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My surgery was Wednesday, and already, on Sunday, I'm feeling mostly human. I count myself very lucky!

I have been taking the nausea pills I was prescribed ("as needed" is what the bottle says) every morning, and I think that has helped me get closer and closer to my fluid goals. A pill is only good for 8 hours, though, so it isn't doing anything for me in the evenings, when I am still drinking fluids. Maybe I'll try to go without it tomorrow and see if I can.

Anyway, I'll hit 64 ounces for the first time today, my third full day home. I'm on track for 56 grams of protein, 57 if I go for Jello instead of popsicles, which obviously I'm going to do, now that I've said that.

With more distance, I'm able to report on something I've kind of glossed over in my other statuses ... I had some really rocky time while I was in the hospital. There were at least two hours in recovery where nobody checked on me, and my IV stopped--I felt very sick and dehydrated when they finally fixed it. (I was stuck in recovery through a shift change, and they wouldn't let my spouse back with me for something like 4 hours, because people's assigned rooms weren't ready yet, and not letting spouses join inpatient people in recovery is policy. That was terrible. My spouse complained to the nursing supervisors when he found out how I'd been (not) treated, and he never does that!)

Once I was in my room and had a working IV again, everything progressed OK. They didn't let me walk as quickly as I'd expected; I woke up the first time around 4pm, was in my room by 8pm, and didn't get to walk until around noon the next day, with the exception of trips to the in-room bathroom. The pain meds wrecked me almost as much as I expected (I feel like they added to queasiness, but I can't be sure; they definitely forced me to sleep, instead of really taking care of the pain, though, as I'd thought they might ... happily, the pain has been pretty manageable without them).

Home has been better. I've been pacing the main floor of the house roughly every hour. Once it cools off this evening, Spouse and I are going for a walk part of the way around the block, to see how that goes. (80+ degrees in October, ugh.) I feel a little lightheaded sometimes when I'm walking around, and I'm not sure what that's about. It felt enough like a sugar low, yesterday, that I dropped a single sugar cube into my tea (which my plan allows). That did seem to help. I haven't had to do it again today, happily.

Looking forward from here, I'm not forcing myself to go to class (3 hours, a half hour drive away) tomorrow or Tuesday night. The professor was nice, saying "you're the sort of person who would try, even if you feel bad and even though you're ahead on the material, so I am telling you to stay home." I feel like, if I keep on recovering at this pace, going to class the following week should be no problem for me, plus I should be able to work that Thursday and/or Friday. (I might ease in and try just Friday. Nothing I do at work is time-sensitive. I have a very unimportant job.)

I know from reading these forums, though, not to get too overconfident. So I'm still taking it pretty easy and focusing all of my energy on healing.

On day 3 of the pre-op liquid diet. As predicted, those days of low-carb beforehand probably made this all easier. I was foggy yesterday, but it could have been any number of things (the rain, chronic illness, low calories, or no caffeine). The hunger has been there, but not totally unmanageable (I say, having eaten 8 servings of sugar-free jello in three days, because that's on my "unlimited" list and it fills in nicely around the shakes). Maybe it's because I've been sleeping so much this week, though--I'm not awake long enough to be hungry 😂

I gave in and had one bag of caffeinated tea today. Don't look at me like that--my surgeon allows up to 16 ounces of coffee or tea per day, at all points during our program. I was only cutting it out because I don't much want headaches when I'm healing from surgery. I do, however, find that I need a little bit of caffeine to do my homework. Maybe not every week, but this week we're doing ... complicated things you all don't care about.

Cutting down from the amount of coffee I was having to one bag of tea is still something I'm proud of. And the headaches I get when I skip it are manageable enough that I'm not stressed about this one thing, post-op, anymore. (I maybe can't concentrate like I'd like to, but I can read and go on walks!)

Anyway, three days (almost) down, three more to go, then one of only clear liquids (jello, broth, and protein water), and then the big day! ... And then probably several more weeks of liquids only, but I'm not focusing on that right now. 😁

Hi Everyone,

I'm in my 3rd week post-op and have had a very rough time.  I am still on clear liquids as protein shakes and protein drinks make me hurl!!! I've also had a pretty bad case of the foamies.  I'm finding myself with terrible food envy.  Folks bringing their lunch to their desks is driving me insane.  However, today is the first day I feel like I will get all of my fluids in.  That's a plus.  And 30 pounds gone since pre-op is also a bonus.  

