Miss Topaz

Back when I was doing weight watchers (and doing well) I bought myself a charm from Brighton for every 15 pounds lost! It was great because it was a visual reminder of my success. Good for you! and congrats on 75 pounds!

My brother and husband know and about 3 choice friends. I haven't even told my bestie because she freaks out every time she hears someone mention wls - someone's relative like 20 years ago had nasty complications and it's stuck in her head. It's no one's business. My boss knows I had surgery and wished me well. I told a few coworkers I had a hiatal hernia and am using the recovery period to work with my dietitian (who I started seeing last summer in the pre-op period, but they don't know that's the reason) to completely rework my eating habits so I can continue to lose weight post surgery. That's not completely a lie..... Even when I checked into the hospital - I ran into one of my husband's friends whose wife was having surgery same day. I don't know what she had, she doesn't know what I had. We just text to ask how recovery is going. My medical choices are mine and no one's business.

I took 2 weeks off on surgeon's recommendation. No problems working a full day (desk job) when I returned but I was tired when I got home

First time I've heard of this NSV but it's definitely one! Congrats!

I overpacked a bit but here's what I used: went home in the clothes I wore to the hospital. Used phone charger and extension cord and phone, chapstick, toothbrush and toothpaste, and my brush. That's it!

I started purees a couple days ago. Haven't tried them yet, but my plan has fat free refried beans on the list of recommended foods. Just make sure to puree them - they recommend maybe thinning them out a little. I've tried a scrambled egg twice. Takes me a long time to finish it. I love cottage cheese, so have had that (did NOT like it with protein powder mixed in) and it goes down well. Have also had chicken salad made with canned chicken and greek yogurt, whirled in the blender. Today will try some roasted red pepper and tomato soup with unflavored protein powder.

As you can tell, we've all had it. My dietician tells me sugar free gum is fine, as long as I DO NOT swallow it.

Sipping some herb tea right now. I think today will be my highest water day, but it seems to get easier every day. Protein is tougher now that I'm on purees, as I really don't like the (pricey) unflavored powder mixed in with things. So still having some protein shake action once a day. Feeling pretty good. Lost 9 pounds the week before surgery - surgeon's office counts results back to my initial consultation, so with months of preop, etc, down about 32 pounds by their calculations.

Glad to hear you're doing better! And that bear is an adorable bari-gift!

You will be so happy to have the drain out! I felt so much more on the "healing" and "past surgery" side once mine came out.

Just the office number, and a number to call after hours and a color code of resident to ask for so they'd connect me with the right folks.

Thanks for sharing and being honest that it's not all easy! You look amazing and your spirit is amazing too!

2 pounds a week, but you say the weight isn't coming off? Now's the time to think back to before your sleeve - how easy was it to consistently lose 2 pounds a week before? Sounds like you're doing everything right and your surgeon is happy and believes you're normal. You're understandably wanting the fat to melt away - I'm right there with you. But please be kind to yourself, and please eat. Food is fuel and you still need that. Your body will respond. And 2 pounds a week is a fantastic steady loss and will help maintain in the long run.

Just had my first meal on purees! I was so excited to have cottage cheese this morning, but then realized that to reach protein goals today I would have to add protein powder as suggested by my program. Added a scoop, then had to add a tablespoon of unsweetened applesauce for consistency. I ate it but didn't enjoy it as I'd imagined my first "meal". I knew unflavored powder was not flavorless, but wow - a scoop is a lot and overtakes a 1/4 cup of real food. My program info has a couple different things here - one is two 1/4 cup meals fortified with protein powder and one shake a day. The other paper says 3 meals of 1/4 cup puree and 2-3 shakes to meet protein. I'm concerned if I have 2-3 shakes I won't be able to get my water in. I'm torn between flavor and fluids. Any suggestions from veterans on how to survive purees?

I had to lose 15. The first 10 came off quickly - the last 5 were tougher with a vacation thrown in. I started out high protein, low-carb, and then started subbing in a protein shake for breakfast every day. eventually subbed shake for breakfast and lunch, but also had high protein snacks. Walking too.

Every plan is different and it may even be part of the surgeon's schedule vs the psych's schedule. But the psych eval is standard. In the end the order doesn't matter. BTW, I'm a week post-op and have met with my surgeon's office and staff a lot, but the actual surgeon, only a few times. However, I've never been given a goal. That differs between practices too.

Doctor time! Sounds like hernia is possible

Ever since starting the pre-op liquids, I'm FREEZING! I know it's winter, but the other day it was 60 degrees out and I was inside, in sweats and draped with a throw. Last night I abandoned the recliner to sleep in my own bed again (1 week post op). Hubby sleeps with a fan on - can't sleep without it. I kept waking up in the night to turn up the electric blanket. I start purees tomorrow. Does eating real food again help at all?

I've been put under a few times. I've been awake as I've been wheeled into the OR and am aware of the mask being put on. Everyone is really nice and attentive (as someone said, there is someone there whose entire job is to watch over you) and then nothing - you're asleep. For my sleeve, the anesthesiologists came to see me in the prep area to tell me it was hug and a kiss time. Hubby gave me a kiss and turned to leave. That's all I remember. Woke up in recovery with hubby next to me again. I am really groggy when I wake up. Hubs is one of those 'happy drunks' when he comes out of anesthesia. I totally understand the anxiety - had it myself the first time. But it's really the easiest part of surgery for me.

I could shower 48 hours after. Bathing is a bit longer.

I'm thinking of all the clothes I donated before moving 2 years ago. That closet full would help tide me over during the loss phase now. Oh well!

same here. i can't wait! the med assistant at my 1 week postop appointment told me not to buy any clothes for 6 months. I am going to have to, as I can't have my arse hanging out at work and I want to! Even if I have to buy just one pair of cheap pants that won't last long, I'm really looking forward to this thrill!

Congrats and best wishes on your upcoming surgery! I'm one week out and a sippy cup might work, but I've also found that a tervis-type lid that slides open only so much has really helped me sip sip sip. When I have a bottle of water, it's too easy to take a bigger glug.

Fantastic work!

Excellent suggestion! Go Blue!