LookingForward22

On 08/31/2022 at 08:52, SuziDavis said:

I haven't lost 1 pound the last week, and I am really mad/frustrated/irritated.

I’m right there with you. I wasn’t prepared for a 2nd week stall, but today I had some movement and I’m now officially under 300! Still a long way to go - with many more stalls ahead of me I’m sure … but we can do this!

Reach out if you need an ear or whatever. We are only a day apart in our sleeves and I think we are both looking to drop a similar amount of weight. Keep with it, you’ll break your stall and see that progress before you know it!!

Today I’m starting my first day of week 3 post op (2nd week of purées). I had hoped by today I would have achieved one of my specific mini goals. I was hoping to end the month under 300 lbs. Seeing that “2” in front of my weight for the first time in nearly 20 yrs. was something have have dreamed about but always fell short of since crossing that 300 point. The closest I got to that on my own was 309.

Started out strong loosing about 23 lbs my first week, only to hit a big stall during my second week. I was struggling on purées to hit my Water, Protein and calorie goals. I won’t lie, I was prepared for a stall week 3 - but not week 2. It was so frustrating hovering right at the mark 300 on the scales, but I refused to let myself get discouraged and focused how far I had come so far!!

This morning I hopped on the scales and low and behold I had movement and I’m solidly under 300!!! It may only be just barely, but I’m at 298 and that feels soooooooooo good! There is nothing quite as motivating as hitting goals and making progress… even small goals.

June 2021 - my heaviest was 382. I lost 50 pounds leading up to my pre op liquid diet. Another 10 pounds was lost on the liver shrining diet. Today I am 16 pounds away from having lost 100 pounds! I can’t even believe I am saying that!!! That seems attainably close for the first time ever (to loose 100 pounds!).

I have a long way to go. My final goal is less of a number and more of a feeling of being healthy - what feels right … but I’m more motivated than ever to tick off these mini goals one at a time and get to maintenance.

My program wanted me to implement eating habits that would make the transition into the liquid diet & post-op eating plan easier… including a focus of Protein, fluids and Portion Control. We also touched on my emotional eating some - but things happened and progressed so quickly … not as deeply as I would have ideally liked. BUT I have continued to work on those things post op and I’m really grateful for the time I had pre-op to help me get ready.

I’m beginning my 3rd week post op. So far I haven’t experienced “hunger” in the true sense of the word.

I have had head hunger/cravings twice since my pre-op diet… both were when I had access to those foods (my kids birthday party and treats brought home from a fantasy football party) and they have taken me a little to work through, because it’s usually for things that would derail me if I had them right now. I’m happy to report I did not give in to the cravings.

I have some mornings where I wake up feeling unsettled. If I wait to long to eat I don’t feel well (but if I eat to early I don’t feel well) - so those mornings I’ll start the day with 1/2 a shake (one full shake is to much right now) .

That allows me the time to get ready for my day, take my meds & let them kick in and give me time to work on my Water before having something to eat around 10:30.

Since I don’t feel hungry - I try to work around a schedule for eating and drinking to help meet my goals.

I tend to eat more than I should (by a bite or two) and then feel uncomfortable or my stomach hurts - if I don’t plan or eat mindfully… but it’s getting easier with experience and time (and I imagine that will continue).

Congratulations!!! What a wonderful and inspiring post. Thank you for sharing!

On 08/30/2022 at 18:50, SymphonyOfDreams said:

My first required nutritionist visit. Their take:

Given the high risk nutrition behaviors as described above, pt does not seem nutritionally appropriate for surgery. Recommend 4 months of individual RD visits to improve the patient's chance of success after surgery. If the Patient chooses to pursue the recommended RD visits outside of The Ohio State University Comprehensive Weight Management Clinic; a return visit for a dietary re-evaluation is required to assess whether changes have been made to address the high risk behaviors indicated above

Complete bummer. But I guess I was expecting up to 6 months of supervised diet as an insurance requirement, so maybe this is not a bad thing.

In my experience and opinion, take this as a good thing and the time to address any issues that might trip you up. The surgery can be a great tool, but the head hunger and the psychological component is equally important.

A pass on to surgery with no real guidance was a big red flag and one of the reasons I left my first program. Without that guidance I didn’t think I could be successful. My new program had the guidance and support I felt I needed to be more successful.

Mine was a three month program and there were times I wish it had been 6. I managed to get everything in… and feel fairly confident in my path.

Best of luck. That time will fly by!!!

On 08/30/2022 at 15:58, Sunnyer said:

i never wore a binder and this incision has not hurt until yesterday. It's just so weird to get a new type of pain three weeks after the surgery.

