink. The nurse told me it would get easier each day and it did.
Popsicles were refreshing to me. I had a lot of them. Maybe try a popsicle to see if that gives you a better taste.

First it is ok for some things to be private. My work place is very judge mental towards carrying extra weight and WLS surgery is for all intensive purposes unheard of. My spouse knew and my parents. If worked would have asked when I had plastics I planned to sa penis transplant. No one asked about either After a yearpost sleeve some asked if my health was OK. It somehow worked.

I'm a private person about some things, and other things I'm an open book. I'm flying by the seat of my pants with this thing. Some people like fam, I tell off the bat. My clients? Meh, they only know I will be off having a procedure. My friends, mostly just know I live on a perpetual diet and that I was finally dx'd with hypothyroid and low B1 and am now on meds.
If I ever end up going back to my low carb blog--which will only happen if I lose the weight and my lymphedema then stays in control...(cuz it isn't in control now and doesn't stay in any control right now and the time it takes to do computer/photos and cooking makes the disease progress, swell more, and hurt too badly)...then I would totally share and be transparent because I think it has the potential to really help some of the people who read there and who are struggling. I also don't want them to think that I magically was able to start losing successfully again with low carb, when I previously could not gain any appreciable headway beyond a certain 60lb loss (from 325 down to 260).
Most of my reticence is self-protection because I've failed so many times on weightloss that it is difficult to fully believe that this time will be any different...

I was very hesitant to let people know i was getting the surgery as well. I only let a very few people know when i was in the process of getting insurance approved, and my EGD and all that done. I wanted to at least wait til i had my surgery date scheduled. I guess my reasoning was more I dont like people in my business and i HATE when people ask 21 questions lol. But you should do whatever makes you feel comfortable. Most people think its the "easy" way out to loose weight, but its a lot more work in my opinion. Your diet it a VERY restricted and you have to recover and basically change your life. Your bf has your best interest, but if you dont care what other think i say shout it to the world!

I have chosen not to tell anyone except my husband and he respects my decision and I know won’t say anything.
I’m a very private person and would never dream of telling others about any medical procedure I’ve had. I also don’t share general personal stuff either. In this forum is the only place I talk about it. It’s a safe place with lots of support and no judging.
I’ve had a few people at work comment on my weight loss saying I’m looking good.. They asked how I’m doing it. My reply is that I’ve increased my Protein, no more bread, Pasta, rice, no more sugar (I quit sugar about 6 months ago) and I’m exercising more. All of that is the truth. I don’t feel I’m lying.
My sister had the sleeve done about 5 years ago. She told many people. Some told her it’s an easy way to lose weight and one person actually told her she would die from the surgery a few years down the road. I was appalled. Of course, she became worried. She told me she wished she had kept it private.
I have a friend who was sleeved who told her co-workers. She too was judged and wished she hadn’t told.
I also hear about many who share their surgery experience and have had no issues with doing that.
I think if you decide to share just be prepared for possible negative comments. Many can brush them off and let it go. Some have a more difficult time.
It’s a personal choice of whether to tell others. I wish you the best in your journey and much success. Enjoy the process as you gradually slim down.

Hi aberry,
I was the same way after surgery. Smells of anything bothered me really bad and NOTHING tasted good. Everything was thrown off. I became nauseous easily and like you said.. I didn’t throw up but felt like I wish I could have.
I’m now 7 weeks out and all that is gone. It seemed like the 6 week mark I felt back to normal. All my regular tastes came back and I’m not sensitive to smells either. But I remember those days when it all did... it was horrible.
Hang in there and trust it will get better. Do the best you can to get some food in. I averaged 400 - 500 calories a day. I phoned the Drs nurse when I went through it and she told me to eat the best I can but Water was the most important. It was important to drink. The nurse told me it would get easier each day and it did.
Popsicles were refreshing to me. I had a lot of them. Maybe try a popsicle to see if that gives you a better taste.

MG... I’m shortly after you... I’m 10/23.. Kaiser So. Calif (Harbor City). Yikes its finally around the corner!
I’m sure you’ll do well!

My surgery date was 10/23. I’m 19 days out. Since surgery I’m down 13lbs. I’m averaging about 500 calories per day (I don’t know how the body survives on that). I’m getting about 75 grams of Protein / day (I’m not sure if that’s where I should be). I have 1 or 2 Protein Shakes a day and high protein foods (eggs, cottage cheese, fish, etc). I think I’m getting all my Water but not sure. I actually wake up most mornings at 4am very thirsty. So I start drinking then. I’m sipping all day but tend to forget to measure. I need to get better at that. I seem to be drinking better and taking in a bit larger amounts than a sip, which is nice. I’m on a puréed diet which is going well. I still have not felt hungry since surgery so I eat at normal meal times. I’m loving it that I don’t have hunger pangs. I average about 3-4 oz of puréed food each meal.
It’s nice to hear how everyone is doing. We can do this!

