havethree

Get rid of them!! In the future, after you are at goal, if you gain a few pounds and your clothes feel tight, it will be incentive to lose the weight. Having bigger clothes as a Plan B, means that you have a Plan B. No Plan B! LOL!! Only Plan A which is success!!

I was excited and nervous and second-guessing myself up thru the time I saw the surgeon the morning of surgery. I even asked him if he thought I was doing the right thing right before they rolled me in! I'm 6 weeks post-op - and no real regrets yet!

I was sleeved 6/3 - spent 1 night in the hospital. Went back to work on Monday (but working from home because of COVID). I start soft foods tomorrow! Feeling pretty 'normal' - but if I sip too fast or too much, my new stomach HURTS (well, it's not my stomach so much as my chest) - so I've been using timers. Getting 64 ozs water, 24 ozs bone broth, 11.5 ozs of protein shake in a day. I'm a little nervous to start 'real' foods tomorrow after 4 weeks on this all-liquid diet. Still feel kinda weak at times. Not really working out yet - other than the 40 mins of walking that my surgeon recommends - and some incidental exercise going to the grocery store and Costco. My surgeon has me taking 1 Flintstones Complete chewable vitamin a day - so I take that at night with my Prozac. It makes me a tad nauseated - but I try and fall asleep pretty quickly after taking it (same trick I used when I was pregnant and taking prenatal vitamins). I'm down almost 27 lbs in 4 weeks (only weighing myself once a week) - which is really, really wild. I know that will stall/plateau - so I'm trying not to focus so much on that - and focus more on how my clothes fit - but it feels pretty surreal right now. I really appreciate all the support of this group.

This is so refreshing to hear. I just advanced to purée foods today. Surgery was 2 weeks ago. I puréed baked chicken and added mashed potatoes. I ate 2 tablespoons of the chicken and 4 small bites (1tsp) of the potatoes. I’m content. I’m handling this better than liquids, thankfully.

I'm 15 days post-op - and started soft foods today. It's been a challenge! I literally had 1/3 of a scrambled egg for breakfast, 1/3 for lunch, and 1/3 for dinner. And 1 tablespoon of grits with 1 teaspoon of light cream cheese. I did the whole mash into tiny bites, and I took breaks between each tiny bite, and chewed well - which was really weird trying to chew a bite the size of a pencil eraser 15 times. I'm going to have to have a protein shake at some point tonight to try and boost my protein. And my stomach is *really* grumbling tonight. I really haven't had a hard time with full liquids - after the first few days. I'm hoping soft foods will kinda be like liquids were at first - and I'll be able to eat more in a few days? And I haven't gotten in my 64 ozs of water today either - with the whole stop 30 mins before and 30 mins after - and also, if I feel pressure in my chest, my surgeon wants me to wait 2 hours before eating or drinking - which I did that after breakfast. Oh well - I know it's just a goal, and it should get better in a few days - and those few bites of egg did really taste good! Not sure if anyone else experienced the same thing?

I was sleeved 6/3 - spent 1 night in the hospital. Went back to work on Monday (but working from home because of COVID). I start soft foods tomorrow! Feeling pretty 'normal' - but if I sip too fast or too much, my new stomach HURTS (well, it's not my stomach so much as my chest) - so I've been using timers. Getting 64 ozs water, 24 ozs bone broth, 11.5 ozs of protein shake in a day. I'm a little nervous to start 'real' foods tomorrow after 4 weeks on this all-liquid diet. Still feel kinda weak at times. Not really working out yet - other than the 40 mins of walking that my surgeon recommends - and some incidental exercise going to the grocery store and Costco. My surgeon has me taking 1 Flintstones Complete chewable vitamin a day - so I take that at night with my Prozac. It makes me a tad nauseated - but I try and fall asleep pretty quickly after taking it (same trick I used when I was pregnant and taking prenatal vitamins). I'm down almost 27 lbs in 4 weeks (only weighing myself once a week) - which is really, really wild. I know that will stall/plateau - so I'm trying not to focus so much on that - and focus more on how my clothes fit - but it feels pretty surreal right now. I really appreciate all the support of this group.

