Butterfly#7

I LOVE BariatricPal. These forums help me feel like I have a "family" of supporters who understand and empathize the experiences that we all share in this weight loss journey! I was elated to get replies of encouragement, and well wishes as I prepared to go to my interview this morning (which I think went really well). I may never meet you wonderful people face to face but please know that your kind thoughts/words made me walk a little taller and prouder today. I too, will make it my effort to encourage my "Bariatric sisters and brothers. We are a unique community and sometimes our own flesh and blood don't get it, but to know that there is someone out there that does makes this journey a lot easier. Thank you BariatricPal and thank you my B-Family:)

I am 7 weeks post gastric sleeve and it has not been an easy 7 weeks! At times I have even regretted having the procedure. Today, something amazing happened! I have a job interview tomorrow and I was dreading trying to find something to wear because most of my business suits are uncomfortable.I have a brand new suit that I’ve had for two years and I never wore it because the jacket was tight on my arms and the skirt was a little short (because I have a big booty). I decided to try the suit on because I have lost almost 40 pounds and I wanted to see if there was a real difference in how my clothes fit OMG! The suit is almost too big now! I was shocked! I was so happy I started crying tears of joy and modeled the suit for my husband. I thought it was too soon to notice a difference in my clothes, but this weight loss is REAL! I’m encouraged to keep striving to make my weight loss goals.

At 7 weeks post gastric sleeve procedure I am still getting occasional nausea. Oddly it's not just when I'm full or need to eat, but I can feel fine and all of a sudden get really nausea with the mouth watering and everything. My doctor gave me a few pills for when I have extreme nausea but I try not to use them every time I feel sick. Does anyone else still experience nausea and other than meds is there another relief? Someone suggested that I get some sugar free peppermints and suck on those ...

My Nutritionist told me to avoid starches (mashed potatoes, rice, pasta, etc) for the first 6 months, because they can prevent your stomach from fully absorbing protein which helps you lose weight.

Has anyone been on the rollercoaster where it seems like your sleeve loves a particular food and then as time passes all of a sudden it doesn’t.? For example, my sleeve “liked” the crumbled Jimmy Dean turkey sausage for breakfast. Today, my sleeve did not like it, not even the taste! I didn’t eat this every morning but the few times I did I had no problems and I was excited that I found something I could eat. Then today I ate a soft scrambled egg white and the sausage and I got extremely nauseous and stomach upset! This is so frustrating! I’m only 5 weeks since vgs, does things eventually stabilize?

Well still a “newbie” at only a month since VGS I just started soft foods. I can easily eat a cup (8oz) of Greek yogurt or cottage cheese, but I can barely get down 4 oz other proteins like meatloaf, tuna, etc.

I know that all of our tastes differ, but I’m just curious about what low sugar (5g or less) or sugar free beverages people have found that actually taste good. Especially with NO after taste?!

My husband is taking me to Cancun for our Anniversary in November. By that time I will be 6 months out from my VGS surgery. Just wondering if anyone went on an all inclusive vacation after bariatric surgery and how did you handle being surrounded by so much food and alcohol?

At 3 weeks my surgeon said I could eat pureed food so according to him it wasn't considered "too soon". To be more specific it was a soft scrambled egg that caused the problem but even in the soft food phase (now) my pouch still does not like scrambled whole eggs only egg whites.

It's been a month since my.GS procedure and my abdomen is still very sore. I still have difficulty bending over. I know that everyone tolerates pain differently, but I'm just curious of when others started feeling relief from abdominal soreness?

I'm starting to think my sleeve is a bit bossy! Now if its empty or I guess I'm hungry I'm so nauseous, especially first thing in the morning. It also "talks" or growls alot. So, I'm like.wait a minute I have a new Boss.in my life? Think about it it dictates what we can and can not eat, how.much we can eat, and what it does and doesn't like! More like a dictator lol. Anybody else feel.like a "subordinate" to their sleeve?

