Tiffykins

Many congrats ! ! !

No, liquids go through fairly quickly. If you're worried because you can take more in than others, don't fret. If you're worried because you aren't full, stop worrying. You may heal faster, and not have as much swelling as others. That sometimes happens and people can get more in. Liquids go right through especially if you don't have a lot of swelling. You're stomach nerves have also been severed, so you aren't going to get a full signal early out especially if you are sipping, and not gulping down your liquids.

I didn't see any major changes in the mirror for awhile. I started out pretty big for a short chick, so it took a lot for me to "see" big changes. I saw changes in my face, no double chin with about 30 pounds gone, my cheeks were thinner, etc. The first time I really saw a "skinny" person was once I got close to goal which was 120lbs lost from my highest. It finally clicked for me. Still to this day, I reach for L and XL shirts, even though I typically wear a small. I still reach for 10s and 12s even though I wear a 4-6. I still go for baggy, hiding clothes, even though I don't have a lot to hide. I'm not sure when my 270lb brain will catch up with my 123lb body. I wouldn't buy clothes until my current size was practically falling off me. But, I felt great shopping for normal sized clothes. I am much more critical of my appearance now than I was when I was fat. Every little dimple, wrinkle, imperfection is noted, and I nitpick myself. It's a mental battle, but I'm learning to relish all the little things. Ya know fitting into any restaurant booth, flying comfortable with room in the seat on each side of my thighs, walking around the mall for hours and not hurting or huffing puffing. Those are the things that make all the other stuff worth it.

Contact your surgeon for specifics. That's the safest bet a lot of docs don't want anything more than walking for a few weeks post-op, some allow other stuff. Your surgeon will know best based on your specifics.

It was difficult for me to rid my closet of my fat clothes, and I finally did my last purge a couple of weeks ago. I had held onto stuff and I don't know why, but I hated giving up such a huge part of my identity. I did save one shirt that was a size 22/24W, and had it taken in. It is now a dress. I wear it with footless tights, and I get complimented on it all the time. It literally comes down to my mid-thigh, and I don't have to wear tights with it, but if I bend over, everyone would get a free show. I donated most of my business casual suits, and clothes to the local woman's shelter that has a job assistance program. Most of the women do not have clothes to wear to interviews because they left an abusive marriage so quickly, and/or can not afford to even buy used. They were so very appreciative of the donations. I took down 4/39 gallon lawn and leaf bags in hopes that they would be able to use them. I donated my casual stuff to Goodwill, and to a mission store as well. I promise once you get rid of all that stuff, you'll feel great. Maybe a little sad for a bit, but once your closet starts getting stocked up with new smaller stuff, you won't even feel any love lost.

As long as you have your receipt, they'll take back any product purchased in their store, even if it's opened.

I got this funky, twinge in my stomach 1-2 hours after eating. It took almost 6 weeks for me to recognize these as symptoms. It was kind of like a false hunger pang. Mine never escalated to any burning, heartburn, true pain, or discomfort, it was just weird. I had a f/u a few days after it started. Had talked to some vets out there, and they all told me to get on something. Prescribed Prilosec 20mg once daily, and haven't had any issues since.

Sometimes, once we move off full liquids, and onto mushies, we're not getting as much Fluid from the foods like puddings, jellos, yogurts etc. If you can puree your food with an immersion blender, mini food processor or mush it with a food really well, that may help. I added 2Tbsp of miracle whip for every 2ounces of chicken or tuna, that made it moist, and I chewed, chewed, and it helped things go down. Mild dehydration can cause some nausea also. Thank you for the sweet comments. Just hang in there, and if you have to stick with full liquids for a couple of extra days, you'll be okay. Don't push your tummy, it'll tell you when it's ready. Maybe try 1 meal a day with soft solids, and the other 2-3 meals (whatever your program calls for) stick to more thick liquid stuff. I promise it gets easier.

This is the plan. If you'll click on the blue link in my first post it will explain everything in detail, but here is the 5 day plan. Days One & Two: liquid Protein low-carb Protein shakes, broth, clear or cream Soups, sugar-free Gelatin and pudding. Read more. Day 3: Soft Protein canned fish (tuna or salmon) eggs, fresh soft fish (tilapia, sole, orange roughy. Read more. Day 4: Firm Protein ground meat (turkey, beef, chicken, lamb), shellfish, scallops, lobster, fresh salmon or halibut. Read more. Day 5: Solid Protein white meat poultry, beef steak , pork, lamb, wild game Read more.

