I had the VGS procedure on 3-16-11. I still have the JP drain that is VERY annoying and some left sided shoulder pain that comes & goes. I'm still trying to decide if I like what I've done to myself, speaking only of the short term discomfort not what I expect long term. I've lost roughly 10 pounds and am satisified with the liquid protein things I am able to 'eat', only today have I felt hungry and that was quickly calmed with a 4oz protein drink. I think I am starting to mourn food or at least being able to have it. I cook for my family in the evenings and even though I don't desire to take a bite, I miss being able to do so. I was prepared for changes going into this- mostly physical- but there are old habits I am breaking. I NEVER considered myself a food addict- caffeine addict yes- but food didn't hold any power on me. Apparently it did and I let it take over my body, this past week I've bid adieux to both vices and have had to find something substantial to replace them with. When my family sits to eat that evening meal I go for a walk (I can't stand to be around food smells for very long) and I have several hobbies I want to take up this spring- golf anyone? I have started to acheive one of my major goals: I feel as if my energy level has already improved- proving this past 7 days has not been all about loss!!

glad to know you are doing so well. I find myself thinking of food a lot too. I am not hungry. It just makes me aware how often I turned to food even when I wasn't hungry. We can do this together with the help of all these great people on the board. Hang in there.

Once you get your drain out you will feel 100 times better. I had similar feelings about myself until they pulled that little snake out of my belly. Literally, as soon as they pulled it out I felt GREAT.

I know what you mean about the food smells. I am one month post-op today and have gotten over my insecurities around food. Went to a steakhouse for my son's birthday dinner and wasn't tempted to take a bite of anyone's plate. It was stinkin' amazing.

Good luck with your progress. Once you get the drain out you will feel so much better.

2 weeks now!!! The drain has been out for 6 days and you're right, I immediately felt so much better. I'm over the mourning process of food (now that I can puree dinner and eat with the fam). I'm still on the fence but leaning more on the side of being happy I had surgery. Everyday is an adventure to see if I can get in all the protein and water in- that's a 24 hour job. I haven't lost the big numbers as many posters that I see have, but I didn't get so well insulated over night and I shouldn't expect to slim down over night either. So the adventure continues.......

I had the VGS procedure on 3-16-11. I still have the JP drain that is VERY annoying and some left sided shoulder pain that comes & goes. I'm still trying to decide if I like what I've done to myself, speaking only of the short term discomfort not what I expect long term. I've lost roughly 10 pounds and am satisified with the liquid Protein things I am able to 'eat', only today have I felt hungry and that was quickly calmed with a 4oz protein drink. I think I am starting to mourn food or at least being able to have it. I cook for my family in the evenings and even though I don't desire to take a bite, I miss being able to do so. I was prepared for changes going into this- mostly physical- but there are old habits I am breaking. I NEVER considered myself a food addict- caffeine addict yes- but food didn't hold any power on me. Apparently it did and I let it take over my body, this past week I've bid adieux to both vices and have had to find something substantial to replace them with. When my family sits to eat that evening meal I go for a walk (I can't stand to be around food smells for very long) and I have several hobbies I want to take up this spring- golf anyone? I have started to acheive one of my major goals: I feel as if my energy level has already improved- proving this past 7 days has not been all about loss!!

Congrats on the sleeve and the positive attitude in your thinking will help you rock your sleeve!!!

5 weeks out- doing great & 28#s gone for good!!!!!!! More energy and stamina than before surgery!! Eating small bites of high protein foods 3 times daily with a high protein snack once daily. I have been off protein shakes for 2 weeks, gotta find one I can stomach and get back into the groove. Water is my new "comfort food"- I reach for it when I would've went for carbs before surgery- at least getting my 64ozs/daily isn't hard

Why was your drain in for so long?? Mine was taken out 2 days after surgery this past Sunday...I now have a little whole that's starting to scab up nicely.

Yay! Sounds like you're doing really well. I can't even fathom having water as a comfort food. What a great thing for your health and overall progress. Keep up the good work!