I ate like a normal person yesterday!!!

I was at an all-day training where they provided breakfast and lunch. Since I didn't know what they would be serving, I packed my little cooler with a protein bar, yogurt and a fruit cup. I didn't need it, woohoo! One of the breakfast options was a yogurt parfait and at the lunch buffet they had (in addition to a bunch of stuff I couldn't eat) salmon patties, a squash medley, and orzo. They had fruit cups for the afternoon snack! I was so excited to eat what other people ate! I admit, I did eat some sweets, too. But overall, what a good day!

Correction on my surgery date: it is September 6th, not 4th. I'm currently doing the 4-week pre-op diet, limited to less than 800 calories with greater than 90g protein. I've got this!

This weekend I found it difficult to write/journal anything with my dear soon to be 2 year old running around and keeping me busy. I have quite a few shakes to write about since Friday.

Friday's continuation of lunch was the Syntrax Nectar Crystal Sky. I'd give this a 4. Reminded me of Kool-aid. Not too shabby and kept me full. 

For dinner Friday I had my left overs of baked chicken, sauteed spinach with olive oil and garlic and steamed broccoli, potatoes and cauliflower. 

For my pm snack, I had the Syntrax Nectar Wild Grape. I blended it with PB2. I should have just had it plain.  I think it would have tasted so much better. In my head  I figured it would have tasted like a pb and jam sandwich. Because of my experiment, I gave it a 2 and 1/2. LOL.

Saturday morning I tried the Syntrax Nectar Cappuccino latte with pb2. Not bad. Some of these Syntrax latte's have that sweet after taste even though they say they are aspartame free. I have no idea what it is but I'm not a fan. The PB2 or banana kind of takes that away.

Hubs took me to see a movie and my n-laws watched our son. I didn't think ahead so I grabbed a smoothie at the Jamba Juice to stay hydrated. I could have totally snuck in my own shake or drank water but I was tending to my son's needs ahead of mine. I need to learn to make more time for myself. I do have anxiety and this kicks in right before we leave to go out whether it's the family or just me and my hubs. My mother-n-law and father- n law are great with my son but sometimes they don't listen to instructions I give them and thus causes the anxiety to come out. Ugh. Anyway, back to it....

So this Jamba Juice I had ordered was the PB Banana Protein and MAN did it have ALOT OF SUGAR IN IT. I should have made my own but I'm only human right....Yes, It was tasty but a medium size with 34g of protein, okay......58g carbs, 23g fat and ....eekk....49g of sugar .

Not, the best choice. Again, I'm only human but I need to really research my nutrition info. before just looking up and seeing "oh protein, that's what I need, I'll take that, please" on the big board of what looks good.

For dinner, I had a hoagie bowl from my local Wawa which was grilled chicken (all 3 stripes of it ) REALLY?!  packed with veggies and some honey mustard dressing. 

Breakfast Sunday morning was Syntrax Nectar Strawberry Mousse. I swapped out water with almond milk and added 1/2 a banana. That was a 5 for sure! Very tasty!

Lunch I tried the Syntrax Nectar Caribbean Cooler with almond milk and 1 banana. Tasted just like a daiquiri. So good. One of my favorites so far! 5!!!!

Dinner I made turkey chili. Very good! High protein and so good!

Breakfast this morning, I tried the Syntrax Nectar Vanilla Latte with 1 banana and almond milk. Bit of an after taste again. I need to find out what the hell that is. Again, all of these protein shakes are aspartame free yet, I have this horrible sugary, "sweet-n-lowy" kind of after taste. I give this one a 3.  

Continuing the taste test of the Syntrax Nectar line, I tried the Fuzzy Navel yesterday for lunch. On the scale of 1 to 5, I'd give it a solid 4! When blended with too much ice, it becomes too frothy but still pretty good nonetheless. Last night I ate my meal of baked chicken, spinach and garlic sauteed in olive oil (drool) and a side of a steamed bag of broccoli, potatoes and cauliflower. It was all very yummy! I had plenty left over from me and my husband so I will have that tonight for dinner when he goes to work his part time job and I will be home alone with my son. 