Chicken/egg/tuna salad Refried Beans with cheese deli meat with cream cheese rolled up inside Make sure you're measuring your portions, and chew, chew, chew. Nausea sucks, and makes you feel horrible and not want to eat. Are you getting in enough fluids? Have you been able to identify if it's certain foods that make you sick, or is it everything? Are you vomitting or just nauseated?

What type of eating issues are you having?

Woohoo that's awesome ! ! !

Awwww thank you bunches. As for the arms, mine are still flabby, and jiggly. I have an aversion to armpits so you won't ever catch me in anything sleeveless or a tank top. They are shrinking, but it'll take awhile for them to shrink up. My neighbor had bypass about 6-7 years ago, lost 160lbs(she's been able to keep it all off)and she said around the 4 year mark her arms slimmed down significantly. She just lifted dumbbells, and not religiously or anything. Her arms look great, and don't jiggle at all. So, I do have hope because we started with the same stats. My arms weren't too big to begin with, but they are icky looking with the wrinkly skin. These are the exercises I do with 5,8, and 10 pound dumbbells. Google or youtube these for a good explanation on them. On the youtube, watch a few of each exercise. Some people do them a little differently, find a technique that you are comfy with so you don't get frustrated. If any of them say to use a bar, you can change the bar to dumbbells and get the same results. 1) Skullcrushers (Triceps) Don't let the name scare ya. 2) Bicep Curls 3) Bench dips (triceps and chest) this one hurts just to let ya know, I love it, but it hurts at first. 4)Preacher Curls (I hate it, but they work) Those are the 4 main ones that I do. I love weight training. But, don't get discouraged if you stall. As you build muscle, it tears the tissue, and to repair, the muscle needs Water, so we'll retain a little water while the body adjusts. :thumbup1: You'll still be burning fat, and losing inches so don't panic. Thank you to everyone else as well. I'm so glad that I get to share my experience with people that understand.

Any of the ones with fruit are going to be higher in carbs because of the natural sugar in the fruit. I like the Chobani, they have fruit and this evaporated cane juice as a sweetener, but I like them and I need the carbs. But, during the losing stage, it was the straight non-fat, plain flavored with sugar free stuff in them to keep the carb count low.

I think it's great that you've recognized your triggers. If you don't want to share with me publicly, please message me. But, do you feel like you're sabotaging yourself because you don't feel like you deserve to be happy, and "skinny" and/or you aren't worthy of the positive attention you're getting? I just want you to know I have struggled with this several times through my adult life especially the last year. I have not really shared it because really who wants to hear me talk about my self-doubt. But, I had to reign in my little "treats" because they were becoming daily treats because I could do it, and not see a gain. But, I realized quickly that not gaining weight is a great thing, but would that really help me resolve my inner demons with what I think I'm really worth? My issues don't really come from being fat, it's from what I was told as an adolescent, teenager and young adult. Ya know the whole alcoholic, abusive father stuff, he reminded me that I'd never amount to anything. So, it's left deep scars, but I found coping skills, and in my mind and heart I know that it's not true. It doesn't change that my dad told me that for years, and ruined my self-worth. You'll be able to find new coping skills, and other things that bring you happiness. I've heard that book, if it's the Women, food and God book, is a fabulous read. But it can bring a lot of emotions to the forefront that we can't deny anymore. I've procrastinated in checking it out from the library, but maybe I need to get it. If you ever wanna talk, message me.

Check the recipe section on here, I just posted an enormous list of Protein recipes. Hang in there, it'll get better. . .

I am having horrific allergies and sinus issues. I normally have zero issue resolving these problems with Zyrtec once a day. However, for the last 5 days, I have been miserable. It started Thursday night just a tickle in my throat and itchy eyes. Started taking meds immediately. By Saturday, BAM, full blown sinus drainage, cough, ickiness, fever. Fever has been gone since Sunday night. Anyways, I am going to call my PCP tomorrow for an appointment. But, I wanted to find out anyone's personal experience post-op with Flonase or Nasonex. I used both of these in the past pre-op, and I know our stomachs have zero medication restrictions. My sleeve fills up with mucus which doesn't move quickly thus causing me discomfort with eating anything of substance for the last 3 days. I don't want to cause any further issues because inevitably nasal spray will run down the back of my throat just like the nasty sinus drainage. I just want to know if anyone has any experience using either of these products post-op?

