Sophie7713

Oh AZhiker, I am so sorry this was your experience post-op! There are already so many other changes and challenges to deal with to heap on more like a DVT. You are trooper and I commend you for forging on. You did and are doing all the right things. My surgeon also sent me home with 14 shots to be administered once daily. I hated them but understood their importance. My husband for whatever reason has a proclivity for DVTs. He is also fit and active. A few years back, I thought I was going to be a young widow. They are scary and we know the drill well. I am so thankful you caught this early. Unfortunately, Xalerto was not effective in preventing his third clot this past summer - So he is back on tired and true Warfarin which never caused him problems. And, yes he eats greens, salads and other good veggies. He monitors his blood with a personal blood test kit every 2-4 weeks. If you are required to be on this medication beyond two weeks, please research and understand your options. I say this out of care, not as an alarmist just incase also understanding every body responds differently. 31 pounds and counting! So happy for you. Do keep me/us posted on your journey! ;] I am 10 weeks out now and 13 pounds to onederland! I have not been under 200 in twenty years. There are still challenges, but I go with the natural ebbs and flow of this process. It requires a determined patience and grace for oneself. In your case, an extra dose of courage, indeed. You would have every reason to feel discouraged. I am at awe. So thankful for this opportunity to re-set and refresh my body back to normalcy. Take good care and be well, AZhiker.

BRENT from the great state of Texas... Whahoooo! Many Congratulations! Let's shoot out the lights tonight! Maybe celebrate with a fabulous Texan steak and baked potato? At least, a few bites!? So HAPPY for you. Keep up the awesome work. Wow.

Hi Louise, from my vantage point you're doing great and the best you can. Your success is simply not measured by the scale alone. Your down 28 pounds! AND you are exercising regularly! That speaks volumes. Just keep working the plan as your body continues to adjust to a major surgery + major chemical changes. Be kind to yourself - as the pressure and stress will be counter-productive to your goals. You WILL get those pesky 35 pounds off before you know it! You are breaking thru new body weight set points... And, as I understand the dynamics the closer you get to your goal the more the body wants to resist. And, like your name implies - Louise is gonna lose. Hang in there. Congratulate yourself today. ;]

I am very excited! Today marks 17 pounds away from onederland! I'll pick up 30 of my favorite garments taken in by seamstress tomorrow. It will feel like a new wardrobe! Now I'll have something to wear besides my tired and true sweats and T-shirts! Although I love those, too! 10 weeks out from surgery adjusting well to food intake, vitamins, water - but the high protein is beginning to cause inflammation in my joints with a history of lupus SLE. Previously protein was only ¼ of my diet with little dairy, thus years of a wonderful remission. I will need to tweak protein sources without the daily intakes of 1% milk, low fat cheese, whey protein shakes and lean animal/bird meats (easier and convienent) which all translate into inflammatories for my body. All is good though. Remaining patient with the natural ebbs and flows of the process to reach a healthy weight! ;]

Irish Sleever, Many congratulations on reaching your BMI goal and leaving behind obesity! Before you know it, you'll be a slim and trim 187 lbs in no time! SO Excited for you!!!! ;]

Happy birthday week Steve AND happy onederland! Whooho!

Irish Sleever, Many congratulations on reaching your BMI goal and leaving behind obesity! Before you know it, you'll be a slim and trim 187 lbs in no time! SO Excited for you!!!! ;]

Hi Ms. Stacy - How are you doing? Has incision been healing better? Happy weekend to you and yours! ;]

Hi TaeRenee - Down 41 pounds!!! Excellent! Sweet home Alabama... Yeah. ;] Hope school and work is going well? I'm down 40 pounds, too. Nothing fits in my closet - so need to go shopping today for some inexpensive hold me overs like khaki shorts and slacks... However, Size 18 has a nice ring to it vs. 2X-3X. Looking very forward to shopping regular clothes departments with more variety and style! We are getting there... Here's to our next 40!

Oh psyched - How exciting! Have a fabulous time in the BIG EASY with you and yours... Enjoying a well deserved getaway after surgery! Love the garden district (my background is design + architecture) and like you - there's nothing better than the local flavors and cuisine. Do take a few bites for me. :] Still struggling with the vitamin regime - needing to add to an already ridiculous amount of pills according to nutritionist today iron + zinc/vitamin C tablet? I thought I was covered in 2 multi's per day (never took anything but a levothyroxine pill before) along with B12melt, B-1, Calcium. I really dislike this aspect and am still very confused. What is your vitamin routine? Do they leave you queasy or nauseated? Other than that - savoring our cooler climes given that we are hot 10 months out of the year or more with an increase of severe tropical storms and hurricanes come May. Oh boy.

