Pearldrop

There seems to be a variety of pre op / post op diet phases, best follow the one provided by your surgeon/nutritionist, which I assume is what you are referring to when you mention papers?
What exactly do the papers say, is there a clear progress through the stages? Giving examples of what can be eaten at each stage?
If you are unsure, you could probably attach a copy of papers to a post in on the forum, and some of the more experienced could help, or you could contact your surgeon/nutritionist for clear instructions, which is probably the way to go. If the instructions are unclear you will probably get a variety of answers here.

Some good news for once, I am to be employed soon doing an IT contract helping to move in 300 new computers and offices at Riverside Hospital! I see a silver lining finally, such a relief this is. It's good to help others doing what I love and get paid 16 an hour doing so! When this contract ends, it possibly could lead to other in-house IT employment! Yey!

I didn't have a drain, but I didn't have any complications, either.

Actually the effectiveness of silicone for reducing scaring has been well studied and proven,
http://healthland.time.com/2011/04/25/do-over-the-counter-scar-treatments-really-work/

The preop was hard. I had a few nibbles here and there, nothing too drastic. The Protein drinks/soups did make me poo a lot so nothing stayed too long in my system.
The best thing I did was drinking so much Water. I managed 3+ litres a day. I usually drink a lot of water of a day and to bump up my night intake I drank from a wine glass.

I do not put anything on my incisions because they are still covered at the moment, except for one (this one is healing great). In fact, I might have a start of infection in one so I am going to the clinic tomorrow

Good luck for your return to work tomorrow ! Hope everything goes smoothly.

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Thanks all. He admitted he is just worried about me and afraid I’ll regret it because of side effects. Like many of you I want to feel better and beat diabetes. I’m anxious to get this new life moving.

I am so glad he finally came around, albeit pretty late in the game. At least he's not still harping on all the money spent, not necessary, doesn't make a diff, etc. Because you're really always going to want him in your corner.

My family was not supportive of my decision either -- my parents, sister, and husband were all trying to talk me out of it even as I was heading to the operating room. They had the same reasoning -- if you just ate better, worked out, etc. I had done all of those things for spurts over the past 25 years (since I was a pre-teen), but my willpower gave out when the scale stopped moving for weeks at a time despite the work. I was pre-diabetic, had high blood pressure, hypothyroid, and I couldn't move enough to work out properly. The surgery was my only option.
I've rocked post-surgery (granted, the first month sucked)...I'm not pre-diabetic anymore, my blood pressure is perfect, I can walk, do chores, go to the grocery store without needing a nap, and the scale is moving. I'm developing healthy habits and I finally see my goal as obtainable.
In a recent support group meeting my husband came along and told the group that he was 100% against this surgery, but in the three months post-surgery he's been shocked at how seriously I've taken it, how I've followed the plan, and how the plan has worked. He now understands that I knew I needed to do this and he knows it was the best decision I've ever made for myself.
Ignore the naysayers. You are the only one who knows what is best for you. If you've done the research, talked to the doctors, and understand what this entails, then you are the only one in the position to decide what step to take next.

It's really hard when family isn't supportive. Imho, tell him you've done your research and made a decision. However, you'll be happy to consider his side when he shows you his research. In my experience, the minute you ask someone to do some work, they just move on. Afterwards, if he brings up his opinions, just say "I'm really interested in the research you found." He'll shut up.

I weighted today and I am 40 pounds lighter I am super excited, and soooo glad I made the decision to have surgery. Meeting with my surgeon on Wed. So I hope he's as pleased as I am. I hope you all are doing great.
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Had surgery June 5th, I'm starting to have pain whenever I drink or eat anything, like a sharp pain as the Water flows down. But for the first time in a while I was just able to drink some juice with no pain. And I'm like 12 days out and wondering about my stitches, also I think I'm getting to addicted to the binder. It sucks in my belly so I'm afraid to stop wearing it

35 lbs down 😁

I had the same issue. I wanted all the foods lol but you’re right it’s a lifestyle change. I had surgery the 6th and it made me realize how much and how often I was eating insane amounts of food. The food restriction is a huge mental game. Even now I’m not hungry but my brain tells me I am and had cravings. We call it head hunger. But don’t worry. I encourage you to indulge your last few days before the liquid diet. It’s honestly really hard so enjoy your last unhealthy supper

I'm happy to be in the 100s but I need to break This stall stats; sw297 gw130 cw192 
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This was my experience as well. I’d take both so I felt no pain. Four days out I was sent home with a prescription for Oxycodone and told to take a liquid tynanol if needed. I didn’t need anything once I was home, I had no pain.