Meg. You will love the next stage. I am eating everything you have listed except I haven’t had oatmeal yet. I’m thinking it might need to be grinded like you said.. I just haven’t done it yet. I LOVE Fairlife nonfat Protein milk. Sometimes I’ll have a small glass before bed. But like you I mix it in everything I can.
You’re going to do great!

Jcb - if you have some white vinegar put a tablespoon in the simmering Water before you drop the egg in. It will help keep the egg together in the water. Either way I hope it tastes good for you.

I use GENEPRO Medical Grade Protein Powder. I bought it on Amazon.. $30 or $40 , don’t recall, but it has 30 servings in it. Each scoop is approx 30g Protein (same as 1 premiere shake)
I use a scoop of it and put it in my broth. It has NO taste. Once I move on to more foods I will add it to my yogurt, cottage cheese, anything.
When you use it, to avoid clumping, I mix the protein powder in a few oz of liquid first. Mix it well to get rid of any clumps then I add it to my larger portion.
I tried it as a recommendation on here from someone else. It works great for me!

Please find a counselor, I have been there with depression, I totally get it. I do think in time, as you get fitter, you will be glad you did this. You have just changed your future in such a positive way....be proud of yourself! I am not trying to minimize your feelings, I was feeling very down a couple of days ago, today I feel great. I get it, with the depression and the ups n downs. Find someone to talk to and sort out these feelings. I think in time you will be feeling glad you made such a brave and positive change!

Rayelen, I'd take it a step further and say I think everyone should be in therapy -- so worthwhile.

Rose, I would go back to |Therapy for the depression and regretting having the sleeve. Im sure at your age dear it seems like forever that you are having to hold things down as you are. But in fact you are setting the base for your future for a healthier life, Not just for your body inside and out but for your Mental state as well. Please do not regret this surgery. I just came out of Gastric bypass October 3rd myself. I was like 2 lbs smaller then you when I started this and now im down to 230 pounds. Im glad you chose the sleeve over the band. I had the band and boy did it ever fail. Your not much taller then I am either and our goals are the same for the weight. So please, seek out the theropy that will work the best for you, keep your head up and continue your weight loss. Use your book (phases) as your bible and your work out place as your church and be faith full to yourself.

Meg. You will love the next stage. I am eating everything you have listed except I haven’t had oatmeal yet. I’m thinking it might need to be grinded like you said.. I just haven’t done it yet. I LOVE Fairlife nonfat Protein milk. Sometimes I’ll have a small glass before bed. But like you I mix it in everything I can.
You’re going to do great!

I just began puréed stage yesterday.
This morning I had a poached egg. I cut it in small bits and ate it. It was deliscious and I felt fine.
My surgeon told me to poach it because no grease is used. It’s just pure egg.
I hope it changes for you and eggs become more tolerable.

Tuesday is right around the corner so when you start getting Protein you’ll feel better. I couldn’t get enough Water in the beginning either. I called the bariatric nurse and she told me to try the best I can and she knows it’ll get easier each day. She did remind me how important fluids are. Dehydration is a serious problem.
Be sure you are tracking your liquids. I tracked more carefully and realized I was getting more than I thought. Just keep sipping all the time. Remember the popscicles or whatever you are taking in counts as part of your oz’s of fluids.
It’ll get better. The first week is the most difficult. Sip sip sip sip

You aren’t getting any protein.. no wonder you are so weak. I’m 12 days post op for the sleeve. After surgery I was allowed, chicken broth, Jello, popsicles, Protein Water and Protein Shakes. I needed to get 60-70 grams of protein a day during the post op liquid stage. I drank my protein shakes and protein water then filled in with the broth, jello, etc. I was able to keep up with my protein and I never felt tired.
Maybe you need to call your surgeons office to be sure you aren’t allowed protein shakes. I would at least drink some protein water.
I hope you feel better soon!
Ok I just saw you asked about the protein. Well, I’m sure thats why you are tired..

The first week it was very tough - couldn’t do it. I got so worried I phoned the surgical nurse and she told me to keep trying and do the best I can. She assured me it would get easer... and it did. I’m into my second week and I’m meeting my goal.
Hang in there, it’ll get easier.