Today marks 6 months Post Op!! I'm thrilled with the progress so far, and look forward to continuing my journey. I'm down 71lbs so far. I need to lose 19 more to get to a "normal" BMI, but would ultimately like to lose another 10 after that, to get down to 130.
My before pictures are from my sister's bridal shower and wedding, the only time I let someone actually take my picture. I hated being the "fat bridesmaid" though! Please forgive the tight clothes in my "after" picture, but I wanted to wear something that would really show off the the progress I've made. Someday I hope to be confident to wear tight clothes like that out in public, but not yet! LOL!!

I track all of that in an app called Baritastic. It was free. I track all my food, water, drinks, and exercise. I haven't used it for anything else - but I know it has other trackers. I started when I was doing the 6 months pre-op with the nutritionist, just to get into the habit.

Im no longer just alive, im actually living now. This was an experience ill never forget and i cant wait to go again. This has always been one of my goals but i was too heavy to do it. Making dreams become reality. Im loving this whole process.

Mine told me that the liquid from protein shake 'counts' towards my 'total fluids'. I was sleeved on 6/3. Yesterday, water was hard and protein shakes were easy; today, it's the exact opposite. I'm just trying to roll with it! I'm using a timer on my phone to keep sipping every 4 mins. Good luck!!!

And herbal peppermint tea has been awesome, too! and chicken bone broth - if you're looking for any variety!

Mine told me that the liquid from protein shake 'counts' towards my 'total fluids'. I was sleeved on 6/3. Yesterday, water was hard and protein shakes were easy; today, it's the exact opposite. I'm just trying to roll with it! I'm using a timer on my phone to keep sipping every 4 mins. Good luck!!!

Surgery for me went very well Wednesday morning. Got to the hospital at 6:30. They took me back to pre-op about 7:30 (husband was allowed there with me). Changed into a gown, peed (for a pregnancy test, which I laughed at), got my IV, did a little bloodwork, and they put an anti-nausea patch behind my right ear. I woke up in recovery, stayed there until there was a bed upstairs. Did go to the bathroom for the first time in recovery, and felt pretty gross when I got back - which they said was totally normal. Got up to my room about 2pm - and took my first lap at 2:20. The goal was to get 3 laps done that night - and I did 4. The gas pain was no joke - but it was better by yesterday. Yesterday, I did 15 laps - I was really bored. Incision pain showed up last night - before that, I was able to sleep on my side in the hospital bed - but since I've been home - the recliner is my friend. I have a timer going off every 6 mins to do my lung exercises (supposed to get 10 an hour), as well as a sip of water, or broth, or protein shake. I'm not hitting the numbers yet for grams of protein or water - but really trying to listen to my new stomach. It's a delicate balance of not wanting to get dehydrated - but I don't want to push it either (I have a severe fear of vomiting). I still have the patch behind my ear - and I believe during surgery they gave me Zofran and Phenergan - but not afterwards. I got 2 shots of Morphine over 12 hours for pain on Wednesday. And then yesterday I took 2 Norco about 12 hours apart. I haven't taken anything yet today, even though I am a bit sore. I've been doing laps around my house - and even walked out side for 2 driveways. Not a ton of distance - but my goal is 40 mins total a day (doesn't have to be all at once). My husband was able to stay with me in pre-op; then he waited in the waiting room. The surgeon came out and told him how good everything had gone. He wasn't allowed to come to the recovery room with me (even though originally, the hospital had said he would be allowed). Instead, I only got to see him briefly when the rolled me to the elevator to go to my room. It was a very quick interaction, and I was sad he couldn't stay longer - but I understand the rules. My surgeon keeps his patients NPO until 5am the morning after - so I just had an IV, and lip balm for my chapped lips. I started sipping SUPER slow yesterday at 5am - I was lucky to get an ounce an hour. But that's just because I'm a huge chicken when it comes to vomiting - so I'm going SUPER slow. Surgeon came in around 9am checked my incisions, felt on my belly a little bit, and then said I could go home at 2pm. I've done a good bit more liquids today - but I'm sure I will come up short. Hoping that each day continues to get a little easier. So far, so good!

I am just praying my surgery goes as good as yours did. Congratulations on getting it done and I pray a happy and successful recovery for you.