I did email a nurse at the hospital, and she sent me a reply with more questions. I replied to her, but they're closed now. It's not acute pain, just a sting now and then, and when I lean forward etc. I don't have a fever or increased heartbeat, so it's probably not that serious.

It’s best to check with them just to be safe… but it probably isn’t anything to worry about. Hope you get some answers and relief tomorrow.

Pre op and post op I had different things I could eat. After surgery I could have Soups - purred and strained, and they helped a lot. I was also allowed juice (no sugar added) and I made popsicles out of them. Yogurt on occasion (but I have to limit my dairy)

I’ve been trying to layer things to make Protein packed foods.

Like:
chicken, eggs, nonfat yogurt & Mayo

Refried Beans, cheese, sour cream & non fat yogurt.

I mix it up about a cup at a time and nibble it for a protein boost.

I also found things like RealGood brand frozen food (grain free / gluten free) that taste great and have 25-32 of protein in them.

I also split my shakes in half (not drinking them all at once. And space them through the day.

On 08/30/2022 at 11:59, Sunnyer said:

Is it normal to feel pain three weeks after gastric sleeve surgery? I have been relatively pain free after the first week, but today and yesterday I've had aches and pain in one of my incision sites and also in general around my midsection.

Is this normal, or should I have it looked at?

I have some small seromas that are sore on my main incision. I have been using ice and heat on the area (was told they are normal and as long as they aren’t showing signs of infection not to worry).

The heat and ice helps a lot. That incisions the one that’s been tender from day one so I’m just rolling with it. Occasionally I take some Tylenol.

My binder is getting a bit loose even pulled tight so I’m not wearing it as much but it does tend to feel better when I wear it. It’s just been super hot with it on and the warmer weather.

I’d check with your dr to make sure they don’t want to see you and to see what they say.

I’ve been in a stall for the last week - with a calorie deficit. But I know it’s my body reacting to not meeting my goals and being too pooped really do anything because of the lack of calories.

Hang on - we will move again. Just be patient (that is what I keep telling myself).

I lost about 50 prior to my liquid diet and another 10 on that. I noticed in how my cloth fit, especially my waist band (big gaps). And then how shirts fit (arms and shoulders). I lost another 23 the first week post surgery and see it in my face. But I noticed this week my bra cups have more room… so it seems to be coming off all over.

I was in my second week (today is day 1 of week 3) and I’m seemingly in a stall.

I had been loosing up to my liquid diet (small amounts). Lost about 10 (despite starting my period the night before surgery) in the pre-op liquid diet. Then I lost 23 pounds my first week. Once I started purées I found it harder to make protein/calorie/water goals and I hit a stall. So I’m hoping that I can get out of that stall soon.

I hear the first month is the biggest loss and the first 3 months are when you see your most progress so hopefully I will get back on track soon.

So the other day I was not having a good day. I just was super tired. I’ve been struggling to meet my goals - I think I’m in a stall and I was just feeling not great.

There were ice cream and Cookies in the house due to leftovers from a fantasy football coming home.

I really wanted just a bit - but I knew that I shouldn’t. My husband - very sweetly said “I love you and I don’t want you to do anything to derail your progress… if you need me to, I’ll get rid of them”. (He asked me if he should bring them home and I said yea because the kids had friends over - so I knew they would eat them.

I know that was hard for him (he never wants to tell me no about anything.) - but that kinda snapped me out of my head hunger and I’ve haven’t had any issue being around the Snacks since.

It felt good to know I have his support and he will help me when I need it. And it’s awesome to know that I can can resist temptation and make good choices when I am faced with temptation - not because I “have to” but because I want to.

Not quite 2 weeks out and have been dealing with this also. Keep hydrated and moving. It helps. I was regularly taking Miralax, alone it didn’t do much. Used a dulcolax suppository and that helped a little. Added in Colace (two in the morning and one in the evening). That’s helping a little.

Once I got to purée I took oatmeal and blended it with either a fruit cup or applesauce to increase my Fiber.

Things are moving slowly…. But kinda moving.

I have some small capsules I take ok as is (my Vitamin D) … and smaller pills that go down ok.

Most of my supplements and Vitamins are chewable though. They were easier for me

I think I know what’s going on and I just wanted to check in to see if this sounds like others experience.

I lost about 10 pounds pre-op liquid (despite getting my period the day before surgery). I had also been loosing weight prior to starting the liquid diet. The first week after surgery I dropped 23 pounds! I started purées This past Wednesday and I’ve been struggling with my Protein goals and my calories are a little low - trying to make sure I stay hydrated has been my priority and I’m having trouble getting it all

I haven’t really lost any weight since starting purées, but I’m assuming the big drop initially and not hitting protein and calorie goals - my body is in a stall until I can work that out. Does that sound right?