I'm so sorry you've been having a rough time. It has been a month since I had GS and although I didn't have the medical challenges you are facing I resented getting the procedure because I was nauseous and hungry almost all.the time! I was.tired.of soup. I had to remind myself that this is a process and it takes time for.the stomach to heal. It may not seem like it now but it will.get better. I just started soft foods and I feel like some normalcy is returning to.my life. With the itchy belly button I assume they gave you a cream or something for it, but also consider an ice pack ,because that will stop the itchiness. Best wishes.

My husband likes to go to the movies, but I’m dreading it because I used to LOVE eating movie popcorn and drinking an Icee. The delicious smell of popcorn lingers in the movie theater. Now that I can’t have my favorite movie treats I know it’s going to be hard being in that environment, but I don’t want to be unfair to my husband and stop going to the movies. I know that I don’t necessarily have to eat anything at the movies, but are there aNy suggestions on what movie snacks I could eat-Im only one month after having gastric sleeve?

My Nutritionist told me to avoid fruit juice like the plague because it’s full of sugar and may cause dumping. My surgeon told me that during the liquid phase I could have a little fruit juice because I’m not getting many calories elsewhere, and long as my sleeve can tolerate it. Well so far my sleeve has not had a problem with 100% fruit juice! I’m about to start soft food phase so I will have to watch caloric intake of fruit juice. I’m so happy I didn’t experience dumping because I don’t like sugar free drinks! I don’t like artificial sweeteners. I’m hoping a little treat of juice once a day won’t hurt me or am I being a rebel lol?

This is why I love BariatricPals! It’s reassuring to know that you’re not alone in this plight and we share similar experiences!

Is there really any rime or reason to weight loss? I had the gastric sleeve a month ago and I have lost about 32 pounds already. I’m happy about that but just don’t understand the process? One week I lost 5 pounds, and one week I only lost 8 ounces! Why can’t I lose 5 pounds every week? I try to replicate my diet but it doesn’t work and it seems like I lose more weight when I think less about it. Has anybody figured out this madness ?!

Next week is the 4th of July and I’ve been invited to several barbecues. I’m on the soft food phase (only one month since gastric sleeve) can I eat any barbecue food? How about a hamburger (without the bun)? Grilled chicken? Potato salad? I do know that I can’t have hot dogs (don’t like anyway), sausage or corn. Since I can’t eat bread yet can I eat cold cuts on a wrap? I appreciate any and all knowledge regarding this. Thanks in advance.

I am finishing up the pureed stage about to start the soft foods.

It’s been about a month since my gastric sleeve surgery and honestly so far I’ve been regretting this life decision that I made! I hate feeling hungry, nauseous, and always worried about being hydrated and getting enough protein! It doesn’t help when I go for my post op appointments with my surgeon and I tell him about my concerns and all he does is look at me and tell me “It’s going to get better”. For instance, I ate something one day and it felt like it was literally stuck in my chest. I tried to sip some water and then I felt like I was suffocating-I was seconds from calling 911. I was so scared! When I shared this experience with my doctor he said nothing! He just told me to stay on a liquid diet. No explanation of what happened nothing! I’m so frustrated with him! A couple years ago I had a hysterectomy and my ob surgeon was so caring and attentive to my needs. The gastric surgeon is opposite I’m starting to feel like I’m just a “paycheck” for him! What happened to good bedside manner?

It’s been about a month since my gastric sleeve procedure. I’m growing tired of sugar free popsicles, yogurt, sf apple sauce and sf jello! Are there any other snacks safe for me to eat?

Thank you Frustr8.

Thank you Frustr8. I will try the waters and tea you recommended.

Make your own protein shake, because like you all of the ready made ones make me sick also. So I use the unflavored Isopure Protein powder and make my own shake with fruit and yogurt-like a smoothie.

Can anyone recommend a calcium supplement that doesn’t taste like chalk?

By the 4th day you should be on full liquids. I felt like I was starving too! My hubby bought me some cream of chicken soup and strained it for me. It was soo good because it tasted like food and not broth. I could only eat a couple spoonfuls but it did make a positive difference. Try some cream soup.