Malaika

Carrie - First off, welcome to VST; we're very happy to have you join us! A stall at 2 weeks is possible - it depends on what you are eating. I had a stall once I started on mushies - which was about 3 weeks after surgery. I'm not 5.5 months out and have had one or two other stalls; however, even if the scale isn't budging, the inches seem to be melting off. Take your measurements and when you get discouraged because the scale isn't moving, take them again - I BET you'll see inches lost. Hang in there and don't get discouraged -- the majority of us have at one time or another had our doubts that this surgery would work for us if we worked the tool -- IT WILL WORK!

Mona - - what you're going through is totally normal -- everyone has what if's ... just focus on today - one day at a time, one hour at a time - don't worry about the future - it's not here yet and no need to waste energy worrying about something that you can't control - worry about what you can control TODAY and TODAY only ... stick to your post-op diet and you'll be fine. Hugs, Vegas

Joon - sorry I am not able to answer your question about not being able to fart -- I didn't have that trouble at all. I know they were constantly asking me if I was "passing gas" and the answer was always a "oh yeah!" ... ask one of the doctors about it. As for your Sunday night dinner, I am sure it will make an appearance shortly -- mine showed up 2 days after I got home - be prepared and don't make the mistake of thinking it's a "fart" when it's actually something else -- also, don't be alarmed by the color - it's due to the blue dye and the bile in your system -- thus the term "peacock poop"

Artteacher - you should be getting in between 600-800 calories, 70 gms of Protein and less than 30 gms of carbs-- however, when I was on the liquid stages (clear and full) there was no way I could get in the "recommended" amount of anything. Right now, focus on staying hydrated and getting in as much protein as you can - the rest will come with time. I wasn't able to tolerate any of the Protein drinks - including the nectar, except the unflavored which I tried to add to whatever I could. Egg drop soup should be okay for you, as the egg "streams" are so fine that you can hardly tell it's egg (at least the one that I made and posted recipe) Hang in there, each day will get easier. Have a Happy Thanksgiving.

Susie - Welcome to VST, we're glad to have you. Congratulations on your upcoming revision surgery. I can't speak toward the band, as I was a "virgin" sleever (been a long time since I was able to use the word virgin :lol0:); however there are many in the family that have had revision and have nothing but great things to say about the sleeve. You will succeed with the sleeve - BELIEVE IT - ACHIEVE IT!

GREAT idea Bob - I have about 7 pre-paid massages that I need to use - maybe I'll do that this weekend - they are definitely heavenly!

Chillihot - Welcome to the VST family and thank you for posting - we look forward to following your progress towards surgery and your progress after surgery -- we're here for you anytime you need us. Don't hesitate to ask if you have a question.

Rosebud2 - Drs. Aceves & Campos are going to be blown away when they see you!! Be sure to take pic okay???? And tell them both I say "HI"!

I did a high protein/low carb diet - goal was to stay under 30 gms of carbs a day - I drank protein drinks, ate Atkin protein bars, eggs, cheese, meat, etc. - Thankfully Dr. Aceves doesn't have his patients do an all liquid pre-op diet.

NewMom - thanks for letting us know you're feeling better ... glad you remembered that day 2 was the worst for most of us and pushed through it ... I imagine each day will get better for you from here on out. Glad Joon was there to keep your spirits up and to keep us posted on you.

I had days like that after surgery - not many, but a few. Now out 5.5 months, I seem to be on a more even keel. (((((((((((HUGS)))))))))))))

Joon - they have Christmas in July -- so why don't you have Thanksgiving in June (or is that Joon?) ... bet all the TG trimmings will be easier to find in June ... and you'll be on solids by then and able to enjoy tiny bits of all your favorites. Hmmm ... don't recall seeing any turkey-shaped jell-o during my shopping excursions ... maybe they can make you turkey broth Soup instead.

Sounds like you're doing fine - stick with your plan and your body will "get it" and start dropping the weight again - add in brisk walking when you can - get a exercise ball and do exercises in your home - Leslie Sansone has some great walking DVDs you do in your living room - and TRUST me - you will work up a sweat and burn calories.

Joon - you are too funny! You will see your new tummy today - and you will KNOW that it does't look like pictures of stomachs (normal) that you have seen in the past. It's a very interesting procedure ... and you'll get to take those pictures home, too, to share with whomever. My PCP was just in AWE - even called his nurse in to show her ... LOL. As for the gurgles, I seriously doubt it is your stomach growling from hunger, more likely it's a lot of air in there from surgery and the fact that you're adding liquids -- I had the gurgles for a long time - sometimes, still do, especially laying in bed and all is quiet -- Bearded and I sound like we're having a gurgling competition. My guess is the gurgling is playing with your head and making you "think" you are hungry. Stick with Dr. Aceves' post-diet plan and you'll be fine! Tell him Susan & Bob from Las Vegas say "HI"!

Joon - I got mine at Target, Albertson's and Wal-Mart - sometimes they are sold individually and sometimes in packs of 2 or 4. At first I was only able to eat a few bites, then 1/2 a can. They keep well, so would eat some at lunch one day and some at lunch the next day, or some for lunch and some for dinner. Luckily I am one that doesn't mind having the same thing for lunch several days in a row.

Bee - I absolutely LOVE your ticker!!!

Thank you Susan - I couldn't have said it better myself, so I will just reiterate what you have said and send my thanks out to all of you as well. Have a safe and Happy Thanksgiving!

Angela - at 1 WEEK OUT, I was on clear liquids (for 10 days), then full liquids for 10 days, then mushies for 10 days, then food as tolerated. If your doctor gave you yogurt in the hospital and you've eaten all the things you have eaten and haven't had any pain or nauseau, I seriously doubt you've caused any damage to your stomach. I would say continue on your program the way you are being careful to eat soft/blended/non-spicy foods for at least another 3-4 weeks. it sounds from all that you've said that your body is adjusting fine to your new diet. I am sure you have not sabotaged your weight loss now or in the future, IMO.

JoAnne - so glad to hear that you are doing well and are on the road to recovery ... if you can find a way to divert that rain to Las Vegas, we'd be happy to take it ... can't even remember the last time it rained here. I wish you and your family a healthy and happy Thanksgiving. Keep us posted on your progress...each day will get better and better.

Daisy - No, he still has a sweet tooth - he has to have his blood drawn next week and hopefully they are going to check his Vit. D levels. Thankfully SF popsicles seem to satisfy the sweet cravings (most of the time)

Thinoneday - Happy Thanksgiving and Merry Christmas - we will be happy when you come back to us and post a surgery date. We will miss you in the interim!

Longhorn - I've tried to eat a hamburger a few times when we've had the family over for a cookout and haven't had very good luck getting it down - maybe 1/2 if I'm lucky. It's so dense that it doesn't take much to fill me up. I prefer ground beef with taco seasoning or manwich ... last night for dinner we had a small baked potato with manwich on it (as I don't eat bread and Bearded tries to limit his intake) - it was quite taste and because it wasn't so dense, it went down easier. I haven't tried BBQ and never really cared for fried chicken, so can't help you out there. It will be a matter of trial by error once you get off liquids and onto solid foods. I am sure you'll be able to have some "MAN Foods" but you might find you're just as happy with "CHICK" foods too.

Ash that is great - did you take pictures? Thanks for sharing - so happy for you!

WOO HOO -- isn't that an awesome feeling Deedee? Congrats!!!!

Gingin - I hope antibiotics help too - the alternative doesn't sound like fun. Keep us posted!