Orchids&Dragons

That's great. Glad to hear you're doing better!

Yes, they never mentioned them.

Just WOW! Congrats!

Prepare before you go. Show your doctor the long-term survival statistics on obesity with/without surgery. This isn't about looking better in a bathing suit. This is about surviving to see your grandchildren. This is about avoiding diabetes and heart disease. This is about having a better, longer LIFE. Be prepared to PUSH for what you need. Good luck! And if you happen to look better in a swimsuit, kudos to you!

GasX strips!

So sorry that your surgery is delayed. Take the extra time as a gift and use it to your long-term benefit. Having a "purpose" will help make the time go faster. Wean yourself off caffeine/sodas. It will make your transition easier. Start walking/exercising now. The better shape you're in when you have the surgery, the better you can expect your outcome to be. If you like to cook, collect recipes and try them out so that you've got an arsenal of healthy options available after your surgery. Check out support groups in your area. You may have more than one to choose from, or don't choose at all, go to all of them. Develop the habit of drinking plenty of liquids and taking vitamins daily. Good luck and hope all goes smoothly from here on out.

Yes, there are vegans on the site and plenty of others who do healthy foods/moderation vs.low carb. Work with your nutritionist to develop a plan that works for you. You're in the driver's seat!

Welcome and good luck with your surgery! This is a very friendly and supportive community. There are people on here with all levels of experience and I'm sure they'll be happy to assist with any questions you have.

Good luck and best wishes for a speedy recovery!

You're just one of the lucky ones who's stomach didn't swell so badly that liquid had trouble trickling through. Yeah, you! Perfectly normal.

Quite a few people have commented that they felt like the surgeon didn't do anything, just sewed them back up. It's not until you start feeling the restriction (usually when you get to soft foods) that reality smacks you up the side of the head.

If you're not liking the drinks you have, you need to find something you can handle. It's really important. If the shakes are too thick, try protein waters. Walmart stocks a couple different varieties. I needed to dilute mine so that they weren't so sweet. They're like over-sweet Kool-Aid. Try decaf tea/coffee, broth, anything to get the liquids in. That is your #1 priority right now. Protein is a distant 2nd. The headaches are probably due to withdrawal from either caffeine or carbs. They will definitely get better in a few days. Try a cold pack on your forehead and some Tylenol. Things will definitely start getting better, but honestly, the first 2 weeks are really rough for a lot of us. You can and will do this! In a year, you'll look back and know it was all worth it.

Thanks, Matt! This is great!

@Missouri-Lee's Summit So glad that things are working out right for you. You do have to be your own advocate for your health. I had actually asked about absorption of prescriptions/supplements and was greeted with an absolutely blank stare. Now I know why. (Even though I have a sleeve, we still have the issue of tiny stomachs, so not much time for anything that needs stomach acid to break down.) What vitamins does your daughter recommend? Or what do we look for? Those of us non-medical people are prime targets for the marketing ploys.

Everything that Pearldrop said plus, get help if you can. Work with a nutritionist, a therapist, anybody who can help you succeed.

Excellent, so much better!

Popsicles are liquid! Enjoy!

Hope it helps. I just know there is a mixed-bag on the website as far as portions. Some people aim to get to 3 meals a day, no snacks. No way you're going to do that without a LOT of supplements on 1/2 cup of food at a time.

I don't think 1-cup would be a pouch-stretching issue a year post-op. They always intend for you to be able to actually eat small meals after a while. At least, that's my understanding. If you're only eating 1/2 cup, that makes it almost impossible for you to get 4-6 oz. of protein plus some veggies. Maybe you're eating too little and that's why you get hungry again so quickly.

OMgosh, Jess, you're killing me here! That would put me at 150g/day. AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAACK! I'm happy if I hit 70! I don't want more protein, I want veggies!

Well, unless you failed to mention that your green beans come smothered in onion rings (jk!), there's no way that they could create an insulin spike. I'm actually surprised that you only eat 1/2 cup of food. I would have thought by now you would be eating a cup or more.

BigTex, Huge congrats on being down 200 pounds in less than a year! That is phenomenal!

How long had it been since you'd worn them?

Awesome, congrats!

Thank you, sillykitty!