It’s actually been super easy with my kids over the last few weeks I’m so glad this change has been good for all of us! Thankfully I have a handle on this before my kids get older and end up in the situation I am, I never want them to have to go though what I am! They love healthy eating and are actually sleeping better. So awesome! Thanks all again for all the support and motivation!

So many times I read about parents who feel bad for throwing away sugary snacks...and depriving their kids of "fun childhood treats"
But folks...here's a wake up call....Our kids share our genetics. They will likely struggle just like we do someday.
The kindest thing...the best thing we can do for their future health and happiness...is model good eating habits and make our homes the basis of good nutrition and good eating habits.
Our kids are still gonna get treats. They're everywhere. But learning to eat them only on special occasions out of the house is not a bad thing.
Sugar and fat are not love. They are not fun. They are not childhood. They don't have to be.
Not being the food police over here...of course kids are gonna have an ice cream here and there, or a marshmellow or some candy, or a McDonalds, or a birthday cake......once in a while, that's fine. But it doesn't need to be in your house regularly.
Make good nutrition your home culture. Learn to cook healthy together. Learn to make healthy Snacks. That's a gift.

I had my surgery in Tijuana on June 2. Everything went great! Everyone was so nice and helpful. Now I'm on mushy food and losing like a pound a day.

SW- 213
CW- 200
GW-130

Oh! I just checked and my anti-nausea meds list blurred vision as a side effect! Thanks for mentioning that, cuz I was really worried something had actually changed my eye sight permanently lol
I just walked for 30 minutes and I've gotta say... it really helped my perspective and pain. Before that, I had just been doing about 10 minute walks. I'm glad I forced myself to do 30 and I think I'll keep setting my timer for my walks. It really did help!
Still struggling to get my fluids in. My surgeon office called yesterday and said they want me to get a minimum of 30 oz and work up from there. I hit 30 yesterday and I'm working towards 40 today. I have to remind myself that this was a HUGE surgery and to just be kind to myself as I adjust to my new life.
I'm going to savor a few ounces of roasted red pepper and Tomato Soup for dinner. It's my favorite!
I'm also cycling duilodid (spelling) and Tylenol to stay on top of my pain. That's really helping at the moment.

My surgery is 6 days away - June 22. I’m 5 days into pre-op diet and actually doing well. I thought I’d have a headache and be starving but I’m not. I’m having 3 Protein Shakes with some milk for carbs and then some broth for savory. I hate Jello so none of that. I’m still enjoying my coffee too. I’m not tempted at all. Maybe because I know the end is in sight!!

Great suggestions here! One thing to note is that my vision is royally messed up! I can hardly read as I type (even wearing my glasses). Sorry in advance for any typos lol...
Ok, so I had surgery 6/13. I am not doing well. Whenever I swallow something it feels like a heavy weight is on my chest. And the incision where they removed my stomach from is soooo swollen and painful. I wish I was doing as well as some of you! My doc said she might have tightened things too much and I may need to have my esophagus dilated if it doesn't stop hurting when I swallow.
But dang does my left side hurt!! I can't get comfortable sitting or lying down, and when I stand up to walk, the pain takes my breath away! Is anyone else struggling like me?

I think dating is the same no matter your weight. Presurgery I certainly had my share of married guys, flakes, players, etc..
What I have learned is to trust my gut. If something feels wrong, I just cut them loose and stop communicating. Every time I have ignored my gut, I found out sooner or later my instincts were correct.

@jsteen I was sleeved on 6/14 and I will be on Clear Liquids for two weeks. For me Water is the worst but the Protein broth with additional unflavored Isopure protein, Jello and premiere clear (sweet) are my friends at the moment. The importance at this stage is to get in as much protein as you can so you don’t get weak. Oh and propel goes down a little okay as well

Hey lovelies! Surgery day was June 6th and I am struggling with Protein Shakes. I can’t seem to get them down. Also cold liquids HURT. I have had some Greek yogurt and have had a few attempts at some cream Soups. I also had to try some cottage cheese due to a complication I had to take some super strong steroids for. Also is anyone else struggling with eating? I feel like I’m not as progressed as many of you. Tips??

From what other people have said on the forum, we don't really feel restriction until the soft food phase, when we're actually putting solids into our stomachs.