JoiaRox

Everyone's completely different, and much of your journey will depend on your starting weight, genes, recovery speed, etc. Personally, I lost 10 pounds in my 10 day pre-op diet, then another 15-ish in the first 10 days post-op. Tomorrow will be four weeks since my surgery and I haven't lost a pound in almost 3 weeks. Bodies take time to adjust, and we all have our different pace in the race!

If you have the same insurance, that's probably a good guess. I didn't have to, with either my band or sleeve - two different insurances, but every insurance is different! I just lucked out

Depends on a couple of major things: 1. Your insurance company's policies. 2. Whether or not your doctor will do a revision all at once, or will require you to do it in two, separate surgeries. My insurance covered my band removal in March, and my doctor wanted me to wait 3 months before sleeving so that my stomach would heal - I had massive scarring and a heavily distorted stomach from living with a severe slip for 2+ years (long story as to why!). As soon as the band was removed, we began the process of getting insurance approval for the sleeve - at that point, I was considered a "new patient" in that I had to meet all of the WLS requirements as if I'd never had the LapBand. Luckily, the process was QUICK and didn't require too many hoops - I was sleeved exactly 11 weeks after my band was removed.

Hmmm...I'm almost 4 weeks out, but have been able to get down my Protein shakes, Greek yogurt, etc. pretty well - perhaps I'm not much help. Have you googled "Protein shake recipes?" There are some great ideas for making deLISH Protein Shakes in your blender - I find that adding ice, some flavorings, milk, etc. are the key to keeping it up! As for soft/puree foods, the amount I eat depends on what I'm eating, what else I've eaten in the day, etc. If your doctor is directing you to only eat 4t/meal, stick with that. I can eat (and do) much more than that, but the advice from my doctor was to listen to my body and do what I feel I can tolerate.

They definitely are - THEIR opinion of what has worked (or not) for the patients they treat. I know my doc reads a ton of medical journals (we often compare science - I'm a former high school science teacher), but I'd rather my doctor be comfortable with what goes in my body and how to treat my new tool than anyone online.

On the flip side, I could drink 24oz in an hour by Day 6 and have no problems with fluids now (almost 4 weeks out).

I'm currently in that stage - my main staples are Greek yogurt, Turkey chili w/no beans (higher protein), fat free refried beans with fat free shredded cheddar melted in and a variety of soups that sound good...anything that's chewable gets thrown into my Magic Bullet for a quick spin before I heat & eat!

I know; sorry if what I wrote made it sound otherwise - surely didn't mean it that way! For me, every day is a new step in the process...and every temptation brings a choice - victory or defeat. I focus on being positive and making good choices because, I know, this is what I need to do for me. Remind yourself of all of the reasons you did this - perhaps, make a list and hang it somewhere you'll see it frequently! Writing tends to be healing for me, so I appreciate being able to blog and utilize social media/groups to vent my frustrations, read about others' journeys, etc.

While I miss being able to eat/drink as much as my head wants to, I also recognize that there's no going back...so why waste energy on depression/sadness/crying?! Life's too short to dwell on things we can't change.

Thanks so much Rebecca! Looking forward to trying them

Congratulations, and welcome! Although a road trip is doable on Day 4, PLEASE know that you will be tired, low energy, etc. - and you'll need to prepare and plan for how to meet your liquid and nutrition needs while you are away! As long as you aren't planning an skydiving, or tons of walking, you'll be fine. Be sure to get out of the car periodically, though, to walk around - that's quite a drive!!

Had surgery June 7th and have been stalled for 2 weeks. TWO WEEKS. ::sigh:: I still get on the scale every morning. But, I guess an addiction to the scale is better than an addiction to food! Just wish my addiction would bring some happiness, even though my brain is fine with what's going on!

Yup, every doctor is different....consult with yours!

My carbonation is only restricted for the first thirty days, although I'll go super slow with a Diet Coke if I'm not too scared to try it then!

Everything varies by surgeon & insurance - from pre-op testing to post-op diets to procedure. Never fear, just keep doing what you're told!