Excellent news ! ! ! Great job on your loss, and your walking. . . All this prep work is going to work in your favor once you get your sleeve.

Quality control tech for my recliner LOL. No, in all seriousness, I'm a stay at home mom/wife. But, I'm a licensed insurance agent, and have only been SAHM/W for the last year. I'll go back to work at some point, but for right now, I enjoy my current situation for the most part.

2oz every 15 minutes was my guideline. It wasn't always easy, but my goal was 8oz per hour. If we're awake for 8 hours, in theory, we should be able to hit our 64oz of liquids per day.

Thanks for the suggestion Lily. I've tried the netti pot. Unfortunately, I just can't do it. I almost drown myself, it's not pretty, it would be pretty hilarious if you were watching me on video.

I affectionately call Isopure, Isopuke. That stuff made me so sick. The funky floating, slimy pieces of whey made it even worse. I tried, and tried, and gave up. I love Gatorade, but that stuff post-op was disgusting.

The one I use is Oikos which is actually made by Stonyfield. The biggest difference is Sugar, Carbs, and Protein counts. Serving Size 1 cup (227g)Amount Per Serving 2 Calories 130Calories from Fat 0 % Daily Value* Total Fat 0g0%Trans Fat 0gSat Fat 0g0%Cholesterol 0mg0% Sodium 95mg 4%Potassium 350mg 10%Total Carbohydrate 9g 3%Dietary Fiber 0g 0%Sugars 9g Protein 23g46% Vitamin A 0% Vitamin C 0% Calcium 30% Iron 0% Thiamin 8% Riboflavin 30% Vitamin B6 4% Vitamin B12 20% Pantothenic Acid 12% Phosphorus 30% Magnesium 6% *Percent Daily Values are based on a The Stonyfield product that I could find closest in description to the Oikos I use. Nutrition Facts Stonyfield Farms Organic Yogurt - Non Fat Plain Fat Free Plain Servings: 1 cup 1 container (4 cups ea.) Calories110Sodium160 mgTotal Fat0 gPotassium540 mgSaturated0 gTotal Carbs15 gPolyunsaturated0 gDietary Fiber0 gMonounsaturated0 gSugars15 gTrans0 gProtein10 gCholesterol0 mg Vitamin A0%Calcium40%Vitamin C0%Iron0% Those are the two that I found. It's apparently how the Greek yogurt is strained from what I've read, but I'm not positive.

There is one that has had the procedure, and she's posted her story. I think she had a bad band, and didn't want to go as drastic with sleeve. http://verticalsleevetalk.com/band-sleeve-revisions/3963-band-gastric-imbrecation-need-help.html Personally, I'm not convinced. I'd like to see ghrelin level tests similar to what they've done with RNY and Band vs. Sleeve ghrelin levels. It states Ghrelin is "suppressed", but I'm curious if it's suppressed by satiety achieved quicker due to the restriction, and how long does it last. Since the fundus is left intact, the tissue is alive, and producing Ghrelin. A lot of band patients say they are never hungry like they were before surgery. So, I'm interested to see actual ghrelin plasma levels at 3, 6, 12, 24 and 36 months. My comfort with the VSG was the fact it's stage 1 of the DS which has been done forever. Plus, gastrectomies in general for cancer and ulcer patients. I don't see anything super about it. Just me personally, I think it's a great option if that is what someone wants, but I went into weight loss surgery for the long haul. Not with the mindset of having something reversed.

I personally would take something closer to the Adult Gummy and try to find one that does have Iron. B12 is recommended if you are on a PPI/acid reducer. They have sublingual ones that taste like cherry, you stick it under your tongue, it dissolves and your done. The big issue is that we are losing so fast, things are running through our bodies and liver, and we aren't taking in large amounts of Vitamin rich foods that taking a good quality vitamin will help keep you from becoming deficient, or your body having to play catch up. There's more than Iron, Vitamin A, D, B and C that we need. Folic acid, copper, selenium, Riboflavin, Niacin, etc etc are all essential for all of us. Plus, throw in there that most sleeve patients take a PPI (Nexium, Prilosec, Etc.) that can inhibit absorption of some very vital minerals and Vitamins. Not all vitamins and minerals are fat soluble, and while it may take me months to even a year to become deficient in a particular vitamin/mineral, I don't want to make my body work any harder. Losing fast is great, but don't forget that it can be very tasking on our bodies, livers, hair and skin. Just my 2cents.