Sisternewt - you are smart! Most concur this is hard stuff, and it takes some time to get back into a "groove" regardless of your lifestyle. Especially for those thrown right back into stressful, hectic work schedules. I am always at AWE of Unstuck, Lolo and Steve for their determined resolve to forge through the workplace!!! I'm in private practice and have the liberty of declining clients/projects this business quarter. While no studio income stream right now, BUT all is good. For myself personally, I need to learn and secure habits for not eating out of stress, tiredness, frustration, happiness or reward I dined out for social/business at least 5 times a week. Not so good! To this end - I now keep a daily/weekly chart on the kitchen island with check-off boxes for each meal and in-between for fluids and protein shakes. There are also boxes for vitamins and meds. It has been very helpful for me to stay on track + schedule and devise a less sporatic eating routine which got me into a lot of trouble, in the first place! I am wondering if soups might help you achieve both your liquids and protein - A bean soup? Chicken vegetable? Or a hot tea before breakfast then waiting 30 minutes to eat a meal. Jello and Popsicles can sometimes help if short for the day. Vegetables and fruit contain a lot of water if you can incorporate them into your meals? Would your nutritionist be able to provide you with a daily solid & liquids routine? Wishing you the best. It will all work out for your best. Take good care.

Hi Psyched! Many congratulations on reaching 200! This is an auspicious occasion - especially given some of your specific challenges... Wow! Divide and Conquer. So good to hear from you again. So very happy for you. ;]

Hi Psyched! Many congratulations on reaching 200! This is an auspicious occasion - especially given some of your specific challenges... Wow! Divide and Conquer. So good to hear from you again. So very happy for you. ;]

Oh Lolo that sounds good... I really need to learn to like more seafoods!!!!! Cod is less fishy tasting, right? Just can't handle salmon, but understand it is the gold standard of fish. Tried it so many ways BUT no go. I had hoped when I awoke from surgery... I'd all the sudden like fish! They say your tastes can change with sleeve. BTW, What's the temp up north - really cold as the national news claims? It's rainy here.

Way to go, Ms. kygirl!!!!! What brand is your pure protein chocolate? I detest all the artificial and chalky brands I've tried and quickly tiring of...

Thanks, Steve!... Like many of us - I am striving for that 199 pd. milestone come Spring! It has been over 20 years since I was under 200. ;[ So, I am very excited to know the sleeve will assist me to never going back to that place again. Congratulations!!! on your 46 loss. Just think 36 pounds more to go AND we will all be admiring you on the June cover of GQ! ;] Ladies, I also struggled with nausea from vitamin regime, but I think thru trial & error (and, throwing a lot of gag stuff away) over the past few weeks - I found Flintstones complete (2 a day) recommended by LOLO, Celebrate B-12 quick melt and Calcium Citrate orange soft chews to be working well. It helps to take them after a meal, and I try to stagger the doses (while not very convenient) for less irritation. Like Steve, I am tolerating solid meat proteins well. Just had Chipotle pulled pork recipe from Sarah Kent's cookbook for Sleeves (a bariatric nutritionist from a surgery center of excellence). Only eat ¼ - ½ servings and instead of a bun - I wrap three little sandwiches in english cucumber (almost seedless) or Bibb lettuce leaf (soft). Delicious and long satisfying! Her recipes have kept me sane, and do introduce balance like Steve mentioned, other important nutrients besides "all protein" especially, post op 6 - 7 weeks and onward... If you are able to tolerate. Many are very happy eating clinically and precise just for fuel... I have always been a foodie, and have enjoyed experimenting with new and better ways of eating for a long-term, sustainable Sleeve lifestyle. We also like to entertain. Her baked Vanilla oatmeal with various fruit options is excellent with high protein ingredients. I have this many mornings heated with a little 1% milk to soften. It keeps me energized without a drain. I am losing right on schedule without crave or hunger which is also Sarah's goal for scientifically sound formulated menus. Unfortunately, I never liked Greek yogurt, flaked fishes, crab or tuna fish without a mayo mask. Her book does include a Fish chapter with dishes I plan to try and be open to... Shrimp cocktail tonight. ;] I think all our December Sleevers are doing great each at their own pace thru the good, bad and ugly! None of this is a tip toe thru the tulips!

Lolo, what will be your 70% protein intake source? I'll try the cucumber water. I like Glaceau smart water for hydration. Still detest the protein shakes, chalky and artificial. Try to get proteins at mealtime mostly. By nutritionist, do you mean Peacock? I have yet to meet or speak to her. Never had any bariatric pre-op nutritional counseling with her - did you? My surgery date was quick pace. 206 is good! That's 3 pounds off 209 stall! And, 4 pounds closer to 200! Be patient with yourself, Ms. "A" type... You're doing fabulous! Maybe onederland mid-february instead? ;] I am down from 225 now to 220. Happy weekend!

Hi TaeRenee: I am in week 6 and in soft food stage. Some mornings I've woken up nauseated, and its been helpful to drink decaf hot tea with some 1% milk to settle my stomach. After drinking and waiting 30 minutes - I prepare ¼ cup of low fat cottage cheese with some fresh smashed bananas mixed in. On those mornings, I will also postpone my vitamin regime until lunch meal and stagger them thru the afternoon - As I suspect they can sometimes irritate my stomach. All these required vitamins + supplements are new to my system as of week 4. There are a few favorite foods before surgery like eggs in any form that no longer settle well. It may be their sulfur content. Perhaps, by trial and error you might experiment and find some relief with different foods? I spike a lot of my recipes with chili pepper flakes and/or fresh chillies that believe it or not, calm my nausea. Maybe review your current eating plan with nutritionist to see what might be going on? The surgeon, too. What you are dealing with on a daily basis and at each meal is no fun and must be very discouraging. Every body will heal and progress differently - so don't loose heart. I certainly hope to enjoy an egg omelet, egg salad and red pickled beets with hard boiled eggs again sometime in the future!