I’m 10 days out from being sleeved. So here’s my experience. First off I have no idea what my bougie is. I’m meeting w/my surgeon tomorrow so I might ask. I also had a hiatal hernia repair (which I didn’t know it needed repairing). The surgeon found it when inside and fixed it. He said it’s a 1 minute procedure.
I was excited the day of surgery. They gave me a relaxer to keep me calm as it’s a few hours of preparing for the actual surgery. I’m glad I had it. It made me feel real comfortable but not drugged up.
I don’t even remember being in recovery and faintly remember them wheeling me to my hospital room. First day in the hospital I just wanted to sleep. I felt minimal pain. My only gas pain was in my left shoulder area. I was on IVs which kept me hydrated and how they gave me all my pain meds. I had a button to push if I felt I need more pain medicine. I recall I just kept pushing it when ever I was awake. Again I felt no pain. They brought me a cup of ice chips and some Water. I enjoyed the ice chips and took them slowly. After a few hours I was brought broth, Jello, diet cranberry juice and a water bottle. I took a few sips of the broth with tasted good and a few sips of the juice. I really just wanted to sleep. I did walk once. The nurses didn’t push it.
Surgery day very minimal pain, mainly sleeping. I spent the night. Day 2 I felt great. The surgeon asked if I wanted to go home. I did. By the time I checked out it was late afternoon.
First night home I began feeling nauseated. I sipped water the best I could. I slept in my recliner which was more comfortable on my stomach. I was feeling more pain at home because it was difficult to keep my pain meds down. If you have a choice try and stay an extra day in the hospital. They can give you everything via the IV which is great.
My second day home I felt like I had the flu. Mainly because of the nausea. I had anti-nausea meds which began to work. It was a small pill that dissolved under my tongue.
After that I did great and am still doing great! So I only had 2 days where I felt nauseaous and minimal pain in my abdominal area. I do feel some slight burning pain under my breast bone which I think is the Hiatal hernia repair.
It was all very manageable and I’m so happy I’m now sleeved. I’m 10 days out and have no regrets.
You will do fine! Think positive thoughts and look down the road at how much better you will feel. Anxiety the days before surgery is normal. I wish you the best. Continue to reach out to this forum, as you just did, for support.

I’m 10 days out from being sleeved. So here’s my experience. First off I have no idea what my bougie is. I’m meeting w/my surgeon tomorrow so I might ask. I also had a hiatal hernia repair (which I didn’t know it needed repairing). The surgeon found it when inside and fixed it. He said it’s a 1 minute procedure.
I was excited the day of surgery. They gave me a relaxer to keep me calm as it’s a few hours of preparing for the actual surgery. I’m glad I had it. It made me feel real comfortable but not drugged up.
I don’t even remember being in recovery and faintly remember them wheeling me to my hospital room. First day in the hospital I just wanted to sleep. I felt minimal pain. My only gas pain was in my left shoulder area. I was on IVs which kept me hydrated and how they gave me all my pain meds. I had a button to push if I felt I need more pain medicine. I recall I just kept pushing it when ever I was awake. Again I felt no pain. They brought me a cup of ice chips and some Water. I enjoyed the ice chips and took them slowly. After a few hours I was brought broth, Jello, diet cranberry juice and a water bottle. I took a few sips of the broth with tasted good and a few sips of the juice. I really just wanted to sleep. I did walk once. The nurses didn’t push it.
Surgery day very minimal pain, mainly sleeping. I spent the night. Day 2 I felt great. The surgeon asked if I wanted to go home. I did. By the time I checked out it was late afternoon.
First night home I began feeling nauseated. I sipped water the best I could. I slept in my recliner which was more comfortable on my stomach. I was feeling more pain at home because it was difficult to keep my pain meds down. If you have a choice try and stay an extra day in the hospital. They can give you everything via the IV which is great.
My second day home I felt like I had the flu. Mainly because of the nausea. I had anti-nausea meds which began to work. It was a small pill that dissolved under my tongue.
After that I did great and am still doing great! So I only had 2 days where I felt nauseaous and minimal pain in my abdominal area. I do feel some slight burning pain under my breast bone which I think is the Hiatal hernia repair.
It was all very manageable and I’m so happy I’m now sleeved. I’m 10 days out and have no regrets.
You will do fine! Think positive thoughts and look down the road at how much better you will feel. Anxiety the days before surgery is normal. I wish you the best. Continue to reach out to this forum, as you just did, for support.