This morning, I had the Syntrax Nectar Chocolate Truffle. It was meh, standard chocolate protein shake but not the grit. I'd give it a 3.5. I finished it at work and was immediately hungry so I made another about 1.5 hours later, my (snack). I tried the Syntrax Nectar Lemon Tea. I was so hesitant but to my surprise it was very tasty, just like crystal light. I give this one a 5! Very pleased. 

If anyone is interested I've created a meal plan that have been inspired by other plans and changed to my personal preferences. It's 7 meals 2 hours apart with 10oz of water in between each. 

Calories: 1,400
Protein: 141 grams
Carbs: 128 grams
Fiber: 34 grams
Sugars: 26 grams
Fat: 39 grams 

8:00am MEAL #1: ! scrambled egg with 3 oz chicken and 1 thin slice of cheese

8:50am: drink 10 oz with 1 t of fiber powder

10:00am: MEAL #2: 1/2 cup oatmeal, 1 T Peanut butter powder, medium apple

10:50am: drink 10 oz water

12:00pm: MEAL #3: 3 0z hamburger steak (93% fat free), 1.5 oz green beans, and 3 parm crisps

12:50pm: drink 10 oz water

2:00pm: MEAL#4: 4 oz salmon, 1.5 oz green beans

2:50pm: drink 10 oz of water with 1 t of fiber powder

5:00pm: MEAL #5: 3oz chicken, 1 string cheese, and 1 serving of pretzel chips

5:50pm: drink 10 oz water

7:00pm: MEAL #6: 1/2 cup cottage cheese with t of sugar free strawberry preserves

7:50pm: drink 10 oz of water 

9:00pm: MEAL #7: 3.5 oc chicken and 1.5 oz green beans

9:50pm: drink 10oz of water with 1 t of fiber powder

Hour cardio.....full 30 minute weight routine.....and still no real hunger....one month post op today....a little whey protein afterwards and some Gatorade.....

#NotBad

Tried a few bites of pasta (protein-enriched penne) tonight. No foamies or anything, but didn't sit well. I'm sad about it, but at least now I know and can move on to trying other things, maybe revisit it when I'm further out.

Learning all I can about gastric sleeve.  I think it may be my best option. Going to a surgery seminar next week to learn more.... any tips/suggestions/recommendation etc. welcomed!

Some of my surgery incisions are infected (I was told I was at increased risk for infection since I'm diabetic). I got to the doctor in the early stages so its nothing major, but I'm waiting on the cultures to find out which antibiotic is most appropriate to treat the infection. I should hear from the doc's office tomorrow. In the meantime, I have no desire to eat (surgery was two weeks ago) and find myself preferring to drink my protein. Is that normal?

Bouncing around 243-245 and can't seem to break this stall. Since the month after surgery I haven't lost more than a few pounds. I am tracking my food and getting enough protein (I weigh everything), I have increased my workouts and I am now doing cardio and elliptical for a min of 40 minutes/day as well as weight lifting. I am drinking about 55 - 65  oz of water. I am staying at the 600 - 800 calories as recommended by my surgeon. What is the magic required to drop these pounds? On the positive side, I have energy and am able to move around a whole lot better. I feel good and that says a lot.  This week I had 2 people at work notice and told me I am melting away.  So things are moving, just can't get that scale to budge!!!

Brain dump and rambling...Here I am 7.5 weeks post op and I am stuck at the same 25lb weight loss that I have had for the last 3.5 weeks. I am feeling down, dejected and frustrated with lack of movement on the scale. I am able to get into a lot of clothes and shoes that were troublesome before so I have had some non-weight related wins, but I am ready to scream about the lack of weight loss. I have upped my calories, lowered my calories, increased my exercising and I am hitting all my numbers for protein. I am still having issues with bathroom visits and vitamins making me feel sick to my stomach. On another note, nothing I eat makes me feel sick other than the aforementioned vitamins, no nausea at all from any foods.  I seriously keep asking if I even had the surgery completed because I feel the same. I feel hungry and I FEEL THE SAME as before surgery. I am afraid I am going to be stuck here at 245lbs and not make any more progress. Did I choose the wrong surgery? Should I have done bypass instead of sleeve? Time will tell. Sigh - not a good day for me.