Hi Sweet100 - Many best wishes on your upcoming surgery! Both Sarah Kent cookbooks contain so many helpful hints and information for all stages of your new eating plan, including right after surgery. I am currently in the soft food menu's that are delicious, healthy and low calorie. As for myself, I found pursuing and planning from the books for the next stage very helpful, hopeful and inspirational. Many of the recipes will remain staples in reaching my goal and beyond! Be well and take good care, Ms. Texas Sweet100! ;]

Yes, Sara and Louise! I, too, have had those same eerie weird symptoms upon my shoulders which feels like a heavy pressure, then a following drain out. I am 5 weeks post. It seems to surface most while walking or working at the kitchen island. Let's go make a propel water which contains electrolytes and see if that helps? So glad you raised this concern. Thank you.

Hi Ms. Stacy! Floridians and surgery twins, Yeah!!! ;] We were in the 40's last night closing all the windows... love this weather with no need for a/c or heat. I am currently trying to work in all the vitamins required per day. The large disc orange chewables by Celebrate really made me gag and can't seem to tolerate them. We re-ordered capsule form for multi and calcium, and I'll try again. ;[ A bit overwhelming since I never took even a multi pre-op. Overall, so glad to be rid of all liquids and puree phases. Yuck! Soft food phase apparently very important according to my surgeon to begin to re-train our tiny stomachs to function at digesting again or it get's lazy. Like you, continue to work in water and protein. Most days I come up short, but feel I am doing the best I can given all the major changes in such a compact timeline. Congratulations on 20 pounds, Ms. Stacy! Outstanding! I have stalled at 225 but feel I'm shrinking everyday despite the scales. How are you doing with the vitamin regime?! Happy day! ;]

Hi ALL December 2018 SLEEVERS! I just learned about and joined BP Monday evening! My surgery date was December 17, 2018. Moving into 5 weeks out on soft foods and beginning to figure out vitamin + supplement regime. Oh boy!? ;\ I live in West Palm Beach, Florida - originally from State College, PA - Go Penn State! My roommates in college were UM cheerleaders... but we worked it all out! Haha. ;] Just wanted to introduce myself and wondered how everyone else is progressing? Wishing for a very promising New Year for us all! And, I think we all deserve "special credit" having endured pre-op liquid fasts (and other procedures) through the major festive holiday season, don't you!? :]

Hi, I am new to the sleeve group and 5 weeks post surgery. I feel honored and privileged to learn more about the bariatric pal community and the courage, resolve and authenticity you regularly share. While very much a rookie in all this... I do hope, I too, can be of value and an encouragement to others. Question: I continue to experience an odd sensation upon my shoulders, especially when preparing meals, walking any distance or i.e. wrapping a present yesterday on the kitchen island. It feels like a ton of pressure weighing down on my entire body. I did have tremendous pain in the left shoulder from the drainage tube days after surgery. It was not gas. I never had any shoulder or back issues previous to surgery. Any thoughts on this?

COOL! Baribabe - you will LOVE these cookbooks!!! Well written, informative and nicely photographed. Not to mention, great recipes! My favorites thus far are the moist whole herbed roasted chicken; zoodles with turkey meatballs; baked fried chicken thighs (leftovers very versatile); seafood Cioppino and roasted root vegetables to name a few! After you've experimented, do let me know your favorites?! Here's to all us shrinking babes... "Hey good lookin' - whatca got cookin' - how bout cookin' something up for me!" Hank Williams, 1951 Fun! ;]

kygirl - absolutely love your graphic icon! Hang in there - it WILL get better! Your feelings are totally understandable and normal. Give your new tummy/stomach grace as it needs to heal from the trauma and all liquids is soothing and key internally. You are in the most daunting phases, no doubt. It was in those times I'd review my bullet list reasons for having surgery. And, when your eating phase does progress - cottage cheese never tasted better! ;] Another hope and promise, at least for me, was to purchase two excellent, quality food bariatric cookbooks by Sarah Kent. I hated all the artificial tasting liquids from too sweet, bland or chalky. It gave a glimpse into favorite dishes edited for the new sleeve tummy. I have used her cookbooks through-out all phases which made things bearable. I am currently in week 5 of soft foods which I and my husband (fit and lean) are enjoying together. I am only able to eat ¼ cup at each meal, but again understanding the healing process of this vital organ while encouraging it to slowly regain its' function to digest + absorb solid foods for caloric health and well being. kygirl, I have found that this surgery is not for the faint hearted. It requires much grace toward your body and a determined kind of patience. Ergo, be good to yourself and pace accordingly. Tomorrow and the future will indeed take care of itself. You can do this! It will get better...