I’m hoping as I go through the next week - I can adjust and see some movement. I’m trying not to stress about it because I know this can happen - I just wasn’t expecting it quite yet.

Any advice?

On 08/26/2022 at 11:30, brenergonc said:

so, as of now, i am not taking any Vitamin supplements whatsoever, and i'm 10 days post op.

my surgeon says that 4 weeks after the surgery, i'll have to do a blood test to see what i'm lacking then to suplement it.

i have no issue with that, it's very rational imo, but i've never heard it be done that way in forums or YouTube videos. everyone just talks about how important it is to take the supplements, yet here am i not taking a single pill, and i'm doing well.

is anyone experiencing / has experienced this same protocol?

In my program I started my multi, Vitamin b & d but I’m suppose to wait until my blood work and followup to start my Calcium.

I know I have low D, I was taking the B before my bariatric consult and I started the multi before my surgery (with ok) to make sure I could tolerate it.

My plan is very balanced and does include carbs, but I have to measure and track or it can get out of wack quickly.

I focus on Proteins first, then veggies and carbs.

My goal is 75 or more grams of Protein per day. More than 64 oz of Water and a calorie goal between 800-1200.

I had sleeve and a hernia repair. I also had mild reflux symptoms since Nov 2020 that was being treated with meds 2x a day.

I asked my surgeon why sleeve, since I had reflux prior - why not bypass. She felt my reflux, being relatively recent and mild, would be addressed by my hernia repair.

She explained her reasons for suggesting sleeve over bypass for me, all which made sense with her explanation so I went with her recommendation.

I’m less than 2 weeks out but so far I’m very happy with my decision.

On 08/26/2022 at 17:54, karakent said:

Oh my goodness I was watching some TV and drinking a Protein Shake and I definitely over did it. Too much, too fast. It was soooo painful. And I think I experienced my first instance of dumping. I’m telling you guys my entire system rejected that shake. I really hope that never ever happens again!

Oh no! That doesn’t sound comfortable either! Now I’m watching the clock waiting for time to pass so I can drink again.

Ugh … it’s VERY warm here and I was working in a room without ac, so I’ve been pushing Water. I stopped to eat and wasn’t thinking and took a drink! That didn’t feel great. It wasn’t a lot but enough to not sit well.

I’m patient trying to wait and hope that it will settle, hoping it wasn’t enough to flush my stomach.

That’s a mistake I won’t soon make again (I hope).

Everyone is different, but this is my experience.

I was given meds before surgery to help with after. Immediately after surgery I had gas pain, as expected. It was notable, but manageable and it disappeared quickly.

In the hospital they gave me a muscle relaxer (made me sleepy), medicine for nerve pain (had that for three days post release), and Tylenol. I also woke up from surgery with a binder on.

I was walking and moving pretty easily that day, I was sore… but honestly once the gas pain dissipated, it was really manageable. I was there over night, and walking pretty normally by discharge.

I’d say I mostly had discomfort - certainly pain if I moved around to quickly (bend or reach) but it was not sustained.

I also used heat packs in the hospital and shortly after - and ice packs on my incision where my stomach came out and over areas of the nerve pain.

Today I’m 10 days out… I still experience some mild nerve pain (but not bad at all). Of my 5 incisions, only the one where the removal was is at all tender around the incisions area - but that’s more of an intense bruise feeling. I still wear my binder as it helps keep the skin pulling but I carry a lot of my weight in my abdomen. I take Tylenol occasionally - but really needed all the time.

On 08/24/2022 at 15:37, Doodles603 said:

Sounds good! The Protein count seems a little high though. It calculates to only 35g in my app. I just don’t want you being low on Protein.



I am going to try this recipe next week though!!

Edit that recipe - to boost the protein I had 4.8 oz of chicken in that - not 3. That was my fault. I started with 3 and added more and forgot. 4.8 I think is the “serving” amount from that can.

08/24/2022 03:37 PM, Doodles603 said:

Sounds good! The Protein count seems a little high though. It calculates to only 35g in my app. I just don’t want you being low on Protein.



I am going to try this recipe next week though!!

Thank you, I’ll double check my labels and the Baritastic App. I used members mark Canned chicken, good & gather brand non-fat Greek yogurt and used the gram weight of the eggs rather than large, med. I noticed there are some Protein gram diffrences between brands so I’m not sure if it is that or something else - but it’s a good point to verify those numbers. It really was yummy, I hope you like it!!