DownInSocal

My therapist has helped a lot. I don't mind the restriction so much. It was just a sudden change. I am so in tune with my stomach now I know if it is zigging when it usually zags. I look at it like it is doing the job!

I have a straight bar thing in my wedding ring. I don't know my ring size but it is has gone down by half. My finger looks funny in it now. I wanted to wait to have my ring resized because it is a chanel set.

My first thought is follow what your Dr. says. I have seen many schools of thought. I still don't swallow pills unless I have to. I crush, get liquid, or open them (if the pharmacist says it is ok). I take the Flinstones complete chewable everyday. I use liquid Tylenol if needed. I don't take ibeprofin. My personality is overly cautious though. I hated the feeling of pills sitting in my stomach before surgery so I doubt I would like it now. I don't want to risk irritating my stomach anyway. We get along fine. No need to rock the boat.

I have a body fat meter. I am kind of stuck and this weight but my body fat is still going down. Get off the scale. Our relationship with the scale is so unhealthy. Concentrate on meeting your goals for the day and see if you can afford a body fat meter. Mine was 9.99 or 19.99 and it is as accurate as the drs. office one. they are always within .1 of eachother. Have you had your thyroid and female hormones checked?

I have also lost a lot of hair. I would rather be thin and healthy though. My hair is everywhere. My coworkers know where I have been in the office because there is blonde hairs left behind. My new vac had an actual clog of blonde hairs when I first used it. Took me 20 mins to get it unclogged.

How long were you in surgery? 1.5 hours Did you have a private room post op? Nope but I didn't care How many days did you stay? 3 At the worst point, how would you rate your pain? (o-10 with 0 being the least amt of pain) right out of surgery - 7, esophagus spasms 6 What kind of pain killers did they use? Did they work? I had a morphine pump for the first 24 hours worked like a charm, Lortab (liquid vico) after that worked good, I also got valium for the spasms. What did you do to pass the time? (I don't like to sit for long and I will walk the hospital all day long if they let me) Watched movies on my itouch, walked, walked, and walked some more. What did you take for entertainment? Anything? iPod Touch and a book. I am trying to find out if my hospital has DVD players in our rooms. I would love to catch up on some movies and books! How did you pack and what would you leave at home if you were to do it over again? I would leave my fear at home. It was the best thing I ever did. Don't forget chapstick. My lips were so dry.

This sounds normal to me hon! I am 4.5 months out and I can only eat 4 ounces or so of anything. Early on you have to chew chew chew. Try weighing and only eating 3 ounces, waiting, and seeing how you feel. Some of that feeling is "full" and some might be food backing up into your esophagus. A sure sign you are eating too much/too fast.

Hi Deb. I also struggled with Protein. I would say worry about liquids right now. The protein part can come after you are settled in and heal a little. Your tummy is still so small! I didn't start meeting protein goals until Mid-October and still have issues some days. I am not saying it is ok just that it happens. I believe my protein misses has a lot to do with my hair loss coming a little early. You will make it through this time I promise.

The last 4 days my sleeve has been so tight. I don't get it. I can only eat like one or two ounces and I am full for hours. This is definate restriction, not just the full signal. I thought I was going to throw up for the first time today from being too full from two 1 ounce or so meatballs. Yesterday was 2 ounces of cottage cheese and I was done. I am 4.5 months out. I have been under a lot of stress in my personal life. I am wondering if anyone has their sleeve tighten from stress? It doesn't bother me but it is sudden and new.

Omg that might one of the smartest things I have ever seen posted on this board. Good idea!!!!!!!

I like that first one too. I also was thinking of getting a different do! You have inspired me to think more about it.

I am a lucky one. My stomach puts a "shot across my bow". It is a tinge right under my breastbone. I know I need to stop now. No if, ands, or butts. I bet you will get your own type of early warning later. It took about 3 months to develop mine.

I never got a card and still order off the child's menu. If they look hesitant I just say "I had a surgery and can only eat about 4 oz." They either understand or look scared I am going to sue them for discrimination and let me order. I have also been able to carry a Water bottle in all kinds of places by saying "I had a surgery that requires me to drink water all the time. I can't go X minutes without it." They back off. I even got in an art gallery with a water bottle.

I am cold often now also. I figure it is getting used to having less insulation. I complained to my Dr. and he is running a check on my thyroid just in case. I try and wear layers. Cliche I know but it really helps. A $4 tank top from Wally World under my shirt warms me right up. My feet on the other hand..... I have taken to putting a blanket over them at work. I have been known to wear the cheap $1 gloves at work. Slippery to type in though. For home I bought a heated matteress pad. That thing is like heaven.

Flintstones Complete. It has 100% of the Iron you need. I also take a Calcium suppliment when I remember. It is liquid. Flintstones Vitamins – Complete

Whoa! You are a stunning woman!

I am 4.5 months or so out and I can eat almost anything. If I try to eat fast I am in for it though. Also tough meats are hard to digest, I chew them well or avoid them. I can't eat most bun type breads. Out for me is burger buns, hot dog buns, subway sand style buns. That is ok I don't need the carbs anyway. Dry breads are ok in small amounts, like scones, a few Sun chips (I don't overdo it because they sit heavy in my stomach), a few crackers (same, heavy).

I also believe your carbs are too high. The drink Premier Nutrition's shake (available online and at Costco) and it has 5 grams carbs. You must get into and stay in ketosis (I believe) for at least the first 4 months after surgery. Your body will get good at burning those 60 grams of carbs and not touching your fat. If you stay at 800 cals and reduce your carbs you will lose weight. I promise. Don't lose hope. It is hard in a stall. Good Luck.

Well I talked to my doctor and since this is a new thing for me (just since surgery) he feels it is all hormonal. Estrogen stored in fat, shock to the body losing weight so fast, yada, yada. He offered to put me on birth control pills but felt since I didn't need them for birth control why take more pills? I agreed. I will wait it out and buy stock in Always.

I also never count calories. I am careful about liquid calories though. Half a small frosty goes down way too easy..... I figure as long as I am losing weight then I am good.

My period situation is a mess. I am actually visiting my doctor today about it. My cycle has gone from an always 28 days to 20-23 days. I flow now for 7 days, super heavy and rich red. Then I spot for a few days and then it is done. But when your cycle is only 20 days you spend half your life on your period! Ugh. I know hormones are all messed up after surgery. I am more going to the doctor to get reassured than anything. I will let you know what he says.

My best friend was on board and all for it. However my best friend is male and thin. You are doing this for yourself. You may find after surgery that your personal relationships change. Some of mine have changed a lot more than I ever expected. I think this friend might be afraid that after you get thin you won't want to hang out with someone fat. I would reassure her that your friendship will always be there but you are moving forward with surgery. Your friends comment was rude and hurtful. You may not need a "friend" like that anyway. Good luck.

OMG. That is great!!!!

That's great! I know wonderland was being elusive for you. You look so good.

I don't know how you are doing with the headaches but you may need to drink some sports drink. The calories in a few ounces won't hurt. You may need a little more calories in your post op diet. As far as the food advice. Just tell people "Thank you for your concern but I am following my surgeons instructions." if they are rude or pushy tell them to beat it. It is your body. Congrats on your new tummy!