Surgery for me went very well Wednesday morning. Got to the hospital at 6:30. They took me back to pre-op about 7:30 (husband was allowed there with me). Changed into a gown, peed (for a pregnancy test, which I laughed at), got my IV, did a little bloodwork, and they put an anti-nausea patch behind my right ear. I woke up in recovery, stayed there until there was a bed upstairs. Did go to the bathroom for the first time in recovery, and felt pretty gross when I got back - which they said was totally normal. Got up to my room about 2pm - and took my first lap at 2:20. The goal was to get 3 laps done that night - and I did 4. The gas pain was no joke - but it was better by yesterday. Yesterday, I did 15 laps - I was really bored. Incision pain showed up last night - before that, I was able to sleep on my side in the hospital bed - but since I've been home - the recliner is my friend. I have a timer going off every 6 mins to do my lung exercises (supposed to get 10 an hour), as well as a sip of water, or broth, or protein shake. I'm not hitting the numbers yet for grams of protein or water - but really trying to listen to my new stomach. It's a delicate balance of not wanting to get dehydrated - but I don't want to push it either (I have a severe fear of vomiting). I still have the patch behind my ear - and I believe during surgery they gave me Zofran and Phenergan - but not afterwards. I got 2 shots of Morphine over 12 hours for pain on Wednesday. And then yesterday I took 2 Norco about 12 hours apart. I haven't taken anything yet today, even though I am a bit sore. I've been doing laps around my house - and even walked out side for 2 driveways. Not a ton of distance - but my goal is 40 mins total a day (doesn't have to be all at once). My husband was able to stay with me in pre-op; then he waited in the waiting room. The surgeon came out and told him how good everything had gone. He wasn't allowed to come to the recovery room with me (even though originally, the hospital had said he would be allowed). Instead, I only got to see him briefly when the rolled me to the elevator to go to my room. It was a very quick interaction, and I was sad he couldn't stay longer - but I understand the rules. My surgeon keeps his patients NPO until 5am the morning after - so I just had an IV, and lip balm for my chapped lips. I started sipping SUPER slow yesterday at 5am - I was lucky to get an ounce an hour. But that's just because I'm a huge chicken when it comes to vomiting - so I'm going SUPER slow. Surgeon came in around 9am checked my incisions, felt on my belly a little bit, and then said I could go home at 2pm. I've done a good bit more liquids today - but I'm sure I will come up short. Hoping that each day continues to get a little easier. So far, so good!

My favorite protein shake on the pre op diet has been fairlife nutrition plan chocolate - it's 30grams protein, 2 grams sugar, and 150 cals - and it's my favorite. I've tried all the flavors of Premier Protein so far. I have a sample pack from Syntrax Nectar. I also have tried Isopure tropical fruit - which was a nice change. I LOVE costco's organic chicken bone broth - it's 12g Protein, 45 cal per cup. I also got Liquid IV packets to add to water. I mix one in 52 ounces of water of the passion fruit flavor (I double checked with my surgeon and dietician that it was ok - they said to limit it to 2 packets a day - but I'm only using one). It makes it easier for me to meet my water goals, and I'm getting some electrolytes too. I've heard tastes can change drastically post surgery - so I'm trying not to stock up too much on any one thing, just in case I hate it after Wednesday. I got some unflavored protein powder too - but haven't tried it yet. I ordered a food thermometer, because some of those proteins congeal if they get hotter than 140F. I also ordered a measuring tape - so I can take measurements for when I hit my first 'stall' on the scale.

Thanks so much! I'm still waiting to hear from the hospital for my actual report/surgery time tomorrow. I did get notification that my Covid test was negative. I'm really nervous, and really excited, and really second guessing everything. Thanks for all the positive thoughts and energy!!!!

Thanks so much! I'm still waiting to hear from the hospital for my actual report/surgery time tomorrow. I did get notification that my Covid test was negative. I'm really nervous, and really excited, and really second guessing everything. Thanks for all the positive thoughts and energy!!!!

I'm scheduled for 6/3! Excited and nervous all combined; I've never had major surgery. I've never spent a night in a hospital (other than when I gave birth to my daughters). Day 8 of the pre-op all liquid diet. Any surgery twins out there?