Haven't heard back from the message I sent the OP yet, so I may be the odd woman out too (if someone private messaged here instead of replying here)! I'm happy to split the bars and, because I'm in a good mood, I'll pay all of her shipping costs to both of us!

Stage 2 for me was anything that didn't require chewing. Most days, I'm eating Greek yogurt, fat free refried beans (sometimes melt some fat free shredded cheese on top), mashed potatoes (not often - they're not the most nutritious pick!), turkey chili w/no beans (higher protein)...

I'll try them!!!

Don't know, but I have the Chocolate Splendor and love it, for what it's worth! Just finished some Chicken Soup as well (blended it with Cream of Chicken soup) - yum!

Sounds like you need to spend some time looking on the inside for what's going on...some ideas: 1. Track your food (use MyFitnessPal or similar free program online) to see what you're consuming, if you're not already. You MUST eat enough calories or your body won't lose - funny way of thinking, I know. Print out reports of your habits (or bring them up on your phone) to take to your doctor/NUT to discuss what you're doing and what you could be doing differently. 2. Focus on high Protein, at this point. If it doesn't have a good protein number, it doesn't belong in your mouth. You are HEALING - you can't afford to eat stuff that may go down easily or be a former fave food if you're sacrificing nutrition. 3. Get off your ass. Yes, I know that's harsh - but why choose to be weak and make excuses? Be stronger than your excuses. GO FOR A WALK. If you have a smartphone, download the "Couch to 5k" app to help motivate you toward a goal. Set a goal yourself outside of that - even mini-goals (i.e. take 10 minute walks 3x/day) are important. Share your goals with your support network (family, friends, Facebook, etc.) and Celebrate your accomplishments with them. SO MUCH of this journey is in your head - you have GOT to start conquering THAT, in whatever way works best for you, before you can expect results. Sure, the sleeve is a fantastic tool that forces a behavior modification (i.e. smaller portion sizes), but you've got to make the right choices in the kitchen AND the gym (figuratively - many don't "work out" at the gym) if you want to see results. This surgery was NOT a magic wand. If you were led to believe that, that's highly unfortunate. Take charge of this journey - because it's YOUR journey. No one else can do this for you!

What's stopping you from getting all of your Protein in? And, protein itself won't cause you NOT to lose weight - you need to make sure you're getting your fluids & Vitamins in, as well as your protein, to aid in healing and muscle rebuilding. THAT'S most important at this stage in your recovery process. Once you're healed, the weight will start to come off - it can't help itself!

I felt good at Day 6 (able to drink 24oz of Water in an hour) at my first pre-op appointment. Took my kitties to the vet on Day 7 (with my boyfriend along for the ride and to lift the kitty carriers). Went to a former boss' retirement party about 80 miles from my house on Day 8. I was exhausted quickly with all of these activities and continued to nap, sip, nap, sip. I returned to my desk job on Day 10 (including a 3+ hour commute)...and was flat wiped out by the end of that work week. I'm now 3.5 weeks out and my energy is still not what it was pre-op, but I'm sure part of it is the low calorie consumption! I will say, too, that I've been told I had a speedy, textbook recovery...and I still take it easy on myself every day. I know I'm not fully healed yet (the purees are a constant reminder!) and I know that I won't be for awhile. Like I said before, it gets infinitely better every day. Take it easy, take care of yourself and don't rush the process - long-lasting consequences can happen if you don't get your rest, fluids, Protein, etc. Your body will guide you

Breathe...it will get better, every day! Soon, this immediate period of post-op recovery will be a distant memory and you'll be elated when you step on the scale each week!

I asked at my most recent appointment (I'm 3.5 weeks out) and was told "I don't care how many calories you consume, or how much weight you lose! I want you to meet the protein, fluid & vitamin goals and heal!" The tool isn't fully healed, yet, so work on your minimum goals and the tool will be ready to rock before you know it!

Chew, chew, chew and go slow! It doesn't hurt, per say, but you will feel your stomach adjusting to the consistency. I can now eat purees almost like a normal person, but I've been doing them almost 2 weeks now