Went to the store tonight and stocked up on some items that will help me make healthy meals, so I'll actually make new things instead of relying on the old stand-bys that are getting repetitive. 

I got:

• bag of chopped broccoli/cauliflower (currently roasting in the oven with some baby carrots)
• two Roma tomatoes
• Laughing Cow light Swiss
• wonton wrappers
• turkey pepperoni
• 90% lean ground beef
• Greek yogurt cream cheese
• mozzarella cheese sticks (like string cheese, not the breaded kind)
• Canadian bacon
• regular bacon
• a squeeze bottle of ginger
• skim milk
• EVOO
• pizza sauce
• a bag of clementines
• small cans of tomato sauce and diced tomatoes
• a can of chickpeas (to try @AshAsh1's roasted chickpeas -- I've never had chickpeas, only hummus)
• pineapple tidbits in juice

The ham, pizza sauce, pineapple, and some shredded mozzarella we already had are in the oven with the veggies, becoming crustless Hawaiian pizzas based on this recipe: https://www.ellaclaireinspired.com/no-crust-pizza-bites/

I also plan on making these mini cheeseburger meatloaf muffins, though not tonight: http://www.hungry-girl.com/ask-hg-q-and-a/seven-healthy-protein-packed-recipes

Well this is my first post. I decided to get weight loss surgery about 4 months ago. I was going thru alot with my health. Shortness of breathe, pain in all my joints, and having problems walking. Well this journey actually started back in 2011 when I fell at work. Since then I have had 5 surgeries and one more that is being scheduled after weightloss surgery. I also had gained about 50 lbs and my health kept deteriorating . I had gone to several doctors for all my issues and had all the necessary test and had followed several different diets.Everything needed for surgery without actually knowing I had already meet all the criterias. So when I went to Brookdale Hospital for a my Gastric sleeve appointment i already had almost everythng I needed except physic , nutrionist, and sleep apnea test. Well as of the middle of May all paperwork was in and papers were submitted to Insurance Company and as of May 26 I have been approved for surgery. Surgery date is June 13, 2016 and I am now into my second week of pre-op diet . I started this journey with a weight of 230 I am 5'4" and now weigh 215. I have studied everything from pre-op diets, post-op diets and the journey afterwards. Well Im one week away from surgery and I am becoming more and more anxious with less and less energy. Doing everything correct following diet and taking all my vitamins and using all my protein powders yet finding it harder and harder to function as a normal person. Well I guess thats it for now Ill post again as time goes by.

Go in 87 grams of protein today!!

My husband is cooking himself a steak. He deserves it, he's worked hard outside in the yard all day. It smells absolutely fantastic - but I'm having trouble keeping protein dranks down. This, too, shall pass.

I am on post op day 7...... I feel like I am loosing my mind. I am trying to get my protein in and am not hungry but am getting shaky. I know I need to eat, My surgeon said I could go ahead and eat yogurt and sweet potatoes crushed up. I am down 7 lbs. Any advice would be appreciated.

Scared about pre op diet. How can you feel full on a liquid protein shake? How did you get through two weeks of it??

This past Monday I made 7 weeks post-op. Saw my doc and was told my daily portein intake should be 65 grams WITHOUT having to resort to shakes. WTW?!?! I am geting nowhere near that amount. Is anyone else having problems getting enough protein daily? Water? I was told at least 64 oz a day which is approximately 4 bottles of water - you would think that'snot a lot, but I can barely get 3 in a day. Please tell me I'm not alone in this.

Protein!!! How? Where? Help!! . 1 month In.

PREMADE PROTEIN SHAKES VS PROTEIN POWDER IS IT ALL THE SAME BEFORE PRE OP LAPBAND

I gained 1/2 this week and now that surgery is in aug they want me to focus more on my protein intake

Went to the movies and skipped the popcorn. Snuck in a Vitamin Water zero and a protein bar.